Fiya - March 2015 by ImyKyo

ISSUE NO. 6

FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

THE SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI Located a 45-minute scenic seaplane ride from Male in the unspoilt Noonu Atoll, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi rises like a pearl out of the Indian Ocean. Set within 52 acres of white sands and exotic flora, here guests are immersed in a timeless culture. From the intuitive detail and personalised service that creates the most beautiful of memories, to the sublime ambience that permeates each unforgettable taste, touch and experience, at Iru Fushi the incredible awaits.

Dedicated Passion www.thesunsiyam.com T +960 6560591 F + 960 6560592 E info@thesunsiyam.com

Enjoy your yout stay in one of the most Historical Atoll's in the Maldives, with us...

Tel: +960 689 8721 Fax: +960 6898020 equator@dhivehinet.net.mv www.equatorvillage.com

FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Issue #6, Volume 3 / April 2015

MANAGING EDITOR

Mohamed Mamduh info@perspective.mv CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Maryiam Athiza Athif Nashiu Zahir

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Fathimath Lamya Abdullah, Nashiu Zahir, Aysha Naseem, Maryiam Athiza Athif, James Hancock, Iselle McCalman LAYOUT & DESIGN

Ali Imran Mohamed

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE SALES AND MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Aminath Ali

FLYME EDITORIAL MANAGER

Iselle McCalman IMAGES COURTESY OF THE FOLLOWING

Flyme, Amilla Fushi, MWSRP, Carpe Diem, Duniye Spa, Eco Islands Maldives, Somerset Hotel, Melody Skye, Gertjan Van Veert, Shaahina Ali, Wikipedia, Shutterstock PRINTER

Novelty Printers and Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Maldives

Mash-hood Abdulla

Published by Perspective Pvt Ltd for Villa Air / FlyMe Perspecitve Pvt Ltd 3rd Floor, Emerald Building, 2032 Koli Umar Maniku Goalhi, Male, Republic of Maldives, info@perspective.mv www.perspective.mv

THE COVER

Villa Air Pvt Ltd 5th Floor, Villa House, 20181 Kandidhonmanik Goalhi, Male, Republic of Maldives, www.flyme.mv

Artist: Kareen Adam Title: Maakanaa Medium: silk screen on paper Size: 18.2 x 24.4 cm Limited edition of 4 Prints Flying over the Maldivian archipelago is a serene experience at it inspired this artwork. For most of the journey I become mesmerized by the vastness of the ocean heaving and flowing thousands of meters beneath me. I wonder if the maakanaa (crane) meditating by the shore feels the same way as I do sitting up above in the sky. This artwork was created for Fiya, Flyme’s inflight magazine. ABOUT THE ARTIST

Kareen is a Maldivian visual artist. Having spent half her life living between Maldives, Sri Lanka and Australia Kareen’s works reflect ideas about transitions, migration and cultural assimilation. Themes about sense of belonging and home often emerge in Kareen’s work. This fluctuation between multiple physical and mental spaces is explored using printmaking – Kareen’s primary medium of expression amongst drawing, painting and mixed media. The processes involved in printmaking lend itself to the concepts Kareen expresses in her work, both in its production and aesthetics. Recently Kareen has developed a range of handmade, hand-printed products under her own label “Kudaingili”. Kareen has a diploma in Visual Arts and a postgraduate degree in Psychology. You can contact Kareen for commissions by email kareen.adam@gmail.com and follow her work on Facebook www.facebook.com/KareenAdam.MKA or website www.kareenadam.com

CONTENTS

Male’ Guide

Evolution of the Maldivian Script

Annual Review of Whale Shark Research

The History of Gan

HCP Bell’s The Maldive Islands - A Review

Have you seen the Flying Whale Shark?

Wonders of Ari Atoll

Belle Amie Bistro

Carpe Diem

Airport Beach - Munich Residence

Amilla Fushi

Island Playlist

Mezzo Mohamed

Turtles of Maldives

Holistic approach to wellness

Technology Review

FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE EDITORIAL



WELCOME ONBOARD FLYME ‫ ވިލާއެއަރ‬،ު‫ ވަނަ އަހަރުގެ ފުރަތަމަ ކުއާޓާރ ނިމުމަކަށް އައުން ގާތްވެފައިވާއިރ‬5102 ީ‫ މި އަހަރަކ‬.ެ‫ފްލައިމީއަށް ވަނީ ވަރަށް ގިނަގުނަ ކާމިޔާބީތަކާއި ކުރިއެރުންތަކެއް ލިބިފައެވ‬ ު‫އަހަރ‬

ަ‫ވަނ‬

5104

،ު‫އަހަރަށްވާއިރ‬

ަ‫ވަނ‬

ާ‫ފެށިތ‬

ް‫ހިންގަނ‬

ި‫މިކުންފުނ‬

564 ަ‫ އަދި ޖުމްލ‬.ެ‫ ފަސިންޖަރުން ދަތުރުކުރައްވާފައެވ‬332,000 ީ‫އަޅުގަޑުމެންނާއިއެކު ވަނ‬ ް‫ ފްލައިޓ‬072 ް‫ ޑޮމެސްޓިކް އެއާރޕޯރޓަށް ހަފްތާއަކު މަދުވެގެނ‬7 ،ު‫ގޮޑީގެ ޖާގައާއިއެކ‬ .ެ‫ދަތުރު ކުރުމަށް ތާވަލު ކުރެވިފައިވެއެވ‬ ް‫މީގެ އިތުރުން ފާހަގަ ކޮށްލެވޭ އެންމެ ބޮޑު ކާމިޔާބީއަކީ ވިލާއެއަރ ފްލައިމީގެ ފްލީޓަށ‬ ެ‫ މިއާއިއެކު އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގ‬.ެ‫ މަރުކާގެ ދެވަނަ މަތިންދާބޯޓު އިތުރުކުރެވުމެވ‬ATR72-500 ާ‫ ދަތުރުވެރިންގެ ތަރުހީބު ލިބިފައިވ‬،ް‫ހިދުމަތް ފުޅާކުރުމުގެ ގޮތުން ދަތުރުތައް އިތުރުކޮށ‬ ެ‫ފްލައިމީގެ ދަތުރުތަކާއި އަރާމާއި ފެންވަރަށް ބަދަލެއް އައުމަކާ ނުލައި ފްލައިމީގެ ދަތުރުތަކުގ‬ .ެ‫ހިދުމަތް ފޯރުވައި ދިނުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ލިބިގެންދާނެއެވ‬ ީ‫ އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ ފުރަތަމަ ސީޕްލޭން ވަނީ މިހާރު ރަސްމ‬،ު‫ދިގު އިންތިޒާރަކަށް ފަހ‬ ،ި‫ އެގޮތުން ފުރަތަމަ ސީޕްލޭން ޕްލެޓްފޯރމް ވަނީ އަރިއަތޮޅު ދެކުނުބުރ‬.ެ‫ދަތުރުތައް ފަށާފައެވ‬ ެ‫ މި ދަތުރު ތަކުގެ ސަބަބުން ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގ‬.ެ‫ސަން އައިލެންޑް ރިސޯރޓް ކައިރީގައި އަޅާފައެވ‬ .ެ‫ރަށްތަކުގެ ރީތިކަން ތަފާތު ގޮތަކަށް މަތިން ބަލާލުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ލިބިގެންދާނެއެވ‬ ް‫ފްލައިމީގެ މި އިންފްލައިޓް މެގަޒިންގެ ކަވަރުގެ އައު ފަރުމާ އަޅުގަޑުމެންނާއިއެކު އާންމުކޮށ‬ ް‫ ދިވެހި އާޓިސްޓުންގެ ހުނަރުތައ‬.ެ‫ދަތުރުކުރައްވާ ފަސިންޖަރުންނަށް ފާހަގަ ކުރެވިދާނެއެވ‬ ެ‫ އެކުރެހުންތެރިންގެ މަސައްކަތް މަޝްހޫރުކޮށް ފުޅާކުރުމަށް ހިއްވަރެއް ދިނުމުގ‬،ާ‫ދައްކާލ‬ ެ‫ މިގޮތުން އަޅުގަޑުމެންގެ މެގަޒިންގ‬.ެ‫ނިޔަތުގައި އަޅުގަޑުމެން މިވަނީ މަސައްކަތް ފަށާފައެވ‬ ާ‫ކަވަރުގެ ކުރެހުމުގެ އަސްލު ބައްލަވައި ގަތުމަށް ހައްދަވަންވީ ގޮތުގެ މައުލޫމާތު އެތެރޭގައިވ‬ .ެ‫ކުރެހުންތެރިޔާގެ ކޮލަމްއިން ލިބިވަޑައިގަންނަވާނެއެވ‬ ް‫އަޅުގަނޑުމެން ކެނޑިނޭޅި މިމަސައްކަތް ކުރަނީ ތިއެންމެހާ ލޮބުވެތި ފަސިންޖަރުންނަށ‬ ެ‫ ފްލައިމީ އާއިއެކު ކުރައްވާ ކޮންމ‬.ެ‫ވީހާވެސް ފެންވަރު ރަނގަޅު ހިދުމަތެއް ފޯރުކޮށްދިނުމަށެވ‬ ު‫ދަތުރަކީ ދަތިތަކާއި ނުލައި ހިތްހަމަޖެހުމާއި އެކު ކުރެވޭ ދަތުރަކަށްވާނެކަމުގެ އުންމީދާއެކ‬ .ެ‫ތިޔަފަރާތުން ދެއްވާ ތަރުހީބަށް ޝުކުރުދަންނަވަމެވ‬ ،ް ‫ރިލުވާން ޝަރީފ‬ ީ ‫ ފްލައިމ‬/ ‫ ވިލާއެއަރ‬- ‫މެނޭޖިންގ ް ޑިރެކްޓަރ‬

As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2015, Flyme has already seen some exciting achievements and developments. In 2014, its 4th year of operation, Flyme transported a total number of 332,000 passengers and can now boast a seat capacity of 264, with at least 175 scheduled flights a week to 7 domestic airports. Another milestone was the addition of our 2nd ATR 72500 to the fleet. This expansion means we will be able to cater for the growing demand by increasing frequencies, without compromising on the comfort and style our passengers have become used to. After a long wait, our SeePlane operation has officially commenced its commercial operation. With the first floating platform installed near Sun Island in South Ari Atoll, our passengers can enjoy a unique birds-eye view of the Maldives islands. However, flights can still be joined from Villa International Airport Maamigili as well. Our frequent travellers might also have noticed the new look of our magazine cover. We are happy to announce that Flyme has taken the initiative to work with local artists to promote Maldivian art. We hope that by featuring artists’ work on our cover, we can give local artists exposure and motivate them to promote their work. A very limited number of the original cover prints will be available for purchase. Please have a look at the artist column for more details. We are continuously striving to deliver the best services to you, our valued passengers. The Flyme team will ensure that the time you spend with us is enjoyable and hassle-free. Most of all, it is the commitment of everyone at Flyme to strive to maintain the safety and quality of our product and not compromise our standards as we grow and aspire for wider service to our passengers. Enjoy your flight, and I hope to see you soon on one of our services. Riluwan Shareef Managing Director - Villa Air / Flyme

FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Male’ Guide S Male is the bite-sized capital of the Maldives, a frenzied city dotted with tall multi-hued buildings, raucous streets and bustling cafés. The economic hub of the small archipelago, Male’ presents visitors with an experience distinct from that of resorts; it is fast-paced, brimming with people and traffic. For residents, there is simply no time to stop and stare, but there are quite a few charming places for the tourist to inspect at her leisure.

