The Islandchief, Travel Tabloid 26 | September Issue 2018

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

VOL 26 | SEPTEMBER 2018 | www.islandchief.com

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

MOHAMED FIRAQ FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

INNER MALDIVES HOLIDAYS

South Asian Travel Awards 2018 to be Held at The Taj Mahal Palace

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p.03 Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon to Launch p.14 Maldivian Holidays Announce the Launch p.20 its Refurbished Water Bungalow in October of Online Booking System

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AVIATION PRESS

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Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Launches Private Jet Experience Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, the original hospitality brand to place indigenous experiences at the heart of luxury travel has launched the Anantara Private Jet Experience; an incredible voyage of discovery around the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

awaiting slice of heaven; a private villa overlooking the bay of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle. Sheltered by a crescent of golden sand, Anantara Peace Haven Resort is an unexplored paradise located in Tangalle on Sri Lanka’s southernmost shore.

Guests can now seamlessly combine luxurious stays at Anantara properties with the ease and convenience of private jet transportation. Signature hotels, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, have been intrinsically linked for the first time, offering a marvellous way to discover the hidden treasure of this breathtaking corner of the world.

At a resort where indulgence blends authentic indigenous elements and international flair, activities in Tangalle are endless, ranging from Aryurvedic Wellness Journeys to exhilarating surfing and personalised spa experiences. After dining on sustainably sourced cuisine, brought from farm to cliff side table by a private chef, master the art of Sri Lankan cuisine by taking an exclusive cooking class. Toast the ocean views from a private veranda and relax as the sun dips Elevating the Anantara concept of luxury travel to new heights thanks to a below the horizon signalling the end of another day in paradise. partnership with MJets, the bespoke aviation airline, discerning travellers can now curate the ultimate tour of the Indian Ocean. Embarking in the fabled city As soon as a fleeting hint of restlessness takes hold again, guests can summon a of Bangkok, known for its vibrant street life and elaborate shrines, guests can private jet to take off to the spectacular Maldives. From the window of a private soar between the luscious jungle and coconut fringed shores of Sri Lanka to the sea plane watch as the twenty-six atolls unfurl below, stretched like a necklace myriad blue tones of the spectacular Maldives. across innumerable shades of blue oceans. Upon arrival at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, it is clear that nature reigns. Overwater villas feature a twoLarger groups are easily accommodated in the Gulfstream V, with a three-zone tiered deck with shaded swinging daybed, dining area and ocean hammocks cabin environment for working, dining, entertaining and resting, the GV is the above, and a sunny lower deck with loungers and steps into the lagoon. Choose natural choice for ultimate luxury travel. Amenities including shower facilities, the sunset side of the island for evenings tinged with fiery blush. Villas are at fully reclining beds, state of the art entertainment systems and two flight one with natural surroundings, with coconut trees jutting through some of the attendants, are sure to deliver guests in a state of blissful relaxation. villas’ ceilings and lush canopies offering shade and seclusion.

The Cessna Citation X, is perfect for more intimate groups accommodating up to eight passengers in utmost comfort. As one of the fastest business jet in the world, its interiors boast aesthetically pleasing and spacious cabins with no compromise on luxury and comfort. Features include fully reclining body club seats, entertainment systems and one flight attendant for optimal, personalised service. Sip champagne and feel the stress melt away as the shores of Sri Lanka emerge.

By day, those with a taste of adventure will be satiated by the unparalleled diving accessible from the coral reefs. Dip toes into the aquamarine lagoon of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and snorkel with mantas and whale sharks or stroll along immaculate, snow-white beaches. By night, be transported to a faraway galaxy with a private stargazing session in the only observatory in the southern Indian Ocean.

The Anantara Private Jet Experience can be tailored to suit each guest’s Upon touching down at Colombo International airport, transition seamlessly individual tastes and requirements and scaled to accommodate intimate couples’ from the runway to a waiting private limousine ready to whisk travellers to their celebrations or larger group parties.

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South Asian Travel Awards 2018 to be Held at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

CURRENT NEWS

Highrise has announced that the prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA Confederation of Accredited Tour Operators (India), Association of Travel Agents 2018) will take place in the iconic property, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai from (ATA) Maldives, Association of Travel & Tour Operators India ( ATTOI), Association 14th - 15th September 2018. of Professional’s in Tourism (APT, India), Kerala Hotel General Managers Club (KHGMC), Nepal Tourism Board ( NTB), Liveaboard Association of Maldives SATA is the most prestigious award for travel and tourism stakeholders in the (LAM), India Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and Hotel & Restaurant South Asia region. The brand is the first of its kind with affiliations from regional Association of Bhutan (HRAB) associations ensuring the process to be done within a smooth and having a transparent procedure.

