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Tag: Maldives

  • Centara’s Newest Maldives Oasis Introduces Sanctuary of Indulgence and Serenity

    Centara’s Newest Maldives Oasis Introduces Sanctuary of Indulgence and Serenity

    Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has officially opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, welcoming guests to a secluded haven where gracious Thai hospitality meets Maldivian allure. Nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, this sophisticated retreat marks Centara’s fourth distinctive property in the Maldives.

    To celebrate its grand opening, Centara presents the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Available for bookings until 30 June 2025 for stays until 15 October 2025, this luxurious experiential package offers more time to unwind with complimentary nights, along with meal plan upgrades, champagne, and a relaxing couples’ massage. Guests will also enjoy exclusive access to The Club lounge and a choice of captivating ocean excursions, with additional privileges for CentaraThe1 members.

    The resort introduces 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater villas and residences ranging from 78 to 290 square metres. With direct access to a private stretch of beach or a serene slice of the ocean, guests can enjoy as much connection or seclusion as they desire.

    Each accommodation is crafted to complement the island’s natural charm, featuring a private pool, Jacuzzi, or both, with select villas offering connecting options for families and groups. The Grand Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa, Three-Bedroom Sunset Beach Pool Residence, Grand Two Bedroom Overwater Pool Villa, and Three-Bedroom Sunset Overwater Pool Residence, provide the ultimate in spacious living, including indoor and outdoor lounging and dining areas, and even a fully equipped kitchenette, from which the resort’s chefs will happily serve in-villa tipples and culinary experiences for private romantic or family dining, or group entertaining.

    Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives invites guests on a gastronomic journey across its diverse dining venues. The Gallery serves as a vibrant all-day dining hub, featuring live tandoor and teppan grills. Bluefin brings a sophisticated Mediterranean beach club atmosphere, with fresh seafood and live music, while Coco Drift, the resort’s swim-up bar, offers laidback cocktails and light bites. Sunset Social presents a premier champagne bar set over shimmering waters, while The Club offers exclusive fine dining, featuring raw bars, expertly paired tapas and wines, and intimate buffet setups.

    “We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives,” said Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers stays that embody both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”

    Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, commented, “The launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is a testament to our commitment to providing extraordinary guest experiences in the world’s most sought-after destinations. This resort not only completes our visionary multi-island project, The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, but also strengthens Centara’s position as a leader in the hospitality industry.”

    Just a short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is designed for both indulgence and discovery. Embark on transformative wellness journeys at Spa Cenvaree Retreat, an oasis of holistic well-being where immersive spa experiences rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit; explore our vibrant underwater life, or enjoy family fun at the diverse children’s clubs for both teenagers and little ones.

    The opening of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives also signifies the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project set to redefine experiential travel in this breathtaking destination. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives blends sophisticated tranquility with immersive experiences, catering to discerning travellers seeking a refined escape while also granting guests unprecedented access to the thrilling water attractions and vibrant facilities of neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

  • Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Announces New Package

    Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Announces New Package

    The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has announced three new exciting developments for holidaymakers: a new mega value-added Family Getaway experience, an improved All-Inclusive (AI) offering, and a new All-Inclusive Plus (AI+) package.

    The Family Getaway Experience gives a family of four to six their own private 282 sqm two-bedroom luxury pool villa with complimentary transfers by flight and speed boat from Male to the Outrigger in the beautiful south of the Maldives.

    “Our Family Getaway and all-inclusive options really allow guests to switch off from their busy lives and rejuvenate surrounded by pristine natural beauty,” says John Allanson, the resort’s General Manager.

    On site, parents can fully relax with two hours of baby sitting per day offered by the resort.

    There are great activities available. Kids can enjoy beach games, yoga, meditation, “Little” chef and “Teen” chef lessons, paper arts and craft classes, and designing their own t-shirt.

    Children eat free in the Blue Salt restaurant on the same meal plan as their parents.

    Adults have multiple options such as spa treatments, group yoga, cooking classes, the art of barbecuing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, or jet skiing.

