Wishing all our customers and well wishers a happy new Year 2012!

Dusit International is thrilled to reveal their first venture into the Indian Ocean, Dusit Thani Maldives. Surrounded by a vibrant 360 degree coral reef and turquoise lagoon, this island property is a landmark addition to the company’s global brand. The resort is scheduled to open in early 2012.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé. Surrounding the island perimeter, the living house reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, ideal for discovering an underwater world just metres from the beach. Baa Atoll is not only home to Dusit Thani Maldives but also has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.  
“Our entire operation is geared toward achieving a carbon-neutral programme,” states Andres Rubio, General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives.  “We’re excited to be one of the leaders in sustainable resort development in the Maldives.”
With the goal of living in harmony with Maldivian biodiversity, Dusit Thani Maldives is launching as a local pioneer in green energy solutions.  To ensure minimal impact on the environment, the resort invested in state of the art engineering for efficiency.  Its approach includes solar thermal heating in back of the house while the front of the house uses heat recovery pumps, all metered for power consumption.  An on-site water-bottling factory produces still and sparkling mineralized water to reduce one-way plastics.  Additionally the hotel laundry is heated by a diesel steam boiler using minimal electricity.  LED (light emitting diode) lights illuminate all guest areas at Dusit Thani Maldives.  
Green initiatives are in place throughout the entire resort.  Biodegradables are used for composting, fertilising and landscaping.  Meanwhile restaurant staff do their part by cultivating an herb and vegetable garden lowering the carbon footprint and reducing the reliance on imported produce.  
Complimented by the Molton Brown Body Remedies luxury line, Dusit Thani Maldives is the first resort in the Indian Ocean to feature this new range of beauty products in guest villas.  As Molton Brown’s most ecologically responsible range to date, all of the plant ingredients are from sustainable sources and packaging is 100% recyclable.  In addition, their products contain no petrolchemicals or harsh detergents.
The resort is also home to the largest infinity pool in the Maldives.  Measuring a full 750 square metres, Dusit Thani Maldives’ centrepiece integrates technology and nature and flows around a stately banyan tree.  Our environmentally-forward approach also means all pools are installed with a saline system and use no chlorine.
Known for frequent sightings of dolphins and sea turtles, Mudhdhoo Island is only a ten minute speedboat ride to Hanifaru Huraa in Baa Atoll, the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a plankton-rich feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks.  
A popular dive spot frequented by tourists, fishermen and scientists, Hanifaru Huraa is now protected by the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Management Programme.  Their goal is to conserve all biological and natural resources within the Atoll and improve the lives of local residents with research, awareness and education.  Guests can visit this protected marine zone or simply snorkel the spectacular house reef on Mudhdhoo Island.
Dusit Thani Maldives is fortunate to be located in the backyard of a worldwide-renowned biosphere harbouring such an array of rare species found only in Baa Atoll.  Mudhdhoo Island itself is the perfect example of a ring-shaped reef form called a faroe, a peculiar reef structure unique to the Maldives.  Since the island is a natural sea turtle habitat, the resort has an extensive hatching awareness programme to protect turtle nesting.  The resort is also actively involved in a national shark conservation campaign and aims to achieve a total ban on the shark fishing and the export and sale of shark products.  

Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives is now open. Receiving its first guests on the 14th December, the ultra luxury resort catering for couples, families and small groups is the second Jumeirah property to open in the Maldives this year.

Located a mere 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, Jumeirah Vittaveli is a convenient option for travellers visiting the Maldives.

Nestled in a spot of astounding beauty, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers 91 villa-suites, all with their own spacious private pool. The resort introduces a variety of accommodation options on the island and over water, ranging from 184m2 to 800m2. Other feature highlights include three restaurants, a bar, a 1080 m2 Talise Spa and comprehensive facilities for young children and teenagers. You can find hotel details on the following link: www.scaevolatravel.com/Accommodation/Jumeirah-Vittaveli

Every consideration has been taken for the enjoyment of the younger guests as well as preserving peace and tranquillity for the adult visitors.  The resort features Sinbad’s Kids Club for children from two to 12 years of age, and a teen club for those aged 12 and above, both offering interactive, fun and educational programmes for all ages. In addition a dedicated family and children’s pool has been created, adjacent to the Kids and Teens clubs.

The resort also offers specific children’s menus in all three restaurants and throughout the in-villa dining menu.  Even Talise spa has introduced special treatment programmes for families. ‘Aaila’ is the Maldivian word for family, ‘Aila Time’ invites families to enjoy an awakening of a personal reconnection, whilst the ila ‘beyond’ journey educates young adults aged between 12 and 16 about the joy of spa, preparing them for a lifetime of well being.