Travel To Maldives

Welcome to Maldives

2009-05-30T12:06:00.000+05:00

Irufushi Beach & Spa Resort

2009-05-30T11:24:00.002+05:00

www.irufushi.com

Sprawled over 52 acres of powdery white beach and abundant tropical vegetation, this stunning hideaway is discreetly tucked within the unspoilt Noonu Atoll. Accessed only by a scenic 45 minute seaplane ride, the virgin landscapes of this territory lend uniqueness to the resort and a feeling of serenity and contentment settles within you the moment you arrive.

Step into your new home for the next few blissful days. Each of the 180 villas and suites has been crafted with comfort and elegance in mind. The rooms have been designed taking the classic materials of nature and blending them with contemporary chic to make your stay both comfortable and memorable.

The following facilities will be available in all villas and suites:

* Air-conditioning
* Ceiling fan
* Direct Dialing
* Satellite TV
* CD / DVD system with surround sound
* Fully stocked and customized private bar
* Bathrobe / slippers
* Tea / Coffee service
* Espresso machine
* In-Villa safe
* Bath amenities
* Spacious private sundecks with daybed
* Private Cabana in Beach and Water Suites

One of the highlights of a stay at Iru Fushi is the outstanding cuisine, which has fresh, delicious seafood at its heart. Think creative, organic food with flair, prepared by world-class chefs and served in enjoyably different and unique settings. From an unhurried lunch on the beach with friends or family, dining alfresco in the relaxing heat of the day, to a candlelit dinner for two under the stars, all tastes are well provided.

Set within the lush vegetation of the island is the Sun Spa sanctuary. In keeping with the Sun Spa philosophy, the spa at Iru Fushi will take a holistic approach to health and wellness derived from time tested procedures using the Five Elements and traditional ayurveda.

Each of the twenty one Spa Pavilions are tucked individually within the glorious vegetation ensuring maximum privacy and seclusion and feature twin massage beds, courtyard garden, rain shower and flower bath. The main complex houses hydrotherapy pools, steam, sauna, Jacuzzi, spa boutique, hair & beauty salon and dedicated relaxation areas.

New to Sun Spa and developed exclusively for Sun Spa at Iru Fushi is the first Sleep Spa Concept in the Maldives. In collaboration with the resort team, the program, entitled Sweet Dreams has one main goal – to help adults and children relax and to catch up on that much needed sleep that many of them can only dream of doing whilst on holiday.

Diving

Boasting a house reef that is rife with flora and fauna, the unchartered waters of Noonu Atoll is a real treat for the dive enthusiasts seeking new experiences. Over 30 dive sites are available to explore within an hour from the island. with an abundance of marine life ranging from magnificent manta rays and rare humpback turtles to regal reef sharks and a rich variety of colourful corals.

Dive Facility

The PADI Gold Palm 5 star diving facility is located inside the lagoon near to the house reef on the Western side of the Island, and consists of a large and convenient deck all around the diving school, administration office, 3 air conditioned class rooms, compressor, spacious wet room and a wet bar.

Sun Diving School at Iru Fushi has a broad spectrum of diving packages and excellent facilities, allowing all visitors to explore the deep delights of the Noonu Atoll. Other facilities and packages include Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water license, Assistant Instructor and a variety of specialities including Nitrox, digital underwater photography, videography, underwater scooter and Rebreather, giving the beginner and the experienced diver the opportunity to enrich their knowledge and work on their diving skills.

Our team of energetic instructors embody a wealth of experience and instruction is available in all major European languages as well as Japanese and Russian.

Diving Highlights

The house reef is located near the diving school and gently slopes down 18 metres to a sandy bottom. Covered with sponges and corals and teeming with neon coloured reef fish, it provides the perfect setting for beginners to experience a breathtaking first dive.

Nearby, the aptly named Snow White site offers a kaleidoscope of colourful and beautiful reefs with red berry sponges and green, blue and light brown finger corals - all framed by a snow white sandy bottom where hermit crabs and sea stars can be discovered. At rush hour, passing traffic includes large Jack fish, turtles, eagle rays, tuna, barracuda and schooling red snappers.

