The Islandchief , Travel Tabloid 10| May 2017

VOL 10 | MAY 2017 | www.islandchief.com

Master of the Kitchen

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Mound

Ooredoo Maldives Launches IPO

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Smallest Mountain in the World

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AIRLINE PRESS

Colombo : Bandaranaike International Airport active again after renovation

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he main runway of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Katunayake , Sri Lanka has become operational on Thursday (April 06), the Srilankan Airlines’ new aircraft (UL-1162) made the first landing at the runway.

The airport’s main runway was closed for renovations on January 6. Ministry said the constructions was effective enough to expand the existing runway from 65 meters will be widen to 75 meters.

The most conducive dry weather patterns for the resurfacing works were considered based on the review of historical weather data at BIA maintained by the Department of Meteorology. The contract for the ‘Overlaying Works’ was awarded on 1 September 2016 to the Joint Venture of China National Aero Technology International Group (CATIC) and Shanghai New Era Airport Design.

Both these organizations were credited under the Civil Aviation Authority of China. The contract was to overlay the runway and construction of associated works on a ‘design and build’ basis.

The cost of the entire project estimated was US$ 50 million. Under the major developments of the runway project the extent of work involved as follows: • Runway of BIA is upgraded to modified Code ‘F’ compliance •Aerodrome Ground Lighting of the Runway and Taxiway system of BIA upgraded to CAT II as per ICAO •All of the new installation will be energy efficiency LED Light system •Surface movement guidance system to the Runway and taxiway systems •New airfield light control and monitoring system •All Runway markings as per ACI new addition •Capacity of Runway system will be enhanced to meet next 20 year growth Netherlands Airport Consultants

(NACO), the design and supervision consultant was the design and supervision consultant of the runway when it was constructed and commissioned under Phase 1 Development Project of Colombo International Airport in 1986.

The new runway is now fully comprised with the LED lighting system, enabling the airport to operate even under bad weather condition & this renovated runway would also allow for large aircraft such as the A-380 to use the airport.

AirAsia Launches Special Promo Flights To Paradise

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irAsia has started offering promotional, allin-one way flights, to the Maldives for one month, from as low as $38.43. AirAsia will be deploying its Airbus A330 aircraft to fly direct to the Maldives, in view of strong demand from travelers, while also adding flight frequencies to other destinations. The low budget carrier said that the Airbus A330 would fly directly to the Maldives until May 18, 2017.

The 377-seat Airbus A330 features 12 premium flatbeds onboard and will cost around and $136.2 on premium flatbeds from Kuala Lumpur to Maldives.

Head of Commercial Spencer Lee said the main target of the promotion as well as increasing the capacity by deploying its Airbus A330 for one month was to improve the travel options for guests heading to these two destinations.

“This Airbus A330 will provide an increase of 197 seats per flight. We urge guests to use this opportunity and grab the hot deals.

“We are also pleased to increase our connectivity with additional flight frequencies to various destinations such as Kaohsiung, Siem Reap, Da Nang, Hanoi, Pontianak and Semarang,” he added.“Our flights to Maldives and Macao are strong performers and we are pleased to increase the capacity by deploying our Airbus A330 for the period of one month to improve the travel options for guests heading to these two hot destinations,” said AirAsia Commercial Head Spencer Lee. “This Airbus A330 will provide an increase of 197 seats per flight. We urge guests to use this opportunity to grab the hot deals with more seats, greater values and more services offered,” Lee added.

SriLankan Airlines to resume normal operations following full reopening of BIA

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riLankan Airlines have resume normal operations throughout its global route network from 7th April 2017, following the resumption of full services at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), which had been partially closed for three months while its runway underwent resurfacing.

SriLankan wishes to express its gratitude to all its stakeholders for their patience and assistance during this period, especially its valued customers, all of the airline’s staff who worked tirelessly to limit the inconvenience to passengers, and its partner organisations at BIA. With effect from Friday, 7th April 2017, passengers may arrive at the airport three hours before scheduled departure time of their flights.

Corporate Communications SriLankan Airlines www.srilankan.com

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Ooredoo Maldives Welcomes New CEO

CURRENT NEWS

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redoo Maldives has welcomed Mr. Najib Khan privileged to have the chance to improve the as their new Chief Executive Officer.

Ooredoo brand as the CEO of Ooredoo Maldives and expressed hope that Mr. Najib Khan would Mr. Najib Khan is a vetteran of the rally further progress and continue to improve the telecommunications industry, with over 25 years company. of experience and has previously fulfilled positions such as the Home and Office Business CEO of The Chairman of Ooredoo Maldives Board, Mr. Bharti Airtel Limited, and as the head of the Khalid Al Mahmoud stated that Mr. Vikram Commercial Division Business Service Team of the Singha’s tenure as CEO has brought continuous Ooredoo Group. improvement to the company and that he hopes Mr. Najib Khan’s tenure would continue to take Mr. Vikram Singha, the previous CEO of Ooredoo Ooredoo Maldives forward towards more success.

Maldives has been transposed as the Managing Director. Mr. Vikram Singha stated that he was

Believe It Or Not, Maldives Will Be Hosting Its First Hot Air Balloon Festival In May

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rivate company Unix Sporting, is organising a different exciting event first time in Maldives.

Hot Air Balloon festival in association with Ministry of Youth and Sports and Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).

It has been reported that Maldives Hot Air Balloon Festival 2017 would take place on May 19 and 20 at Maafannu Stadium in capital Male. The festival would focus on bringing together people of all ages to enjoy a number of activities, including balloon rides, live music show, Night Glow Photo Shoot,

Inflatable Fun Park for kids and photo booths, it added.

Tickets for the balloon ride will be sold at MVR700 (USD46) with each balloon accommodating upto four passengers.

The hot air balloons will be operated by professionals from Flying Media Company Limited, a commercial flying unit operating hot air balloons under the authorization of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.

Despite being new to the Maldives, hot air balloon rides are a popular activity

Schauinsland Reisen, Germany has listed Adaaran Club Rannalhi as one of their Top 100 Resorts.

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daaran Club Rannalhi has been chosen among the top 100 resorts by Germany’s popular outbound travel brand Schauinsland Reisen.

Adaaran Club Rannalhi is featured among the best hotels in Maldives and sits exclusively at the tip of the South Male atoll within the exotic collection of islands known as the Maldives. Its unique location offers access to pristine beaches, excellent scuba diving opportunities and a relaxed environment with easy access to the capital city of Male. Bask in the golden sun and frolic on the soft sands as you experience friendly Maldivian hospitality and explore the rich tropical wonders of a vibrant island nation during your stay in the Maldives.

