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Turkey

Hilton Hotels to accelerate expansion plans in Turkey

Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) has revealed that Turkey is its most successful international development market and now boasts the largest pipeline of any global hotel group. Over the next two years the company is set to more than double its Turkish estate, following the signing of 11 new hotel contracts in 10 months.

At a development event in Istanbul today, Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President Development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Hotels Corporation outlined HHC’s future plans for the Turkish market and revealed that he anticipates the company will introduce more than 40 hotels from the Hilton Family portfolio across the country over the next five years.

Fitzgibbon explained: ‘Turkey has always been a special market for Hilton. Having had a presence in the country for over half a century, we are seeing increased demand for quality accommodation throughout the country – not just Istanbul – and are keen to capture a significant part of that!’

‘The country welcomes some 27 million international visitors annually, yet there are few international brands catering to these travellers, particularly in the country’s regional centres. Combine this with an extremely buoyant domestic market and it opens up huge potential for the expansion of our Family of Hotel brands. However, our agreements with Turkish property partners mean that we are well positioned to exploit opportunities in this exciting and dynamic market,’ added Fitzgibbon.

Under separate non-exclusive Strategic Development Agreements (SDAs) with two leading Turkish property partners, HHC is set to introduce 40 properties (comprising 5,500 rooms) from the Hilton Family of Hotels over the next five years.

‘We have made no secret of our ambitions to expand rapidly in Turkey and have formed strategic alliances with partners such as Amplio and Kosifler to enable us to accelerate our expansion plans and make a significant impact on the Turkish hotel market in a relatively short space of time,’ added Fitzgibbon.

Last December, HHC inked an SDA with Amplio to develop up to 15 hotels, and has signed management contracts for six Hilton Garden Inn properties so far. In addition to this, under a second SDA announced in June this year, HHC expects to develop 25 new properties with the Kosifler Group, and has already signed deals for a further four Hilton Garden Inn hotels.

Mike Collini, Hilton Hotels Corporation VP of Development for Northern Europe (including Turkey) believes that Turkey’s real attraction lies in the low penetration of international hotel brands in many regional cities across the country, as well as a relatively restricted choice of quality accommodation, particularly in the mid-market sector.

Collini explained: ‘Quality hotel supply is still incredibly low and not growing at sufficient levels to meet international and domestic demand, so we see a very real opportunity for us to introduce our extensive Hilton Family of hotels in Turkey. As one of the world’s leading mid market brands, Hilton Garden Inn provides us with a perfect vehicle to grow volume in these key city and regional locations very quickly.’

These deals will see the debut and rapid growth of the Hilton Garden Inn – the award-winning mid-priced brand that is part of the Hilton Family of Hotels – across the country, offering 10 properties in diverse locations including Istanbul, Sanliurfa and Bursa. The brand will launch in mid 2010 with the opening of the first two properties in the cities of Kutahya and Diyarbakir respectively.

This move also reflects the dynamic expansion of the Hilton Garden Inn brand across Europe, with six properties currently open with locations in the United Kingdom (Luton North), Germany (Stuttgart NeckarPark), Italy (Rome Airport, Florence Novoli and Matera) and Russia (Perm) as well as 19 hotels in the pipeline to open in Poland, Italy, Germany and Turkey over the next two years.

The company has earmarked Turkey – along with Germany, Russia, the UK, the Iberian Peninsula and Italy – as a key market for extensive development and growth through the introduction of the Hilton Family of hotels. The introduction of Hilton Garden Inn in Turkey, very much underscores HHC’s strategy to rollout its portfolio of hotel brands throughout key strategic markets, which given the relative absence of international branded properties in the local Turkish market, offers significant potential for growth.

As part of this strategy to grow the Hilton Family offering, Hilton has also entered into a franchise agreement with Gocay Tourism, Management, Investment, Transportation & Trade Inc. to open a new Hilton Worldwide Resort in Dalaman, on the south west coast of Turkey. Scheduled to open mid 2009, Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort & Spa will be the company’s first resort property to debut in the country. HHC also foresees further growth potential in this sector and is actively looking to secure other ‘high end’ opportunities to grow its resorts portfolio further.