In keeping with the pantomime theme, Christmas Tree is located north-west of the island and so-called because, from a distance, the profile of the reef looks like a Christmas tree. As one of the most precious thilas in the Noonu Atoll, it’s home to an astounding array of soft and hard corals with deep and shallow overhangs where nurse, guitar and leopard sharks rest and green and hawksbill turtles feed. Furthermore, clouds of golden and jewel fairy basslets create a glowing effect at the top of the thila which makes Christmas Tree a photographer’s dream.

Another vision is Koen’s Dream, a heavenly thila where large barracuda hang motionless in thecurrent and where majestic manta rays, small white tip and grey reef sharks are also common. Manta rays, on many a diver’s wish list, can actually be found at almost all dive sites and everyone can view grey reef sharks at an easily accessible location. The rarer humpback turtle is also frequently spotted among the large green and hawksbill turtles.

The Recreation complex

The Recreation complex includes a fully equipped gymnasium available for guests throughout the day. In addition, a karaoke lounge, pool table, video games room, table tennis and a health bar is housed within the complex to test your strength and fitness levels. An 18-hole golf simulator is on hand for the golf enthusiast.

Other outdoor activities include flood lit tennis, badminton, volleyball and off island excursions A library with an extensive selection of CD and DVD are available for rent. Wireless Internet is available within all the public areas.

KOAMAS CLUB

Our very own Kid’s club with an enthusiastic team of minders will ensure that our younger guests are entertained with a varied and fun filled program throughout the day. Kids will have a fantastic time, learning about the marine environment, boat building and other skilled and educational activities.

Ages 3 to 12. Younger children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Babysitting is available at a charge.

WATER SPORTS

Iru Fushi has a large and reasonably shallow lagoon, ideal for all forms of water sports. From kayaking to catamaran rides, wind surfing and water skiing, all can be enjoyed. Lessons are also conducted at the water sports school.

Resort Services

* 24 hours Island assistance
* Resident Doctor and Health clinic
* Multi-lingual staff
* 24 hour in-villa dining
* Shopping arcade with souvenir, jewelry and lifestyle boutiques
* Laundry service
* Island hosts / butlers
* Wireless Internet in all public areas
* Foreign currency exchange
* Cards we accept Master CardVisa CardAmerican Express

Maldives’ first boutique luxury resort to open in August 2009

2009-05-30T10:58:00.001+05:00

www.hospitalitybizindia.com

Maldives is set to be home to a boutique luxury resort, Alila Villas Hadahaa, which will be first property on Gaafu Alifu (North Huvadhoo) Atoll in the southern part of the island. The Alila property’s opening in August 2009 will also mark the first Maldives property to be awarded Green Globe certification for ‘Building, Planning and Design Standard’.

The resort features 14 stilted over-the-water Aqua Villas and 36 Island Villas, 20 of which come with a private plunge pool. Huvadhoo Atoll’s first island-based PADI 5 Star dive centre will offer full valet services and diving experiences. There are six dive sites. Singapore-based Chan Soo Khian of SCDA Architects designed the resort. Environmental considerations have been taken into account. Read More

Maldives Visitors Guide 2009

2009-05-27T11:07:00.004+05:00

Download Maldives Visitors Guide 2009

2 Maldives resorts in the top 10 beach resorts worldwide

2009-05-27T11:00:00.000+05:00

www.miadhu.com.mv

2 of the Maldives resorts are listed in the top 10 beach resorts world wide by UK based website trivago.co.uk.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel,Dubai is listed at the top of the list while Reethi Rah,Maldives is in the second place and Grand Hotel Residencia , Canaria is listed in third place. Coco Island of Maldives is listed in fourth place.

Trivago serves over 15 million holiday makers every year, bringing together travel news from aground the globe.

While 2 Maldives resorts are listed in the top 10 beach resorts, one of world’s top travel agencies Thomas Cock predicts that 2010 will be tougher than this year as a result of rising unemployment and a weak currency.

