Hotel Insider - Maldives (Issue No. 4)

ISSUE NO. 4

Zen And The Art Of Tourism Baa Atoll Summer Fest Concludes

THE WELLNESS ISSUE

Pearl – Experiencing A Waking Dream

CONTENTS

23 COVER STORY: ZEN AND THE ART OF TOURISM

The Maldives as a wellness destination; this is at the crux of our main story. It features commentary from industry heavyweights such as Jesper Hougaard and Renate Hermes.

Features 10

CONVERSATION - JESPER HOUGAARD

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For this edition, we sit with COMO Cocoa Island's GM Benjamin Kreuz to talk about how central wellness is at COMO properties, COMO's commitment to sustainability and more.

We have a chat with Jesper Hougaard, MD of Serena Spa and talk about the evolution of the concept wellness and how the Maldives can capitalise on the current wellness boom.

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UNDP - MIYAHELI

UNDP together with Ooredoo Maldives engages with youth at Miyaheli - The Social Innovation Camp, a project the two have been running since 2016.

IN THE BOARDROOM - ISMAIL SHAREEF

Al Shaali Marine Maldives is among the top boat and yacht manufacturers in the country and we meet with AS Marine's operations manager, Ismail Shareef to talk shop.

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WORD FROM THE TOP - BENJAMIN KREUZ

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RESORT REVIEW - COCOON MALDIVES

Cocoon Maldives is the first to lay claim to being a designer property, heavily influenced by Italian design firm Lago.

Hotel insider spends two nights here, there's much feasting and merrymaking. (continued on page 6)

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Contents

EDITORIAL Mariyam Athif Editor Adele Verdier-Ali Editorial Consultant Nashiu Zahir Contributing Editor

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MARKETING & SALES Mohamed Shinan Marketing & Sales Consultant Mohamed Yazeed Abdul Sattar Marketing & Sales Consultant Ali Kausar Print Advertising PRODUCTION Fathimath Nahuza Operations Manager Aishath Hamdha Administrative Intern

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BACK OF THE HAUS - KUKULHU VILLAGE AND EARTH LAB AT SIX SENSES LAAMU

This time, we take a look behind the scenes at what goes on at Six Senses Laamu, a property almost synonymous with sustainability.

Kukulhu Village is home to almost three dozen fowls, a first for the Maldives, while at their Earth Lab, lots of clever ideas become reality.

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We talk to Angie Tai, spa associate director at One&Only Reethi Rah, about visiting practitioners, incorporating local ingredients and treatments to spa offerings and exciting things we can expect from One&Only in the future.

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SPOTLIGHT - HUVAFEN FUSHI

We visit Huvafen Fushi's gem, Pearl, their underwater spa for a delightful treatment. It's a fantastic experience as you can imagine. The property is also at the fore of integrating Dhivehi Beys into therapies.

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WORKING WOMEN - FATHMATH SHAAZLEEN (SHAAZ)

Shaaz worked her way up from a telephone operator to overseeing the fairytale-esque Soneva Jani. Hers is an incredible journey, plus she's a mother and a career woman, no mean feat.

SPOTLIGHT - COMO SHAMBHALA RETREAT AT COMO COCOA ISLAND

Taking up half the island, the COMO Shambhala Retreat at Cocoa Island is a serene oasis offering guests much more than an exquisite massage.

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SPOTLIGHT - ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH

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NEWS - BAA ATOLL SUMMER FEST CONCLUDES

The Baa Atoll Summer Fest concluded with a catamaran regatta and tons of fun in the sun. Take a peek at the photos.

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MARKETPLACE

A quick guide to suppliers, financial institutions, basically everyone useful for people such as yourself.

CONTRIBUTORS Naifa Zahir Editorial Intern Abdulla Muaz Photo/Multimedia Editor Ahmed Razeen Photographer Munish Athif Photographer Printed by M7 Print (960) 330 7787 print@m7maldives.com Hotel Insider is published by Qualia Priavte Limited. For enquries please send an email to info@hotelinsidermv.com. Š Qualia Private Limted 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press.

Qualia Private Limited cannot accept responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Qualia Private Limited a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine. All material is sent at your own risk and although every care is taken, neither Qualia Private Limited nor its employees, agents or subcontractors shall be held liable resulting for loss or damage. Qualia Private Limited endeavours to respect the intellectual property of the owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact the office.

From the Editor

The Maldives as a Wellness Destination Hello everyone, Hope you’ve had a good year thus far and are all excited about the festive season which beckons as we speak.

This issue takes a look at wellness; our cover feature ‘Zen and the Art of Tourism’ explores it in depth, making a case for the Maldives to be considered a wellness destination alongside the likes of Thailand and Bali.

We’ve also interviewed Jesper Hougaard, managing director of Serena Spa to find out his thoughts on the wellness industry, with a focus on the Maldives. He makes some pretty interesting observations. As does Renate Hermes, group director and coowner of Duniye Spa.

We’re also pleased that the Baa Atoll Summer Festival went exceptionally well; there was much merrymaking at its closing as you will see in the news section.

And of course, we’re delighted to feature one of our home-grown resort managers in ‘Working Women’. Shaaz is a commanding presence and an exemplary person who oversees the beautiful Soneva Jani.

Anyway, enjoy the read and we’ll be back with more.

Sincerely If you have missed our previous issue please find a digital copy from the links below. http://bit.ly/2Np8QZW

Mariyam Athif Editor

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Conversation

Jesper Hougaard Hotel Insider chats with Jesper Hougaard, managing director of one of the oldest spa brands in Asia, Serena Spa. Among other things, we talk about how the concept of wellness is evolving and what spa brands and operators can do about that, how the Maldives can best capitalise on the current wellness boom, and the possibility of Maldives as a wellness destination.

I’ve interviewed you previously, for a similar magazine, and one of the things we talked about was how back in 2000 when you founded Serena Spa, not many Maldivian resorts had spas. Things have obviously changed now, so what do you make of that?

Well, back then, Banyan Tree had the only place I would call a real spa. There was also a Filipina at Bandos, her massages were quite painful but they were massages nevertheless.

But that was basically it at the time. Things have definitely developed a lot since then. In the first couple of years of running Serena Spa, as I still remember, a lot of people have never had a massage before and it was something very, very new to them. But now, a lot of people who come to the Maldives have already had many spa experiences. And this means the need for quality is much higher today than it was in those days.

Speaking of the need for quality, wellness tourism is considered one of the most lucrative and fastest growing travel segments with an annual growth rate of around 12 per cent. With all this growth, would you say there’s a bit of stagnation, with customers receiving more or less the same treatments etc. no matter where they go?

You are absolutely right. That’s one of the biggest problems today; the spa concept to

some extent has stagnated.

So, what can spa brands and operators do to counter this?

First of all, there are still some misconceptions about wellness. Wellness is not just about the spa; it’s not about going to a resort and getting a week of wellness, going to an Ayurveda clinic for 21 days, or getting an oil change for your car.

It’s more of a lifestyle and there are several elements that have to be a part of it. Maldivian resorts actually have a great opportunity here to become wellness centres that can inspire people to adopt a wellness lifestyle, not just for a week or two, but also rather for the rest of their lives. There are so many ways in which we can do this; there are a lot of ways in which you could connect with your guest beyond that week that they stay in the Maldives. Of course, you can inspire them here but you’ll need to follow through, establish a wellness connection with your guests. And luckily today we have a lot of gadgets that can help us do that. For example, most smart phones today have some sort of a wellness app; we can use such apps to maintain that wellness connection. I think a wellness concept based on inspiration can create a much stronger bond with the guests.

You need to engage with people today and these days, people are very well educated; and they are demanding in the sense of wanting

"Maldivian resorts actually have a great opportunity here to become wellness centres that can inspire people to adopt a wellness lifestyle."

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Conversation

"In the future, I see us as being guides more than operators. We will still be doing spas but I think we will be going further."

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to engage.

Since you’ve mentioned this opportunity that Maldivian resorts have, what do you think of Maldives as a wellness destination? Countries like Thailand seem to have a successfully established wellness concept while we seem to be more geared towards honeymooners and divers.

I honestly think Maldives is already a wellness destination. We just haven’t been able to define it as such. Wellness is not about cosmetic surgery like they do in the Philippines, it’s not about going to spas and being pampered like in Bali. It’s about the environment, it’s about your emotional balance, it’s about the physical part of it, the activities, the closeness to nature, the cleanliness of the food that you eat and the way it’s prepared. And also, wellness has to go beyond the guests. It has to do with how you construct the resort, using as much local and natural materials as possible. It’s also about how you treat your staff and I think Maldives is at the forefront of that. I think the respect for every member of the hotel team is much higher here than any other Asian country.

Take one little thing like plastic bottles for example, we now see resorts in the Maldives using glass bottles and producing their own water instead of transporting them from Dubai or Singapore and then just throwing them in the sea. Take for example sustainable fisheries, which is unique to the Maldives; that needs to be promoted as part of wellness.

Wellness is also about being in balance with yourself; understanding yourself. And one of the wonderful things about the Maldives is you have nothing but time to get to know yourself. All these elements are already here in the Maldives and it’s just a matter of getting it together and portraying ourselves differently than how we do today; it’s a matter of defining it and marketing it and also refining it at the individual resorts.

We see more and more resorts in the Maldives incorporate wellness deep into their brands. For example, there’s COMO Shambala Retreat on Cocoa Island and The Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. However, we’ve yet

to see a property that’s solely focused on wellness. What are your thoughts on this?

Would you say the time is ripe for such a property?

I think so and to some extent we do have such resorts in the Maldives. I think Soneva Fushi is one of the pioneers in wellness. It’s an overall holistic resort that has very much to do with wellness.

As you’ve said before, wellness extends beyond the spa and that’s what tourists expect as well. With this, do you think it’s enough nowadays for a spa operator to simply run a spa on a property, which has traditionally been the case?

I think things have changed a lot over the years. Before, it would be something like this: ‘you are the spa operator, I am the hotel operator, we will settle the accounts at the end of the month but otherwise you run your business and I run my business.’ Today we have to be more integrated. For example, when you build the spa or when you upgrade the spa you have to help each other out with the menu and work together to improve the wellness concept as a whole. We also have to market it together. I think today we have to work more as partners that are specialised in our own areas.

We haven’t yet talked about Serena Spa, so we are going to conclude the interview on that. As we understand, Serena Spa began in Maldives, although now you’ve expanded to include four more countries. You are also among the oldest spa brands in Asia. With all this experience and possible advantages, what can we expect from Serena Spa in say the next couple of years?

In the future, I see us as being guides more than operators. We will still be doing spas but I think we will be going further instead of just operating them. We will be wellness counsellors and we will be there trying to define the wellness ethos and we will also be there trying to put experts in various areas of the wellness concept. As I’ve said before, wellness consists of different elements, and we will oversee these elements so that the resorts can achieve a higher level of wellness.

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UNDP Maldives

UNDP and Ooredoo Maldives brings Miyaheli: The Social Innovation Camp Energetic. Vibrant. Game Changers. These are the words that came to my mind as soon as I walked into the bustling lobby full of people. Complementing the backdrop of V. Thinadhoo’s picturesque beaches and trees were the smiling, excited faces of the participants as we prepared to begin ‘Miyaheli’ - the Social Innovation Camp.

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Kickstarted in 2016, Miyaheli is a joint venture by UNDP and Ooredoo Maldives, and is the first ever initiative of this kind in the Maldives. The camps bring together people, ideas and the right tools to create innovative solutions to pressing issues in the society.

My first glimpse into Miyaheli was in 2017 at Soneva Fushi, when I joined the camp as both a mentor and organizer. Having never met the participants or been a part of such an event before, it was an awe-inspiring experience to hear their stories and ideas, and to see them all grow, both the ideas and the people, within the span of a weekend. With each new camp, more young champions emerged with exciting new ideas, to better their communities and the society.

It was at last year’s Miyaheli that I was introduced to a youth group who was passionate about creating an online platform

that would provide urgent help to those struggling with mental health issues. Another group was working tirelessly on their idea to open a “Print Shop,” that aimed to support enterprising women preparing food products with printed labels. Although all of them were simple ideas, they all had the potential to bring about positive meaningful changes for communities.

Fast forward to this year, I remember thinking how raw the ideas were when I first heard the initial pitches by the participants.

I felt nervous imagining the amount of work that needed to be done to transform these ideas into viable startups. Sitting among the audience on the final day of the camp, I was blown away by their final pitches. One initial idea, to use our biggest resource, the sea, was fully formed into a pitch to make products from sea salt for export, and even a prototype

was presented. The idea “We Share” had evolved into a potential online marketplace for people to exchange pre-loved goods. With the right combination of mentors and participants it was amazing to see how these ideas had transformed.

Miyaheli is a season within the indigenous Maldivian calendar system which predicts the weather. The term refers to the local monsoon season where it’s the best time to sow your agricultural seeds. The camp embodies this in every sense: it’s a space for youth to grow their ideas and make it into a reality. Most importantly, it is a platform where young people can be a part of the solution.

If you would like to learn more about how you can work with UNDP to support communities and jointly take Climate Actions, please follow link http://www.makemyisland.mv

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"When taking the whole Maldivian marine industry into account, I have to say that Al Shaali Marine wears the first place badge in the country."

In the Boardroom

Ismail Shareef Al Shaali Marine Maldives is one of the leading boat and yacht manufacturers in the country, and for this instalment of In the Boardroom we have a chat with the company’s Operations Manager, Ismail Shareef.