Highrise was formed in 2007 as a graphic design and event management company and quickly expanded into a full-fledged marketing firm operating from Nominations for the third edition of SATA, which consists of 36 categories in 10 Male’, Maldives & Colombo, Sri Lanka. Highrise offers comprehensive solutions segments, closed in April with a record 500 plus nominations from the Maldives, and holistic approaches to challenges, which have made a significant difference Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and Bhutan. Online voting was carried out via the official to many well-established organisations. website till June 30.

The Taj Mahal Palace opened in Mumbai, then Bombay, in 1903, giving birth to This years Evaluation Process was carried out in Maldives capital Male, Sri the country’s first harbour landmark. The flagship hotel of Taj Hotels, Resorts Lankan capital Colombo, south Indian city of Bangalore, Indian capital New Delhi, and Palaces overlooks the majestic Gateway of India. This legendary luxury hotel Nepalese capital Kathmandu, and the Bhutanese town of Paro by an all-women has played host to kings, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the jury, which comprises Amal Goonetilleke from Sri Lanka, Rinku Madan from India globe, and is acknowledged as a world leader in hospitality. Each of the rooms and Hinna Khalid from Maldives.

550 rooms & suites between the palace and tower wing is a striking blend of nostalgic elegance, rich history and modern facilities.

The regional recognition brand , SATA is currently endorsed by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry in Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC),

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AVIATION PRESS

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SIA To Debut New A350-900 Medium Haul Aircraft on Singapore-Adelaide Route Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced Adelaide as the launch destination for its new Airbus A350-900 medium haul aircraft. Slated to commence daily operations on 17 December 2018, the new A350-900 will operate as SQ279 from Singapore to Adelaide, and return as SQ278, from Adelaide to Singapore, subject to regulatory approval.

The new A350-900 medium-haul aircraft will be fitted with 303 seats across two classes, with 40 seats in Business Class and 263 seats in Economy Class.

Equipped with the Airline’s recently launched new regional Business Class and Economy Class cabin products, the Business Class cabin boasts a 1-2-1 seat arrangement, providing every customer with direct aisle access, while the Economy Class cabin will be arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration.

directly into a 76” fully-flat bed, Business Class customers can rest in more comfort, even on the shortest flights. Each seat measures up to 26” in width with retractable armrests that can be raised and lowered.

Whether travelling alone or with a partner, adjustable dividers at the centre seats provide for a customised level of privacy to suit individual preferences.

Customers can also look forward to other features to enhance their travelling experience, such as ample stowage space for personal items, a business panel with in-seat power supply and USB ports, an integrated reading light unit with adjustable lighting intensity and a personal 17” full high-definition touchscreen monitor.

The A350-900 will be fitted with the latest Thales AVANT inflight entertainment New Economy Class system. Designed with a new user interface that offers a more intuitive user experience and navigation options, customers will be able to enjoy Singapore The new Economy Class seat has been designed and built by RECARO and also Airlines’ myKrisWorldpersonalised in-flight entertainment (IFE) now with even offers customers an enhanced in-flight experience. greater control.

Arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration, each of the 263 Economy Class seats has an Customers will receive content recommendations based on their preferences ergonomically-designed contour backrest that provides greater comfort, and a and viewing history, while KrisFlyer members can continue to bookmark and six-way adjustable headrest with foldable wings to provide more neck support. resume content, as well as customise and save preferences and playlists for their subsequent flights. KrisFlyer members and Business Class customers will also Economy Class customers can also enjoy an enhanced entertainment experience have access to additional in-flight entertainment content choices. on their personal 11.6” full high-definition touchscreen monitor, as they browse from the selection of more than 1,000 movies, TV shows, audio programmes and Complementing this experience, customers can select their choice of playlists games onmyKrisWorld. from the SingaporeAir mobile app prior to the flight, and transfer these selections to myKrisWorld by pairing their personal electronic devices with the Other features that Economy Class customers can look forward to include onboard system via Near-Field Communication (NFC). personal storage space for small personal items, a coat hook, USB port and inseat power supply.