The Republic Square A vast open space, the kind of luxury you do not get in the city, the square is home to hundreds of pigeons, and quite possibly the largest iteration of the Maldivian National Flag. Opposite the square sits the country’s Defense Head Quarters. On one corner is the tall sky blue Police Head Quarters. The square is scorching during the day but is a nice spot to sit and relax late in the afternoon or in the evenings. The Chaandhanee Magu Souvenir Shop District An old district that has been around almost as long as tourism in the country, some of these shops are veritable institutions. Expect anything from t-shirts adorned with local batik art to shark tooth pendants to kitschy fridge magnets. And always bargain.

The Islamic Centre Just around the bend from the shopping district is the main mosque of the capital, and indeed, the biggest of its kind anywhere on the archipelago. Its official name, Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaan al-Auzam is a mouthful (Muhammad Thakurufaan is believed to be chief among those who liberated the Maldives from the Portuguese in the 16th Century). The majestic golden dome and minaret mould Male’s skyline; they are readily apparent as you approach the city. Friday Mosque and Minaret Just up the road from the Islamic Centre is another mosque, but not just any mosque, it is the most important heritage site of the country. Constructed in the mid-17th century, the Friday Mosque has been in continuous use ever since. The mosque is built mainly out of coral stone and features intricate coral carvings, a pinnacle of Maldivian craftsmanship. Its interior displays fine lacquer calligraphy and decoration, among the best in the country. The local carpenters who carried out the roofing and other woodwork have their graves in the eastern part of the mosque. The minaret is believed to be constructed in the fashion of those in Mecca at the time. It was built on the orders of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar. The Friday Mosque complex has been on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage List since 2008.

The National Museum The museum was first opened in the fifties by the then Prime Minister Mohamed Amin Didi. The current Museum building, funded by the Chinese Government, is housed in Sultan Park. It features relics from the pre-Islamic era and various royal artefacts, including sunshades, thrones and slippers worn by Maldivian royalty. The museum is also home to a fragment of moon rock from the US Apollo mission to the moon. There is a cover charge of 20 Rufiyaa per adult, but it is definitely worth the money. Sultan Park The biggest park in the capital and once part of the palace grounds; it is an excellent place to seek shade and sip a cold drink amid the tall trees, rarities in the concrete choked city. A banyan tree close to the museum seems to intrigue tourists. The park is also home to the National Library and the museum. Artificial Beach Area This is the only ‘beach’ to be found in the city, it is a place to cool off and enjoy some food. No bikinis, but you can catch the rays in shorts and a tank top. Surrounding the horse-shoe shaped beach are various restaurants that serve International cuisines including Indian, Thai and Italian. Raalhugandu This area on the eastern edge of the city is where the cool kids hang out, catching the waves or contemplating the sea over cigarettes and energy drinks. Obviously a place for surfing, and getting to know the genial folk of the local surf community.

Dhivehi Malaafaiy Located close to Sultan Park, on Rahdhebai Magu, Dhivehi Malaafaiy is a restaurant specialising in Maldivian cuisine. It is a great place to unwind, smoke a shisha and check out a wealth of uniquely Maldivian dishes. Try Garudhiya and Bai, a local staple consisting of steamed rice, fish broth, homemade chili paste, lime and onions. Alternatively go for Kukulhu Musamma, a delectable dry chicken curry, moderately spicy but edible and enjoyable even for those with a western palate. Carnival Area Further up, in the eastern part of the island, there is another place for local fare, especially breakfast and ‘short eats’, finger food consisting of fish balls and samosa-like snacks called ‘Bajiyaa’, to be had in the evenings. They also provide some local interpretations of international fare; check out the ever popular nasi goreng.

FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Evolution of

the Maldivian Script Fathimath Lamya Abdullah

These “Lōmāfānu” Copper Plates written in Evēla Akuru dates back to the 12th Century

Although the Maldives is renowned for its exquisite natural beauty worldwide, there is still much unknown about the country. Who the first settlers were, and what caused the inception of the Dhivehi language and the various Dhivehi scripts are uncertain. These are a mixture of puzzle pieces many have attempted to put together. Based on the little archaeological remains that have endured the many centuries, and reliable texts from renowned travellers and adventurers, it is believed that Maldives has been inhabited for at least 2500 years, ever since the Indians began long seafaring journeys, as the Maldives lay in the middle of an important ancient marine route. Therefore, Maldivians are a mixture of many races, descended from seafarers of the ancient times; Indians, Sri Lankans, Chinese, Europeans and Africans. Thus, our language and script are the result of a wide variety of these influences that have also shaped the country’s culture as we know it. Ancient Maldivian scripts resemble and share many similarities with those of our neighbouring countries. It is believed that many of the changes our script underwent were brought about intentionally, as a measure taken to maintain some originality and authenticity reserved to Maldivians. Furthermore, these changes may have come as a result of attempts to preserve and protect our traditions and religion as well.

The oldest texts found in the Maldives were written in Evēla Akuru. H.C.P. Bell, who was a British civil servant stationed in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1890, and later appointed as an archaeologist, claimed that Evēla Akuru bore similarities with the Sinhala script. Evēla shows similarities to South Asian scripts such as Elu, Tamil and Malayalam’s Vatteluttu. Accordingly, all these scripts are deemed to be related, sprouting from, or from the branches of an ancient Indian script called Brahmi. Evēla can be seen on ‘Lōmāfānu’ (copper plate grants) and in inscriptions on ‘hiriga’ (coral stone) dating back to the Maldivian Buddhist Period. It is written from left to right, and was used even after the Maldives embraced Islam in the year 1153, when the last Buddhist King converted to Islam. To this day it remains a mystery when Evēla evolved to Dhives Akuru, and when Maldivians actively started to use it as a substitution for Evēla. Both scripts share a lot of similar characteristics, with one being that they were both written from left to right. Furthermore, both Dhives and Evēla letters give an “a” sound in their default state, even when fili (signs that give the vowel sounds) are not added to them. Indeed, to get the other vowel sounds, fili has to be added to the letters.

It is speculated that our nation changed its script completely to reinforce Islam and incorporate its ways better into the Maldivian culture. This change is speculated to have happened during the reign of Al Sultan Musa’faru Muhammed Imaadhudheen Sireekula Sundharu Siyakaa Saasthura Mahaaradhun during the early 18th century. The Sultan deemed that the Maldives was in need of a religious reform, and he worked, alongside the well-educated, to implement Thaana as the official script, written from right to left like Arabic. Noted scholars Hassan Thaajudheen and Mohamed Siraajudheen both highly familiar with Arabic, and both known to be advisors to the Sultan, are assumed to have played a crucial role in inventing Thaana. Additionally, it is also assumed that the Sultan ordered the change, or at the very least gave permission for the change, since the Maldives was a monarchy back then, an individual would require the Sultan’s consent to bring about such a reform.

A letter written in early Tahana Akuru. Dates back to the early 18th Century

A Dhives Akuru document written in 1626 AD

Dhives Akuru was used throughout the nation, till the late 18th century, when Thaana, the modern Maldivian script, completely replaced the Dhives Akuru in 1778. The oldest Thaana writings are seen in documents that date as far back as 1705. However, it is believed that it was already used by the southern atolls on a larger scale even before then, though there is no fool proof evidence backing this up. During the years preceding the formal transition, Thaana was also known to be used in official documents of the government. It is widely accepted that Thaana, which is written from right to left, was introduced to better integrate Arabic words into the Maldivian script. The order of the Thaana alphabet follows no apparent logic as it doesn’t follow the order of the Arabic nor Indic scripts. It is further unknown if all the letters of the Thaana alphabet were invented at once, or gradually. The first nine letters of the Thaana alphabet are derived from the first nine Arabic numerals, while the next nine letters are derived from the local Indic numerals. The remaining letters were probably derived from phonetically similar native consonants, with the exception of ‘yaa’- the Thaana equivalent of ‘y’, as there are no assumptions or speculations regarding its origin so far.

FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Annual Review of

Whale Shark Research James Hancock

The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) released its Annual Report in March, detailing the organisation’s key research findings and community engagement outputs. We’ve gathered together a selection of the best research bits to give you an overview of the work that Flyme is helping to support! Between February 2014 and February 2015, 308 whale shark encounters were logged and environmental parameters recorded by the MWSRP. This was supplemented by an additional 388 sightings contributed by guides on resorts and tourists themselves, bringing a total haul of data from 696 encounters – that’s just shy of two encounters per day! No wonder South Ari atoll is one of the world’s premier whale shark viewing sites!

PHOTO BY MELODY SKYE

The laser-photogrammetry rig in operation. It provides very accurate lengths in an unobtrusive way

Citizen scientists ‘underestimate whale shark size’ The MWSRP uses a sophisticated technique to measure the whale sharks called ‘laser-photogrammetry’, relying on underwater lasers to accurately project a known length onto the shark from which an equation can be used to calculate how many times that distance fits into the overall length of the shark. Using this technique, the determined average length of a whale shark seen this year was 5.89 metres (≈ 20ft). This ties in very closely with last year’s average of 5.97m and again continues to reaffirm what we are beginning to understand about this whale shark population.

From the results collected by the MWSRP team, we know that all these sightings represent a total of just 50 individual whale sharks, of which all but 5 were already known to the team from previous years. This is very representative of the understanding of the whale sharks in this area, as the same sharks are seen year after year with only a few new additions joining the population each season. What was really exciting for the MWSRP though, was the contributions from others via the Big Fish Network. In all, 15 new sharks were identified from photos submitted by ‘citizen scientists’, showing the value of having many eyes on the reefs over the course of a year. Also true to form, the gender bias of these new sharks remained resolutely male. Four were photographically confirmed as male, with the team unable to confirm the gender of the final one. Overall though, the gender bias of positively sexed sharks for this whole period lay at 93.6%, slightly less than the overall average of 96%.