The Best Luxury Resorts in Maldives

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Soneva Fushi
Location -Soneva Fushi Resort (Kunfunadhoo)
Baa Atoll
Distance from the Airport - Soneva Fushi Resort (Kunfunadhoo)
113 Km
No of rooms - Soneva Fushi Resort (Kunfunadhoo)
65 Villas in total
Credit cards accepted - Soneva Fushi Resort (Kunfunadhoo)
Amex, JCB, Master, Visa

The most blinding attraction of this 65-villa resort is its natural beauty: 100 acres of lush forest fringed with sandy beaches. Relaxation is key here, hence the island's mantra "No news, no shoes". Bicycles are assigned to guests, dinner tables set in the sand, cocktails served on sandbanks at sea.
http://www.sixsenses.com/soneva-fushi/

Cocoa Island
Location -Cocoa Island Maldives (Makunufushi)
South Male Atoll
Distance from the Airport - Cocoa Island (Makunufushi)
30 Km
No of rooms - Cocoa Island (Makunufushi)
36 white suites in total

Cocoa Island is located in the Maldive Islands, each a perfect smudge of white. Here, in the quiet waters of the Indian Ocean the strongest winds are gentle breezes, and the highest points, leaning palm fronts. Each lagoon is a point of stillness, but the encircling reefs bristle with life. Our private island resort is found in the less developed South Male Atoll, a 30-minute speedboat ride from the international airport.

On the west side lies the Kandooma Channel, considered to be one of the best dive sites in the Maldives; on the other side is a quiet reef for snorkelling flanked by a curl of rockless beach which tapers into a spit of sand. This is as long as the island, disappearing with the advance of the Maldivian tide.

Room Service, Front Desk, 24 Hours Reception, Evening Turn-Down Service, Laundry, Multilingual Staff, Express Check-in/Check-Out, Wake-Up Calls, Internet Access, Concierge/Porters, Library, Fax/Copying Service.

Windsurfing, Canoe, Catamaran, Snorkeling, Aerobics, Excursions, Big Game Fishing.
www.cocoaisland.como.bz

Huvafen Fushi
Location -Huvafen Fushi (Nakatchafushi)
South Male Atoll
Distance from the Airport - Huvafen Fushi (Nakatchafushi)
24 Km
No of rooms - Huvafen Fushi (Nakatchafushi)
44 Bungalows in total

Find yourself in a waking dream at Huvafen Fushi. Show casing the world’s first underwater spa treatment rooms. Flowing. Continuous. Freedom. 43 bungalows, indulge in a private courtyard and freshwater pool along with the luxurious amenities expected of a boutique island resort.

The privileged who have the pleasure of experiencing the pavilions will experience pure escapism and unbridled luxury. Seductive cuisine is superb and extremely intimate, with 3 restaurants, bar and underground wine cellar. Additional facilities are abundant, experience the yoga pavilion or enjoy complimentary non- motorized water sports to name a few.
www.huvafenfushi.com

Banyan Tree Madivaru
Location -Banyan Tree Madivaru (Madivaru)
North Ari Atoll
Distance from the Airport - Banyan Tree Madivaru (Madivaru)
46 Km
No of rooms - Banyan Tree Madivaru (Madivaru)
6 Tented Pool Villas in total

Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru sets unprecedented standards of luxury accommodation in Maldives. Madivaru island features a pristine white sandy beach,

a beautiful lagoon and is surrounded by breathtaking house reefs, where guests can expect a high level of privacy coupled with the finest service yet in the quintessential Banyan Tree experience.

The resort features an exclusive cluster of freestanding Tented Pool Villas - the first of its kind in Maldives. It boasts inspired desert island décor with timber flooring, two outdoor showers, handcrafted wood furniture and luxurious tent canopies. Meals and scheduled excursions are all-inclusive, ensuring that guests enjoy the very best of fresh catches and marine activities. Island Hosts are available around the clock to ensure that guests want for nothing.
www.banyantree.com

Four Seasons Landaa GiraAvaru
Location -Four Seasons Landaa GiraAvaru (Landaa GiraAvaru)
North Ari Atoll
Distance from the Airport - Four Seasons Landaa GiraAvaru (Landaa GiraAvaru)
120 Km
No of rooms - Four Seasons Landaa GiraAvaru (Landaa GiraAvaru)
102 Beach Bungalow in total

A scenic sea-plane ride from Male' , this verdant, beach-fringed coral island embraces both idyllic retreat and sophisticated pleasures on land and water from genuine ayurvedic healing in the spa to splashing, sailing or diving in the jewel-like Indian Ocean and Maldives' most pristine lagoon.

