Latest From Lalumi Travels

MAHRP’s Service Training With Ron Kaufman attracts over 357



Maldives Association of Human Resource Professionals (MAHRP) on Saturday hosted an exclusive training event with world’s leading customer experience consultant Ron Kaufman.

Titled Secrets of Achieving Superior Service Excellence, the day-long training programme took place at the main auditorium of the Maldives National University in capital Male. A total of 357 representatives from over 87 companies operating in the Maldives attended the event, which was sponsored by local telecom giant Dhiraagu.



“We are humbled by the positive response. Our event was sold out 10 days before the event, and even on the event day we received requests for seats. Special thanks to all our participants as we all made it happen and most importantly our main event partner Dhiraagu was amazing,” MAHRP President Hussain Afeef, who serves as the Regional Director of Training, Development and Quality Assurance at LUX* Resorts, said.

“Special thanks also goes to Allied Insurance, Pro light Photography, Metal Signs, Print Lab, Salsa Royal and Event Maldives for their support in making this a success.”



During this event, Ron shared powerful insights on achieving a sustainable competitive advantage through uplifting service, which has delivered substantial business results in many major companies around the world. His vast experience and scope with customer service experience across a range of businesses, from government agencies to world-class multinational companies including Singapore Airlines, Changi International Airport, Xerox, Marina Bay Sands, Wipro, Singtel, American Express, HP and Nokia was also shared as a part of this learning experience.



Key learning points from this event:
  • Exceed your customers’ rising expectations
  • Stand out with an excellent service mindset
  • Climb the stairs to Unbelievable! levels of service
  • Manage your customers’ expectations
  • Appreciate the value of customer complaints
  • Bounce Back! with effective service recovery
  • Shift from blame and shame to taking personal responsibility
  • See the world from customers’ point of view

“It was a privilege to have this event with MAHRP and to add value to Maldives as a nation. I look for many visits and seeing the country grow and develop,” Ron said.



Inaugurated in February, MAHRP is the first professional association registered in the Maldives, dedicated to human resources and people development.

The association’s mission is to serve the needs of HR professionals by providing the most current and comprehensive resources, and to advance the profession by promoting HR’s essential values, setting professional standards and providing the know-how. It is committed to linking and connecting HR professionals and practitioners locally and oversees through signature events and membership activities. 
8/05/2018

NOKU MALDIVES SET TO OPEN IN AUGUST 2018



Noku Maldives has announced plans to open its shores to guests in August.

A corporate dinner was held at Hotel Jen in capital Male Thursday where the resort’s General Manager Justin Heng shared the exciting announcement with travel industry partners. A lucky draw was also taken, giving two winners complimentary stays at Noku Maldives as well as its sister property, Noku Kyoto in Japan.

Previously operated as Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort by AAA Hotels and Resorts, Roxy-Pacific Holdings Ltd of Singapore acquired the leasehold interests of the island in 2016 from the local resort operator.

After extensive renovation of guest villas, public spaces and F&B outlets, the resort will open as Noku Maldives on August 1.

Located on the island of Kuda Funafaru in the northern Noonu atoll, Noku Maldives is accessible by a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.



Nestled amidst luscious tropical greenery and enveloped by a peaceful blue lagoon are 20 beach villas and 30 overwater villas. Each spacious unit is designed to offer utmost privacy and fitted with modern amenities to provide comfort. The refined elegance of each villa with its soft white hues and dark wood accents complement the beauty of nature seen through large bay windows and french doors.





The spacious beachfront Palms Restaurant serves up à la carte and buffet-style dining, while the menu of Thari Restaurant features elements of Thai, Japanese and Singaporean cuisine — flavourful tastes of the countries where Noku hotels are located in. The Palms Bar allows guests to indulge in refreshing cocktails that blend Eastern and Western influences. Guests can also have a thirst quenching beverage from the Thari Bar and lounge at the large main pool area.





Embracing nature is an integral aspect of the wellness programme at Noku Maldives. Rejuvenation begins with a beautiful garden walkway leading up to six double treatment suites with a relaxing view of the ocean. Each treatment room is thoughtfully designed as a sanctuary where stone and wooden accents achieve a deep sense of calm and relaxation. The wellness treatments use natural ingredients to enhance total wellbeing.



