The Islandchief , Travel Tabloid 16| November issue 2017

VOL 16 | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.islandchief.com

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A Dynamic Business Entrepreneur

A Culinary Genius

Email : news@islandchief.com | Hotline : +960 9994534

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AVIATION NEWS

TWO SEATS ONE GREAT OFFER BY QATAR AIRWAYS

SINGAPORE AIRLINES AND GRAB AGREE ON EXTENSIVE PARTNERSHIP

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atar Airways has announced a new sales campaign, ‘two seats, one great offer’ and is providing First and Business Class passengers a special discount when booking two seats together.

service with this special offer to many exciting destinations, including cities recently added to our network such as Nice, Prague and Dublin.”

Last month, Qatar Airways introduced a new premium global chauffeur service for passengers, offering door-to-door seamless transfers.

According to the Qatar Airways, passengers will be able to enjoy five-star service on board Qatar Airway’s First and Business Class cabins when booking Qatar Airways has also been increasing from October 9 to 16, 2017, with travel improvements to the airline’s in-flight validity until 31st May 2018. catering, with a new bespoke Pre-Select Dining service for its First and Business The new promotion from the Qatar Class passengers, giving them even Airways will allow both leisure and more choice and freedom to create a business travellers to plan their next trip personalised la carte dining experience with family, friends or colleagues to any every time they travel on long-haul destination on the airline’s extensive flights from Doha. global network, where they will be able to enjoy up to 50 percent discounts Furthermore Qatari locally-smoked on all-inclusive premium fares when salmon has also been introduced as booking flights on board its awarda fresh new ingredient for First and winning First and Business Class cabins. Business Class dining.

Special discounts on individual fares are also available.

Earlier this year, Qatar Airways also launched its revolutionary new Business “We are delighted to launch this unique Class seat, Qsuite, featuring the companion campaign, providing our industry’s first-ever double bed available valued passengers a special discount in Business Class, with privacy panels when booking two seats together. “Said that stow away, allowing passengers Qatar Airways Chief Commercial in adjoining seats to create their own Officer, Ehab Amin. private room.

“Family, friends and colleagues will now be able to enjoy our renowned five-star

ingapore Airlines (SIA) and Grab today announced a partnership to provide customers with more seamless travel experiences.

receive GrabPay Credits worth $10 in their Grab account for bookings made through the SingaporeAir mobile app for Grab rides in Singapore.

SIA and Grab will integrate their mobile apps to offer enhanced convenience to customers when travelling to the airport in six countries across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. This marks the coming together of the world’s most awarded airline and Southeast Asia’s leading ridehailing and payments platform.

Members of SIA’s KrisFlyer and Grab’s GrabRewards programmes will enjoy additional benefits under the partnership. GrabRewards members have the flexibility to convert their GrabRewards points into KrisFlyer miles.

Customers also stand a chance to win a pair of Business Class tickets to Hong Kong in a contest. To take part, SIA customers can book Grab rides customers simply have to enter the code through the SingaporeAir mobile app.

‘GRABSQ’ in the promo field in the Customers using the app will see an Grab app booking screen for every Grab option to book a Grab ride to the airport ride they take between 9 October and seven days before their scheduled 9 November 2017. The customer with flight. Selecting this option will direct the most Grab rides booked during this customers to the Grab app, where they period will win. can choose to order a Grab ride to the airport on-demand or in advance. The airport will be automatically listed as the destination, so the user simply fills in the pick-up point and desired time. In addition, the first 5,000 customers will

SILKAIR MARKS NEW ERA WITH ARRIVAL OF FIRST BOEING 737 MAX 8

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ilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, celebrated the arrival of its new aircraft, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 on 4th October 2017.

The new aircraft offers customers an enhanced on-board experience, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant flight.

The first of 37 MAX 8s ordered, this delivery marks a significant milestone in SilkAir’s journey towards expanding its network to bring customers to inspiring destinations across the region.

The MAX 8 aircraft will feature an enhanced Business Class, with a new seat configuration of 156 seats – 12 Business Class seats and 144 Economy Class seats.

service to run three times a week, this route will also be the only non-stop service between Hiroshima and Singapore, providing travelers a greater connectivity from Japan to Singapore, as well as to the rest of the region.

This new route will also see the introduction of Japanese cuisine so customers can enjoy authentic Japanese flavors in dishes such as chicken curry don, mixed flavored rice with Tsukune chicken balls and Omu rice.

Two more MAX 8s are expected to be delivered by the end of the year, with another 34 on order. Besides the newly introduced destination of Hiroshima, all MAX 8 aircraft will also be deployed to other longer haul destinations in the network including Cairns, Darwin, Kathmandu, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

With comfort and a joyful experience at the heart of its approach, the Business Class cabin will feature thoughtful refinements such as enhanced personal space with a 25% To celebrate the launch of the new aircraft with increase in seat pitch (39”to 49”) as well as additional seat consumers, SilkAir has created a dedicated MAX 8 recline (8” to 12”) for added comfort. microsite where the public can learn more about the aircraft, SilkAir destinations and also stand a chance to The first new destination the MAX 8 will fly to Hiroshima, win flights on the brand new fleet of MAX 8 aircraft by Japan, with the inaugural flight taking place on 30 participating in online mini games. For more Information October 2017. This marks the first Japanese destination visit: silkair.com/max8. that SilkAir has added to its network. With a return flight

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HAPPENING

First Travel Agents Directory To Be Launched by MATATO

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aldives Association of Travel Agents and MATATO already publishes an annual magazine, Tour Operators (MATATO) has announced Maldives Finder, which was first launched in 2011. the launch of its first ever travel agent’s directory in Maldives.

Maldives Finder is distributed throughout the year at leading international travel exhibitions and According to MATATO, Maldives Travel Agents events, and travel roadshows and networking events Guide will be published from next year onwards and organized by MATATO. The publication is also will provide detailed information about travel agents widely circulated amongst the tourism facilities in the operating in the Maldives.

Maldives.

Moreover, the directory which will include listings of travel agents, and feature advertorials on holiday options offered by local agents will be distributed at major international travel trade shows and MATATO hosted events.

“The purpose of this publication is to have an exclusive platform, where MATATO can exclusively feature local travel agents and their innovative travel ideas and offers that need to be showcased for the international market.” Reeds a statement by MATATO.

Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) was found in 2006 by a group of enthusiastic tour operators of Maldives.

