Eight YEARS
FLYME CELEBRATES 08 YEARS OF SERVICE
m a g a z i n e
OFFICIAL IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE OF FLYME
PUBLISHED BY MVHOTELS
ISSUE 10
FURA
AVERI
villahotels
EXPERIENCE MALDIVES
VILLA H
+960 331 6161
sales.cis@villahotels.com.mv
HOTELS
EDITOR’S NOTE Recently, I tagged along with my team to Mamigilli for the cover photo-shoot. Something very fascinating to notice was, almost everyone had already ticked a long career working with Flyme. Flyme was very personal to them and passionate been part of the airline. In this issue, we introduce to you three of the top butlers you will come across in your holiday. You will be surprised to see how well they understand you just in a glimpse and share what is in your mind. As a travel inspiration, we have very unique two ideas. Vaavu Thinadhoo with a population of 60 residents together with a dream to make a touristic local island and the planned city of Hulhumale’. If shopping, dining and fresh air is your thing, or maybe a long stay with family, it’s a family-friendly environment.
Soneva Fushi, Baa Atoll. Follow the brand and you will see the artists and environmentalists in action. Explore how CROSSROADS Maldives is building to change the face of tourism here in the beautiful island nation of Maldives as Christopher Baker explains the operations of the first multi-island integrated leisure and entertainment resorts in the Maldives. And to the last note, we are all so thrilled once again to be part of this celebration of 08 years of Flyme. On behalf of my team and I, we wish the management and staff of Flyme congratulations on the recent developments and the addition of the brand-new ATR 72600 to the fleet. Enjoy. Hope you will have a lovely flight.
After two decades of being the forefront of luxury, our favourite brand is making the dream come true with Water Retreats in
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Eight YEARS
ISSUE 10
m a g a z i n e
OFFICIAL IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE OF FLYME
PUBLISHED BY MVHOTELS
NOW AVAILABLE IN YOUR POCKETS!
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TEAM MANAGING EDITOR AREEF, M EDITOR@MVHOTELS.MV
EDITORIAL TEAM
ADVERTISING - MALDIVES
ANDREW CARRUTH AISHATH NASEEM MEERA MOOSA
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WELCOME On 01st October, Flyme celebrated the airline’s 08th Anniversary. This was a milestone Flyme achieved through hard work, dedication and commitment, despite the challenges faced during the past 4 to 5 years. I would like to thank all our clients and passengers who are the heart of our operation,who believed in us and helped us reach where we are today. On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated team of staff who have been with us through every hurdle. They stood by the core values of the company and helped us achieve this milestone. As anticipated at the beginning of the year, tourism industry has achieved so much growth during the past few months. Numerous new resort properties were opened. By August, the country had already achieved 1 million tourist arrivals. As a domestic airline and being a key player in the airline industry, Flyme has contributed to the industry by transferring more than 2 million passengers by the end
of September 2019. Flyme will continue to deliver the services to help passengers reach their dream destinations. To hold our feet firmly in the expanding market, Flyme will be bringing a brand new ATR 72-600 aircraft and are exploring new destinations in 2019. To introduce seaplane services, Flyme is eagerly waiting for the completion of VIA’s new seaplane terminal which is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2020. Flyme looks forward for more successful years. This issue of our FIYA magazine will comprise of articles empowering women in the travel and tourism industry. Please continue to enjoy the magazine while enjoying the mesmerizing view. I wish you a pleasant flight and hope to see you again on board soon.
ABDULLA NASHID MANAGING DIRECTOR, FLYME
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CONTENTS
14
28
Thinadhoo
Siraj
TRAVEL INSPIRATIONS
22
30
Flyme celebrates 08 years
Soneva
MEET THE TEAM
FEATURE STORY
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34
Top 03
Travel gifts from Maldives
EDITOR’S PICK
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MEET YOUR BUTLER
TRAVEL COLLECTIONS
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46
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Alaa
Furaveri Maldives
Khadeeja
FLYME SHARES
FEATURE STORY
MEET YOUR BUTLER
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48
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Travel trends for 2020
Christopher Baker
Hulhumale’
TRAVEL TRENDS
INTERVIEW
TRAVEL INSPIRATIONS
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Mamdhooh
Experiences not to miss
Map
MEET YOUR BUTLER
FIYA · PUBLISHED BY MVHOTELS
DID YOU KNOW?
FLYME NETWORK
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WOW THINADHOO in Maldives Vaavu atoll is popular for its marine life and home to various different types of sharks, dolphins, eagle rays, manta rays, and turtles. A 1-hour 30-minute speedboat ride from Male’ city, Vaavu atoll is a favorite among tourists all throughout the year. What makes Vaavu atoll even more significant is Vaavu Thinadhoo.
PHOTO BY HASSAN FAIZ
Have you ever been to a place so quiet and peaceful, you don’t even know what your problems are anymore? Well, that’s Vaavu Thinadhoo! It is one of the least populated islands in the Maldives with a population of 214 people. However, roughly 60 of them actually live on the island. Taking this into their advantage, Vaavu Thinadhoo has built a unique tourist destination that will make you say ‘wow’; a place where you can relax and experience the true Maldivian culture and island lifestyle. The island’s streets are lit up with warm lights, unlike in other local islands, normally having white street lights. Despite lacking a school
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and even a hospital, you can find luxury guest houses packed with tourists, a grocery shop, a couple of souvenir shops, two volleyball courts, an outdoor gym, cafes, and restaurants around the island. There are no high buildings on the island with the intention of maintaining the island vibe. Guest-house tourism was introduced to the island by Mohamed Nazim, a local man with his Italian wife in 2007 as an attempt to deliver an exciting holiday experience on the island for close friends and family. Later, the rest of the island joined in order to further develop his vision and turn Thinadhoo into a touristic island.
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Aerial view of Vaavu Thinadoo.