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Hotel Insider: We expect a lot of new resort properties to open in the Maldives in the near future and this would obviously place some more demands on those providing marine services in the country.

Have you been thinking about the ways in which you would handle this possible new load?

Ismail Shareef: Yes, we’ve actually been giving much thought to the matter; identifying the demands, researching the necessary innovations and bringing about the required customisations. In the future, I think Maldives is still going to be a romantic destination for many, but with that I think there’s going to be a greater demand for excursions and we are going to be placing a lot of emphasis on that in the future.

Hotel Insider: How would you describe Al Shaali Marine’s position in the Maldivian marine industry? As we understand you are one of the biggest boat and yacht manufacturers in the country.

Ismail Shareef: When taking the whole Maldivian marine industry into account, I have to say that Al Shaali Marine wears the first place badge in the country, as we have one of the best yards, and the reason we are able to remain in this position is because of the cooperation we receive from various service sectors and businesses, and because we have acquired their trust. So for us, one of our biggest focuses is maintaining that trust, and making sure that our services and products are delivered to our customers according to their requirements and in a timely manner.

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In the Boardroom

"Al Shaali Marine’s chairman is known for initiating the change from wooden boats to fibre vessels in Dubai."

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Hotel Insider: What would you say are the main marine transportation challenges for the Maldives? Does Maldives’ unique geographical setting come in to play here?

Ismail Shareef: Yes, that is a huge challenge. But that also presents a really big business advantage; that geographical challenge is why boat building is needed here in the first place. And to go deeper into the challenges we face, one is providing services to vessels located at the far-flung areas of the country. Then there is also the challenge of providing vessels to those in such areas as well. However, we are thinking of ways by which we could come up with a solution for this. I don’t mean we will be building yards at various locations; it’s more about finding solutions that work for both our customers and us.

Hotel Insider: What are your thoughts on the marine safety standards here, especially when it comes to transporting tourists in periods of rough weather?

Ismail Shareef: I think our marine safety standards have really improved now compared to before. But, with that being said, there are still a lot of improvements that need to be made. And I think the transport authority is reviewing the situation and working on bringing the necessary changes.

These sorts of changes that require changes to be made to regulations, these won’t happen overnight. But I do think they will take place gradually.

Hotel Insider: As we understand, Al Shaali Marine has been providing marine transportation services in the Maldives for a really long time now.

Ismail Shareef: Well, Al Shaali Marine Maldives has been providing services in the Maldives for around 11 years now. But as you might know, Al Shaali Marine’s main branch in Dubai has been around for forty years.

Hotel Insider: Your main branch in Dubai is quite well known for manufacturing fiberglass boats and yachts.

Ismail Shareef: Actually Al Shaali Marine’s chairman is known for initiating the change from wooden boats to fibre vessels in Dubai.

Hotel Insider: With all this experience, what would you say are the main changes that have taken place in the industry over the years? Are there any trends we should anticipate for the future?

Ismail Shareef: Every year we try to anticipate the changes that we think would take place in the year ahead. And to answer your question, the biggest change we’ve seen so far here in the Maldives is the change to vessel sizes; there’s been an increasing demand for larger vessels over the years. It is probably because the number of people who travel has increased; perhaps not many Maldivians had the opportunity to travel in the past, but now travelling has opened up, and with this increase in travellers, smaller vessels are no longer a very good option.

Hotel Insider: As we’ve reached the end of the interview, we would like to conclude it by asking you about Al Shaali Marine Maldives’ upcoming products and services. Is there something we should be anticipating for the future?

Ismail Shareef: We’ve recently introduced our AS 47; it is a bigger vessel that caters to the increase in local travellers. We previously had a plan of introducing an additional product this year, but as we are very busy with production as well as repair and maintenance, we are now planning to launch that at 2019’s Marine Expo. I don’t want to reveal what the product is yet, but there’s definitely something exciting coming up for the year ahead.

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Ruhjehige, Iskandhar Iskandhar Mague, Mague, Male' Male' Ruhjehige,

Word from the top

Benjamin Kreuz Hotel Insider meets Benjamin Kreuz, general manager of COMO Cocoa Island.

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"For COMO Hotels and Resorts, wellness isn’t an afterthought; it’s part of our DNA from the very beginning."

Benjamin has a strong background in hospitality, having worked with luxury international brands in the USA, Europe and China.

Also, he is, in more ways than one, married to the Maldives. We talk about how he was drawn to COMO Hotels and Resorts, find out his thoughts on the Maldives’ potential as a wellness destination and note COMO Cocoa Island’s commitment to environmental and social sustainability.

Hotel Insider: Let’s begin by telling us about what drew you to COMO. Benjamin Kreuz: To be very honest, it was a lucky call. It came to my attention that COMO Hotels and Resorts were looking for a general manager for this property. And having previously worked in the Maldives, and also being privately attached to the Maldives [laughs]…

Hotel Insider: You married a Maldivian.

Benjamin Kreuz: Yes, so given all that, it was a natural move to return to the Maldives.

It’s like a virus that not only infects guests but also many professionals.

Hotel Insider: [laughs] A virus?

Benjamin Kreuz: It’s a virus for sure. You have so many professionals who’ve worked in the Maldives before going on to a different place, only to come back.

Hotel Insider: You worked at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru some years back.

Benjamin Kreuz: It was an amazing experience, being part of the opening team in such a remote location where everything is a different ballgame. And being part of an opening team of a hotel that, at the time, set a new level of guest expectations and luxury.

Hotel Insider: Let’s talk about wellness, which is at the core of this issue. COMO properties put a lot of emphasis on wellness; it’s not only in the treatments, yoga and exercise regimes that you offer; it’s also reflected in the food. It’s very holistic.

Benjamin Kreuz: Yes, you’re absolutely right. For COMO Hotels and Resorts, wellness isn’t an afterthought; it’s part of our DNA from the very beginning. It’s driven by our owner, Mrs. Ong, who focusses deeply on wellbeing, she practices Yoga daily and is an absolute expert in the field. We call our spa ‘COMO Shambhala Retreat’, and it’s one of our main focusses. It extends beyond the spa; we have healthy options on all our menus throughout the day. Even our drinks menus have Shambhala juices that boost your immunity or help you with digestion and such.

It goes deeper with our COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, where concepts are developed and people are trained and then guidelines are rolled out worldwide. So, this concept of having a centralised, highly capable team

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Word from the Top

working on the next generation of spa treatments brings the best of wellness to our guests and we’re constantly exploring more avenues.

Hotel Insider: Do you get wellness focussed bookings?

Benjamin Kreuz: Yes, we have special offers on the market that attracts people to our COMO Shambhala paths and COMO Shambhala Discovery packages.

Hotel Insider: COMO Shambhala Paths?

What are they?

Benjamin Kreuz: They are treatment blocks that lasts over several days where we incorporate different treatments according to guests’ needs, based on consultation. And guests’ dietary regimes are personalised so they get a holistic wellness experience while here. I have to refer back to the COMO Shambhala Estate where this whole approach has been developed. There, it’s even more intense than at other properties. Here in the Maldives, though, we have the fantastic opportunity to offer the same, as guests who come here have the time.

Hotel Insider: So, what I got from that was that people who come here are aware of wellness, they are open to what you have to offer.

Benjamin Kreuz: Yes, I strongly believe so.

Those people who are aware of COMO Hotels and Resorts, and who looked us up, would have chosen us for the reasons I’ve mentioned.

Not all of our guests obviously but there is a portion of guests who visit our properties because we have such a strong approach to wellbeing.

Now, the Maldives is in a very lucky situation because it’s a ‘paradise island vacation’; guests who might not necessarily book us for our Shambhala concept will come to love it. Because, once guests visit our COMO Shambhala Retreat, they will be inspired to re-live the experience.

Hotel Insider: How many guests, say as a percentage, would visit the spa?

Benjamin Kreuz: Around 16 per cent.

Hotel Insider: That’s not bad at all.

So, what do you think of the Maldives’ potential as a wellness destination?

Benjamin Kreuz: I think there’s an opportunity there, the Maldives doesn’t have a property focussed solely on wellness as of yet. It’s a combined destination; people come here for relaxation, the beach and water-based

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activities. But certain properties, like ours and places like Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru have a strong spa concept, which is well established. And I think you can see immense potential if you look at the spa awards the Maldives has received over the years. So yes, wellness retreats in the Maldives is worth exploring.

Hotel Insider: All right. So, let’s talk about COMO Cocoa Island for a bit. You’ve said it’s probably the last true Maldivian resort. What do you mean by that?

Benjamin Kreuz: It’s true. COMO Cocoa Island has been here fifteen years, as a COMO Hotels and Resorts property. Prior to that, it was a resort but with just five rooms. We have 33 rooms now and have remained unchanged over the past fifteen years. We’ve struck a balance between team members, guests, and nature. This is something you feel the moment you step on the island. It is absolutely unique.

Hotel Insider: Yes, it’s really quiet. Plus, you hardly see anyone.

Benjamin Kreuz: Yes, it’s not crowded or busy. The only buildings on the island are

"Wherever we are in the world, COMO Hotels and Resorts display a strong commitment to sustainability and the environment." the restaurant and bar, the dive centre, the reception and the COMO Shamabhla Retreat.

It’s a beautiful island with sandy beaches that you can walk all around. And being at the end of South Male' Atoll, we are close to some world-class dive spots, the most famous of which is Cocoa Thila. Also, the way that the hotel has been designed plays a huge role; our luxury is very understated. The focus is on simplicity that ties in with nature and does not outshine the natural setting.

Hotel Insider: Yes, I noticed that in our room. When you go out, you’re drawn to the sights, to nature, instead of say, your big private swimming pool. Plus, you seem to respect your environment. There are no plastic bottles. And the waste water from

our outdoor bathing area is collected in a tank, it doesn’t go into the sea.

Benjamin Kreuz: Yes, wherever we are in the world, COMO Hotels and Resorts display a strong commitment to sustainability and the environment. There are two major aspects of it, one is the individual general managers and their teams. They are constantly trying to improve matters in terms of the environment and sustainability. It starts from simple things like saving energy to more complex ones like waste management for an entire island. The GM of COMO Maalifushi, Pietro Addis and I have committed to reduce plastic consumption; we’ve banned all plastic bottles, we’re using paper straws. Our next big task is in-room amenities. This is also done on a group level; we have a fantastic team which supports and drives each and every general manager and their teams to become more sustainable.

But it’s not only about environmental sustainability alone, it’s also about the communities, the social aspect. So, we engage with local communities; for instance, we support two schools, one in Guraidhoo and the other in Maafushi. We’ve helped them get things done, like building a new library, projects that require some extra funding.

Another important social component is the COMO Foundation, which is run by our head office and Mrs. Ong. We look into projects where we can support local communities.

Hotel Insider: What sort of projects?

Benjamin Kreuz: We try not to limit ourselves, it could be building a school, providing a service. If someone comes up with an idea, and we think it’s interesting and worthwhile, we’d do it. Also, there’s something I’d like to add: we have our COMO Approaches. This commitment is rolled out at every COMO property. It involves engaging with the local community or the environment at least once a month. We’ve sponsored food for the hospital for people with special needs in Guraidhoo for instance. More recently, our COMO Approach was cleaning up our house reef here. It was an activity where even our guests helped us.

Hotel Insider: It’s great when resorts show initiative on social and environmental matters. Thanks a lot Benjamin.

Cover Story

Zen & the Art of Tourism Honeymooners have been flocking here for decades, we’ve landed on world’s top dive spot lists a dozen times over. We also seem to be popular with chill-outers and surfers. But, how about the Maldives as a wellness destination? That’s what we are exploring in our cover feature this time.

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Cover Story The perfect setting “Where else in the world has this natural resource and setting available?

You are on an island where you simply cannot run away to the next city to distract yourself,” says Renate Hermes, co-owner of Duniye Spa. Yes, the current one resort on one island tourism concept really doesn’t allow guests much of a chance of escaping anywhere. Rather, by choice or by coincidence, they spend their vacations here amidst the idyllic natural splendour the Maldives is famous for. And according to Jesper Hougaard, managing director of Serna Spa, this itself is something that allows guests the time to focus on their wellbeing.

“Wellness is about being in balance with yourself; understanding yourself. And one of the wonderful things about the Maldives is you have nothing but time to get to know yourself,” he says.

Aishath Zulfishan, spa manager at Huvafen Fushi Resort’s Huvafen Spa & Pearl, agrees with Jesper on his sentiments about time. But she furthermore emphasizes the influence Maldives’ natural environment can have on people.

“These islands offer such beauty and peace, and the ocean has such a positive effect on people – it’s difficult not to feel the effect of simply being here – so the spa works alongside nature,” she explains.

A brief look at stats So, we’ve already established that we have the ideal natural setting for a wellness destination, but in order to explore the topic further, we are going to have a brief look at some numbers so that we can think about this with some perspective.

The global wellness industry is a $3.7 trillion market according to the Global Wellness Institute, and from this, wellness tourism accounts for $563 billion. These figures are from a research conducted by the institute from 2013 to 2015 and during that period, wellness tourism revenues grew by 14 per cent and that happened to be twice as fast as overall tourism.

And here’s the most exciting thing about this; it doesn’t look like this boom in wellness tourism is going to slow down anytime soon as the institute predicts wellness tourism to grow to become a more than $800 billion industry by 2020.

