The Islandchief , Travel Tabloid 18| January issue 2018 by The islandchief

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

VOL 18 | JANUARY 2018 | www.islandchief.com

Amid a busy couple of hours, we caught up with Dave Minten, Executive Chef at Lux* South Ari Atoll. He is an extremely talented person with a massive amount of experience in the industry. His time in the Maldives gives testament to his ability to adapt to different locations and still succeed.

Ooredoo Maldives formerly known as Wataniya Telecom Maldives is part of the multinational Ooredoo Group It launched its services in the Maldives on the 1st of August 2005.

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Island Beach House An Incredible Hotel in Hulhumale Whether you choose to stay a few nights on Hulhumale before travelling to one of the Maldives’ many resorts, or you want to spend your whole vacation on this idyllic Maldivian island only a 10-minute drive from the airport, the Island Beach House is the hotel at which you’ll want to stay. The Island Beach House is located directly across from the beach on Hulhumale’s main drag. The hotel has several ocean-view rooms, each with its own personal balcony. But even if you aren’t able to book one of these coveted rooms, the décor at the Island Beach House beautifully imitates the aesthetic of the pristine beaches that the hotel overlooks, creating a wonderful atmosphere in which to relax. The indulgent use of the color white makes each of the rooms feel bright and airy. While the splashes of color, from yellow pillows on the bed to turquoise tile in the bathroom, mimic the look and feel of sunny day at the beach. The overall effect is both peaceful and elegant, setting the perfect mood for a tranquil Maldivian getaway. The Island Beach House, easily the tallest hotel in Hulhumale, is perfect for anyone who enjoys breath-taking ocean views – so pretty much everyone. The fifth floor, the hotel’s common area (apart from the restaurant), is a place where guests can hang out, listen to music, and most importantly, enjoy the view. The beach stretches out in either direction for as far as the eye can see. The use of this floor as a common area makes it possible for all guests to enjoy watching both the sunrise and the sunset from a spectacular vantage point. If you’re looking for a place to eat during your stay in Hulhumale you never have to go farther than the hotel, because the restaurant at the Island Beach House is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And Chef Jay is always more than willing to tailor any of the dishes to a guest’s personal tastes. Like it spicy? Chef Jay will be sure to add as many extra peppers as you want. Don’t eat meat? He’s more than happy to get a little creative with a dish so that it’s just as delicious and filling. The menu is a mix of western and local Maldivian food, so you’ll always be sure to find something you’re in the mood for. Tip: Even if you’re not usually the type to try new foods, I recommend ordering Chef Jay’s Maldivian-style breakfast at least one morning during your stay. The Mashuni (a kind of shredded, dried fish) paired with Dhiyaa

hakuru and coconut roti is one of my favorite local dishes I ate during my entire stay in the Maldives. There is an activities director on staff at the Island Beach House, so if there’s anything you want to schedule during your stay, he’ll be more than happy to book it for you. Even if it’s last minute, he’ll do everything he can to make it happen. Scuba diving, fly boarding, renting snorkel gear, going out on a jet ski, anything you could possibly want to do, he’ll take care of it. All you have to do is request and relax. Be sure to make time for a sunset catamaran cruise. The catamarans you can rent at Hulhumale through the Island Beach House are much larger than any you’ll be able to find at most resorts; They’re equipped with a kitchen, beds, and restroom facilities, making it more enjoyable to spend hours on board. You can even request any meal you like and the chef will prepare it for you right on board to enjoy during your cruise around the island. However, be sure to request this ahead of time unless you want to wait for one of the crew to head back to shore, buy the ingredients, and then make their way back before the meal preparation can even begin. Finally, if all you want to do during your vacation in the Maldives is layout on the beach and relax while listening to the waves roll in, then you’ll be happy to know that the Island Beach House has its own personal beach directly in front of the hotel. Guests can use the tables and chairs that are scattered throughout, as well as the lounge chairs that the hotel provides. It’s the perfect setting in which to relax, enjoy a drink, have a picnic on the beach, or just lay out and work on your tan. For practically half the price you’d spend at a resort, you can have the idyllic Maldivian-style vacation you’ve always dreamed of at the Island Beach House on Hulhumale. The island chief has recently partnered up with popular travel blogger, Kattie Bernath, a solo female traveler aiming to visit 196 countries before her 30th birthday. This article was written by her during her stay at the Island Beach House at Hulhumale. For more information on her adventures in the Maldives and her future endeavours visit her blog.

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SIX SENSES LAAMU TRIUMPHS AS ECO-HOTEL OF THE YEAR

ix Senses Laamu has recently taken home the 2017 Eco-Hotel of the Year award by AsiaSpa, in the 13th annual ceremony held in Hong Kong.

The AsiaSpa awards were created by AsiaSpa magazine in 2005 to recognize the leaders in Asia’s dynamic wellness industry. The prestigious accolade sets the benchmark for quality and innovation for spas in the region and celebrates properties and spas that constantly strive to evolve the wellness sector through innovation and excellence. Over the years, the AsiaSpa awards have established its uncompromised independence, transparency and objectivity, plus they are among the most accessible awards, as all spas and resorts in the region are eligible for nomination, regardless of size or ethos.

CURRENT NEWS

it comes to marine conservation, responsible energy and water consumption and overall reducing the resort’s carbon footprint and we try to be better and more effective every day. I am very proud for the team and we will continue to work together towards an even more sustainable Six Senses Laamu.” Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, deep in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by a beautiful coral house reef. Most of the villas and facilities are built overwater, however beach villas and on-land dining is an option. All villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view to the Ocean and Maldivian nature.

Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options, with cuisine from around the world, an ice cream parlor, an overwater wine cellar and a signature Chill bar. Many activities, excursions and options are available for everyone to enjoy, both over water and underwater, in In this ceremony, Six Senses Laamu won the Eco-Spa/ addition to the Six Senses Spa. Hotel of the Year award that celebrates its commitment to Six Senses Spas incorporate local healing traditions with sustainability throughout its operations and development. holistic rejuvenation treatments administered under the With many conservation projects and initiatives in place, guidance of expert therapists and visiting practitioners. Six Senses Laamu and its Six Senses Spa have committed They constantly explore and rethink the typical spa model to being a leader among Maldives resorts and of the to offer pioneering wellness, not only in all resort spas, industry by demonstrating such responsible operations, but also in standalone spas in prestigious hotels and while providing high quality services and experiences premier class lounges. to its guests. In winning this award, the resort has been acknowledged for its pursuit of excellence and for striving Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas operates 11 resorts and 30 to raise the bar in the region’s thriving wellness industry. spas in 20 countries under the brand names Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spas. “We are very excited to receive this award from Six Senses resorts are set in locations of incredible AsiaSpa. As we stay true to our core values of being natural beauty that will stop you in your tracks, and an environmentally responsible and caring, having been uncompromising level of service that will stay with you recognized for our efforts as the Eco-Hotel of the Year by long after you’ve left. Each property has a distinctive AsiaSpa is a great honour.” States general manager of Six personality, but shares a commitment to community, Senses Laamu, Marteyne van Well. sustainability, wellness and design. This award-winning approach extends to new openings, including the urban “The Six Senses Laamu team shows great initiative when concept premiering in New York in 2019.

“Your Fuel Has Arrived.”

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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CURRENT NEWS

“HIHsaaKURUN” Kandolhu Maldives First Cook Book

andolhu Maldives unveils first resort cookbook showcasing frequent guest favourite recipes and an amazing display of delicious dishes. According to Kandolhu Maldives the creation of the resort’s very first cookbook evolved naturally, with so many delicious dishes on offer and frequent guest requests for favourite recipes. For some time, Executive Chef Mickaël had long dreamt of offering guests the opportunity to take a little slice of paradise back home with them, and so his very first cookbook, HIHsaaKURUN was born.

Kandolhu Maldives is a small island resort of only 30 villas, cleverly arranged to offer maximum privacy all within the space of only 200 square meters, which also comprise of four gourmet restaurants, boasting the highest restaurant-toroom ratio in the Maldives.

The resort offers four unique dining experiences available to all guests, the ambience and menu of each restaurant varies greatly such as being entertained with a live show in Banzai, the Japanese teppanyaki, taking delight in an array of fresh seafood on offer in Sea Grill, sitting back and gazing at the sparkling Indian Ocean from the Market or enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner in As a photography enthusiast, this vividly imaged Olive with modern Mediterranean dishes on the book was captured and created mostly by Mickaël card. For each guest the hardest decision to make himself, so that guests will not only be able to re- will be which to try first. live their holiday memories, but also can recreate Ringed by an intricate yet stunning coral garden, some of the flavours of Kandolhu at home. teeming with colourful reef fish, Kandolhu Island is a patch of paradise hidden in the North Ari The sights, tastes and aromas of Kandolhu come Atoll of the Maldives. Intimate and bare, this alive with each of the 200 pages you turn as the tiny gem is encircled with wide beaches that are high res photographs of the resort and local veiled by the emerald green ocean that Maldives is surroundings capture the spirit of Kandolhu and known for. This magical sanctuary is surely one of the Maldives, and are the perfect complement to nature’s best-kept secret, guaranteeing enchanted the selection of some of the most popular dishes experiences for all its guests. served up at this exclusive resort.

Bain Capital is buying the worlds largest sea plane operator TMA from Blackstone.

ain Capital is buying the world’s largest sea plane fleet operator, Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), from Blackstone for around $500 million to cash in on booming high-end leisure travellers flocking to the Indian Ocean archipelago. Bain has roped in Chinese conglomerate Tempus Group, which runs businesses including tour operator Shenzhen Tempus Global Travel Holdings and TBRJ Funds, as a partners for the acquisition.

“We were able to apply our expertise as operators to help Trans Maldivian expand and grow into one of the largest companies into the Maldives and the world’s largest seaplane operator.” - Amit Dixit, Head of Blackstone Private Equity in India added.