Currently, the association represents more than 50 travel agents and tour operators in the Maldives.The Organization is also the key founders and organiser of the prestigious Maldives Travel Awards that is held every year.

“This publication will also serve as business directory and catalogue for international buyers seeking for information on local agents.”

“Remember Addu” A green initiative to celebrate SATA 2017

High Rise international, Organisers of the event recently held an exciting activity Launched last year by Maldives-based event management company Highrise, SATA “Remember Addu” as a concluding event for participants of Sata 2017 has been endorsed by regional tourism authorities and organisations worldwide.

Remember Addu took place on 28, October 2017 at 0830 Hours and participants were SATA is the first ever regional travel awards endorsed by multinational associations, advised to attend Dressed in casual attires. providing the tourism sector of the South Asian region with recognition towards their facilities and service excellence. It aims to encourage and raise service standards in the Remember Addu was a very special activity where participants were be able to leave a region’s tourism industry. memento of their experiences in Addu City by planting a tree to help the development and healthy growth of the citys’ tropical ecosystem.

Furthermore Years from now, If Participants decide to come back and visit the city, they will be able to see the tree that they planted hopefully flourishing amongst the lush greenery of Addu City.

Remember Addu took place following an Addu City Tour starting from Equator Village where participants had the opportunity to explore the resplendent beauty of Souther Maldives. Free Transportations and Tour guides were provided.

Participants were advised to bring a camera, mosquito repellent, cap, umbrella, sunglasses and the official pass. Furthermore Event organisers happily informed that most outlets in the city will accept payments made with foreign currencies, USD or EUR. “Remember Addu” was be organised by the Ministry of housing and infrastructure and Maldives National Defence Force Southern Area and was be supported by Maldives Ports limited.

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ISLAND PRESS

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A New Floating Hammock in lily Beach

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ily Beach Maldives introduces a new floating hammock platform which provides guests with their own private luxury escape.

According to the resort, this new addition continues to build on the amazing experience available throughout the resort. The Hammock Platform which can accommodated up to 4 people, is available for rent to the guests staying at Lily Beach Resort “The uninterrupted views across the lagoon, combined with the amazing marine life potentially just below make this hammock platform an incredible location, which all guests should look to experience.” states lily beach resort The floating hammock is securely anchored in the resorts sheltered lagoon and provides a fantastic base to snorkel and swim as well as offering a unique place to lie back and relax

and enjoy the view.

During the day the platform comes equipped with a cooler containing a selection of drinks and a fruit platter, making a great base for the family or couples wanting to enjoy their time together and experience this unique opportunity.

Furthermore, sunset rentals will also be available, and couples can enjoy the incredibly romantic experience, sipping cocktails, watching the sky change colour on their own private floating piece of paradise.

Lily Beach is a resort at its finest, boasting a worldwide reputation for its pristine beaches, lush tropical vegetation and its exotic house reef just few meters away from the shore. The favorable location in the spectacular Ari Atoll places Huvahendhoo Island, Lily Beach is in close proximity to some of the most amazing dive sites in the world.

Finolhu Gives Fitness an update with UFC.

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inolhu is banding together with the renowned UFC GYM, an elite fitness concept from global phenomenon Ultimate Fighting Championship® to enhance the fitness levels of guests staying at the resort.

Starting from 1 October 2017, a UFC GYM Master Trainer will be based on the island at Finolhu’s “Cove Club” to offer a blend of traditional workout facilities and mixed martial arts to guests with a variety of personal training and group classes.

UFC is a community based popular mixed martial arts association that focuses on bettering themselves through disciplined training and a variety of classes to reach the targeted results.

The UFC GYM launched its first chain of gyms in 2009 and the team aspires to install confidence in members so that they can accomplish their goals in and outside of the octagon by offering a range of workout classes and training programs for all ages.

GENEVIÈVE SOSZYNSKI, the UFC GYM Master Trainer that will be based at Finolhu for six months starting from October will be offering a diversity of personal training and group classes, including Daily Ultimate Trainings including Fight Fit, UFC Fit, Boxing & Striking Conditioning, MMATRX and TR and Triggerpoint Movement.

With over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, Soszynski is an

experienced MMA practitioner of Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling as well as a former coach and student at Team Quest under MMA and UFC fight veteran Dan Henderson and at Reign Training Centre under UFC fighter Mark Munoz.

Furthermore, she has helped hundreds of individuals, including MMA athletes, achieve their fitness goals in weight loss and muscle gain with specialised training in rehabilitative and preventative care as an experienced remedial message therapist and therapy aide. guests can meet with either the resident fitness instructor or the UFC GYM Master Trainer who will provide expert fitness and wellness advice to guide them and help them to train differently at the

Finolhu’s retro revival hub, “Cove Club”, which features indoor and outdoor gym areas with the latest state-of-the-art gym equipment overlooking both ‘Palm Beach’ and the island’s beautiful lagoon.

According to the resort, harnessing the island’s natural environment is the inspiration for fitness activities at The Cove Club, from yoga and paddle boarding to ballet and kickboxing, while the facilities will also include a movement pavilion, a relaxation area overlooking the sunset, steam/sauna, a wellness areas, a salon and retail pavilion.

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ISLAND PRESS

Kurumba Maldives Celebrates 45th Anniversary

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he Tourism industry of the Maldives is the country’s most flourishing industry to date.The countries incredible industry was kick started with Kurumba Maldives opening on October 3, 1972. Today it celebrates its 45th year of service.

Kurumba Maldives hosted an extravagant array of activities including surprise cupcakes various discounts at their bar and spa, free cocktail and wine tasting party, a Food Street Festival and a special show hosted by stand to mark their 45th anniversary.

As the day started with guests enjoying breakfast, they were surprised with a complimentary cup-cake showcasing a beautiful decoration that depicted Kurumba’s 45th anniversary.

Later in the evening, a Cocktail Party was held atop the Kandu bar where guests

had the opportunity to socialise and win amazing prizes through a surprise lucky draw. The cocktail party was a lavish evening, which served guests free cocktails and wine.

Furthermore, staff from the resort offered guests’ free massages to relieve tension and staff also donned a traditional food serving scale to distribute finger food.

The events of the party concluded with a special raffle, which saw attendees nominated for a lucky draw.

The raffle was drawn by a repeater guest, who has been to Kurumba eight times.