Adaaran Resorts owns other properties in the Maldives including Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi and Adaaran Water Villas.

amongst tourists in several countries around the world.

Neighbouring countries, including India and Sri Lanka also offer hot air balloon rides to explore their natural landscape and this festival is sure to make hot air balloon rides a trend in the island paradise as well.

It is going to be a thrilling, fun event for all age groups. Dont miss this exciting event, to explore the paradise of Sun, Sand and Sea from skyview.

TMA expands Aircraft fleet

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rans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has added another aircraft to its existing fleet. The additional aircraft, a De Havilland DHC-6 Series 300, arrived on Tuesday, 21st March at Velana International Airport (VIA) after completing its journey from Calgary city in Canada.

TMA’s fleet expansion comes in-line with the growing tourist arrivals and increasing bed capacity with the new resorts opening in the Maldives. There are plans to bring more aircraft during the course of the year to meet the demand and cater to the increasing tourist arrivals.

In 2016, TMA operated over 120,000 flights, transferring close to a million passengers including 80,000 residents.

With the latest addition to the fleet, TMA has further strengthened its position as the world’s largest seaplane operator.

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RESORT PRESS

SUN SIYAM GROUP HOSTS A 2ND EVENING IN RIYADH

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n the 9th of April 2017 at Holiday Inn Al Qasr, Sun Siyam Resorts together with the Embassy of the Republic of Maldives hosted yet another remarkable evening in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.

The event was held in order to maintain the popularity that Maldives has gained in the Middle East. The evening brought together diplomats of different countries in Riyadh. It showcased information on Maldives and the properties of Sun Siyam Resorts. Maldives is an exotic destination that offers something for everyone including families, couples, singles, honeymooners, spa enthusiasts, and the adventurous at heart.

The evening was brought to a start with the opening speech by His Excellency Abdullah Hameed, Ambassador of Maldives to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was followed by a presentation by Director of Business Development of Sun Siyam Resorts, Evgenia Boyankova. During the event, there were raffles drawn with holidays to Maldives sponsored by Sun Siyam Resorts.

With a great turnout, it was a successful event with dinner and networking. Sun Siyam Resorts plans to host a series of such events to promote Maldives in the Middle East.

Sun Siyam Resorts A collection of hotel & resort brands born from the inspiration of Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed. Led by his passion for creating a difference in the Maldives Tourism Industry that redefine the luxury hospitality experience. Sun Siyam Resorts has an esteemed portfolio of boutique luxury resorts operating in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, including: The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives Sun Aqua Pasikudah, Sri Lanka

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A Yoga Retreat Like No Other At Kandima Maldives With Nick Knowles and Luke Bache

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he upcoming month of August 2017 will see the pristine resort of Kandima Maldives offering its guests the unique opportunity to experience an exclusive new yoga retreat with TV presenter Nick Knowles and yoga doyen Luke Bache.

Named aptly as, “Relax, Reset and Evolve” , the retreat will be hosted four times this year by Nick Knowles himself and the thoroughly experienced yoga therapy instructor Luke Bache.

The retreats will combine some of the very best of yoga in picture perfect paradise surroundings at the brand new Stylish Kandima Maldives. For those who participate, it will certainly be one of the best gifts they could ever give to themselves, and an experience of their lifetime!

Every “Relax, Reset and Evolve” retreat is specifically designed to inspire necessary life changes, both mentally and physically and to give guests the tools to form new habits to enable them to change their lifestyle and balance going forward.

“Relax, Reset and Evolve” Retreat will see that each morning is kickstarted with a therapeutic yoga class tailored to a specific part of the body. These classes will finish with a short mindful meditation, further calming the mind and nervous system.

During the afternoon there will either be a mindful moving class for cardio or a ‘yin’ yoga class that works on the connective tissue, ligaments and tendons helping to work into those particularly tight areas. Every evening, Nick and Luke will lead inspiring talks about health and wellness or a guided total body relaxation class.

W Maldives welcomes Thomas Vaucouleur de Ville d’Avray as its new General Manager Maldives is thrilled to announce the appointment of its new General Manager, Thomas Vaucouleur de Ville d’Avray.

Thomas grew up in France and Japan and is a graduate of the Singapore Temasek Polytechnic Institute and completed various hospitality management courses with Cornell University. The French national brings to W Maldives seventeen years of hospitality experience gained from a variety of executive and Food and Beverage management positions for prestigious brands across Japan, Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Maldives.

Prior to his relocation to the Maldives in

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2015 for LVMH Cheval Blanc Randheli as Resident Manager, he assumed several executive positions with Hyatt International in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris and the Philippines.

He joined The Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza, Egypt, as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage prior to relocating to the Maldives for the first time in 2009 as Director of Food & Beverage for One & Only Reethi Rah. He then joined The Peninsula Bangkok in the same capacity and was later promoted to Executive Assistant Manager in Charge of Food & Beverage for The Peninsula Paris opening in 2014.

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NEWS

OCEAN LOVE: ATTENTION OVER MARINE POLLUTION, Underwater CEO’s Conference in Kovalam, India

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he underwater CEO conference namely ‘Ocean Love’ is an idea churned out by five corporate establishments - Hotel Udaya Samudra, UST Global, TCS, Avon Mobility Solutions and Netlog. While the event was in collaboration with Bond Safari Kovalam, ATTOI and KERALA Tourism.

The awareness event to bring attention over marine pollution, “Ocean Love” event was held in Kovalam, the popular beach destination in Kerala.

Rajagopal Iyer, CEO of Udaya Samudra said the event “Ocean Love” will attract public attention on the deteriorating conditions of the oceans.

The venture is an attempt to show the commitment of multi-national companies towards the society and environment, said Jackson Peter of Bondsafari, which is coordinating the event. “We aim to continue with our mission to create awareness about global warming and marine pollution,” he said.

OCEAN LOVE, First of its kind conference has held at the Groove beach in Kovalam on 10th April 2017.

India International Waiters Race 2017

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he first ever India International Waiters’ race started in the year 2013 has marked in gold and will stay forever in the history of the Indian hospitality industry. It’s that time of the year the F&B service fraternity across the globe is excited to come together and make it memorable again.

We are pleased to announce the 4th India International Waiters Race 2017 on Saturday the 29th April 2017 at Shanghumugham, Thiruvananthapuram from 4:00pm onwards, more than 500 participants were expected to take part at this event covering an area of approximate 1500 meters long Marathon.

