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The Standard Maldives: Most sought out Valentine’s Day getaway
Planning a romantic getaway from WFH confinement? Then, there’s no better time to do it than now – and there’s no better place to do it than in the Maldives.
From sunrise yoga, lounging on hammocks and enjoying soothing hydrotherapy spa treatments to a romantic sunset cruise or cinematic soiree under the stars, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is offering a range of swoon-worthy getaway packages that can be customised to your needs to take your Valentine’s Day celebration to the next level, be it with your significant other or even with a group of friends or family, with private villas starting at $350 per night.
There is no better time than now to hit the Maldives – the sun is shining bright; the resorts are offering the best rates ever and the dry season is in full swing!
February is a wonderful time to visit as it’s one of the Maldives’ driest month, with less than 70mm of monthly rainfall (in fact the lowest right through to March), average maximum temperatures of 86°F (30°C) and around 10 hours of sunshine each day.
The plus side? You get the best visibility for diving and snorkelling.
With lockdowns, Work From Home (WFH) and remote learning policies wreaking havoc on our everyday lives globally, it doesn’t mean we can’t escape on a romantic getaway.
People around the world are seeking solace in the Maldives with the lure of its stunning natural beauty, turquoise waters, vast marine life and a host of fun-filled leisure activities. Ultimately, it’s the best place to heal the lockdown blues.
The Maldivian archipelago is seeing a steady trickle of international arrivals, which recently welcomed its 100,000th tourist since the reopening of its border last July 15 and the 500,000th tourist for the year. It’s all thanks to the strict health and safety protocol enacted by the Maldivian authorities. Showing that it truly is the safest place on earth.
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is taking the romantic getaway to the next level by ensuring that you and your better half get the ultimate escape while slotting in some extra WFH assignments between watching the sunset slowly kissing the crystal blue horizon or soaking in your very own private jacuzzi under a glistening disco ball at the end of every day.
The resort’s well-equipped facilities make it possible for WFH guests to unwind without falling behind.
Couples with kids will be at ease as the resort’s skilled staff assist in setting up their online learning and our Lil’Shark Kids Club programme providing the perfect complement to remote education.
And guess what, kids under 12 stay for free! Make it a longstay STOWAWAY getaway, with packages for 14 days starting at $3,600 and 28 days at $6,000.
The resort’s range of outdoor and indoor activities promises to bring you and your special someone even closer.
For the more adventurous, there’s a full range of water sports and dive activities to choose from: snorkeling, scuba diving, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, kayaking or hop onto our giant inflatable water park. Or try one of our daily excursions to really capture that romantic moment only the Maldives can bring you; with dolphin spotting, swimming with manta rays or indulging in a sunset cruise with a champagne toast to a brighter future.
Couples looking to spice it up a notch can enjoy dinners or a picnic on a castaway private island. What would you do if you had an island all to yourself? Let the guest experience team assist in customising your very own castaway adventure. Or make is a friends or singles getaway booking five villas or more at $250 per night.
To check off the Maldives from your bucket list, book now till February 28, for stays until December 23. (With a worry-free cancellation policy up to three days prior to arrival.)
Strict Maldivian public health guidelines are in place to ensure everyone’s safety upon arriving to the island.
All foreign arrivals need to produce proof they have a negative PCR Covid-19 test 96 hours before departure. Each visitor is required to file an online Travel Health Declaration 24 hours prior to arriving in the Maldives.
And the country’s archipelago geography offers the perfect concept of “one-island, one-resort” meaning travellers are confined to the resort they are staying in, making the Maldives one of the safest places in the world, therefore omitting the need for quarantine.
It’s been proclaimed a “safe destination” by the World Travel and Tourism Council. It also has never been so easy to travel to the Maldives either; all nationalities are granted visa on arrival.
On top of that, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives ensures the maximum health safety and security for its guests.
The resort has introduced strict cleaning and health screening procedures and keep social distancing mandatory in all activities and social and communal spaces. All resort staff are also subject to normal temperature checks on a daily basis.
It also provides Covid-19 PCR tests on property for your safe return.
“Back to Blue” – rates starting at $350; “Castaway Package” — book five or more villas to enjoy rates at $250 per night; and, “Stowaway Package” — 14 Day stay for $3,600 or 28 day stay for $6,000. Book now at www.standardhotels.com.
While global cost of living pinches, ‘all-inclusive’ stays grow.
Award-winning Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has crunched the numbers and ‘All-inclusive’ stays are now at their most popular. The 15-hectare private island paradise in South Male Atoll, just a 40-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport has established itself with families, couples, and groups over several years. In Quarter 1 2024, the Resort says 32.19% of total stays booked an All-inclusive experience. At Kandooma guests can choose between a soft or alcohol All-inclusive stay, with the latter showing a whopping 40.9% growth since 1 January.
Regarding the growth of All-inclusive stays and customer preferences, Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing shares, “Our guests are looking for value and our All-inclusive dining plan delivers in spades.”
So are we all drinking more, or is it just the comfort of knowing it’s all included?