The sea planes have slender pontoons or floats, mounted under the fuselage, which helps them land on and take off from water. HSBC is an adviser to the transaction. The Maldives has attracted investment from The two sides signed the agreement on Sunday. ET Chinese online travel agencies and private equity broke the story in it’s website on Monday morning firms seeking to cater to Chinese holidaymakers, hours before a formal announcement. who account for the largest group of arrivals in the Once completed, this will be the biggest exit by archipelago known for its pristine blue lagoons, white Blackstone across Asia, giving the private-equity firm beaches, ring shaped atolls and extensive reefs. The a 4.8-fold return on a four-year investment. Its India Maldives is one of the few countries where Chinese team used to manage this investment. tourists are automatically issued a visa on arrival. “TMA is well-positioned to capture the growing Last year, the total number of tourists to the islands tourism demand in the Maldives. Leveraging Bain reached 1.29 million, compared with a population of Capital Private Equity’s successful track record in fewer than 400,000, according to government data. the leisure industry, we look forward to working Boston-headquartered Bain has been putting with the current management team, employees and its dollars behind consumer, luxury and leisure customers of TMA to continue to grow and support transactions around the world and also in Asia in the industry.” said Jonathan Zhu, MD, Bain Capital recent years. In 2015, it invested $422 million to buy Private Equity said. Japanese hot springs, spa and hotel operator OoedoOnsen Holdings, a move to capitalise on a tourism Blackstone had acquired control of two seaplane boom in the country ahead of the Tokyo 2020 operators, Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Olympic Games. A year earlier it also joined hands Airways, in 2013 for $98 million and subsequently with British billionaire Richard Branson to start combined the two. It currently operates 48 aircraft, Virgin Voyages cruise lines in the Caribbean. carrying 9.6 hundred thousand passengers in 1.2 hundred thousand flights annually. In India, Bain has largely been focussing on financial services and industrials in companies like L&T The fleet picks up tourists from Male’s Velana Finance and Hero MotoCorp having recently made International Airport and ferries them to 60-plus the largest PE transaction deploying $1.2 billion in resorts that are scattered around the nearly 1190 coral Axis Bank, the country’s third largest private lender. islands that together make up the island nation. Its only consumer retail-focussed bet, Lilliput, was a write off.

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Hard Rock International expands to the Indian Ocean with

NEW OPENING

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

ard Rock International, globally recognized world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand has announced plans to expand its portfolio with Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, slated to open October 1, 2018.

The highly anticipated property will be located within one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons, Emboodhoo Falhu, a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport. A convenient destination for flights from Asia, Europe and the Middle East, the integrated resort project will appeal to the rapidly growing niche of medium to upscale tourism, as well as the affluent travellers who typically frequent the nation.

at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives. With direct boat transportation from the airport and situated within the Emboodhoo Lagoon development, Hard Rock Cafe Maldives will provide approximately 185 seats both indoors and outdoors while offering diners exclusive beach access, taking dining with a view to a whole new As part of the Emboodhoo Lagoon project, the first level. integrated resort destination in the Maldives, the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will create more than 350 brand will work in collaboration with Singha Estate jobs and the entire integrated resort will create an Public Company Limited, a leading Thailand-based The first phase of development consists of a $311.5 additional 1,250, further stimulating the Maldives development company, to provide travellers with the million investment that is expected to stimulate tourism, community. Through music appreciation and an ultimate, family-friendly Maldivian experience. offering vacationers a rich combination of world-class imaginative environment, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos offerings such as hotels, entertainment, retail and fine delivers products for the varied aspects of life – work, “This is the perfect complement to our integrated leisure dining. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will be one of three play and personal sanctuary. and recreation experiences with Hard Rock Hotels and resorts included in the development, boasting 178 With venues in 74 countries, including 179 cafes, 24 Hard Rock Cafes as part of The Emboodhoo Lagoon expansive guestrooms, family suites, beach villas and hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) project,” says Thiti Thongbenjamas, chief investment one and two-bedroom overwater villas. is one of the most globally recognized companies. officer Maldives project, Singha Estate Public Company “Known for its vibrant culture, top-of-the-line luxury Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns Limited. and some of the most breath-taking white-sand beaches the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, in the world, Maldives is truly a slice of paradise and which is displayed at its locations around the globe. The highly anticipated property will be located within one of the world’s most desirable destinations,” states Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons, Emboodhoo Todd Hricko, senior vice president, head of global hotel and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live Falhu, a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport. A development for Hard Rock International. performance venues and an award-winning website. convenient destination for flights from Asia, Europe and the Middle East, the integrated resort project will appeal “Traditionally regarded as being a popular honeymoon HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock to the rapidly growing niche of medium to upscale destination, we at Hard Rock are excited to work with brands. The company owns, operates and franchises tourism, as well as the affluent travellers who typically the Singha Estate team to captivate multi-generational Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San frequent the nation. travellers, showcasing that the destination can cater to Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses more than just newlyweds.” and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Hard Rock International, globally recognized worldInspired by local Maldivian culture, Hard Rock Hotel Destinations include the company’s two most successful class entertainment and lifestyle brand has announced Maldives will infuse contemporary design features with Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, plans to expand its portfolio with Hard Rock Hotel tropical architecture throughout the property, alongside FL., both owned and operated by HRI parent company Maldives and Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, slated to open regionally-inspired, authentic music memorabilia. The The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting October 1, 2018. hotel will provide guests with exclusive brand offerings locations including Bali, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, and As part of the Emboodhoo Lagoon project, the first and amenities, including The Sound of Your Stay® music San Diego. integrated resort destination in the Maldives, the program, offering complimentary use of Fender guitars brand will work in collaboration with Singha Estate and Crosley record players for in-room jam sessions, as Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Public Company Limited, a leading Thailand-based well as a renowned full-service Rock Spa®, a Rock Shop® Managua, Cairo, Wroclaw and Chengdu. New Hard development company, to provide travellers with the selling all brand merchandise, Roxity Kids Club® and Rock hotel, casino or hotel-casino projects include ultimate, family-friendly Maldivian experience. Teen Spirit® Club. Atlanta, Atlantic City, Berlin, Budapest, London, Los Cabos, Maldives, New York City, Ottawa, Dalian and “This is the perfect complement to our integrated leisure Guests can also treat their taste buds to delectable onHaikou in China. and recreation experiences with Hard Rock Hotels and site food and beverage options, ranging from a Pool Hard Rock Cafes as part of The Emboodhoo Lagoon Bar and all-day dining, to a Beach Grill restaurant and project,” says Thiti Thongbenjamas, chief investment in-villa dine experience. officer Maldives project, Singha Estate Public Company Just steps from the hotel, guests will enjoy authentic Limited. American cuisine amidst the ultimate rock atmosphere

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Tales of the kitchen with

Dave Minten 1) How long have you been working for Lux*? What do you think about the Maldives? I have been here for exactly 1.5 year now and I think that It’s simply brilliant! I was here in 2009 and 2010, then stayed in Seychelles for four years and came back. So obviously I like it.