PHOTO BY HASSAN FAIZ
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Nature of Thinadhoo people You cannot take a stroll around the island without being greeted with a friendly smile followed by a ‘ciao’. The people of Thinadhoo are extremely kind and amiable that you are bound to feel at home in no time. Where to nest Casa Barabaru is the first guest-house built on the island. ‘Barabaru’ is a Maldivian term for ‘great’. Having started with just two rooms, this cozy guest house has been successfully expanding and running for over a decade now. Offering independent rooms with air conditioning, hot water, a mini-bar and a private veranda where you can sit back and enjoy the picturesque view of the sea or a private garden. All rooms includes spacious Italian bathrooms equipped with a bidet, a shower, part open ceiling to reveal the sky. Casa Barabaru also features a restaurant serving international cuisines and a bar area on the terrace overlooking the sea. Your stay here will definitely be Barabaru.
Plumeria Hotel is a 4-star hotel comprising supreme choice of experiences. The hotels provides 88 room accommodations (deluxe, super deluxe and beach villas) with excessive standard and comfort with all amenities. For dining, the hotel has a beach front restaurant and a coffee bar. Other facilities include the hotel gym, spa and PADI 5-star diving center. Plumeria provides any corporate or individual requirement ranging from beach conferences, staff-retreats, birthdays or even weddings. Plumeria is a two-time (2018 and 2019) ‘Best Boutique Hotel’ award winner of SATA and is the answer for an affordable luxury experience in the Maldives. Rai Nika comprises rooms with air conditioning, a mini-bar, private bathrooms, wi-fi (surcharge) and a separate seating area. It also features a children’s club, a restaurant serving free continental breakfasts daily, a garden picnic area. Rai Nika also has a banyan tree; a Nika Gas (in Dhivehi) which is over 100 years old.
PHOTO BY HASSAN FAIZ
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Maldives Sunset Lodge and Village offers comfortable rooms with parquet flooring, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar, attached bathrooms, and a patio. In addition to this, the guest house also features an onsite restaurant.
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TRAVEL INSPIRATIONS
Vavoy Beach View offers rooms that open to the white sandy beach with a view of the crystal blue ocean. The rooms are well furnished with a queen-size bed and a semi-open bathroom giving you a sense of the island life. All rooms include a minifridge, office space with a table and chair, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, free wi-fi, and a patio. Hudhu Raakani Lodge is situated near the beach offering comfortable rooms with air conditioning and wi-fi, a private bathroom, a restaurant specialized in international cuisine, a children’s club, an indoor tennis court, a library, and a garden.
Guest beach area at Vaavu Thinadhoo.
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TRAVEL INSPIRATIONS
Thinadhoo is not just another inhabited local island. It is a unique cultural experience that is bound to leave you wanting more. All guest houses offer full board packages which usually last a week, with carefully organized schedules of daily activities in order to ensure you have the most of this tropical island experience. Thinadhoo is extremely quiet and peaceful with beautiful well-maintained beaches where you could just spend your day on one of the sun-beds by the bikini beach, relaxing and enjoying the serene view of the ocean stretching for miles. Locals are not allowed onto this area as to respect your privacy.
PHOTO BY HASSAN FAIZ
If you are more adventurous and want to experience the wow marine life, there are various water sports activities for you to choose from snorkelling in the turquoise waters, to swimming with the sharks. Types of sharks seen in this area includes, white tip sharks, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks and the occasional whale sharks. You can also find pods of dolphins playing around as well as Eagle Rays, Manta Rays and turtles. Thinadhoo reef is especially for the tourists to enjoy, hence lots of effort goes into the maintenance of the reef and protecting its marine life. Dhiggaa Reef is also a popular area near the island with its fluorescent colored corals and plenty of colorful reef fishes to be seen. Snorkeling in this area would definitely make you say ‘wow’.
You can also find various uninhabited islands and sandbanks just a few minutes away from Thinadhoo. Taking this into their advantage, Thinadhoo also offers excursion trips to these islands where you can go and enjoy a picnic on any of the uninhabited islands and truly experience being stranded on an island (well, you won’t really be stranded on the island as you will be with local tour guides who will ensure your safety, so don’t worry about that). Full board packages also include fishing trips and diving trips to the most popular spots in the area. What you catch would be later cooked well in Maldivian style and offered to you for dinner the same night. Talk about a reward after a good catch! Dinners on boats, sunset cruises to catch the dolphins in action will definitely be a wow experience. During the nights, you can take a walk along the beach and find planktons during the north-east Monsoon. Normally, we find blue planktons whenever there are any planktons anywhere in Maldives. However, in Thinadhoo, its green! Taking a stroll around the island and interacting with the local people also gives you a sense of the Maldivian lifestyle This unique cultural experience cannot be found elsewhere; an overall wow experience that will definitely make you want to come back for more.
STORY BY MEERA
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2020
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TIMELESS MEMORIES veligandu.com
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MORE THAN JUST A BEACH HOLIDAY kuredu.com
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THE URBAN RETREAT champacentralhotel.com
FLYME TEAM CELEBRATES 8 YEARS OF SERVICE
MEET
THE TEAM
TOP 03 The Editor’s Pick
INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES 35 minutes by seaplane
Positioned at the edge of Raa atoll, just 35 minutes from the Velana International Airport and located close to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is enviably situated to experience the area’s rich marine diversity. Swim among majestic manta rays, spot playful pods of dolphins, or simply take in spectacular, fish-speckled scenes from the solitude of your private pool villa.
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As a guest of the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, immerse in exclusive privileges delivered with a personal touch. InterContinental Maldives provides you with a unique luxury travel experience you have always dreamed about.
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EDITOR’S PICK
CROSSROADS MALDIVES 15 minutes by speed-boat
The most comprehensive and ambitious integrated leisure and lifestyle development undertaken in the Maldives. It aspires to forever change the fundamental concept of the region as a honeymoon and couples’ holiday destination. This expansive project is managed by the renowned, Thailand-based real estate developer, Singha Estates. The initial phase of the destination comprises two stylish resorts; the SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton a tropical and vibrant retreat, and the iconic Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Experience an array of shopping, dining and spa destinations, showcasing the legendary Hard Rock Cafe, Café del Mar Beach Club, 20 incredible retail stores and over 15 restaurants, including Ministry of Crab, one of Asia’s top eateries.
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Experience CROSSROADS holistic wellness and spa brand Lèn Be Well, a Marine Discovery Centre with coral preservation and coral propagation activities, a Maldives Discovery Centre, a Best Dives - Watersports and Dive Centre and an inspiring Event Hall perfect for celebrations and festivities. Sail, dream and discover at the prestigious Yacht Marina at CROSSROADS and weigh anchor at the magnificent 30 berth quay. Kids can delve into their own play-cation at the expansive and exciting The Koimala & Maalimi Junior Beach Club and CAMP, an exhilarating activities hub dedicated to children’s adventures.