Another, much simpler technique to measure sharks is simply to make an ‘eye-ball’ estimate of the length. Now, the MWSRP team have had many hundreds of encounters with whale sharks over the years and also benefit from finding out daily how close their estimates are to the actual length provided by the lasers. Even so, the experienced team’s best effort average for whale sharks over the year was 5.75 metres. Rather surprisingly, the average estimation of size from citizen scientists was less, at just 5.17m. That’s a little over 10% less. This is surprising for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s a compliment to the system of averaging that the accuracy is that close! There were some wild estimations amongst the maximum and minimum outliers! Secondly, it was long suspected that people first seeing a whale shark underwater would be ‘blown away’ by its bulk. Add to this that underwater objects appear 25% bigger and closer and for the uninitiated a whale shark is a mightily impressive object and so it was expected that people would grossly overestimate the size. One explanation could be that everyone is used to seeing sharks around about the average length, so when a rarer, smaller shark turns up they actually underestimate it’s size! This is the first year that citizen science estimations have been included in the results and MWSRP is fascinated to find out whether this is going to be the case next year, too.

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PHOTO BY ECO ISLANDS MALDIVES

PHOTO BY DOUWE DE GRAAF

The nearly 2m ‘Strapless’ showing his entanglement

Released unharmed, this ‘neonate’ shark is one of the first recorded in the Maldives

Special Recordings Citizen scientist members of the Big Fish Network contributed some standout whale shark encounters during the February 2014 – February 2015 period. These encounters expand on the known range or population make-up of sharks previously reported to MWSRP and add lots of questions to the importance of the Maldives to this species. In November 2014, Eco Islanders Maldives reported a ‘neonate’ whale shark in the Maldives. Estimated at just 1 metre long, this juvenile was at most a few months old. Captured amongst floating flotsam by fishermen and brought ashore to be photographed it was released unharmed the same day. Its discovery sparks exciting questions about the possibility of pupping areas in the western Indian Ocean for this species. This individual entered the MWSRP’s whale shark database as ‘WS217’ and was called ‘Noomaa’ or ‘Blue Flower’ by the fisherman that found it.

The wounds caused by the strap are visible after it is released

In April 2014 divers from the liveaboard vessel MV Carpe Diem encountered a whale shark estimated just under 2 metres in length and which was entangled in a plastic box strap which was threatening to constrict its future growth. Already causing open wounds on the sharks back and pectoral fins, the divers successfully removed the strap by hand. WS208 ‘Strapless’ was added to the database. The new year is still young and the collaboration between Flyme and MWSRP brings exciting potential for future discoveries. We will continue to report these as they occur, but should you wish to learn more about the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme then you can find us on our website, www.mwsrp.org or follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/mwsrp

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PHOTO BY ISELLE MCCALMAN

Sunset as seen from Gan Airport

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THE HISTORY OF GAN A unique story of modern-day exploration

Some people might, or might not, know that the British had a Naval and Airforce Base in the South of the Maldives during the years of occupation. The story of GAN remains an interesting part of not just the British Empire expansion, but also of the Maldives. Gan, located in Addu (previously Seenu) Atoll – the most southerly atoll in the Maldives, is also the second largest island of the atoll, after Hithadhoo, and measures 2.2561 square kilometers (0.87 sq mi) in area. Gan (not to be confused with two other Maldivian islands of the same name, Gan (Huvadhu Atoll) and Gan (Laamu Atoll)) was formerly inhabited, but its inhabitants were moved to neighbouring islands in the atoll after the British naval and airbase was built. It has had continuous human habitation since very ancient times. There were large cultivated fields of yams, manioc and coconut trees on this island. Approach into Gan Airport PHOTO BY ISELLE MCCALMAN

Ideal location in the Indian Ocean Britain first made contact with the Islands in 1887 by means of a letter from the Governor of Ceylon, representing the Crown. Subsequently, many expeditions visited Gan and in 1941 plans were laid to make use of Gan for the purpose of then shore based ‘Fleet Air Arm Squadron’, this being under Naval control. By early 1942, work was started on the first airfield by the Royal Engineer Company Army Units and the help of the Maldivians. By late 1942 the first runway was complete, this running NW/SE and being 1,600 yards long. Not long after, a second runway was completed. This one being slightly shorter at 1,200 yards and running NE/SW. A third strip was never completed. The construction of the airfield was a lengthy process, undertaken by local manual labourers. First came the job of removing the top layer of loose soil and a minimum of 12 inches of lump coral was put down; then came 6 inches of 2 inch coral, this being covered with sand and coral dust. After this was well rolled and watered, a final layer of pea coral was spread over. All this was done by hand - it must have been tough for the Gan people of that period, but it was not in vain as the result was a hard, even surface and could take the landing of a fully loaded freight aircraft. Gan proved to be of great value during the Second World War, as the Japanese had over-run Burma and Malaya and at this time were also threatening India and Ceylon. Yet things were not quiet in Gan either, as Maldivians were re-housed in Feydhoo and Maradhoo and Gan was stripped of its mass of

Gan island and Addu atoll today – an attractive alternative in the Maldives

Addu Atoll GAN

palm trees and scrub to be replaced by guns. Within time, though, the Japanese were slowly pushed back in Malaya and Gan came to be of less importance and slowly the island was once again left in peace. The year 1957 brought the British back to the paradise island, this time with a slightly longer lease, a 30 year one. It took several years before a firm agreement was reached by the government and during this time the Islands witnessed an uprising by some of the Addu people, which started on the 1st of June, 1959. The reason for the uprising was general dissatisfaction over Government policies, particularly over taxation, the channeling of all trade through Male’ and fears that the government wished to restrict the locals from working for the R.A.F. This problem was solved though, and life settled down to a happy pace. Unfortunately for the inhabitants of Gan and the atoll, the islands were once again abandoned by the British when the Maldives became independent in 1976. Some of the old buildings, and war relics can still be seen.

Being so far south on the Maldives map, and having been subjected to the British influences for many years, the culture and even language of the people of Addu are vastly different from that of Male’ and the more northerly atolls. Fortunately, the Maldives government supported the development in Addu atoll. Today Gan has a hotel catering for tourists and is connected by causeways to the neighboring islands of Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo. The airport runway was restored, a new terminal building erected and the airport obtained ‘international’ status. The airport also boasts a flying school - the Asian Aviation Academy. The port is now a commercial port where many fishing vessels and safari boats dock. Resorts were built on the neighbouring islands and many guest houses are now being developed, which makes this atoll an attractive alternative to visitors. For keen divers, this is better than paradise as the remote location ensures uncrowded and pristine dive spots with a mix of ocean and lagoon reef diving. Getting to Addu: All flights are routed through Male’ to Gan International Airport where passengers are collected by safari boat, resort boat or taxi, depending on the end destination. The flight is about 1 ½ hours direct or sometimes flights are combined and first stops at another atoll airport. Information from various sources, but special thanks to maldivesculture.com

Tropical island airport PHOTO BY ISELLE MCCALMAN

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Amilla Fushi Home away from home Amilla Fushi literally means ‘my island home’ in Dhivehi. As the name suggests, Amilla Fushi is setting itself apart as the new home away from home located within the pristine environment of Baa Atoll, with a refreshingly modern take on the ultimate authentic Maldives experience. Conceived and managed by The Small Maldives Island Co., Amilla officially opened its doors at the end of March 2015. The luxury resort brings a new way of doing things to a destination that has found itself in a conceptual cul-de-sac. The island comes with a relaxed down-to-earth approach. Amilla provides a genuine, laid-back service, with all guests welcomed and flawlessly cared for by unstuffy, charismatic Maldivian Katheebs. Amilla is also all about guests enjoying the ultimate magical Maldives holiday experience, without feeling ripped off. There will be no stinging guests every time they open a bottle of water or connect to wifi to Instagram another pool selfie, then waving them off the island with a serious case of ‘bill shock’. This also means that there’s no ‘paywall’ deterring guests from making the most of the pristine UNESCO biosphere Baa Atoll. A 20-minute motorised water sports activity is included every day for every guest and unlimited non-motorised water sports activities are complimentary as well; guests can enjoy a daily 50-minute spa treatment as part of the room rate; and all child care is complimentary, from the Kids Club to au-pairs, and a free babysitting service. No need for parents to cost-control by parking their kids in front of the resort PlayStation for hours on end; instead families will be free to splash around to their hearts’ content, with a host of supervised fun and games ensuring an unforgettable, authentically aquatic Maldivian adventure. What’s more, Amilla’s house reef even boasts its very own renowned ‘Blue Hole’ dive site within snorkelling distance of the beach. The Small Maldives Island Co. has partnered with pioneering Dive Butler International to provide safe, seamless, luxury scuba diving services to new, beginner and experienced scuba divers alike.

Amilla Fushi comes with clean, contemporary architecture inspired by the simplicity of a traditional Maldivian house but with an added element of modernity. The priority when designing the resort was to keep everything natural and lush, and avoid destroying habitat or artificially expanding the island through dredging. The resort is home to more purpose-designed island houses of two or more bedrooms than any other Maldives resort perfect for families and groups of friends. All of the houses of one, two or more bedrooms have directly connecting rooms under one roof for total peace of mind. Spacious one and two-bed Beach Houses; 12-metre high, two-bed Tree Houses; and Lagoon, Ocean Lagoon and Ocean Reef Houses ranging between 200 and 600 square metres all have their own large pool and are to be complemented by 6 stunning bespoke Beach Residences of three to six bedrooms that are due to be completed by May 2015. Amilla Fushi is also setting itself apart with its food. The vision of ‘Island Restaurateur’, acclaimed Aussie chef Luke Mangan (described by food legend Anthony Bourdain as ‘the Michael Corleone of Sydney’s restaurant scene’) is to prepare the kind of food people really want to eat on holiday at a reasonable price. Out goes tray charge, starched-shirt service and linen, and in comes cocktails, barbecue flavours, zingy ceviches and tropical ingredients – realised to perfection at the relaxed over-water restaurant, Lonu. Curling around one of the biggest swimming pools in the Maldives, is Baazaar, the hub of the island. The Baazaar is a food ‘baazaar’ that gives guests the opportunity to indulge in diverse culinary offerings from around the world. The outlets at Baazaar include Fresh, Tapas, Grill, Baazaar Bar, Joe’s Pizza and even the first proper Fish & Chips shop in the Maldives. Guests are also free to grab some snacks from the island’s Emperor General Store, including fresh fruits and vegetables, deli style sandwiches and fine cuts of meat plus wine from Cellar Door wine shop, making Amilla Fushi a true ‘home away from home’ experience for foodies.