2) What’s your favorite thing about the Maldives? I think the people are beautiful. And the hotel industry in the Maldives is fantastic. So many five-star hotels and lots of opportunities. But I like the hospitality of the Maldives. I like the lifestyle as well. I mean I have been to Malaysia, Europe and Holland which is where I am from. I had fantastic four years in Seychelles as well. Nevertheless, I think the lifestyle here is a bit different. We have a lot of creativity in Lux* as well. The island and the lifestyle does the trick for me. 3) How did you find out that you had interest in cooking? When I was 13 years old, I said to my parents, I want to become a baker. Because I liked bakery at that time. My father had a lot of connections and hooked me up with a local restaurant to work at the weekends. He also hooked me up with a bakery in town for a Friday night and by Saturday morning, I told him bakery isn’t my thing. I just wanted to become a chef! 4) What’s your favorite dish? It’s hard to choose. In this industry, you get into contact with a lot of food. And here in the Indian Ocean, there’s a lot of Indian influence, Asian influence. A lot of European chefs who stayed back aren’t familiar with this many cuisines. We need to know a little bit of everything. But if I had to choose, maybe as I am living in Manila right now, I would say that Asian food is where my heart is. 5) What do you think is the highlight of your career? That’s a difficult question. I went from Europe to Malaysia in 2008 and had a fantastic two years, which is a highlight. And I came to the Maldives, it was a good experience as well. I think the beauty of what I am doing today is travelling and experiencing other countries and cultures.

here and obviously it takes a bit of time but in generally, what we can get around here in Maldives is not what we can get in Holland. Here we can buy whatever we want. You have specialized suppliers of Asian food. Specialized suppliers of Arabic food. The diversity is bringing the excitement to us. Comparing to Seychelles it’s easier here. 8) Obviously, you’ll be changing menus every now and then, what are the things you consider when changing a menu? We have a big island over here with nine restaurants. For me it is important that my chefs, are involved in the menu development as well. It’s very easy for me to say cook this or cook that. But I want them to develop themselves. And I want them to come up with ideas. Inspiration comes from reading and travelling. Also, inspiration comes from events like Lux* Super Chef fiesta 2017 as well. Of course, we are here to lead them but I try to get as much information from my team as well. We work on a dish before the panel chooses to implement it on the menu. 9) How many chefs are under your supervision currently and what is your secret to managing such a team so well? At the moment, we have 85 chefs and 20 stewards. I believe that kitchens are always hard. Everybody knows that the kitchens are tough with long hours. So, when you are inspiring the guys with new things, you make them a part of the process they become excited and they don’t mind a 15-16-hour day. 10) Do you think events like the Lux* Super Chef fiesta will help your chefs develop in a better way? As a chef and I know the guys pretty well, I am pretty impressed. I didn’t expect that when we started the event in the morning. This is the first time I did it here. And I am very pleased with what they have done. Our staff restaurant cooks around 1800 meals a day and we have seen two of their chefs participate and one of them was number 3 so it’s great. And it proves that we have talent with in. And they can make their move into the main kitchen that way.

11) The Maldives is mostly known for its beautiful sun, sea and sands. What do you think will make Maldives into a culinary destination as well? 6) What do you enjoy most about your job? That is a very good question! What I would love to see in the Seeing other cultures, meeting other people, meeting the diversity Maldives is there to be more corporation between the schools and of people we are working with. Getting the influences of all the unfortunately, we have only one Maldivian in the kitchen and I foods and all the people from around the world and that makes me would like to see more of them in the kitchen. It would be great if enthusiastic about what I do. there would be more collaboration between schools and resorts. I had a lot of Maldivian chefs with me before, I tried to nick them 7) We understand that Maldives is a bit limited on resources, for Lux* when I started working here but they are happy where specifically ingredients. So what are the challenges you face to they are. operate a kitchen in the Maldives? A lot of our guests ask us that question as well. But for me the 12) What are the words that you live by? actual beauty of Maldives is that your shopping ground is the I live by the saying, “You work for me, I work for you!”. Meaning world. We import from Australia, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, that chefs work for me if we work together we make it a great Dubai, so getting it fresh to the island is a bit of a challenge. success and make our guests happy, then I will work for you for the But our suppliers know exactly what is required to bring the stuff rest of our lives and try to put you in better places for your career.