The 102 thatched beach and water villas with features such as private plunge pools and spacious areas for outdoor living include two unsurpassed land and sea suites. Enjoy exclusive Four Seasons amenities in a rustic tropical setting featuring private gardens and verandas gazing over tranquil vistas of the lagoon.
www.fourseasons.com/maldiveslg/

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives Opening Soon

2009-05-26T10:08:00.003+05:00

www.maldivestourismupdate.com

Shangri-La will open Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives, the first luxury resort south of the equator in the Maldives, on 26 July 2009.

The resort will offer guests a stylish experience in a spacious, boutique-style environment. Located on Addu Atoll, the resort will encompass over six kilometres of coastline and nearly two kilometres of breathtaking white sandy beach.

First-time visitors and Maldives aficionados will be rewarded with a distinctive new experience of the archipelago. The natural dense vegetation sets it apart from many other resorts in the Maldives. The three-kilometre-long island features 12 hectares of lush vegetation, 17,000 coconut trees and 45 species of plants. The island has over six kilometres of coastline and three natural freshwater lagoons, naturally tinged red, green or blue. Guests will be able to enjoy walking trails, prodigious wildlife, and a plethora of
underwater discoveries.

The resort will comprise 142 spacious stand-alone villas, from private ocean retreats to tropical luxury tree house villas with panoramic views. All villas will feature both an indoor and outdoor shower, a private terrace leading to the beach and either a waterfront or lush garden. Each villa will be equipped with two iPods and docking stations, a DVD player and an espresso machine. The villas will be a minimum of 133 square metres in size, while the two presidential villas will measure up to 957 square metres each.

The resort will feature 16 luxury tree house villas, a first for the Maldives, perched on stilts offering a special three metre-high perspective of the island through tropical foliage. The tree house villas, with separate bedroom and living room, will measure 218 square metres, each with its own private infinity pool.

The unique Shangri-La hospitality envelopes guests as they disembark from their international flight at Male airport. Guests are then escorted by the Shangri-La host into the relaxing domestic airport lounge before taking the connecting flight to Addu Atoll. As air-conditioned domestic flights from Male to Gan International Airport operate round the clock, guests no longer need to waste their vacation time due to the limited operation of seaplanes, which are required to access other resorts. The resort is just an eight-minute boat ride away from Gan, and is also accessible by private jet which can be landed at the newest Gan International Airport. Read more

Prodivers - Celebrating 20 Years In The Maldives

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Welcome to Prodivers and to the Maldives - one of the top diving destinations in the world. Browse through our site and see for yourself the paradise that awaits you should you choose to dive with us. Prodivers is one of the largest dive centres in the Maldives operating on three islands...

KUREDU ISLAND RESORT
Kuredu Island Resort is the home of Prodivers PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Centre. Kuredu is located in the Lhaviyani Atoll, an area in the Maldives famous for its abundant marine life. It is a paradise dream in real life, with more than 3 km of white beaches and aquamarine lagoons.
More detailed information on www.kuredu.com

VAKARUFALHI ISLAND RESORT
Vakarufalhi Island Resort in the South Ari Atoll hosts the second Prodivers base. Since opening in September 1995, Vakarufalhi has become very popular for more then one reason. The very friendly atmosphere of the small barefoot island where a 10 minute walk will get you all around is one the feeling to be in paradise and have superb diving in the vicinity is another.
More information on www.vakaru.com

KOMANDOO ISLAND RESORT
Our third dive centre opened in November 1998 on Komandoo, a small luxury island resort located in the Lhaviyani Atoll. The fantastic diving conditions combined with the relaxing island lifestyle and the best service will make a visit to Komandoo Prodivers your most unforgettable holiday ever. The resort has recently renovated the existing bungalows and added another 15 water bungalows.
Photos and more information can be seen on www.komandoo.com

General Contact Information

Prodivers Pvt. Ltd - Champa Building - Male - Rep. of Maldives.
Tel. +960 662 0343 - Fax. +960 662 0344
e-mail: info@prodivers.com

Kuredu Prodivers

Kuredu Island Resort - Lhaviyani Atoll - Rep. of Maldives.
Tel. +960 662 0343 - Fax. +960 662 0344
e-mail: kuredu@prodivers.com

Komandoo Prodivers

Komandoo Island Resort - Lhaviyani Atoll - Rep. of Maldives.
Tel. +960 662 1010 - Fax. +960 662 1011
e-mail: komandoo@prodivers.com