The first raffle winner won a grand prize of a free sunset cruise for two followed by the runner up that won a 40$ gift voucher to redeem in the Cafe’ and the last winner won a free photoshoot. Following the end of the raffle, the guest of honour was also given an opportunity to take part in the raffle and won spe-cial credit for meals at

Kurumbas’ “Isola” restaurant.

The evening ensued with an amazing food street that sparkled bright as decorations and stalls or-ganised by the staff gave out free food representing their respective cultures. The food street was filled to the brink with a whole heritage of ethnic cuisine including, Middle eastern, Sri Lankan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indian and Maldivian food The activities marking the celebration of Kurumbas’ 45th anniversary concluded with an exciting show for guests organised by staff and a local “Bodu Beru” team that saw staff sing and perform a variety of extravagant activities to entertain guests and attendees. Guests and attendees took part in some of the performances as everyone danced and sang to mark the end of a wonderful night with hopes for a bright future filled with great fun ahead for Ku-rumba Maldives.

Kurumba Maldives is set on a tropical island in the North Male’ Atoll, conveniently situated a brief 10-minute speedboat ride from the airport. Dotted with coconut trees that are the island’s name-sake, Kurumba was the first private island resort in the Maldives.

Beautiful gardens, palm fringed white sandy beaches and a vibrant house reef is the hallmarks of this classic Maldivian resort.

At the time of Kurumba’s inception in 1972 the beautiful islands of the Maldives was inhabited only by fisherman and was relatively unknown to the outside world with little to no foreign investments taking place in Kurumba Maldives From its humble origins operated by a handful of founding friends now employs over 450 staff from various nationalities and has become the benchmark for resorts all across the country.

Fun Filled Events to Celebrate the Festive Season at Veligandu

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s the festive season is the most awaited episode of the year and one of the highlights in paradise, the entire Veligandu island resort’s team has prepared a wide variety of activities for guests to experience the fun and merriness of this period.

The major events include, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Gala dinners, Special Lucky Draw on New Year’s night, Special Theme Nights, several Sports events with Guest vs. staffs, Santa Arrival Ceremony, Christmas Song & Dance with Veligandu staffs on Christmas Eve night.

“The team and I are very excited to welcoming several repeaters during October, which most of them describe Veligandu as their second home.” states Fathuhulla Ibrahim, General Manager of Veligandu Island Resort and Spa. “We are utmost delighted to receive and welcome our own family members again for another fantastic and merry holiday.”

Furthermore the resort’s F&B team

has scheduled quite a lot of sumptuous dinners on the beach and to offers guests a plethora of choice this festive season, the resort has organized Beach cocktail parties, DJ parties and Sunset chill out live music.

Veligandu Island Resort and Spa is still continuing their existing Early Bird Special Offer for November and December, in which guests can Book their stays on All Inclusive Plus package and receive an exceptional discount of­ ­20%­­on Jacuzzi Beach Villa, Water Villa and Jacuzzi Water Villa room categories.

Surrounded by a beautiful lagoon, an excellent house reef and long stretches of white, sandy beach, Veligandu Island Resort and Spa is the only Resort on the island of Veligandu, North Ari Atoll, a 20 minute Seaplane ride from the airport.

Veligandu is a four star resort and offers a perfect small island getaway holiday, including an All Inclusive Plan option.

The resort is 600 meters long by 150 meters wide, about 22 acres.

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Bandos Unveils New Club House

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andos Maldives has recently reopened the Clubhouse formerly known as ‘Paradise Club’ after some major renovations. The facility was converted into a stylish and modern two storey building.

entertainment area equipped with free WIFI, a TV, board games, a library for guests seeking a slower pace to unwind and relax or to catch up on the latest news and sport from around the world, A foosball table, squash court and a ping pong table is also accessible within the “The management saw fit to renovate sports complex. and upgrade the services available at the Clubhouse, making the place more The top floor includes a fully equipped family friendly as the resort receives a fitness suite which is open to all guests lot of guests from the family holiday free of charge. The gym provides state of sector, which is also one of the resort’s key the art equipment and qualified staff and market” explains Mr. Aslamath Mohamed, friendly instructors are readily available to Assistant recreation manager of bands assist guests with their workouts. Guests island resort can also enjoy free aerobics sessions with professional instructors in a spin class “The Clubhouse includes various facilities which is also available on the upper level. such as a gym, table tennis, steam/sauna room, a game room and ‘Kokko Club’ “ Furthermore a steam-bath and sauna facility which is located on the ground The ground floor of the clubhouse now floor is perfect for guests who want to consists of an open-spaced playground relax after a workout at the gym or after a well suited for kids of all ages, a luxurious game of badminton or squash in the flood-

“Your Fuel Has Arrived.”

lit courts located inside the Clubhouse.

Beach volleyball and tennis courts are also available for guests to take part in outdoor sports.

such as arts and crafts, cooking lessons and treasure hunting to reading a book or playing a board game during a rainy day under the careful watch of qualified highly trained child minders in our kids club” “The purpose of building a steam bath and says Mr.Aslamth sauna facility in the club house is so that guests can enjoy these facilities without “There are also a range of dining options having to go far to their rooms right after for parents to pre-order from for meals a hard workout” and snacks for their children while they are away.”

Kokko Club is a kid’s club which offers babysitting services by childcare Bandos Maldives is located just 7km away professionals and babysitters to ensure that from the international airport and is guests can enjoy sometime for themselves famous as a family and dive holiday resort. during their holiday comfortably knowing The island has 215 rooms in 7 different that their children are safe and in capable room types and 6 food outlets. hands. the kids club includes a game room It is believed that people lived on Bandos and the nursery is open from 0800hrs- island as early as 1603 AD. 1700hrs everyday.

According to French writer Pyrad De “There are a lot of recreation activities Laval who came to Maldives on 2nd July designed especially for children of all 1602. He learned Dhivehi from the people ages. kids can enjoy stimulating activities who lived in Bandos.

Our fuel bunkering service delivers fuel right to your vessels. Our trademark is to supply fuel in the most convenient and timely manner for all our customers located at different docks and moorings across the nation.

STO Aifaanu Building, 4th Floor Block A Boduthakurufaanu magu, 20026 Male’, Maldives Tel: + 960 333 6655 I Fax: + 960 331 3881 Mail: sales@fuelmaldives.net

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Chef Jordi Villa

The Sensational Spaniard Of Halaveli

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hef Jordi Vila, one of the biggest stars in the culinary industry in the Maldives was kind enough to grant us an interview where he explained just how difficult it is to be a chef, and the immense amount of passion that it takes to be one.

