Concern over Maldives spa 'prostitution' closures

Tourism operators in the Maldives have expressed concern over a government order to shut down all spas and health centres in resorts.

The ban followed allegations by an opposition Islamist party that spas were being used for prostitution.

Tourism is a key foreign exchange earner for the Maldives.

The islands are a popular destination for wealthy honeymooners and celebrities where luxury rooms can cost up to $12,000 (£7,748) a day.

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry said the ban would harm the economy. It has appealed for a resolution of the issue.

The tourism ministry on Thursday instructed all resort hotels across the hundreds of islands that make up the Maldives to shut down spas and health centres offering beauty treatments and massages with immediate effect.

Last week the opposition Adhaalath party, a conservative religious movement, staged a protest in the capital Male against such spas, arguing that they were being used as brothels.

"An Islamic party has been agitating against spas hoping to embarrass the government," a senior government figure told the AFP news agency.

So far this year the Indian Ocean country has received more than 850,000 tourists attracted to its turquoise blue lagoons and spectacular corals with multi-coloured fish.

Last week President Mohamed Nasheed called for a "tolerant" form of Islam in the country amid growing concern about the influence of hardline Islamic parties.

Industry sources say that they expect the government eventually to revoke the decision on spas because of the huge revenue earned from the business.

Source: bbc news.

Nature’s Underwater World In The Maldives

While the Maldives is famous for its swaying palms, sunshine and sugar-white beaches, its underwater world is equally, if not more, spectacular. Nowhere within this strand of over 1,000 coral islands is more than six feet above sea level. Yet the archipelago’s rich and colourful reef systems descend to depths of over 50 metres, making it a scuba divers’ paradise. However, the Maldives’ underwater creatures are not restricted to divers as guests can witness turtle hatching atViuReef Beach and Spa Resort or spot resident manta rays and a variety of dolphins at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, all of which can be seen from dry land, boat or jetty!

Located in South Nilandhe Atoll in the far south of the Maldives, Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort is a tiny, remote island with a thriving turtle population due to its narrow, gently shelving beach. Both green and hawksbill turtles return year after year in February and March to lay hundreds of eggs on the sand. The attentive staff ensure the nests are protected from predators before the waiting game begins. Incubation can take just over a month and any nature-loving guests who happen to visit at the right time are welcome to watch the hatchlings run to the sea in the moonlight.

Dusit International introduces first Resort in Maldives

Dusit International, one of Asia’s leading hotel groups, announced plans to open their first resort in the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives, Mudhdhoo Island, Baa Atoll.

Located on the breathtaking Mudhdhoo Island, Northwest of Malé, this exquisite resort, scheduled to open in mid December this year, will feature 46 Beach Villas; two Beach Houses; 30 Water Villas; 20 Ocean Villas and two Ocean Houses, with extensive facilities including a 50-meter swimming pool, (the largest in the Maldives), and pool bar; over-water and grill restaurants; tree top spa; tennis courts; dive centre and extensive water activities in and around the resort. It is within 40 minutes travelling time via sea plane from Malé, and 10 minutes by speedboat from the new domestic airport.

The sale of the island was transacted by Maldives Resort Island Investments Pte. Ltd., whose core business is Resort Island Sales and Investments in the Maldives. Headed by Tom McLoughlin and Michael Flynn, they commented on the remarkable speed and efficiency in finalizing this deal. “ We are very proud and excited to be working with both Coastline and Dusit International on this project. The Island attracted an immense amount of interest, from a wide range of prospective investors, but ultimately Dusit International was carefully selected due to their established brand within the hospitality sector”.

Four Seasons Maldives, a World Biosphere Reserve

The Baa Atoll, Maldives has been declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – an area of natural excellence recognised for its unique harmony between man and nature.

It now joins an illustrious list of international Biosphere Reserves including the Central Amazon (Brazil), Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Niagara Escarpment (Canada) and Yellowstone National Park (United States), among others.

World Biosphere Reserves are places where conservation, research and development successfully interconnect. They integrate biological and cultural diversity, combining core protected areas with zones where sustainable development – and innovative approaches to it – are fostered, tested and developed by locals and enterprises alike.