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Have you seen the Flying Whale Shark? The wait is FINALLY OVER!! Flyme has started the commercial flights of its SEEPLANE operation after a period of intensive training and preparation. Passengers can now have a bird’s-eye view of the Maldives in the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin. The Cessna Caravan amphibious aircraft, fitted with 7 seats and extra-large windows, makes it the ideal way to capture this unique archipelago. With the installation of the first docking platform near Sun Island, visitors to South Ari atoll can choose between a runway or platform operation. The installation of more docking platforms in various locations and other atolls - allowing passengers easy access to this unique experience - are being planned. You can SEE more with the SEEPLANE…

At a glance… AIRCRAFT Cessna Caravan B208 amphibious

Some of the first SeePlane

DURATION OF PHOTO FLIGHT 20 minutes

passengers excited about

MAX # OF PAX PER FLIGHT 7

their flight!

RATES Contact the resort where you are staying E-MAIL ENQUIRY AND BOOKINGS seeplane@flyme.mv SeePlane crew with the team from Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP)

Flyme teamed up with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), based in South Ari atoll, flying aerial surveys and also providing special Whale Shark Research flights in the SeePlane.

School children from South Ari atoll posing for a photo in front of the ‘Flying Whale Shark’ before their flight. They were participants in the Whale Shark Festival.

Undocking from the platform

Taking off… Taxiing

out

Through the huge windows of the SeePlane

SeePlane gracing the blue skies

WHY DON’T YOU JOIN US FOR

• Photo Flights • Sightseeing • Personalized charter trips • Whale Shark spotting … and many more

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Skin Care Tips Fathimath Lamya Abdullah

FoR HOT WEATHER The equatorial tropical climate is what makes Maldives so very attractive to those that live in colder, frigid temperatures. Especially popular as a getaway destination during the harsh winters, the hot and humid weather is regarded as a welcome change by most. However, this change that you welcome with good grace might not be something that your skin welcomes so willingly.

Humidity can be very good for your complexion, as the damp air aids rapid cell turnover, leaving the epidermis soft and supple. However, humidity can also cause you to sweat and this can aggravate acne-prone skin. Furthermore, skin conditions like miliaria, a heat rash that occurs when sweat ducts are clogged, or folliculitis, the inflammation of hair ducts caused by microorganisms, may arise from getting overheated.

Anyone that has lived in one place for long would have perfected a skin care routine down to the dot according to the skin type and climate. However, before a trip to Maldives you might want to re-think your skin care rituals for the duration, as the procedures that you follow in cold or warm places may produce some unwanted or harmful effects on your skin in the hot and humid Maldives.

There are several things that can be done to reduce the harmful effects of a humid climate on your skin before they even start. Though the treatments to the various skin conditions may be different, the steps to successful prevention are quite the same. All you need to do is adapt your skin care routine to best suit the humidity, and remain cool to ward off the scorching heat.

Moisturize Cleanse Humid weather can make your pores go into overdrive and produce more sweat to cool off your overheated body, which makes you more prone to breakouts, especially if you have oily skin. To avoid having oily skin full of excess sweat, wash your face at least once a day, using warm water and a non-comedogenic (does not blocks pores) skin cleanser. If you are prone to breakouts, you might also need to use an acne-care treatment that includes salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as these help to naturally dry up the oil caused by the humidity while treating the pimple causing bacteria. However, as these will increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, it is advised to use them during night time. In a situation where you feel extra sweaty, just splash some lukewarm water on your face. This will wash away the sweat and open your pores without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.

No TOUCHING While you might experience an urge to wipe away the sweat and succumb to its complimentary itchiness, it is something that you must never do in humid weather. The ostensibly innocent action only spreads the dirt and oil present on your face, and may even introduce bacteria, making the already bad situation worse. Rather than wiping the sweat off with your hand try blotting your skin with a clean tissue. You can also use an oil-absorbing, skin-blotting cosmetic paper, that’s often sold from cosmetic stores. These extra-absorbent items help to suck the oil and sweat out of your skin giving you a more matte appearance.

Exposure to the sun can dry out the skin on your face and body, and can increase the risk of skin cancer. It is best to use a moisturizer that contains a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 40 to protect your face and body from ultraviolet rays. It is advised to do this even on seemingly cloudy days in Maldives, as the weather here is quite unpredictable. When applying moisturizer on your face, skip the areas that produce the most oil, also known as the T-zone. The moisturizer may aggravate your already oily skin and make you more susceptible to breakouts. The T-zone generally covers your nose and the forehead right above your eyebrows.

EXOFOLIATE While you might experience an urge to wipe away the sweat and succumb to its complimentary itchiness, it is something that you must never do in humid weather. The ostensibly innocent action only spreads the dirt and oil present on your face, and may even introduce bacteria, making the already bad situation worse. Rather than wiping the sweat off with your hand try blotting your skin with a clean tissue. You can also use an oil-absorbing, skin-blotting cosmetic paper, that’s often sold from cosmetic stores. These extra-absorbent items help to suck the oil and sweat out of your skin giving you a more matte appearance.

STAY COOL One thing you must never be without in a humid climate such as the Maldives is a bottle of water. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself cool and hydrated. Additionally, it is best to wear cool clothing, nothing that will overheat your body or cause excessive sweating. Cotton and linen clothing is the most suitable choice, accompanied by a hat. Doctors also do advice to shower at least twice a day using anti-bacterial soap.

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HCP Bell’s

THE MALDIVE ISLANDS An account of

the physical features, climate, history, inhabitants, productions and trade

– A Review Nashiu Zahir

As to history, Bell admits that the early history of the country is inaccessible, which he attributes to the Maldives’ isolation and ‘comparative insignificance’. The Maldivians, he notes, did not have any known historical records of ‘antiquity’. He also mentions that a National Record styled Tarikh or Muskulhi foi, said to be preserved in the Sultan’s Palace in Male’, holds all important events and matters of state. This record has apparently been kept for centuries, and is written in the old Maldivian character – Dhives Akuru- and in the crude initial form of the modern script– Gabulhi Thaana.

Harry Charles Purvis Bell, 1890

Image wikipedia.org

he book is a brief but comprehensive account of the Maldives in the late 19th century, providing the reader with rich sketches of the country’s geography, history, its people, and economy. The author, HCP Bell, an Indian born British civil servant and archaeologist with a passionate interest in the country, published a few works on the Maldives, including the famous monograph on Maldivian history, archaeology and epigraphy. This edition, published by Asian Educational Services, a New Delhi based publisher, comes with several tables, a detailed, folded map of the Maldives and a small list of errata. In the introduction, Bell expresses his wish to do justice to ‘a people little known and less regarded.’ He is shocked at the ignorance of certain eminent parties (in matters related to the Maldives), including a particular standard geography treatise (Pinkerton’s Modern Geography Vol.1) that made authoritative yet uninformed statements. At the time of his writing, however, there were decidedly few authorities on the Maldives. Yet, in part by unearthing old colonial records in Colombo and through examining records of Ibn Battuta and the French explorer Pyrard, Bell has showcased a wealth of information on the hitherto neglected country. Bell is precise in locating the country, and the book starts in earnest with geographical coordinates, which few people at the time knew. It goes on to describe the physical aspects of the Maldives; its atolls, reefs, channels and islands and other geographical features are presented in good detail. In the chapter notes, he even speculates as to the origin of the name Maldives; mentioning four derivations of the name favoured by different writers. Bell expressly believes Ibn Battuta’s version – in which ‘Mal’ is derived from Male’, the Sultan’s island, and Diva (dwipa) from island – to be the correct one.

The conversion to Islam, Bell deduces from Ibn Battuta’s narrative, must have occurred late in the 12th century. He observes a close connection in the 14th and 15th centuries, between the Maldives and the thriving Muslim settlements on the Malabar Coast, most notably Cannanore. He further notes that the commercial prosperity and political influence of the Arab or Moorish traders, which peaked in the 12th or 13th centuries, remained considerable until they gave way to the ‘all absorbing powers of the West’, heralded by the Portuguese. Bell then goes over each period, from the Portuguese through to the English in some detail. At the end of the chapter is a handy table, indicating the Dutch and English governors of Ceylon and the contemporary sultans of the Maldives, starting from the 17th century.

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Regarding the inhabitants, Bell estimates the population of the Maldives to be around 30,000. He appears to believe that the population had been larger in earlier times, which Maldivians themselves believed to be the case. Maldivians are characterised as ‘inoffensive’ and ‘timid’, and a ‘naturally suspicious people’, which he attributes to their isolation. However, once they have confidence in a stranger, they exhibit an ‘excess of inquisitiveness’ that is often embarrassing to the outsider. He references Albert Gray, who quotes Ibn Battuta as saying the Maldivians are ‘sober, fairly honest’ and ‘naturally cheerful, with few wants and therefore inclined to be lazy and sluggish’. But Bell also quotes Pyrard who says, conversely, that the Maldivians are an ingenious, industrious lot who apply their skill successfully to all sorts of productions. Bell goes on to note the appearance of the islanders, their dress, habitations, education, marriage, employment and even burial rites, the latter which, according to Pyrard, deviates considerably from Islamic norms.

On the topic of trade, the book is well stocked with tables displaying the values of exports and imports to and from the British India and Ceylon. It is not surprising that even then, dried fish was the largest article of export from the Maldives. Ceylon was its principal buyer. Rihaakuru, which Bell has erroneously dubbed ‘fish blood’, was also exported to Ceylon in some measure, as were tortoise shells. Mention is also made of Maldivian currency. A fact that Bell (via Pyrard) finds particularly striking about it is that during Pyrard’s time, the sole Maldivian coin was a silver ‘larin’, which, he believed, was evidently copied from the eponymous Persian coin, which was then common throughout the East. The appendices at the conclusion of the book include lengthy tracts on the political status of the sultan, his dealings with the powers of his time, and perhaps strangely, the treatment of wrecks in the Maldives. Bell’s book is without doubt, a treasure to those interested in the history of the Maldives. It is insightful, and carefully written, if in dated style. It contains surprises for the ordinary reader of Maldivian history and displays an avid interest in a country that few in the West had known so intimately.

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WONDERS OF ARI ATOLL Aysha Naseem

“

PHOTO BY SHAAHINA ALI

Whale Shark spotting throughout the year

Ari Atoll or Alif Atoll is one of the largest atolls in the Maldivian archipelago and also a designated tourist development zone in the country. Geographically, the atoll is blessed with scores of islands and is enclosed by the best dive sites in the country.