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EDITOR’S PICK
BAGLIONI RESORT MALDIVES 40 minutes by seaplane
Baglioni Resort Maldives in Dhaalu Atoll opened its doors to its first guests on August 2019. Located within 40-minute seaplane transfer of Velana International Airport (VIA), Baglioni Resort boasts a total of 96 villas. The hotel chain which has hotels in different parts of Europe, offers exclusive Italian Grace here in Maldives. This family-owned and operated luxury hotel group has mastered the art of welcoming guests into founder Roberto Polito’s extended family. With excellent Italian cuisines restaurant to the beautiful over water villas, this is an Italian dream tucked away in the pearls of Maldives
Baglioni Resort Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll.
STORY BY AREEF, M
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MEET YOUR BUTLER
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MEET YOUR BUTLER
IBRAHIM SIRAJ DUSIT THANI MALDIVES “When I finished my G.C.E. O’level, I joined hotel school to study hospitality and graduated. I started as a
“I can proudly say that my team is one of the best in the service industry.”
Ibrahim Siraj
room cleaner. After that, I changed to a villa host and worked in a few resorts including Hilton. In-between, I also worked in construction of Velaa Resort to get more familiar with the concept. I got to know more about remote islands after I moved to Dusit Thani Maldives. Since then, I have been the head butler of Dusit Thani Maldives. I can proudly say that my team is one of the best teams in the service industry, assuring we will sustain our service. I take this opportunity to thank Dusit Thani Maldives management and MVHOTELS.”
What are the challenges a butler faces in the tourism industry? My recent biggest concern is that in many resorts, management is misusing the word “butler” as pool butler, beach butler, etc. No, the ‘Butler’ that I know (thanks to Mr. Steven Ferry from the international institute of Modern Butlers) is the person who takes care of everything related to guests, from arrival to departure. It depends on the guests but mainly full butler service is expected from the high-class guests. Why do you think that Maldives as a destination needs more trained butlers in the tourism field? With high end brands being introduced in Maldives as 5-star and above category resorts, they require professional individuals to take care of their exclusive and upper-class guests. In my view, this can only be achieved by having the proper training as a butler and intensive levels of customer care training so that we can offer the most luxurious and personalized services for the guests. What would your words be to someone who wants to become a butler? My honest answer would be, study hard. Get your service and customer training to the maximum you could achieve. Start off your professional career at front desk or any other department. Learn the basics and learn every bit of what is required to get the task complete. Learn the brand and the resort inside out. When a person has achieved that, then I believe they are ready to give the proper service as a “Butler “to the guests.
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EXPLORE SONEVA FUSHI All New Spectacular Soneva Fushi is one of the most iconic resorts in the Maldives to spend your time barefoot, basking in sunlight by the white sandy beaches. Popular for its luxury villas and its conscientious approach to sustainability and the environment, Soneva now has something even bigger to offer; the Water Retreats.
“We are very proud to announce this
exciting new phase for Soneva Fushi. When we first launched Soneva Fushi back in 1995, we redefined tourism in the Maldives with our unique vision that pioneered the concept of sustainable luxury. After more than two decades at the forefront of the global luxury tourism sector and as a bucket list destination in the Maldives, we
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strive to evolve with our guests’ everchanging needs. While we will always remain true to the much-loved spirit and laid-back ethos of Soneva Fushi, the new Water Retreats will elevate our offering, ensuring that our guests’ experience is more memorable and special than ever before” Sonu Shivdasani Founder and CEO of Soneva
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FEATURE STORY
Sitting on the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the new one- and two-bedroom over-water villas are scheduled to be open to guests by April 2020. These water retreats adhere to Soneva’s sustainability as well as its popular “no news, no shoes” code. Designed to ensure the utmost privacy for the guests, these luxury water retreats can be accessed through a gently curving jetty near the Dolphin Beach located at the end of the island. With a choice of sunrise or sunset views, the floating villas feature outdoor living spaces including an upper level with a dining sala, a day bed and of course, Soneva’s signature outdoor bathroom with direct access to the sea. Moreover, the villas feature a large Al-fresco deck which includes plush sun loungers, a sunken dining area and catamaran nets over the ocean.
“This was our first time in the Maldives
so we went straight for the best and so glad we did! Our one-bedroom slide villa overlooking the expansive lagoon exceeded our expectations in many ways. Truly out of this world and we will definitely return!”
Ssyahaha TripAdvisor Soneva Jani opened in 2016 with its stunning island and water retreats where you can enjoy the peace and tranquil of the nature.
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FEATURE STORY
The inside of the villas is filled with floor-toceiling windows and made from sustainable resources such as driftwood and crisp white linens. Inspired by the ocean setting, the living area is a luxe take on castaway chic. Soneva ensures top-notch services with the provision of a well-stocked wine fridge and mini-bar as well as an adequate pantry. Bound together by an en-suite bathroom, a dressing room and a children’s sleeping area, the master bedroom suite comes with a king-sized bed and an automatically retracting ceiling at the push of a button allowing you to fall asleep under the stars and wake up with the rising sun. The two-bedroom villas also feature a king-sized bed in the second guest bedroom as well as an en-suite bathroom with a dressing room.
In addition to a private pool, both the onebedroom villa and the two-bedroom water villa comes with a curving slide which plunges straight into the Indian Ocean, giving you the excitement you need in isolation. Soneva Fushi pioneered a trend for back-tonature luxury holidays with the first ‘castaway’ resort in the Maldives.The luxury resort stands out for its unique features such as Open-air Cinema Paradiso where you can watch a classic film with complimentary popcorn and over sixty flavors of ice cream to choose from, Sonu’s Picnic delivers a gourmet lunch on a desert island prepared by a personal chef while you take a dip in the crystal blue lagoon and the Observatory, letting you gaze through a state-of-the-art telescope at the cosmos.
Soneva has once again proven they are masters of innovation with their new water retreats. Beautifully crafted in such a way that it complements the natural beauty of the tranquil coastal setting, the Water Retreats in Soneva Fushi will definitely make you experience the rare life.
