International Charity Reef Check Launches Beach Internship
Purple Coral Reef in the Maldives
The multinational charitable organisation, Reef Check, has launched a beach internship, a 10-day scheme designed to counteract the devastating effects the human race has had on the world’s coral reef.
Coral Reef Damage
According to Reef Check, fifteen percent of coral reefs around the world have been destroyed and more than 30% of what is left is endangered because of human damage.
Reef Check is working with Malibu Rum, aiming to attract attention to coral reefs around the world through the program, in which environmentalists will evaluate some of the most famous reefs in the world, including the Maldives, Thailand and the Phillippines. They will create awareness through social networking and blogging.
The ten selected participants will spend ten days visiting tropical reef structures in the Maldives, the Philippines and Thailand, learning how to scuba dive and sampling data from the reefs. They will monitor human impact through easy to recognize signals and indicators. The participants will also work with local people in the Maldives and the other countries, passing on sustainable solutions that will help protect the coral reefs, which are of considerable value to the local economies.
The Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort in the Maldives has announced an exciting new program for hotel guests, called “Catch It and Cook It”.
Olhuveli Resort Maldives
Catch It and Cook It at Olhuveli Beach & Spa in the Maldives
The Olhuveli Resort’s Catch It and Cook It program is designed so that resort guests spend half a day out fishing in the waters close to the hotel, catching fish, which they later learn how to gut and prepare, ready to be cooked and served for their evening meal.
Back at the Olhuveli Beach & Spa in the Maldives
Once the guests return to the Olhuveli Resort with their “Catch of the Day” in hand, the resort’s superb culinary team will learn local, Maldivian techniques of preparing seafood, using traditional herbs and spices used in the islands, all under the careful supervision and guidance of the resort chef. They will learn how to cook the fish over a typical Maldives barbecue.
About the Olhuveli Beach & Spa in the Maldives
The Olhuveli Beach & Spa in the Maldives is an amazing resort located on a private island in the South Male Atoll in the Maldives. It is an extraordinarily luxurious resort, featuring the quintessential Maldivian over-water huts that guests to the islands are so captivated by. The hotel offers an array of fun activities, including kite surfing, snorkelling, windsurfing, canoeing and water skiing. The new Catch It and Cook It helps to increase the resorts list of attractions to guests.
Olhuveli Beach & Spa Catch It and Cook It Prices
The Catch It and Cook It program is reasonably priced at just USD 69 for adults and USD 35 for children. For more information, visit the Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resortwebsite.
Maldives receives several nominations at the World Travel Awards
The Maldives has been nominated once again as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards while Male airport, the Maldives’ international airport, has been nominated for Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport at the 16th World Travel Awards which will be held on November 7th, 2009 at the Grosvenor House, AJW Marriot Hotel in London. Last year, the Maldives won the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination as well as the World’s Most Romantic Destination.
2009 World Travel Awards Competition
This year’s nominees have been announced on the official website of theWorld Travel Awards and the winners will be determined by the number of votes they receive.
Competing with Maldives in the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination category are Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Sri Lanka.