So, what does this mean?

It means wellness is a thing of hype 24

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these days. It means people are more aware of their own responsibility in taking care of their own wellbeing and that people are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate elements of wellness into their vacations.

With all these taking place, it might be safe to assume a property would struggle somewhat these days to market itself without a wellness offering of some sort. And as Renate puts it, “as people increasingly look for beyond the traditional honeymoon, or dive, or the chill-out experience on the island, I would say, particularly for this destination, without a spa or wellness facilities, a resort would definitely miss a significant market segment.”

How are we doing?

There’s definitely no shortage of spas here in the Maldives; there’s probably one on every resort here, some quite spectacularly notable such as Huvafen Fushi’s underwater spa, Pearl, the first and only one of its kind in the world.

But with all this growth in wellness tourism, just having a spa doesn’t seem to be enough anymore. Throughout the conversations we’ve had so far with spa operators and hospitality professionals for this issue of Hotel Insider, a sentiment we’ve heard repeatedly is the need for wellness to extend beyond the traditional spa concept. This need has been described as quite necessary, if we are to keep up with this wellness tourism boom.

With rounded approaches and well thought out concepts, we are seeing more and more resorts doing exactly this, and Soneva Fushi, with its overall holistic concept, could be considered a great example of a resort here in the Maldives that’s taking wellness way beyond the spa.

Another is COMO Cocoa Island. And the fact the resort’s spa COMO Shambala Retreat occupies half the resort’s premise is indicative of how central a role wellness plays at COMO properties. At their retreat, treatments lasts over days, and in addition to yoga and therapies, their treatments extend to nutrition as well, so that guests receive a truly holistic experience. “There are lots of guests who come here precisely for our ‘COMO Shambhala paths’,” says general manager Benjamin Kreuz, confirming to us that wellness offerings really do positively impact bookings. Also, Kreuz mentions that 16 per cent of guests enjoy the wellness facilities on the property during their stay.

Spa therapists at the ready to take you on a healing journey at Cocoon Maldives.

Massages aren't all you can get for your wellbeing at certain properties. At One&Only Reethi Rah there's also this.

Should we focus on wellness retreats?

We have yet to see a property here that’s solely focused on wellness.

However, if the Maldives is to establish itself as a wellness destination, having such properties here might be the next logical step.

“I think there’s an opportunity there, the Maldives doesn’t have a property focussed solely on wellness as of yet. It’s a combined destination; people come here for relaxation, the beach and water-based activities. But certain properties, like ours, and places like Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, have a strong spa concept, which is well established. And I think you can see immense potential if you look at the spa awards the Maldives has received over the years. So yes, wellness retreats in the Maldives are worth exploring.” Says Benjamin.

Renate agrees with Benjamin on this opportunity. “I believe we should have that and I also think it should be done really, really well. It’s not so much about being upmarket but more about having a clear concept that is comprehensive.

For example it could focus on mental health, women’s health, women and men in transition, mindfulness for children, positive aging, personal transformative retreats, post surgery treatments, energy medicine; there’s so much that

for a destination resort that covers all these, there’s a huge potential,” she says.

So, how far off are we?

“I honestly think Maldives is already a wellness destination,” says Jesper.

Along with the resorts in the Maldives being blessed with a naturally ideal wellness setting, Jesper believes many other elements are in place too, including environmental conservation efforts such as the decrease in use of plastic bottles on resorts, wellness concepts extending to areas such as resort construction, F&B and staff management, as well as Maldives’ sustainable method of pole and line fishing that can be promoted as part of wellness. “All these elements are already here in the Maldives and it’s just a matter of getting it together and portraying ourselves differently than how we do today; it’s a matter of defining it, marketing it and also refining it at the individual resorts,” Jesper says.

Perhaps it really is a matter of refining it and defining it. However way, looking back at all the interviews we did for this feature, one thing that requires another mention is really the beautiful natural environment of the Maldives, which everyone agrees, allows the Maldives to offer something truly unique when it comes to wellness.

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Cover Story - Interview

Renate Hermes, Group Spa Director & Co-Owner, Duniye Spa With Duniye Spa’s group spa director & co-owner Renate Hermes we explore topics such as the hype surrounding wellness these days, what it means to really go beyond the traditional spa concept, and the possibility of Maldives as a wellness destination.

Hotel Insider: Going beyond the traditional spa concept, that’s something we’ve been hearing a lot lately. So I want to start off the interview by asking about your thoughts on this. I do understand that in the context of tourist resorts, it means that various components of wellness are extending beyond the spa, into other areas of the resorts such as staff management, F&B etc. But here in the Maldives, it’s usual to have a hotel operator and a spa operator functioning on the same property. So, I am a bit curious about how that works out.

Renate Hermes: Great; I think that’s a very relevant and important question and topic. The first thing that comes to my mind is integration and collaboration. I think it’s important for the wellness operator and the hotel operator, and any other party that’s involved, for example suppliers, to work with an integrated approach. By integrated I mean a holistic, all encompassing concept that creates a harmonious, multi facet, flawless experience for our guests. In the end, from guests’ perspective, it’s not relevant whether there are different operators in play.

Hotel Insider: This harmonious and integrated wellness experience, how do you create that?

Renate Hermes: I think it starts with clarity in two areas. One, who is our market and what is that market clientele looking for? And two, what do we actually mean when we talk about “wellness experience?”

Market diversity, stretching over different generations, nationalities, demographic backgrounds, length of stays etc. are all factors that have to be built in when we develop wellness programs. I believe there are some fundamental base “wellness needs” that are common across the boards. These are connection and communication and I see these base needs as the key elements of an integrated wellness experience.

Wellness in its roots has always referred to a holistic concept that saw people and 26

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nature as in an integrated system, and in that system being human includes mental, physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions.

So, to create a wellness experience we need to understand the guests needs in these different dimensions as well. Lets face it; we are not living in normal times. The state of the global community and planet is to most of us scary and worrisome. To put things simply, most people live out of balance and our programs should address that and facilitate ways in which people can find balance again. And what a beautiful place we have here in the Maldives to do that.

Also, for me, the essence lies not always in the ‘what’ we offer, but in ‘how’ we deliver it. How do we connect with our guests? How do we communicate? How personalized and customized can we be, for example when we deliver a massage, so that the person really feels cared for?

Hotel Insider: There’s so much hype around wellness these days, and we’ve read the industry is really booming and is rather huge.

Renate Hermes: Yes it is a huge industry and it’s evolving in all shapes and colours. But that also may dilute the concept of wellness in some ways because now everyone talks about wellness and now we don’t offer spa treatments anymore, we offer wellness treatments. There’s the whole Well-Tech industry too, for example Google is working on an AI wellness coach. While gadgets can play an important role in improving personal wellbeing, I’m worried people might start relying on these too much, because in the end wellness is a personal responsibility. However, this is where the wellness operator together with the resort can really make a defining difference; by saying OK, this is what we really offer in terms of wellness and we define wellness as such and such, and based on that definition, create experiences that serve specific purposes and gets specific results for the guests. The feel good factor is always

going to be there and relaxation is a very popular motive for a lot of people who come to the resorts, but talking beyond this, I think it’s very important that we ask these questions: what is the value we are providing with the wellness experience? What are our markets, the different generation groups?

And what are they looking for? From there we can proceed with designing specific outcome oriented programmes.

Hotel Insider: What are your thoughts on Maldives as a wellness destination, such as Thailand or Bali? We are exploring that in our cover feature this time. Do you think that’s something worth looking into?

Renate Hermes: For me Maldives is ideal for wellness focussed holidays; but so is it for honeymooners, so is it for diving, for many other holiday types and I think that’s the beauty of the Maldives, that it provides for this diversity. But the reason why I would say it is perfect as a wellness destination is this: where else in the world has this natural resource and setting available? You are on an island where you simply cannot run away to the next city to distract yourself. For example, I am a busy person living in a city somewhere, I am like a hamster running my routine and when I come to the Maldives for my holiday, I am in this totally different environment and if I then have the opportunity to participate in transformative wellness experiences, I’ll also have the opportunity to integrate these things into my life without the distraction of a crazy and frantic city.

Hotel Insider: It seems like a property will struggle somewhat these days to market itself without a spa or a wellness component of some sort. How big a role do you think spas can play in influencing bookings?

Renate Hermes: I would say wellness services are not a luxury anymore, they are a necessity; there is so much need for people to simply relax and be healed. It’s then the job of the marketers to bring that message across in

a suitable way and it would depend on what your marketing strategy is and what target markets you address. There are probably thousands and millions of people who don’t have their wellbeing at the forefront of their holiday experience but as people increasingly look for beyond the traditional honeymoon, or dive, or the chill-out experience on the island, I definitely would say, particularly for this destination, without a spa or wellness facilities, a resort would definitely miss a significant market segment.

Hotel Insider: Also, a property that’s solely dedicated to wellness, that’s something we’ve yet to see here in the Maldives. What are your thoughts on this?

Renate Hermes: Thailand and other countries have a range of really leading destination spas and I’ve been at a few. People go to these places for specific reasons and clear objectives. I believe we should have that and I also think it should be done really, really well. It’s not so much about being upmarket but more about having a clear concept that is

comprehensive. For example it could focus on mental health, women’s health, women and men in transition, mindfulness for children, positive aging, personal transformative retreats, post surgery treatments, energy medicine; there’s so much that can be done, and I think for a dedicated destination resort that covers all these, there’s a huge potential.

Hotel Insider: We are at the end of the interview, so let’s conclude it by talking about Duniye Spa a bit. As I understand you currently operate on around 11 properties. Also, I've recently heard about your underwater yoga at Hurawalhi. It sounds pretty interesting, so please do tell us a little bit about that as well.

Renate Hermes: The underwater yoga at Hurawalhi, provides a very special and very sensory experience; the mindful practice of yoga takes you inward while the ocean surrounds you. So you connect inward and outward with the elements. I think when people come here they are so often deprived of their own senses, so putting yourself in such

an environment allows you to really reconnect with your self on a very deep level. As for Duniye spa, we’ll keep moving into partnering even more with our resorts in order to provide very specific wellness programs that have practical takeaways; help people deal with change and help them with getting from where they are to where they want to be in terms of health, lifestyle and finding a path to a balanced and joyful life. Another important aspect for Duniye Spa as a company is that our entire team of professionals are in that state and space to provide wellness services.

I always say that you can only give what you have. So in the future we’ll be focusing even more on coaching and personal & professional development programs for our team members so that they feel empowered and inspired to form that connection with our guests and deliver the services from a heart centred place and let that healing energy flow; and also for the team to enjoy what they do and to really work from their heart.

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Resort Review

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Cocoon Maldives, the country's first designer resort, sits in a vast, beautiful lagoon in Lhaviyani Atoll. You can't help but be drawn to its magnificent colours.

We’re sunk into rattan chairs on the small deck outside our room. It’s mid-afternoon, the light is turning yolky, and everything is very still. So silent that the slightest noise comes to your attention. Like the minute rustling in the undergrowth of our garden, which turns out to be the passage of crabs. Not the kind you see scuttling on the beach but their bigger terrestrial cousins. Crabs out for a stroll on a lazy, searing Saturday afternoon in Cocoon, and that’s about the only sound. Even the sea is too languid to muster anything more than an occasional murmur. It really is like being cocooned from the rest of the world.

I remember Lulu’s delight when we were ushered into our room a few hours back. The ‘floating’ bed, courtesy of Italian designer Lago, the sloping whitewashed wood of the roof, the spacious bathroom where glass washbasins make the water disappear. Neat touches befitting a resort that lays claim to being a designer property.

Earlier that afternoon, we went for a dip in the sea to cool off. The lagoon was vast and shallow, among the largest I’d seen. Lulu was pleased, the seabed was soft, no sharp corals to prick her dainty feet, and the depth made her comfortable; she’s not a strong swimmer.

There were alternating currents of warm and cool water coursing through the lagoon and it made for a very relaxing experience.

“I’m hungry,” says Lulu, nudging me out of my thoughts. As there’s time before dinner, we head for a snack at the Loabi Loabi bar by the pool.

We walk through green-fringed lanes towards the bar. It’s not a large island so walking isn’t unpleasant, even in the heat, though you can always get a buggy if it proves too much. On the way Lulu snaps photos of the Palm Square, a striking area with clear sand and a group of tall coconut palms.

There’s seating there, near the beach where you can have drinks and watch the sunset.

Cocoon Maldives Cocooned – two nights at Lhaviyani atoll’s designer resort.

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We pass by the halfmoon shaped pool, past guests in daybeds with cocoon-like retractable covers for shade.

“They remind me of caterpillars pupating,” says Lulu and I chuckle.

At the bar, an elegant white structure with a busy counter, sofas and armchairs with touches of turquoise, we order a pizza and drinks. They arrive quickly, the pizza has lots of gooey mozzarella, tangy homemade tomato paste, and a thick but crunchy crust.

Around sunset, we take a walk along the beach. It’s a long, white stretch, the sand is soft and moist and the water is motionless, like glass. Two speedboats glide silently across it in the distance. A wall of purple cloud

obscures the horizon, parts of which flare up in crimson. It’s reflected in the water, creating a dramatic, spellbinding scene. Some children still frolic in the water, their parents observing them in quiet contentment. The call to prayer sounds in the distance from neighbouring Olhuvelifushi, where guests visit on their local island excursion. We walk by Palm Square, where couples sit under the palms with drinks, drinking in the scenery.