The pristine location of Noku Maldives houses a thriving marine ecosystem that includes dolphins, rays and populous fish diversity. Professional dive instructors at the resort’s dive centre will show guests the rich diversity of marine life suitable for all levels of experiences. Guests can also catch the light ocean breeze on a chartered catamaran, or feel the adrenaline rush while riding the waves on a jet ski or windsurfing activities.



Noku Maldives is the second property to be marketed under Roxy’s premium Noku brand. The first opened in Kyoto, Japan in November 2015.

Roxy also runs the Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy hotel in Singapore and the Noku Osaka hotel in the Japanese city of Osaka. A brand new property on the Thai island of Phuket, Noku Phuket is also set to launch soon.

7/01/2018

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Unveils New Family Getaway Experience, Enhances All-Inclusive Offerings



Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has announced three new exciting developments for holidaymakers: a new mega value-added Family Getaway experience, an improved all-inclusive offering and a new all-inclusive plus 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 speedboat from the main airport 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,” John Allanson, the resort’s General Manager, was quoted in an announcement, as saying.

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 programme.Many of the options are included in the Family Getaway Experience. Others involve a surcharge.The Outrigger in the Maldives has also ramped up its all-inclusive offering and created a new all-inclusive plus 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 USD 99++ per person per night, experience freedom with the new all-inclusive plus package, 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. Unmatched luxury is just a step away with our Family Getaway and all-inclusive options,” Allanson said.The private island of Konotta is located 340 kilometres to the south of capital Male, and is conveniently accessible via a 55-minute flight from the main Velana International Airport to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a scenic 30-minute journey on a luxurious private yacht.The award-winning Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers guests the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives. Comprising 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and the three-bedroom Grand Konotta Villa, the resort offers a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury.Captivate your senses with innovative dining concepts, the Navasana Spa, and high-end facilities. In between your diving lesson and massage, indulge in sumptuous Maldivian cuisine or a glass of white Burgundy in one of the resort’s restaurants or the comfort of your villa. As the sun sets, sample Japanese single malts at the Teppan bar while drinking in endless ocean views.
2/07/2018

Kurumba Maldives Offering Special Experiences For Valentines Day 2018



Kurumba Maldives, famous as the first private resort that opened in the Maldives, has planned well for the upcoming Valentine's. Be it a romantic couple massages next to the sparking ocean, a day at the spa with unique Maldivian healing treatments, or creative "love" cocktails in the bar, Kurumba is all set to lighten up the mood of guests and their loved ones.

Kurumba's signature dining outlet Thila restaurant will be offering a five course dinner, paired with the finest wine selection by a professional sommelier while their Italian restaurant Isola is also offering an exceptional three course dinner menu intricately designed by their Executive Chef, exclusively for the occasion. These dining experiences, planned to be set under a sea of stars, are a must-try by any couple looking for a relaxing night with delectable cuisines. A range of special accommodation deals are also available for the period which include a Romantic Getaway package offering a seamless escape to the resort for a few extras to enjoy, such as a Balinese massage at Veli Spa for a couple and relaxing Sunset Cruise in search of wild dolphins while viewing the sun setting over the horizon. 

Other holiday specials include romantic champagne and chocolate coated fruit delivery service from In-Villa Dining, dreamy Arabic nights in Fez, Kurumba's well known shisha lounge, with colorful after-dinner cocktails.

Situated in the North Male Atoll, Kurumba Maldives is accessible by a 10-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport. Even though Kurumba had a humble beginning with only 30 huts built of coral and thatched with coconut leaves at the time of inaugural, today Kurumba Maldives boasts eight styles of accommodation and various leisure activities.

For more information, Click Here.
2/06/2018

Mirihi Island Bags Four Regional Titles At 2018 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards




Mirihi Island Resort Maldives has bagged four regional titles at the 2018 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Mirihi secured the fourth place in the list of Top 10 Hotels in Maldives, seventh place in the list of Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Maldives, third spot in the list of Top 10 Hotels for Service in Maldives, and sixth spot in the list of Top 10 Hotels for Romance in Maldives.

Located in the South Ari Atoll, Mirihi Island is an intimate resort with only 37 rooms, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff. Guests will immediately feel at ease in the safe and beautiful environment. With sand covered floors throughout much of the hotel, guests can relax upon arrival where they will be encouraged to abandon their shoes and enjoy their stay barefoot with the powder-soft sand between their toes.