During its designation at the 40th anniversary of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program in Dresden, Germany in June 2011, UNESCO recognised the Baa Atoll’s “great potential for demonstrating sustainable development throughout the Maldives and the region, while relying on a green economy.”

The Baa Atoll is home to some of the richest waters in the Maldives. Like many Baa Atoll inhabitants, the team at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru worked on numerous essential plans and assessments to assist the Maldivian government’s Atoll Ecosystem Conservation Project’s (AEC Project) goal for UNESCO status.

Source: breakingtravelnews.com

Maldives Honeymoon

Have a quick search on the internet and you are bombarded with thousands of websites offering the perfect honeymoon destinations. It is no wonder newly wed couples feel over-whelmed by the deluge of information and choices that are available to them.

Often the choice of honeymoon destination is determined by factors such as affordability, proximity of destination to home, facilities and activity on offer, health and safety issues, political stability, weather, language barrier and accessibility, just to name a few. For many couples they would most certainly appreciate a place that can offer unrivalled tranquillity, romantic surroundings, exotic scenery, good food, superb relaxation facilities such as spa treatment, golfing, and above all a sense of exclusivity and privacy. A Maldives honeymoon delivers all of the above and more.

The Maldives are made up of over a thousand small islands spread over the Indian Ocean with equatorial climate all year round. It is located approximately five hundred kilometres south of India and Sri Lanka and boasts over 25 natural atolls. This island nation, rich with its own unique history of kings and queens, festivals, feasts and traditions is also influenced by cultures originated from other countries such as India, the Middle East and the United Kingdom. Its popularity with newly weds is evident with a recent accolade of being selected as one of the top ten “World’s Most Romantic Holiday Destinations” at the annual International Travel Awards ceremony.

Are we allowed to play music in the Maldives?

The biggest news in the past week was the decision by Islamic Ministry to ban palnned DJ's in Male. I later learnt that many DJ's were held despite the strong opposition from the Ministry as well as the efforts by Police.

I do not really see why such actions should be stopped while our elected leaders continue partying in resorts and hotels locally and internationally. We ordinary people suffer most. If the minister thinks it is against our relegious beliefs, I wonder how the government let Music bands to perform in the country. The answer I want from the Minister is to explain me the difference between a DJ and a Music Band.

Sim Ibrahim Mohamed - Stop this rubbish

It is amzing how Sim Ibrahim Mohamed and his followers at MATI thinks that the accusations leveled against some resorts are unwarrented, unlawful, & unnecessary. While these people enjoy the pleasure of fat salaries, luxury living, etc. they never seem to understand the concerns of well over 25,000 employees working in various resorts in the country.

I have obtained a copy of MATS's memo to Dr. Ali Sawad (Tourism Minister) requesting to crack down on media that publishes about the concerns of resort employees. Sim, I message to you is very simple. Come and join a resort as a pantry boy and do your home work first.

Maldives presidential vote goes to second round

The first multiparty presidential election in the Indian Ocean nation of Maldives is to go into a second round of voting. The run off will be between the incumbent, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who's ruled the country for 30 years, and former political prisoner Mohamed "Anni" Nasheed.Under the constitution, the second round must be held within 10 days.

Voice of India winner Ishmeeth Singh drowns in Maldives resort

The winner of last year's "Voice of India" singing competition, Ishmeeth Singh, drowned while staying at a Maldivian resort.

According to reports he drowned while out swimming in the lagoon of the resort he was staying. He had come to Maldives to participate in a special show to be given at Alimas Carnival by the best singers of last year’s

“Star Voice of India” singing competition. The show is planned to be held next Friday. Singh had arrived in Male’ today.

Source: Haveer.com.mv

Computer Games for kids

There are many different computer games available in the market. I often struggle to find the best games especially mac games. I just wonder how many of you actually know about global warning related games. It is important that we play such games to be more aware of issues related environment.

Kids games are often available online as well in CDs. Allowing children to play targeted games could help them in many ways. I often share computer games with my kids. They love it.