Maldives Resorts

Spectacular white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, crystal clear turquoise waters, exquisite coral gardens and breathtaking sunsets, the Maldives is truly the most unique, enchanting locations on earth!   Described as ‘The jewel in the Indian ocean’,possessing a dream like beauty unknown anywhere else in the world.  A delicate balance of land and sea, creating that picture perfect haven that so many dream about but never find!

Each resort is unique in it self and will appeal to different couples, so taking your time to select the right one for your special celebration is very important.  Some offer a complete quiet sanctuary, to relax and simply unwind.  Whilst others offer state of the art accommodation, plunge pools, indulgent spa treatments, international five star cuisines and personal butler service.

The Maldives is renowned to be one of the top Honeymoon destinations in the world and we have carefully hand picked the very best the Maldives has to offer which will cater for all your budgets. 

WEDDINGS / RENEWAL OF VOWS PACKAGES

Renewal Packages

Just like the resorts, the renewals of vows packages they offer are unique.  You can choose from a simple beach ceremony, where you can feel the soft white sand between your toes and hear the gentle lapping of the clear ocean as you exchange your vows or go for something a little more elaborate and special, such as an underwater wedding ceremony.  No distraction from the outside world and perfect for keen scuba divers as this is a wonderful way to seal your love for each other and your love for the ocean.

Conrad Maldives offers the amazing experience of the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant ceremony, where you can see an array of marine life swimming by as you say ‘I do’!  How many people can say they had Angel Fish or Butterfly fish as a guest at their wedding?  If you are really lucky you may find a cheeky Manta or Turtle gate crashing the day!

For the ultimate in privacy and tranquility you may want to experience a ‘Castaway Island’ ceremony, where you have your own private island / sand bank for the ceremony.

If you really want the WOW factor then choose the WOW VOWS Escape from W Retreat – the coolest ceremony on your private sailing boat.  Eat, drink, star gaze and spend the night on the romantic nautical getaway.  Gaze into each others eyes and say your vows on the deck of the Escape as the sunsets.  The perfect backdrop to your perfect day!

• "FREE RENEWAL OF VOWS PACKAGE"

LUX Maldives – Stay minimum of 10 nights and you could qualify for a FREE Renewal of Vows Package –Tropical setting on the beach, flower bouquet, Traditional Bodu Beru bank,sparkling wine and canapés, coconut tree planting and in villa romantic bubble bath.  ^{* subject to availability and some date bands may be blacked out}

• "NEW – Introducing Renewal of Vows packages on our very own ATOLL EXPLORER CRUISE BOAT"

How would you like our very own Captain (complete in Captains Uniform) to conduct your special ceremony on one of the beautiful picnic islands we visit during the cruise at sunset!

Sunset wedding setup, Bodu beru drums, Flower garland, wedding cake and champagne, flying lantern, romantic bed decoration and breakfast in bed the following morning. 

Ceremony

The wedding ceremony will be conducted by a member of the resort team; this could be a Wedding Co-coordinator or one of the Managers.  The ceremony is quite simple and will usually last only 15 – 20 minutes.  It is important to note that the ceremonies in the Maldives are only symbolic and are not legal. What is included in the ceremony will vary from resort to resort, depending on the package that you book but most ceremonies will include some of the following:  Fresh flower bouquet for the bride, wedding cake, champagne or sparkling wine, music – this could be my DVD or some resorts offer a traditional live Bodu Beru music,photographic memories and special certificate.

Decorations Depending on your chosen location for your ceremony, you may find that a Gazebo has been set up, decorated with beautiful flower garlands.  Some resorts do more traditional settings with arches made from banana leafs, whilst others have a special wedding pavilion completed decked out with silk, ribbons and flowers. Dress Remember the Maldives is generally warm and humid with year round temperatures averaging between 29 – 32 degrees Celsius.  Many brides chose to bring a traditional wedding dress, whilst others choose to be more casual and wear a simple, light summer dress, or even a sarong.  For a more traditional Maldivian wedding, most resorts can offer you a traditional his/her Maldivian out fit to wear for the ceremony.  One thing is for sure, ladies you do not need nice fancy heals for a beach wedding! Leave those at home!