As you know, the origin of ‘Waiters’ Race’ was in France in the beginning of 20th century and since then it has been held in Paris, London, Berlin etc. These events were started to recognize the importance of waiters profession in the hotel industry. Now for more than a century these events has been bringing waiters together for competition from different hotels around the world, but finally more than competitions it helps boosting the confidence and esteem of the waiter!

It is our pride and privilege to inform you that the Judging partners are from Government & reputed private Hotel Management colleges in India! The objective of India International Waiters’ Race is to “encourage and motivate how valuable the waiter fraternity is - the hands that serve with warmth and pleasant faces which beautifies our restaurants”! We welcome you to join hands with us in encouraging and recognizing the community of waiters who had been waiting upon our valuable guests are and serving them with a smile amidst all the challenges of their professional and personal life!

Amilla Fushi With A Refreshing Twist Amilla Fushi has presented its very own, exclusive tree houses in collaboration with Bodyism to their beloved guests. Along with a special wellness package, these one-bedroom Wellness Tree Houses at the resort blends a secluded spa experience in the treetops with an ultimate wellness retreat and features an astounding spa wellness suite.

The contemporary and sleek air-conditioned 220 square metre homes also come with a 42 inch flat-screen TV and satellite channels, an indoor living room area with sofa and work desk and a daily stocked Mini Bar with a special selection of organic nuts, seed mix, fresh fruits, crudites, Amilla still and sparkling water, fresh juices and wellness teas.

Facilities available at the Wellness Tree Houses include a spa treatment room / suite for couples, two luxurious bathrooms, outdoor bathrooms and rain showers, a Private fresh water pool, an outdoor terrace and entertainment systems among other things.

After a personal wellness consultation upon arrival, guests are spoilt to choose from a variety of 50 minute result-driven spa treatments or wellness classes of movement, yoga, meditation, breath-work that are included throughout the stay and designed to re-establish energy flows, increase circulation and create a foundation for balance, health and wellness. Meditation, breath-work and aromatherapy techniques are used throughout the wellness menu to revive the mind and promote blissful relaxation.

The Wellness Tree House retreat by Bodyism includes: • A Bodyism consultation session upon arrival • Breakfast, lunch and dinner from a specially designed wellness menu • Healthy snacks delivered twice a day as part of the mini bar • Daily 50-minute spa treatment • Daily Bodyism session The exclusive Wellness Tree Houses by Bodyism are going to be personally overseen by Bodyism founder James Duigan. The first of these will take place from May 4-11, and will include a series of morning talks by James on “The four Pillars

of Health — nutrition, movement, mindset and sleep.”

Amilla Fushi is one of the most breathtaking resorts in the Maldives with its amazing location in the UNESCO Biosphere and offers guests a choice of 71 rooms alongside the refreshing Javvu Spa, which is located in the silent, verdant garden of the Wild Grove, offering 15 treatment rooms as well as yoga and fitness pavilions.

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NEW OPENING

Centara Announces Two More Properties in Maldives

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entara Hotels and Resorts has announced their plans to construct and operate “We will invest more in the Maldives. Two projects will be signed this year two more properties in the Maldives. including one management contract and one investment.” Mr. Chirathivath said.

In an interview with Bangkok Post, the Senior Vice President for Business Development Suparath Chirathivath stated that they were looking to expand their reach within the ASEAN countries and that Centara’s two properties in the Maldives are their most successful.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to providing exceptional service in unique and sophisticated environments. The five-star property Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa in Maldives was Centara’s first overseas hotel, and an immediate success. Currently, there are a total of 65 properties in the domestic and international Centara portfolio, 37 in operation and 28 under development.

Mövenpick LUX* to open second announces the first Maldives resort in Resort in Maldives to November open in 2018

Mövenpick has signed an agreement to manage its first resort in Maldives.

The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives will be situated on the remote Kuredhivaru Island in Noonu Atoll, and will feature 33 Beach Villas and 72 Over Water Villas.

The resort is scheduled to open during the second quarter of 2018.

“It’s no secret that the Maldives is a much sought after holiday destination that is still increasing in popularity and our spectacular resort represents a significant entry for Mövenpick into this world-renowned island hideaway,” said Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President Asia, Andrew Langdon. “We look forward to introduce our guests of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives to Mövenpick’s signature style, hospitality and service once it opens in 2018.”

Rich in marine life and excellent diving opportunities, the waters surrounding the resort will play an integral role in its appeal through a variety of above and underwater experiences. The resort will

feature a comprehensive dive centre, beach sports activity centre, exclusive guest-only superyacht, as well as a small scale marine research centre and private marina.

The first Marine National Park (MNP) in the Maldives, which consists of a group of nine uninhabited islands commonly known as Edu Faru, is approximately 15 minutes from the resort via speedboat, while the popular Christmas Tree Rock and Orimas Thila dive sites are also an easy boat ride away.

The new resort will offer five unique dining venues. Among these are a welcoming all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant with sunset views, a seafood restaurant, a grill bar and private dining room for special occasions.

Wellness and recreational facilities will include a spa with 14 private treatment rooms, a tranquil yoga pavilion, a state of the art gym, water sports centre, volleyball and tennis courts. The resort will also have a business centre, library and retail boutique.

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UX* Resorts & Hotels have announced the opening of its second resort in the Maldives in November.

Named LUX* North Male Atoll and located on the six hectare picnic island of Olhahali, this intimate luxury island is in an unexplored Maldivian atoll.

Its approach to contemporary architecture is unique for the Indian Ocean and each residence is crowned with its own terrace. Contemporary one, two and threebedroom residences are spread across the island, set on the beach, steps from the sea, or perched on stilts above the lagoon. There are rooftop lounges, outdoor decks, private gardens and 13m private pools.

For the Overwater Residences, the reef itself provides a playground – just pick up a snorkel and go explore the crystalline sea on the doorstep. With the three-floor penthouses, families and groups have ample space to spread themselves, as well as their own spa, steam room, fitness suite and oversized outdoor pool.

The Mauritius-based hospitality group already runs the LUX* South Ari Atoll.

Fresh from its relaunch, cutting-edge designer villas and world-class dining can be found only by a 30-minute seaplane flight from Male’, making LUX* South Ari Atoll the most exciting resort in the Maldives. Excellent eating and drinking is always a cut above the rest at LUX* and at South Ari Atoll. There is authentic South East Asian street food in the Maldives only over-the-water gourmet night market and world-class Chinese cuisine at East, along with the Japanese restaurant, Umami, which offers live teppanyaki and dazzling selection of sakés.

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Five Of The Best Dive Sites In The Maldives Ukulhas Thila, North Ari Atoll One the best examples of why the Maldives is so famous for its underwater beauty lie on the outskirts of the north rim of North Ari Atoll. This enormous reef, which pops up sporadically to 30m features a very long and narrow pinnacle, approximately 300m in length, with a flat top at 15m, sloping down to 30m.