Mr. Mohamed Fayaz, a PADI instructor at Dive Oceanus with an overwhelming dive portfolio shares his favourite 5 spots in the region.

For administrative conveniences, Ari Atoll is divided into North and South. South Ari Atoll, with its various world class dive sites is simply a diver’s paradise! Just outside the island of Maamigili in South Ari, is SAMPA (South Ari Marine Protected Area), featuring the only dive spot in the world where whale sharks can be spotted throughout the year.

“How many dives have you done?” I ask Fayaz, who has trained almost 1000 divers at different levels. “It’s definitely more than 10,000! I am sure because I stopped logging after 9000 but now it has definitely exceeded 10,000.” He spoke with thrill and enthusiasm in his eyes and voice. Retired from instructing, Mr. Fayaz currently manages the ogistic side of the dive centres.

DiveOceanus, one of the top dive operations in the Maldives has 4 centres across 3 atolls in the Maldives. Sun Island Resort & Spa, Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Fun Island Resort and Holiday Island Resort: each resort has a diveOceanus centre offering dive lessons to everyone from beginners up to PADI dive master certification. All of the diveOceanus centres are rated “5 Star Gold Palm” by PADI, and can easily access most of the best dive sites in Maldives.

Mr. Fayaz assures me that these dive sites, each unique in their own way, makes for an extensive dive experience of the Maldives, creating a memory lasting a life time. Easily accessible by boat, the travel times mentioned here are from Sun Island Resort & Spa, the largest and busiest of the four centres.

Bodu Finolhu Thila An outside reef in front of the small island of Bodufinolhu and a 40-minute boat ride away, this spot is a surprise awaiting you. If you are lucky you may get to witness a fantastic show just in a single dive. Schools of mobula rays, mantas rays, eagle rays and barracudas are found here while an abundance of reef fishes such as snappers, puffer fish and fusiliers are found on the main reef. Starting at 7 metres deep and sloping down to 30 metres, the main reef starts at 23 metres deep. Grey reef sharks are often found while white tip reef sharks are found throughout the year. Kuda Rah Thila Kuda Rah Thila is one of the most famous dive sites in Maldives due to its beautiful coral formation. A small reef with lots of both soft and hard corals, the site was declared a marine park in as early as 1995. A 40-minute boat ride away, Kuda Rah Thila is the most colourful dive site on the Dhigu Rah Channel and is 12-26 metres deep. With two huge overhangs covered in colourful sea fans and lots of pink anemones at the top of the site; this is a dive you shouldn’t miss! Its denizens range from jack fishes to blue striped snappers, giant groupers, shoals of bat fish, fusiliers and also white tip reef sharks. Five Rocks This beautiful reef is comprised of five deep coral blocks standing adjacent, creating narrow canyons to dive through. Though small, the reef is 30 metres deep and is one of the most stunning reefs in the area. Decked with both soft and hard corals of vibrant colours you also find sea fans and sponges apart from the plethora of marine life. Occasional guests include barracudas, white tip reef sharks, stingrays and tunas, while napoleon fishes and oriental sweet lips are found in abundance, offering you a delightful dive experience.

PHOTO BY GERTJAN VAN VEERT

Maamigili Beru This dive site in Ari Atoll, known as the “Whale Shark Point” is a mere 10 minute boat ride away from Sun Island Resort & Spa. Located just outside the local island Maamigili towards the channel entrance, the top reef starts at 5 metres and slopes down to about 30 metres. Though a long reef, it is an easy site to dive, and is one of the best sites to encounter both pelagic and schools of reef fishes. Chances of spotting a whale shark are extremely high and you may encounter one at any time of the year. In fact, it is best that you snorkel if you wish to seek that aesthetic pleasure of encountering with this magnificent creature. Other dwellers of the reef include mobula rays, manta rays, napoleon fishes, turtles and dogtooth tunas. Descend 15 metres deeper and you get to see moray eels and lobsters peeping though the holes. German magazine Tauchen listed Maamigili Beyru as one of the top 100 sites in the world because of the chances to spot a whale shark while Unterwasser, also a German magazine listed it as the 77th best dive site in the world. Rangali Manta Point From January through May, manta rays come around here for cleaning. Watch them cleanse with the help of small cleaner fishes at cleaning stations, but never pursue them. 50 minutes from Sun Island Resort & Spa, this site has a shallow top reef at 7 meters – ideal for beginners as well. Although mantas are seasonal, myriads of marine creatures such as napoleon fish, moray eels, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, giant groupers and turtles are found here throughout the year.

PHOTO BY SHAAHINA ALI

Apart from these areas, there are more than 50 designated dive sites in South Ari Atoll alone. From caves to underwater cliffs, canyons to ship wrecks; each site is unique. For many travellers Maldives is a once in a life time dream destination while diving enthusiasts frequent the country as much as once or twice a year, seeking an extraordinary and unforgettable dive experience each time.

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Belle Amie Bistro Nashiu Zahir

Huddled on the busy Keneree Road, just a stone’s throw from the National Museum is a small bistro operated by The Somerset Hotel. The entrance is paved, populated by a few marble-capped tables, a refuge for smokers. Inside the air-conditioned interior you are spared the day’s heat. The tall glass windows and glass panelled doors keep the sounds of the street at bay. The cosy, cream and wood interior of the bistro compliments the décor of the hotel; it seems a natural extension of it. Fareesha Hawwa, The Somerset’s general manager, describes it as a boutique bistro. “It’s a different kind of place, you won’t usually find youngsters who come for a coffee and a smoke here,” she explains. The bistro’s muted setting is more suited for families and business types. Inside seating is limited to 42 and on this particular afternoon, the place is tranquil but for the click of cutlery and the faint hum of the kitchen. Apart from the guests who stay at the hotel, the bistro attracts different kinds of clients. “We get many locals for our [English] high tea,” says Hawwa. “Quite a number of working foreigners frequent the place for lunch and dinner, especially the Thursday night dinner buffet. It’s a unique place. Our cuisine is quite different from what you’d get elsewhere in the city.”

The food served at the restaurant is a mixture of Asian and Western cuisine; its menu was put together under the guidance of a German consultant back in 2013. “It was he who suggested that we have the English high tea in the afternoon,” reveals Ganesh Kumara, the restaurant manager. The high tea has proved to be popular. Served between three and six in the afternoon, it features a selection of pastries and savouries, all prepared at the bistro. Unlimited refills of tea and coffee is part of the high tea experience. The restaurant also hosts a daily executive lunch buffet where diners can enjoy a three course meal, with mains made à-la minute, for a reasonable rate. The authenticity of its fare is almost a non-issue when it comes to Belle Amie bistro’s approach to food. “We don’t intend to serve food of a particular country that is exactly the same as what you might have there,” says Hawwa. “We like to add our own touches [to dishes]. For instance, you won’t get a Russian salad that tastes exactly like it does in Russia. We might mix it up with some local herbs, get our signature on it.” The bistro’s executive chef, Sathish Kumar is fond of mixing it up. “It would be boring to serve the same food,” he says. “A chef needs to experiment, to create new things, it is an art like any other.” Kumar is a man with over ten years of experience in F & B and is confident in the ability of his team to deliver. The bistro’s Nandur rolls and Kung Pao chicken are particular favourites of his.

“We’re very flexible and offer tailor-made services that meet the clients’ needs. We always try to exceed expectations.” When it comes to theme nights, however, the bistro is more guarded and conservative. The restaurant rotates Sri Lankan, Chinese, Indian and international themes over the month. “Each month’s Thursday begins with a Sri Lankan themed night,” says Kumara. “We cook Sri Lankan fare, like curries in clay pots, just like they do it in the villages. And the meals are served on banana leaves.” Chinese nights feature a variety of Chinese cuisine. “Any Chinese customer would immediately feel at home because of the variety of Chinese meals on offer,” he asserts. In addition to buffets and à la carte dining, the bistro has a few more services on offer. They undertake catering projects, and host small parties and wedding receptions. Private dining options are also provided and the bistro is able to accommodate special requests in terms of food and ambience. “We recommend things, such as a particular cuisine, to clients and make proposals based on their guidelines,” says Kumara. “We’re very flexible and offer tailor-made services that meet the clients’ needs. We always try to exceed expectations.” Despite its relatively recent opening, the restaurant has managed to foster a loyal customer base, according to Hawwa. It has also garnered rave reviews on Tripadvisor and often holds the number one spot in restaurants in the city and never goes below number two. “We’ve managed to build a great reputation,” she says. “We’ve been really well received by our customers. And we’ve received lots of new customers based on comments that we’ve got online.” Hawwa is confident that the bistro will continue to perform as it has, not least because it is paired with a sought after city hotel. “I don’t think that there is any looking back for us,” she says.

BOTTOM Upperdeck Restaurant, MIDDLE Whale Shark & Hussain Ozgur, Feb 2014, TOP Carpe Diem Birdseye / IMAGES BY CARPE DIEM

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LIFE ON A LUXURY SAFARI BOAT The other side of SUNNY MALDIVES

Iselle McCalman When I first heard the term ‘safari boat’ I was not quite sure what it meant. Where I come from, ‘safari’ and ‘boats’ don’t quite mix. A safari meant searching for wild animals in the bush. However, I soon learnt this is the local terminology for a liveaboard. I guess it involves the same kind of action - in this case one would be searching for marine life! Although the Maldives is known for luxury 5-star resorts, liveaboards represent another side to the tourist market in the country, adding an increasing number of tourists to the sunny shores every year. To understand the attraction of this kind of holiday one has to understand a diver’s addiction - the moment they step off the boat the next trip has already been booked. The only question seems to be which dive site and which boat. Some divers travel the world in search of yet another dive site, while others prefer to do the same sites for many years in a row. I know of divers returning to the Maldives for 15 consecutive years, always staying on liveaboards. It is therefore understandable that the boat charter industry has grown substantially during the past 10 years as a specialised provider for serious divers. With over a 100 registered liveaboards in the Maldives, it is a tough and very competitive market, so only the best survive. It is also a seasonal market dictated by the two main monsoon seasons, which means operators have to make the most of the approximately 7 months - from November to May - of drier, more stable weather. Some operate year round, where others prefer to utilize the peak season only. However, being the best does not necessarily mean being the most luxurious. Boats range in size and facilities and vary to suit all tastes - from laid back dhoni style, to 5-star cabins. And not all boats are exclusively for divers. Many welcome families and often stop at local islands for excursions. So when searching for that perfect dive holiday it will require some research to find your match.