Preparations

On arrival in resort you will meet with the Wedding co-coordinatorwho will run through the final details of your special day.

Some wedding packages include a spa treatment prior to the wedding ceremony, to get your special day off to a perfect beginning.

Romantic Extras

Many of the resort renewal of vows packages will include romantic extras as part of the package price. These can include a romantic sunset cruise, a candlelight dinner,special turn down service, including a beautiful floral aromatherapy bathceremony, coconut tree planting, in villa breakfast the following day and small wedding gift.

Optional Extras

Many resorts will offer you a whole host of extras to enhance your wedding experience.  Again these can vary from resort to resort but popular additions include:  Massages, Facials, make up and hair, printed photographs, professional videographer and if the bride would prefer a more elaborate bouquet or one tailored to her favorite flowers this can usually beat an additional cost.

HONEYMOONS The Maldives is considered to be one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world so you will find all the resorts will offer Honeymoon benefits to guests.  The benefit packages will vary from resort to resort and can be very simple from a romantic bed decoration, fruit and wine on arrival, to more indulgent packages including spa treatments, champagne and chocolates and candle light dinners. In order to qualify for you honeymoon benefits it is important to notify your agent at the time of booking so he/she can pass this information onto the resort.  All resorts will require a copy of your valid marriage certificate on arrival and in most cases it should not be more than 6 months old. Some resorts do allow 12 months validity whilst others only offer 3 months validity.  It is worth checking out what a selection of resorts offer as packages before settling on your chosen resort.

MEMORIES OF YOUR HONEYMOON / WEDDING

More and more couples these days would like to capture the memories of their honeymoon on camera but using the services of a professional photographer.   Scaevola Travel has teemed up with Pixel Studio in the Capital Male and we can pre book your professional photographer to come to your resort to capture those memories on digitally for you. If your wedding package does not include the services of a professional photographer and you like one,again we can make the arrangements on your behalf.  Contact us for your personal quote.

SCAEVOLA TRAVEL CONCIERGE SERVICE Scaevola Travel Concierge Service can complete your ultimate wedding or honeymoon experience.  Somethings are so important - or just so tempting! - That they are worth asking your Scaevola Travel Concierge to arrange before you travel. Mark your special occasion by arranging wine, champagne or a cake to be in your room on arrival.

Surprise your bride to be or your new bride with a stunning fresh flower arrangement/bouquet delivered to the resort.  Let us arrange those special unique extras to make your dream honeymoon or wedding even more amazing!   Everything from Spa Treatments, Romantic meals, Sunset Cruises or Desert Island experiences, the list is endless and I’ll be only too happy to assist with obtaining prices and making the arrangements for you. What to arrange a special wedding present for the bride & groom in resort, then look no further than our Concierge Service.

SCAEVOLA TRAVEL WEDDING GIFT TO YOU

All Scaevola Travel guests will receive a small souvenir from the Maldives as small wedding gift from us to you.

Our two week cruise with Atoll Explorer just got better. From the 28th October 2013, we will be combining the Alif Cruise and Vaavu Cruise so that those of you who enjoy cruising for two weeks will not have to stay in Male Atoll longer. One week cruising is still possible on either the Alif or Vaavu Cruise! Look on the map! 

		Day 1  Male (near kurumba) Day 2  Koajaadi finolhu Day 3  Rasdhoo /madivaru finolhu Day 4  Velidhu Day 5  Alikoyi rah Day 6  Meeru Day 7  Dhiggiri Day 8 Dhiggiri Day 9 Sand bank near theluveligaa Day 10 (full day picnic and whale shark excursion by dhoni) Day 11 Vashugiri (vaavu atoll) Day 12 Maadhoo (south male) Day 13 Biyahdoo (south male) Day 14 Male (near Kurumba) Dates:  13 May/27 May/10 June/ 24 June/8 July / 22 July / 5 August / 19 August

CRUISING THE MALDIVES ON THE ATOLL EXPLORER : A VERY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

Whilst I was in my home country of the Philippines, I kept looking at the yachts and cruises along Manila Bay and hoped that one day I would be able to cruise on a boat, although not long distance.