    Activities for the whole family include a myriad of wonderful options such as swimming across the equator, family picnic on a remote island, snorkelling trips, dolphin quest, semi-submarine excursions, learning about the stars, and a private family movie night.

    Guests can do good while on holiday. They can join resort’s in-house marine biologist and participate in the island’s coral conservation and education activities, part of Outrigger’s worldwide OZONE program.

    Many of the options are included in the Family Getaway Experience. Others involve a surcharge.

    All-Inclusive and the New All-Inclusive Plus
    The Outrigger in the Maldives has also ramped up its AI offering and created a new AI+ special package. Both let couples and families relax without worrying about extras.

    The enhanced All Inclusive package now includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Deck and Pool Bar as well as the main Blue Salt international restaurant. It includes a great selection of wines, beers, cocktails, teas and coffees from any outlet from 11am daily.

    With a new and generous meal and activities credit system, guests can experience an array of themed dinners at Driftwood, enjoy Japanese dining in Nala Rah, have private in-villa dining or have a barbecue on the beach.

    Many non-motorised activities are also included.

    For US$99++ per person per night, experience freedom with AI+ which gives all of the above benefits plus minibar refills, great discounts on private destination dining, reductions on spa treatments and full enjoyment of the chef’s premium dining experiences at The Deck, Blue Salt, Driftwood and Nala Rah (Japanese).

    Guests also enjoy exceptional discounts on private yoga and gym sessions and on the sommelier’s premium wine selections.

    “Families can create their own private luxury world in the azure Indian Ocean at the Outrigger,” says General Manager Allanson. “Unmatched luxury is just a step away with our Family Getaway and all-inclusive options.”

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  • AirAsia ups Maldives flights to meet growing demand

    AirAsia ups Maldives flights to meet growing demand

    AirAsia is increasing its Maldives operations with the commencement of additional services via its long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X, in addition to the daily flights it currently operates.

    In a statement today, the low-cost airline said AirAsia X would operate the Kuala Lumur-Male service at four times weekly, beginning Feb 6, 2018, under the D7 airline code utilising Airbus A330-300 aircraft, equivalent to an increase of 156,000 seats per year.

    In conjunction with the additional frequency, AirAsia is offering introductory promotional fares from as low as RM199 all-in fare for one-way travel, inclusive of taxes for all Maldives flights from now until Jan 14, 2018 for immediate travel until May 6, 2018.

    AirAsia X Head of Commercial, Barry Klipp, said since commencing the Kuala Lumpur-Maldives service, AirAsia had seen tremendous growth in demand on this route, adding over 130 per cent seat capacity early last year when it increased flight frequency from three to seven weekly flights.

    “Despite this increased capacity, we continue to see robust demand from our wide network and we hope that with this additional service offering with a larger capacity on our A330 aircraft, we will be able to capture this demand and further build our market dominance in the Maldives,” he said.

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  • Thai AirAsia set to open up Maldives

    Thai AirAsia set to open up Maldives

    Thai AirAsia (TAA) is breaking into Bangkok Airways’ long-held monopoly on Bangkok-Maldives air services, knocking down the high fare barrier in the process.

    TAA, Thailand’s largest low-cost carrier, is to launch a daily non-stop service on Aug 11 with an introductory fare that is a fraction of what is charged by Bangkok Airways.

    TAA’s introductory one-way fare inclusive of taxes and fees, will be 1,990 baht, compared with the reduced 20,400 baht round-trip fare quoted by Bangkok Airways yesterday.

    Bangkok Airways’ normal round-trip goes for around 33,000 baht for flights that take slightly over four hours each way.

    TAA is set to change the face of air travel to the Maldives, which has long been regarded as a highly expensive and luxurious destination.

    TAA’s arrival in the Maldives appears to support the island nation’s move to open up an economy travel segment to boost its tourism.

    “The Maldives is indeed a luxurious brand, but it is for all, not only for ultra high-end travellers,” said Haris Mohamed, acting managing director of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation, a Maldives state-owned firm whose role is akin to the national tourism board.