Vakarufalhi Prodivers

Vakarufalhi Island Resort - South Ari Atoll - Rep. of Maldives.
Tel. +960 668 0560 - Fax. +960 668 0007
e-mail: vakarufalhi@prodivers.com

InterContinental Hotels Group to manage Holiday Inn Malé

2009-04-23T09:33:00.002+05:00

The Holiday Inn Malé, opening in mid-2009, is located in the capital of Maldives. It is Malé's newest and tallest hotel, commanding an unrivalled view of the harbour and beyond. Holiday Inn Malé will offer leisure and corporate guests alike a perfect place to relax in comfort or conduct business with ease, and provides the perfect GATEWAY to holidaymakers heading out to outlying resort islands. Our hotel provides: rooftop infinity pool, meeting and banquet rooms, all-day dining, lobby lounge, specialty restaurant, spa & fitness centre, baby sitting services just to name a few.

Located on the corner of Ameer Ahmed Magu, Holiday Inn Malé lies near the harbourfront, shops and markets and within a short walking distance to the various historical places of interest like the Old Friday Mosque, Sultan Park and The Presidential Palace.

Jan Smits, Chief Operating Officer for Southern Asia and Korea, InterContinental Hotels Group, added: “Male stands to benefit from IHG’s Priority Club Rewards’ 31- million-strong global membership base which presents a potential pool of guests from around the world. With one guest checking into a Holiday Inn hotel around the world every four seconds, Maldives looks set to enjoy a boost in visitor arrivals.”

The 120-room hotel will offer meeting facilities, a range of food and beverage outlets, recreational facilities including a rooftop swimming pool as well as a spa and fitness centre.

Stay at the Holiday Inn Malé and discover Maldives!

About theMaldives.com

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theMaldives.com, formed on 1st January 1998, remains one of the earliest websites to portray the faces of The Republic of Maldives globally, ranging from the country's historic setting, the geographical bearing right through to its current economic and social development. Founded as non-profit making the site remains so on serving the Maldivians and international world alike.

Due to our continuing effort to improve theMaldives.com we believe we are able to serve our visitors with a wealth of information on the Maldives. At theMaldives.com we are also able to provide our visitors with the opportunity to enter competitions to win fabulous prizes.More...

Maldives for “New 7 Wonders of Nature” Vote Now

2009-04-19T09:31:00.004+05:00

The Maldives archipelago has been nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign. This campaign is a process in which seven natural wonders of the world are chosen by people through a global poll which will be declared in the year 2011.

The campaign is being organized by the Swiss based New7Wonders Foundation after their success in organizing the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. 261 qualified national and multinational nominees are now competing to make it to the top 77.

Please vote for Maldives by visiting www.visitmaldives.com or www.new7wonders.com. Voting continues from January 7th until July 7th 2009 to determine the top 77 in each of the seven competing categories. The New7Wonders Panel of Experts will select the 21 finalists from the top 77 nominees.

We would like to call all Maldivians, fans and well wishers of Maldives to join our effort to make Maldives as one of the Natural Wonders of the World.

END.
For more information, please contact:
Mohamed Maleeh Jamal: 00960-7781171
Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
Malé, Maldives
Telephone: +960 332 3228
Facsimile: +960 332 3229
Email: mtpb@visitmaldives.com
Website: http://www.visitmaldives.com

W Retreat and Spa - Maldives

2008-08-25T11:03:00.000+05:00

Welcome to the W Retreat & Spa - Maldives, cast away in the Ari Atoll by the brilliant turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. W Retreat & Spa – Maldives is a private island and luxury playground, where style flirts with soul in a wonderland of white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and breathtaking reefs.

Relax in the secluded luxury of our villas, designed for contemporary living around the natural beauty of the environment, striking the balance between style and soul. Pamper yourself with lavish Maldivian living – plunge pools, daybeds, plasma screen TVs and the W Signature Bed.

News: Inner Maldives Holidays selected as Host buyer for PATA Travel Mart 2008

2008-08-25T10:55:00.000+05:00

Inner Maldives Holidays is pleased to announce that the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has selected Inner Maldives Holidays as a Host Buyer for PATA Travel Mart 2008. PATA - a non-profit travel trade association serving government tourist offices, airlines, hotels and other travel-related companies throughout the Pacific Asia region, and it is one of the most vital travel associations in the world.