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MALDIVES BOATING AWARDS 2017 CONCLUDES.

aldives Boating Awards, Initiated by Liveabord Association of Maldives to recognize the strength of the boating industry and the services rendered by the service providers has come to a conclusion in an event held at the national art gallery. The event was managed by Unica pvt ltd

Ayya) - Manta Cruise. Best Liveaboard / Yacht Builder of the Year: Gulf Crafts Maldives. Best Built Liveaboard / Yacht of the Year: GurahaliVoyages Maldives. Boat Equipment Supplier of the Year: VAMCO. Marine Engine Service Provider of the Year: Aliya A total of 25 companies competed this year and awards Investment. were presented to nominees in 20 different categories on Best Boat Design of the Year: Al Shaali Marine Maldives. various sector and standard basis. This year nominees Best Production Fibre Vessel of the Year (24-5m): Coast for the award were judged based on two segments where Craft 37-Al Shaali Marine Maldives. 60% of the awardees were selected by a panal of judges Best Production Fibre Vessel of the Year (40-15m): with the remaining 40% based on online votes. Island Hopper 50- Al Shaali Marine Maldives. The winners of this year’s Maldives Boating Awards Best Liveabord/Yacht Operator of the Year: Blue 2017 were: Horizon. Most Preferred Inboard Engine: Doosan Daewoo Liveabord Captain of the Year: Mohamed Ali Captain of Engine- VAMCO. Dhinaasha-Canopus Maldives. Most Preferred Outboard Engine: Yamaha-Aliya Best Liveabord/Yacht Brand of the year: Voyages Investment. Maldives. Best Fishing Safari: Dhinasha-Canopus Maldives. Best Dive Safari: Horizon 3-Blue Horizon. Bunkering and Fuel Supplier of the Year: The Hawks. Best Crew Team: Marselia Star-Marselia Maldives. Most Preferred Marine Pain of the Year: Jotun-Colour Best Surf Safari: Manta Cruise-Trip Concept. bank. Dockyard/Slipway of the Year: Al Shaali Marine Maldives. “There are now 144 sea vessels in the Maldives. The Surf Guide of the Year: Ali Hushruan Ahmed (Kudda industry must now bring in more forms of business

EVENTS

and expand upon the current services and as such financial organisations of the country must work to help the industry reach its maximum potential now more than ever” Said the Secretary General of Liveaboard Association of Maldives, Mohamed Ignaz speaking at the ceremony. Now on its third year The Maldives Boating Awards aims to encourage & raise service standards within the Maldivian Boating industry. Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM) is the Maldivian Associations representing the live boards, and been the voice of live boards since the formation of LAM in 2007.The Association’s purpose is to help LAM members grow their business successfully and sustainably and to help their clients and operators choose the appropriate company while selecting a cruising vacation in Maldives. UNICA is a dynamic and experienced team offering total solutions worldwide. The company’s services are available throughout the country to help governments, corporate, charity, organisations, NGO’s, fairs, festivals, weddings, outdoor or indoor parties, islands and resorts. UNICA pride themselves on attention to detail and an “Extreme Theme” approach to quality presentation.

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Ooredoo Maldives The Future of Telecommunication

oredoo Maldives formerly known as Wataniya Telecom Maldives is part of in telecommunication, at organizations like Alcatel. I was in Airtel while I was in the multinational Ooredoo Group It launched its services in the Maldives on India and then I joined Ooredoo, in Qatar, at the group office.” the 1st of August 2005. As he briefly explained his career highlights, he continued to explain why he loves telecommunication. The international telecommunications company headquartered in Doha, Qatar revolutionized the telecommunication industry of the Maldives in less than a “I love telecommunication. It is something the world is no longer possible without. decade of its inception in the country by providing leading edge technologies and If you don’t connect, you don’t have your application and the basis of our business telecommunication solutions nationwide and made telecom services more affordable fundamentals will break down. It would no longer be an exaggeration to say that to all. communication services are on par with food, water and electricity. That’s how I describe it.” Ooredoo is notably one of the world’s largest mobile telecommunications companies, with a customer base of over 138 Million spread across 10 countries as at December Mr. Najib went on to share his experiences with technology and conveyed how he has 31, 2016. seen the before and after of what technology has to offer. “In the past we used to have telex machines, Fax machines and now everything is The Island Chief is privileged to have had the opportunity to meet with Mr.Najib digital. I am privileged to see the differences from the Gen Y and the millennials Khan, CEO of Ooredoo Maldives who shares his visions for the future of that came after and the difference in behavior. But fundamentally all of this revolves telecommunication and services. around great telecommunication networks, and on-top of that the applications enabled through software.” We ask Mr. Najib to start us off by telling us about how he first ventured into the field. He explains that he has always been a telecommunication professional, even from his “I have played various roles in the industry ranging from sales, customer service, early days. marketing, project roles and general management roles. For me, the Maldives is a great opportunity because I believe it has the potential to be a center of excellence “Someone advised me way back in 1991 that telecommunication will be a sunrise for technological innovations. This market offers a freedom to try new technologies industry, and I believed in it. This is my fourth company and throughout I have been which can benefit the community. The success of such innovations can then be