“Look, over there,” Lulu points.

Near the edge of the water is a small, long legged bird, brown, white chested. A sand plover. It observes us, then trots along the edge of the water, its gait bringing to mind the clipped and determined walk of people

exercising. The bird stops, pecks at something in the sand and moves away.

That night, we dine at Octopus, the main restaurant. Eight winding pathways emanate from the main building towards dining huts, much like the arms of the mollusc from which it gets its name. There’s a lot to enjoy, fresh vegetables, salads, grilled meats and seafood, a live pasta station. I make my own salad with broccoli, lettuce and carrot shavings and have a couple of small beef steaks. The meat is cooked medium, and there’s a delicious amount of juice while the broccoli is firm and meaty. I finish off with a beautiful slice of pavlova that tastes as great as it looks.

We head off to the Loabi Loabi bar for drinks. In that balmy night, we chill out with a couple of mocktails, serenaded by the resort’s in-house band who do some decent covers of Abba and the Spice Girls. We stay and chat for a while enjoying the music.

"At sunset, a wall of purple cloud obscures the horizon, parts of which flare up in crimson. It’s reflected in the glasslike water; a dramatic, spellbinding scene."

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Resort Review

“Really takes you back doesn’t it?” says Lulu.

“I can’t remember when I last heard Viva Forever,” I say. “Must’ve been 20 years.”

In our room we curl up in bed and watch an animated film from the resort’s collection, not extensive but not impoverished. The flat-screen TV is sufficient for our nightly entertainment, and all features are in high definition. By the end of it we’re ready to call it a night.

It’s bright and sunny the next day. The light’s still golden when I walk out to the deck, the resort is hushed. Lulu is already up and at her computer, putting the resort’s great Wi-Fi to good use. I have a coffee from the complimentary Nespresso machine and we head off to Octopus. After breakfast, we visit the bar again and meet Falil, a spirited, ponytailed young man who’s with the resort’s water sports centre, managed by Extreme Maldives.

“It’s not all about doing nothing here,” he says. “People can get tired of that after a while. All this sun and sand. That’s where we come in. We’ll take you out to sea, explore uninhabited islands, there are so many sandbanks nearby to picnic on. We’ve got a reef worth checking out, it’s some ways off though so you can’t really swim to it.

You guys should totally go snorkelling. It’s complimentary.”

He tells us the reception arranges two snorkelling safaris in the morning, one at nine and the other at eleven.

“I’ve got some people waiting for a jet ski excursion,” he says getting up. “They’re going to picnic on a sandbank. So many of those here, we’re very lucky.” He joins some young women who’re geared up for the outing.

So, we sign up for the eleven o’clock safari.

That afternoon I catch up with Davide Steffenini, a young Italian chef who’s here for the Gourmet Week, where Cocoon brings in international chefs to display their prowess. The resort’s held the event every month since last February, part of Cocoon’s attempt to ramp up its culinary offerings.

Davide’s specialty is pastry and he’s already

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done a couple of events here. “It’s an entirely different sort of culture,” he says. “Where I work, in Varese, [Italy], people aren’t on holiday, and my customers are mostly Italian so the mood is completely different.”

I ask him what he thinks of the Maldives so far and he laughs. “This?” he says finally, gesturing with his arm at the beach and the sea. “I have no words for this. No words.”

The next day is warm, blue skied, columns of cloud over the horizon. Lulu is up as usual, though it’s only half past seven resort time.

She’s having a go on the swing out on the deck, all by herself.

“What’re you up to?” I ask.

“Thinking,” she says then gets off the swing, gives me a peck and goes to her computer.

“We’re going snorkelling today,” I say.

“Remember?”

“I’ll be done by then,” she says.

I have a cup of coffee and a cigarette, enjoying the quiet while Lulu taps responds to some emails.

We choose our gear from the water sports centre and end up on the snorkelling dhoni five minutes before eleven. There’s quite a crowd, several Italians, a young British couple, two Chinese and two Indians. Ahmed, our guide reminds everyone not to touch anything in the water. Then we’re off. The scenery is picturesque, a vivid sky with flecks of fluffy cloud, blue and aquamarine water so brilliant it seems incandescent, patches of dark coral adding variety to an already exciting palette.

The guests are busy snapping selfies, some with Go-Pros that you can rent from the water sports hub.

The lagoon stretches as far as the eye can see and out here you can really appreciate its scale. It takes a while for the boat to get to the closest reef slope.

“I think you should wear a life jacket,” I tell Lulu.

“I’m doing no such thing,” she says.

We gear up and dive in one after the other.

“Stay behind me, all of you,” instructs Ahmed. “Don’t wander off by yourselves, stick with the group.”

Lulu has trouble the moment she jumps overboard.

“I’ve got water in my mask,” she gasps, holding on to me as if for dear life.

Ahmed comes to the rescue. “Once the water’s out, breathe in through your nose and the mask will hug your face,” he says.

Lulu gives a thumbs up and we’re off.

Snorkelling in a Maldivian reef is a thrilling experience, and despite the coral bleaching event a couple of years back, there’s a fair bit of marine life. Several blue surgeonfish wander among the corals, and I spot a triggerfish chasing off a colourful parrotfish. A snapper appears only to disappear swiftly into the blue beyond the slope. Later, Lulu tugs my arm; the guide is pointing at something.

He makes the turtle sign and points at a grey expanse of brush coral. I can hardly make it out but then it moves ever so slightly. A green turtle, appearing greyish like the surrounding corals. Lulu gives a thumbs-up again. She’s loving it. As are other members of our group who train their cameras on this lovely reptile.

By the time we board the dhoni, we’re both famished.

“Let’s have lunch first thing,” says Lulu. I agree.

Back on shore, we drop off our snorkelling gear and head to the restaurant. I make a salad with sundried tomatoes, lotus root, asparagus and rocket. Lulu has some pasta. We savour our meals and sip on cool watermelon drinks that our friendly waiter recommended. The staff at Cocoon are particularly genial.

“I’m so glad we went snorkelling,” says Lulu.

“I can’t believe we’ll be back in Male' in two hours.”

“Cocoon has been very kind to us,” I tell her.

“It really has,” she says. “Doing nothing’s great, but it’s good to know you can always call up Falil and get something going.”

“Yeah, I feel almost ready to dive back into the thick of things.”

“Come out of your chrysalis, have you?”

“Almost. I could stay cocooned forever though.”

Back of the Haus

Kukulhu Village and Earth Lab at Six Senses Laamu Today, we take a peek at some back of the house operations at Six Senses Laamu. They’re doing some clever things here, creating wealth from waste and running a little farm. It’s all part of the brand’s sustainable and organic ethos. Have a look and see what the resort does to keep the earth (and guests) happy.

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1 Here’s the Kukulhu Village, home to almost

three dozen fowls. The cage is fairly big so they’re not cooped up like in a chiken coop.

2 Here's Frans the rooster. He lives here with

his harem of wives and children. They’re fed food scraps from the staff kitchen and a mixture of animal feed, corn and grain. The grains help the chicken lay eggs, boosting productivity.

3 Right now, Kukulhu Village produces

between 50 to 70 eggs per week. They end up as farm-fresh egg hoppers and are featured in other dishes as well.

5 Here is a lovely seedling at the Earth Lab. Along with

others, it will be transported to the resort’s organic garden once it has achieved a degree of maturity.

These babies are fed compost made from leftovers.

4 And now, the Earth Lab. It’s a brilliant place,

and we don’t say this lightly. Several cool ideas abound here.

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6 And here’s their pilot aquaculture project,

whereby fish in a tank provide nutrients to the plants via their waste, and the plants, in turn, filter the water for the fish. A great example of a symbiotic relationship.

7 Glass is crushed here and turned back

into sand (glass is essentially sand, if you remember your chemistry notes). And they’re made into beautiful things, like this table, the pot for the plant, and bricks for construction. Ingenious stuff.

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Spotlight

COMO Shambhala Retreat, COMO Cocoa Island COMO Shambhala is not just an experience, it’s a journey. I have caught a glimpse of it at COMO Cocoa Island, at the COMO Shambhala Retreat which takes up half the land on the small resort. The area is also home to a steam room and a specialised pool for hydrotherapy.

I’m here for the COMO Shambhala Signature Massage, an hour-long indulgence for your body and soul.

Earlier in the day, I met with the general manager Benjamin Kreuz who explained how central wellness was at COMO properties.

Their wellness regimes, which spans days, consist not only of therapies and yoga but extends to nutrition, providing a holistic experience.

“There are lots of guests who come here precisely for our ‘COMO Shambhala paths’,” he said. “These journeys are treatment blocks that last several days. In these, we incorporate different treatments according to guest needs, based on consultation. The guests’ dietary regimes are personalised as well so they get a comprehensive wellness experience while here.”

These journeys are the brainchildren of the COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, Indonesia, where a centralised team of experts conceptualise next-gen spa experiences and train therapists.

After some paperwork at the spa’s airy reception (which also houses a library) my Balinese therapist Tari guides me to one of the retreat’s four cottages. All around us is silence; 38

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the spa is a sanctuary keeping distracting sounds at bay. You’re here for one thing: wellbeing. Everything else has been filtered out.

Inside, there’s some light music in the air, and the pleasant scent of some herbal concoction.

My session begins with a foot bath and scrub; Tari is gentle but her hands are knowledgeable; though young, she’s been in the industry for several years.

The foot scrub is like an entrée before the main event. I’m given a whiff of the massaging oil, which is lavender based and pleasantly floral. Tari believes it’s necessary for the sense of calm she wants to instil in me. I lie prone and Tari presses on my back, shoulders and feet before she starts the massage.

It begins from my left and she works her way up from my feet to the top of my neck.

There are moments of bliss as she rocks me back and forth; this is part of the special Shambhala ritual. There are also flashes of pain as Tari grinds her elbows along the side of my spine, releasing tension in knotted muscles. Then, she stretches my limbs, relieving the last of the stiffness. The same process is repeated on the right.

When I flip over, my legs and arms receive a complete workout, down to individual fingers and toes. It ends with a hot compress on my neck, chest and feet. It’s hard to believe that an hour has elapsed, time is fleeting when your body (and by extension, mind) are in the care of an expert.

Though there are spots of soreness in my back, on the whole, it’s almost like I’ve been recast. And it’s not just my body; my mind is clear, as though I’ve awakened from a sound sleep.

As I sip some delicious ginger tea in the library, I meet the spa manager Dianne April Dayagbil.

“COMO Shambhala is not just about the body,” she tells me. “It’s also about the mind and soul. We’re in the business of connecting these three. So, we have a number of activities and guides to achieve balance. It’s not only massages and yoga. We offer our Shambhala cuisine because you are also what you eat. So, everything is connected.”

I have had this question in the back of my mind that I want to ask her.

“Shambhala means a place of bliss in Sanskrit,” she replies. A fitting name.

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Spotlight

Pearl – Experiencing A Waking Dream As I descend the steps, growing accustomed to the dark, the play of light by the landing arrests me.

The undulation of wavy blue light is enchanting and more enchantment awaits.

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Pearl, the world’s first (and as yet only) underwater spa is secluded, much like its namesake. Huvafen Fushi keeps this jewel hidden in its meandering network of overwater treatment hubs. But the label doesn’t do it justice; entering the spa is like being whisked off to an otherworldly realm.

Beyond its large reinforced glass windows is a lush coral garden with a slew of varicoloured marine fauna. Beautiful doesn’t quite capture it.

The spa complex was recently refurbished and to add more flair, Huvafen Fushi teamed up with skincare expert Teresa Tarmey. Teresa, a regular Vogue and Tatler contributor, is a specialist in innovative products and cutting-edge tech in rejuvenation, resurfacing and anti-ageing treatments. Meanwhile, the resort also offers a combination of ancient and modern, eastern and western techniques and wisdom via Beata Aleksandrowicz’s Pure Massage. It’s a unique style that combines deep tissue and

trigger-point techniques. Beata is a renowned wellness expert and is a judge for the World Spa & Wellness Awards.

Moreover, Huvafen Fushi leads the way in incorporating indigenous Dhivehi Beys to therapies. Led by spa manager Aishath Zulfishan (Xubba), Dhivehi Beys draws from ancient, and often secret, remedies that are passed down from parent to offspring.

Today, though, I’m booked for Pearl’s signature treatment: Underwater Dream.

It’s curated by Beata Aleksandrowicz and promises profound rejuvenation and improved sleep quality.

My massage therapist, Muja, leads me to one of the two treatment rooms. Curiously, the massage bed is not flat but reclining. Muja lets me know that this is how the signature massage is usually performed.

As the massage progresses over the hour, with slow, purposeful strokes and medium pressure, I feel relaxed yet alert. I open my eyes often, something I almost never do

during a treatment. And rather than being a sign of restlessness or discomfort, this desire to observe my surroundings springs from how easy it is to remain present here. The graceful marine life outside the windowpane keeps me centred. Observing their beauty prevents my mind from wandering; this is precisely why Underwater Dream is performed while seated.

The treatment ends. And with honey spiced tea, nuts and fruit, I curl upon the anteroom’s large daybed and peek through the water at the sun; a yellow orb glimmering beyond the surface. A swell rises and small waves surge back and forth. Yet the fish are completely unperturbed and the activity among the coral continues. I hear nothing from the world above. It’s a strange and wondrous feeling; as though, like Huvafen Fushi’s slogan, I’m dreaming wide-awake.