STORY BY MEERA
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ATR 72-600
THE NEW ADDITION TO THE FLYME FLEET
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TRAVEL GIFTS FROM Maldives
Is your vacation even complete without some retail therapy? After a relaxing or adventurous stay in the tropical Maldives, you would wonder what you could take back home as memorabilia, or even some “Maldive” gifts to give your friends and family.
1. Lacquer work These are a must buy from Maldives, for yourself and all your loved ones. Lacquer products are mostly made of wood and are a pure, traditional work of art which are available in forms of vases, boxes, baskets and even pens and pen drives. Its signature colors – black, yellow and red – are extracted from specific trees, making the colors natural and very durable. The hand carvings are the epitome of Maldivians’ craftsmanship inherited from our ancestors. Products such as key chains, pens, penholders and pen drives are extremely affordable, useful and memorable. From shops like @mvlacquer and @LacquerArtMaldives (Facebook), you can get great traditional products.
2. Jewelry What is more chic than handmade jewelry from natural items from the Maldives? Necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other ornaments made of seashells, coconut shells and even stones are not only affordable, but also stylish. Don’t buy items made of endangered products such as turtle shell products, shark tooth and endangered corals as that goes against the environment friendly ethos and also, will be confiscated at departure. Island Bazaar in Fareedhee Magu, Male’ is a great place to get your hands on both affordable and sophisticated jewelry, and other chic souvenirs.
FIYA · PUBLISHED BY MVHOTELS
PHOTO BY MVLACQUER
A souvenir or sentimental gift does not have to break your budget so make sure that what you get is something environment friendly, your money’s worth, and from the right places.
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TRAVEL COLLECTIONS
3. Fish products
5. Dhoni
Maldivian life is practically impossible without fish and fish products. We use fish in our items like the rest of the world uses salt for flavor. If you have enjoyed local cuisines made of fresh fish, and have loved ones back home who would rather appreciate some food items, take home canned tuna, vacuum packed smoked fish, dried tuna chips, varieties of tuna mixed condiments or even localized sambols. You can get these products from shops like Enzi, Felivaru and even MIFCO, at best prices.
Dhoni or traditional Maldivian boats, like lacquer products are still given as official gifts to foreign dignitaries. They are intricately crafted by Maldivians from solid wood found in the country and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and prices. Dhonis are the trademark of Maldivian lifestyle, representing our dependency on sea for livelihood and how we use it as a main mode of transportation. They are available in souvenir shops in resorts, islands and even in Male’ Chaandhanee Magu as well as STO trade centre.
4. Maldivian wicker mats
6. Maldivian delicacies
These are authentic Maldivian mats made from dried pine leaves, and dyed using natural fibers. Maldivian women have hand woven them since the days of sultanates and they were used for various purposes including sleeping, praying and decorating seats. Resorts use them for their Maldivian interiors as well. The designs usually have geometric prints and you can buy even small mats for decoration or as gifts at Chaandhanee Magu.
Your foodie friends and family would appreciate if you go to the local market and buy some flavorsome delicacies made by Maldivians. Sweet, spicy or flavored they are all available. Some of the famous foods include Maldivian chips (kaajaa), dried fish ball (hikimas gulha) and other sweets such as riceball and bondi (coconut scrapes and coconut palm toddy mix).
STORY BY AISHA
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Building a community in aviation with 08 years of continuous service!
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MVHOTELS.TRAVEL
W MALDIVES BAR TAKE-OVER WITH VICTORIA CHOW
GET FEATURED! ON MVHOTELS TRAVEL MEDIA
WWW.MVHOTELS.TRAVEL SALES@MVHOTELS.MV +960 731 1147
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A CONVERSATION WITH Alaa Alaa has been with Flyme for almost seven years now. She has shown that with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything! With a friendly and outgoing personality, Alaa has worked extremely hard to be where she is now. Read through as she explains her journey through Flyme.
Introduction
Professional Journey
My name is Aishath Alaa Abdul Hannan. I have been an employee at Villa Air Flyme for almost 07 years. I joined as a Reservation & Ticketing Assistant right after completing my A’ Levels, and now I am the Assistant Manager of the lucrative Scheduling & Capacity department.
The beginning of my journey started when I joined Flyme on the 07th of January 2013 as a Reservation & Ticketing Assistant. I was one of the first scheduler’s appointed after the formation of the Scheduling & Capacity department in Male’. In 2015, I received my first promotion, from an assistant to an officer where I stayed in the role till February 2017. In the same year, due to a structural change in operations of the company, I got the opportunity to explore the technical aspect of the airline operation. This was by transferring to the Flight Operations department as an officer, where I went on to acquire my Flight Dispatch License.
Ever since I was a child, I have had a keen interest in the aviation industry, so being able to work here as part of the OCC platform of such a prestigious company has been a dream come true for me. The line of work which I am responsible for is truly of my area of expertise. Time management and building healthy client – service provider relations are a part of my day-to-day tasks, which I look forward to daily. As an outgoing and a person with a happy demeanor, I pride myself in maintaining personal contact with our clients to make sure the services we provide are up-to their standards, and to make sure the guests are fully satisfied with a wonderful ‘Flyme’ experience - to deliver upon our motto, to ‘fly you in style’. I take it upon myself to make sure that we are always on hand, to serve our beloved clients with the highest level of competency and efficacy they so truly deserve.
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After one and half years of working in Flight Ops, I was promoted to a Flight Dispatch Supervisor. Not long after that, I got an offer to be where I am today; as the Assistant Manager of the Scheduling & Capacity Department.