17 replicated in other parts of the world. The stakes therefore are that if you do well in a small geography you can take it to other parts of the world.” After hearing about Ooredoo’s positioning in the Maldives, we asked Mr. Najib to elaborate tell us about how the strength of a country’s telecommunication company helps to boost its economy. “If you look at some of the trends and indices worldwide, wherever the penetration of telecommunication network services are extremely good, where say broadband penetration is about 50 to 60% and the telecommunication network is at more than100% of the population - the economic indices of those countries have done well. There is a direct relationship between the GDP and broadband penetration.” “Having said that, this means if you are connected well, you are able to access the internet for information and engage with commerce. So, I believe this allows more contribution to the GDP as more commerce gets generated. More importantly I think it will also help the community to be much more informed and give access to what is happening around the world irrespective of where they are.” Having learned quite a bit about the importance of a strong telecommunication company, we went on to further question the sort of technological improvements that Ooredoo plans to bring forth into our country. Mr. Najib Khan explained with much enthusiasm that a mobile company has always used its wireless technology. This is a mobile first generation. “If you see we first launched our services with 2G and then deployed 3G and now we have covered the Maldives with 4G and 4G+. New technologies will emerge and we will definitely bring them to Maldives as well. The next launch in mobile technology will be e 5G. What happens with this continuum is that it enables different services. For example, 4G is a good technology for a great video experience. Today Video is the most used application amongst consumers and 4G enables this. It also enables real time video conferencing in HD quality stream videos in HD quality. However this is now becoming traditional and business as usual. 5G will enable very high volumes of small data especially in the Internet of things (IoT) applications which is about connecting things beyond human beings. “What’s more interesting is that the digital world is pushing us to transform from a telecom company to a digital lifestyle provider company. Ultimately, all this should benefit the community. Therefore under our ‘Digital Maldives’ focus we play a role of a catalyst to enable digital interactions with the market and our employees. Customers, today for example, are able to use our digital platform called Ooredoo Next on Facebook messenger to connect with us to enquire about their balances, buy new products or to explore new promotions instead of reaching us in the traditional old way via call center and wait for services.” “We find that an astonishing 70- 75% of data traffic is directed towards Facebook and other social media. If our consumers are spending their time on social media, then can’t we make our services available there? Ooredoo Next is an artificial intelligence and machine learning based platform which empowers the customer to interact digitally.” As we approached the end of our conversation, we had to ask about the decision behind Ooredoo going public and listing itself on the Maldivian stock exchange. “I think more than just a license condition, we wanted to give the Maldivian community an opportunity to be part of this growth journey in Ooredoo Maldives. We therefore sweated it out to bring in many retail customers to be a part of our company. We truly believe that we are a Maldivian company and work hard for the betterment of the community through innovations in technological solutions. The IPO is a good example of our mission to enrich lives of the community by sharing our growth with everyone” “This was the largest IPO in the region. In fact, more than 8,000 retail customers bought shares. With a yield of 421 million MVR, it became the highest valued IPO in the country. The reason we did this was not because we had a need for cash, but we wanted this company to be something that the people in this country will be proud of.” The “Ooredoo” brand has been valued at USD 3.1 Billion and recognized amongst the world’s top fifty most valuable telecommunications brand by the leading intangible asset valuation consultancy, Brand Finance, in their “Telecoms 500 2017” report published on February 27, 2017.

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January 2018 | www.theislandchief.com

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January 2018 | www.theislandchief.com

Reethi Faru Unveils Coral Nursery

eethi Faru has announced that the resort’s marine biologists have started a spacious sitting area, 1 rain shower and a bathtub, bathrobes, terrace with a Jacuzzi coral nursery on ropes in order to grow fragments back to bigger colonies after and deck chairs and sun loungers on the beach. the 2016 El Niño. Using metal frames, small branches of coral can be attached and spread out to create ‘coral nurseries’. 44 Water Villas are detached villas built on stilts over the lagoon, with a spacious sitting area, rain shower, indoor shower and bathtub, bathrobes, balcony with El Niño is a cyclical weather event that takes place every few years resulting in additional deck, sun loungers and direct lagoon access. warmer waters passing through the Pacific and Indian Ocean. Combined with global warming, it has seen water temperature reach new highs of 34 degrees in some areas, 2 Water Villa Suites consist of fully detached villas built on stilts over the lagoon causing the corals to go beyond their thermal limit, which results in bleaching and with 2 bedrooms, a large sitting area, 2 bathrooms with rain shower and bathtub, sometimes death. bathrobes, balcony with Jacuzzi and additional deck, sun loungers and direct lagoon access. When coral sits in water that is too warm for too long, it gets stressed and become bleached and expels the algae that provides it with about 90% of its energy and turns The unique setting amid tropical foliage, fringing a long expanse of powder soft white. Corals become bleached when under stress because of changing conditions, beach or on stilts over the clear blue lagoon will make every guest wish to stay on and such as rising sea water temperature. If the corals stay stressed for more than a couple on. of weeks it starts to starve, become diseased, and dies. It has also found that some species of fish, particularly parrotfish, are eroding the reefs more intensely following Reethi Faru can be reached by a scenic 45 minutes seaplane flight from the the bleaching event. international airport or a 20 minutes domestic flight to Dharavandhoo followed by a 30 minutes speed boat ride to the Resort. Reethi Faru, the new holiday escape in the Indian Ocean which opened in November this year is situated in Raa Atoll, north-west of Male’ on the tiny island of Filaidhoo. The island measures 600 x 350 m and its stunning house reef is just 30 to 80 meters from shore. The 150 well-furnished, homely and spacious detached and semi-detached villas is built in traditional style and blends perfectly into the natural beauty of the environment. 30 Reethi Faru Garden Villas villas are detached and located on the east side of the island, set amongst tropical vegetation, with a sitting area, rain shower, terrace with deck-chairs and sun loungers on the beach. Some of the units are semi-detached and especially designed for families or groups of friends. Those villas comprise 2 bedrooms, connected with a common sitting room and powder room. 43 Deluxe Beach Villas are detached beach-front villas, with a spacious sitting area, rain shower and bathtub, terrace with deck chairs and sun loungers on the beach. 6 Family Deluxe Beach Villas comprise of 2 bedrooms, connected with a common sitting room and powder room, specially designed for families or groups of friends. 25 Deluxe Jacuzzi Beach Villas are completely detached and facing the beach, with a