“We are not necessarily drinking more, but I certainly do think many people like to enjoy a sundowner or a cocktail while on holiday, and a fancy coffee. In a remote location, those costs add up quickly and if there is a great drinks list and a mixologist on the bar with a bit of sparkle, you are more likely to indulge in more than just one on holiday.”
She adds that the All-inclusive offering has recently been upgraded.
“I think it’s fair to say that all of the resorts in the Maldives recognise that we can be perceived as a little pricey with everything being transported into the individual islands, most often from abroad. With that in mind and that people in many of our feeder markets are feeling the pinch with greater costs of living at the moment, travellers are becoming more savvy and want to budget their getaways. They are not necessarily cancelling a trip because of tighter budgets or reducing the number of nights, but rather, pricing it up and seeking greater value.”
“As a resort that sits in the mid-market, just beneath the five-star ranking, we are conscious now, as much as ever, that guests use all the digital tools at their disposal to compare the different offerings, and we work hard to remain competitive.”
Kandooma has just refreshed its All-inclusive offering. Though it seems like more of an overhaul than just a simple refresh, it includes everything from more discount privileges at the Spa and specialty dining to afternoon tea snacks, ice cream hours, and much more.
The refreshed All-inclusive plan at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives includes:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets at Kandooma Cafe the resort’s all-day dining restaurant which showcases international favourites as well as Maldivian flavours
Option to enjoy an a la carte option for lunch or dinner at Bokkuraa Coffee Club on the pool deck
Afternoon tea snacks
Ice Cream hour
Unlimited Drinks including wines, beers, mixed drinks, cocktails and special coffees from 11am to 11pm daily (using quality brands); the soft option includes mocktails, smoothies, milkshakes and more.
20% discount privilege at Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala
50% discount privilege on Mini Bar
Welcome drink on Check-in
Complimentary non-motorised activities (excl Catamaran)
Coming second in the meal plan preference stakes (by less than a percentage point) is the Half Board option which includes buffet Breakfast and Dinner at the resort’s all-day dining international restaurant, Kandooma Cafe. With 31.42% of all stays opting for Half Board.
“The numbers revealed some interesting trends, even for us, with less than a quarter of all guests, 22.83% choosing bed and breakfast,”
2023 Winner of Leading Family Resort Maldives and Best Dive Resort Maldives, Kandooma is a private and natural island. White sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for a wide variety of leisure pursuits and some of the best diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas for their stay. Families are well catered for with the Kandoo Kids’ Club and a full activities programme supported by the IHG Kids’ Stay & Eat Free initiative. Six food and beverage outlets ensure you’ll eat like a King and have the opportunity to not only indulge in your favourites from around the world but sample the flavours of the Maldives too. You might just be inspired to book one of the resort’s terrific cooking classes. For those guests who desire the ultimate in relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are located around the island and the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers the ultimate in tranquillity and escape for body and mind. Visit www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com
SO/ Maldives is gearing up for Orthodox Easter with a special event featuring renowned celebrity Chef Mirko Zago. From May 5th to May 8th, guests can embark on an exceptional culinary journey curated by the acclaimed chef.
Chef Mirko, known for his impressive background and Michelin-recognized dishes, will present a series of exclusive dining experiences with a Mediterranean flair. The highlight is the “Via Con Me” (Follow Me) 6-course signature menu on May 5th and 8th, taking guests on a delectable exploration of Chef Mirko’s iconic flavors.
On May 6th, guests can participate in a unique culinary masterclass led by Chef Mirko himself. Learn the art of crafting homemade pasta while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Beyond the culinary delights, SO/ Maldives offers fun-filled activities for children at The Nest kids club, ensuring a memorable family experience. Guests seeking wellness can also avail themselves of services from Dr. A. Aradhana, a renowned holistic healer available at the resort until May 15th.
Treat your family to a luxurious Easter escape at SO/ Maldives. For more information and bookings, visit SO/ Hotels & Resorts: https://so-hotels.com/en/offers/the-ultimate-family-escape/
Mirihi Island Resort invites you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul during their Wellness Week, taking place from April 22nd to 27th, 2024. Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise and discover transformative experiences with the help of visiting wellness facilitators and a program designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Your path to wellness awaits:
- Yoga: Practice various styles of yoga, including Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha, Lyengar, and Yin Yoga, with resident yogi Danushka.
- Tai Chi: Learn Yang style Tai Chi with visiting instructor Suchan Hong, founder of Sawasdee Tai Chi studio in Thailand.
- Reiki Healing: Experience stress reduction and relaxation with Reiki healing sessions led by Lia from Yoga Bliss with Lia in Bali.
- Water Aerobics: Enjoy a refreshing and low-impact workout in the crystal-clear lagoon.
- Healing Painting: Unleash your creativity and find inner peace through a unique session on the beach.
- Harvest BBQ Dinner: Savor a delicious seafood barbecue under the stars on the beach (additional cost).
In addition to the above, guests can enjoy:
- Snorkeling on the stunning house reef.
- Diving adventures.
- Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
- Pampering treatments at the Duniye Spa.
- Snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays.
Schedule a Barefoot Wellness Journey Today!
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