Carpe Diem Maldives â&#x20AC;&#x201C; well-respected operator in the Maldives

Agnes van Linden, the Operations/Marketing Director along with her business partner and owner of the boats Amir Mansoor, manage the day-to-day operations from the Head Office in Maleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Passengers are met at the airport and transferred to the boat. Depending on where the boat is anchored, it might involve a domestic flight to a neighbouring atoll airport. On arrival at the boat, all guests are briefed and the boat operations explained. This also includes diver-specific information. Strong emphasis is placed on safe, yet enjoyable, diving. Both Carpe Diem and Carpe Vita are very wellequipped with large cabins and ensuite bathrooms, great meals and well-trained crew. Dive packages cover mostly the central Atolls like North and South Ari atoll, Meemu and Vaavu, but the boats also cater for special, longer itineraries to the deep south to Gaafu Dhaalu, Gaafu Alifu and Gan as well as to the north covering dive regions such as Baa, Raa, Noonu and Lhaviyani. During their 7 or 10 night liveaboard cruises, you will be assured to see and experience more than you could wish for. Both their vessels are accompanied by spacious diving dhonis (tenders) which are equipped with the latest gear and equipment to meet the ever growing demands of divers. Both dhonis have Nitrox membrane systems, a hot water shower and toilet, two fresh water showers, a camera rinsing tank, aluminium tanks (11.5 liter and 13.5 liters) free of charge and 15 liter steel tanks at extra charge upon request. And if diving is not your thing, you can always try surfing. In summer, starting end of April, the Maldives becomes a paradise for wave surfers. The Carpe Vita had her first surf charters in 2012 year. In 2013 both of the vessels catered for special surf charters during this period, offering itineraries especially chosen for an excellent surfing experience. Surf charters alternate with dive charters, but surfers are welcome to try their hand at diving. For more detailed information on the boats, scuba diving and surfing trips, schedules and itineraries check the Carpe Diem Maldives website: carpediemmaldives.com Tel: +(960) 3300883 | Fax: +(960) 3306747 Skype: mvcarpediem Facebook: fb.com/Carpe.Diem.Maldives.Fleet

BOTTOM Sun deck, MIDDLE Observing Mantas at Sunlight Thila, North Ari Atoll, TOP Carpe Vita Room / IMAGES BY CARPE DIEM

One boat operator that has made a name for itself in the Maldives is Carpe Diem Maldives. Now in its 7th year of operation it has served the local dive market with distinction. Divers can choose one of two boats: Carpe Diem or Carpe Vita with Carpe Novo due to start in 2016. You will be cruising in style, pampered by their crew, while scuba diving 3/4 times a day, guided by their experienced Maldivian dive guides.

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AIRPORT BEACH

MUNICH RESIDENCE Nashiu Zahir On the beachfront in Hulhumale’ stands the Airport Beach Munich Residencies; a striking, four-storeyed white building with blue tinted windows peering out at the road. The hotel has been in service for a little over a year, and the freshness of its construction is immediately apparent. Through its glass panelled ground floor, its restaurant and lobby are clearly visible from the outside as you approach it. Tables populate the sidewalk by the hotel, around which are seated guests, some sipping tea or having a smoke, enjoying the late afternoon. The beach is only a few feet from the hotel, a luxury enjoyed by most establishments nearby. The hotel is accessible, easy to get to if you have planned ahead. You may opt for a five minute ‘Express’ ferry from the Hulhumale’ terminal in Male’ for a speedy, scenic trip. The hotel will have the driver ready to pick you up in the company vehicle near the arrival terminal.

The lobby is cosy and inviting with grey sofas and a soft blue rug. The staff too are welcoming, ready to greet the guest with smiles, a cold towel and a zesty welcome drink. “It’s unmatched in terms of service,” says Hugo Mendis, the hotel’s general manager. Mendis has been in the hotel trade for close to three decades and has worked at properties in Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia. “We are very lucky to have a well-trained team with us,” he says. “We’re all about putting the customer first.” The place was built as a residential dwelling, and this is evident in the layout of the rooms. It lends a certain quirkiness to the hotel; rooms on each floor open out to a main seating and dining area, as you would expect in an apartment. These communal areas have sofas and big, high-definition televisions and are further enhanced by kitchenettes. “It’s notwhat is usually expected of a place like this,” says Mendis. “But it does make us stand out from the rest and it works well for groups of people travelling together. They have a bit of space to hang out and have fun.”

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The rooms themselves are compact and exhibit a white, grey and wood theme. They are well furnished, with luxurious beds, a small desk, and little white end tables. They all have small balconies. Their restrooms come with rain-showers, and, in two rooms on the VIP lounge on the third floor, spa bath features and bathtubs. The crown jewel among the rooms is dubbed ‘the owner’s suite’ and is situated on the third floor. It is considerably larger than the rest of the rooms and its balcony overlooks the beach and the sea, affording occupants an unobstructed view of magnificent sunrises. If money is no objection, this is undboutedly the room to go for. Upstairs on the terrace is a small, perfectly kept pool. “We’re the only hotel in Hulhumale’ with one,” says Mendis with a note of pride. The terrace also houses a little spa; a cosy affair, with wooden slats keeping out the sun, and floors made of little wooden blocks. Its two treatment rooms can each accommodate a single guest. The two Philippino therapists deliver a range of treatments including Balinese and Swedish massages. The spa is owned and run by the hotel.

The terrace also features a small sauna, which guests can access for a small fee. The terrace is the highest point of the hotel, and because of Hulhumale’s building regulations, all buildings in the area are permitted to be built up to four storeys. This is fine; it does not impede guests from enjoying the sweeping views of the sea. Guests can recline on comfortable deckchairs and soak up the sun. And on evenings this area can easily be converted into a romantic spot, where couples may enjoy each other’s company over private dinners. Dining is a pleasant experience at the hotel; its in house restaurant, Piquente, offers guests specialties from across the globe. “Our chefs are quite experienced,” says Mendis. “They’ve worked in food and beverage for years, and in various establishments around the world.” The chefs, according to Mendis, will be more than happy to accommodate special requests, even going so far as to make items that are not included in the menu. “Our lobster dinner is a particular favourite with guests,” enthuses Mendis. “We can prepare them in several ways to suit their taste.”

Like most hotels in the country, Airport Beach also conducts excursions. “We have sandbank, snorkelling and fishing excursions,” explains Mendis. “We also take guests to visit nearby [inhabited] islands where they can get a taste of local culture.” The excursions are conducted by representatives of the hotel, unlike most establishments where such tours and excursions are outsourced. “Outsourcing them would be easier for us,” Mendis admits. “But it might compromise quality. We need to be sure that each of our guests is satisfied.” Most excursions managed by the hotel close with a five course dinner, which Mendis believes is great for customer relations. “They really enjoy those dinners,” he says. “Even if they don’t catch any fish on the trip, we will have fish ready for them here.” With great service and its superb location, it is unsurprising that the hotel has garnered great reviews online, on booking sites and Tripadvisor. Mendis is visibly pleased with the ratings; he considers them rewards for his work. “They matter a lot to me,” he says. “It’s an honest indication of our performance. My goal is to exceed this level of excellence and go that extra mile for our customers.” CONTACT US

Airport Beach Hotel, Hulhumale’ Lot 10969, Maldives Tel: +960 3354949, Fax: +960 3353949 Email: info@airportbeach.mv, reservations@airportbeach.mv Website: www.airportbeach.mv

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ARUGAM BAY

Redefining Beachwear It’s a universal truth that great fulfillment comes with great risks. Who can know this better than surfers? Indulging in daring watersports whilst enjoying the picturesque view of the East Coast of Sri Lanka, a unique idea struck Ajay Vir Singh, the surfing and scuba diving enthusiast with a fashion background. He realized the potential of the geography with its exotic tropical touch and envisioned the fusion of design and style with the beach lifestyle.

Far from being a novice to the fashion industry, Ajai Vir Singh is an Indian living in Sri Lanka who founded Colombo Fashion Week, the Sri Lankan annual fashion event in 2003. Coming from such a strong background in fashion, he noticed a gap in the market for beachwear and footwear, seeing the usual trends in Sri Lankan fashion to be batik, sarees, and cocktail dresses. Eventually, Arugam Bay was born. “Arugam Bay started in 2008 because I felt Sri Lanka deserved a beach brand which was Sri Lankan yet very international, stylish and fashionable. I believe in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan brands, and so even the name represents that,” said Ajai Vir Singh, CEO and Director of Arugam Bay. It was the idyllic middle ground to fuse fashion into surf and beachwear by creating a unique brand with a design philosophy rooted in the sceneries, colours and music of Sri Lankan culture. With the lack of authentic local beachwear and surf wear brands previously in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay successfully became the pioneers in the industry. Arugam Bay products are different from other international beachwear brands like Billabong and Quiksilver in offering fashionable styles. The latter are more technical in range with little to no priority given to fashion, whilst a few other fashionable brands do not cater a range of surf wear. The rest are fashion brands which don’t offer beachwear; hence Arugam Bay arose as the unique brand with the perfect balance of fashion and technical details in Sri Lanka. Having already established its presence in India as well, Arugam Bay is now venturing into Maldives with great optimism.

Ajai Vir Singh CEO & Director of Arugam Bay

Products range from footwear, resortwear, accessories, beach and swimwear offering a wide array of choices to men, women and kids. “Our beachwear brands are enjoyed on the beach with innovative footwear and accessories such as trendy bags, and our surfwear brands can also be enjoyed in the water,” elaborated Ajai Vir Singh. Other footwear brands don’t design beachwear while most international beachwear brands don’t include footwear. Hence, Arugam Bay again has the balanced advantage of catering to tourists and surfers alike and was created with the intention to expand internationally, and never to be limited in Sri Lanka. Hence, being a contemporary stylish brand catering for the international market, Arugam Bay products can be enjoyed on any beach inter-continentally. “ Arugam Bay designs, colours and themes are not by the books. Each colour has its own unique name which often evolve from everyday objects and nature like Rainforest, Gauva, Coconut, Green Chillie, Coffee Brown, Angel Fish, etc. Bubble Gum coloured flip-flops are the trend amongst teenagers in Colombo since their launch in 2009 which revolutionized flip-flops into fashionable options. Tying up with Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, the number one European designer from Spain, was a groundbreaking collaboration for Arugam Bay in 2011 which strongly catapulted the maverick brand into international markets. The first collaboration was a footwear collection, followed by beachwear and a swimwear collection as well. Arugam Bay maintains its international standards with its choice of models. The face of Arugam Bay is Adam Flamer Caldera, currently New York’s hottest model from Ford Models, New York.