1. Tell us about your days in Barcelona? How did your career start?

I come from Barcelona, where my family had a farm as well as a small business managing restaurants. On my family’s farms, we reared animals and grew fruits and vegetables such as turnips.

I started to get interested in this field because of my grandmother, who used to cook everything from scratch. After learning a lot from her, I started working Saturday nights as a pastry chef at small restaurant while i was still 15.

Later I started focusing a lot more on my studies and decided to see new things in my teenage years. That is when I moved to the regional capital Barcelona, where I worked in a few restaurants before I decided to go and see the world.

2.Having travelled all over the world, could you tell us some of the most important things that you have learned in your travels?

I believe that traveling is important for everyone. Because traveling is equal to learning.

Because of my travels I have learned about cuisines and cultures from all over the world. From places such as Tokyo, Philippines and even Dubai. That is why I can work in the Maldives.

Halaveli is a resort where we can get 40 different nationalities for dinner on a single night, and because of my travels, because of what I have learned I am able to satisfy all these different people. I am very lucky to have been able to travel throughout the world. For a Chef, it is extremely important. You get to meet all kinds of different people and like I mentioned above learn new things.

If you don’t travel, you don’t learn and it’s as simple as that.

3.Could you describe your style of cooking in just one sentence?

It is an ‘Interpretation of my travels’ 4.What are the most difficult aspects of being a Chef?

Well I don’t have many difficulties in my job but there are issues such as sourcing the ingredients. But that is also nothing if you have the passion for your job. I like to think that I have the passion for my job so these issues are things that I actually enjoy.

It depends on how you take it. If you can see the bright side of things, you can be successful. However, if you don’t have the passion, everything is difficult.

5.Since you have worked with chefs of repute such as Gordon Ramsey, how did it affect your career?

I am extremely lucky to have been under the tutelage of Chef Gordon Ramsey. He helped me to be different and develop my own styles. Because that’s what celebrity chefs are, they are one of a kind. He is an amazing chef and I learned a lot from him.

6.Having worked at top class hotels throughout the world, what are the main differences that you have noticed between these hotels and Constance Halaveli?

Like I said before, I am extremely lucky to travel all over the world. But everywhere chefs are different, the concepts of these restaurants are also different. Because they do things differently over there.

Here in Halaveli, I have the freedom of choice.

I am allowed to do everything I want and I am also blessed with a wonderful team of highly skilled chefs. There are many beautiful restaurants around the world, but we try to innovate what we do every day, because if you do not innovate then you will slowly go down.

7.How would you describe the Maldives, its culinary industry and cuisine?

Maldives is of course paradise on earth. It is a place where the culinary industry is growing every day and getting better. Maldivian food is also very good, and can get even better when infused and innovated with other techniques.

I try to use the local products in fine dining every day, because there is a lot of innovative things that can be done with the locally available products such as the watermelons.

Take this little recipe for instance which is a new Interpretation of Tuna Gulha.

Maldivian Tuna Cubes

Tuna, Watermelon, Gouda, Chilli It is so simple and yet so tasty and filled with local products.

8.In what areas should the country improve in order to become even better?

Things may not always be easy here in the Maldives, but it all goes away with experience and passion. The country is getting better and better day by day. But we as Chefs, have the power to change the mindsets mentality of the visitors to the country.

Maldives can be a reference as a top class culinary destination and be strong in F&B. We can change it so that the guests do not come here for the holiday but for the amazing food. They need to come here because it is one of the best places to eat in the world.

And that is in our power to change, but we need to innovate and develop even more.

9.What do you think of your restaurants and the team here?

We have some of the best restaurants in the country and that is only possible because of the amazing team here.

Our restaurants are filled with chefs from different nationalities. They are extremely skilled and well versed in different cuisines. Even I learn from my team members here.

10.Describe your version of a perfect meal? Is it the food or the surrounding environment?

The best food is the simplest food. But it has to be had with the perfect companion.

The wonderful food must be shared with someone you love.

Even a tomato and bread can be the best meal in the world if it’s with someone you love. But the food must also be made with passion. The flour for the bread must be grown with love and care, even if it is made with the best products and flour, if these things are missing then it is not the best food.

11. Do you try to mentor your staff?

Yes, of course. I love to teach my staff. Because I want everyone to be surprised by us here in Halaveli. If a good employee of mine was to leave and impress his new boss, that person would automatically be intrigued by who trained that employee and where he was before. And for that employee to proudly be able to say ‘oh I worked for Chef Jordi in Halaveli, what did you expect?’, it goes to show that even if people leave they would still remember you. You could leave a lasting impact on their career. The feedback is always very important.

I like to treat everyone on the same level as me and try to mentor everyone with my experiences as it is very important to educate the young one and teach! Teach! Teach!

Because they are the future.

12. What is the one piece of advice that you would leave for a fellow chef or budding new one?

Everything takes time.

This is a profession which is a beautiful job but also a difficult one. You need to be prepared to spend long hours on the job, holidays like Easter and Christmas. You will be working when your friends are out having fun. Chefs also do not have the time to relax until the job is done. So you need to ask yourself before you enter the industry, do you really want to be a chef? Do you have the passion that it takes?

Local flavour to tantalise every tastebud

Elephant House Coconut Ice Cream is sourced and manufactured in Sri Lanka to give your guests the true taste of the tropics in every bite.

AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR

Lily International Pvt. Ltd | H. Coal Field, 2nd Floor | Kalhuhuraa Magu | K. Male’, 20085, Republic of Maldives T: +960 333 2882 | F: +960 333 2893 | E: info@lily-international.com | W: www.lily-international.com

ELEPHANT HOUSE - WHOLESOME GOODNESS

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he Elephant House Brand which started in 1866 is synonymous with wholesome goodness and is one the leading soft drinks and ice cream producers in Sri Lanka.

Serving the nation with pride and pleasure for decades, Elephant House is the undisputed market leader in the ice cream category and commands unprecedented levels of brand recognition that cut across demographics.

Elephant House entered the Maldives market in the year 2002, at a time when the market was dominated by internationally renowned brands.

With the right management mechanisms and relevant marketing strategies, the brand was able to clinch the top position by year 2009 in the archipelago. Since then, the brand holds the undisputed market leadership in Maldives.