At the end of this flat reef top, is a cleaning station used by Mantas throughout the months of December to April. At this time of year, the currents in the area are pretty strong, meaning a reef hook will not go amiss. Divers usually will have to grab on to some rock at the edge of the reef, however, you must be vigilant to make sure you do not grab onto live coral or even scorpion fish, which call this reef their home.

The best way to see these majestic Mantas is by holding on tight to the rock and waiting for these curious giants to approach you. This is definitely not a site to be missed.

Broken Rock, South Ari Atoll This dive site boasts a unique formation that has a deep canyon, which breaks the reef into two parts.

It is possible to swim through the canyon, however, buoyancy proficiency is paramount. This top dive site is known to have relatively strong currents.

The walls of the canyon are covered in soft corals, with spectacular pastel colors. Divers at this location will see large numbers of Anthias, Jacks, Butterfly Fish, Angel Fish, Morays, Puffer Fish and even large Napoleon Wrasse. Beware, as the Morays in this area can be quite protective of their rocks, so make sure you check out your surroundings before grabbing hold of anything.

Fotteyo Kandu, Vaavu Atoll Found on the eastern edge of the atoll, Fotteyo Kandu is one of the most favored dive sites found throughout the Maldives. This site is home to abundant marine life and stunning coral structures, however, some of the most exciting parts of this dive site is found in its caves, overhangs and swimthroughs, which are full of yellow soft corals, with a few black coral bushes found at slightly lower depths. You might see large Anemones, Jacks, Tuna and schools of Snapper as well as a number of other reef fish species.

Kuda Rah Thila, South Ari Atoll This dive site is located in a marine protected area and is an extremely beautiful site. Divers can start by swimming through an arch covered in stunning coral. Kuda Rah Thila is jammed reef fish, including Anthias, Fusilier, and Snapper. At the top of the Thila, you are likely to see Moray Eels, large Turtles, coral Groupers, Nudibranchs, Triggerfish and a number of Puffer Fish swimming around the large overhang.

There is usually a mild-to-strong current at this location, so this is for the more advanced divers.

Make sure you take a torch to explore the stunning coral formations found on the arch.

Kandooma Thila, South Male’ Atoll Considered as one of the best dive sites in Maldives, Kandooma Thila consists of a 300m long teardrop shaped pinnacle, with incredible scenery and stunning marine life. The west point of this Thila is known as Jack Corner and is perfect to explore when the current in outgoing.

You’ll have the chance to see Barracuda, White-Tip Reef Sharks, Groupers, Trevally, and Jacks. If you’re lucky you may get a chance to see schools of Eagle Rays and Dogtooth Tuna. At around 23m below Jack Corner, there is a small cave, which is home to Big-Eye Trevally and a number of Snapper.

The best way to end your dive is to do your safety stop at the top of the reef as you get to end your dive with a number of Turtle species.

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SABA Butler Academy

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or many resort representatives based at Velana International Airport, the arrival of Newton Cross, Principal of the South African Butler Academy, has become a very familiar sight. With his friendly and energetic disposition, you can hear him enthusiastically responding with “baraabaru” to the heartfelt Maldivian welcome.

The South African Butler Academy (SABA) was established in 2009 by Newton and Adriaan Coetzer, who both come with extensive international experience in the fields of Butlers, Front of House and General Hotel Management.

SABA is known for its forward thinking, sensible training methods as well as abundance of energy during any program. SABA is responsible for Hotel Butler training and provides a unique course for both Hotel and Residential Butlers across the world. Butler training takes place in Cape Town, South Africa at the prestigious ‘Butler Mansion’ property owned by SABA. Here, students can live and study under the guidance of 4 International Butler trainers.

The first training program conducted in the Maldives was in January 2010 at the One & Only Rheeti Rah. Since then, SABA has provided training at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi on 4 occasions for a total of 243 employees, Olhuveli on 2 occasions, Ozen by Atmosphere, Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa twice, Ayada twice, Scubaspa Ying and Yang, Club Med Finolhu & Khani and recently Kurumba.

The demand for first class Butler training is definitely on the increase and with the understanding of the true Maldivian culture, this Academy is the only choice.

Results driven and with such a positive impact on all the Butlers trained, the Academy had no choice than to open the first Butler Academy in the Maldives under the guidance of Ibrahim Jaaweedh.

Newton is outstanding as a teacher and excellent as a coach in mindfulness.

Being a mindful Butler has been his brain child and is the golden thread throughout all of his training programs. He also initiated the first ever “open butler course” in the Maldives during 2016 with 20 students attending the intensive training program held at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort and Spa. The second course was held at the same resort with more interest by: Lux Resorts, Taj, Jumeira and Velaa with a total of 25 students. The third “open Butler

program” just completed in April was such a success, that both the July and November ‘open’ courses’ are nearly fully booked.

The ‘open’ courses focus on the following elements; body language and etiquette, language skills, interaction and professional behaviour, Butler skills, rooming orientation, sharing stories, creating a mindful experience for guests, using international cultural interaction methods, how to create a wow impression, ten signature services of a resort Butler and selling techniques.

Tailored to each and every resort, SABA is mindful and creative giving students, resorts and management a cutting edge artistic program.

With his extensive experience working on and providing Butler training on the QM2 (Queen Mary 2 Ocean Liner from Cunard), he has excellent knowledge of providing service to various cultural groups including English, European, Chinese and Russian guests.

The South African Butler Academy supports and cater for the needs of Butlers and taking pride in their work is their philosophy. We look forward to the next ‘open’ Butler training program and hope to meet you, the reader in the near future. kind regards, Newton Cross Principal & International Butler Trainer

Maldives Expecting Submarine Excursions In Late 2017 Ocean Group, a provider of water sports activities in the Maldives has recently announced a partnership with underwater flight manufacturer DeepFlight Adventures to launch the DeepFlight Super Falcon 3S Submarine, the first threeman submarine available in the Maldives.

The submarine is set to be launched at a luxury resort in the Maldives later this year, with its maiden journey expected to be carried out in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Adam Wright, Managing Director of DeepFlight Adventures said the company was delighted to be working with Ocean Group to bring underwater submarine excursions to the Maldives. “We believe DeepFlight Adventures offers a great opportunity for hotels to differentiate their properties by offering their guests the ability to access the beautiful underwater world right from the resorts,” he said.

Hussain Zahid, Founder and Managing Director of Ocean Group said, “We truly believe that resort tourism, in general, will benefit from having this unique activity available for resort guests in the Maldives.”