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About my job The main responsibility I have is monitoring and managing the most valuable asset of our inventory; our aircrafts. It is also under my belt to make sure the clients we serve are pleased with the level of service provided while keeping track of the status of our fleet. The schedules made by my staff are constantly being monitored to ensure that it caters to both our operational requirements, while meeting our commercial expectations. I am also tasked with over-seeing my wonderful set of staff, who maintain close contact with our clients to provide a stress-free and personalized experience when dealing with the transfers of our valuable guests. Future goal My future goal in this field of work is to be a reputed and respected woman, who leads by example, a person to be looked up to. By working as an Assistant Manager of such a lucrative department, I am hoping to be wellknown among my colleagues in the aviation industry and beyond. Women in Maldives I see no reason why Maldivian women, or any woman to not reach the highest positions in the aviation industry. As I do not believe that this industry can segregate the successes of an individual based on their gender. Regardless of what industry a person works in, I believe that, determination, perseverance and having a set target would help them achieve greatness. I have had the opportunity to work with inspirational women in my time in Villa Air. Aviators such as Villa Air’s Cabin Crew Manager, Liusha and Assistant Manager of Safety and Compliance, Sameeha - who is Maldives’s first female pilot, are people who I aspire to be, among the elite in the aviation industry. That being said, a measure of a person’s success does not rely on their gender, rather their passion and effort they put in to attaining what they set out to accomplish.
“The main advice I would give to aspiring aviators is to be patient and be passionate about the industry. As the old saying goes, ’patience is a virtue,’ success does not come overnight, you must work hard and with diligence, and verily, you will be a successful person in aviation. Every person you meet provides you a new insight of this ever growing industry, no matter if it is from your senior or from a fellow colleague, keep an open mind as you never know how it will impact your career in the future.”
INTERVIEW BY MEERA
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TRAVEL TRENDS For 2020 It is the last quarter of this year and we will soon be welcoming the year 2020. With the everevolving trends in travel and tourism, more people are embracing travel as a lifestyle than simply a getaway from the daily humdrums. Travelers are more appreciative of the experiences than spending on a vacation, and more thoughtful of the impression they leave behind. Here we look at some of the most inspiring travel trends for 2020 based on recent years.
1. Insta-tourism It goes without saying that Instagram is the most influential social media platform for influencers and has a huge effect on travelers as well. Selfies, perfect bikini posts and real snapshots of destinations ignite the fire to travel among viewers, as they trust these real experiences of real travelers more than a hotel sponsored brochure. Influencers choose their destinations based on their ‘instagrammability’ and likewise, hotels hire influencers to promote their business based on the number of followers they have, and their popularity. Celebrities and travel influencers alike have shared their travel experiences with followers on social media, sparking a wanderlust in them. 2. Transformational travel Travel today is more about enriching ourselves with more knowledge and experience, especially by getting to know other cultures more intimately. Immersing ourselves deep in other cultures help us connect with one another spreading love, kindness and peace. Be it solo, with your friends or better half, inspire yourself to travel to learn and grow, to be more empathetic and more understanding of the world. Give back to the world by creating small impacts with love and it will cause an enormous ripple effect.
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TRAVEL TRENDS
3. Eco-travel As fancy as travel sounds, the carbon footprint left behind by travelers is enormous and causes serious threats to our globe. However, more and more travelers are embracing the eco travel culture, opting sustainable travel options such as natural locations and even taking volunteer vacations to clean the environment or help restore a natural area. Choosing environment friendly destinations in return prompts travel destinations to be more sustainable, eventually creating a cycle that leads to a massive reduction in carbon footprint. From using more sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials and methods, to creating solar energy for accommodations, producing own energy, restoring coral reefs to adopting endangered sea animals, resorts in Maldives are ever inspired to keep their islands naturally beautiful as they are. 4. Group Travel The best memories are created when you share experiences with others. While some travelers travel with friends, family or colleagues, a lot of solo travelers connect with other solo travelers through their travel agents and travel as groups. The goal is to spend less money and have quality adventures and experiences, for a memorable trip.
5. Mini vacations Before, the idea of a ‘once-in-a-life-time’ long vacation was the norm, where a lot of money and thought was spent. To take the vacation for an escape from the stressful life, we get in to the stress of planning and designing the perfect vacation. Those who can afford it, pay others to plan it for them, adding to the mounting expenses. Today, everyone is bit by the travel bug and most of us, the regular people, have neither time nor the money to plan long vacations while caught in the corporate hamster wheel. In 2020 take shorter yet, experience rich trips, that are also less stressful on your wallet. You will eventually be left with more memories and experiences to cherish from different destinations, and rebooted from the stress of daily life more frequently than a long vacation does.
STORY BY AISHA
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Q LOUNGE
LOUNGE MMG
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MEET YOUR BUTLER
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MEET YOUR BUTLER
AHMED MAMDHOOH JOALI MALDIVES What was your inspiration choosing to be a butler? When I started my career in the hospitality industry, it was always my aim to provide exceptional services and to create lasting memories for the guests. I figured that as a butler, I would be able to create lifetime memories as I will be able to spend more time with the guests and therefore let my guests have the most memorable holidays and extraordinary experiences. Can you tell us the most memorable experience you have come across in your career?
“I started my career in hospitality about 12 years ago, interestingly as a Steward in Paradise Island Resort. I then worked as a waiter in Constance Halaveli before working in Front Office in various positions at resorts like Jumeirah and Gili Lankanfushi. Today, I am the Head Jadugar (butler) of JOALI Maldives where I am able to guide the team to deliver extraordinary experiences to our guests.”
I once looked after a royal family who then offered me a job as their personal butler back in Europe, which I had to refuse at this time due to personal reasons. I also once had my guest proposing to his girlfriend while snorkeling, hence I hid the ring in the reef and prepared a “will you marry me” banner, which I placed under water as well. Later on, when we snorkeled along the reef, I was able to capture this special moment for them by camera. I could go on and on, as there are just too many memorable experiences. What are the challenges you face while working as a butler? It is always my aim to create an unforgettable holiday for my clients. The weather these days can really be a challenge, as it is not predictable anymore and especially for guests coming for a special occasion or the first time to the Maldives, it is definitely easier to create lifetime memories with sunshine, than it is with rain.
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THE STORY OF Furaveri Nestled within the beautiful Raa Atoll, a magical little paradise, unique by nature and design – the story of Furaveri Maldives is worth exploring.
It’s all about these intimate moments here (at Furaveri Maldives). We create customized journeys for your holiday so you can be free to laugh, love, unwind and reconnect. Providing an international offering in a local setting, we invite you to experience the best of authentic Maldivian hospitality while you make the most.
our little stretch of heaven is home to one of the best house reefs you have seen. Under the water right around us are lively gardens of colorful soft corals where turtles come to feed throughout the year, and the reef’s own natural cleaning station where Manta Rays come every now and then to be groomed by the fascinating cleaner wrasses.