Atoll Explorer Day 1

Now I’m fortunate to work in the Maldives and lucky for me I had the chance to enjoy a week long holiday – yes on a cruise. Yey! I was really excited as although I live here in paradise, working in an office 6 days a week, I haven’t had much time to see its true beauty, so this is a great way to do it!

My friend and I arrived late night in the boat as I have to finish work for the day. We were met by the crew upon arrival and were given a brief introduction, safety briefing and the itinerary for the following day by Aneef the AE guest relations prior heading to our cabin. This week we are heading to South Male Atoll. After dinner, we slept early in anticipation of what tomorrow would bring us. 

Awaken by the sun’s rays peaking inside the glass window of our cabin; we headed to the dining area where they served delectable buffet breakfast. After breakfast, we went to have our names listed for diving. We were asked to fill-out forms and given introductory information and watched videos by PADI accredited Euro Divers with the Dive Manager, Saeed.   Although my friend is a PADI qualified diver this was all new for me.

Atoll Explorer Day 1

Little did I know that we were to dive to the depth of 10 meter in 30 minutes time!    All the credit goes to Saeed as he is a very god instructor and made me feel at ease. The thing that I learned is that diving is a lazy sport: it has to be done slowly and in a relaxed way so you can enjoy it – that’s what I put on my mind and it worked for me. ;)We headed to the sandbank nearby Biyadhoo. The staff set-up an umbrella and chairs for shade from the sun and where we could put our belongings.    Prior to diving, Saeed had to do the usual standard procedure: knowing how to breathe under water when the regulator is removed and what do to when water comes in the mask. He again reminded us of the signals underwater. The thing that I learned first was the UP sign – which means “go up in the water”.  :D

Atoll Explorer Day 2

On our third day, we went to Madhoo.  It is a private picnic island with lush vegetation and shallow lagoons everywhere.  You could just walk to the nearby island from there.  It has white sandy beach and amazing colors of blue. At night, we had a very lively traditional Maldivian dance, Bodu Beru, where everyone was given a chance to play a drum along with the band which is made up of crew members including the Captain!   Everyone was happy to participate and just freely dance to the beat. The staffs were just too energetic and encourage you to dance along with them.

Another adventure starts again on our 4th day – this time we go to Vashugiri in Vaavu Atoll. The island is small yet very stunning – fine sands, very clear lagoon, and amazing house reef everywhere - whoa! I think this is the best I’ve ever been. The area is covered so we don’t have to worry about being exposed to the sun or wet from the rain…. (Yes we had rain!).  You can actually sit all day in the hammock and feel the breeze of the wind flowing freely as it is situated amidst the ocean. 

At night time, one of our fellow passengers celebrated her birthday and by coincidence it was also Valentine’s Day too – all in one celebration for everyone else.  The staff arranged a heart-shaped in the sand with rose candles that glowed in different colors around it.   Tables were arranged as well with Happy Birthday written using sea shells!   Dinner was a delicious barbeque with chicken/beef and tuna, creamy soups, tuna salad, baked potatoes, grilled corn, etc. . . .  I ate too much that my tummy had no space for anything else.    Music was playing all around and after we had finished eating everyone danced to the beat – both guests and staff danced together that made it another fantastic night on the picnic island.  

Atoll Explorer Day 3

On our 5th day, we went to another amazing sandbank close to Rihiveli Resort. Despite that some of the Coral was dead; we were able to see fishes with amazing different colors.   I was snorkeling like I was as fish and so engrossed that I didn’t realize that I had gone so far out.  I was just so transfixed but it was great and I was safe.   At 9pm, we went out for night fishing.   We sat and waited patiently for almost 2 hours with our baits. One of us caught fish while the others caught corals with it. We were not lucky enough that night to catch more fish though.  