PATA Travel Mart 2008 is hosted this year in Hyderabad, India and this event is gearing up to be a spectacular show. PATA Travel Mart 2008 has received a total of 374 registered buyer delegates from 329 buyer organisations, from 57 countries.

Inner Maldives Holidays Pvt Ltd., a company that was founded in the year 1998 with the dedicated objective of providing travel and tourism services to the booming tourism industry in the Maldives. In the years Inner Maldives Holidays has grown to become one of the market leaders in the industry with annual turnover of over USD$ 6 million in 2006, and presently represent over 500 global travel brands in the Maldives.

It is said to be the first time a Maldivian travel company has been selected as a host buyer at a PATA Travel Mart or any trade fair. This distinguished endorsement of the Maldivian tourism industry by PATA is a nation triumph and achievement.

Inner Maldives Holidays has been nominated by SriLankan Holidays, therefore, we take this opportunity to thank SriLankan Airlines and SriLankan Holidays for this opportunity and also thank PATA for making this possible. (From Inner Maldives)

Herathera To Be Marketed As Handhufushi Under the New Mangement J Hotels and Resorts

2008-08-06T01:33:00.000+05:00

Herathera now known as J Resort Handhufushi was sublease by MTDC to Mr. Abdulla Jabir of Yacht Tours Maldives, which is marketed under J Hotels and Resorts. Yacht Tours Maldives will take over operation and management of the resort from 1st June 2008 for 20 years. Yacht Tours Maldives proposed the highest rent based on NPV. They proposed USD18196 per bed per year for 20 years.

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Maldives Travel Blog Back On Updating

2008-08-05T13:19:00.000+05:00

After a long break with out updating, we are back due to my mails we receive during this period from our blog readers. We would like to thank all the readers and those who have mail us.

We would be updating this blog every week ( we will try our best because we do lots of other works and its very difficult to update everyday), but will bring you any breaking news about traveling in Maldives or any celebrity that comes for vacation in Maldives.

The above photos are from Fesdu Fun Island. Thanks to shifa for these great pictures

Astronomical observatory opens in Soneva Fushi

2008-05-20T13:13:00.001+05:00

Soneva Fushi has opened the only resort based astronomical observatory of its kind in the world. Set deep within the resorts dense lush jungle, the observatory provides a unique experience for anyone who has looked up at the night sky and found a desire to learn more about the universe and its surrounds.

At the push of a button, the telescope allows guests to instantly observe razor sharp images of craters and mountains on the moon, the satellites of Jupiter, the awe-inspiring rings of Saturn and galaxies made of over 200 billion stars. Using advanced Ritchey-Chretien optics - exactly like same technology used in the NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope – the telescope offers coma-free, wide-angled views of the heavens above Soneva Fushi.
The 12-metre high observatory tower houses the telescope on the upper most level, high above the tree-line canopy, along with a fully-automated dome providing uncompromised 360 degree views of the night sky. For guests wishing to learn more about astronomy, the second level houses a comprehensive reference library complete with educational books suitable for all ages and knowledge levels. The telescope is linked to a plasma screen in the library where recordings are made and lectures are performed by specially trained hosts. At certain times of the year visiting astronomers will be invited to offer exclusive presentations to Soneva Fushi’s privileged guests.

The new Meade RCX 400 is a professional class astronomical telescope offering the most sophisticated and technologically advanced mechanics and electronics currently available. All the mirrors are laser aligned for extreme collimation and housed in an anti-dew heater system, providing all night fun for those who want to be amazed by the night’s sky. The telescope’s computer database contains a few million stars, nebulae and galaxies of the sky, whilst the eyepiece of the robotic machine aligns itself though GPS satellites orbiting in outer space.

Set on a 45-hectare or 112-acre island within one of the furthest atolls from the capital, the legendary and eco-friendly Soneva Fushi presents an understated yet sophisticated style, which allows guests to enjoy the natural reality of the destination. Offering just 65 accommodations, Soneva Fushi captures the very essence of a castaway fantasy. 33 villas offer private pool options while the prestigious Jungle Reserve and The Retreats incorporate the Maldives first tree houses.

Lastest Photos of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor in Maldives

2008-04-26T13:00:00.001+05:00

Here are some of the photos of saif and kareena in the flight they came to maldives and some photos of them in the airport terminal area. Check them out.

World Travel Awards: Maldives nominated as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination

2008-04-23T11:19:00.000+05:00

Destination Maldives together with the Maldives resorts and companies have been nominated in the 15th World Travel Awards (WTA) regional ceremony to be held in Abu Dhabi during October 2008. This year’s nominees for the Indian Ocean have been announced in the World Travel Awards website where by the nominees will be given awards based on the voting’s by travel agents worldwide. Maldives has the highest number of nominees in the Indian Ocean category, where 20 Maldives resorts and companies are competing in 10 categories.

Maldives have been nominated as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination. whilst Male' International Airport was nominated as Indian Ocean's Leading Airport.

Other nominations includes Dhoni Mighili, Maldives which was nominated as Indian Ocean's Leading Boutique Hotel, Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives which was nominated as Indian Ocean's Leading Family Resort. Two resorts were nominated as Indian Ocean's Leading Green Resort which are Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives and Banyan Tree Maldives Vibbinfaru . Three Maldivian resorts were also nominated as Indian Ocean's Leading Hotel, they were Soneva Gili, Maldives , Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

Resorts nominated as Indian Ocean's Leading Resort from Maldives includes Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Huvafen Fushi Maldives, Kurumba Maldives, Soneva Gili, Maldives, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives. Indian Ocean's Leading Spa Resort nomination from Maldives were Baros Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Huvafen Fushi Maldives, Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Spa Resort & Marina, Maldives, Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives. Three Maldivian travel agencies were nominated as Indian Ocean's Leading Travel Agency which were Go Maldives, Inner Maldives Holidays, Vermillion International.

Nominations for Maldives' Leading Resort are Banyan Tree Maldives Vibbinfaru, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Kurumba Maldives, One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah, Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, Soneva Gili, Maldives and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa. Also nominations for Maldives' Leading Spa Resort are Baros Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Huvafen Fushi Maldives, Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Spa Resort & Marina, Kurumba Maldives, Soneva Gili, Maldives Taj Exotica Resort & Spa .

Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the "Travel industry's equivalent to the Oscars", the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and most prestigious awards program in the global travel industry. The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in the world's travel and tourism industry. The winners of the World Travel Awards are based on thousands of votes cast by travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies in over 160 countries across the globe.

MTPB informs that voting for this year’s Indian Ocean Awards is open until 21st July 2008. Votes can be casted by registering and logging into the voting system available at www.worldtravelawards.com. Last year Maldives won the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destinations Award and Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destinations Award. MTPB also won the Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist and Visitor Bureau Award and Maldives Tourism industry won awards in many categories.

Great Maldivian Safari

2008-04-23T10:01:00.000+05:00

Source: www.maldivessafari.com
www.maldivesliveaboards.com

In this post we have some of the great Maldivian Safari in operation.

MV Stingrey

MV Horizon

Keyif
Savruga
MV Carina
MS Black Pearl
MS Baani Adventurer

Maldives Sees Unexpected Growth in Tourist in 2007 and 2008

2008-04-23T09:48:00.000+05:00

Source: www.emerging-market.org

The Maldives tourism industry has been experiencing a period of unbridled growth over the 2006-2007 period, and with improved and expanded tourist facilities in the pipeline for 2008, the boom is predicted to continue in the coming year.

An 8.5% increase in the number of visitors to the Maldives was anticipated for 2007, although the actual figure has been recorded as an unprecedented 12.3% rate of growth when compared to 2006, which was also a record year.

The Maldives attracted the majority of their visitors from Europe, with most tourists coming from the UK, Italy, Germany and France; there was also a marked increase, however, in the number of Asian visitors, in particular from Japan and China.

The total bed nights for 2007 were 5,293,224, which represents a 9.7% increase compared with 2006; the average stay per tourist has also shown a slight rise, from 8 days in 2006 to 8.5 in 2007.

Maldives Tourism Promotion Bureau Director General Dr. Abdullah Mausoom said “2007 was a record breaking year in the history of tourism and we look forward to a similar year in 2008...Read

Maldives participated in the Marine Dive fair

2008-04-21T11:19:00.000+05:00

Maldives participated in the Marine Dive Fair which took place at the Sunshine City Convention Center Hall in Tokyo, Japan from April 4th to 6th 2008. Marine Dive Fair is an important exhibition targeted to the Japanese dive enthusiasts. Eleven companies exhibited together with Maldives Tourism Promotion Board.