40 minutes speedboat trip from Hanifaru Bay, the famous UNESCO biosphere reserve,
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FEATURE STORY
On land, you are caressed by the tropical freshness of Coconut palms and Kashikeyo palms (screw pines) growing tall and strong. Look closely into this diverse greenery and you can catch glimpses of the native birds, especially the graceful white Iruvaahudhu (white herons), in their natural habitat. We are also blessed with a dreamy white beach easily accessible from anywhere around the island, and privately from the comfort of all land villas. Here at Furaveri Maldives, we offer a range of cozy options for your stay, from beach villas, garden villas, beach pool villas to luxurious Dhoni pool villas and water villas. Catering to all ages and lifestyles, we have exciting adventures and activities to make your holiday as memorable as you can imagine.
To complement your fun in the sun, our Wellness village is a peaceful, holistic sanctuary in itself. Complete with modern facilities running through waterways and guided by ancient knowledge, we are at your service to make your healing experience a lasting one. At the end of the day, whether you would like to unwind with a drink in hand or sit down for a culinary journey, we have you covered. With international cuisine presented in breath-taking settings such as the ‘Amigos’ Mexican restaurant at the edge of the lagoon overlooking the ocean, ‘Raiyvila’ A la Carte Asian fine dining by the sunset beach or international buffet restaurant serving throughout the day.
“Catering to all ages and lifestyles, we have exciting adventures and activities to make your holiday as memorable as you can imagine.”
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CROSSROADS MALDIVES An interview with Christopher Baker CROSSROADS Maldives is the first multi-island integrated leisure and lifestyle resort destination in the Maldives. Located just a 15-minute speedboat ride from VIA/Male’ city, with world renowned brands such as Hard Rock Cafe, Café del Mar and famous food outlets like Ministry of Crab, CROSSROADS is a destination which is defined as a place “where cultures meet.”
We talked with Christopher Baker, the General Manager of CROSSROADS Maldives, who worked with the vision of Singha Estate and S Hotels & Resorts, the project developer, to achieve this marvel and recently opened the first phase of the mega project which is to be seen today. It has been talked on every media and has been named as the place to be for local residents, ex-pats, transit visitors and resort guests.
“Maldives is your ultimate bucket list, with its uniqueness from the little islands. You see these legendary photographs of Maldives and you just want to be here.”
In this conversation, we will try to understand how this integrated destination has been designed to operate, the essence of CROSSROADS and how it is built to change the face of tourism in the beautiful island nation, Maldives.
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INTERVIEW
CROSSROADS Maldives is known as the first of its kind, an “Integrated Resort Project”. Just to clarify further, what does an Integrated resort mean and how much do you think consumers are familiar with the concept? I think people are familiar with the word ‘integrated’, but it all comes to what we do here at CROSSROADS. It isn’t just another resort island. Particularly, the opening of The Marina @ CROSSROADS, the very first integrated leisure complex in the Maldives, enables visitors to a much-fulfilled multiexperience destination, instead of the traditional Maldives ‘one island, one resort’ concept.That is to say, visitors can enjoy a variety of dining, shopping and leisure activity offerings all at once when visiting the CROSSROADS and also experience a fantastic stay at one of our resorts. How is CROSSROADS Maldives different from other related projects you have worked with? I believe it would be the “sheer scale and the complexity of having different brands together”. It is a first for the Maldives and a first time to me as well. In your opinion, what makes Maldives tourism industry significantly different from rest of the world and why is the destination suitable for a project like CROSSROADS Maldives? Maldives is your ultimate bucket list with its uniqueness from the little islands. You see these legendary photographs of Maldives and you just want to be here. Of course, tourism has changed now. The airport and flight itinerary are expanding, there’s a lot more people coming in, there’s a lot more businesses coming in. Local tourism has also been picked up. Maldives has its ideal location, accessible by diversified travelers, which was where our project name CROSSROADS was inspired from. We see a great demand to this destination and an increasing demand from today’s travelers on experiential offerings. With a location just 15 minutes from the airport or Male’, it is an ideal suit to develop an integrated project that opens to new potential market segments. FIYA · PUBLISHED BY MVHOTELS
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INTERVIEW
We have been seeing lifestyle ads at the airport inviting guests to come experience CROSSROADS. Is the place completely ready for guests? Can you help us understand the services and features currently available as an integrated resort? We have recently opened the 1st phase of the CROSSROADS project, which includes The Marina, a multi-experience leisure complex, and two unique resorts, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. When you walk around The Marina, you can explore dining facilities including the well-known Hard Rock Cafe and Ministry of Crab, leisure features such as the Marine Discovery Centre, Maldives Discovery Centre and Water-sports and Dive Centre, plus a shopping avenue featuring various retail outlets. The famous Café del Mar beach club is here for you. What is going to be quite unique is that over the next month or so, you will see many different activities coming in, food market, light show, various music acts and more. What do you think is the most striking thing about Crossroads Maldives? One of the things we do is to encourage local art crafts. People stay the Maldivian nights, we host the Maldivian days by bringing in the local artists. To me, the beautiful Maldives Discovery Centre is the jewel in the crown. Many tourists come to Maldives but don’t have a chance to receive real interaction with Maldivian culture. We have it all which is an amazing experience for the guests. We want to keep the traditions alive. How are you marketing the concept? Since opened, what are top 05 countries targeted as of now, and in the long run, how is the list going to change and which country will be on the top? We have various business units within the project which are tapping into different targets. For The Marina, we will never be away from one of our main objects which is to create offerings for locals, whether Maldives
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INTERVIEW
okay, there are already so much plastic here. I said no. This is what it’s about. It’s about an education; a system. “We don’t have single use plastic here.” This is something about thinking globally and acting locally. We have many things in place amongst the resorts. At Hard Rock, when you go in, you get flip-flops and they are biodegradable. What we can do is to start thinking globally and act locally, for instance, stop taking those plastic bags. If everyone does that, it creates a huge impact.