To service the expected growth in this strategic market, Hilton operates a development office in Ankara and has appointed Pogda Demircan as Development Manager for Turkey.

Hilton has a long and established history in Turkey, opening its first hotel, Hilton Istanbul, in 1955. The company currently operates eight properties – seven Hilton hotels and one Conrad hotel – across six locations (Adana, Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Kayseri, Mersin)

Turkey hotel contracts signed to date:

Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort & Spa – Scheduled to open Q2 09 Gocay Franchise Agreement

HGI Diyarbakir – Scheduled to open Q2 10 Amplio Management Agreement

HGI Manisa – Scheduled to open Q2 10 Amplio Management Agreement

HGI Bursa – Scheduled to open Q2 10 Amplio Management Agreement

HGI Kutahya – Scheduled to open Q2 10 Kosifler Management Agreement

HGI Mardin – Scheduled to open Q4 10 Kosifler Management Agreement

HGI Sanliurfa – Scheduled to open Q4 10 Kosifler Management Agreement

HGI Istanbul Bostanci – Scheduled to open Q4 10 Kosifler Management Agreement

HGI Istanbul Golden Horn – Scheduled to open Q4 11 Amplio Management Agreement

HGI Corlu – Scheduled to open Q2 11 Amplio Management Agreement

HGI Corum – Scheduled to open Q2 11 Amplio Management Agreement

Turks and Caicos

Grace Bay Resorts to expand into other Caribbean destinations…

Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos recently announced plans to expand the award-winning brand throughout other Caribbean destinations and Latin America with the ultimate goal of developing 10 additional properties within the next decade.

‘Grace Bay Club is a super luxury handmade brand. It was created from the ground up through the efforts of a world class team dedicated to creating world class residential ownership opportunities while redefining the hotel experience with personal service,’ says Mark Durliat, CEO and developer for Grace Bay Club located on the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos. ‘We plan to duplicate this same hands-on approach with Grace Bay Resorts, maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset as we expand into other regions. While we plan on getting larger as a collection, we feel it is imperative that we never lose the feel of an intimate and personalized resort company that listens to and understands the needs and wants of our guests and residential buyers.’

Under the umbrella of Grace Bay Resorts, Mark Durliat and Nikheel Advani, longtime partner and group Chief Operating Officer, plan on duplicating the existing Grace Bay Club model that has been so successful in the Caribbean into other regions including the Eastern Caribbean, Latin America and further expansion in the Turks & Caicos. To date, Grace Bay Resorts has entered into a Letter of Intent for two new Grace Bay Resorts branded properties in these regions and is currently reviewing other locations in the Caribbean and Latin America.

In addition to duplicating the Grace Bay Club model, Durliat and Advani will introduce a new 5-star contemporary lifestyle resort brand, CAYA. CAYA, a design-driven modern luxury resort and residential experience, will provide guests with a vibrant mix of concept dining, entertainment venues, a signature rooftop bar and luxury shopping. Designed by award-winning architect Chad Oppenheim, the first CAYA property is scheduled to open in 2011. The 150-key resort will be located on a six acre site in Turks and Caicos adjacent to the existing Grace Bay Club on the island of Providenciales.

‘Our goal with CAYA is to create an evocative, sophisticated hospitality and residential concept where high design, contemporary styling and exciting dining, shopping and entertaining are blended together to create an innovative lifestyle resort community,’ says Durliat. ‘In addition to the modern look and feel of the property, we have designed the residences to be environmentally sensitive and attractively priced to fill a growing void in the popular second home marketplace and hotel product of Providenciales. We believe CAYA is a concept which will further propel Providenciales as one of the leading elite international resort destinations.’

