EoN Resorts to bring Atmosphere to Maldives

New Indian Ocean resort brand Atmosphere, promoted by the renowned Maldivian resort developer EoN Resorts, will launch the first of its properties in the Maldives this year.

The Atmosphere brand will offer a unique and local experience immersing travellers in the natural and cultural environment of the Indian Ocean.

Whether in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India or the Seychelles, Atmosphere will showcase the rich culture of the region and warmth of the people.

Atmospheres’ strapline, Art of Balance, highlights the brand’s emphasis on offering the perfectly balanced trip of a lifetime incorporating tranquillity, fun and value for money.

“We feel there is a gap in the market for a local resort brand in this region offering all that is wonderful from the Indian Ocean. Atmosphere is the answer to this gap and we are excited to announce the launch to the UK market, said Salil Panigrahi, EoN Resorts’ chief operating officer.

“There are a number of new resorts planned under the Atmosphere brand and we are delighted to announce that our first property opens later this year”, he continues.

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives will be the first resort to open under the Atmosphere brand.

Located in the spectacular and sparsely populated Lhaviyani Atoll, the five star property is due to open in November 2013.

EoN Resorts has been the driving force behind some of the most successful resorts in the Maldives including Island Hideaway, Constance Halaveli, Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Jumeirah Vittaveli and Viceroy Maldives.

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Centara’s top-rated Maldives resort opens Middle East restaurant

The opening on July 15 of Al Khaima, the first Arabian Bedouin tent style restaurant in the Maldives, will mark the official full opening of Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, a resort that soft-opened on 15 April this year and which in its first six weeks of operations shot to the number one position on TripAdvisor as North Male Atoll’s favourite destination for honeymoons.

The villa-only resort, located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Male International Airport, is adult-focused with no guests under the age of 12 years accommodated.

In addition to Al Khaima, Centara Ras Fushi has La Brezza, an Italian restaurant sited next to the lagoon, Suan Bua, which serves authentic Thai food, and Oceans, open all day and serving international and Asian cuisines. There are three bars at the resort, serving snacks in addition to drinks, with in-villa dining available 24 hours.

The resort offers guests the choice of a Half Board Plus package, or All Inclusive, with guests on either programme having the opportunity to dine at any of the restaurants and fully enjoy the choice and variety of the resort.

“We are very pleased to announce that Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa is now fully open, and that our guests have the choice of four fine restaurants,” says Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

“The Maldives is, we feel, one of the world’s most exciting holiday destinations, and we are delighted to be an active promoter of tourism to these lovely islands.”

The resort is Centara’s second in the Maldives, the first being Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, in South Ari Atoll. A third resort is currently under construction. Centara Ras Fushi Resort has a beachfront swimming pool, an oceanfront Spa Cenvaree, a water sports centre offering excursions and both motorised and non-motorised activities, a PADI dive centre, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The resort’s top ranking on TripAdvisor for honeymoons was won in the face of competition from 30 other resorts in the North Male Atoll.

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Interview: Sonu Shivdasani, CEO, Soneva Resorts

Sonu Shivdasani is the founder and CEO of Soneva Resorts, an international resort brand he set up with his wife Eva in 1995. They were the first hoteliers to bring five-star luxury to the Maldives and the first company to offer homes for sale there. 

Sonu Shivdasani

The couple also established Six Senses Resorts & Spas and Evason Resorts, both of which they sold to US-based private equity firm Pegasus Capital in 2012 to concentrate on their high-end resorts and property sales: Soneva Fushi in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand.

Homes start from US$300,000 for a two-bedroom villa at Soneva Fushi and from US$3,250,000 for a three-bedroom house at Soneva Kiri. The Soneva ethos combines highly personalized service with simple design and strong eco-credentials.

Sonu was born to Indian parents and educated at Eton and Oxford University, a contemporary of British Prime Minister David Cameron. Eva is an ex-Vogue model from Sweden who oversees the design of all their resorts. The couple own property near Oxford with their main home at Soneva Fushi.

Why did you choose the Maldives for your first resort?

We discovered The Maldives in the 1980s while I was studying at Oxford University. When we first came we loved the destination but were horrified by the poor quality on offer in hotels. They had no concern for sustainability and were ruining the environment. 

We knew we could do it better. We bid for three different islands that were for sale but failed on them all. It wasn't until 1991 that we found the island where Soneva Fushi now is. It had been run as a hotel but had been closed since 1979. It took us four years to arrange the finance and open the resort.

What are the challenges of running a resort in The Maldives?

We are a 30-minute flight by seaplane from Male, the Maldivian capital, so the biggest challenge remains building in such a remote location. There were times when it could take four days for boats to arrive from Male, so transfer logistics were complex. Other challenges include maintaining our service standards and our commitment to being as sustainable and eco conscious as possible.

What are buyers concerns about choosing property in The Maldives?

Tourism is the only industry in the Maldives and vital to the nation, something most MPs understand. So I feel confident about the future of tourism in the Maldives. As for global warming and those who say the Maldives is threatened by rising sea levels, I believe the risk of having a home here is the same as in Chelsea, London or Amsterdam. Records show there has been no change in sea levels in the Maldives for the last 20 years. Meanwhile the government has increased the length of leases on property for sale from 25 to 50 years. 

What is the appeal of owning a home at Soneva Fushi?

The Indian Ocean is a very popular holiday destination with incredible water, yet there are very few opportunities to buy property in the Maldives. Owning a home here is a lifestyle purchase but it also makes financial sense. Our figures show owners can expect an average 4 to 5 per cent rental yield and as much as 6 to 7 per cent. 

What properties have sold at Soneva Fushi?

We have sold eight Private Residences to date and will only ever build 16 to add to the 50 homes owned by the hotel. Buyers have come from Europe, Russia and Asia.

How do you combine your environmental policies with a five-star desert island resort?

Our guests certainly have an eco-conscience but many people will not compromise their luxury for it. The concept of a staycation, staying at home and not traveling, is something of nonsense for today's wealthy consumers. One needs to realize that people will still travel and we need to combine sustainability with luxury.

Can you explain your concept of intelligent luxury?

What is truly luxurious to wealthy people today is not named restaurant or Cristal champagne but rather what is rare. Most of our guests have an urban life, living in polluted and congested cities so luxury is an outdoor shower or walking barefoot on the sand when they are used to high heels and business suits. It's not about marble or gilt but about experiences: cruising with dolphins, spending the night on a sandbank. That is what we mean by intelligent luxury.

What are the advantages in having a strong brand identity? 

Branded Residences do well with prices in Thailand for example up to double those of non-branded resorts. People like the security, the ease of having an established team managing the resort and knowing that rental yields should be maximized. We have 52 per cent repeat guests at Soneva Fushi and the brand plays a crucial part in that. Brand consistency drives brand loyalty. There is a danger today of commoditization of luxury where the only distinguishing aspect of a resort is the sign and the logo. By selling Six Senses and concentrating on the Soneva brand we have ensured the brand is not distilled. And we are both owners and operators, a rarity today.

What future plans do you have for the Soneva Brand?

We are developing a second resort in the Maldives where there will also be property for sale including overwater villas. We are waiting for permits on a project on the island of Milos in Greece and in February 2014 we take the delivery of the first of five 64-foot yachts. Soneva in Aqua - that we have on order. These will be available for around US$25,000 a week with a crew of five.

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Honeymoon Destination in Maldives

Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we all need to unwind, relax and have a touch of nature to compose our ever stressed out minds. Touring Maldives is the one best and affordable solution for achieving it all in one package. Maldives is a place where God has secured the best of everything. Maldives is a combination of beautiful islands every one of which is uniquely exotic having the best scenic beauty along with the incredibly pure and inviting oceanic treasures. Combined with the most advanced craftsmanship and huge amount of expenditures carried out for ensuring the safety of the guests, has left little room for visitors to think twice before booking their tickets for Maldives. The environment has been kept natural and earthy though just to remain in touch with Mother Nature and the exoticness has not been manipulated in any way.

The Maldives are a superb choice for a honeymoon or romantic break! Many of the resorts that we feature would offer the perfect venue for your honeymoon, whether in a suite, beach villa or water bungalow. We have firsthand knowledge of all the Maldives resorts and islands, having visited all of them on several occasions and stayed in most of them, so we will be delighted to discuss your specific honeymoon requirements and make some suggestions.

A Maldives honeymoon is perhaps the best way to see these amazing islands for the first time - they are perfectly conducive to romance and seclusion. Over 1000 coral atolls grace the Maldives, yielding incomparable beauty at every turn. Your speedboat or seaplane transfer from Male will signal the perfect beginning for your Maldives honeymoon, with stunning, panoramic aerial beauty. The Maldives are all about nature in all of its resplendent glory, and this is the perfect place for diving or snorkeling – or simply to lie on a un crowded beach or private sundeck surrounded only by the calming waters of the Indian Ocean. This romantic destination must be seen to be believed and is unlike anywhere in the world in terms of its aesthetic beauty.

Your honeymoon will also be a fun water experience, as the Maldivian seas have been considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. The turquoise waters as clear glass, the milky white sandy beaches soft to you feet, and these two will be contributors to an extravagant honeymoon.  Swimming with the multicolored fish, surfing with the breezy waves, getting sun kissed by the blaring sun, sound cool?

In addition, to the beauty of sea, A dinner under the stars with the occasional flicker of candle light to bring you back into the real world, a daring getaway to a nearby uninhabited island all by yourselves for the whole day, or just lazing around in your private bungalow watching the endless turquoise waters while you are treated to an spa treatment in the room.

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A landslide win for Villa Hotels & Resorts at Maldives Travel Awards 2012

Achievement is the utmost reward of hard work and dedication. The team at Villa Group is very familiar with the two phrases “hard work” and “dedication”. This has been proven in the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2012. We have won 7 outstanding awards for our properties Sun Island Resort & Spa, Paradise Island Resort & Spa and Villa Airport Mamigili. With the Leading conference center & resort, diving and the most supportive resort being awarded to Sun Island Resort & Spa followed by Paradise Island Resort & Spa as the leading business resort  and we have the leading domestic airport in the Maldives; Villa Airport Mamigili. Proud is what we feel every day towards each and every member of our team for putting in 110%, and warm congratulations to our Chairman Mr. Qasim Ibrahim  for being awarded Tourism Personality of the Year . 

We take this opportunity to thank each and every fan, guest, well-wisher, travel agents and team members who voted for us in the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2012 . And not to forget MATATO that has taken an effort to recognize the hard work and dedication of the individuals in the industry; thank you.  

The proud Villa team at the Maldives Travel Awards 2012

We at Villa group do not aim to provide a good service; we aim to provide an exceptional service. 

Awards achieved by the Villa Group

Sun Island Resort & Spa

• Leading Meeting and Conference Centre
• Leading Meeting and Conference Resort
• Leading Dive Resort
• Most Supportive Resort

Paradise Island Resort & Spa

• Leading Business Resort

Villa Airport, Mamigili

• Leading Domestic Airport

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Ebert Silvas offer special packages for Kandy Esela Perehera

Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with Ebert Silvas’ offer special luxury packages for both foreign and local tourists to view the Kandy Esela Perehera, known to be one of Asia’s most spectacular cultural pageants.

The packages are organized to view both Kumbal and the Randoli Pereheras from the July 23rd to August 1st 2012.

The Esala Perehera is a glittering festival of lights and colours with magnificent elephants and vibrant drummers and dancers. It is a tradition of over 230 years held in honour of the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.

With Sri Lanka enjoying the dividends of peace, numerous foreign visitors will be arriving from around the world, specially to view this mesmerizing pageant.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, will be promoting these packages in order to provide a unique service to foreign guests, in the Colombo city hotels to view the pageant in safety and comfort. The Kumbal Perehera commenced from July 23rd and the Randoli Perehera from July 28.

Air Conditioned luxury coaches are scheduled to leave Colombo with both foreign and local guests. Foreign guests will be picked up and dropped back at their respective hotels after viewing the Perehera.

Package 1: is a full day excursion that includes a visit to the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala, breakfast in Pinnawala, visit to the Botanical gardens enroute and lunch in Kandy together with a prime seat to view the Perehera.

Package 2: is organized exclusively to view the Randoli Perehera, during the final three days from July 30th to August 1st.

The package is scheduled to leave Colombo soon after lunch with a stop for tea at the Heritage Rest Ambepussa (Ceylon Hotels Corporation), with seats to view the perehera and snacks. Guests will return to Colombo directly after viewing the pageant.

Courtesy: DailyNews 

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Eastern Hotel Developers redefines simple comfort with Kothmale Holiday Resort

Eastern Hotel Developers have announced holiday offerings said to “encourage travelers to escape the warm temperatures and indulge in the chilly hill side atmosphere with amazing specials”. Nestled between pine-clad mountains just half an hour away from Kandy Town, the Kotmale Holiday Resort is a quaint resort which redefines simple comfort. The property features the essence of quiet comfort, but with modern amenities such as wireless internet access, satellite TV and complimentary bottled water.

This charming retreat is set amidst an expansive area, presenting guests a serene ambiance to relax and enjoy. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Kotmale Holiday Resort provides guests easy access to stunning attractions Sri Lanka has to offer, including the breathtaking Kotmale Reservoir located nearby and the Ramboda Waterfalls, approximately 20 minutes away from the hotel. A pleasant dining verandah, airy living spaces and balconies that open out to views of misty mountains add a distinct charm to this hotel, along with an enticing menu of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

Defining simple comfort the Superior Rooms offer guests a comfortable living space to enjoy their vacation - airy and styled with a minimalistic design, these charming abodes are well-equipped with a range of modern amenities, paired with an en-suite bathroom that comes with complimentary toiletries. The Family Rooms are ideal for families, presenting a spacious living space for guests to retreat into their own room of uninterrupted quietude, showcasing soothing colors, comfortable bedding and modern furnishings. This, coupled with the serene environment of the hotel creates an ambiance of total seclusion, perfect for relaxation and moments for family-bonding. The White Room on the other hand allows guests to wake up each morning to stunning vistas, coupled with the refreshing breeze from an outdoor verandah. Inside, an interior of simple, elegant style awaits - a romantic hideaway in the cool climes of the hill country.

Offering the best of Sri Lanka to the world, Eastern Holiday Developers, a company with a vision to provide exceptional and memorable hospitality by exceeding guest expectations and creating a holiday experience like no other. Having just acquired the management rights to this hotel, Eastern Holiday Developers currently owns and manages the ‘Pigeon Island Beach Resort – Nilaveli, Trimcomalee’                                                                            (http://www.pigeonislandresort.com/) and ‘Lanka Holiday Destinations – a travel company’ (http://www.lankaholidaydestinations.com). In addition, the company’s growing portfolio now encompasses many such properties, with the latest to be in the city of Kantale. Named the “Ranch” an Eco Friendly Project, the property is expected to be one of Sri Lanka's exclusive luxury tented camps. Targeted at a niche traveler the property is scheduled to be launched in January 2013. EHD has plans on investing in more properties in the near future in line with its vision to build a specialized chain of resorts contributing towards the national economic growth of the country via tourism. All accommodation would be value for money and with the top most quality in each of its class.

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