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Maldives aims to pull in 1.5m tourists in 2016

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The St. Regis Vommuli Resort

Unrivalled extravagance, heavenly white sand beaches and magnificent underwater world make the Maldives the top luxury and quality holiday destination.


VISIT MALDIVES YEAR

Maldives Tourism, together with Maldives Marketing & PR Promotion (MMPRC) launched its new campaign Visit Maldives Year 2016 coinciding with Maldives’ 50th anniversary of independence.

The Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign aims to attract 1.5 million visitors in 2016 with a significant increase in tourism receipts. The campaign also aims to strengthen the position of brand Maldives as an exclusive tourist destination and showcase diverse tourism products.

The new marketing plan and activities will be unveiled before end of this year.


THUMBURI PROGRESS

The Thumburi integrated resorts development project launched last year is progressing at a fast pace with high interest from investors. Out of 20 land plots allocated for hotel developments, 16 were sold to interested investors. In addition to the 20 plots for hotels, development of three water villa plots are also currently on bid for interested investors. One plot has been sold out of the three available plots for water villas.

Thumburi is a vision of H. E. President Abdulla Yameen to expand the Maldives’ tourism product portfolio to include accommodations for the three- to four-star sector. The project is expected to be complete by 2017, creating 2,000 new beds and 4,000 new jobs giving a huge boost for the development of mid-market tourism.  Once in operation, it is estimated that an additional 200,000 visitors would arrive to the Maldives. 


MAKUNUDU ISLAND REFURB

Makunudu Island, one of the Maldives original and much loved island resorts is getting ready for the first phase of enhancements that will form part of a longer term upgrade
programme.

Phase one of this upgrade plan is due to be completed by October 31 this year and will include a soft refurbishment of the deluxe bungalows and public areas including replacement furnishings and the introduction of complimentary wi-fi in public areas.

Effective November 1, Makunudu Island will operate on a bed and breakfast basis, however, half board and full board will still be available. Dining options will include the introduction of an International a la carte menu at Ara Iru and other Island favourites such beach barbecues, themed nights and private beach dining can also be enjoyed.

Makunudu Island was acquired by Sunland Travel in 1994, an independent travel company that began operations in 1985. Following extensive renovations, Makunudu Island became renowned as one of the original intimate hideaways in the
Indian Ocean.

Thirty-six simply designed beach bungalows nestled into natural surroundings set the scene for a relaxing and authentic Maldivian experience.


AMILLA FUSHI OPENS DOORS

Amilla Fushi, literally meaning ‘my island home’ in Dhivehi, offers genuine, laid-back service, with all guests welcomed and flawlessly cared for by unstuffy, charismatic Maldivians.

Amilla is all about guests enjoying the ultimate magical Maldives holiday experience. Conceived and managed by The Small Maldives Island Company, Amilla is setting itself apart with a refreshingly modern take on the ultimate, authentic Maldives experience.

At Amilla, all water sports – non-motorised and motorised – are complimentary; guests can enjoy a daily 50-minute spa treatment as part of the room rate; and everything from the Kids Club to au pairs and a babysitting service is complimentary.

The resort is home to more purpose-designed island houses of two or more bedrooms than any other Maldives resort, perfect for families and groups of friends. All of the houses of two or more bedroom have directly connecting rooms under one roof for total peace of mind.


MAAGU TO OPEN 2016

The new, five-star resort Maagu, located in Dhaalu Atoll, will open in 2016. Surrounded by a 300,000-sqm lagoon, the six-hectare island offers pristine landscape vegetation and great beaches.

Guests can choose between 42 water bungalows, 2 luxury pool water villas, 38 beach villas, 5 luxury pool beach villas, 3 connected beach villas (2 bed-room), 3 family villas (2 bed-room) and 7 garden villas.

Further, it offers a Padi five stars diving centre, an Indonesian Spa, numerous swimming pools and a gym. Tourists who want to discover the ocean can rent canoes, windsurf or go on a speedboat ride.


COCO RESIDENCES RELAUNCHED

This May, Coco Bodu Hithi completed the relaunch of its most exclusive residences, previously the Escape Water Residences, as the new Coco Residences. Tucked away from the rest of the resort, luxurious living is the focus in the 24 spacious, 184-sqm residences with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, a deep soaking tub and indoor and outdoor showers.

The expansive private decks come with an infinity pool, cabana and dining area, with direct access to the turquoise lagoon from a lower deck. Guests enjoy the services of a dedicated private butler, daily yoga and fitness classes, weekly sundowners and high teas.


DRIFT THELU VELIGA TO OPEN

Next month, Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat Maldives will open its very first property in the Maldives, nestled on a pristine island of Theluveliga, located in the South Ari Atoll, about 90km southwest of the capital, Malé.

The resort will offer 10 detached villas with stunning beach views, and 20 villas located on the crystal blue water. The retreat will offer a discreet selection of facilities, including a relaxing spa, sunset-facing bar and one main restaurant, to evoke an unspoilt experience.


ST. REGIS TO OPEN 2016

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced the signing of an agreement with Residency Resorts Malé, to debut the St. Regis brand in the Maldives. Set to open in 2016, The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives will bring the brand’s hallmark luxury services to one of the world’s most magnificent destinations, ideally situated on the private Vommuli Island in the Dhaalu Atoll.

A 40-minute seaplane ride southwest from the Republic’s capital city Malé, The St. Regis Vommuli Resort will be located on a private atoll spanning more than 20 acres, surrounded by unspoiled beaches and a secluded lagoon with sparkling turquoise waters.

The resort will feature 77 luxuriously appointed private villas; a tranquil spa with six private treatment rooms; an infinity swimming pool; fitness centre and yoga space; a dive and activity centre; as well as an all-day dining restaurant, three speciality restaurants and a signature bar.

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