Deemed by the young and old alike as tasty, trustworthy and of the highest quality, Elephant House Ice Cream’s continuing quest is to maintain its values and retain the trust of its

consumers, won over many decades.

Innovation, continuous responsiveness to consumer needs and strong supply-chain management have been the triune pillars of its sustained success.

The Company places special emphasis on the production of the essences that go into flavouring of its ice creams. Its vanilla ice cream, for example, is traditionally exquisite.

Even a first-time consumer could differentiate this benchmark product from other brands in the market, due to its superlative taste and quality. The secret, of course, is in the vanilla essence that has been customarily produced in-house.

Elephant House Basic range of take-home products varies in terms of volume and variety from the 500 ml to 4 litre ice cream tubs of Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Fruit n’ Nut and Mango. As the value added flavors VanillaChocolate Twist, Vanilla-Mango Twist, Double Delight and Hakuru-mix are available in 1 liter packings.

To be in aligning with the global concern of

Elephant house Ice Cream

• Elephant House is the number-one choice among consumers of ice cream in Sri Lanka, commanding a share of over two-thirds of the local market.

• The brand’s ice creams have survived challenges to its success, posed by stiff competition from rival multinationals, by being responsive to consumer needs.

diabetic Elephant House introduced Vanilla Lite and Chocolate Lite ice cream to the market. It is the only lite range available in Maldives.

As premium range of ice creams it includes the mouth-watering Choc Choc Chip, Coffee Grande, Cookie Cream, French Vanilla, Rockey Road, Very Berry and Strawberry Seduction under IMORICH brand name.

“Caramelised sugar coated-desiccated coconut mixed with vanilla base ice cream with coconut flavour. It comes as single portion (80 ml) cups and ready for the touch of industrial experts.

Best solution for a tropical dessert.” Reeds the description of a Popular Elephant House ice cream Flavour.

The contemporary and exciting products of the Elephant House have retained the Country Cooperation Strategies (CCS) attributes that define its brand value.

As a result, Elephant House is increasingly in demand across its consumer demographics.

Importantly, catering to local tastes, the brand has not neglected to maintain the International standards for which it has been long reputed.

• The CCS strategy of purchasing raw materials from local farmers has been mutually beneficial and is an ongoing boost for the rural economy.

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SPOTLIGHT

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MR.ARAFAATH

EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER, LUX* SOUTH ARI ATOLL The islandChief had the pleasure of having a pleasant chat with the executive housekeeper from Lux* South Ari atoll, Mr. Arafat. Born in the Maldives, Arafat has many years of experience in the service industry and his youthful vision inspires nothing but success. We ask about his thoughts of the Lux* brand, his experiences with the tourism industry and about his responsibilities at work and how he manages them.

Q.1/ How will you describe Lux* as Q.4/ How does a normal workday Q.7/ What is the most difficult a brand name? go for you? task that you handle in your daily operations?

I would say the Lux* brand is a very The morning starts with a walk open and innovative brand. The around the island to see how things Having a Hundred and ten company is always on the lookout are. Then comes the house keeping employees means the challenge for an opportunity to provide meeting followed by breakfast is a 110 different minds. Their something new and innovative. and exco meeting. When you are expectations are different and housekeeping, there is more field dealing with each separate one is When I Look at other top brands work than admin work. Like, different. so the challenge is treating I often see a closed box structure. handling guests, handling room them all fairly. Even when you do Lux* is five stars, but it is an open issues or doing something with the your best, at the end of the day there box always allowing employees to staff. As long as you are on the island, will be unhappy people. That said I think out of the box. To serve our you are always on work. Even during believe the housekeeping staff are all guests, we are open to do anything your break, you’ll be engaging with very experienced and trust worthy and I believe a large part of this the staff. From morning to evening, so general issues are very less. My attributes itself to the success of the you’ll still be working. And even team is generally very flexible and Lux* brand when you sleep, you’ll probably be understanding. dreaming about work.

Q.2/ How do you see Lux* as a Q.8/ What inspired you to join the second home?

Q.5/ What are your main duties tourism industry? and responsibilities?

Everyone works here together. I I joined the industry by luck! After always have a very homely and My main focus at present is room finishing 10th grade, there was an family like feeling when I am here. division as it is the next step for Lux*. open day recruitment held by One Starting from the top management But the main responsibilities for and Only Reethi Rah, and by chance to the department heads, no one housekeeping are maintaining the I explored it. But when I joined I employs a bossy style. There is no rooms and condition, ordering the knew nothing about the industry. specific time for a staff to speak to necessary materials and handling Later on when I worked there I learnt a manager or a department head, the team leaves and stuff. Laundry, a lot from the people. Then a lot of everyone is open at any time of the gardening and even landscaping fall opportunities came up and built my day. Everyone accepts new ideas under our supervision. interest into the industry that way. I and are always open to suggestion. was barely 18 when I started, and I You don’t feel like you are working Q.6/ How many staff are there for had to work with a lot of experienced for someone here. You feel like you housekeeping? people and that inspired me. I just are working for something that you couldn’t work elsewhere after that. are part of it.

We have 35 villa attendants. Inclusive The opportunities inspired me to be of labourers we have around 110 where I am today.

Q.3/ How long have you worked in team members. Furthermore I the Tourism industry? am proud to point out that the Q.9/ Is there any words or housekeeping unit is presently run philosophies that you hold dear 13 years. completely by Maldivian’s. to yourself to keep motivation and morale high?

There must be a lesson or advice you keep to yourself for motivation!

So share with us that piece of advice.

Never give up! You might fail a couple of times, but always keep trying.

There will be a lot of challenges and failures, but don’t give up. Always try to learn. Also, always keep in mind that your seniors will never point out something you have improved.

They will not always say what you like, but if they point out something, improve it. Learn from it and don’t repeat the same mistakes. I always tried to improve like that.

Q.10/ How do you spend your off duty hours at the resort?

I try to arrange a fun activity with my team during the off duty. Some days we go fishing or snorkeling.

Sport competitions now and then.

We have beach volley every day.

Mostly off duty hours will be for team motivation. Most of the time I am never alone and always doing something with someone. I enjoy the company and always try to give back to the team for their dedication and hard-work.

Q.11/ What do you miss most from home?

I really want to spend time with my 2-year-old son. That’s the only thing I really miss.