Challenges Arugam Bay faced have so far been in its logistics; namely production, marketing and sourcing and never involving any compromising on the quality of the products which always prioritized international standards from the very inception. Ajai Vir Singh was glad to add, “We are very confident by God’s grace that our designs are very contemporary in the world. You can wear it in Paris and feel this is well-designed by international standards. So that always holds us in a good position. So we are very excited to venture into the Maldives as it’s a hub for holidays on the beach.” As for the greatest accomplishment of Arugam Bay so far, Ajai Vir Singh is pleased to reveal, “I’ve never seen a brand rise and establish itself so soon within its first year.” The future looks promising with a wide range of variety to be added to the women’s wear and footwear. Ambitiously, Ajai Vir Singh envisions 500 stores to house this fun brand around the world traversing Paris, Milan and New York with no limitation to any single beach and intends to make it to New York Fashion Week as well.

Arugam Bay beachwear and accessories are exclusively distributed in the Maldives by Perspective Private Limited Tel: +960 7910858 Email: sales@perspective.mv Webiste: www.perspective.mv

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ISLAND PLAYLIST

Mariyam Athiza Athif

DHAALU RAA

by Ahmed Legendary Maldivian musician Ahmed’s Dhaalu Raa, released by Asasi Records in 2012, can be described as a transcendental union of local rhythms and western rock music, especially that of the 60s and the 70s. Tracks such as “Sihuru”, “Bakari” and “Rasge” blend rock electric guitars and drums with local elements such as traditional boduberu and dhandi. The mellower “Dhiyaanaage Huvafen” has slight hints of a Maldivian raivaru, the unhurried grunge like track “Fihivalhu” is rich with urgency, and the last track of the album “Sheyvaa” is reminiscent of Indian classical music, chant like and sublime. Dhaalu Raa is available for purchase from Amazon, iTunes, and other major online music stores. It’s also available from various outlets in Male’ including Island Music, Jazz Cafe’, Le Cute, SeaHouse Cafe’, and SeaHouse Brasserie. The album also streams on Spotify. The tracks “Bakari” and “Rasge” can be freely downloaded via SoundCloud.

NOTHNEGAL

by Nothnegal The Maldivian melodic metal band Nothnegal explores the mystical, mythical and spiritual in this self-titled 4-track EP, released in 2013 via independent record label Season of Mist. The EP seems to be a departure from Nothnegal’s melodic death metal past. It’s still dark and sullen, with plenty of electric guitar magic, moody keys, and heavy drumming, but it looks like elements from Maldivian traditional music are at the roots of this one. The opening track “Actuality” sets the tone for the EP with slithering hypnotic guitars, clean but powerful vocals and Maldivian traditional boduberu drums, which are featured on every track of the EP, creeping seamlessly in and out of the track. The boduberu groove plays a much more dominant role in the second track “Rannamaari”, a song exploring the Maldivian folktale about a sea demon while “Viha”, the only song in Dhivehi, could easily be the most potent one from the EP with some powerpacked, raivaru-like singing. The EP is available from iTunes and Amazon and can be listened to on Spotify as well.

ODIHANU

by Haisham Haisham’s Odihanu released in 2013 by Dinba Music features some contagiously groovy tracks and potent Dhivehi poetry. The tracks are predominantly rooted down in reggae, but comes with subtle touches of jazz, blues and Indian music. The album was recorded at Klangkantine Studio in Darmstadt, Germany, and was produced by German producer Chris Kling “Nurahka” which means ‘danger’ in the local language is probably the most dangerous track on the album, while “Furadhathuru” and “My Mistake” are easy going sunny affairs. Odihanu is available from iTunes, Amazon, and from outlets in Male’ such as Island Music, Jade Bistro, Jazz Café’ Lecute, SeaHouse, and SeaHouse Brasserie.

MALDIVIAN TRADITIONAL MUSIC FROM V.KEYODHOO

Vaavu Keyodhoo Rahvehi Club This 3-CD set released in September 2014 by Asasi Records packs in some of the most iconic forms of Maldivian traditional music; boduberu, thaara and raivaru. It sounds raw and live, and seems to have captured the ambience and energy of Vaavu Keyodhoo, the island on which the album was recorded. “Ishqi Haalathu” and “Ey Folheymaa” are two of the most energetic tracks from the album. They start off slow as most boduberu songs do, with slow drums and a lead singer leading his group of accompanying chorus singers, and gradually get intensified into a frenzy of singing and boduberu drumming. This gradual escalation is also mirrored on the thaara tracks, where thaara, a tambourine-like traditional instrument accompanies choral singing. The thaara track “Bismi Rabbi” is almost eerie, reminiscent of Indian chants and Arabic melodies, and the almost dissonant vocals could probably send some listeners into a trance like state of mind. The track “Maama” on which Mariyam Hassan, who was a hundred years old at the time of the recording, sings a Raivaru, a type of Maldivian traditional song sung to a certain melody without any accompaniment, is both evocative and beautiful. The album is available from Amazon, iTunes and all major online music stores. It can also be bought from various outlets in Male’ including Island Music, Jazz Cafe’, Le Cute, SeaHouse Cafe’, and SeaHouse Brasserie.

FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE It was during the early 1980s that Mezzo Mohamed got his first chance to perform at Olhuveli resort and he was also booked the same week to perform at a venue which was then known as Club 33. “Even back then I was leading the band. I was playing the drums. I asked my lead vocalist if we could play a particular Indian song which was very loud and involved lots of shouting and screaming. By the end of the song, quite a few tables had left because they didn’t like it, so we packed up our stuff and left” says Mezzo Mohamed while recalling the early days of his career. After this somewhat rocky introduction to the world of Maldivian resorts, Mezzo Mohamed decided to spend the next six months learning to sing English songs, as he realised that most resort guests preferred songs they already knew. Mezzo Mohamed learned the songs by ear, after buying LP records by the likes of Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley and The Shadows.

ARTIST PROFILE

MEZZO MOHAMED Mohamed Majid, popularly known as Mezzo Mohamed, is one of the most famous musicians in the Maldives, with a career spanning four decades. His talent has propelled him beyond performing in the tropical archipelago to gigs around the world. He was the first Maldivian musician to have his music played on MTV. We caught up with Mezzo Mohamed as he was preparing to play a gig at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa in North Male’ Atoll. Mezzo Mohamed, 49, tells us he got his first job as a musician at the tender age of nine. He taught himself to play drums, guitar and keyboard, and also to speak and read English, since his parents didn’t want him to go to school. “When I was young, education wasn’t so necessary in the Maldives and my parents didn’t want me to go to school to study,” recalls Mezzo Mohamed. “My brother used to take me with him when he travelled. He played across the Maldives and introduced Western-style music in the Maldives. I started out playing the tambourine and singing female songs, because I didn’t have a ‘male’ voice at that time, because I was young. We also used to play at houses during Eid from 1977 to 1979”.

“After that, we were playing at resorts five nights a week until today” says Mezzo Mohamed. “It was nice, because there were not many bands in the Maldives at that time so we got lots of work”, he says. “I would do anything for music. Even during the times when I didn’t have my own band, I never stayed jobless – I would work as a roadie, I’d play drums, I’d play guitar – anything to do with music”. Mezzo Mohamed has been performing for the last 21 years under the name ‘Mezzo’, both while playing solo and with his band. He has also appeared as part of the line-up for bands including Club Cobras, Born in Maldives, Quicksand, 20th Century BC and Cream of Acid. So far, he has released four albums which focus solely on his original music. “I sing in any language, according to the clientele,” says Mezzo Mohamed. “I can’t sing Robbie Williams for 150 Russians, they just don’t care,” he jokes. Mezzo Mohamed is keen to encourage young Maldivian musicians to try to follow in his footsteps. “Going to resort hotels is one of the greatest treats a local can have because they are not allowed to go to the resorts usually, and they can also attract international interest at the resorts” he says.

Mezzo Mohamed also expressed happiness regarding the fact that his children have followed his footsteps and have become acceptable musicians by the Maldivian standard. “I’m so happy now in this period of my life. I took my career seriously because a career as a musician looked to me like a beautiful life. The musicians were always the best dressed people in Male’. Their clothes looked good, their hair looked good – everything looked good, and that’s why I decided that their life was the best”.

Mezzo Mohamed admits not everyone approved of his choice of career, which sometimes caused some obstacles. But he is adamant that talented musicians should pursue their dreams. “My first girlfriend was told ‘He’s a musician – he’ll go to hell!’ but I don’t think music could hurt you” he says. “Some people also think that if you go to resorts then it means you drink, but I’ve never drunk or done drugs in my life. I’ve had dreadlocks, long hair, bleached white hair, crazy clothes – but I was always me, I never changed inside. It’s not your clothes or your hairstyle that makes you. I always knew who I was. I’m a Muslim and I am proud to be Maldivian”. His career continues to go from strength to strength. In recent years, one of his biggest gigs was playing to a crowd of approximately 2,000 in South Africa. Mezzo Mohamed was also presented with a national award in recognition of his contribution to the Arts. “I still believe I am the luckiest person in the music industry in the Maldives, because I have so many gigs offered to me,” says Mezzo Mohamed. “I have requests from the best bookers in the Maldives. I’ve played at different locations around the world with my band Mezzo including South Africa, Europe, and the Seychelles. It’s a beautiful experience to be able to perform in so many amazing places. Every gig I did abroad will stay with me forever.” When asked about his upcoming plans, Mezzo Mohamed, who is about to turn 50, says that he is trying to come up with a special 50th birthday gift for his fans.

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TURTLES OF MALDIVES

Turtles are a large part of the Maldivian marine life, and have been known to dwell in our seas since ancient times. However, the uncontrolled hunting, killing and exploitation of turtles for their shells and meat have led to a drastic decrease in the turtle population worldwide. The dwindling numbers are seen in the Maldivian seas as well, where five of the seven known turtle species can be found. Out of the five turtle species found in Maldives, the hawksbill and green sea turtle are the most common. The other three are olive ridley, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtle, the last is noted as an occasional visitor to the Maldivian seas as it doesn’t nest here as the rest of them do. Unfortunately all the turtles found in Maldives, and the rest of the world as well, are classified as either ‘endangered’, ‘critically endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’.