2009 World Travel Awards Nominees
The following Maldives companies have been nominated for awards at the World Travel Awards:
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Boutique Hotel:
• Cocoa Island, The Maldives
• Dhoni Mighili, The Maldives
• The Rania Experience, The Maldives
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort:
• Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Resort:
• Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives
• Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel:
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
• Soneva Gili by Six Senses
• Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort:
• Baros Maldives
• Huvafen Fushi Maldives
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort:
• Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
• Huvafen Fushi Maldives
• Kurumba Maldives
• Soneva Gili by Six Senses, Maldives
• Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Spa Resort category:
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
• Huvafen Fushi Maldives
• Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Maldives, Spa Resort & Marina
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Travel Agency category:
• Inner Maldives Holidays
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa category:
• Adaaran “Prestige” Water Villas, Maldives
• Baros Residence, Baros Maldives
• Deluxe Soneva Fushi Villa, Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives
• Hideaway Palace, Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Maldives, Spa Resort & Marina
• Koimala Land and Ocean Villa, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
• Royal Kurumba Residence, Kurumba Maldives
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Brand:
• Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
• Four Seasons
• Hilton Hotels
• Hotels Constance
• Naiade Resorts
• One & Only Resorts
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Group:
World Travel Awards – Nominations for Maldives Categories:
Maldives’ Leading Hotel:
• Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives
• Cocoa Island, Maldives
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
• Hulhule Island Hotel
• Kurumba Maldives
• Naladhu Resort
Maldives’ Leading Resort:
• Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
• Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
• Kurumba Maldives
• One & Only Maldives at Reethi Rah
• Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives
• Soneva Gili by Six Senses, Maldives
• Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
Maldives’ Leading Spa Resort:
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
• Huvafen Fushi Maldives
• Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Maldives, Spa Resort & Marina
• Kurumba Maldives
• Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives
• Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
Maldives Leading Villa:
• Adaaran “Prestige” Water Villas, Maldives
• Anantara Resort & Spa, Maldives
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Maldives’s Leading Water Villa:
• Adaaran “Prestige” Water Villas, Maldives
• Anantara Resort & Spa, Maldives
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
World Travel Awards Logo
The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 in order to celebrate excellence in the travel and tourism industry. According to Wall Street Journal it is the “industry’s equivalent to the Oscars!”
Maldives Resort Photos – The Perfect Holiday Destination
The Maldives is home to some of the most amazing resorts in the world. Indeed, nearly all the major chains are present in the Maldives and most of them choose to put the finest hotel in their collection in this magical island destination. The following are some of our favourite hotels and resorts.
Conrad Maldives
The Conrad Maldives, a member of the Hilton Group is located on Rangali Island in the Maldives. The private island resort boats 50 Water Villas, 79 Beach Villas and 21 Spa Water Villas, each with their own private spa treatment room. Everything at Conrad Maldives has been designed to wow and impress, from the mod cons in the room to the awe-inspiring underwater restaurant. The resort has been voted Best Resort in the Maldives on several occasions and once Best Hotel in the World!
The Underwater Restaurant at Conrad Maldives
Baros Maldives
Baros Maldives offers some of the finest accommodations you can imagine, all in an extremely relaxing setting with everything you need for the perfect resort holiday, including the best collection of restaurants in the entire country.
Traditional Maldivian Dhoni at Baros Resort
W Maldives
Member of the prestigious W Chain, W Maldives Retreat and Spa is fast becoming one of the nation’s most exclusive island holiday resorts.
Enchanting Beach Retreat at the W Maldives
Anantara Dhigu Maldives
Swimming Pool at Anantara Dhigu Maldives
The Anantara Dhigu Maldives is another incredible resort in the Maldives again set on a private island. Anantara offers everything for both the active and the relaxation-seeking traveler, from a breathtaking spa to a plethora of fun-filled watersports.
Four Seasons Maldives
The Four Seasons at Kuda Huraa is one of three Maldives options offered by the Four Seasons chain. They have a second hotel called the Four Seasons at Landaa Giravaaru and a luxurious liveaboard called the Four Seasons Explorer, perfect for scuba divers who want to combine adventure with extreme luxury.
Holiday is the perfect time for the whole family to go out and have fun together! Some families prefer to stay home and watch movies together while others prefer to go out of town and have an adventure. If you prefer the latter then the Maldives is the perfect destination for you and your family! It is a place rich in marine life. Every member of the family is sure to have a good time after stepping foot on the liveaboard safari ship of your choice. The liveaboard itself provides a relaxing atmosphere and a fun time. Maldives Dive Travel offers the most diverse selection of safari ships all at reasonable prices and with a whole range of amenities.
What is a Maldives Liveaboard
A liveabaord is a medium-sized private yacht which has been fitted out into usually 7 to 10 cabins, each sleeping 2 to 3 guests. Liveaboards are especially popular with scuba divers, since they cruise around the Maldives for several days to several weeks, stopping at the best dive sites in the country for the scuba divers to explore the amazing underwater marine life. All amenities are provided on board, in an all-inclusive basis, so it’s quite like a floating hotel.