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OPTIMUM CHAMB ER S L . L . P Attorneys & Solicitors

We’ve all heard the expression that everyone deserves a fair day in court. Optimum Chambers is a firm of professional attorneys that are well versed with the law, the rules, the jargon and the system to fully represent their clients and to bring them a fair and just outcome.

Optimum Chambers places its trust on serving international and local clients professionally with a strong commitment in protecting the interests of its clients. The firms strength lies in the skill, experience and dedication of its dynamic lawyers, working round the clock to provide the finest legal services possible.

The firms diverse portfolio of clientele includes foreign investments, insurance companies, international trade agents, real estate companies, ship charterers, and legal services to individuals.

Every client is different, from his business issue to his preferences and the firm proudly invests time in understanding those needs, customising their service and solutions to meet them.

- Ahmed Shiraz, Managing partner for Optimum Chambers

Optimum Chambers provides a one stop Consultation and solution for :

• Foreign Investment • Finance and Procurement • Shipping and International Trade • Insurance • Corporate Real Estate • Mergers, De-mergers and Acquisition • Corporate and Commercial Litigation • Corporate and Commercial Drafting • Corporate Regulatory Compliance • Restructing and Insolvency • Employment and Welfare Rights

Optimum Chamber is always only ever a phone call away : +960 777 8958

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YOOSUF RIFFATH

CEO - CAPITAL TRAVEL & TOURS PRIVATE LIMITED

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oosuf Riffath is a dynamic entrepreneur who has successfully launched and managed new business concepts in the Maldives. He is a leading figure and a pioneer in the tourism industry. His strength lies in his pioneering spirit coupled with his organizational capacity, his capacity to network and engage with others, to bring in their participation, for the development of the industry.

In 1981 Mr. Riffath was a young aspiring youth, working in the civil service, on the look out for opportunities, the most appealing of which at the time was the budding tourism industry. His opportunity came when he saw a vacancy ad in the papers for a post in one of the largest resort operators in the country, Universal Enterprises. It was here he learnt the ropes of the industry working in various departments of the Company. After nine years in Universal and equipped with the experience gained, Riffath started his own company, Capital Travel & Tours.

From its humble beginnings, the Company has become one of the most prominent travel agents and tour operators in the country.

At a time when resorts were heavily leaning on the business of foreign tour operators, it was an uphill battle for small local firms.

A number of travel agents were formed during that time, but it was only a few that succeeded. It was Riffath’s determination and his vision to succeed that enabled him to rise above the rest and gain the confidence of the resort operators in order to create one of the most successful local travel agencies during this period.

During his long career in the tourism industry Riffath has helped develop the industry especially the tour operators segment, making it a significant player that the industry has to engage with. In 2006 Riffath together with others founded MATATO, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, a platform for local travel agents and tour operators to work together with the resort operators to gain their confidence and help build the sector by offering a unified front. MATATO currently has more than 50 members and is one of the most active organizations in the tourism industry.

Riffath is always in the forefront in his untiring efforts to develop and promote the industry. He is also a founding member of the Liveaboard Association of Maldives, established to promote the liveaboard sector of the tourism industry. Furthermore, Riffath is also the founder and President of Association of Travel Agents founded in 2014.

While Capital Travel & Tours has membership of the most

prominent international industry associations such as the International Coalition of Travel Partners, ICTP, Pacific Asia Travel Association, PATA American Society of Travel Agents, ASTA, Riffath has worked to develop greater engagement of the local industry with such international associations.

Riffath has been serving as the Chapter President of ASTA since 1995. He has also served as a Director of the Board at the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the state organization responsible for the promotion of tourism.

Riffath’s vision is on the tourism industry, be it matters related to its operation or youth participation and employment in the industry. In 2002 he formed Astrabon Pvt. Ltd., yet another pioneering venture, dedicated to providing resorts with operational supplies of a quality befitting the upmarket tourism industry of the country. The Company is a tremendous success with a portfolio that includes the most respective brands of kitchenware and related products from around the world.

Getting people to take part in the tourism industry, connecting them with business partners, providing those with opportunities on which they can stand on, these are things that Riffath is passionate about. In his quest to get youth participation in the economy and to create a platform for young people to prepare for employment, in 2006, he formed the Employment bureau (Maldives) Pvt. Ltd. The broad objective was to complement the national effort to strengthen the human resource base of the country, offering a variety of training opportunities. Riffath serves as the president of Employment Bureau Pvt. Ltd. Riffath sees the development of small-scale local tourism as the next big frontier. He is already planning and implementing ways and means to provide a platform that can be used by local tourism agencies and guesthouses in the operation and marketing of their businesses. His vision is to implement ways to support the segment by offering comprehensive solutions that will assist in the development of the sector.

Riffath is a visionary, a pioneer and a business leader who is willing to face the challenges of a changing global business environment.

Capital Travel & Tours is one example which demonstrates his ability to evolve with changing times and changing global demand.

He has the innate capacity to see the opportunities in the market and develop business models that fits perfectly into existing gaps. During his illustrious career in the industry, he has served to develop the industry and worked for the development of others in the industry.

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NEW OPENINGS

RIU will open its first hotel in the Maldives in 2018

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IU Hotels & Resorts has embarked on a new project which will make it the first Spanish hotel chain with a presence in the Maldives. The project is currently in the design phase and the hotels are scheduled to open in 2018.

significant.

The unique nature of the construction, will include small seaside structures which will have direct access either to the beach or to the sea by way of a stairway from the room’s terrace.

RIU has purchased the island of Kedhigandu and Maafushi in Dhaalu Atoll in the Maldives which will contain two hotels, a RIU Palace with 174 rooms and a RIU Classic with 248 rooms

Furthermore, a walkway will be joining the two Islands and both sides of the walkway will have luxurious rooms, with private pools and bathtubs on the terraces built directly on top of the water which will belong to the RIU Palace Hotel.

According to RIU, the results of this project will be unlike any of the chain’s current hotels. Construction of these new hotels will be unlike any other project previously carried out by the chain, while the investment necessary will also be

RIU Hotels & Resorts has more than 100 hotels in 19 countries which welcome over 4 million guests a year and provide jobs for a total of 27,813 employees and is currently the world’s 30th ranked chain.

Dream Hotel Group to open two resorts in the Maldives

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he renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group signed two hotels in the Maldives with local entrepreneur Mohamed Manik and Alpha Kinam Holdings to develop The Chatwal Maaga Maldives and Dream Gasveli Maldives. Set to open in 2019 and 2020 respectively, the new locations triple the group’s presence in Asia and mark a pivotal step in Dream Hotel Group’s global expansion strategy.

