News

Exclusive inclusives at Centara

Published

12 years ago

April 22, 2013

Maldives Promotion House – Although fully inclusive accommodation was not a new concept, Centara decided to sprinkle some five-star-dust over their Centara Grand Island Resort&Spa Maldives by creating the Ultimate All-Inclusive package that offered just about every luxury available, all included under the initial payment.

Using the theme that guests could “leave their shoes and their cash behind”, Centara offers a range of goodies that would make anyone’s eyes widen: champagne breakfasts served until mid-morning, eat at any one of the resort’s three restaurants (Thai, Italian and international) for lunch and dinner, an open-bar service from 10 am until midnight serving cocktails, beers, spirits and with no less than 22 wines to choose from, a mini bar in the room replenished daily, a sundowner cocktail party every evening, live entertainment, a credit of USD100 per person per day to spend in the spa village, water sports equipment, windsurfing lessons, off-island excursions… and more.

All taken care of up front, so that guests can relax without worrying about the cost.

“We really went all out to give people what we thought they want,” says Chris Bailey, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Centara Hotels&Resorts in Bangkok.

“A lot of thinking went into this, and we even created a social media campaign asking people to add their own ideas. We offered a great prize for the winner, with a free holiday on the island. A lot of good feedback came from that.”

Mr. Bailey says that the Ultimate All-Inclusive idea has taken off in a big way.

“Centara Grand Island was our first overseas resort, and the Maldives has become a very important destination for our strategic growth plan. We have now opened our second resort in the Maldives, and a third is under construction.”

Mr. Bailey says that the Ultimate All-Inclusive concept is suitable for Centara Grand Island, because it is a resort designed for couples and families and is self-contained in its South Ari Atoll setting. The second Maldives resort, Centara Ras Fushi Resort&Spa Maldives, has a different guest profile, and is only 15 minutes by speedboat from the capital, Male.

“Centara Ras Fushi is an adult-focused resort, and with the ease of travel to and from the island there is going to be a good deal more flexibility for our guests in what they choose to do,” he says.

“Consequently, we came up with the idea of a Half Board Plus concept, which again is a cashless one, and along with the accommodation includes breakfast and dinner, with an open bar during evening mealtimes.

“As the island will attract mostly couples, singles travelling together, and small groups, the concept allows people to enjoy a good evening out on their own or with friends, without worrying about the bill.

“Along with the Half Board Plus concept we offer an All-Inclusive package, which includes all meals and a full open bar served from 11 am to 11 pm daily. This is not the Ultimate All-Inclusive of Centara Grand Island, but we feel it is more in tune with the requirements of our Centara Ras Fushi guests.”

Centara sees the entire Indian Ocean region as being important to its growth plans, and has also newly opened a resort in Mauritius.

Centara Poste Lafayette Resort&Spa Mauritius has a beachfront location on the east side of the island, and is offering a Half Board Plus rate and an All-Inclusive rate, under the same program as Centara Ras Fushi.

“What we are finding with these concepts is that guests really like the idea of enjoying all the pleasures of the resort without having to worry about the credit card at the end of their trip,” says Mr. Bailey. “It really does have an air of exclusivity about it, and we shall certainly be using the concept at other of our properties in due course.”

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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives welcomes guests with new standard of serenity

Published

39 mins ago

April 2, 2025

m@ldives

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has on April 1 officially opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives with an exclusive introductory offer. Guests are invited to experience this tranquil island retreat with special privileges and premium benefits, including Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, upgrades, and more, for a limited time only.

Representing the final piece in Centara’s vision of offering extraordinary experiences across four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each catering to unique traveller preferences, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. This private island sanctuary seamlessly blends Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian allure, inviting guests to indulge in world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, and experience rejuvenating wellness journeys at the serene Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this stunning property also signifies the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project set to redefine experiential travel in this breathtaking destination. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives blends sophisticated tranquillity with immersive experiences, catering to discerning travellers seeking a refined escape while also granting guests unprecedented access to the thrilling water attractions and vibrant facilities of neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives this April,” said Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Centara invites guests to take advantage of its Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Book from now until 30th June 2025 for stays between 1st April and 15th October 2025 and enjoy the privilege of staying 4 nights while only paying for 3, or extend your escape with Stay 7, Pay 5. This offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary champagne and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, plus extra perks for CentaraThe1 members and more.

For more information about Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives or to make a reservation, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglm/introductoryoffer.

Family

Exciting Easter adventures await families at Kandooma Maldives

Published

12 hours ago

April 1, 2025

m@ldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites families to embrace the spirit of Easter with an exciting line-up of activities and themed experiences from 18 to 24 April 2025. Set on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, the resort offers the perfect setting for a memorable tropical Easter escape.

