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Amilla Maldives shares IncluCare experiences with the Ministry of Education
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, a naturally lush private island paradise nestled in the midst of Baa atoll is the first IncluCare-certified resort in the world. UK-based accessible travel experts, IncluCare and Amilla are working closely together towards better accessibility and to reduce barriers when traveling to the Maldives, to ensure commitment to retaining a level of excellence and to improving accessibility each year with support, training and auditing.
The representatives from Ministry of Education, Department of Inclusive Education who arrived to Amilla Maldives for the discussion on 27 April 2023 were Ms. Fathimath Nishan (Deputy Minister), Mr. Fathuhulla Mohamed (Director General), Ms. Aishath Zaeema, Ms. Fathmath Azna, Mr. Adhila Rushdee, Ms. Anula Saleem, Ms. Haleemath Hussain and Mr. Ahmed Muneeb Hussain. The representatives were greeted by the leaders at Amilla and the information session took place in one of the beautiful, spacious residences of Amilla. Following the informative session, lunch was served for the guests from the Ministry of Education at the Emperor’s Beach Club (EBC).
IncluCare is gaining recognition worldwide, and Amilla Maldives is the first resort in the world to be certified by Inclutel for accommodating guests with different restrictions. Amilla strives to reduce the barriers at the front of the house as well as the heart of the house in the medium term. With over 3,000 young Maldivian adults with different abilities finding difficulty to work in resorts, Amilla and the Ministry of Education discussed ways to overcome this and to find pathways through education and into the Maldives hospitality industry and to find solutions to change this perception in the Maldives.
The Ministry of Education has stated that 8% of their students were registered with some form of disability. Vocation training has been highlighted as a hope for pathways into the Maldives workforce for these students and to provide fulfilling roles where they can feel like an important part of the team they are with, by providing valuable contributions to the industry.
At the front of the house at Amilla, they are learning, growing and adapting to more guests with different needs who are requesting to visit the Maldives. Most recently, Amilla’s perseverance, passion for inclusion, knowledge and understanding were tested when a guest with cerebral palsy reserved a villa at the resort. The team at Amilla worked harmoniously and tirelessly with each other to overcome new barriers. The guest was very informative, understanding and comfortable with sharing her capabilities with the team and despite six other resorts being unable to accommodate her holiday visit, Amilla took on the challenge with an open mind. Amilla’s team was able to cater to the guests’ needs to ensure that her holiday experience was like no other. Utilizing the evacuation chair and sling for the seaplane journey and beach and swimming wheelchair for guests with mobility issues, the team at Amilla were able to exceed her expectations by not only being able to swim in the ocean, but going on her first snorkeling trip and sunset dolphin cruise, something she had dreamt of.
While Amilla Maldives encourages other resorts to look at this market for inclusive travel, the Ministry of Education and the resort have a mutual understanding to see what the resort has in place for IncluCare for the Ministry to learn from, and to help find job opportunities for differently abled candidates. The visit was concluded by The Ministry of Education representatives presenting a small token of appreciation to Amilla Maldives, in the form of a beautiful wooden carving of a traditional Maldivian Dhoni.
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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