Hotel Insider

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Spotlight

Wellness at One&Only Reethi Rah We meet up with Angie Tai, spa associate director at One&Only Reethi Rah for a chat about keeping your mind and body on a healing path. She heads a team of 40 so you can imagine how important wellness is at Reethi Rah. We talk about visiting practitioners, incorporating local ingredients and treatments to spa offerings and exciting things we can expect from One&Only in the future.

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Hotel Insider

Hotel Insider: Let's begin by telling us how central wellness is to the One&Only experience. What makes One&Only Reethi Rah special, in terms of location, people and experience?

Angie Tai: Surrounded by the crystal blue wonders of the Indian Ocean, One&Only Reethi Rah is a tranquil oasis of serenity, a place where guests can relax and rejuvenate while experiencing the latest in holistic beauty, fitness and wellness. We are thrilled to encourage wellbeing throughout the resort and to shine a spotlight on the benefits of healthy living and the best ways to incorporate wellness into your everyday life. The One&Only Spa is insulated from the rest of the resort, enclosed within lush manicured gardens, it is a private haven where guests can escape and experience revitalising therapies from East to West; our Spa therapists guide guests on an invigorating journey of wellness as they disconnect from their busy lives and connect with the surrounding natural environment in one of the world’s most

beautiful locations.

Hotel Insider: You've mentioned that you create person-specific wellness solutions. Can you talk about this a bit?

Angie Tai: At the One&Only Spa, we create tailormade wellness journeys for individual guests, so that they feel at their best during their vacation and beyond; focusing on aspects they wish to improve, whether it is their health, fitness or overall wellbeing. Our aim is for all our guests to depart the island feeling restored, energised and inspired.

Hotel Insider: Visiting practitioners are common in certain up-market properties, yours included. Do guests make bookings specifically because a certain practitioner is going to be on the property?

Angie Tai: The One&Only Spa is renowned for its unique visiting practitioners programme, with global industry leaders from around the world offering guests expert knowledge and signature practices from holistic beauty, Chinese Traditional Healing to targeted fitness sessions. Often, repeater guests return to the resort during the time a certain Visiting Practitioner is on island.

Our aim is for all of our guests to depart our island feeling restored, energized and inspired.

Founder and President of the Okinawa Watsu Center in Japan has trained our Spa staff in Watsu therapy, giving guests the opportunity to experience the ultimate Watsu experience in the first Watsu pool in the Maldives – exclusively at the One&Only Spa. Hotel Insider: Your retreats and programmes are quite extensive and they include products for families, which is great. What do guests think of this?

Angie Tai: Family programmes and retreats are a growing market. At One&Only Spa, our guests love taking part in activities together as a family; this is especially important during their vacation as it is not something they are always able to do at home during their busy lives. This special feeling of coming together in our exquisite environment is what keeps our guests coming back year after year.

Hotel Insider: I notice that you include a locally inspired therapy with Maldivian ingredients. It's encouraging to see that properties are tapping into local knowledge and techniques in regards to wellness. Can we talk about this? Do you see it becoming more mainstream?

Angie Tai: Locally inspired therapy is

important to creating an overall culturerich experience in the Spa. We aim to provide our guests at the resort with a sense of the Maldives and the best way to do so is by using natural locally sourced ingredients. This, combined with our lush tropical setting, provide guests with a genuine feel of the Maldives. One of our latest treatments is Island Bliss Coconut Journey. A luxurious island experience designed to awaken guest’s senses and leave them feeling totally refreshed and revived.

The secret behind this new treatment is the humble coconut thriving on Reethi Rah island. There is no shortage of fresh coconuts for the treatment as we have over twenty thousand coconut trees on the island.

Hotel Insider: I'd also like to know what you think of the future of wellness. What exciting innovations can we expect, especially at One&Only Reethi Rah? Angie Tai: We are looking to optimize guest wellbeing by offering

transformative wellness which is no longer just experiential. The Spa journey has now become a story, designed to remove guests from their busy lives.

We are able to do this by utilising all available space within the resort and designing a journey that at each step offers guests something unique and remains fluid, engaging and immersing the guest fully in their location. The aim is to allow the guest to soul search, which is so much more than a great massage, but a multi chapter story of change and transformation.

Probiotic Superfood skincare is a growing trend and at One&Only Reethi Rah we will be introducing new Antiageing skincare, moving towards a positive pro age approach. Healthy skin is the new measure of youth. Gut health and dietary modifications play a big role in skin health and this is done through the best in the health, beauty and fitness industry practitioners and gurus.

Hotel Insider

43

Working Women

Fathimath Shaazleen (Shaaz) To see women in top positions at resorts, especially Maldivians, is like the sighting of a rare celestial event. It’s a subject we touch on over the course of the interview.

Shaaz grew up in Male' not too long ago; she is one of those people who’re open and welcoming and, at the same time, somewhat reserved. She doesn’t have an imposing stature; she is petite and her voice is low, in volume and pitch, yet she has an undeniable presence and you find yourself paying attention when she speaks. Hotel Insider talks to her about her childhood aspirations, what it’s like managing a resort like Soneva Jani, why there aren’t many women in positions like hers and whether her childhood self would be proud of who she is now. Read on.

Hotel Insider: What sort of things were you into when you were a kid? What did you want to be when you grew up?

Shaaz: I had too many interests back then.

I wanted to be a teacher, a nurse, and in secondary school I wanted to join the police force. But they all had something in common, all of them involved caring for people in some way.

Hotel Insider: True. Was there ever a moment when you thought, ‘yes, hospitality is where I want to be for the rest of my life?’

Shaaz: The decision to work in hospitality was made very quickly actually. I was doing my A-levels at the time, in what’s now the Centre for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE). I’d always be at the library in between classes because I loved reading magazines.

And it so happened that I was reading through a Time magazine. Do you know Time?

Hotel Insider: We’re not that young, of course we know Time magazine.

Shaaz: [laughs] Anyway, it was a letter to the editor about an article that had appeared on a previous issue. The article was saying something along the lines of there being no secluded beaches anywhere, that you don’t 44

Hotel Insider

"Sometimes it feels as though you need to make a choice between having a family and your career and it’s very difficult to balance both." get quiet beach holidays, there was too much partying on beaches and so on. The person who wrote to the editor said he certainly didn’t agree with the article, that he’d just come from a holiday in the Maldives where he and his wife stayed at a beautiful, quiet island called Soneva Fushi. I found the name very interesting, catchy even. Soneva is not a local name and paired with ‘Fushi’ it becomes very exotic, something familiar but not quite.

Hotel Insider: Yeah, we think we know what you mean.

Shaaz: Yes, I was very intrigued. It was very hard to find out information about the resort back then, we didn’t have the internet at our fingertips. Then a friend of mine went to Eydhafushi and he told me the resort was very close to the island. And I was very impressed with his description. I think it must have been fate because a few days later, I saw an advert for the first BTEC diploma at the Hotel School in Male'. I was very excited. Even though I was studying for my A-Levels, I decided to enrol in the course.

Hotel Insider: Did you quit school?

Shaaz: No, I was about to finish school anyway, it was just the last few months. So, I called up my dad and told him that I wanted to do this, and he told me to think about it for a couple of days and if I still felt like it, then enrol.

Hotel Insider: It’s great that you got support from your family.

Shaaz: Yes, especially from my dad. He was just a bit concerned because I’d gone through so many phases, like I’ve said. He wanted me to make up my mind. A couple of days later, I called him and said I wanted to go ahead, and I went for interviews and got selected. I was really happy. I didn’t start going to Hotel School until I’d finished my A-Level exams, though. And when I finally wound up with Hotel School, I graduated at the top of my batch. That gave me the confidence to pursue a career in hospitality.

Hotel Insider: That’s pretty inspiring.

What did you do next?

Shaaz: Soon after graduation I got the opportunity to work for the Crown Company.

I was a telephone operator at Veligandu [Resort]. That’s my first taste of the hospitality industry.

Hotel Insider: What was that like?

Shaaz: I wasn’t really cut out for it. I didn’t like being cooped up in an office all the time so I asked for different work from the manager.

He was very accommodating. I helped him out

with his work and oversaw housekeeping for a bit when the supervisor was on emergency leave. Also, after some restructuring at the company, I was put in charge of F&B. So, by the time I left the company, I had experienced almost all of the major departments. Oh, and while I was an F&B supervisor, I also applied for a job at Soneva Fushi a couple of times. My first attempt wasn’t successful, but the second time I struck gold. They took me in as a guestrelations officer.

Hotel Insider: That’s wonderful. It’s like a dream come true isn’t it?

Shaaz: Yes, I was selected as a Ms Friday not long afterwards. It meant closer and more frequent interactions with guests. As a Ms Friday, I became dedicated to the guests assigned to me.

Hotel Insider: It’s essentially a butler’s role, no?

Shaaz: Yes. The name came about because Soneva portrays their properties as Robinson Crusoe islands, and so of course, you’d have your Man Friday.

Hotel Insider: Right. You’ve worked your way up to your current position, so you must have a pretty good understanding of what goes on at the frontline of a resort.

Shaaz: I believe so, yes. It’s given me a good enough understanding of everything in general though I may not be an expert.

And not only about things that happen at the frontline, but also at the back of the house.

In my position, you need to understand everything that goes on at the property.

Hotel Insider: What’s the most challenging aspect of running a place like Soneva Jani? These days hotels are under a lot of scrutiny from social media and reviewing platforms.

Shaaz: I’d say it’s logistics. People think Soneva Jani is small, it’s only 25 villas, but it’s a huge space, as you can see. So, it’s definitely challenging. As for reviews and criticism, it’s more about the recovery process, how you deal with something that’s gone wrong. What I’ve noticed is that most of the time, the guests who come back to a place are those who’ve encountered issues during their stay but had those issues dealt with properly by the team.

Hotel Insider: OK. Now, we’d like to know your thoughts on why we don’t see so many women, especially local women, in top positions at resorts and hotels.

Shaaz: I think one thing is that not many women in the past have taken an initiative to work at hotels or resorts. Also, I don’t think

many Maldivian women see hospitality as a career; it’s more of a job to tide them over until they get married or until they have children. That’s one thing. Another thing; the resorts themselves aren’t equipped to have women in higher positions, especially if they have a family. Sometimes it feels as though you need to make a choice between having a family and your career and it’s very difficult to balance both. If you have a family or a child, having the child stay at the resort is a big risk, and I don’t think many resorts are very willing to give that opportunity. But now that more women are joining the industry, I think it will have an impact on resorts whereby, in time, they will develop their facilities to cater for working mums. I have my two-year old son here with me at Soneva Jani. It was quite challenging in the beginning; I didn’t want to leave him behind. I’ve had interviews where I felt like I’d nailed it but at one point you’d have the conversation about the child and that becomes the deciding factor.

Hotel Insider: Yeah, we see what you mean.

Shaaz: But it’s not just the industry, I think the whole community needs to encourage women to work at resorts. I’ll give you a small example. I’ve encountered a lot of men working in different properties, generations of men actually. But when I ask them if they’d have their niece or sister work in a resort quite often the answer has been “No,”. And they can’t explain their position to me.

Hotel Insider: Why do you think that is?

Shaaz: I think it’s because when tourism started, a lot of locals who worked in it weren’t very educated, and probably that wasn’t the best foundation for the industry.

Ours is also still a very conservative community, women are expected to stay at home and take care of the family. And the fact that most people don’t know what goes on at resorts is also a factor I think. We’re trying to change that by having school children from higher grades and their parents visit us at the resort. We visit some schools as well, where we discuss pretty much anything and everything. Also, this year, Soneva has selected only female junior hosts for our internship programme.

Hotel Insider: Yes, changing perceptions will be a long game but these are good steps. Last question. Do you think your childhood self will be proud of who you are now?

Shaaz: [laughs] I have no doubt.

Hotel Insider

45

News

Baa Atoll Festival Closing Ceremony

The Baa Atoll Festival, which began in July with six resorts, closed with a fun-filled event on Angafaru sandbank on August 3.

The main event was a catamaran regatta, which saw teams from Dusit Thani, Soneva Fushi, Finolhu, Amilla Fushi, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru and Vakkaru take to the sea in their respective crafts.

Meanwhile, on the sandbank, people relaxed under canopies and enjoyed culinary offerings from stalls of participating resorts.

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Hotel Insider

News

The race looked close enough, but only one could come out on top.

Finolhu grabbed top honours, followed by Landaa Giraavaru and Dusit Thani.

Top officials from each resort went up to the makeshift stage to pop some bubblies. The air was truly festive. Expect this to be a regular fixture in the coming years. Well done, Baa Atoll.

Hotel Insider

47

Marketplace A list of service providers within the country providing products and services to the Maldivian resort industry.