Maldives Liveaboard Blue Lagoon
Maldives Liveaboard Activities
If you are not a scuba diving family, the kids will enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear blue ocean around the liveaboard, where different types of aquatic species are hanging around the rainbow-colored reefs. Other activities include water-skiing, jet-skiing, banana boating, local community and shopping trips and beach volleyball and football. All these activities are great because all the guests on board get involved and everyone gets to know each other. When everyone’s tired there is always the wide selection of food and drinks to get back on board for.
Maldives Liveaboard Night-time Activities
At the end of the day, the fun will still continue because Mom and Dad can enjoy some delicious exotic cocktails at the liveaboard safari ship bar while the kids can play board games in the saloon, chill out in their spacious rooms or read stories in their comfy beds. All rooms are air-conditioned and have bathrooms with hot showers. It’s nothing but quality! When the sun rises, it’s time to get ready for another day of adventures.
Reunite your Family on a Maldives Holiday
To wrap it all up, not only can a vacation in Maldives give the family a wonderful time it can also strengthen the relationship. The beauty of the place itself can uplift anyone’s spirit and make them appreciate the world a whole lot more. The clean air and water will make you all feel healthy, energized and pure again. It’s a holiday that everyone thought would only happen in their dreams! Well… in Maldives dreams do come true and sometimes it is even better than you had imagined… way better!
A Day of Charity Fun for President Nasheed of the Maldives
President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives
The President of Maldives and the First Lady took a day off from their busy schedule of running the country to take part in a charity football match of the People’s Majlis held last August 9th, 2009. As well as President Mohamed Nasheed, the esteemed guests included Dr. Mohammed Waheed Hassan, the Vice President and other dignitaries.
Anniversary Celebration of The Maldives’ Constitution
The football match was an event in itself, marking the first anniversary of the ratified Constitution. The Maldives’ first constitution was first proclaimed in 1932 under the rule of Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen III. In June 2008, a new constitution was drawn up, with the help of an assembly called the Special Majlis. Ratified by the President on August 7, 2008, the constitution brought about some significant changes which included a provision which stated that “a non-muslim may not become a citizen of the Maldives,” thereby effectively removing citizenship from around three thousand Maldivians, or around 0.85% of the population.
The Peoples’ Majlis and the Maldives’ Constitution
The Peoples’ Majlis is the main legislative body of the Maldives, having the authority to enact, amend and revise laws, with the exception of the Constitution. Composed of 77 members, the Maljis is opened by the President with a speech where he outlines his policies and achievements in his presidential term. Another one of the prime functions of the Majis is to pass the annual state budget.
Football Match Commemorates Maldives New Constitution
Members of the Kendhoo constituency as represented by Ahmed Thasmeen Ali’s team pit their football skills against Reeko Moosa Manik’s team, who represented members of the Hulhu-Henveyru constituency. Ahmed Thasmeen Ali , born in 1967, is the former Minister of Atoll Development in the Maldives, who introduced many modern scientific methods of investigation in the Maldives Police Service; while Reeko Moosa Manik is a member of Parliament for Laamu Atoll. Thasmeen’s team proved to be the victors, winning 2-3 over Reeko Moosa Manik’s team.
Charity Fun Day for Maldives Constitution Anniversary
A fun day all in all, the players and members of the team were given a treat when the President and Vice President met with them and congratulated them on a game well played. In the spirit of charity, the players’ jersey, as well as the game-winning ball were auctioned off, with the proceeds of the auction donated to the Kudakudhingé hiyaa at Malé-Villingili.
Huvafen Fushi, one of the Maldives’ finest island resorts, has launched a new package that will make their guests appreciate the Maldivian culture even more: a ride in their exclusively designed Dhonis! For those who are unfamiliar with the term, a Dhoni is one of the oldest sea vessels in the Maldives. It is a multi-purpose sail boat with lateen sails and it resembles a Dhow, a traditional Arabian sailing vessel. The Huvafen Fushi resort guarantees a one-of-a-kind travel experience!