Fathimath Lamya Abdullah

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) This is one of the most common turtle species found in the Maldives and it’s known to live up to about 80 years. The green sea turtle is a large, weighty sea turtle that can weigh up to 317.5 kg and be as long as 1.5 metres. It has a wide smooth carapace or shell, and inhabits the tropical and subtropical coastal areas around the world. Unlike most sea turtles, adult green turtles are herbivorous, feeding on sea grasses and algae while juvenile green turtles feed on invertebrates, crabs, jellyfish, and sponges. These graceful swimmers are the only species in the turtle family unable to retract their heads into their shells. Mating occurs every two to four years and normally takes place in shallow waters, closer to shore. To nest, females leave the sea and choose an area, often the same beaches used by their mothers to lay eggs. They dig a pit in the sand and fill it with a clutch of 100 to 200 eggs, cover the pit and return to the sea, leaving the eggs to hatch after about two months. Green turtles are an endangered species.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Loggerhead sea turtles are another turtle species that frequent the beaches of the Maldives and they are now also threatened due to pollution, shrimp trawling and developments in their coastal nesting habitats. Loggerheads have massive heads, strong jaws, and a reddish-brown shell. They are primarily carnivores munching on jellyfish, conches, crabs and even fish but will eat seaweed and sargassum occasionally. Mature females will often return to the beach they were hatched on to lay their eggs, sometimes thousands of miles away.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Olive ridleys are named for their heart shaped shell, which starts out grey but turns olive green as they become adults. Olive ridleys are one of the turtles that nest on the Maldivian beaches. Known to live up to fifty years, these turtles are considered to be vulnerable to being endangered. These are solitary turtles that prefer the open ocean. They migrate as much as a thousand miles every year, and only come together for the ‘arribada’ or mass nesting. Females lay about a thousand eggs, and may nest up to three times a year during their nesting season, from June to December.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) The hawksbill turtle is the second most commonly found turtle species in Maldives. Named for their tapered heads that end in a sharp point resembling a bird’s beak, they are a turtle species that’s comparatively smaller than other sea turtles. While young, their carapace or upper shell is heart-shaped and it elongates as the turtle matures. They are found abundantly in the Maldives as our reefs are rich with the sponges they prefer to feed on. Like other sea turtles, they make incredible migrations from nesting grounds to feeding sites, and mate every two to three years, in shallow waters where a beach is close at hand. The hawksbill is classified as critically endangered, mostly due to human impact. However, their eggs are still eaten worldwide despite their international protected status.

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Leatherback sea turtles are the largest sea turtles in the whole world, and hold the title of being the fourth heaviest reptile, after three other crocodilians. These reptilian giants are the only turtle species found in Maldives that does not nest on our beaches. Leatherback sea turtles are the only remaining representatives of a family of turtles that traces its evolutionary roots back more than 100 million years. Leatherbacks have the widest global distribution of all reptile species, and possibly of any vertebrate, once prevalent in all the oceans except the Arctic and the Antarctic, though their numbers are now dwindling. Leatherbacks have an inky blue carapace which is somewhat flexible and almost rubbery to touch.

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Holistic Approach to Wellness by Duniye Spa Fathimath Lamya Abdullah Duniye Spa was founded by a group of international hotel owners with the intention of providing their customers with the most memorable spa and wellbeing experience. Since its inception in 2002, Duniye Spa has become a prominent spa management and consultancy company in the Indian Ocean region with spas located in the Maldives and the Seychelles. Meeru Island Resort, located in North Male’ Atoll provides a tropical spa experience at the two Duniye Spa outlets located on the resort. The Land Spa, located on the island is built around a banyan tree. It gives a spiritual vibe and makes you feel connected with nature. It houses four treatment rooms, one of which is a double room. The Over-Water Spa, as the name suggests, is built overwater. Surrounded by the pristine lagoon on every side, the Over-Water Spa offers the opportunity to embark on a journey of self-wellness surrounded by the sound of gentle whoosh of the splashing waves and the smell of salty wind. The five of the six treatment rooms on the Over-Water Spa are double rooms, while only one is single. Group Spa Director of Duniye Spa, Ms Renate Hermes hopes to make both Meeru Island and the Maldives a spa destination one day, one that is more than just a luxury honeymoon destination. “Internationally the concept has already been well established in certain places. It started out in the late 70’s in the US and there are some pioneers in the field,” says Hermes. “Since then, it has been copied and fit into different variations, though not yet in the Maldives. I strongly believe the potential for such a market is there.”

Hermes further points out that as the global spa and wellness industry moves in that direction, the Maldivian industry will have to fall in line as well. “’Duniye literally means the universe or the world in Dhivehi (the local language) and here at D.S, we aspire to approach providing wellness services in a very holistic way.” “Holistic is a word that is very over used in the spa and wellness industry, and I think as a company and a spa operator, you need to define what ‘holistic’ means. For us, holistic means the whole, considering the many dimensions of a person. We have the body, the soul, the spirit, and we are social creatures that interact with other human beings. These are the four things that are generally defined as holistic.” Duniye Spa’s treatment menu is constructed upon this concept. “The receptionists, therapists and the front office staff are trained to follow the holistic approach,” adds Hermes. “Each and every guest is looked after under this method, treated as a whole person rather than a room number.” Some of the most popular treatments on Duniye Spa’s menu are their signature treatments. One such treatment is Sense of Touch, which seduces you to escape from your daily life. “It is a beautiful massage where we use something called rain sticks to create a soothing sound.” The other signature treatments include Heaven on Earth and Maldivian Island Paradise, both popular for their uniqueness. Heaven on Earth is considered to be the ultimate body and face ritual.

In addition to the signature treatments offered at Duniye Spa, the couples’ treatments are amongst the most popular. “Couples’ treatments are expected to be popular in Maldives, which is a famous honeymoon destination.” Full Moon Magic is an enchanting ritual that captivates a couple’s senses as they experience a Balinese massage, a body polish with an indulgent head and foot massage. The Full Moon Magic Spa experience is completed with a tropical Marula bath fusion, champagne and fruits, and a Healing Earth mini facial. Additionally, you get a complimentary spa gift along with this treatment to help enhance you spa experience at home. Other treatment categories include Massages of the World, which incorporates different proven techniques from around the globe. Some of them include hot stones, reflexology and reiki. Other important segments include Body Care, Facial Care, Beauty Care and Optional Enhancements. “Body care provides everything that helps to exfoliate and to stimulate the skin, from wraps to packs, to soften the skin or prepare it for sun tanning, its here,” says Hermes. Duniye Spa is a wellness provider that focuses largely on making the spa experience an enjoyable, luxurious and educational experience. “We want the spa goers to think, ‘Ah, I’ve done something that is good for my body’, than simply go, ‘Well, that felt good.’ With the developing spa industry, feel good massage is simply just not good enough,” says Hermes.

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FLYING YOU IN STYLE

OPERATED BY

Flyme is a privately owned Maldivian Airline which is part of the Villa Group. Our objective is to provide an exceptional service to all passengers on our airline and to sustainably contribute to the economic growth of the Maldives.

Although the airline operates from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male’, Flyme boasts its own airport, Villa International Airport Maamigili, where passengers are received in style before being transported to the various resorts. All technical facilities are also located here.

The flexibility and reliability presented by the airlines’s flight schedules afford passengers a unique and convenient service. Since air travel is a major means of getting around, you might as well do it in style!

Our passengers can expect a safe, comfortable, quality air-travel experience, with the added benefit of frequency, including night flights, and reliability. Our aim is to provide on-time departures as much as we can.

Launched in 2011, Flyme is now comfortably in its third year, with a vision to become a world-class regional airline through excellent service and innovation.

As of January 2015 Flyme is also offering excursions and Sightseeing flights on the ‘Flying Whale Shark’ SEEPLANE, based in South Ari Atoll.

PASSENGERS REQUIRING SPECIAL ATTENTION All passengers in wheelchairs or requiring assistance can be accommodated by forwarding a request to the Customer Service Department at least 3 days before the flight arrival. Patients with medical conditions must be able to provide a clearance certificate by a doctor stating the passenger is safe to travel. BAGGAGE LIABILITY We take the utmost care with your baggage. To assist us, please remove all valuable/fragile items from your checked baggage. We will make every reasonable attempt to return mishandled baggage within 24 hours, and to compensate passengers for reasonable expenses associated with delayed delivery as required. Verified baggage claims are settled on the basis adopted by IATA (International Airlines Transport Association). Although there is no obligation to replace damaged bags, Flyme will evaluate such claims on a per-case basis. Refer to the Customer Information leaflet you received before boarding. If for some reason you did not receive it, please ask your cabin crew for a copy.

LIQUOR LAWS No alcohol is allowed outside the resorts in the Maldives. So, when departing your resort please ensure that you have no alcoholic beverages in your bags, as these will be confiscated at the airport.

WATER The water in the Maldives is desalinated, so please use sparingly. Bottled water for drinking is available at all resorts. For any information or queries, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department at customer.services@flyme.mv

OUR FLEET

Flyme uses a technologically-advanced fleet of aircraft that are among the best for short-haul air travel. The ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600 turbo propelled aircraft is the latest evolution of the ATR family. This type of aircraft is ideal for the domestic air transport service in Maldives due to its excellent performance, optimum passenger comfort and outstanding reliability. It is also ideal for use in the Maldives because of its high maneuverability in shorter air strips such as those in some of the Maldives domestic airports.

The configuration and seat capacity planning in our fleet provide very comfortable legroom. Additionally, the high capacity air-conditioning system, soft cushion leather seats and the seat fitting, ensuring sufficient elbow room provide passengers with comfortable levels equivalent to those of jet aircrafts. All aircrafts are fitted with night flying instruments which means your transfer can take place regardless of the time you arrive. Flyme SEEPLANE is a Cessna Caravan C208 amphibious aircraft. This type is extremely popular in America and Africa for various applications. Fitted with the latest technology avionics, air-conditioning and leather seats, it guarantees the best sightseeing experience.

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SPOTLIGHT

MATATO TRAVEL AWARDS 2014

Flyme MD Mr Riluwan Shareef presents the award to Kurumba Maldives, winner of the Leading CSR Programme, during the MATATO (Maldives Association of Tour Agents and Operators) Travel Awards Ceremony. Flyme was one of the main sponsors of the 2014 Annual MATATO Travel Awards.

Captain Shamin hands over the key of 8Q-VAV to the Chairman of Villa Group, Mr Gasim.

8Q-VAW, the 2nd ATR 72-500 touches down at Villa International Airport Maamigili for the first time.

Our first seaplane floating platform installed between Sun Island and Holiday Island, South Ari Atoll.

Special event held to mark the 21st Anniversary of Kaadehdhoo Airport, G.Dh. Villa Air now manages this airport.

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Meemu Dhiggaru - a small fishing community where all members of the family are involved in fishing and processing. When fishing is good - the whole island including the streets are lined with drying cooked and smoked fish. Photo Shaahina Ali

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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KANIFUSHI

MALDIVES

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