“I have known Mohamed Manik for a number of years and there is no better partner we’d rather work with to bring The Chatwal and Dream brands of hospitality into the Maldives, delivering on the standards of excellence we hold so high.” said Kevin Wallace, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Dream Hotel Group.

Nestled in picturesque North Ari Atoll,

The Chatwal Maaga Maldives will feature 80 ultra-luxury villas, six private beach villas and two presidential villas, as well as three world-class culinary experiences bringing fine dining and casual barefoot elegance to the lagoon’s edge. The Chatwal Maaga Maldives set to open in 2019, will be the second location to debut in The Chatwal collection of luxury hotels.

Dream Gasveli Maldives will feature 500 villas, eight experiential dining and nightlife venues, including the brand’s signature Dream Beach Club, a 20,000-square-foot wellness spa and a dozen designer brand retail outlets for exclusive duty-free shopping on site.

Spanning across three islands in Meemu Atoll, Dream Gasveli which will be completed on 2020, will be the largest fully-integrated resort ever developed in the Indian Ocean.

Lux* North Male Atoll set to open in 2018

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UX* Resorts & Hotels has revealed plans to transform the six hectare picnic island of Olhahali, Maldives into the destination’s most innovative resort, Lux* North Male Atoll for 2018.

According to the LUX* Resorts & Hotels, the resort’s approach to contemporary architecture is elegantly styled by Singapore design group Miaja. With a scheme that blends super yacht panache with a vibrant South Beach pulse, the resort will be completely unique to the Indian Ocean and will provide a visual feast of nautical forms and tones for all its guests

Each residence is also crowned with a fullyfeatured 120m2 reef terrace, a magnificent private deck elevated five meters above the giant house lagoon.

Furthermore, each contemporary one, two and three-bedroom residences spread across the island include Big Green Egg BBQs, a rooftop bar, cinema and SONOS, a yoga plinth, starlight Jacuzzi and outdoor games help to create the ultimate sky lounge for people who love the high life.

Moreover, the resort encompass two restaurants, Beach Rouge and a Café LUX*, a bar, exclusive and secluded private dining room featuring wall to wall aquariums, LUX* Me Spa and a kids club.

The resort is set to feature 67 residences that disrupts the Maldivian mould by replacing traditional thatched villas with over-sized, penthouse residences, which sits either on the The intimate LUX* North Male Atoll will be beach or over water whose guests will benefit accessible by a short transfer from Male, the from a minimum living area of 350m2. capital city of Maldives.

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KEY TOURISM STATISTICS FOR 2018 Following up on our previous article highlighting the Travel Trends of Today and Tomorrow, Today we cover some of the Key Tourism statistics for the coming year. At the island chief, We strongly believe for businesses to be successful and to keep guests fully satisfied it is vital to stay on top of the latest trends.

Today we highlight Three Major Statistics to highlight popular trends for the coming year.

Reputation Tourism companies need to consciously manage their reputation, Research from Forrester Research,2016, shows Leaders in customer experience reach an average of 17% on revenue growth within 5 years, whereas poorer customer experience attain only 3% over the same period.

Research from Stride Travel in 2016 shows 9 out of 10 Travellers think that reading online reviews is important, but 45% of tour takers don’t trust reviews on tour operators own sites. Most important are reviews by third parties where 95% of travellers trust tour & activity reviews on their party sites.

Furthermore Data received in 2015 from TrustYou shows 76% of travellers will pay more for a hotel it has better online reviews.

According to The online reputation management platform, One of the things that can distinguish the best tour and activity companies from the competition is not just to provide a great tour but to encourage guest feedback and use those insights to keep improve their offering.

To stay on top of your guest feedback, reviews, and online reputation will keep businesses will position businesses to help word of mouth spread and to establish reputation.

Good marketing has visuals, creativity and a digital focus With the future of Marketing weighing heavily on technological advancement, Digital Marketing has become the rising strategy for successful targeted reach. A study conducted by Buzzsumo in 2015 shows that Articles with an image once every 75-100 words get double the number of social shares than articles with fewer images.

Interestingly The McCarthy Groups study in 2014 shows that 84% of millennials don’t trust traditional advertising and as such brands need to get creative instead of being pushy and underhanded.

Furthermore Research by USDM shows Mobiles Share of total digital ad spending in the travel industry with 49% against 51% for desktop ads is creeping ever higher and in the future will represent a majority of the industry ad spending.

Finally a Recent study by Google this Year shows 69% of travellers are more loyal to a travel company that personalises their experiences online and offline.

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Food Tourism Throughout the history of travel our urge for good nourishment and exploring a destinations food has always been a major aspect of travel and seeking out authentic food experiences has become an increasingly noticeable motivator for travel.

In 2016 at TouRRoir, a global event for food tourism, Skift UK Editor Patrick Whyte highlighted that food markets, tasting sessions, cooking lessons and visits to farms now make up 95% of all food experiences.

For food tour operators, storytelling is an important part of both the experience itself and your marketing strategy. Stories connect products with people and the traditions of a destination. Tour operators: whatever you do, don’t forget about your story.

It’s important to develop a social media strategy that’s rich in visual content: this will reinforce every stage of the travel customer buyer journey, but especially the “dreaming stage” when someone first comes into contact with your company.

The fourth Volume of the Global Report on Food Tourism by UNWTO highlighted that 68% of the organisations consulted carry out marketing activities or promotion based on Food Tourism.

According to the report, The marketing and promotional tools most used by these entities are: organizing events (91%), producing brochures and advertising (82%) and dedicated websites on food tourism (78 %). At a lower level are promotional tools such as tourism guides (61%), blogs (43%), and familiarisation trips for journalists and tour operators (13%). And lastly, only 4% of the organizations surveyed said they used social networks for the promotion of food tourism.

Looking at the statistics its evident that many trends are steadily moving upwards and will become major factors to work on to provide the best guest experiences for travellers in the coming years

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Carpe Diem Maldives Announces ‘Dive with a Purpose’ Marine Expeditions for 2018 Building on the success of three marine expeditions in 2017, Carpe Diem Maldives Cruises in partnership with US based research organisation Coral Reef CPR, has announced its 2018 Dive with a Purpose series of hands-on marine expeditions for leisure divers.