Travellers looking to socialise and meet like-minded people can book sunset sailing trips, whale shark safaris, diving trips, visits to local islands, sessions tasting the most comprehensive selection of fine rum in the whole of the Indian Ocean, and can enjoy complimentary weekly beach cinemas, board games, table tennis, football and more.

Alternatively, guests can enjoy some time away from it all in their private water or beach villa, on a secluded beach or while enjoying a pampering spa treatment.

TripAdvisor, the travel site that helps find the latest reviews and lowest prices, on Tuesday announced the winners of its Travelers’ Choice awards for Hotels.

Travellers’ Choice award winners were determined based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide.

In the 16th year of the awards, TripAdvisor has recognised 8,095 properties in 94 countries and eight regions worldwide. The hallmarks of Travellers’ Choice hotels winners are remarkable quality, service and value.

The awards celebrate hotel winners in the categories of Top Hotels Overall, Luxury, Bargain, Small, Best Service, B&Bs and Inns, Romance, Family and All-Inclusive. In addition, a new “Value for Money” hotel award category was created this year.
1/31/2018

Registration opens for GM Forum 2018
Registration for the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2018 is now open as Perspective Pvt Ltd—the publisher of Hotelier Maldives—prepares for the event to be held at Kurumba Maldives on April 18, 2018. The GM Forum, an annual gathering of general managers and hospitality industry stakeholders, consists of keynote speeches from industry leaders and interactive panel discussions by experts on the Maldivian tourism and hospitality industry and the region.
Inaugurated in 2016, the GM Forum provides insight into relevant and significant trends in the industry. GM Forum 2016 saw 16 brands represented at the gathering with 76 delegates and 47 general managers, resort managers and owners. Consequently, GM Forum 2017 saw an increase in participation with 21 brands, 97 delegates and 68 general managers, resort managers and owners.
The GM Forum 2018 would include presentations and panel discussions themed around Tourism Related Taxation, Trends in Destination Marketing, Guest Transfers and Non-room Revenue from Resorts. For more details about the themes of GM Forum 2018, please refer to: “GM Forum 2018 to feature discussions on a myriad of hotel industry issues”.

Participation at the previous editions of GM Forum

In recent developments, The Small Maldives Island Co. (TSMIC) confirmed Jean-Christophe Nager, the General Manager of Huvafen Fushi, to represent the brand at the GM Forum 2018. Jean-Christophe will represent Huvafen Fushi, Amilla Fushi and Finolhu, operated by The Small Maldives Island Co. (TSMIC) at the GM Forum 2018, and will also contribute his experiences as a member of a panel on Destination Marketing Trends.
To register your attendance at the GM Forum 2018, please visit hoteliermaldives.com/gmforum-register. For general and sponsorship inquiries, you may contact Ms Bunaanath Yoosuf on bunaanath@hoteliermaldives.com or mobile +960 791 0848 and +960 791 0858.
Highlights of GM Forum 2017




1/30/2018

Etihad Airways to boost Maldives connections from June 2018




Etihad Airways has announced four additional weekly flights on the popular Abu Dhabi-Malé route, taking frequency to the idyllic Maldives to 11 services a week from June next year.

The extra flights, effective June 15th, will operate year-round and provide more travel options with an early morning arrival enabling guests to maximise their stay in the Maldives.

In addition to providing greater choice and flexibility for UAE and GCC residents, overall connectivity and timing options between the Maldives and key countries on Etihad Airways’ European network will be enhanced.

These include the major markets of the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Russia.

The expansion from the current daily operation will continue to see a two-class A320 aircraft on the route, offering 16 seats in business class and 120 in economy.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways chief executive, said: “We are increasing frequency to 11 flights a week in order to cater to growing demand on the route, and to provide our guests with more choice of flights so that they can make the most of their stay in the Maldives.”

Since launching the route in November 2011, Etihad Airways has flown more than 550,000 passengers to and from the Maldives. Visitors from the UAE increased 35 per cent over the past 12 months, while Europe continues to be the main source market for the Maldives, one of the world’s premium honeymoon and leisure destinations.