USA

The Dorchester Collection expands portfolio in North America with…

U.S. presence grows with timely addition of iconic properties in New York and Los Angeles

Today the Dorchester Collection adds two American five-star hotels to its portfolio — The New York Palace in New York City and the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. The London-based luxury hotel collection, which owns and manages The Dorchester in London, The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, and Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, will take over the management contracts of both hotels with immediate effect.

The Dorchester Collection also announced major investment plans for both properties. The intention is to transform The New York Palace into one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. The refurbishment will take place over the next three years and will include a total redesign of the public areas and guest rooms. Meanwhile, at the Hotel Bel-Air, a new $6 million spa will open in 2009.

Christopher Cowdray, CEO of Dorchester Collection, said, “We are delighted to welcome these iconic hotels to the Dorchester Collection. All our hotels have their own style of individuality and these are no exception. We have ambitious plans for growth and are targeting 15 hotels in key North American and European cities in the next 5-10 years. To have secured such landmark hotels in the gateway cities of New York and Los Angeles is of tremendous benefit to our portfolio.”

The New York Palace is one of the city’s most iconic addresses and is located in midtown Manhattan on Madison Avenue. With 899 rooms it consists of the landmark Villard Mansions, built in 1882, which houses the hotel’s Michelin-starred Gilt restaurant and a contemporary 55-story tower.

Christopher Cowdray noted: “The New York Palace has great potential and we fully intend to preserve and enhance the heritage, reputation and unique character of the hotel while ensuring that it provides the highest possible standards of service and excellence that Dorchester Collection is known for.”

The Hotel Bel-Air has 91 guest rooms and suites set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens, privately nestled in Stone Canyon. Constructed in 1946 by Texan entrepreneur Joseph Drown, the Bel-Air has developed into one of the most iconic and respected properties in the world and is perhaps most famous for ‘Swan Lake’ with its own resident swans. In 2006 the hotel underwent a $22 million renovation and each of its 91 rooms has its own unique design, some of which are tailor-made for frequent guests. Renovations also included a newly designed restaurant, the addition of the Wine Terrace and state-of-the-art equipment in the fitness center.

With five of the world’s foremost five-star addresses, the Dorchester Collection celebrates luxury with hotels of original character and the most modern amenities. Established as the Dorchester Group by the Brunei Investment Agency in 1996, the Dorchester Collection was rebranded in 2006 to develop an impeccable portfolio of traditional and contemporary properties in Europe and the United States. The current portfolio of owned and managed properties includes The Dorchester, a 244-room hotel long favored by the cream of society in the heart of Mayfair in London, The Beverly Hill Hotel, a glamorous and celebrity-friendly 204-room property on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, the elegant Le Meurice Hotel, a centuries-old, 120-room property located between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre on rue de Rivoli in Paris, Hotel Plaza Athenee, a 188-room embodiment of Parisian luxury set between Avenue des Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower, and Hotel Principe di Savoia, a cosmopolitan, 401-room property on the Piazza della Repubblica in Milan.

USA

HEI Hotels and Resorts Promotes Shaukat Wadiwalla to General…

HEI Hotels & Resorts, America’s fastest growing private owner/operator of hotel real estate, today announced it has promoted Shaukat Wadiwalla to general manager of the 233-room Renaissance Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Previously, Wadiwalla was corporate director of food & beverage for HEI.

“At HEI, we believe in rewarding our finest associates for their superior skills with ever expanding career development opportunities,” said Michael Miner, senior vice president of operations for HEI Hotels & Resorts. “Shaukat has done a remarkable job over the 1.5 years with HEI, consistently helping to raise revenues and create efficiencies at hotels across our portfolio. We have every confidence that he will sustain that record of success in his new role as general manager of the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale.”

Prior to joining HEI in 2007, Wadiwalla was food & beverage director for the 1,350-room Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, CA, where he oversaw outlets with over $20 million in revenues. He also has served as food & beverage director for the 1,200-room Adam’s Mark Hotel in Denver, CO, and during his 13-year tenure at the Hyatt Hotels & Resorts held food and beverage management positions at several of the their highest profile hotels, including the 1,278-room Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Wadiwalla graduated from Florida State University with a degree in business administration, hotel-restaurant management.