A Week of Wholesome Adventures at Kandoo Kids’ Club

The Easter celebrations centre around the Kandoo Kids’ Club, open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm for children aged 4 to 12. Supervised by a caring and energetic team, it will offer a rotating schedule of themed activities, including nature exploration, wellness-focused fun, traditional Maldivian experiences, Easter celebrations, and ocean discovery that little VIPs will surely enjoy.

Island-Wide Easter Fun

Families can enjoy a week full of island-wide Easter activities. On Easter Sunday, 20 April, guests can participate in Easter card making, egg painting and decoration, and a festive Easter Egg Hunt. The evening will conclude with an International Easter Dinner Buffet at Kandooma Café, showcasing a diverse selection of global flavours, from roast lamb and seafood to bunny-themed treats and indulgent desserts.

Throughout the week, guests can also participate in various recreational activities, including sunset cruises, snorkelling adventures, volleyball matches, and an Easter-themed movie night under the stars.

Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, shared: “Easter is a time for families to come together, and at Kandooma, we’re proud to offer a setting where guests of all ages can connect, celebrate, and create special memories. Our team puts great care into crafting meaningful experiences, especially for our younger guests, and we’re excited to welcome families for a truly unforgettable Easter week.”

Plan the Perfect Family Escape

Families looking to make the most of Easter at Kandooma Maldives are encouraged to take advantage of the Family Getaway package. This special offer includes family-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, memorable island experiences, and the added benefit of kids staying and dining for free. Terms and conditions apply.

For bookings and more information, visit https://maldives.holidayinnresorts.com/hotel-offers/family-getaway/. For the full Easter 2025 Brochure, visit https://holidayinn.aflip.in/HIRKM_EasterBrochure.html.

News

Celebrate sustainability, exclusive offers, meaningful connections at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru

Published

12 hours ago

April 1, 2025

m@ldives

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru, renowned for their luxury hospitality and sustainability ethos, continue to set benchmarks in eco-luxury experiences, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Named Top 10 Maldives Resort by DestinAsian 2025

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has been honoured as one of the Top 10 Best Maldives Resorts at the prestigious DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, voted by luxury travellers from Asia-Pacific region. This accolade underscores the resort’s commitment to delivering authentic barefoot eco-luxury experiences while championing environmental conservation and fostering deep connections within the local community.

Exclusive Offer: Stay More, Pay Less, Save up to 30%

Guests planning an extended tropical getaway can now take advantage of the enticing “Stay More, Pay Less” offer available at both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru. This special promotion invites travellers to indulge longer in unparalleled luxury and experience the Original Maldives while enjoying savings of up to 30%, 100 USD resort credits along with other additional exclusive benefits. Full details of these exceptional offers can be found on the resorts’ official websites:

A Memorable Media Iftar Gathering

On 20 March 2025, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru proudly hosted a special Media Iftar Gathering to express heartfelt appreciation for the immense contributions of local media partners. The evening commenced with a warm Iftar at Sangu Garden, followed by a tranquil gathering at Madi Hiyaa – paying tribute to the media’s vital role in shaping and promoting Maldivian tourism both locally and beyond.

Honouring Earth Hour 2025

Reflecting a profound commitment to sustainability, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru joined millions worldwide in observing Earth Hour on 22nd March. Guests and associates began the evening with a serene sunset meditation. Following this peaceful reflection, a soulful acoustic performance illuminated by candlelight captivated attendees. As the resort lights dimmed, the shoreline came alive with beautifully illuminated 60+ signage, symbolising global unity in conservation and underscoring the powerful impact of collective, purposeful action.

Community Clean-up at Huraa Island

Reaffirming their dedication to environmental stewardship, associates and guests from both resorts joined the local community on Huraa Island for a significant clean-up effort. Working closely with the Huraa island council and local residents, the enthusiastic team collected nearly 100 kilograms of waste from critical mangrove areas. This monthly initiative reflects Banyan Tree Group’s ongoing commitment to “Embracing the Environment,” consistently demonstrated over the past 30 years.

Empowering Future Conservationists

In support of cultivating the next generation of marine conservationists, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru hosted an educational visit from Himmafushi High School. Students and teachers participated in an interactive coral biology workshop, which included insightful sessions on the “Story of the Maldives,” marine conservation, and practical coral micro-fragmentation training. The programme concluded with students planting 110 coral fragments in the resort’s nursery, reinforcing their role as future environmental stewards.

Whether you’re seeking serene sanctuary, enriching experiences, or a deeper connection with the natural world and your loved ones, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru invite you to escape, explore, and rediscover the Original Maldives in barefoot eco-luxury.