News
Exclusive inclusives at Centara
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.”
SO/ Maldives, the luxurious island retreat nestled within the Emboodhoo Lagoon, has been nominated for the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in the ‘Resorts’ category. This recognition reflects the resort’s dedication to exceptional hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences.
Since opening its doors in November 2023, SO/ Maldives has captivated travelers with its cutting-edge design, world-class cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences. The resort recently celebrated its grand opening on March 23, 2024, with a spectacular party themed “An Invite to the Front Row,” marking a significant moment in Maldivian hospitality.
The grand opening was a feast for the senses, showcasing a blend of international collaborations, artistic expression, and Maldivian charm, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Emboodhoo Lagoon. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening featuring haute couture, culinary artistry, live entertainment, and exclusive wellness retreats.
Collaboration Highlights:
- Fashion Extravaganza: SO/ Maldives hosted one of the first international fashion shows in the Maldives, partnering with renowned Thai fashion house Milin. The island’s couture transformed into an oceanfront runway, showcasing Milin’s swimwear collection amidst the paradise setting.
- Celebrating Local Talent: In collaboration with Maldivian high fashion brand Riffath, SO/ Maldives unveiled its exclusive Flying Dress Edits, highlighting local talent and culture. Guests participated in a bespoke photo and drone shooting experience, capturing memories against the breathtaking Maldivian scenery.
- Culinary Delights: Acclaimed Chef Dharshan Munidasa curated a groundbreaking menu, fusing global culinary experiences with exquisite flavors from his renowned restaurants. Award-winning bartender Jenna Hemsworth further elevated the experience with expertly crafted cocktails.
- Musical Performances: The evening was amplified by live performances from world-class musicians and DJs, including Maldivian band Project Groove, Thai sensation Lydia Sarunrat Deane, and DJ Basil from Dubai, culminating in an electrifying after-party.
- Wellness and Fitness Retreats: Guests embarked on transformative journeys with week-long detox sessions by Jumping® Fitness and rejuvenating spa experiences by London-based partner Salon C. Stellar.
- Earth Hour Celebration: Embracing eco-conscious revelry, SO/ Maldives invited guests to connect with nature during a beach bonfire with traditional Maldivian Boduberu performances under the starlit sky.
- Culinary Finale: The evening concluded with a lavish beach buffet, celebrating luxury and culinary delight under the serene Maldivian night.
SO/ Maldives expresses its sincere gratitude to Condé Nast Traveler and its readers for the prestigious nomination. The resort remains committed to redefining luxury hospitality in the Maldives.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards closes on June 30th at 11:59 PM EDT. Cast your vote now and help SO/ Maldives win!
Dubai-based and renowned sand artist Nathaniel Alapide, Guinness World Record holder of the largest sand image, astounded guests with his latest masterpiece created at the breathtaking Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. Alapide, known for his intricate and mesmerizing sand art creations, chose the pristine shores of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi as his canvas for his latest collaboration last 12th of April in celebration of Eid Al Fitr.
Prior to his visit to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Alapide has brought to life an awe-inspiring piece of art, showcasing his exceptional talent and creativity to various Sun Siyam Resort in celebration of Easter as well, with the expansive beach of the resort serving as his canvas. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding him, Alapide embarked on a journey to encapsulate the essence of the Maldives in his artwork.
Under the radiant Maldivian sun and against the backdrop of turquoise waters, Alapide meticulously crafted his sand art, incorporating elements of local culture, marine life, and the serene ambiance of the island. Utilizing only his hands and simple tools, Alapide’s deft touch transformed the grains of sand into a breathtaking visual spectacle.
Speaking about his experience, Nathaniel Alapide expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to create art in such a picturesque setting. “Working at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has been an incredible experience. The natural beauty of the Maldives served as the perfect inspiration for my artwork. I am honored to have had the opportunity to share my passion with guests from around the world.”
Witnessed by awe-inspired guests and visitors, Alapide’s creation at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi transcended the boundaries of traditional art forms, embodying the ephemeral beauty and harmony of nature. The intricate details and sheer scale of the sand art left onlookers in awe, capturing the essence of the Maldives’ enchanting allure.
Resort Manager, Abdulla Atham also expressed his delight at hosting Nathaniel Alapide and witnessing his extraordinary talent firsthand. “We are thrilled to have had Nathaniel Alapide create one of his magnificent sand art pieces at our resort. His ability to capture the essence of the Maldives in his artwork is truly remarkable and aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Nathaniel Alapide’s sand art creation at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi serves as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and evoke emotions. As the sun sets over the horizon, casting its golden light upon the masterpiece, it stands as a symbol of the harmonious blend of nature and creativity.
To book your stay at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi this summer, visit https://www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-iru-fushi/offers.
Soneva, the hospitality group synonymous with sustainable luxury, has unveiled its newest masterpiece: Soneva Secret. Nestled in the Maldives’ pristine Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Soneva Secret promises an unparalleled level of bespoke experiences.
Three decades in the making, the resort elevates personalized service to new heights. Accessible by seaplane or speedboat, Soneva Secret boasts 14 stunning beach and overwater villas. These havens seamlessly blend with the breathtaking natural beauty, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
Unparalleled Service and Bespoke Culinary Experiences
Guests are treated to unparalleled attention with dedicated teams assigned to each villa. A “barefoot guardian” and “barefoot assistant” cater to every need, while a private chef curates bespoke menus for in-villa dining or unforgettable al fresco experiences at scenic island locations.
Six unique villa types are available, including the Crusoe and Castaway Villas, meticulously designed to harmonize with the untouched environment. Encounters with manta rays, dolphins, and even whale sharks promise unforgettable memories.
Luxury Beyond Accommodation
Soneva Secret goes beyond luxurious accommodations. Guests can embark on curated experiences, from indulging in gourmet delights at the unique “Out of This World” dining tower to enjoying toes-in-the-sand dining at the “So Primitive” firepit.
The resort’s central hub, The Living Room, offers casual dining, a well-stocked library, a boutique, and Soneva’s renowned ice cream, chocolate, cheese, and charcuterie rooms.
Tailored Adventures and Sustainability Efforts
Guests can choose from a variety of tailored tours and experiences, from sunset dolphin cruises to guided snorkeling with marine biologists. The resort’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its construction and operations. Fresh herbs and vegetables are grown on-site, promoting a paddock-to-plate dining experience. Additionally, Soneva Secret utilizes water production facilities and solar energy to minimize its environmental footprint.
Partnering with the Soneva Foundation Coral Restoration project, the resort houses a coral nursery, actively contributing to the rejuvenation of the marine ecosystem. Environmentally conscious mosquito traps ensure a comfortable stay while protecting the local environment.
Soneva Secret offers a haven of bespoke luxury, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences, all while prioritizing the preservation of its idyllic island setting.
-
Awards1 week agoSummer Island Maldives gets Der Touristik’s Red Star Quality Award
-
Action1 week agoSheraton Maldives hosts successful second season of Full Moon Futsal Cup
-
News1 week agoCinnamon Hotels offers Summer Bucket-list for Maldives
-
Insiders5 days agoMarriott International doubles down on luxury in the Maldives with focus on sustainability and local talent
-
News1 week agoConrad Maldives Rangali Island ushers in Thai New Year with Songkran celebrations
-
News7 days agoThe Nautilus Maldives announces 2024 collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas
-
News6 days agoKaris Scarlette’s Dance & Wellness Retreat returns to Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort
-
Drink5 days agoIt takes 2 (Chefs and Hearts!): Season 2 at Baraabaru at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa