Minor Hotels announces first Avani branded property in Maldives bringing laid-back luxury to Baa Atoll

Minor Hotels’ Avani brand will make its Maldives debut with the opening of Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort in early Q2 2023. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort will be Minor’s sixth property in the country, increasing the hotel owner, operator and investors currently present in this paradisiacal setting.

The first hotel opening in this highly coveted area of the Maldives for more than three years, the arrival of Avani+ Fares in the ubiquitous Baa Atoll will shake up the hospitality landscape. A stunning new private island resort, Avani+ Fares will offer all the attention to detail, experiences and unparalleled service that one would expect of a premium Maldivian escape without the ostentation.

A new-build property on a natural tropical island showcasing the very best that Avani has to offer, Avani+ Fares will be home to a variety of accommodation options. From beach pool villas and four-bedroom beach pavilions to picture perfect three-bedroom over water villas sitting across the island’s large turquoise bay, the accommodation will offer a stylish modern sanctuary, maximising breezy spaces and ergonomic lighting, as well as tech focused amenities to suit the needs of the most discerning guest. Avani+ Fares will appeal to couples, families and friends with an array of dining, fitness, water sport recreation and pampering spa treatments.

Resting on a naturally protected island on the western edge of Baa Atoll, the resort will provide easy access to the world renowned Hanifaru Bay, home to what is regarded as the Indian Ocean’s best biodiversity and underwater ecosystem and one of the best places to see manta rays. With twelve individual dive sites off the beach at Fares, divers are spoilt for choice. In addition, guests will have access to the Avani house reef, a 220-metre reef teeming with marine life including turtles and dolphins and the nearby Fares reef which is 600 metres off the shore.

One of the stunning islands that make up the Maldivian archipelago, Fares boasts a 2.6-kilometre lagoon in front of the island, offering privacy and serenity as well as playing host to an abundance of reefs and marine life and of course serving as the backdrop for incredible sunsets. Due to the perfect positioning at the edge of the atoll, the resort enjoys zero light pollution for unforgettable stargazing. A picturesque paradise of stunning turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Avani+ Fares Maldives is only a 35-minute journey by seaplane from Velana International Airport.

Throughout their stay, guests will be treated to a wide selection of Maldivian and international-inspired cuisines at each of the seven restaurants, in addition to private beach and in-villa dining. Each aims to expand guests’ taste horizons with a variety of choices to push the boundaries of island dining whilst minimising carbon footprint with seasonal ingredients. Organic produce will be sourced from the resort’s mini farm and catch of the day delivered daily by local fishermen. Young guests will have the run of the first kids-only restaurant in the Maldives serving nutritious, universally loved food.

AvaniFit’s new gym concept keeps guests in tip top condition offering fitness programmes designed in partnership with a high-performance coach. Those seeking to bliss out and indulge in some pampering can hide away from the world in style at AvaniSpa, which will offer various rejuvenating treatments alongside thoughtful wellness options. AvaniKids provides everything to keep children and teens happy and entertained so adult guests can enjoy some ‘me’ time.

“The arrival of Avani+ Fares in the Maldives meets a growing niche in demand for guests seeking alternatives to traditional luxury by providing a contemporary new offering, enabling a wider audience to experience one of the world’s most exclusive destinations,” said William Costley, Minor Hotels’ Senior Vice President of Operations for Asia. “Avani+ Fares will continue to highlight Avani as a trailblazing hotel brand, filling a gap in the Maldivian hotel landscape and delivering exceptional products in a fresh and accessible manner.”

Between swimming, snorkelling and diving at the protected house reef and discovering the island’s native flora, guests can fully enjoy a slice of paradise steeped in biodiversity and natural beauty.

5° North by Finolhu Maldives: Destination dining in middle of lagoon

The turquoise waters of a tropical lagoon surround you, as the sunset gives a magical glow, while you sip your favourite drink. Steaks sizzle on a nearby grill, and the aroma of herbs and spices float by on a gentle sea breeze. You smile as a special someone reaches across the table to take your hands, just as your butler announces that “Dinner is served.” Life is perfect. Welcome to an exclusive new dining experience at 5° North by Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives.

Situated on a special platform, which is located exactly 5 degrees North of the Equator, this whole new level of destination dining experience offers a blissful seclusion in the heart of the tropical lagoon. Available for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 guests, this is an exclusive experience in every sense of the word. With water all around and nothing but sky above, the evening truly belongs to you.

As you marvel at the changing colours of golden hour fading into blue hour, tantalising aromas fill the air. Whether you choose to indulge in a romantic dinner with a special someone or a celebratory meal with family or friends, indulge your taste buds with a delicious set menu of your choice. Prepared by your very own chef and served by your dedicated butler, the choice of carefully curated menus includes the finest steak, seafood and vegetarian delights.

After starting with your choice of the chef’s speciality platter, oysters or Mediterranean spreads, the main course awaits. From Angus beef sirloin steak, lamb merguez sausages, marinated reef fish, grilled Maldivian lobster and jumbo prawns to halloumi cheese skewers and vegetables marinated in mild spices, every taste is catered to here. What better way to conclude such a perfect evening than with a choice of scrumptious desserts that includes baked cheesecake, espresso crème brulee biscotti, chocolate chia seed pudding and fruit skewers?

Combining exclusivity and seclusion with fine cuisine on a tropical island paradise, 5° North takes destination dining to whole new level. It is time to start planning your holiday at Finolhu and make this gastronomic escapade part of your itinerary.

Owned and managed by Seaside Collection, Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, is a luxury island resort renowned for its two-kilometre white powdery beaches that stretch out across four islands. Firmly established as one of the finest resorts in the Maldives, Finolhu – meaning sandbank in Dhivehi – consists of 125 beachfront and overwater villas (more than half with a private pool), four restaurants and an array of activities, every day on Finolhu’s island playground is as varied as the coral reef landscape of the Baa Atoll. Whilst popular with honeymooners, the extensive resort which is set in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is also family-friendly, with a kids’ club and world-famous entertainment.

Vakkaru Maldives has introduced a Manta Ray Adventure package

Vakkaru Maldives resort has introduced the Manta Ray Adventure package from August to October.

The Manta Ray package features the two-hour manta snorkeling experience. The package includes a half-hour speedboat ride to the Hanifaru Bay marine protected area, Baa Atoll where the crew will guide the reef manta rays towards the snorkeling guests.

Vakkaru Maldives has also announced its participation in the Manta Festival scheduled for 20 September to 21 September 2019.

The property will sponsor snorkeling fieldtrips to Hanifaru Bay for local students in Baa Atoll with the aim to provide an educational experience about protected marine life in the Baa Atoll.

For more information visit : Vakkaru Maldives 🗾

Amilla Fushi’s New Blissful Bundles Entice Guests to Enhance their Maldives Experience

Visitors to idyllic Maldives dreamscape Amilla Fushi can now begin shaping their island adventure in advance with the launch of five new ‘blissful bundles’ – enchanting bolt-on packages that build the buzz by enticing guests to relax, discover, play and indulge through a collection of carefully curated – and substantially discounted – experiences.  The pampering parcels include a variety of additional enhancements, from foodie forays, soothing spa sessions and adrenalised adventures to complete island indulgence, inviting Amilla acolytes to play it their way in anticipation of their arrival.

Food lovers can rejoice with the Dine and Imbibe Passport, offering boundless indulgence across more than 10 different dining experiences, including Island Home delivery service; lunch at the new nurturing Wellness Café; afternoon tea at the Emperor Beach Club; dinner at Amilla’s award-winning signature restaurant Feeling Koi; plus a selected beverage package and mini bar service.

Wellness and Spa Time beckons for those seeking revitalization or relaxation. Guests  can opt to immerse themselves in a signature treatment from Javvu Spa’s integrated menu, featuring results-driven remedies from an expert edit of world-class brands including !QMS, iLA, Louise Galvin, Margaret Dabbs and Gentlemen’s Tonic; or sign up for sessions with Amilla’s personal trainers, wellbeing experts or a ‘Visiting Hero’ practitioner. Sauna and steam rooms await to round off the day.

Thrill seekers can plunge into the Water Adventure Bundle, promising a choice of exhilarating dives, aqua excursions, jet skiing, hover-boarding and parasailing sessions, as well as unlimited non-motorised sports activities. Active Pursuits offers a day of play, from private tennis lessons on Amilla’s full size courts or energizing  yoga or personal training; to sessions with the resort’s regular ‘Visiting Heroes’, ranging from artists and master jewelers to yogis – with a complimentary babysitting service ensuring guests are free to enjoy whichever they choose.

Or of course, guests can revel in designing their own unrestricted adventure with the inclusive Luxury Bliss Indulgence bundle – the ultimate ‘bundle of bundles’, combining the foodie freedom of the Dine and Imbibe Passport with the luxury of any three activites from the Wellness and Spa Time, Water Adventure Bundle and Active Pursuits packages.

For further information or to make a reservation, please visit: https://www.amilla.mv/offers

BUBBLE PHENOMENON REACHES NEW HEIGHTS AT AMILLA FUSHI — New SkyHouse with Bubble now Officially Open!

The bubble tent concept is being elevated to a whole new level in the Maldives this year, as luxury resort trendsetter Amilla Fushi debuts its new Skyhouse with Bubble accommodation –tranquil treetop eyries with their own private transparent Bubble, breathtakingly suspended 12 metres up between a canopy of lush palms and the vast Maldivian skies. The first Skyhouse with Bubble was officially opened by the Maldives’ Minister for Tourism, Ali Waheed, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at ITB Berlin today, 6 March 2019.

Encircled by swaying palms, and measuring 4 metres in diameter, the Bubble’s interior will feature custom-fitted wooden floors, a rotating daybed, telescope, Bang & Olufsen soundsystem and bespoke furnishings. A removable cover provides solar protection during the day – and come nightfall, unfettered views of the star-studded heavens above. In addition to this spectacularly heightened hideaway, the enchanting 220sqm Skyhouse also boasts serene living spaces; a private infinity pool cantilevered out amongst the treetops; and a spacious bathroom. Formerly known as Tree Houses, Amilla’s five Skyhouses are available in one- or two-bedroom configurations, providing an ideal treetop hideaway for families and couples alike.

Conceived and custom-designed by Eye In The Sky, the transparent inflatable Bubbles are constructed with super-strong, high tech polyester fabric using exclusive Précontraint Serge Ferrari® technology. UV-protected, fully waterproof and climate-controlled, the Bubbles create an inspiring environment where guests can enjoy a uniquely immersive, closer-to-nature experience – without compromising on high-spec design and luxurious creature comforts.

Rates for Amilla Fushi’s new immersive SkyHouse with Bubble Experience are available on request, including accommodation; specially designed destination dinner; and breakfast served in the SkyHouse with Bubble, based on two adults sharing.

For more information on Amilla Fushi please visit: http://www.amilla.mv.

Amilla Fushi Introduces Floating Breakfast Concept

Amilla Fushi has launched a new concept of floating Breakfast in a tray. The new floating breakfast can be served in overwater houses, Amilla Residences and the main pool at the resort.

The breakfast includes two packages; Floating Continental and Floating Amilla. 

The Floating Continental includes a selection of bakery items with jams, marmalade or honey with fresh fruit, cold cuts, yogurt, cheese, cereals, fresh juice (or blended) and coffee or tea.

The Floating Amilla includes poached egg on sourdough toast, avocado, pork sausage, sautéed mushroom, bacon & rocket, Acai Bowl with homemade granola, honey, fruit & nuts, Oat porridge boiled in fresh water or skim or full milk and salt & cinnamon.

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé International (Velana International Airport), Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestle among lush treetops or hug the shores of pristine white sand; plus eight spectacular four to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy. 

Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Bazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop into gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop & Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favorite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses. 

With an unrivaled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club, Amilla Fushi is putting the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.

Baa Atoll set to Host Longest Organized Swimming Event in the Maldives

Baa atoll is set to host the longest organised swimming event in the Maldives as part of a fresh push to promote Maldives tourism through new avenues.

Organised by Swim Maldives, a community of open water swimmers in Maldives, in collaboration with the tourism ministry, youth ministry and environment ministry, the Swim Maldives Baa Crawl 2019 will take place from February 2-9.

Over the course of seven days, eight participants will swim from Eydhafushi to Kendhoo in an epic journey, covering 22 islands and 43.7km. Swimmers will cross 5km from 8.30am t0 12.30pm every day, stopping at inhabited and uninhabited islands, as well as five resorts in the atoll.

Schedule for the event:

 Day 1: Eydhafushi – Soneva Fushi – Nelivaru Finolhu – Maalhos
Day 2: Maalhos – Hebalhidhoo – Dharavandhoo
Day 3: Dhavarandhoo – Hanifaru Rah – Dhonfanu
Day 4: Dhonfanu – Kihaadhuvvaru – Kihaadhu – Amilla Fushi
Day 5: Amilla Fushi – Milaidhoo Island – Kamadhoo
Day 6: Kamadhoo – Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru – Kudarikilu
Day 7: Kudarikilu – Hurawalhi – Undhoodhu – Funadhoo – Hulhudhoo – Gemendhoo – Kendhoo

Throughout the event, swimmers will work to raise awareness on conservation of environment and promote healthy lifestyle choices. Beach and lagoon clean-ups, as well as swimming lessons will be held at different islands by Soneva Fushi and Four Seasons Maldives Resort at Landaa Giraavaru, whilst Ooredoo Maldives is set to organise a special water sports safety programme at each destination.

“Our aim is to showcase the natural beauty of the Maldives and promote it as a destination for swimming as well,” Hussein Shameem, Founder of Swim Maldives, told journalists on Monday.

Tourism minister Ali Waheed highlighted the importance of diversifying destination marketing efforts, noting that different atolls should be promoted as well. The swimming event was a unique initiative that would help promote the Maldives through a different approach, he added.

“Government will always support such initiatives,” the minister said.

Image & news source:  http://www.maldives.net.mv