Banking & Insurance ALLIED INSURANCE

Allied Insurance Company Pvt Ltd is a leading insurance service provider offering total solutions with a comprehensive range of general, life Insurance and Takaful services throughout the Maldives. Allied’s customers include individuals, smallmedium businesses, corporate and government institutions. City Square, 3rd Floor, Chaandhanee Magu, Male’, +960 334 1001, toll free 1600, info@allied.com, allied.mv AMANA TAKAFUL

Amana Takaful PLC is a full-fledged and licensed General Insurance company with an outstanding portfolio of Takaful insurance solutions. Commencing operations in 2003, it stands proud as the only publicly quoted insurance company in the Maldives listed in the Maldives Stock Exchange (MSE). 3rd Floor, H. Mialani, Sosun Magu, Male’, Maldives, +960 331 5262, info@takaful.mv, takaful.mv BANK OF CEYLON (BOC)

With over seven decades of experience, the bank offers a broad range of services including commercial banking, trade finance, development financing, mortgage financing, lease financing, investment banking, corporate financing, dealing in government securities, pawn brokering, credit card facilities and others. H. Aage, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, +960 333 7564, smit@bocmale.com.mv, bocmale.com.mv BANK OF MALDVIES (BML)

Known locally as “the national bank,” BML is a public limited company with majority ownership held by the government of Maldives. BML is a full-service bank engaging across the complete spectrum of personal, business and corporate financial services. BML Head Office, No. 11, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, +960 333 0200, main.branch@bml.com.mv, bankofmaldives.com.mv

MAURITIUS COMMERCIAL BANK (MCB)

The Mauritius Commercial Bank (Maldives) is a leading commercial bank in the country, offering a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of its valued customers. MCB Maldives aims also at being the preferred banking and financial partner of corporate customers, whether they are startups or well established groups. H. Sifa Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, +960 3305656, contact@mcbmaldives.com, mb.mcbmaldives.com SOLARELLE INSURANCE

Solarelle Insurance is committed to finding new and innovative ways of reducing risks and losses, and is devoted to providing comprehensive General Insurance solutions that can be tailor-made to suit the different needs and lifestyles of its customers. 1st Floor, ADK Tower, Male', 20096, +960 330 0099, info@solarelleinsurance.com, solarelleinsurance.com STATE BANK OF INDIA (SBI)

State Bank of India opened its first branch in Male’ in February 1974. This heralded the commencement of its Maldives operations as one of the foreign branches of India's largest commercial bank. The State Bank Group has over 22,887 branches within India and another 191 offices outside India, spread over 36 countries. H. Sunsleet, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male, +960 331 2111, sbimale@statebank.com, sbimaldives.com

Bath, Kitchen, Laundry ASTRABON

Astrabon is dedicated towards providing the most apt solutions for resort and hotel supply needs. Astrabon has the finest selection of products supplied by the most reputed manufacturers of the industry. Every product purchased from Astrabon is indicative of high-quality. Orchid Magu, Male, Maldives, +960 300 8060, sales@astrabon.net

CEYLINCO INSURANCE COMPANY

Ceylinco Insurance’s company policy is to settle claims within 14 days from the date of receipt of the complete documents, and they take pride in attempting to meet this deadline.Speed and efficiency are the company's hallmarks and total customer satisfaction is their goal. 3rd Floor, H.Merry Side, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male', +960 969 3939, info@ceylincoinsurance.com.mv, ceylinco-insurance.com

AQUA CHROME

Aqua Chrome offers solutions for sanitary fittings, solar heaters and specialized roofing to various economic sectors. GROHE is the world's leading provider of sanitary fittings under one brand and is represented in Maldives by Aqua Chrome.

(Grohe) H. Gullalaamaage, Roashanee Magu, K. Male', +960 300 3663, aquachromemaldives.com

COMMERCIAL BANK OF MALDIVES

The Commercial Bank of Maldives is a joint venture between Tree Top Investments Pvt Ltd (TTIL) and the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC (CBC). Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC was established in 1969, and have since become the largest private bank in Sri Lanka with an asset base over USD 6 Bn. Commercial Bank of Maldives, H. Filigasdhoshuge, Ameeru Ahmed Magu, +960 333 2668, info@cbmmv.com, cbmmv.com

HOTEC

Hotec is a sales agent in the Maldives for internationally renowned manufacturers of small equipment and supplies for the food service industry in Maldives. Their objective is to bring the best food service equipment, other kitchen accessories, and bath and wellness products from the best brands in the world. Ma. Favorite, Chaandhanee Magu, Male', +960 334 1616, info@hoteconline.com, hoteconline.com

HBL

HBL is a Karachi based multinational bank and is one of the largest banks in Pakistan. Founded in 1941, HBL became Pakistan's first commercial bank and is the largest company in Pakistan in terms of assets. As of 2016, HBL has 1700 branches with presence in over 25 countries spanning four continents. Habib Bank Limited, H.Thuniya Building Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, +960 332 2051, customercare.maldives@hbl.com 48

Hotel Insider

RADIANTHEAT

Radiantheat Maldives Pvt Ltd is the flagship company of Radiantheat Group and a leading supplier for commercial catering and laundry equipment and spares in the Maldives. Currently Radiantheat represents several renowned global brands.

Radiantheat Building 3rd Floor, H. Nooali, Hithigas Magu, Male' 20022, +960 333 4854, sales@radheatonline.com, radheatonline.com

OSMOSIS ASIA

TIMBER HOUSE

SOVEREIGN AGENCIES

Dive & Water Sports

Osmosis Asia Pvt Ltd provides clients with a space where they can find all products that will enable them to run their operations without hassle. They supply spare parts for commercial kitchens, commercial refrigeration, coffee machines, bar and vending equipment. 1st Floor, H.Bonthi Building, Hiffaseyha Goalhi, Male’, +960 300 9551, sales@osmosisasia.com

Sovereign Agencies offers an extensive range of products geared towards the hospitality industry, serving more than 60 resorts in the Maldives. Their products include emiment brands such as Primus, Bauscher, and Vito. Ma. Moorithi Building, 1st Floor, Chaandhanee Magu, Male’, +960 331 4422, sales@sovereignagencies.com.mv XENON MALDIVES

Xenon Maldives Pvt Ltd provides several types of equipments, genuine spares and services to hotels and resorts. These inlcude kitchen equipments that are commercial and used by popular chefs, and laundry machinery from USA. M. Three & One, Haveeree Hingun, 4th Floor, Male', +960 331 0013, sales@xenonmaldives.com, xenonmaldives.com

Buildware & Hardware ALIA INVESTMENTS

Currently in its 53rd year of service, Alia has been the sole distributor of the world renowned Yamaha brand for 43 years. Alia is also the distributor of Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers, Kohler brand’s sanitary ware, and a large variety of hardware products. 8th Floor, ALIA Building, Gandhakoalhi Magu, Maafanu, Male’ 20311, +960 332 3564, info@aliamaldives.com ASK HOLDINGS

ASK Holdings Pvt Ltd is a hardware company based in Male', Maldives. The company's mission is to maintain quality standards for all products and provide valued customers with store wide warranty services, best prices, reliable products and amenities to make the company's stores the first choice for your household needs. +960 332 4679, info@ask.com.mv CO-LOAD MALDIVES

Co-Load Maldives Pvt Ltd is known for establishing the American franchise Ace Hardware and Home Centre in Male', and also for their paint solutions through Color Bank. The company is the sole distributor of several world-renowned brands.

M. Baarana, 1st Floor, Majeedhee Magu, Male', +960 332 0450, admin@coload.com.mv

Timber House has over a decade of experience in the timber industry and helps prospective customers in evaluating the various volumes and types of timber best suited for their needs. M. Honeydew, Izzuddheen Magu Male’, 20311, +960 333 9111, info@timberhouse.com.mv

BEST DIVES

Best Dives Pvt Ltd is a leading diving and watersports centre, excursion and yacht charter service provider, operating in both high-end luxury resorts and middlerange resorts in the Maldives without compromising on quality service. 6/F MF Building, Chandhanee Magu, Male city, Maldives. +960 330 5960, info@bestdivesmaldives.com BLUE HORIZON

Blue Horizon offers diving and surfing adventures that are tailored to meet the needs of its clients. Currently the company operates two motorized yachts and two sailing catamarans. M. Bolissafaru 2nd Floor, Orchid Magu, Male', +960 332 1169, travel@blue-horizon.com.mv DTECH

dTech Pvt Ltd is the sole Distributor of SEADOO and EVINRUDE brands - providing the finest Personal Watercrafts (PWC) and Outboard engine products in the Maldives. Having established in 1998, dTECh has always worked towards offering the best products to the Maldivian marine and power sports industry. M. Whale Shark, Male', 2021, +960 333 4051 spareparts@dtech.com.mv, dtecg.com.mv EURO DIVERS

Euro-Divers Maldives offer scuba diving activities in some of the best scuba diving resorts in Maldives as well as water sport activities at selected resorts. Euro-Divers Worldwide was founded by Swiss nationals over 40 years ago and offers safe, exciting and professional scuba diving activities and scuba diving lessons in some of the world’s best diving destinations. euro-divers.com GOLDEN JET TRADE

Golden Jet Trade Pvt. Ltd, established in 1985, a relatively small business then is now a leading supplier of quality Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Water sports and Swimming equipment in the Republic of Maldives. Providing quality scuba diving wetsuits in all sizes, Scuba Diving fins or Flippers to Scuba Diving, Snorkelling gear and water sport knives and accessories. Golden Jet Trade Pvt. Ltd. 3, Chandhanee Magu, Male’, +960 322338 divegear@goldenjet.com.mv MA SERVICES

NALAHIYA

Nalahiya Trading Pvt Ltd is a leading importer of building materials in the Maldives.

The company imports cement, coarse and fine sand, roofing sheets, plywood, GI pipes, gypsum boards and others. M Faaroshige', 8th Floor, Orchid Magu, Male', +960 333 1999, marketing@nalahiyatrading.com

MA SERVICES is a market leader in the sale, installation and maintenance of highpressure breathing air equipment, and is the authorized distributor for brands such as BAUER, Scubapro, Analox, HATZ. G. Veyoge, Husnuheena Magu, Male', +960 331 0935, maserv@dhivehinet.net.mv, maservices.com.mv OCEAN GROUP

PROMINENT RESOURCES

Prominent Resources Pvt Ltd was established in 2011 and has built a reputation as an importer of hardwood and other related items direct from Malaysia, Indonesia and New Zealand. M. Onigandu (1st Floor), Muranga Magu, Male', +960 333 3707, marketing@prominentmaldives.com RAINBOW

Established in 1990, Rainbow Pvt Ltd is a building service provider that caters to the Maldivian market. The company's extensive portfolio of products include furniture, roofing materials, sanitary-ware and fittings, kitchen systems, electrical products and paint. G.Maarana, Alikilegefaanu Magu, Male', +960 331 6914, sales@rainbow.com.mv

Ocean Group Maldives founded in 1998 is now one of the most successful premier dive and water sports operator with an impressive 20-year track record and many innovative launches. Customizes bespoke experiences for discerning travellers seeking truly unique dive and water sports experiences and have partnered with some of the best luxury resorts in Asia with the highest standards of sustainability and eco-tourism. +960 300-4649 go@oceangroup.mv SILVER SANDS

Silver Sands Pvt. Ltd. has been in the inbound travel business since its inception. In 2005, the Company expanded into resort-based recreational activities and has been investing in and managing dive and water sports operations at 11 luxury resorts in the Maldives. Chandhaneege, 2nd Floor, Alhivilaa Magu, Male', 20292, +960 301 7777, sales@silversands.com.mv

SONEE HARDWARE

Sonee Hardware is one of the largest hardware businesses in the Maldivian market. They offer a broad range of products, from hardware to kitchen tools. The company which started from 1970 since then has grown from one outlet to six.

Sonee Building, No. 7, Ibrahim Hassan Didi Magu, K. Male, Maldives, +960 333 6699, info@sonee.com.mv 49

Hotel Insider

SQUID MALDIVES

Squid Maldives is a leading company operating in the distribution of diving equipment and services. The Male’ based company is the sole authorised distributor of Mares, Coltri, DAN, and SSI services in the Maldives. Squid Maldives, Shop #1/29, Chandhanee Magu, 20189, Male, +960 723 9458, sales@mare.mv

Electrical, Energy, Water FSM

Established in 2000, FSM is a comprehensive fuel service provider that continuously seeks ways of improving its services and efficiencies through latest technologies and best practices. FSM works vigorously to improve their capacity and meet the challenges and the ever-growing expectations of their customers. Fuel Supplies Maldives Pvt Ltd, STO Aifaanu Building, 4th Floor, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, Maldives, +960 333-6655

LE CUTE LIFESTYLE

Lintel Investments and Management Services Pvt. Ltd. is a wholly Maldivianowned company registered and operating in the Maldives as one of the country’s leading distributors of luxury fashion, beauty and lifestyle electronics brands. Le Cute Lifestyle Electronics is the official distributor for Panasonic, BOSCH Home Appliances, Electrolux, Marshall and Bowers & Wilkins brand of products in the Maldives. M. Faamudheyrige, Orchid Magu, +960 301 0200, info@lintel.com.mv, lintel.com.mv REEFSIDE

ILAA

ILAA aims to provide environmentally sound world quality products to the resorts of the Maldives to protect and preserve the delicate environment. The company provides renowned quality products for clean power, solid and liquid waste management and electric vehicles. Lot No: 10637, Zone: M2-24, Onugas Magu, Hulhumale’ 23000, +960 335 5751, info@ilaamaldives.com, ilaamaldives.com

Reefside Maldives is recognised as a leader in selling original watches and electronic products in Maldives. Reefside is the authorized service centre for LG, Sony, Bose and Nikon Electronic products in the Maldives and offers local and international after sales service guarantee. KKM Building, 03, Orchid Magu, P.O. Box 20189, +960 332 3545, reefside@reefsidemaldives.com, reefsidemaldives.com STATE TRADING ORGANIZATION (STO)