The additional flights will operate every Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June.
1/29/2018

Gili Lankanfushi reveals 2018 wellness programme


Luxury Maldivian eco-resort, Gili Lankanfushi, is debuting a revolutionary new wellness programme for 2018.

Four world-leading international wellness practitioners, working in areas as diverse as transformational breath-work, sound therapy, and hypnotherapy, will be leading island residencies throughout the year.

The will offer treatments and workshops for guests, and passing on their skills to the team at the island’s Meera Spa.

The international wellness residency programme will kick off in March with bestselling author, Ayurveda enthusiast, cook, and wellbeing entrepreneur Jasmine Hemsley visiting Gili Lankanfushi from March 12th-19th.

Hemsley will be leading immersive and soothing sound bath sessions, helping guests to switch off their minds, open their hearts and nurture their spirits with waves of therapeutic crystal tones to balance the chakras.

April 10th-18th will see the arrival of international author, breath coach and founder of Breathing Tree, Rebecca Dennis.

Dennis trained in the cutting edge breath technique transformational breath, used to harness the power of conscious breathing to unblock emotions and release tension, and specialises in treating issues such as stress, anxiety, addiction and sleep problems. 

Meditation guide, inspirational speaker, writer and intuitive mentor Jody Shieldwill be taking over the island from August 22nd-29th.

Shield is fast becoming a household name amongst London’s high-fliers as the go-to healer to solve all manner of modern woes, supporting people to process the past, be present and build a life they love.

The final international wellness residency of the year will be hypnotherapist, anxiety expert and bestselling author Chloe Brotheridge.

She will be leading hypnotherapy workshops on the island for guests from November 10th-17th, to help with issues including anxiety, confidence and sleep problems.
1/29/2018

Hong Kong Airlines to fly to the Maldives from January



Hong Kong Airlines has announced it will operate a three-time weekly service to the Maldives from January 16th next year.

Located in the majestic Indian Ocean, the Maldives is comprised of a series of islands renowned for their natural beauty.



As a popular holiday hotspot, the islands that make up this exotic travel destination are blessed with white sandy beaches, and are surrounded by crystal clear water – home to a spectacular array of underwater life.

The perfect holiday begins even before passengers touch down at Malé, the capital of the Maldives.

Hong Kong Airlines will operate its Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which features a two-class configuration, including 32 full-flat seats in Business Class and 260 seats in Economy Class.

Combined with an immersive range of inflight entertainment content, and sumptuous gourmet meals in the air, Hong Kong Airlines is looking to deliver an unforgettable flight experience to all.

Wayne Wang, assistant director of commercial at Hong Kong Airlines, said: “The Maldives represents the perfect getaway for a growing number of travellers, having enjoyed a 5.9 per cent year-on-year growth during the first eight months of 2017, according to official statistics by the Ministry of Tourism (Republic of Maldives).

“Hong Kong Airlines is looking to meet this demand, as we strive to provide customers from Hong Kong and beyond with more choices than before.”

Flights will depart from Hong Kong to Malé International Airport every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Each traveller will receive a 30-day visa on arrival.

The flight time between Hong Kong and Malé is approximately six hours.


1/29/2018

Surfing in Maldives

Quincy Davis

Thought the Maldives was only about lagoon-flat shallows? Think again - the Indian Ocean islands have glassy-clear waters and uncrowded waves, says world-class shortboarder Quincy Davis

'I grew up in Montauk, New York, so I'd spend every day at the beach with my family, who are all surfers. Once I'd started myself, I was hooked, and wanted to be in the water all the time, whatever the weather. I'd stay in a wetsuit the entire day, only taking a break to eat.

I'll go pretty much anywhere for good waves. It's a long journey from New York to the Maldives, but it's a great place to stay on a boat and wake up every morning at a new surf spot. I love the super-glassy point breaks you get, with almost no one else in the water. You are surrounded the whole time by small islands with palms trees lining the sand, and you feel so isolated. Surfing in the islands consists of lots of long, top to bottom, right points with plenty of push. The water is so clear you can see beautiful fish underneath the whole time you're in the line-up.

When I'm not surfing, I'm usually wakeskating or wakesurfing behind the boat - it's especially fun when the swell is minimal. I take a variety of wetsuits with me on trips, for example, two full suits and a handful of shorter spring ones. In the water, I love wearing a Volcom bikini under a Cynthia Rowley wetsuit.