During the fair destination Maldives won three important awards by successfully challenging competing destinations. The awards included 1st prize in the Best Diving Area Overseas, 1st prize in the Best Resort Area Overseas and 1st prize in the Dreaming Area categories...MALDIVES LIVE: Maldives participated in the Marine Dive fair

Indian Actors Saif and Kareena Spending Holiday in Maldives

2008-04-13T20:00:00.003+05:00

Indian famous actors Saif Ali Khan and Kareena kapoor arrive in Maldives yeastarday to spend a week in one of the amazing resort in Maldives a local HaveeruDaily. According to the newspaper site haveeru.com.mv they arrive yestarday morning in srilankan airlines and they spend couple of minutes in the VIP lounge before their baggages were cleared. Its not clear which resort they are spending their holidays in Maldives.

Latest: Photos of Saif and Kareena in Maldives

Maldives luxury hotels

2008-04-06T12:10:00.000+05:00

We have great Luxury hotels available in the Maldives with great facilities that will not be available in any other Luxury Hotel in the world. One of the greatest advantage in the Maldives is the White sandy beaches and the blue lagoons in these amazing resort Islands in Maldives.

In the Maldives each Island has a concept of One Island One Resort which give the holiday makers great privacy and calm environment while they spend there holidays in these resort Islands. Here are some of the great Luxury Hotels Available in Maldives which have great services available to there holiday makers.

Baros Maldives is an island of coconut palms and tropical greenery surrounded by the destination's famed white sand beach and crystal clear water. Turquoise merges with sapphire as the lagoon meets the ocean at the edge of the reef. Unique experiences. Original dining venues. Service dedicated to the desires of each guest. Architecture that celebrates and preserves the beauty of nature. Luxurious, intimate villas created with natural materials such as wood, stone and coconut thatch.

Naladhu Hotel Maldives is a private tropical island. Powder-white sands. The beauty of the Maldives. Naladhu. Free-flowing spaces. A symphony of rolling waves and rustling palms. The feel of warm, turquoise-blue lagoon waters and exotic Indian spice rubs. The familiar cool of hardwood floors and goose-down pillows. White clapboard shutters and infinity-edge plunge pools. The comforts you know and love. The romantic island getaway you've imagined. More than a holiday, more than a resort.

One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives is surrounded by the wonders of the crystal blue ocean, this superb new all-villa resort offers an unrivalled level of style, choice and personalised exploration. Sleek and spectacular, with unprecedented privacy, One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah inspires extraordinary journeys for the soul. Set on one of the largest islands in North Male' Atoll, adorned with endless white sand coves and turquoise bays, all villas enjoy beautiful ocean views and direct access to the lagoon. One and Only Maldives at Reethi Rah offers the ultimate holiday experience to those seeking the pinnacle of tropical luxury. Nowhere else in the Maldives is there a resort with this much space and exclusivity.

The Amazing Full Moon Maldives

2008-02-06T11:47:00.000+05:00

Full Moon Maldives located on its own private island called Furanafushi in North male' atoll. This amazing resort island is only around 20 minutes speedboat ride from male' international airport.

Full Moon Maldives is a favourite resort for scuba divers with amazing diving spots near the resort island. This is one of the resorts of Universal Resorts Maldives which have around 156 rooms which include water villas, water bungalows, beach front cottages and beach front deluxe rooms.

Latest Award winning Resorts In Maldives

2008-01-18T20:52:00.000+05:00

Maldives have been named as the ‘World’s Most Romantic Destination’ at the 2007 World Travel Awards 14th Annual Gala Ceremony held on the islands of Turks & Caicos, Caribbean, on December 12, 2007. Maldives won this award after successfully competing against world famous destinations such as Paris, Venice, Hawaii and Vienna. Maldives also won the Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination.

Here are the winning resorts:
Indian Ocean’s Leading Diving Resort Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives
Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa
Indian Ocean’s Leading Spa Resort Huvafen Fushi Maldives
Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Baros Residence, Baros Maldives

Other awards include Indian Ocean’s Leading Travel Agency for Inner Maldives Holidays and Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist & Convention Bureau For Maldives Tourism Promotion Board.