Day 6 we went to the resort, Biyadhoo.  It is small property with lush of vegetation and amazing house reef making it a good spot for divers and snorkelers. Schools of fishes were everywhere that Seagull found it very easy to find food. :D  The island is rich with marine life. We took a lot of underwater photos to capture the amazing sight down under. 

At night time, we did the much awaited and anticipated night snorkeling.   The water was calm and so it was perfect.  We were given underwater flashlights so we could see the fish.  The dhoni took us to the house reef – yes it is open water!  I got scared as I do not know how to swim but our snorkeling guide Faisal was with us all the time, so I felt safe as he’s a qualified life guard.

Atoll Explorer Day 4

When we returned in the boat, the staff had prepared a very special table presentation for the Captain’s night dinner.  They put some flowers and petals on the table with a lamp as a light (I was thinking like a candle light dinner – very romantic settings). As usual, a sumptuous meal had been prepared once again by the head chef and his three colleagues, all from Sri Lanka.  Captain Shareef introduced each and every staff on the board which we gave round of applause.  We just hoped this didn’t have to end too soon but we had to get ready for the coming day tomorrow...

The days seemed to fly by too quickly and our holiday was coming to an end.   The thought of going back to reality somehow saddened me as I was going to miss these new friends and of course miss the adventure on board the Atoll Explorer but lucky for me living here, it means I can revisit often, and I WILL! 

On our last day we  went to a sandbank near Maafushivaru where most of my fellow passengers spent time snorkeling whilst I stayed on the sundeck enjoying a good book and updating my face book status as I wanted to just enjoy the relaxation and breeze on the sundeck.

I had an amazing time and hats off to Captain Sharaaf and to all his dedicated crew for the amazing job they do.Thank you Atoll Explorer for the warm hospitality and for the fantastic Maldives experience one could ever have. 

DENISE & NICK SHARE SOME OF THEIR HOLIDAY SNAP SHOTS FROM THE ATOLL EXPLORER

SALING: 7TH JANUARY - 21ST JANUARY 2013

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES & ACTIVITIES

CAPTURED WHILST SNORKELLING

To view all these photo's and more please join our face book page www.facebook.com/atollexplorer

A fantastic way to see the Maldives!

Where in the World do I want to be? That's simple I want to be on the Atoll Explorer with Captain Sharaf & his wonderful crew and friends that I've made there some old and some new I'd snorkel with Faisal and dive with Saeed Then lie on the sundeck or just sit and read I'd join in the drumming at Bodu Beru and dance on the beach at the night Barbeque So thanks for the memories I've got quite a few The Atoll Explorer's where dreams do come true p.s. I'm counting the weeks until I will be back My siiutcase is ready I can't wait to pack Missing you all Luv "Mama Maggi"

ATOLL EXPLORER

The Atoll Explorer is a unique experience in the the Maldives.

Unlike any other boat in the Maldives the Atoll Explorer caters for those guests who like to simply relax and soak up the sun on uninhabited islands and stunning sandbanks and take a dip in crystal clear lagoons.

For snorkellers we visit some amazing reefs and for dive enthusiast we have a fully equipped dive school on board operator by one of the best dive companies worldwide - Euro Divers.

To book contact our Travel Consultants

HIGHLIGHTS FROM ATOLL EXPLORER CRUISE 26TH NOVEMBER 2012

We welcomed some old and new friends to the Atoll Explorer on our first sailing.

ATOLL EXPLORER	Captain Sharaf
Heading to picnic island	Picnic Island

Perfect weather conditions!

Fred & Loreen

Nesta enjoys band night

Fred & Loreen were happy to put their fish back on the wall where it belong and Nesta enjoyed a dance on live band night!                         

The Maldives has been awarded as the “World’s Leading Island Destination”, at the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2012 which was held the Oberoi Gurgaon, New Delhi, India

“World Travel Awards exists to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate excellence in travel tourism and hospitality, which is why your company was chosen by fellow professionals across the globe for a World Travel Award” said the Mr.Graham E. Cooke the Chairman and Founder of World Travel Award Grand Final 2012.