Ocean group assured that a trained pilot will always accompany the two guests in the submarine. Through the acrylic canopies, the guests will be able to get a 360-degree view of the ocean from their individual cockpits. The submarine is also equipped with integrated video-capturing ability, enabling guests to relive their experiences after the journey and reminisce in them.

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WORLD NEWS

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A Page of Maldivian History: UTHEEMU GANDUVARU

Kaani

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HOTELS

he birthplace of greatest hero in the Maldivian history, Utheemu Ganduvaru loosely translated as the Palace of Utheemu is the historical residence of Sultan Mohamed Thankurufaan. This historical site is located in the island of Utheemu, which is an inhabited island in the North Haa Aliff Atoll of Maldives.

Mohamed Thankurufaan is considered one of the greatest heroes of the Maldives, and has the respect of Maldivians for his heroic actions that saved the lives of his people from the Portuguese conquerors. The Sultan, alongside his two brothers is remembered for fighting a seemingly never ending war against the world powers to rid the country of their brutal rule and end the hardships of their countrymen for fifteen long and painful years.

The palace is well preserved in remembrance of him and the lifestyle of the high class, centuries ago. It is one of the most important landmarks in the country and visitors are escorted around the complex by a member of staff from the museum and granting views of the fascinating 500-year-old wooden interiors, including the swing beds, lamps that burned coco palm oil and eloquent wooden carvings as well as a large palm-thatch shed used as a sleeping room for guests.

AFFORDABLE MALDIVES

The palace stands as a testament to the early ways of life in the Maldivian culture, the bravery of the countries beloved heroes and the inspirations they brought upon the generations that followed them.

KAANI BEACH HOTEL

KAANI VILLAGE & SPA

KAANI GRAND SEAVIEW

KAANI PRINCESS

A perfect choice for travelers who are looking for a comfortable accommodation with an aordable price. The hotel oers plenty of recreational activities such as shing trips, snorkeling, watersports, scuba diving, dolphin cruises, including airport transfers.

Candle Light Dinner

Snorkeling

Sandbank Trips

Dolphin Cruise

Night Fishing

Picnics

BOOK NOW! Tel, Viber, Whatsapp: +960 9630595, WeChat: +960 7771187 Email: reservations@kaanihotels.com

www.kaanihotels.com

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ADVERTORIAL

The Spa Ceylon Story Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean lies the teardrop isle of Ceylon, acclaimed since ancient times as an exotic tropical paradise rich in natural beauty.

Deep-rooted in the culture of the island over centuries of time were natural relaxation, rejuvenation and healing rituals derived from Ayurveda, the 5000 year old ‘science of life’ originating from the region.

Receiving great Royal patronage, Ayurveda became the essence of the majestic wellbeing rituals practiced in the grand palaces of ancient Ceylon. Derived from these Royal wellbeing rituals and holistic healing practices of Ayurveda, comes the range of treasured natural formulae and rituals from Spa Ceylon, to purify, hydrate, treat, soothe and calm the body, mind and soul.

Spa Ceylon combines traditional Ayurveda, contemporary design & brand elements inspired by ancient Ceylon in a range of luxury Spa, body, bath, Beauty care and home aroma products & treatments through signature boutiques and Spas, bring you the ultimate in Ayurveda luxury - for health, wellbeing & relaxation. The range includes treatment oils, massage balms, massage and bath oils, essential oils, cleansing bars, exfoliating bars, shower gels, body scrubs, body packs, milk baths, and body lotions, moisturizing balms, body mist, soothing balms, foot care and herbal compress.

Formulated only with the purest natural ingredients, Spa Ceylon’s highperformance products are enriched with powerful Ayurveda herbs, certified organic essential oils, precious natural minerals, virgin coconut oil, rich ocean salts and the finest spices from Ceylon. Designed to delight the senses, the formulae are infused with luxuriously rich island aromas, blended with fine aromatic essential oils of exotic flowers, herbs, fruits and woods.

True to its island heritage, signature Spa Ceylon packaging incorporates Ceylonese Royal insignia, traditional motifs, native script and jeweled hues, combined with contemporary design.

Backed by a five-decade old family business with vast expertise in the manufacture of Ayurveda health & beauty care, Spa Ceylon has an expanding global footprint of over 55 locations across 11 countries growing rapidly to establish itself as ‘the world’s largest Luxury Ayurveda chain’ located across South Asia, the Far East and Europe.

Embodying the family’s integral values of caring for people and the environment, with a passion for continued improvement and innovation, Spa Ceylon is strongly determined to give back to its island home. Today, the brand is actively involved in supporting community fair trade, sustainable harvesting of ingredients, wildlife conservation, prevention of cruelty towards animals, protection of human rights and protection of the environment.

Spa Ceylon Sleep Range Spa Ceylon has developed a range of bath & body care formulae specifically designed to help you relax, unwind & soothe your senses - giving you

wonderfully peaceful sleep within 15 to 30 minutes after application. The range combines Ayurveda & aromatherapy to deliver the god given natural benefits of aromatic herbs to help enrich your life.

Pure Essential Oils; the secret to the calming action is the unique combination of organic essential oils of Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Lemon & Lime – blended to perfection, creating a total sensory experience for your body & mind.

Best of Nature; the products are also enriched with organically grown Aloe Vera, nutrient-rich Virgin Coconut oil, Avocado, Olive and other herbs to deliver overnight moisturizing hydration, nourishment & protection to your skin.

The range includes calming bath soak, bath & shower gel, bath & massage oil, hydrating body butter, body milk, aroma essential oil blend, body & pillow mist & aromatic natural candles & travel sets as well.

Spa Ceylon De-Stress Range This premier range of preparations are infused with precious Frankincense, soothing Sandalwood, refreshing Tangerine and Kaffir Lime to promote clarity and fresh organic Aloe Vera to cool & soothe the body system promoting overall health and wellbeing.

The range is enriched with powerful Ayurveda herbs and also features the traditional Dashamula formula enriched with potent extracts of 10 medicinal goods.

The leading ingredient in this range is Frankincense, which has been used over the centuries as a divine, purifying and deeply therapeutic natural essence.

Frankincense is proven to be deeply calming, pacifying and revitalizing. It has been prescribed in Ayurveda for centuries as an anxiety calming tonic.

“Spa Ceylon De-stress is designed as a totally De-Stress solution, offering a perfect stress-fix for today’s modern fast phased lifestyles. In the product development too we always consider how each product would fit in to our consumers’ lifestyle and created a comprehensive range of products for the perfect stress-fix every day and everywhere.”