NAME OF FAIR

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January 2018 | www.theislandchief.com

COUNTRY

CITY

DATES

TYPE OF FAIR

FITUR

SPAIN

MADIRID

JAN 17 - 21

TRADE & CONUSMER

Boot

GERMANY

DÜSSELDORF

JAN 20 - 28

DIVE

SWITZERLAND

ZÜRICH

JAN 25 - 28

TRADE & CONUSMER

OTM

INDIA

MUMBAI

JAN 18 - 20

TRADE

EMITT

TURKEY

ISTANBUL

JAN 25 - 28

TRADE & CONUSMER

ITALY

MILAN

FEB 11 - 13

TRADE & CONUSMER

THAILAND

BANGKOK

FEB 14 - 17

TRADE & CONUSMER

ITB

GERMANY

BERLIN

MAR 7 - 11

TRADE & CONUSMER

Routes Asia

AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE

MAR 18 - 20

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS

MITT

RUSSIA

MOSCOW

MAR 13 - 15

TRADE & CONUSMER

COTTM

CHINA

BEIJING

APR 16 - 18

TRADE

UAE

DUBAI

APR 22 - 25

TRADE & CONUSMER

JAPAN

TOKYO

SEPT

TRADE & CONUSMER

FRANCE

PARIS

SEPT

TRADE

ITALY

RIMINI

OCT

TRADE

CITM

CHINA

SHANGHAI

OCT/ NOV

TRADE & CONUSMER

WTM

LONDON

NOV

TRADE

Fespo

BIT Milan Amour Asia Pacific

ATM Toursim EXPO Japan (JATA)

IFTM Top Resa TTG Incontri

source: www.visitmaldives.com

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January 2018 | www.theislandchief.com

IPHPHA

Exploring a new frontier in creativity

he Island Chief receives a once in a life time opportunity to sit down with the popular local artist, Hussain Ihfal Ahmed better known by his alias iphpha. Iphpa produces many different forms of art and has been an extremely expressive artist. we start of by asking him about how he first ventured into art. He explained by telling us about how he’s always loved art and had always been doing art even from a young age.

“ At present I am preparing for my third solo exhibition which will take place on February 5th 2018. This exhibition will feature a series of paintings I completed underwater. The Exhibition will be titled “AZZURROACQUA” which means “Blue Water” in Italian language. This name was given my Italian friend. “My upcoming art event is my 3rd solo exhibition in National Art Gallery. I hope this will be one of the best exhibitions in Maldives. This art exhibition is different from other exhibitions as the paintings have actually been painted underwater. The paintings draw attention to the pressing and urgent issues of climate change and sea level rise which threaten the very existence of the Maldives.”

achievement to say that I am the first asian to do a painting underwater.” Given that iphpha has been in the art industry for a very long time, I decide to ask him about his views for the future of art in the Maldives. “I believe that the future of art in the Maldives is purely in our hands. Our community is small and we don’t have many art buyers or sellers. That said if we don’t always have private galleries to showcase our work, We can start to build a good and responsible art community and work together to provide them with gallery spaces, find sponsors and much more. “

“I found my passion for art during my days at school and began to really develop it. Even from the age of 10 I was already interested in art. After my O’ Levels in 1999 I joined a local souvenir shop where I did tons of work for tourists visit Male’. “ the Maldives is filled with talent as far I have produced commercial art work for Is there a video of your work, How did as art goes and It is undeniably a historic tourists for more than 12 years now.” you get the inspiration for this part of our very culture and roots.” “ I produce from commercial art work “If you look around Facebook I have coffee art. I have a special interest in uploaded a video of myself completing Visual art especially for the fine arts.” one of the paintings underwater but its only a tease I am working on Dhivehi Learning more about him, I then ask Video song which will be released for the Iphpa about his most well received work exhibition around January 18th. The song is also based on climate change & sea “ I always try to express something though level rise. It will be uploaded in YouTube my work, to leave viewers with some Channel and hope it goes well.” sort of message. This has a tendency to impress my audience. That said my Last He begins telling us about how he got solo exhibition was in August 2016, for the idea to complete his underwater which I used coffee as a medium. My work paintings. with coffee is always very well received. I look forward to sharing my underwater “With the help of my diver friends who paintings soon for my coming exhibition were working at Blue Horizon Dive and am confident that people will enjoy Centre in Vaavu Atoll Thinadhoo island, it.” I made my first painting underwater in 2015.” “ My coffee art was so well received I went on to host an exhibition in the “Later this year in March, I made 8 UAE at Sarjah where I had an audience paintings underwater in 8 different with some of the sultans of the country locations in Thinadhoo Island. I spent and was personally asked to make a about an 1 hour on each painting. The painting of them as well. This was a really idea of attempting this first came in exceptional moment in my career ” 2010 after seeing Alexander Belozo from Ukraine do something similar. intrigued by his underwater painting I Actually he was the first artist to paint ask him to elaborate more on his coming underwater. He inspired and made me exhibition and about his under water think, Hey! I am From the Maldives a paintings. country known world wide for the beauty of its underwater coral reefs. Its quite an