The World Travel Awards has become the Oscar equivalent of the global tourism industry since its establishment in 1993. This distinguished endorsement of the Maldivian tourism product by the World Travel Awards further highlight the uniqueness of the Maldives as a destination. Winning such prominent awards indicates the visitor’s love and confidence towards Maldives and further generates the investor confidence.

Maldives is to host the awarding ceremony of World Travel Awards Indian Ocean event in 2013.

In addition, some of the Maldives tourism industry players also won important awards in this category;

1. World’s Leading Luxury Resort - Gili Lankan Fushi
2. World’s Leading Resort and Spa - Gili Lankan Fushi
3. World’s Most Romantic Resort - Baros Maldives

W Retreat & Spa Maldives - Guests have their own tropical play ground when reserving Gaathafushi.  The island is yours, for the day or for an overnight ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience.

Indulge in exquisite serenity while exploring the surrounding silent lagoon or hang out on the signature W Bed under a thatched roof. Unwind like never before while your own private chef sets up a special candle light BBQ as the sun dips over the horizon. Wake up as the sun rises and sample Chef Nikolaj’s innovative breakfast cuisine.

Ku the retreat’s W Insider says “This is a once in a lifetime experience. Miles from everywhere and a short speedboat ride away from the main retreat our guests get to live like the jet setters they are. An overnight stay on Gaathafushi allows you to recharge and prepare for whatever is next - like no other location in the Maldives can. As a true W Insider I recommend guests to download our W Hotels iPhone APP so that the latest beats from our DJ Lab artists are ready to amplify the island life and to bring along a volley ball as well as the latest best seller novel. Anything else – Just ask.”

W Retreat & Spa Maldives is a tropical playground in the Indian Ocean that’s perfect for relaxing, playing, and recharging for your next adventure. Connect with inner peace and go along with the pace of island life. Experience one of the 78 Retreats, either on the beach side or over water which gives you access to endless Indian Ocean views. Succumb to an inviting concept of dazzling blue waters, spectacular reefs and pristine sands infused with style and soul. AWAY® Spa at W Maldives is a call back to nature with four over water treatment villas, each with a private outdoor area.

Scaevola Travel is delighted to announce the purchase of Atoll Explorer diving cruiser from Universal Enterprises. The Maldives - based travel agent specializes in the inbound market and its executive management shares more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry between them.

Atoll Explorer is a 20-cabin cruise boat offering facilities and entertainment for divers and non-divers alike, whether you want to explore the underwater world, soak up some tropical sun on the deck or enjoy a picnic on a sandbank.

A Scaevola Travel spokes woman said: “We’re thrilled to announce our acquisition of Atoll Explorer which has been providing first class live aboard cruises for more than 15 years with clients returning year after year.

“She’s a firm favourite because she is very different to other boats in the Maldives. She is more than a standard safari boat; she offers just as much for non-divers as she does for divers.With the wonderful Captain Fulhu and his crew on hand to make them feel very welcome and all the attention to detail, people keep coming back time and time again!”

In 1996 Atoll Explorer became the first live aboard to offer first class cruising in the Maldives. The laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, comfortable facilities and all-inclusive meal plan are a winning combination. Guests love the on-board experience so much that many of them come back to repeat the experience time and time again.Some guests have even sailed on her more than 30 times.

There’s plenty to keep guests occupied on board including international buffets, picnics on uninhabited islands, fishing, snorkelling, visiting inhabited islands and local cultural shows.

She is also fully-equipped with a professional PADI dive team operated by Euro Divers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the team can offer a range of PADI courses as well as trips where you can spot turtles, rays, moray eels and all kinds of other colourful aquatic life.

Scaevola Travel was founded in 2009 and features more than 50 resorts in its portfolio. The company has its own exclusive agent in Shanghai (China) and also works with agents in Russia, Sweden, Belgium, Egypt, Germany and India. With the acquisition of Atoll Explorer, Scaevola Travel hopes to work with even more agents from around the world.