Huvafen Fushi Dhoni Service
Guests who are staying in one of Huvafen Fushi’s beach-front bungalows will now be given an option to reserve their own Dhoni which offers a 24-hour service. The boat can be booked for one or all of the nights during their stay and it costs an additional $1,821 per night, a very reasonable price. Each 65-feet Dhoni has a friendly crew and private chef on board, ready to give all the guests the experience of a lifetime. The Huvafen Fushi crew is highly skilled in what they do and will make sure that everything is provided, includes a full meal and comfortable bedrooms. The guests will enjoy mouth-watering grilled seafood on a deserted island or an unforgettable cocktail cruise under the stars.
Huvafen Fushi Dhoni Amenities
The interiors of the Huvafen Fushi Dhonis are designed to match the style and quality of the Huvafen Fushi resort. The vessels are handcrafted and equipped with all kinds of luxury amenities, all presented in a distinctly Maldivian style. Each Dhoni has a bedroom with king-sized bed and Frette Linen, as well as a DVD player, Flat-screen television, iPod and a Bose surround sound system. It also has a kitchen with all the necessary utensils and a well-stocked Smeg fridge, a spacious bathroom designed by Philippe Starck and a living room area. What more can you ask for?
More about the Huvafen Fushi Resort
Huvafen Fushi Resort and Spa
Huvafen Fushi Maldives is an island resort located in the North Male Atoll. It offers 43 natural, yet modern bungalows and is home to the world’s first underwater spa! So, if you’re looking for a unique Maldivian adventure filled with local culture and nature, the Huvafen Fushi is the perfect spot for you. The resort’s beauty is incomparable and as soon as you set foot on the island, an amazing sense of calm and tranquillity will be like nothing you have ever felt before.
For more information about Huvafen Fushi Resort and their new Dhoni service, visit the hotel’s website. If you have stayed at Huvafen Fushi, please tell other Maldives travellers about it at Maldives Reviews.
A New Transport network for South Central Province
The Maldives government has signed an agreement with Maldives Dhoni Services regarding the opening of a transport network in the South Central Province of the country, the first step in the government’s project to provide a nationwide transport network. It includes colonized islands Thaa and Laamu Atoll and seven industrial islands.
Transport Network Ceremony
The Maldivestransport network agreement was signed by the Minister of Housing, Transport and Environment Mr. Mohamed Aslam on behalf of the Maldivian government while the Managing Director of Dhoni Services Ms. Fathimath Aleesha Ali signed on behalf of the company. During the ceremony President Mohamed Nashed explained the purpose of the agreement, saying that the transport network was established in order to free the people from the confines of their islands and gain access to necessary services that are closer to home. He also said that it is part of the government’s commitment in delivering on its pledges. Transportation is definitely important for a country’s development because without it, trade cannot flourish and progress becomes impossible. Mr. Aslam also spoke and said that many parties expressed interest in developing the network and each one was given the details of the project but that only five submitted proposals. Acting Policy Secretary at the President’s Office, State Minister Mr. Aslam Mohamed Shakir was the one who gave the presentation on how the transport network will be operated.
“In case you don’t know, a Transport Network is a network of roads, streets, power lines or any structure which permits vehicular movement,” he explained.
Traditional Dhoni Boat in the Maldives
The Future of the Transport Network
With all that being said, there can be no doubt that the agreement will help the South Central Province improve even more! A transport network is something that a country composed of islands really needs. As President Nashed said in his speech, the transport network will help the people communicate with nearby islands and have access to goods and other necessities. It will also make travelling easier, not just for the citizens but also for the tourists, compared to riding boats but most importantly it is a part of progress. Drastic change needs to happen in order to move forward.
In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” It seems like President Nashed kept this quote in mind!
The 50-year agreement was signed Thursday August 6, 2009 at President Nashed’s office. The new age of the South Central Province has already begun!
When most people hear the “top-level domain”, what do they think of? Most people will say .net, .org, .edu or the most commonly used .com. You might also think of the country-specific domains like .co.uk or .mv. For the most part, people are content with the top-level domains on offer, but what if there was a new domain that could somehow change the world, particularly in terms of repairing or avoiding a bigger climate crisis? Would you support and use the new domain or just stick with the .com or .net?
Support for .eco
Internet company Dot Eco LLC is aiming to impulse the implementation of the .eco top-level domain, currently backed by a number of environmental groups, including the Sierra club, the Alliance for Climate Protection and certain environmentally-conscious celebrities including Al Gore. Despite this support, Dot Eco still needs more as they continue to face criticisms that the top-level domain will only further complicate the WWW, but this is not true.