Noticing the troubles an artist goes through in the Maldives I ask iphpha to dwell deeper into the challenges that an artist faces “To fine artists, there are lots of challenges in Maldives. Marketing, art material, gallery space, even we don’t have an academy or an institute to study. Finding the right market and platform to sell and showcase my work is one of the biggest challenges that I face now. Not to mention finding a space to actually produce and do work. Concluding our most interesting conversation I ask about ipphas dreams for the future and to share some motivational words with us. “My dream goal to future is to become an Artist. I still believe i’am not an Artist. My favourite artists are in Renaissance period. Rembrandt and Caravaggio. Favourite art movement is impressionism. Vincent Van Gogh is also one of my favourite.” “I don’t have my own art quote. French artist Edgar Degas says, Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

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January 2018 | www.theislandchief.com

10 Reasons to Visit Maldives in 2018 The new year for adventures has approached. If you can’t wait to start planning your 2018 summer holiday, here’s ten reasons why you should choose Maldives, in the hope one will catch your eye…

Instagram Butlers

Better airport

Floating breakfast in your private pool

a fancy kitchen and a large roof deck with unparalleled views of the ocean. With the growing number of travellers With the growing number of tourist Interestingly this is one of the lowest wanting to develop their photography arrivals every year, the Maldives At LUX* South Ari Atoll, they take pride density resorts in the world, so privacy is talents and seeking awe-inspiring spots government is expanding the country’s in serving their guests first meal of the virtually guaranteed. for captivating photographs, Conrad main international airport (which day by taking it to the next level. How do Maldives Rangali Island now offers is currently handling far more than you like a floating breakfast in your very Get pampered at world’s first undersea “Instagram trails”, guided paths to its original design capacity. Upon own private pool? Five-star hospitality is spa help their guests discover “the most completion of the expansion project, redefined by off-the-grid luxury at this picturesque locations” on the island Velana International Airport will be chic beach-house style resort where they Forget about seaside cabana massages. through their savvy social media team of able to cater a capacity of 7.5 million make their guests wildest imaginations It’s underwater pampering for guests “Instagram butlers”. passengers per year. In addition, the come true! of Huvafen Fushi, an adults-only resort airport will have 9 new passenger in the North Malé atoll. Boasting a Stargazing with the Sky Guru boarding bridges, expanded duty-free unique spa experience in the world’s first shops, food and beverage outlets, a new Private island experience underwater spa with panoramic views of Maldives is one of the best places on fuel storage which has 3 times the current the resort’s house reef. The spa offers an the planet to stare at stars, thanks to capacity and a new cargo terminal. The Private islands have been somewhat a innovative menu of wellness packages for Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas for completion of the new runway and thing in 2017, and the Maldives is full couples, side-by-side in its two treatment fulfilling the desires of those who long the new international terminal will of them. But this retreat in the northern rooms, as well as an underwater dreamed about finding out the secrets compliment and spearhead the economic Baa Atoll, the Four Seasons Private Island relaxation area. of the starry skies. Guests who chose growth of the Maldives for the years to Maldives at Voavah is the real deal, a Stargazing with the resort’s resident Sky come. secluded two-hectare of oasis transcends Male’ - Hulhule’ Bridge Guru and astronomer can study the the private island experience featuring constellations at the observatory’s open seven rooms, a beach house, a dive center The construction of an over-water bridge area using the most powerful telescope in UNESCO Sites with a dedicated divemaster, a spa with spanning the capital Male to connect the the Maldives. therapists, an infinity pool and a 62ft airport island Hulhule is underway, the There aren’t any UNESCO World yacht for reservation of up to 22 people. bridge, a dream of the nation and also a Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul at Heritage sites in the Maldives. However, “Completely yours” from the moment it’s cornerstone for the nation’s future. The the Iridium Spa the Malé Friday Mosque, Malé Eid booked and is all about personalization. government refers the 1.39-km bridge as Mosque, Ihavandhoo Friday Mosque, French macarons at 2am? Of course. the millennium project of the country. For those who prefer pampering over Meedhoo Friday Mosque, Fenfushi Nightly rates start at $46,000 USD a night Though one-third of the country’s water sports activities, with a design in Friday Mosque and the Isdhoo Old for the entire island. population live in Malé, Hulhule and the shape of a crustacean, the Iridium Mosque – all historical coralstone jewels Hulhumalé, ferries serve as the only Spa at the St. Regis Maldives, Vommuli have been considered by UNESCO’s A water slide into the ocean mode of transportation between the Resort has one of the largest outdoor “tentative list” of sites since 2013. three islands, and the completion of the hydrotherapy pools in the country. The Hukuru Miskiiy or the Friday Mosque, Nestled in the idyllic azure waters of bridge will link the three islands together stunning views of the Indian Ocean located in the capital Malé is the oldest Noonu Atoll on Medhufaru island, so that the country can embrace a jump combines a soothing backdrop to the mosque in the country. Renowned for Soneva Jani is a 5.6-km stretch of in growth. It will also boost the economy powerful jets of water massages and its its beautiful lacquer work and wood lagoon-inspired paradise comprising of the atoll chain and improve the living therapeutic properties for the body with carvings, the entire mosque is built of 24 over-water villas, of which 13 has conditions of Malé island residents. The the cleansing of the skin. Guests can also carved coral stone in 1658 CE during the its own slides straight into the ocean. bridge will be officially inaugurated on get in touch with their spiritual side in reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar. Today, Each of them boasts a retractable master the 2018 Independence Day. the resort’s Ayurvedic docto the mosque stands as a testament to bedroom roof; with a sunken dining Maldivian craftsmanship. area set over glass portholes in the floor; a private infinity pool; a study,

source: www.theislandlogic.com

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January 2018 | www.theislandchief.com