Furthermore, customers will have access to high-speed in-flight WiFi service onboard the new A350-900. The aircraft will be equipped with Inmarsat GX The A350-900 features higher ceilings, larger windows, an extra wide body Aviation’s broadband connectivity system, offered through SITAONAIR. delivering more space and comfort as well as lighting designed to reduce jetlag.

Following Adelaide, the A350-900 medium haul aircraft will also be deployed to Singapore Airlines ordered a total of 67 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, 21 of which are Brisbane next year, subject to regulatory approval. already in the fleet and have been fitted with Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class, long-haul cabin products.

New Business Class In October this year Singapore Airlines will take delivery of the world’s first The new medium-haul Business Class seats have been manufactured by Stelia A350-900 Ultra Long Range (ULR), which will be used to re-start non-stop flights Aerospace and are arranged in a forward-facing 1-2-1 staggered configuration between Singapore and Newark. The ULR aircraft will be fitted with 67 Business to provide every customer direct aisle access. With each seat able to recline Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats.

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September 2018 | www.theislandchief.com CURRENT NEWS

The 38th AGM of SLAITO Successfully Concludes The 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO)has been recently held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, The event was attended by Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga, who acknowledged SLAITO’s achievements in his speech while mentioning that he looks forward to working closely with the association to take the tourism industry forward.

Furthermore, the Executive Committee for the year 2018/19 was also announced on the occasion, with Harith Perera selected as president to head the office bearers for the year ahead and Nalin Jayasundera as Vice-President of SLAITO respectively.

The rest of the Executive Committee includes Nushani Ediriweera – Secretary; Gayangi Wirasinha Treasurer and Devinder Senaratne Immediate Past President.

Other committee members elected were Mahen Kariyawasan, Chandra Wickremasinghe, Nilmin Nanayakkara, Shiromal Cooray, Tilak Weerasinghe, TMF Packeer, Yolande Anne Hansen, Bilal Mohamed, Nishad Wijetunga, Shanitha Fernando, Amith Sumanapala, Shamali De Vaz, Nalaka Amaratunga, Anuruddha Bandara and Charith De Alwis.

The evening which celebrated the success of SLAITOs endeavours during the financial year under review while raising a toast to another successful year ahead concluded with an elegant black-tie sit-down dinner and dance.

The Second Edition of Oryx Beach Handball Challenge to be Held at Maafushi Together as ONE (TAO) has announced the Second Edition of Oryx Beach According to TAO, they have adopted this name because of their belief in the Handball challenge will be held at K.Maafushi during Eir Al’Aldha (21st- 22nd power of sports as a uniting force and because the name accurately represents August). the mission and vision of TAO as an organisation.

The participation fee or people entering from Maafushi is MVR 500 whereas TAO’s mission is to work together as a team with the public and other interested participants coming in from Male are required to pay MVR 3000, which includes parties to organise and manage sporting events, especially Basketball. TAO’s Speed Boat Transfer, Accommodation and food. vision is to yield the uniting power of sports to invigorate and empower Maldivian youth.

The name, Together as One (TAO) originates from the slogan that was used to support the Maldives National Basketball Team in the SABA Basketball Tournament held in the Maldives in 2017.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

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Louis T Collection Appoints Robert Hauck as the General Manager of Galle Face Hotel Louis T Collection has named Robert Hauck general manager of the iconic Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

He will also take up the role of area vice president for South Asia.

In this new role, Hauck will oversee the operations of the legendary, 156room historic seafront property in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, while supporting growth objectives and driving operational excellence for Louis T as it accelerates its strategic expansion in the region.

“Robert is an exceptional hotelier with a career that has spanned some of the world’s top luxury hotels and brands,” said Mikael Svensson, senior vice president of Louis T Collection.

“I am confident that he will take the legendary Galle Face to a new level, and his demonstrated success in hotel openings, turnarounds and developing new hospitality concepts will be critical as we strategically drive our growth.”

A hospitality leader with over 25-years of experience in hotels across Asia, In 2016, Louis T Collection signed a joint development agreement with The Galle Europe, South America and the Caribbean, Hauck was most recently general Face Hotel Group which made Louis T service providers for the historic Galle manager of Kanuhura in the Maldives, an 80-villa resort that he took through a Face Hotel. successful reopening and repositioning project after an 18-month renovation.