The range includes Relaxing Body Cleanser, Harmonizing Essence Mist, Harmonizing Roll-on Balm, Calming Body Elixer, Harmonizing Balm, Calming Body Massage Serum, Dashamula Body Treatment Oil. The Spa Ceylon De-Stress collection is also available as a Home Spa Set and makes a perfect caring gift for family, friends and your work colleagues.

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This Insane Mound is the Smallest Mountain in the World

ADVERTORIAL

Ahmed Ijaz

While Maldives is world-renowned for diving and as a high-end luxury holiday destination, it is also the lowest and the flattest country in the world, with a maximum elevation above sea level of 2.4m (8 ft).

Fly over the equator and gaze at the spectacular views of the Indian Ocean before arriving and taking refuge at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives’ largest single-resort island; beyond here, the wide open sea stretches to the icy plains of Antarctica. Boasting nine distinct types of villa and 132 individual villas; they are on the beach, over the water, and even up a tree. Visitors come from different parts of the world to maximize that high sense of privacy and all the pleasures of a seaside setting in the Maldives. The three-kilometre long island has thousands of coconut palms and idyllic white beaches caressed by balmy waves. Every guest at the resort gets a bicycle to pedal around the island or hurry back to the villa after a filling seafood dinner; a fleet of chauffeur-driven buggies are available for less exhausting commutes.

Guided bicycle tours through the famous Addu link road which is connected with a series of bridges passing among local villages; a historical tour of Gan island, a former World War II military base owned by the British government; and a guided nature trail with the resort’s naturalist, dolphin cruises, wreckdiving, sailing in a 68ft yacht and a 9-hole golf course with a stunning ocean view are amongst the incredible activities at the resort.

But what makes the island really stand out is the Mount Villingili, located at tee number eight on the island’s golf course, the smallest mountain on the planet, standing at a height of 5.1 metres, which is also the highest point in the Indian Ocean island nation, which is known for being the flattest and lowest country.

In November 2013, the resort launched guided mountain climbing tours for its guests, a certificate verifying that they conquered Mount Villingili, the highest peak in the Maldives are awarded to all guests who successfully complete the strenuous ascent, a wonderful memorabilia of their stay at the resort. The tour also provides insights into the composition of coral reefs, atolls and the islands; and comprehensive information about Addu Atoll and the Indian Ocean.

However, little do people know that at the southern tip of this 800-kilometre stretch of islands, there’s Gan International Airport frequented by private jets and charters, mainly iconic celebrities and discerning travelers visiting Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa. There are also scheduled domestic flights carrying passengers from Velana International Airport, Malé and in November 2016, SriLankan Airlines commenced scheduled direct flights between Colombo and Gan, opening Southern Maldives to the rest of the world via the its hub at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo.

This resort truly is a rustic sanctuary hidden from the world, with bespoke treatments catered to satisfy every guests desire, be it an intimate cruise in the ocean or dining by the beach or in the jungle. In fact, its true greatness lies in its captivating little details, words cannot simply express Shangri-La, meaning “Lost Horizon”, you will have to find your place of ecstasy and serenity only by visiting and fully immersing yourself at Shangri-la’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives. Need further reason? Thought not.

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EDITORIAL

DOUBLE SPREAD

Chef Christoph Pentzlin Mentor, Innovator, Master Of the Kitchen

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Chef Christoph Pentzlin, is the Executive Chef at Hideaway Beach Resort, who can only be defined as a master of gastronomy with extremely innovative ideas. He has been at the helm of several world class restaurants, and was glad to take us through his SPONSORED CONTENT amazing journey throughout the world. He divulged in his softer side as well as his passion and ideas and also included some of his memories from his time under the biggest names of the industry in a small chat with The Island Chief.

1) Shall we start with your beginnings? Tell us about your early life.

Well, I wanted to be a chef ever since I was five years old. And when I finished college at 14 years, I took my first steps in trying to become a successful chef by moving to New Zealand, where I had a two year apprenticeship program. From there on I went to Australia, where I worked in some of the best restaurants and notable hotel companies such as IHG, Hilton, SLH ect and a few Michelin Star restaurants. I was also one of the few people who worked under Gordon Ramsey for two years in his 3 Michelin Star Restaurant in Chelsea - London. But after that, I decided to move into the hotel industry completely and my first stint was at Hilton Hotels, where I was based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai but I later I found myself here in Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa.

6) Could you tell us about the restaurants here in Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa? I try to infuse the popular cuisines from all over the world here, but also try not to forget about Maldives. It is very diverse here, because in the restaurants here, you can get all kinds of cuisines, such as in Samsara my Asian Fusion Restaurant I combine Indian, Thai and Japanese, all of which have separate qualities.

In Meeru Bar & Grill we also have an outstanding Selection of Steaks, where we serve 24 different types of steaks. We serve them perfectly grilled on lava stones some are only available after 24 hours and are extremely expensive. In Sunset Restaurant we serve contemporary fine-dining European cuisine.

2) How long have you been a chef? And how did you get interested in the field?

I am 26 years old now and have been working in the industry for 11 Years now. I’ve worked in notable hotels as a chef since I was 15, but here in Hideaway is the first time I am holding the Executive Chef position. I got interested in cooking mostly because of mother and grandmother, who were always cooking or baking when I was young. I was actually pushed to be a physicist by some people in my family and I even studied nuclear physics but deep down I always wanted to be a chef. I first started cooking for the poor, after church and later on for disabled people and eventually started taking a few training sessions which I loved.

7) What do you think of your team? Do you try to mentor them?

I would not be here without my team. I have to thank them for lot of things. I also have a great relationship with my colleagues. I learn from them as much I love and try to mentor them. I have been training all my chef ’s here in Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa my entire tenure. Some of my team members also went with me to FHAM 2016 culinary exhibition, which was the first time for most of them. And it was very fulfilling for me to have motivated them to do so.

I even visit their families with them on their home islands sometimes, where I have a lovely dinner with their family and we share laughs and good conversation.

3) Tell us about your cooking style? Any specific cuisine? Ingredients?

I am a huge fan of Asian spices and ingredients and I try to infuse it with a bit French cuisine which stands for me as nouvelle cuisine as I characterize it by lighter, more delicate dishes and an increased emphasis on presentation. It all depends on the flavor outcome, I want to have with food outstanding different impressions and to evoke emotions in people.

I like things the unusual way, for instance during my time when I worked in UK, we used to create homemade delectable drinks based on fruits, vegetables and might be also slightly fermented instead of alcohol based drinks and wines. So if a person wants to say drink red wine, you can actually create a very delicious drink with beetroot, when infused with the right seasoning it really can taste amazing and enhance your dish to a perfection. And it has no alcohol so it was very beneficial when I was in countries such as UAE as they are also Muslim countries.