or ex-pats living in the Maldives. We also aim to attract transit visitors, a new place to be instead of waiting long hours at airport. Of course, if we are talking about resort statistics, each one has a different mix. This is related to the brand positioning itself and the different services provided on each resort island. Do you think CROSSROADS Maldives is currently getting the attention and support from the local market? Especially brands like Hard Rock has been well known to the capital city Male’. Do you feel like you have that demand from locals? It is. Hard Rock Cafe is a big draw for a lot of people. Everyone wants to see these legendary burgers that has been spoken about, they want to get these funky milkshakes, enjoy live band music and check out the popular Rock Shop. I think there’s a great potential and demand here from the local market. In terms of complications, will there be any complications to the environment over the years or due to the formation of a complete island from Lagoon? Sustainability is essential to the project, which all stakeholders on the project sharing the same vision. Throughout the design, development, and operation of this project, CROSSROADS FIYA · PUBLISHED BY MVHOTELS
Maldives has been working closely with international agencies, relevant local authorities and communities to ensure the sustainability aspect of the project. The construction of CROSSROADS Maldives strictly followed the protocol of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with determination to support the balance of the environmental, social and the economy of the market in which we operate. Our top priority is to safeguard the interests of the community and the environment, as well as to promote the well-being of all stakeholders. Moving forward, CROSSROADS Maldives will continue to work closely with relating agencies, environmental councils, and local communities to maintain the nature’s delicate balance and the quality of living for the local people, under stringent transparency as a good example for others to follow. In practical terms, “building big while protecting the small”. Climate changes are bound to have a major impact on the tourism industry in Maldives. What kind of serious measures do you think needs to be in place? Our philosophy is “Think globally, act locally.” People have to do that. “I was at a local island in March and we went to a shop to purchase a few things and he gave us a plastic bag to put the items in and I said no, then he said it’s 51
INTERVIEW
How many staff or how large is the operations team at this stage? In Crossroads, we have almost 700 employees now, and expect to have more team members/ create more job opportunities with upcoming developments. Are you expecting any similar projects anytime soon? Not anytime soon. A mega project like this takes time for research, planning and deployment, and that is to say you’d need a suitable location, suitable opportunity at suitable time. Do you think CROSSROADS Maldives will actually be a total win over the competition in the Maldives? We can already see the impact and the demands. Even our event hall has started to pick up a lot quicker. Aside from the business itself, I’d more like to think it as a win-win situation rather than just a win-over. We have over 60% Maldivian workforce and 18% female and a lot of the females own senior positions which was a set goal to encourage from the beginning. It’s targeted, it’s driven, it’s always going to be there to support the local community.
“We have various business units within the project which are tapping into different targets. For the Marina, we will never be away from one of our main objects which is to create offerings for locals, whether Maldives or expats living in the Maldives. We also aim to attract transit visitors, a
new place to be instead of waiting long hours at airport. Of course, if we are talking about resort statistics, each one has a different mix. This is related to the brand positioning itself and the different services provided on each resort island.” Christopher Baker GM, CROSSROADS Maldives
INTERVIEW BY AREEF, M
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EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS in Maldives A trip to Maldives is almost always associated with kicking off the shoes and unplugging from the rest of the world. But the traveler at heart knows that there is more to Maldives than the naturally beautiful islands surrounded by clear lagoons and beaches.
1. Exploring the Marina, CROSSROADS Maldives Ever since its opening this year, CROSSROADS Maldives is making headlines for all the right reasons. CROSSROADS Maldives is the first integrated, multiisland tourist resort in Maldives and a mere 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. You can now book a day tour for your family to explore the Marina and learn about the Maldives and its abundant marine life while Koimala & Maalimi Junior Beach Club will be available for kids to have a full day of fun. From world famous restaurants serving an array of international cuisines to a wide range of educational and fun activities for family, you will spend in here an adventurous and a memorable day.
2. Local island experience With growing number of guest-houses and inns, staying cheap on a local island and getting the real feel of the island life and its people is simple. Maldivians are so amazingly diverse in their ancestry, lifestyle, food and culture, yet so connected by nature. Locals are in fact known as extremely hospitable, so getting around the island, making conversations and trying local food and delicacies should be easy and an experience you should not miss out. At the end of your trip, you will likely be leaving with lots of goodies, new friends and a whole lot of memories to cherish. FIYA ¡ PUBLISHED BY MVHOTELS
Maldives - though one of the smallest countries in the world, is also one of the most disparate countries in terms of heritage and culture. With mixed yet rich culture from north to south, interesting history and natural beauty, Maldives has more to offer than we assume.
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3. Sunset cruise
4. Male’ City tour
A cruise on the calm sea, in a traditional Maldivian boat and at sunset sounds like a perfect way to unwind after you have had a long day of exploring and basking in the sun. Whether it is with your family, friends or just you and your beloved, this is an experience that will soothe your soul and create beautiful memories.
You can book a tour through your agency for a full day or even a half day with a local, licensed guide who will walk you through important historical events and places in Male’ the capital city of Maldives. Visit the important landmarks, and the local markets for a taste of local food and delicacies.
Watch the transient nature of the world as the blue shades of the ocean and sky turn golden with the setting sun. Your guest house or resort will usually have this beautiful experience incorporated in the itinerary.
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A tour in Male’ is an ideal experience if you are staying in your remote island resort and want to see the local life in a quick trip as all the places of important and historic value are within walking distance to each other.
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DID YOU KNOW?
5. Dance to boduberu Boduberu is the localized traditional form of music and dance of Maldivians, inherited from our African ancestors. Whether it is in your resort or local touristy island, you will be welcome to not just watch the show but also participate in the dances and let yourself lose without a care in the world. Boduberu shows are a weekly event in resorts and an inherent part of the culture in northern part of Maldives. Although southerners are not culturally familiar, all Maldivians in general enjoy boduberu.
6. Submarine tour While Maldives is famous for its rich marine life, not everyone wants to go deep sea diving or snorkeling. But a tour into the deep blue sea, minus the hassle of diving gear and getting wet, sitting in absolute comfort sure sounds convenient and fun, especially for your children. Your kids will never stop raving about their adventure about exploring the colorful world beneath the water.
STORY BY AISHA
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MEET YOUR BUTLER
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MEET YOUR BUTLER
KHADEEJA MOHAMED SONEVA Could you tell us a brief of your journey till today? I studied Front Office Management in Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (Maldives). I had to do training after the studies, so I joined Taj Exotica Resort for three months for training. That’s where my interest in this field started. After that, I got the opportunity in Six senses Laamu (Ex-Soneva) as a GEM (Guest Experience Maker). That’s when I got to know about Soneva’s philosophy - the luxury and sustainable experience. I have also worked with other brands like Vakarufalhi, Anantara Maldives and Atmosphere Kanifushi, but none of the places touched my soul like Soneva did, and I’m very happy that I’m back with Soneva.