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Sri Lanka Tourism Awards Resume After Six Years The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has relaunched the annual Sri Lanka Tourism Awards which is scheduled to be held on December 6, following a six-year hiatus.

The Announcement was made at a press conference held this week by Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga who applauded the SLTDA for taking the initiative to relaunch the award ceremony.

“I commend the chairman of the SLTDA for having initiated Tourism Awards after six years of absence. The industry has grown since the last award ceremony we had, therefore it’s essential to recognise the good service of our industry stakeholders,” said Minister Amaratunga.

Sri Lanka Tourism Awards aims to celebrate the achievements of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry stakeholders, while also recognising contributions made by organisations as well as individuals and uplifting the industry standards through the promotion of competition.

Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2018 will be held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the SLTDA plans to honour 72 best performers in the industry, under 11 award categories which come under Accommodation, Travel and Tourism and Specified Tourism Sectors.

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Exclusive Interview with Mohamed Firaq, Founder & Managing Director, Inner Maldives Holidays

Mr. Mohamed Firaq is the owner and principal founder of Inner Maldives more about the growth of his career and business while exploring the changes Holidays and has been a lifelong contributor to the Maldives’ hospitality and that the industry has undergone over the years. tourism industry. The IslandChief was graced with an opportunity to ask him 1. How did you enter the tourism sector? Could you give us a brief description 2. Tell us about some significant changes the tourism industry has gone of the early days of your career? through since you first started working in it?

After completing school in 1984, I was offered the position of an officer at Rover Tours. During the time, the Maldivian tourism industry was very different compared to how it is today. Having spent a couple of months at Rover Tours, I began attending meet and greet services for clients at the airport, rather than spending my time at an office administrator-based job. That was when my enthusiasm for the industry grew the most. That was also when I began networking with many prominent industry experts and received several job offers.

I believe there has been more diversity than ever, and a lot of innovation to resort facilities. Would you believe resorts like Kurumba Maldives or Meerufenfushi were giving their rooms for $30 a night? I doubt you would believe this, but they did. Today, you can’t get a room from Kurumba Maldives or Meerufenfushi for that price. So, obviously the prices have seen a record high over the years. Resort transfers have also had a notable upgrade. In the past, it used to take about two and-a-half hours to get to Meerufenfushi. Today, it only takes 20 minutes by seaplane or 50 minutes by speedboat.

In 1999, a travel company called “Cross World Maldives” came into being. They brought various changes to the tourism industry. For example, they were the first to operate charter flights to the Maldives – it was something completely new to the Maldives then. Back then, foreign tour operators were dependent on resorts and hotels; they had direct contracts with them. Hence, there weren’t many opportunities for local travel agents.

3. What events led to the inception of Inner Maldives Holidays?

It was the encouragement I received from my colleagues at Cross World Maldives when they shutdown the company. They continue to support the tourism industry and contribute to its growth. My colleagues there knew me as an impulsive person and would tell me, “Firaq, why don’t you start something on your own? We could support you.” I was also a focal point for tour operators, Cross World Maldives changed all that by bringing in charter flights, Lauda Air and a key figure to communicate through. Because they knew me very well from Austria and Ever Green Holidays (Eva Air) from Taipei – the first chartered personally, they were also there to support me when I needed it. airlines to operate into the Maldives. This was an eye-opener for many local agents who were seeking opportunities.

I can still remember the day that I didn’t have enough cash to print my business cards when I first started Inner Maldives and one of my very dear friends lent me After Cross World Maldives ceased its operations, many key industry figures $1500 to buy my office stationeries and print business cards. encouraged me to start something of my own, which I did. And here I am today.

My experience with Cross World Maldives helped me pave my future.

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4. Tell us some of the challenges that you faced at the startup of Inner 6. What are your views on the current status of the Maldivian tourism Maldives? industry and what changes are you anticipating for the future?

The biggest challenge we had was financial support. I am saying this because the investments we did with the resorts were colossal, such as advance payments.

We had a rather difficult time, sometimes going to the extent of mortgaging property to pay resorts because we started small and didn’t have sufficient funds to operate a travel agent smoothly.

We are still migrating from one market to another. Markets like China and Russia are currently growing rapidly. We shouldn’t, however, forget the struggles we made in the past to reach where we are today. I strongly think we still need to drive the European market, and find ways to sustain it. I believe that one of the main reasons for the slowdown of that market is pricing. Hoteliers are almost always on the lookout for the best income and high yields, but not for ways to 5. Inner Maldives has expanded over the years to become one of the leading sustain the markets. We must aim at balancing all the markets while watching travel agents in the country, to what do you attribute the success of the new markets emerge. company?

7. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it My team! My staff and co-workers, and the cooperation we receive from the be? industry. One person cannot run a business like this properly. You have to trust your people, and it is something I firmly believe in. I don’t let my staff feel that Loyalty is vital. A person starting a business should also know their focus. If not, I am just the owner here; they work alongside me as colleagues. As the owner, you cannot find investors. I am quite sure that nobody will come and invest big it maybe my responsibility to take certain decisions, but I also let them look in Maldives as a newcomer; they would consider efficient financial discipline through and come up with options. So, I alone cannot take credit for our success. and would only be injecting more money gradually depending on the progress.

Financial discipline is also a key characteristic for someone starting a travel company, as we don’t start with huge assets. We only have a name. We sell our name, and keep it going until we are eventually recognized.

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CURRENT NEWS

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Tourist Arrivals Hikes 10 percent In July The tourism ministry has revealed that tourist arrivals have increased for the first six months of 2018 by 10.5 per cent compared to the same period last year.

A total of 726,515 tourists had visited the Maldives up to June 2018, despite a state of emergency and travel warnings triggered by an ongoing political crisis. In 2017 the figure was 657,542.

A total of 93,786 tourists visited in June 2018, up from 85,222 in 2017.

Europe held the largest market share for the first two quarters of 2018, with 51.3 per cent of all visitors coming from the region.

The Maldivian Government has leased dozens of uninhabited islands to local and foreign resort developers over the past five years. As such, a number of international brands have entered into the Maldivian market, increasing the number of resorts to 120. That number is set to increase as the government has announced the opening of some 20 new resorts over the next two years.

Along with the new resort openings, the guesthouse sector is also rapidly expanding in order to meet the increasing demand from budget travellers who choose guesthouses over luxury resorts that the Maldives is known for.

The government last year announced new steps to maintain a structured growth in tourism, including a slowdown in leasing islands for resort development and increased marketing efforts in key markets such as China and the Middle East in order to reach an ambitious target of a record 1.5 million tourist arrivals this year.

Maafaru International Airport to Officially Begin Operations Regional airports have announced that the Maafaru International Airport is fully this airport is being opened as an international airport.” completed with a 2,200-meter long runway and that the terminal of the airport and the tower will be completed next month.

According to the Parliament Member of N. Atoll, opening an international airport at N. Maafaru would be an advantage for the whole Maldivian economy as well The first test flights have also landed successfully at the new international as for N. Atoll. In addition, this is a door open to increase the guesthouses, leads airport. Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer along with parliament members of increasing dollar earnings for locals.

Noonu Atoll arrived at N. Maafaru in the test flight which took 25-minutes.

Maafaru Airport is designed with a transit hotel and to develop a resort. While “We are trying to start the scheduled flights in the month of September. As you all the latest technology will be available at the airport, six jets can be operated would know that this is a large and different project,” said Tourism Minister at the same time.

Moosa Zameer.

The project which has been funded with USD 60 million from the UAE fund will “N. Maafaru airport runway will be as wide as a Velana International Airport, and accommodate Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.

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MATATO Opens Registration fo ITB Asia 2018

CURRENT NEWS

Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has opened primary event for the Asia Pacific travel industry, much like it’s parent event – registration for ITB Asia in Singapore, which is to be held from October 17-18 at ITB Berlin. the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

Today, ITB Asia is the premier meeting place for the travel trade industry and Registration for the international travel trade show is open till August 16 and a forum for establishing high-quality customer contacts and conducting Interested parties have been requested to submit a co-exhibitor registration businesses. This is where international exhibitors of all sectors within the travelform to MATATO. value chain commerce, and Asia Pacific’s leading travel companies and emerging small and medium-sized enterprises meet with top international buyers from the According to MATATO, every registered party will receive a two by two metre MICE, leisure and corporate travel markets. counter space along with one exhibitor badge but will have to pay USD 200 for every additional participant. Participation costs USD 1,500 for resorts, hotels, Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) is a nonairlines, guesthouses and travel agents. profit organisation that has been working the last ten years to foster and promotes SMEs of local travel agents.