MWSC

Established in 1995, Male’ Water and Sewerage Company is the pioneer organization in the Maldives to institute a water production and wastewater management system. MWSC has become a multi-disciplinary engineering and manufacturing organization, providing engineering solutions for integrated utilities. Fen Building, 5th Floor, Ameenee Magu, 20375, Male, +960 332 3209, pr@mwsc.com.mv, mwsc.com.mv PLANKTON ENGINEERING

STO group, with its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, is a national leader in business. It also focuses on petroleum, cooking gas, construction materials, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, home appliances, electronics, supermarket products and insurance. STO Head Office Building, Maafanu, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male', +960 334 4333, info@stomaldives.net, sto.mv

Event, Lighting, Sound

Plankton Engineering is one of the well-recognized names in the Maldives for designing, assembling, and supplying high quality panels. These include metering, generator control panels, high voltage panels, VFD Panles. The company builds and assembles electric panels in their workshop in accordance with industry quality standards. 1st Floor, H.Thonada, Janavaree Magu, 20045, +960 330 3678, info@ plankton.com.mv, plankton.com.mv

AZIDON

STATIC COMPANY

DOAV

Static Company Pvt Ltd's primary objectives are in the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering and water treatment. The company’s main activities include the design. contracting, supply of power generation and distribution of equipment, etc. M.Huraa, Fareedhee Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 331 0313, info@static-company.com THE HAWKS

One of the leading fuel supply companies in the Maldives, the Hawks' services include fuel supply to inhabited islands, resorts, industrial and commercial projects, as well as sales and distribution of fuel related equipment. Bunkering services are provided both domestically and internationally to fishing vessels, ferries, safaris, cargo ships, cruise vessels, super and mega yachts. +960 334 0949, info@thehawks.biz URBAN INVESTMENT

Urban Investment Pvt Ltd is a distinguished supplier of electrical home appliances and is also one of the leading resort suppliers. The company operates three shops in the capital, Male', having a variety of products ranging from electric kettles to air-conditioners and generators. Urban Investment Pvt Ltd, Neena, 2nd Flr, Keneeri Magu, Male’, +960 331 7019, sales@urbaninvestment.net VAMCO

VAMCO's vision is to create long lasting solutions that customers will appreciate.

The company prides itself in creating customized packages (product solutions) for fishermen, cargo-vessels and for inter-island ferry operators as well as playing a role in bringing mobility to Maldivians. +960 332 1169, marketing@vamco.com. mv, vamco.com.mv

Electronics & Accessories ASTERS

Asters is a leading provider of high quality and affordable home and office furniture, electronic appliances, technology products and office supplies. Also supplies home, outdoor furniture, office furniture, IT solutions, stationery, office supplies and equipment. +960 3316464, sales@asters.com.mv 50

Hotel Insider

Azidon specialises in sound reinforcement, stage lighting and turn-key events and projects in Maldives. Azidon’s technical planning and process-oriented approach aims to deliver a flawless result that will impress. Azidon Pvt Ltd, H. Maafilaage, Ground Floor, Kaasinjee Magu, Malé, +960 330 0999, info@azidon.com

DOAV makes it possible to monitor and manage equipment, building management systems, scheduling, security, lighting, shades, HVAC, and energy consumption in real-time, all from a single dashboard to maximize system uptime, optimize investments in people, technology, and spaces, and ensure a great user experience.

Ground & 1st Floor, H. Fennaage, Buruzu Magu Male', 20054, Maldives, +960 3009600, info@doavonline.net, doavonline.net EVENT MALDIVES

EVENT MALDIVES is a team of young, creative and passionate professionals with extensive experience in events and entertainment. The objective is to make each and every event a unique experience. These include live shows, live events, ceremonies, exhibitions, product launch events and various other events. sales@ musicworldmaldives.com, musicworldmaldives.com

Food & Beverages AIRSEAFOODS

AirSeaFoods is a hotel, resort, restaurant & supermarket supply company, specialised in all kind of food, delivered from anywhere in the world to your place and/or your business, at a fast reliable way, with the best possible prices in the market. M. Baaranaage Hulhangubai, Majeedhee Magu, Male, Maldives, +960 333 2889, export@airseafoods.de, airseafoods.de ARIES MALDIVES (PYRAMID)

Pyramid was founded three decades ago and is one of the leading distributor for fast moving consumable goods (FMCG) in Maldives. Currently the main lines of products are juices, coffee, teas, biscuits, pasta, baked beans, cooking chocolate, flour tortillas etc. Representing some of the finest international brands and committed to serve resort market in Maldives for more than 30 years. 1st Foor, STO Trade Centre, Orchid Magu, +960 3328658 marketing@ariesmaldives.com BESTBUY MALDIVES (BBM)

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), is a leading supplier to resorts, offering top brands and solutions. BBM is continuously evolving in line with the changing needs of its clients and is one of the most innovative supply operations in the Maldives.

Aagé 2nd Floor 02-02, 12 Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé , 20094. +960 332 0850, hello@bb-mld.com CITY INVESTMENTS

City Investments (Pvt) Ltd was founded in 2002, and deals in bakery products.

It deals with some top F&B brands including Pregel Gelato and cocktail products from Italy, Darbo fruit jams from Austria, Fentimans soft drinks from England, Truchillo Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans from Italy and various other products. City Investments, Orchid Magu, Male, +960 799 0558, info@city.com.mv, city.com.mv CYPREA

Formed in 2014, Cyprea F.N.B Private Limited is a subsidiary company of the ‘Cyprea Group’. Having associated with reputed brands from many parts of the world it is an emergent supplier for a range of dry, frozen, beverage and specialty products to the local market and resort sector. ‘The Cyprea’, 66/17, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, Maldives. +9603013032, info@cypreafnb.com.mv EURO MARKETING

Founded in August 1997, the main purpose of Euro Marketing Pvt. Ltd. is to deliver daily merchantable non-alcoholic beverages and other snacks to the rapidly growing tourism industry of the Maldives. Additionally, serving consumer grocery retailers as well as restaurants, hotels, resorts and other food service establishments. Ma, Favourite, Chandhanee Magu, K. Male', +960 332 0022, euromarketingmaldives.com FANTASY STORE

Fantasy Pvt Ltd supplies food selected from international locales. Products include fruit, wine, meat, pastries, cereals and others. 1st Floor, M. Velaaluge, Fareedhee Magu, Male', +960 332 4668, fantasy@dhivehinet.net.mv HAPPY MARKET

Happy Market Trading Company Pvt Ltd (HMT) is a premium food and beverage importer & distributor operating in the Maldives. The company has exclusive distributorship of several world renowned F&B brands. M. Newplot, Ameenee Magu, Male`, +960 331 3523, info@happymarket.com.mv, happymarket.com.mv

UNITED FOOD SUPPLIERS

United Food Suppliers (United) is one of the fastest growing businesses in the Maldives specialising in supply, storage and distribution of temperature controlled foods mainly geared towards the resort industry. United Food Suppliers, 5th Floor, M. Alia Building, Gandhakoalhi Magu, Male, +960 330 0777, info@ufs.com.mv VB BROTHERS

VB Brothers is one of the top FMCG distributors in the Maldives. The company has the ability of acquiring world's top brands such as Mars chocolates, Kellogg’s cornflakes, Johnson & Johnson products and Lo’real and Garnier products directly from their sources. VB Brothers Pvt Ltd, MF Building, 9th Floor, Chandhanee Magu, Male', Maldives, 960 330 3329, rsd@vbbrothers.com.mv

Engineering & Marine AS MARINE MALDIVES

AS Marine Maldives, a joint venture between AS Marine Dubai and Coastline Investment Pvt Ltd offers a range of services from boat repairs to refurbishments of boats’ structure and systems, with a wide range of boat types and brands. AS Marine Maldives provides complete solutions from the drawing board to delivery. +960 799 8590, info@asmarinemaldives.com HASSAN MARINE

Established in 1999, with a service center specialising in repair, installation and maintenance of out-board engines, Hassan Marine is the exclusive distributor in the Maldives of Mercury Engines, Quicksilver Parts & Accessories, Attwood Marine Products, NGK Spark Plugs, Seafirst Steering Systems and many more.

M. Kakolhas, Izzudheen Magu, Male', +960 300 7044, info@hassanmarine.com, hassanmarine.com MTCC

LILY ENTERPRISES

Lily Enterprises mainly focuses on handling and distributing several internationally renowned brands, as well as marketing and promoting them in the Maldives.

Additionally, the company is recognised for its efforts in providing efficient service and effective marketing strategies. These have made it one of the leading authorised distributors for prominent international brands. Ahmadhee Bazaar, Male' 20182, +960 332 3236, info@lilyenterprises.com

Maldives Transport & Contracting Company (MTCC) provides a diversified range of products and services, such as construction and project management services, logistical operations, modern transport services, engineering and docking services and an extensive range of reputed products. 7th Floor, MTCC Tower, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 332 6822, info@mtcc.com.mv OFFSHORE

MADIHAA COMPANY

MADIHAA Company is a leading importer and distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Maldives. The company has diversified into other areas such as frozen products, confectioneries, household items and beauty products recently, becoming a shopping hub for the retailers throughout the Maldives. M. Dharavandhooge Uthuruge, First Floor, Lainoofaru Magu, 20223, Male’, +960 332 8827, madicom@dhivehinet.net.mv, madihaa.com SEAGULL FOODS

Seagull Foods specialises in the import, wholesale and retail of food of the finest quality, in regards to fresh produce as well as processed food. Seagull Group also runs an agricultural and fisheries project on the island of Maafahi for fresh fish products and produce. G, Thundi, Ameenee Magu, Male' +960 334 3663, foods@seagullmaldives.com SIMDI RESU

SIMDI Resu is a leading supplier of restaurant and bar products such as the prestigious Sambonet and Matfer ranges. The company also supplies leading Italian coffee brands and automatic coffee machines. Established in 1988, SIMDI Resu has become one of the most successful and competitive suppliers of cost effective, state of the art, quality resort-ware. H. Casia, Kasinjee Magu, Male’ 20-044, +960 333 4483, resu@simdi.com, simdi.com STANDARD AND ORIGIN (S&O)

Standard and Origin, (S & O) dedicates in the food & beverage suppliers through being the brand equity and innovation. Among the tourism industry of Maldives, by becoming the Exclusive distributor of worlds famous brands like KraftHeinz, Kimberly Clark Professional, Del Monte, Pasfrost, Mydibel, Etc. Standard & Origin Pvt Ltd H. Sifa, 5th Floor Boduthakurufaanu Magu Male', +960 301 5544 sales@sno.com.mv.

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Hotel Insider

Offshore's main focus is on the design and construction of safari yachts, dive boats, ferries, 4th generation fishing vessels and speedboats. These include hi-tech high-speed crafts and cargo carriers as well. Additional services include designing sophisticated yachts and boats, project costing, stability reports, turnkey boat building, supervision of projects and inspection, and consultancy. sales@offshore. mv, offshore.mv

Furniture & Flooring ALLORA PAN HOME

Allora Pan Home is the sole distributor of a leading Asian furniture brand "SB" in the Maldives. Visit Allora's showroom to experience the many options available to make your home a place of comfort and style. SB products are reputed for their design, quality and value for money. Allora Pan Home, Hithaffinivaa Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 332 5105, info@panocean.com.mv DAMAS

Damas Pvt Ltd. provides a wide range of products and services including real estate development & management, logistics & moving services, IT services, food and beverages, construction and fabrication materials, and resort equiptment such as cutlery and crockery, hotel linen, cold room items & implements. +960 333 3000, info@damas.com.mvdesign EVO

EVO is dedicated to providing high quality, creative interior solutions to meet the needs in interior planning and designing. As exclusive distributor of Germany’s top brands such as Nolte Kitchens, Express Kitchens and Csshmal, Evo Home aims to offer clients the best of furniture technology in the Maldives. evohome.mv

PALM GLOW

ROSEWARE

SPECTRA

SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS

IT Solutions & Networking

Internet, Telecommunication, TV

Palm Glow provides hygiene and maintenance solutions while continuously reassessing the commitment to professional hygiene and maintenance, to ensure that the customers are always up to date with the latest in technology, and is always supported from inception throughout the relationship cycle. Ma. Uthuru Innaage, 5A, Nikagas Magu, 20164, Male', +960 300 9700, palmglow.com

Spectra PLC is an interior product supply and service provider, specialising in ceilings, laminate and wooden floors, window tints, carpets, rugs, wallpaper and many more such products. They have a wide range of experience designing everything from government buildings, education institutes, theater and convention centers, to bedrooms. Faamudheyrige, Maafannu, Orchid Magu, Male’, 20209, +960 333 0099, info@spectra.mv

CLICK COMPUTERS

Click Computers is a reputed IT company providing turnkey IT solutions. It offers the latest IT solutions to multinationals, government agencies, private sector parties including hotels and resorts. The company deals with major brands including Dell, Acer, HP, Samsung, Apple and Asus among others. M. Borneo, Male', +960 334 2002, sales@clickmaldives.com COMPUTER PLUS

Computer Plus Pvt. Ltd is a leading vendor of computer products & services in the Maldives. It aims to provide a comprehensive and wide range of services and products to fulfill the requirements of the information technology sector from system design, procurement, and installation to maintenance of computer hardware as well as providing regular and custom software. M.Send Rose, Iskandharu Magu, Male', +960 333 4862, sales@computerplus.com.mv DHIVEHI VIUGA

Dhivehi Viuga (DV) is a network infrastructure solution provider that offers stateof-the-art service through a mixed team of local and foreign professionals with the mission of delivering unparalleled service and support to both the Maldivian and international markets. H. Soanary, 5th Floor, Boduthakurufaamu Magu, 20026 Male’, +960 334 4652, info@dhivehiviuga.com ETALK

Etalk Pvt Ltd provides customers with a unique range of products and services that are fully customisable and suited to homes, local businesses, offices, shops and the hospitality industry. The company designs, installs and services surveillance systems, access control systems, networks, business automation. Husnuheena Magu, 2002 Male', +960 3329132, sales@etalk.com.mv LINK SERVE

RoseWare Corporation Pvt Ltd was established with the objective of providing bestof-breed IT solutions for small and midsize businesses, with skills, resources, and expertise to give clients a recognizable edge while opening up a world of powerful resources. Ma. South Shine, Chandhenee Magu, Male', +960 330 8554, info@rosewarecorp.com

Serving since 2010, Systems Solutions Pvt. Ltd is an international software development and consulting company. Services provided by the company include IT consultancy, software development, offshore development, outsourcing services, ERP implementations, Content Management Systems (CMS), mobile application development and web development. M. Alia Building, 7th Floor, Gandhakoalhi Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 301 1355, info@solutions.com.mv

DHIRAAGU

Dhiraagu is one of the largest telecommunications operator in the country offering total solutions and a comprehensive range of mobile, internet, data and fixed line services throughout the Maldives. With nearly three decades of excellence and a proven record of success, we provide mobile, enterprise and fixed broadband services. Dhiraagu Head Office, Ameenee Magu, P.O. Box 2082, 20403 Male, +960 332 2802, 123@dhiraagu.com.mv MEDIANET

Medianet is one of the largest pay-tv broadcasters in the Maldives with over 30,000 subscribers. The company has an ever-increasing client base and content. Medianet has acquired the license and rights to the best available contents for this region, and offers impressive packages separately for the hotels and resorts in the Maldives.