Benefits of .eco
You are probably wondering how can a simple “.eco” can make a change. How can it save the environment? First of all, 50% of the profits generated by the domain will be donated to non-profit organisations, charities and environmental foundations. These organisations will also be given free web addresses and any for-profit organisations will receive help with their ‘green’ projects and those domain fees will also be donated. Implementing and reaping the benefits of the .eco domain is definitely not an easy task, but with a lot of support it could make a huge difference.
Getting Started with .eco
Another question is how to implement .eco top-level domains. Only one organisation is in a postion to do it – the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). It has the authority to determine whether or not a top-level domain will make it online. At the moment, ICANN is working on opening their program, the Generic Top-Level Domains or GTLDS which will release a group of new extensions. The only thing left to do now is spread the word!
How can you help .eco get started?
You can make a big difference by registering and filling out a form at www.Supportdoteco.com/support. Just by doing that, you will show ICANN and American Congress that you believe in .Eco as a suitable top-level domain. The climate crisis is affecting all of us at the moment and is going to get worse before it gets better, but if we all work together and stay optimistic then we can make a difference. Let’s do whatever it takes to protect our planet! New ideas and solutions like .eco could form an important part of our future.
The Maldives and .eco
.eco could be a great opportunity for environmental organisations that until now have used .org as their top-level domain to change and further brand themselves as environmentally-focused organisations.
For more information about top-level domains and webmaster/SEO tools, visit Domain Fox.
A new mid-range hotel is soon to open its doors to t0urists seeking peace and relaxation in the Maldives. Situated in Male, the capital of the Maldives, the InterContinental Hotels Group is set to open its 117-room Holiday Inn Male on September 1, 2009.
Holiday Inn Male
Holiday Inn Male Location
Located near the harbor front, with shops and markets within a short walking distance, guests of the new Holdiay Inn Male will find various historical places of interest like the Presidential Palace, the Old Friday Mosque, and the Sultan Park to be very accessible.
Holiday Inn Male Facilities
Meetings and conferences in the Maldives will never be the same again thanks to the luxurious accommodations, food and beverage outlets, recreation and communication facilities at the hotel, which is just a short, five-minute speedboat ride from the international airport!
Holiday Inn Male Accommodations
The rooms at the Holiday Inn Male offer luxury fit for a king. They feature either king beds or two twin beds with all the conveniences and comforts you would expect from one of the world’s leading hotel chains. Need to reconnect with the world during your vacation? Broadband internet, LCD TVs, and other amenities and facilities await your disposal!
Holiday Inn Male Guestroom
Local Amenities
The Holiday Inn Male is located at the corner of Ameer Ahmed Magu, so you never need to worry about fine dining or entertainment, as there are various eateries such as the Lobby Café, an all-day dining restaurant,a rooftop restaurant that offers European/Japanese fusion cuisine and a 24-hour in-room dining all for your gourmet pleasure!
Holiday Inn Male Entertainment
Guests will never be at a loss for entertainment, because the Holiday Inn Male boasts of a variety of fun activities such as big game fishing, snorkeling, island excursions and picnics, Male city tour, photo flights, resort day visits, submarine trips, and a host of other great activities to enjoy! The Holiday Inn Male also has a rooftop swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center and a coconut spa where you can feel your stress melt away!
Holiday Inn Male Business Amenities
For business-minded people who want to hold a conference in the Maldives, the Holiday Inn Male also has four versatile meeting rooms, one of which is the Grand Ballroom which offers 255 square meters of space, all equipped with the latest technology! Conduct your business in style!
A truly great place for business or pleasure, the Holiday Inn Male has everything you need, whether you’re looking for a calm and tranquil atmosphere for your holiday, or on a necessary business trip, the Maldives is a unique destination, and the Holiday Inn Male is a great place to call your home away from home.
For more information about the Holiday Inn Male, and to make reservations, visit the hotel’s website. Once you have visited the hotel, why not write a review on www.MaldivesReviews.com