A butler’s job is typically associated with a man. However, there are amazing women working to change that notion. Breaking social and cultural barriers as a woman in the business industry takes a lot of courage and hard work. Here’s what Khadeeja Mohamed says about her journey as a Butler.
What makes you go that extra mile for each guest you attend? Believing in what you do. I love my job. And I love to guide them through the experiences they (everyone) need to discover here in Soneva. Each and every experience will stay with you for a life time.
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HULHUMALE A Travel Inspiration An idea that developed with the rise of tourism in the Maldives, to sustain the living conditions for the locals and the baffled faces that were then discovering the white spots that lay plastered across the equator. Hulhumale is the island that catches the first ray of sunshine south-east of the bustling capital of Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
Lying 6.2 km away from Velaana International Airport by a causeway, the futuristic city has become a touristic destination for one night stops for its suitability. If transiting in the capital for an outbound flight over-night, there are selections of hotels to choose from - majority of it being situated on the east coast beach road of Hulhumale. Known locally as Dhigaa Magu, the road is one of the most thawed spots to hangout as a blend of restaurants, hotels, water-sports and hang-outs are splattered across till the end.
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In 1997, the island you see now was a striking stretch of turquoise lagoon. The notion that the government then had was to have a blend of locally inventive city to accommodate half of the population of 400,000 people living in the Maldives. With the climate change in motion affecting almost all aspects surrounding the little islands, the following presidencies sought to varied concepts to save the distinctive marvel. With a population of 30,000 locals currently and almost half of the number of expatriates situated on the island, Hulhumale has become a safe-haven for a diverse community.
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A day stay in Hulhumale can consist of a refreshing jog early in the morning through the boasted Hulhumale Central Park which is full of greenery and softness.
In the afternoon bask in the sun on the tourist beach located at the far end of Dhigaa Magu or relish a bit of relaxing water sports such as snorkeling or canoing.
As the roads surrounding it are closed for vehicles, the park becomes a calming spot for friends and alike throughout the day. Continued with a Super Duper Maldivian breakfast consisting of Mashuni (Coconut and canned tuna mixture), Kulhi Mas (fried tuna in curry paste), baked beans with Roshi (flatbread cooked on a hot griddle) at Shell beans. With the notion of made in paradise, situated near the beach witness the vibrant colors of sunrise at the horizon in the Maldives.
After dusk, bliss in a scrumptious dinner at one of the many selected points depending on your cravings such as if it’s a steak, you can enjoy one in the Steak and Coffee Bar or if it’s a bit of curry craving, Bombay Darbar is where Indian tastes come to life. Followed by a late night blockbuster movie at the Schwack Cinema located next to Bread Matters, a hearty day can be wearing.
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Nevertheless, if sorting for a serene option on a longer stay, luxury guest-houses such as h78, Rivethi Beach Hotel, Hotel Ocean Grand at Hulhumale or Meri Maldives are few places to choose from. All four of the hotels offer sea view plus cleanliness and hospitality starred above on 7.8 ratings on most booking applications. With a closer look at Hotel Ocean Grand at Hulhumale with 388 customer reviews of great experience on booking.com, the hotel offers a majority of facilities with a sense of privacy of a warm interior which is suitable for most tired travelers.
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Overall, Hulhumale’ is an island of tar and sand that can give a quick glimpse into what Maldives truly offers its visitors.
Maldives is fêted for its underwater splendor hence it would be no surprise that water sports and excursions are available in abundance in Hulhumale. Along Dhigaa Magu road almost on every block a water sports centre can be found. The adrenaline that rushes through when bursting out of the H2O while fly boarding is a must. To experience the crystal clearness of the lagoon and then suddenly to get a 15ft high view of the island is not the peak experience.
Likewise water sports such as Jet skis, Surfing, Parasailing and Windsurfing are a selected few to get oneself introduced to what is actually possible on water but if curious of the blue, diving in the spectacle reefs that surround Hulhumale with exotic reef fishes and corals that you have never seen before, Discover Scuba Diving is a worthy skill to open yourself into the world of diving. Two of the most seemly places to get a firsthand experience would be Ocean Junkies Dive Centre or Scuba Club Maldives in Hulhumale.
To let your imagination run wild is a saying but in this case it really is, the thrill of being able to fly over water using jet propulsion powered watercraft, little is left to the imagination. At Just Salt they provide options such as with a captain or without one. FIYA · PUBLISHED BY MVHOTELS
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PHOTO STUDIO W W W. I S L A N D M E M O R I E S . M V
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TRAVEL INSPIRATION
PHOTO BY @ADAMZUBINWORKS
A night life of indulgence was born into the isle when locals started opening varieties of restaurants across Nirolhu Magu. Many talented artists sought to different cuisines such as American, Japanese to Thailand bringing a new flourish of fresh customers of locals from nearby islands as well as tourists.
“What a great place. I felt like I was in Europe and not in Male’! Really nice interiors and well laid out. Delicious food and great service. Will definitely be back!” Facebook Review
A notable place would be Oishii - The House of Sushi with recently achieving 8 medals at the Hotel Asia Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge 2019. Lead by two exemplary local chefs, Oishii has established itself as a rare first in Japanese cuisines introduced by locals with a hint of Maldivian hospitality. However, if you wish to have a taste of international brands places such as Papa Sam’s or Bread Matters are available throughout Hulhumale.
STORY BY NADHA
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MALE’ LOUNGE
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FLYME NETWORK Hanimaadhoo Airport
Maafaru Airport Ifuru Airport Madivaru Airport
Dharavandhoo Airport
Velana International Airport
Villa Airport Maamigili
Kudahuvadhoo Airport
Current Airports
Thimarafushi Airport
Up-coming/Domestic Airports
Kadhdhoo Airport
Kooddoo Airport
Fuvahmulah Airport
Gan Int. Airport
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ALIA
300 9797 FIYA · PUBLISHED BY MVHOTELS
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SONEVA
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