8) What are some of the biggest challengers of being a chef in the Maldives?

The market here in the Maldives is huge. You have a lot of great properties with good chefs and restaurants who serve outstanding food too. But for us, we need to attract more people to us through our expertise. And being a chef is not just about the food for me, I like to build a personalized relationship with my customers, I also try to have my team follow my lead on doing this as well.

4) Do you have any secrets in your cooking that you would be willing to share with us?

I have three secrets or main principles that I follow. They are: • “YOUR ONLY LIMIT IS YOUR SOUL” •

“DO IT WITH PASSION OR DON’T DO IT AT ALL”

•

“A CHEF IS A MIXTURE OF ART AND CRAFT”

“YOU HAVE TO CREATE A MIX OF BOTH THAT IS ONLY POSSIBLE IF YOU REALLY KNOW THE CRAFT EXACTLY WHERE EVERYTHING IS VISIBLE” 5) Could you describe your perfect dinner?

The perfect dinner, it could be had anywhere! The important thing is to have three main keys. The right atmosphere, the people surrounding you and great food combined with outstanding service, these are the main three keys.

Here in the Maldives, I like the beach. I like to take off my shoes and feel the sand beneath my feet and in between my toes, I want to see the star and see the beautiful sea while enjoying amazing meals. I also despise these artificial lights, I like to do it the old school way with candles.

9) Having worked with top chefs such as Gordon Ramsey, how have these experiences shaped your career?

The most important things I learned from them is to try always the best, to be the ONE who becomes outstanding and never to stop developing yourself. Because apart from Gordon Ramsey, I also worked for other notable top chefs such as Sergio Herman, Thomas Kammeier, Nils Henkel, Ruben Rebuffo & Alf Wagenzink. Their cooking and their techniques lead me to call their work ‘perfection’ because they always got everything right. Of course, as a chef presentation is very important. But so is the flavor and taste.

And these legendary figures had it mastered. My experience working with each of them is very important because each of these chefs became a certain milestones in my career which I have always and will keep reflecting on.

10) Can you tell us about the most unique things you noticed about the Maldives?

Todi, I have never seen nor tasted it before I came to the Maldives. I love Todi, it has a very nice and alcoholic flavor to it, I even created a dessert, with a lot of Textures based of todi & coconut combined with pineapple, mango & lemongrass which is very popular with some guests.

11) You have been described as a very outgoing and lively person. Could you tell us some of your hobbies and activities that you do when you are not in the kitchen?

I have been to 55 different countries and also to a lot of Maldives Islands. I like to travel around and meet with people. Our spa is a perfect place to relax in the afternoon on my day off with my Fiancé and I also love to dive and Maldives is an outstanding place for diving and snorkeling, I am also holding a Master Diver Certificate.

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Deepanshu Chawla

Learning and Development Manager at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo 1. Can you tell us a bit about your beginnings? What were your aspirations back then?

My love towards the food and hospitality business comes from my family where happiness and celebrations are synonym to special food preparations and family dinners. To take my passion further, I decided to join a hotel school and was selected for the prestigious Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management where I learnt basic traits in all core hotel operational areas and other verticals. As I was closer to my graduation I chose Food and Beverage Management as my major and a space which I wanted to explore and excel. Back then the aspiration was similar to what it is today, to focus on improvement and keep moving with the same passion, because I always knew that if you are passionate and genuine for what you do, it is what makes you different and special.

in developing our teams, Power sessions, Brainstorming sessions, Role Plays, Team Activities, competition sets, orthodox classroom session are some of the different techniques which we use to break the monotony and present a fresh perspective to learning.

8. What are the expectations that you have from your staffs, when training them? What is the most important characteristics a staff must have in your opinion?

My expectation usually begins after the session, when I want the learners to go and practice the skills learnt or adapt them in the daily routine as and when required. I believe an effective training is when the learners start using the skills on their job. We have ways to observe and evaluate the same and in terms of important characteristics I believe we all should be open towards learning, and 2. What were your early days like in India? What were some of the also towards change if it is for good because what has been successfully working for years doesn’t guarantee that it would work the same forever, we all need to difficulties you faced in your journey to success? change as and when it is required.

The early days were definitely thrilling and a bit challenging, especially when you are in a fast track management development program and expected to learn 9. What are some of the developing ideas and plans that you have Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, since it opened very recently? at a much faster pace than others and maintain the best of relationships with people around you. In this entire duration of setting up a strong base for myself, I realized that it is more important to value people around you and respect them We are very close to open our doors and to welcome our first guests; our team is ready and very much excited. Every individual across all departments and levels for their contributions than just to focus on your technical abilities. have spent a lot of time and energy in deciding the minute details to provide immaculate services to our guest. Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the 3. How did you get into this industry? What made you want to biggest impressions so we are determined to make our guests feel welcome and to become a learning and development manager? go the extra mile by taking care of them and making them feel special at all times, because this is what we enjoy doing.

During my Internship at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Gurgaon, India, I spent a lot of time with the Learning and Development team there; very soon I was given 10. As Learning and Development Manager, do you have a few the opportunity to facilitate training sessions for fellow Interns which definitely motivated me a lot towards L&D and helped me to understand different learning words of advice or steps for our readers in becoming successful? behavior’s while polishing my facilitation skills. By this time I had also realized If you are genuine and passionate for whatever you do, you are on the right path that to stand at the center and speak, you need to have the required knowledge to be successful. The best trainers and source of knowledge is people around us, of operations so I decided to start my career as a Management Trainee where I let us learn from each other and enrich ourselves every day. can learn in sights of operations and then take a strategic move to Learning and Development.

4. You have had a long history in this industry, with positions in respected companies such as Marriot, Hyatt and IHG. How did those experiences affect your career?

When I look back now and assess myself I can easily pick out traits that I have learnt from the organizations and the people I have worked with. During my journey with these amazing organizations I have had a lot of experiential learning which no book can teach, this is something learnt from my mentors and my colleagues at work place. You are certain to learn from each other when you are in a progressive environment because of the passion people possess in our industry.

I have always practiced and believed that the best way to learn is to learn from people around you, no matter what designation they hold. It doesn’t cost you anything and that is what I have been doing and will forever do.

5. What are the main responsibilities of Learning and Development Manager at the flagship property of AccorHotels in the Maldives? Can you tell us a bit about the work that someone in your position carries out every day?