    Speaking to the Bangkok Post at TAA’s Maldives service launch in Bangkok yesterday, Mr Mohamed said the arrival of TAA is welcome as it would help create a competitive environment as well offer more travel options to the Maldives.

    Santisuk Klongchaiya, TAA’s commercial director, was confident the carrier’s latest international route would show early success with a high load factor of 85% because of the Maldive’s reputation as a world-class destination.

    TAA has successfully secured time slots for arrival and departure at Male airport that are much sought after by other airlines because it suits travellers’ preference.

    The time slots — arriving in Male at 11.40m and departing at 12.30pm — granted to TAA are broadly similar to Bangkok Airways, which has been the sole operator on this route for more than a decade.

    TAA will use 180-seat Airbus A320 single-aisle jets and only offer economy class for the route, while Bangkok Airways deploys A319s with 12 seats for business class passengers and 108 for economy.

    The provision of attractive time slots at the congested Male airport to TAA reflects the Maldives’ belief that the Thai budget airline would boost international arrivals to the republic.

    Mr Mohamed said TAA would not only bring more Thai tourists to the Maldives but also others from Southeast Asia.

    Last year, Maldives attracted 1.3 million foreign visitors with about 16,000 from Thailand. This year, the country expects to ramp up that number to 1.5 million with TAA being instrumental in achieving that target, Mr Mohamed said.

    Arrival growth has been restricted by limited capacity at Male airport, which is building a second runway which has caused part of the existing airport facility to close.

    TAA will become only the third low-cost carrier flying to the Maldives. The others are Malaysia AirAsia flying from Kuala Lumpur and Tigerair from Singapore.

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  • AirAsia announces Maldives and Macau promo flights

    AirAsia announces Maldives and Macau promo flights

    Low-cost carrier AirAsia will offer promotional, all-in-one way flights, to Maldives and Macau for one month, from as low as RM169 and RM129 respectively.

    In a statement today, AirAsia Bhd said the Airbus A330 would fly directly to both destinations from tomorrow until May 18, 2017.

    Bookings can be made from today until April 23, 2017.

    Head of Commercial Spencer Lee said the promotion to increase 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.

    AirAsia would gradually increase its flight frequency from Kuala Lumpur to Kaohsiung (seven times weekly), Siem Reap (14 times weekly), Da Nang (10 times weekly), Hanoi (11 times weekly), Pontianak (seven times weekly) and Semarang (seven times weekly).

    AirAsia’s new routes from Kuala Lumpur-Bhubaneswar, Johor Baru-Tawau, Johor Baru-Langkawi and Kuching to Pontianak are also open for sale now.

  • AirAsia bags two honours at World Travel Awards in Maldives

    AirAsia bags two honours at World Travel Awards in Maldives

    AirAsia has been named the World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fourth year in a row and its maiden title as the World’s Leading Inflight Service at the 23rd World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final held in Male, Maldives. Asia’s largest low-cost carrier beat contenders from five continents to secure the award, including Ryanair, easyJet, Jetstar Airways, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Norwegian, Kulula, Mango, fastjet, flydubai, Air Arabia, flynas and West Air.

    “What a thrill to win World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fourth straight year. It’s a great honour to round out what has been a great year for AirAsia, not just financially but in terms of recognition from the industry,” Group Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said today. AirAsia also won the World’s Leading Inflight Service title for the first time ever, beating full-service carriers Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Qantas Airways, Lufthansa, American Airlines and Air Canada. The win builds on AirAsia’s success earlier this year when it secured Asia’s Leading Inflight Service award from WTA for the first time. “I’m also super proud of our first World’s Leading Inflight Service award.

    I’ve always said we have amazing crew and amazing inflight products, and we’ve proven it by beating not one, not two, not three, but eight full-service carriers for the prize,” he said in a statement. He said there are more to come for AirAsia as the airline is always working on more innovations, and not just for inflight. “Right now, we are exploring ways to make the airport experience better. One thing we’re looking at is fast-tracking guests who share their travel profile with immigration authorities. We expect to run the trial at selected airports in Asean in the not-too-distant future, so keep an eye out for it,” he said.