To get me in competition mode, I usually listen to rap music by Kendrick Lamar or Jay-Z. I've also started listening to Future Islands - it's perfect for chilling out to, especially with a watermelon juice and tequila.'
Frankie Harrer

A SURFING PLAYLIST FOR THE MALDIVES
by pro-surfer Frankie Harrer



'Whip It' by Devo ' This is just funny and catchy and fires me up, ready to get back into the water.'

'Police and Thieves' by The Clash ' I've been listening to The Clash forever, and I like surfing to energetic rock.'

'Let's Dance' by The Ramones ' I think punk also goes well with surfing, and I'm a big fan of the Ramones.'

'Loyalty' by Kendrick Lamar ft Rihanna ' You have to have some rap in the mix.'

'Stayin' Alive' by The Bee Gees ' Finally, there's got to be some disco hits in here too. This track is perfect.'

Source: cntraveller
1/28/2018

10 New Resort Openings in Maldives


In the year 2018 or so is going to be a busy time for the hospitality trade in The Maldives. A clutch of 10 new hotels will fling open their doors throughout 2018 and into early 2019, expanding its already well-established portfolio of luxury resorts.

Much loved by tourists for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs tourism in the Maldives has been steadily growing and recent figures reveal that it is 7.9% up on the same time last year. To accommodate the influx of holidaymakers an impressive 20 resorts have opened since 2013, 20 new resorts have already opened.

The most recent opening of Fushifaru Maldives, Reethi Faru and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort have been well received but hotly anticipated openings for 2018 and 2019 include Mӧvenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, Carpe Diem Beach Resort & Spa, the Italian-designed Baglioni Resort Maldives, ultra-luxurious Waldorf Astoria Maldives, LUX* North Malé Atoll, and four-star OBLU SELECT at Sangeli.

1 Fushifaru Maldives

Fushifaru Maldives

Just opened

Scheduled to open in late October 2017, Fushifaru Maldives goes beyond the typical confines of sun, sea and sand. Located on the eastern fringe of Lhaviyani Atoll, the island’s surrounding ocean is a nature-lover’s paradise and home to eagle rays, parrotfish and even the occasional hammerhead shark. Accommodation options at the resort include Beach Villas and Water Villas and the island also has three restaurants, including Raakani Grill, which serviced flavourful Asian delicacies and a wide range of fresh seafood. For a more private dining experience, guests can also pick a spot anywhere on the island or sandbank to enjoy a customised meal.

1/27/2018

World Travel Awards touches down in the Maldives


World Travel Awards has arrived in the Maldives as the finishing touches are put together in preparation of the Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2017.

The prestigious event will take place this Saturday, July 8th, at the five star Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, with hospitality leaders from across the region expected to attend to discover who among them has been voted the pinnacle of the travel industry.

Maldivian Idol hosts Moosa Waseem and Aminath Lamha Latheef – two of the most familiar faces on Maldivian television - will compere the event, which will also allow attendees to get in touch with authentic Maldivian culture through traditional dances such as Bandiya and Maafathi.

The main act for the evening will be performed by the legendary Maldivian singer Unoosha.

Speaking ahead of the event, WTA president Graham Cooke, said: “It will be our pleasure to welcome guests to Sun Aqua Vilu Reef.

“With just days to go until the event, we are putting the finishing touches in place and we look forward to greeting all our guests at what is a wonderful resort in a picturesque tourist hotspot.”

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef offers 103 luxurious rooms and suites - all of which come with deep soaking tubs, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service.

Beyond the bedrooms, guest can indulge in a signature spice-scented scrub at the spa or borrow a book to read while soaking up the sun on the pristine beach.

When night falls, sample one of Sun Aqua Vilu Reef’s restaurants serving a range of international cuisine, before enjoying a sundowner cocktail while listening to DJ spun tunes.

Evgenia Boyankova, group director of business development at Sun Siyam Resorts, added: “We are getting ready for World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony with great excitement.

“Myself and the team look forward to welcoming the participants to our boutique resort where Maldivian hospitality, culture and luxury is unrivalled, this Saturday.”

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others
aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.

World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.
 
7/05/2017
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