MATATO further states that the Maldives stand will have four limited premium tables, each designed as cubicles with partitioned walls, two chairs and a table The association has engaged themselves in various activities over the years from to hold meetings with buyers. A premium table can be booked for an extra USD advocacy, training, and workshops, travel trade fairs in many parts of the world, 1,000, it said. media FAM trips, government lobbying, recognition programs such as Awards, travel conferences and forums, publications, destination marketing, whistleNow in its 11th year in Singapore, ITB Asia is an annually held three day B2B blower programs, representation and much more. trade show and convention for the travel industry. It is designed to become the

VOL 26 | NEW OPENINGS

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Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon to Launch its Refurbished Water Bungalow in October

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has announced that the resort will be unveiling invitingly plush king size bed, indoor seating area, and work and dressing tables fresh look and feel for its water bungalows as well as the accompanying adorn the insides of the bungalows, while an open-air bathroom completes the restaurant and bar on 1st October 2018. offering.

According to the resort, the latest upgrade involving Ellaidhoo’s 24 water An island paradise on Alifu Alifu Atoll, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers bungalows will be following a similar refurbishment of the resort’s Standard cosy accommodation with luxurious amenities. Surrounded by palm trees and Rooms and Beach Bungalows last year. white beaches, it has an infinity pool and a fitness centre.

Designed with new tiled roofs, the refurbished water bungalows will be sporting Getting to Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is possible via seaplane or speedboat lighter colours, crisp settings and will come with an extended wooden sundeck, from Velana International Airport. It is a 25-minute journey by seaplane or a 1.5where comfortable divans make for great look-out points across the ocean. An hour speedboat ride.

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A TEA LIKE NO OTHER It’s all about quality and timeless tradition.

Dhilshad Sideek CEO at Governor’s Estate

IT BEGINS WITH A LEAF experienced and highly skilled pickers. Then that leaf begins a traditional 5 stage and sorting. Then that little leaf becomes Governor’s Estate, a company that prides itself in producing only the very best Ceylon tea.

“It’s all about quality and timeless tradition” explains Dhilshad Sideek, CEO at Governor’s Estate. “It takes skill and hundreds of combined years of knowledge to produce tea of this high quality. It is a delicate

DISCOVER A NEW SENSATION Governor’s Estate Master Choice range, an exclusive superior quality loose leaf range.

Relax and enjoy the Governor’s Estate English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea.

The traditional blend of English Breakfast Pure Ceylon black tea makes a golden brew with a robust flavour, whist the Earl Grey is delicately blended with fragrant bergamot rind and cornflower petals, a sophisticated black tea alternative to English Breakfast.

AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR

Enjoy the crisp taste of pure Sencha green tea perfectly matched with of exotic Soursop.

Favoured popular worldwide for its powerful medicinal qualities, Soursop is a incredible island super-fruit. The flavour has been described as a combination of Strawberry and Pineapple, with sour citrus notes and an underlying creaminess reminiscent of Coconut or Banana.

Energise your spirit with the warm and Beats Rooibos red tea.

This delightfully unique blend combines the flavours of African spices with the warmth of cinnamon. The colours of this brew is reminiscent of sunsets over the Sierra, where you can almost hear the African beat. Designed for the most discerning of palates.

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CURRENT NEWS

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Kandima Hosts the First Ever Tomato Festival in the Maldives Kandima has hosted the first ever Tomato Festival ‘La Tomatina’ in the Maldives site and willing to offer their hoses with running water to remove the squashed which took place on Friday, 31st August 2018. tomatoes from the participants’ bodies.

In total over 300 people attended the event, which lasted for almost four hours.

‘La Tomatina’ was home to the famous tomato fight, tug of war, mini football, water bucket relay, climb the coconut tree and many other fun-packed beach games.

The festival of tomatoes was held for the first time in 1945 in the Valencian town of Buñol, in the East of Spain 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the Mediterranean, in which participants would throw tomatoes and get involved in a tomato fight purely for entertainment purposes.

During the event, the house DJ entertained the crowd with his party mixes while Located on the largest island in Dhaalu Atoll, a 30-minute flight from Male’ the barmen were offering free Latino-themed snacks and drinks to everybody. and followed by a 20-minute boat ride to the island, Kandima Maldives has the longest outdoor swimming pool in the Maldives, an abundance of water-sports, The resort chefs had to lay the tomatoes in the sun for three days prior to the the largest beach club and tennis and basketball courts. The resort also offers a event, which made them ripe and safe to fight with. The fire brigade was also on marine biology centre, an art studio and cooking classes.