    The WTA serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the travel and tourism industry, as chosen by thousands of travel professionals and high-end tourism consumers. Airlines are judged on customer satisfaction and service quality, overall business performance, product innovation, staff relations and development, corporate social responsibility and contribution to local community, commitment to sustainable policies and fulfillment of long-term corporate vision.

    AirAsia is Asia’s leading low-cost carrier, with an extensive network of more than 120 destinations in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East and Africa. It is also the only airline to fly direct to all 10 Asean countries, including some 60 unique routes in the region. AirAsia was also named World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the eighth year in a row at the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards in July.

  • Ooredoo Maldives signs deal with Thuraya

    Ooredoo Maldives signs deal with Thuraya

    Ooredoo Maldives has contracted mobile satellite services provider Thuraya to supply fisheries and resorts in the tropical nation with satellite-based voice and broadband connectivity.

    The operator yesterday launched Thuraya SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot devices and accompanying data packages at its retail outlets.

    In the first phase of the partnership, Ooredoo is offering the devices and services to fisheries under a two-year contract.

    The agreement addresses a mandate from the Maldives government requiring commercial fishing operators to outfit their vessels with satellite equipment and supply anglers with satellite phones, to address requirements including worker safety.

    Ooredoo’s Hussain Niyaz commented that “traditionally, fishery is the main occupation and major source of livelihood in the Maldives. It is also the second largest industry in the country. Safety is an important driver in this sector, where there are many accidents.”

    In the second phase of the agreement, which will come into effect later this year, the operator will market the services to the Maldives’ 105 plus resorts.

    This too will fulfil a mandate by the government requiring all resorts and tourist facilities to install satellite communications equipment as an additional safety measure.

  • Ooredoo Maldives readies fixed broadband services with Alepo

    Ooredoo Maldives readies fixed broadband services with Alepo

    Ooredoo Maldives has selected Alepo to provide a fixed broadband charging and customer care solution for its nationwide fixed broadband network.

    The introduction of fixed broadband services — realized by a new fiber optic submarine cable — is expected to strengthen Ooredoo Maldives’ positioning as the most advanced fixed mobile service provider in the SAARC region.

    In its selection of Alepo, Ooredoo Maldives cited the company’s strong presence in the SAARC region, owing to its multiple recent projects in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

    “Alepo gives us confidence in the successful delivery, monetization, and customer experience of Ooredoo Maldives’ new fixed broadband services,” said Vikram Sinha, CEO at Ooredoo Maldives.

    To support Ooredoo Maldives’ fixed broadband business, Alepo will deploy its signature B/OSS framework, Alepo Service Enabler (SE).

    The carrier-class platform brings together convergent charging and billing, CRM, web self-care and mobile self-care, real-time analytics and business intelligence, in a single software environment.

    With Alepo SE, Oordeoo Maldives expects to be able to fully monetize and manage its data services, take data offers to market quickly, and ensure a convenient and modern customer experience.

    “Ooredoo Maldvies continues to set new technological precedents for communications service providers in the region,” said Vani Manian, technical Alepo’s director of Asia Pacific.

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  • Maldives laments HSBC retail banking loss

    Maldives laments HSBC retail banking loss

    Maldives central bank on Thursday lamented the decision by Banking giant Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) to cease retail banking in the Maldives from April.

    Speaking at the parliamentary finance committee governor Azeema Adam insisted that the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) does not wish HSBC to cease retail banking services in the Maldives but said the country still needed the bank’s other services.

    Male branch of HSBC had decided to cease retail banking operations from April 28 and is now informing its customers.

    An official from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) also confirmed the plans by HSBC’s Male branch to shift to corporate-only operations. The official, however, did not give details.

    HSBC was not available for comment.

    HSBC operates in Maldives as a trading desk of the HSBC branch in Sri Lanka.