The role of a Learning and Development Manager is very important and exciting with a lot of responsibility especially when it is a flagship property of Accorhotels in Maldives, it starts from inducting new talent’s to Accorhotels, the brand and our values, introducing them to our vision and making them a part of it while keeping them engaged, passionate and motivated at all times. As an L&D Manager, the key task is to bridge any gaps through my need analysis and setting up a strong learning culture in the resort along with my Director Talent and Culture and the General Manager. The focus is not only to invest maximum time in training talents but also to measure and evaluate our training methodology and to use the right tool with the right set of learners while keeping them all engaged.

6. Everyone has different techniques for their work, as must you.

Can you tell us a bit about them and how you implement them at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo?

I have always believed that “Learning is fruitful in open minds than just closed doors”, so my technique is very simple, do not push people to learn, inspire them.

As an L&D Manager my key focus is people and their development, and it is a relationship which is based on trust and respect. When we respect talent and value them nothing can stop them to develop themselves, as an L&D, you just have to act as a catalyst and support them.

7. How do you try to develop the talents of your staff at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo?

You can never judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, likewise each individual is different with their own learning abilities and you cannot adopt the same methodology to everyone. At Mercure Maldives Kooddoo we use different tools

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Ooredoo Maldives Launches IPO Since its launch in 2005, Ooredoo has helped transform the telecommunication industry in the Maldives. With significant investments in both infrastructure and technologies, Ooredoo has enjoyed quite a notable growth. And now, the company is planning to take this to the next level by listing Ooredoo Maldives’ shares on the Maldives Stock Exchange on April 30, 2017.

It is offering 40 percent of the company shares for subscription, inviting local and international investors to be a part of Ooredoo’s solid growth story, and invest in the company’s continued efforts to bring digital empowerment to the people of Maldives.

Ooredoo Maldives plans to offer the securities through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), which will be open to Maldivian and international investors. The listing reflects the extent of Ooredoo’s accomplishments in the Maldives and gives investors the opportunity to be part of its growth story.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman of Ooredoo Group, said: “Ooredoo has contributed to the advancement of the ICT sector in the Maldives for more than a decade. Over this time, we have harnessed the management and technical expertise of our employees and used the power of Ooredoo Group’s brand to deliver the best telecommunication products and services. We are confident that the upcoming IPO will continue to contribute to providing the best value to our shareholders and stakeholders.

Allowing local and international investors the opportunity to subscribe to Ooredoo Maldives shares, after listing them on the Maldives Stock Exchange, will guarantee everyone a chance to take part in its growth, the growth of the Maldives and Ooredoo Group.”

Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, Group CEO, Ooredoo, said: “This IPO is a clear demonstration of what Ooredoo has achieved in the

“FSM to Procurement, We’re Here.”

Our dedicated onboard operations team navigates through channels of long stretched lagoons, to deliver fuel straight to your docks.

Maldives. We won’t stop here though, we are always looking to further our progress and growth, and we welcome new investors to share success with us. This initial public offering of Ooredoo Maldives shares provides investors with a chance to be an important part of our progress, as we continue to work to provide profits and contribute to the society’s growth, as well as play a key role in developing the telecoms sector in the Maldives to higher levels.”

Serving consumers and businesses in 10 countries, Ooredoo delivers the leading data experience through a broad range of content and services via its advanced, data-centric mobile and fixed networks and has seen an astronomical growth in its popularity and success in the small island nation of Maldives.

EVENTS

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NOTE: Information from MMPRC www.visitmaldives.com

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10 Hotel Booking Tips for Your Next Journey Pretty much anyone can book a trip, but not everyone can plan an ultimate adventure that’s affordable, accommodating, and fun for everyone in your group.

We aim to provide you with the best secrets in the travel business and a state-of-the-art travel comparison to make planning easier than ever.

Here are some insider tips that we’d like to share with you about Hotels.

Travel Insurance Most travelers from Europe have Travel Insurance done before they leave the county. But it’s not a common practice by Asians. An annual Travel Insurance can be obtained for less than 200$ while it can make your day and help you incase you miss a flight, meet an unlikely event of an accident.

Check Distances on a Map It is not uncommon for hotels to slightly exaggerate their proximity to attractions and amenities around town. If being close to a particular airport or landmark is important for your trip, verify distances on Google Maps before you book a hotel.

Skip the Package Deals To entice new guests, some hotels will offer themed package deals that sound exciting but may not be worth it. Just know that sometimes these packages include things you don’t even want or need and that the special rate could be higher than the regular rate.

Specially note that some hotels have featured “pay at the hotel” on the online website. But then, they will charge you on the local rate and this might have differences and higher price than the usual listed rooms.

Don’t Pay for the Mini Bar unless cleared Mini bar charges are frequently disputed because they are stocked by hand and often miscalculated. Carefully review your hotel’s itemized bill and if you see any mini bar charges that aren’t right, dispute them. Most front desk staff won’t hesitate to void the charges.

Sometimes 1 or 2 bottles of water are usually provided on complimentary.

Understand that Room Preferences Aren’t Guaranteed Hotel bookings include preferences like bed size and the number of beds. But in many hotels, travelers should know that these preferences aren’t guaranteed, while it’s mentioned “on availability basis”. You’ll usually get what you asked for, but not always.

Mention Special Occasions Many of us travel for birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. Mention what you’re celebrating to the hotel staff a week or more before you arrive and you might be surprised with a little perk, like a bottle of champagne in your room , a fruit basket or even a free excursion.

Be Courteous to the Staff, Treat nicely A little niceness goes a long way, especially with hotel staff that has to deal with difficult guests on a regular basis. When you check in, simply ask how the front desk clerk’s day is going and say hello to the cleaning staff when you pass them in the hall. This isn’t just common courtesy, but it also increases your chances of getting served better during your stay. You also should tip your waiter and room boys, as they would give you good tips in return about the city / island , offers and places.

Bundle a Hotel Stay with Airfare If you’ve gotten your trip all planned out and know your itinerary, consider bundling your hotel room with your airfare for a better price. Some websites offer travel packages that combine both accommodations and flights, which can help you save significantly on your hotel room.

Ask for a Good Room Type, Corner Room / Beach Front Room / Higher Floor When you check in at a hotel, discretely ask if there’s a corner room available. These are usually larger and quieter for the same price as ones in the middle of the hall. Upgrades are most often offered at the end of the day when hotels have a better sense of their occupancy.

Beach Front rooms have nice views and higher floors makes it more silent and comfortable during your stay.

Pack Earplugs Excess noise and annoyances are part of the travel experience, but that doesn’t mean they have to drive you crazy. Pack a good pair or two of earplugs for your flight and hotel room, just in case. As you would not know who will be your neighbor on your journey.

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