The dive with a purpose series will focus on two major events, “Rescue a Reef” Programme where divers will assist researchers with the research and removal of Crown of Throne Starfish and “The Great Megafauna Migration” where Divers will have the opportunity to assist in tracking whale sharks, mantas and turtles across the Maldives.

In addition to the COT removal from reefs, Carpe Diem Maldives will also be visiting a number of unique reef environments, including submerged farus and giris to explore the invertebrate life as and also collect valuable data on the diverse and colorful reef fish communities and larger megafauna such as sharks, manta rays and turtles.

Furthermore, across each of the one-week trips, divers will also be trained in reef conservation methods and survey approaches, and learn about coral reefs and the vibrant and diverse life found on reefs through nightly workshops and discussions.

According to Carpe Diem Maldives, joining these “Rescue a Reef” expeditions will provide divers with an opportunity to be part of a team who are saving thousands of hectares of reef and preventing the potential for future outbreaks.

“The great Megafauna Migration” highlights the growing school of thought that the Maldivian ‘big three’; whale sharks, manta rays and turtles react to the changes in the monsoon seasons by moving to sites on the leeward side of the atolls.

In May 2018, Carpe Novo will become a research platform for biologists from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme providing them and 20 lucky guests an unprecedented opportunity to explore this phenomenon. The goal of this particular Dive with a Purpose expedition is to begin the 2018 southwest season’s data collection, documenting the movements of these iconic yet enigmatic animals.

The MWSRP will be setting out on Carpe Novo with the aim of seeking whale sharks, as well as manta rays and sea turtles at differing points amongst the central atolls.

Whale sharks, manta rays and turtles will be photo identified, with individuals compared to previous sightings in national level databases to identify movements between locations, both within and between atolls. Equipment will be deployed to gather data on current and surface weather conditions in the hope of gleaning information on how quickly the 2018 season has changed and how the megafauna has reacted to it.

Guests joining this expedition will be offered the opportunity to assist the researchers in the hands on equipment deployment and every data gathering aspect of their work and will be afforded nightly workshops, lectures and discussions on marine life and the leading edge findings from Maldives-specific research on these species.

Divers with an avid marine conservation interest should not miss out on this unique opportunity to work alongside expert marine biologists in the 2018 series of Dive with a Purpose expeditions from Carpe Diem Maldives.

These expeditions are an extension of Carpe Diem’s support of the organization’s HARP- ‘Holistic Approach to Reef Protection’ program. A fourth week has been added to the 2018 Dive with a Purpose program in partnership with Maldives Whale Shark Research.

Up to 20 recreational divers who have an Advanced PADI qualification, excellent buoyancy control and ideally a minimum of 70 dive experience can join the marine expeditions on each “Dive with A Purpose week”.

Established in 2008 Carpe Diem Maldives Pvt Ltd showcases a collection of luxury liveaboard cruises. Carpe Diem is renowned for delivering a sense of discovery, adventure and always with expertise that enriches our guest’s knowledge and time with us. The Carpe Diem name has built significant brand recognition within the top echelons of the travel industry for diving & leisure, and the current portfolio includes 3 high end liveaboard cruises, each catering 20 guests at a time.

“Rescue a Reef”Crown of Thorns Starfish Removal with Coral Reef CPR expeditions will take place on May 19 – May 26 / July 15 – July 22 / Sept 8 – Sept 15 and “The Great Megafauna Migration” will take place from May 26 – June 2.

Priced from USD 1,863 per person for the week, the expeditions include: • • • • • • • • •

7 nights aboard the assigned Carpe Diem Maldives vessel 3 meals daily, plus between-dive snacks 3 to 4 dives daily (except for the day of arrival and day before departure) Use of tanks, weights and belts Drinking water, tea and coffee Airport transfers on the days of embarkation/disembarkation Evening workshops on marine ecology, coral reef, marine life and more On-board marine biologists GST 12%

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Best Time to Visit Maldives

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aldives’ high season (the dry season as well) for tourism tends to be from late November to late April, coinciding almost inline with the winter chills of the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. If you are looking forward for some unadulterated time on a tropical beach with a little less rain during your Maldives holiday, this should be the best time to plan your trip. The tourism industry also operates at full tilt during this period (especially with the Christmas and Easter holidays falling together) — the accommodation rates go up, guesthouses for budget travelers run full, and reservations need to be made upfront.

Climate and Seasons

Fun under the sun

Temperature

Climate in the Maldives is always warm, without the extremes that many other tropical destinations experience. It has two distinct seasons; the “Iruvai” known as the dry season from December to April (Northeast Monsoon) and the “Hulhangu”, the wet season from May to November (Southwest Monsoon).

When you’ve got swirly blue skies, fluffy clouds, fresh air and sunshine, there’s no better pairing than pristine sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. And Maldives has more than a few of those powder white sand stretches to choose from. The bikini beach in Maafushi island is the most popular among the backpackers and budget travelers.

Throughout the year, temperature remains almost the same in the Maldives. However, the average daily temperature ranges from 31° Celsius from daytime to 23° Celsius in the night time.

The dry season, as the name implies, is a period with little rain or no rain showers at all. This is also the most popular time of the year for scuba diving. These months also constitute summer across the Maldives. If you are able to afford a trip to the Maldives during this period of the year, you will experience less humidity and slightly warmer temps—in a single word, “ideal”.

During the wet season, the whole country experiences torrential rain showers, including strong winds and thunder storms. This makes it the best time of the year for surfing due to wind swells and wave generation. The wet season also contributes a significant amount of sunshine similar to balmy days in the dry season. The number of tourists visiting Maldives during this time is low compared to the dry season, but many resort hotels offer special deals during the wet season. Just make sure you carry an umbrella when you go out!

Source: http://www.theislandlogic.com

Calm, clear weather makes pleasant conditions to explore Maldives’ underwater world, home to over 2,000 species of fish ranging from reef fish to Manta rays, Moray Eels, reef sharks and to the majestic whale shark. Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO biosphere reserve in Baa atoll, marine protected and the world’s largest groupings of manta rays can be seen during the season—it is extremely vibrant and extremely fragile at the same time.

Snorkelling among the mass gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks is an unmissable experience.

If you’re into water-sports, almost every resort hotel and island that operate guesthouses will run plenty of water-sports activities including surfing, parasailing, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, jetskiing, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, deep sea fishing and many more.

You are certain to fall in love with the amazing weather conditions no matter when you visit.

Depending on what you wish to do during your Maldives holiday

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