    The governor however, pointed out that HSBC’s decision was not limited to the Maldives.

    “Every bank has its own standards. Certain services that they offer. Instead of forcing something on them we look to find out how it could prosper as a business. We put in a lot of effort to bring HSBC to the Maldives,” Azeema explained.

    “Even when they [HSBC] first came they had sought to serve high net worth customers and individuals. We had given them the operating license knowing that all those years ago.”

    Azeema also revealed that several challenges had prompted the bank to adopt cost cutting measures.

    “It’s not something we also want. But if we look at the services provided by the banks in Maldives, HSBC is the third largest bank in the country. In terms of deposit size and loan size,” she continued.

    HSBC is the second highest banking profit tax payer in the Maldives, she added.

    An account in HSBC has to be opened with an initial deposit of MVR 50,000; the highest initial deposit required of any bank that operates in Maldives. The bank also pays the lowest deposit interest rate at 1 – 1.75 percent. Deposit interest rate on US Dollar accounts is 0.10 percent.

    As the bank charges a high amount in fees, the bank mainly hosts Maldivian businesses.

    In May 2014, complaints mounted over the bank’s decision to close down accounts held by many small and medium businesses citing administrative reasons. The businesses had complained that the move was made without prior notice.

    The decision by one of the biggest banks in the world comes a week after it was revealed that the Maldives had lost a major international banker.

    President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom told residents of Gaafu Dhaal atoll Gadhdhoo on February 15 that one of the major correspondent banks had dropped Maldives from its client list, while another one is considering a similar move. The reason, according to the president, is false claims made about Maldives, including threats posed by home-grown jihadists.

    “When we make such claims without considering the repercussions, it’s the people of Maldives that has to suffer,” he said, after inaugurating a project to establish a clean water system in the island.

    The president did not identify the bank that had dropped the Maldives. Haveeru, however, understands that US-based JPMorgan Chase had terminated its dealings with Maldivian banks in 2013.

    A correspondent bank is a financial institution that provides services on behalf of another, equal or unequal, financial institution. It can conduct business transactions, accept deposits and gather documents on behalf of the other financial institution.

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  • HSBC to stop retail banking in Maldives

    HSBC to stop retail banking in Maldives

    Banking giant Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) is to cease retail banking services in Maldives from April. We understand that the Male branch of HSBC had decided to cease retail banking operations from April 28 and is now informing its customers.

    An official from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) also confirmed the plans by HSBC’s Male branch to shift to corporate-only operations. The official, however, did not give details.

    HSBC was not available for comment.

    HSBC operates in Maldives as a trading desk of the HSBC branch in Sri Lanka.

    An account in HSBC has to be opened with an initial deposit of MVR 50,000; the highest initial deposit required of any bank that operates in Maldives. The bank also pays the lowest deposit interest rate at 1 – 1.75 percent. Deposit interest rate on US Dollar accounts is 0.10 percent.

    As the bank charges a high amount in fees, the bank mainly hosts Maldivian businesses.

    In May 2014, complaints mounted over the bank’s decision to close down accounts held by many small and medium businesses citing administrative reasons. The businesses had complained that the move was made without prior notice.

    The decision by one of the biggest banks in the world comes a week after it was revealed that the Maldives had lost a major international banker.

    President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom told residents of Gaafu Dhaal atoll Gadhdhoo on February 15 that one of the major correspondent banks had dropped Maldives from its client list, while another one is considering a similar move. The reason, according to the president, is false claims made about Maldives, including threats posed by home-grown jihadists.

    “When we make such claims without considering the repercussions, it’s the people of Maldives that has to suffer,” he said, after inaugurating a project to establish a clean water system in the island.

    The president did not identify the bank that had dropped the Maldives. Haveeru, however, understands that US-based JPMorgan Chase had terminated its dealings with Maldivian banks in 2013.

    A correspondent bank is a financial institution that provides services on behalf of another, equal or unequal, financial institution. It can conduct business transactions, accept deposits and gather documents on behalf of the other financial institution.

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