Medianet Pvt Ltd, H.Sisil Hiya (Second Floor), Majeedhi Magu, 20071, Male', +960 332 0800, customerservice@medianet.com.mv OOREDOO

Ooredoo Maldives provides an extensive range of innovative voice, data and high speed broadband internet services tailored to the growing needs of today’s consumers and businesses. Ooredoo's services include fixed & wireless broadband internet, total resort solutions, mobile money services, and smart solutions.

Ooredoo made history by launching the first ever and fastest 3G & 4G networks in the Maldives. H. Sunleet, 5th Floor PO Box 2196 Boduthakurufaanu Magu Male', +960 961 1000, 929@ooredoo.mv, ooredoo.mv

Logistics & Transportation ASIA FORWARDING

Link Serve Pvt Ltd is the one-stop shop for IT and security requirements. It handles installation & maintenance of CCTV systems, door phone systems, Local Area Networking, PABX Systems, access control systems, time & attendance systems, motion detectors, fire extinguishers, installation solar power systems, installation of alarm systems. Link Serve brings Maldives closer to the growing innovations and technological advances in the world today. +960 300 3000, helpdesk@linkserve.com.mv

Asia Forwarding is intimately acquainted with the carriers in all trade lanes so that they can direct your cargo in the most suitable way, whether your goal is to minimize freight costs, obtain the best packing, storage and warehousing, or meet seemingly ‘impossible’ deadlines. Asia Forwarding is a didicated team of professionals attending to your needs in a professional manner. +960 334 3041, info@theasiaforwarding.com

MAXCOM

CENTURION TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS

Maxcom Technologies was established in 2005 and is now one of the foremost IT hardware and IT solution centres in the Maldives. It also distributes the brand Dell and offers a variety of products and services such as storage and networking, tablets and laptops. Apart from providing IT equipment, the company also repairs and services computer systems. H. Fuhkafa, Sosun Magu, Male', +960 333 0034, sales@maxcom.com.mv

Centurion PLC's operations revolve around shipping, freight management, warehousing, distribution, logistics management, ship ownership & management, protection & indemnity. Providing reliable and effective transport solutions to the shipping and airline industry, specializing in the delivery of cargo to any location within Maldives. The company operates from three locations in the Maldives, covering the nothern and southern ports. Faamudheyrige, Orchid Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 333 8530, info@centurion.mv, centurion.mv

PERSONAL COMPUTERS

LEO TRADING

Established in 2008, Personal Computers is one of the most reputed names in the IT sector of the Maldives. With two outlets in key areas of Male’ and a dedicated service center, the company provides a comprehensive range of technology solutions that enhance the IT experience of their customers. Personal Computers ensure that the products are 100% genuine and meet the expected quality standards. For inquiries call +960 3003033, info@personalcomputers.mv, personalcomputers.mv

Leo Trading Pvt. Ltd. started its operation in the early 2000s. The key expert areas of the company include leasing of heavy construction equipment, shipment clearance, cargo clearance, discharging shipments, excavating, back filing & compacting, and constructing underwater pipelines and sewerage systems. Leo Trading Pvt. Ltd, M. Three & One, Haveeree Hingun, Male', Maldives, leo@leotrading.mv, +960 300 6638 Hotel Insider

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LITUS

GLOBAL FIRE SERVICES

TTS

PESTEX MALDIVES

Established in 2012, Litus Maldives Pvt Ltd is a project logistics management company delivering cost-effective solutions throughout the Maldives. The company develops comprehensive project logistics and construction materials and resort supply service plans tailored to meet specific requirements of customers. M. Manaaziruge, Majeedheemagu, 20305, Male’, +960 300 3999, info@litusmaldives.com, litusmaldives.com

Global Fire Services Pvt Ltd is dedicated to protecting lives, properties and the environment from the perils of fire. With highly qualified professionals, latest technologies and years of experience, the company uses modern fire prevention methods and progressive public safety education for the benefit of the community.

M. Kadhuruma, Fandiyaaru Magu, Male’, Maldives, +960 301 6616, info@gfsmaldives.com, gfsmaldives.com

Total Transport Solutions is one of the leading shipping, freight forwarding & logistics service providers in the Maldives. They offer a range of products and services varying from liner agencies, feeder operations, airline GSA, vessel husbanding and project cargo logistics. 7th Floor, Ma. Maadheli, Majeedhee Magu, Male', +960 301 1888, info@ttsgroup.mv

PestEX Maldives is engaged in importing and distributing pest control products to both domestic and corporate clients. Additionally PestEX Maldives is a trusted pest management service provider of many corporate bodies such as resorts, restaurants, safari boats, commercial and industrial sites etc. PestEX Building, Neeloafaru Magu, Galolhu, 333 8009, info@pestexmaldives.com

Office Supply & Printing Services

PESTERMINATORS

Pesterminators Pvt. Ltd. is not just another pest control company that sells chemicals. Pesterminators is a unique concept developed by Agro Services with the motive of being the one-stop-shop for all pest control requirements. +960 334 2930, info@pesterminators.com.mv

ASRAFEE BOOKSHOP

Asrafee Bookshop was established in 1976. Since then the company has earned a reputation for offering a wide range of products from stationery, educational materials, books, art supplies and so on. Asrafee Bookshop, Chaandhanee Magu, Male', +960 332 3424, asrafee@asrafee.com CHANDLIER

Chandelier Company Pvt Ltd is a stationery and office equipment supplier in the Maldives. The company deals with government offices, schools, banks, organizations, hotels and resorts as well as the private sector. +960 332 7858, sales@chandelier.com.mv

SAVIOURS

Saviours Pvt. Ltd. is a customer oriented company, intending to serve the market need for a professional and customer focused security and safety solution provider.

The company emphasises services and support, as well as offers a wide range of quality products which are innovative, state-of-the-art and price competitive. +960 799 9966, info@savioursmaldives.com

Travel Agent & Tour Operator

M7 PRINT

M7 Print Pvt Ltd. was established in December 2007. The company's products and services include offset printing and production of eco-friendly paper shopping bags and other products and solutions. It is one of the largest printers in the country proving retail and wholesale services across all the economic sectors.

M7 Print, Ameeneemagu, Male', 20033, +960 330 7787, print@m7maldives.com, m7maldives.com NOVELTY PRINTERS & PUBLISHERS

Novelty Printers & Publishers Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 1965 by Mr. Ali Hussain as a home business. From manual stencil to letterpress to offset printing, the company today is one of the nation's largest and leading providers of printing, publishing and related services. M. Utility, Male, 20340, +960 331 8844, printers.novelty.com.mv, novelty.com.mv

ACE TRAVELS MALDIVES

Ace Travels Maldives provides both inbound and outbound tours in the Maldives.

The company is a fully owned subsidiary of Aitken Spence Travels Pvt Ltd. Aitken Spence Travels is a joint venture between Aitken Spence PLC and TUI Travel PLC. Ace Travels Maldives, H. East Light, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male', +960 3338026, sales@acetravelsmaldives.com CANOPUS MALDIVES

Canopus Maldives offers a range of services to clients, including destination management through Aqua Sun, which offers complete solutions to inbound services to the Maldives. Moreover it supplies award-winning Atomix and AlMakreb brand speedboats through Surpass, who also supplies Italian coffee and coffee makers for homes, restaurants and offices. +960 332 1079, info@canopusmaldives.com

PROCURE PLUS

Procure Plus supplies office stationery, including printers, printer toner & cartridges, and computer accessories, tea room facilities, cleaning appliances and document solutions at competitive prices. Penton Villa, Male', +960 332 6220, sales@procuremaldives.com, procuremaldives.com

Safety and Security ANTIFIRE

CAPITAL TRAVEL & TOURS

Capital Group is a network of companies owned and managed by the principle company Capital Travel & Tours Private Limited, established in 1991. The company's primary actvity initially was to operate as an in-bound travel agent in the Maldives. Today, Capital Travel has well over 500 partners around the world. M. Banff Villa, 4th Floor, Majeedhee Magu, Male’, +960 331 5089, capital@ dhivehinet.mv, capitaltravel.com

Antifire Maldives deals with various safety products including fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, fire hose reel systems, dry riser systems, hydrant systems and automatic fire suppression systems. The company works with clients to plan and design fire safety and security equipments and systems that are highly relaible, dependable, safe, affordable and environment friendly. G. Graces, Male', +960 331 0322, admin@antifiremaldives.com, antifiremaldives.com

SPLENDID ASIA

GAGE

SUNLAND TRAVEL

GAGE Pvt Ltd provides security with round the clock coverage and ensures the safety of their clients. The company's services are rendered by skilled professionals in an organised and disciplined manner. GAGE takes care of resort and hotel fire safety with their daily, weekly, and monthly inspections and reporting. H. Noomuraka, 1st Floor, Hadheebee Magu, Male', +960 330 4055, projects@gage. com.mv, gage.com.mv 53

Hotel Insider

Splendid Asia is a tour operator based in the Maldives. The company offers tours of the Maldives' beautiful beaches and divespots while offering a range of activities and sports. Splendid Asia is dedicated in promoting the cultural and natural treasures of the Maldives. G. Kasthoorige, Male', +960 331 2460, info@splendidasia.com, splendidasia.com

With more than 30 years of experience in holiday operating, Sunland Group diversified to Sunland Journeys in 2014. Sunland was established in 1988 and its travel arm arranges personalised journeys for travellers via Singapore Airlines. The company is focussed on using its knowledge to ensure that their travellers get the best deals, hotels and guidance. H. Moonlit Villa, 1st Floor, Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Male, +960 331 0031, airsvc@sunland.com.mv, sunlandjourneys.com

VOYAGES MALDIVES

Established in 1980, Voyages Maldives is one of the leading travel and tour companies in the Maldives. Voyages has over 30 years of invaluable experience in the industry and is labelled as one of the largest companies of its kind. Voyages offers a wide range of exclusive services to travelers from around the globe. M. Narugis, Chaandhanee Magu, Male', +960 332 2019, tours@voyagesmaldives.com, voyagesmaldives.com

Wellness COSMERC

Cosmerc Maldives Pvt Ltd is a company with several years of experience. The company's collection features a wide range of organic shampoos, shower gels, body lotions and other cosmetic and beauty products. Cosmerc supplies room amenities to over 45 resorts and offers very competitive prices. M. Naka, Jambu Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 991 5588, sales@cosmerc.com, cosmerc.com DUNIYE SPA

Duniye Spa, a leading spa-wellness management & consultancy company in the Maldives, was founded in 2002 by a group of international hotel owners with the vision to provide a special place for holistic well-being and world class spa treatments. Duniye Spa, Champa Building, 3rd floor, 20187 Male', Republic of Maldives, T. +960 664 3157, duniyespasdirector@meeru.com MEDICAL SWISS BEAUTY

Medicsl Swiss Beauty allows customers to unwind and enjoy the benefits of beauty treatments in a centre devoted exclusively to health & rejuvenation. H. Starlit Villa (Ground Floor), Abadhah Fehi Magu, Male', +960 797 500 SERENA SPA

Serena Spa: a haven of peace & tranquility set against the ambience of natural beauty, for those who wish to relax, restore and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit.

Operating in 9 locations in the Maldives, Serena Spa's boutique offers an eclectic selection of spa products, including incense, massage oils, bath blitzes, burners and more. Serena Spa Pvt Ltd, M. West End, Male', Maldives, +960 331 3866, maldives@serenaspa.com

Hotel Insider

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