Some of our Popular Brands

VOL 26 | CELEBRATIONS

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Maldivian Holidays Announce the Launch of Online Booking System Maldivian Holidays has announced the launch of its very own online booking Maldivian Holidays is owned by Island Aviation Services Limited and operating as system which offer visitors the ability to check availability, pricing and to book a travel agency (Travel Bureau) of the national carrier – Maldivian, which is fully online directly. owned by the government of Maldives.

The Maldivian Holidays website is designed for both Operators and FIT Maldivian Holidays is also engaged in outbound hotel reservations, Airline customers where they can access over 45 properties from different categories reservations and ticketing (both international & domestic), supervision agents under one platform, this includes resorts, guesthouses and city hotels. From this for international airlines, meet & greet services at airports platform Operators/Agents can customised according to their travel requirement.

To visit Maldivian Holidays Website, login to: https://holidays.maldivian.aero/

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VOL 26 | SERVICE

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Cocoon Unveils the First Open Air Gym Design in the Country Cocoon Maldives in partnership with MyEquilibria, has unveiled Tree of world and uses scientific methods to develop creative solutions based on nextWellbeing, the first open-air design gym in the Maldives. generation technologies and the newest materials, aimed to increase the quality of our everyday lives.

According to Cocoon, the gym is a groundbreaking new concept of physical fitness based on instinctive body movements which at first glance, looks more Located on the pristinely stunning island of Ookolhufinolhu in Lhaviyani Atoll, like a work of art than a place for exercise. only a short 30-minute seaplane ride away from Velana International Airport, Cocoon Maldives is best described as an actualisation of a dream to create a “As soon as I saw the MyEquilibria installation, I immediately fell in love with it,” unique designer resort that mixes luxury, design aesthetics, and hospitality into a said Alex Azzola, the Managing Director of Cocoon. unique tropical island paradise.

“It has an incredible six-metre tree-like design, which creates a unique open-air Designed by renowned Italian firm LAGO, Cocoon’s minimal interiors space. Cocoon is the first design hotel in the Maldives, and so it’s natural that we complement with furniture made from 200-year-old wildwood defer to the have the first open-air design gym in the Maldives.” overwhelming beauty of the surrounding marine environment and lush green vegetation that envelope the whole island.

Engineered around the biomechanics of instinctive training, the Tree of Wellbeing was created by innovative designer Vito Di Bari, an innovative The resort also features an expansive reception pavilion, a dive centre, a spa, designer who is changing the world through his cutting edge design solutions. a lounge, library, gym and kid’s club, in addition to 150 villas on the beach or poised on stilts in the lagoon.

Vito has been defined as one of the three most important futurists in the

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VOL 25 |

September 2018 | www.theislandchief.com PRODUCT REVIEW

Sonee Hardware Introduces Shimano "Maldives Edition" Ocean Pencil Lures Sonee Hardware has introduced the Ocean Pencil ‘Maldives Edition’ of the globally renowned fishing equipment producer Shimano.

The edition was officially launched at the Sonee Hardware outlet at Boduthakurufaanu Magu by Managing Director and the edition’s exclusive rights holder Mr Moosa Kaleem.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr Moosa Kaleem said it was the first time Japan’s Shimano developed a products’ special series and hailed it as a major achievement for Sonee Hardware and for the Maldives which is a top destination for angler’s from all over the world.

The edition is currently used and sold in several countries including Japan, Mr Moosa Kaleem added that it was an honour that a world leading company Australia, Russia, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Seychelles and several designed a product range after a small country like the Maldives.

European countries.

The swimbaits have been modelled and designed with the most common baitfish Being one of the largest hardware businesses in the market today, Sonee commonly hunted by large predatory fish in the Maldives. The edition boasts Hardware has built a reputation among its loyal customers with a strong drive for four unique colours which are designed after triggerfish, round scad, flying fish reaching the customers’ expectations. and fusilier.

Sonee Hardware now has a total of 6 outlets in which the company has The Shimano Maldives Edition was specially designed under the direction of Mr diversified into various different areas of businesses. One of our showroom “THE Moosa Kaleem and the artwork was done by Muart.

SCENE”, is the first intelligent showroom of its kind and is a clear paradigm of Sonee Hardware’s commitment to our customers.