“I’m grateful for HEI giving me the tremendous opportunity as a first time general manager,” Wadiwalla said. “I’m committed to sharing this same dedication to growth with the team at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale, as we strive to reach new heights as a leader in the Fort Lauderdale marketplace.”

TravelWire

England

Dorchester Collection unveils new Hotel in London

New 50-room hotel with design by Thierry Despont to open in the heart of Mayfair in 2010

The luxury hotel brand, Dorchester Collection, is getting set to open 45 Park Lane, a new property in the heart of London’s Mayfair district. The 50-room hotel, which is slated to open in 2010, will be the eighth address in the Collection, joining iconic hotels including The Dorchester in London, The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athénée in Paris, Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, The New York Palace in New York, and Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles.

With its impressive complement of 50 guest rooms and suites, 45 Park Lane will offer all-day dining as well as a central location mere yards from its sister hotel, The Dorchester. The new property will be contemporary in style, with design by world-renowned designer Thierry Despont, who has been appointed to work on the project. Externally, the building’s concrete-clad façade will be revamped to incorporate special eco-friendly ‘fins’ that will diminish solar gain, significantly reducing the power required to run the air-conditioning system.

Dorchester Collection has ambitious plans for growth, which includes the recently announced addition of two new hotels in New York and Los Angeles, The New York Palace Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air. Commenting on 45 Park Lane, Christopher Cowdray, CEO of Dorchester Collection, says, ‘All our hotels have their own style of individuality and this new hotel will be no exception. We are targeting 15 hotels in key North American and European cities in the next 5 to 10 years and to have secured another landmark hotel in London is of tremendous benefit to our portfolio.’

TravelWire

Thailand

Bandara Suites | Silom | Bangkok | Thailand

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A hidden treasure of lavishness nestled within bustling Bangkok… Bandara Suites is the calm within the storm. Located in the heart of Silom; one of Bangkok’s most important financial, shopping, restaurant, and night life districts. The Bandara Suites superb location on Soi Sala Daeng 1, is only a 5 minute walk down a quiet Soi to the Metro and Skytrain. Bangkok’s traffic free connector to all of down town. Bandara Suites Hotel is comprised of 2 high rise buildings.

Rating
:
Location
:
Silom, Bangkok
No of Rooms
:
190
Distance from Airport
:
km
Accommodation Type
  • Superior Rooms [28]
  • Deluxe Rooms [22]
  • Suites Rooms [118]
  • Bandara Suites [22]

Chin house is a 17 storey structure with 48 units of exclusively serviced residence designed to match the Pure Bandara Suites concept. The hotel has a 4 bedroom penthouse and a 3 bedroom penthouse that offer the absolute best in amenities, service, and extravagance. Chin House has been designed for the long term resident who needs to be in Bangkok’s prime business location.

Bandara’s guests, both long term and those visiting briefly are to feel Bandara’s pure relaxation. After a hard day at work your first stop should be the ground floor of Chin House, which is highlighted with the leisure ambiance of The LOBBY BAR, THE WINE BAR, and MAISON CHIN – fine dining.

On the second floor, situated serenely by an alfresco pool and small garden, is SHINE a Bandara City Spa. Take pleasure in the sensual aromas of the garden or take a refreshing dip in the pool; but leave yourself time for pure pampering within the oriental sanctuary of SHINE.

Bandara Suites is a 26 storey building which brags some of the best views in all of Bangkok. For exceptional guests Bandara offer 4 penthouse suits located on the top floor. Enjoy the splendid sunrise and observe as Thailand’s capital city comes to life; and then later in the day watch the sunset and the skyline of Bangkok shine with high rise illumination.

Every room in Bandara Suites is designed with magnificent views of Bangkok as there primary allure. While checking in the counter staff will ask you which direction – all four of which have their own unique appeal – you would like to view the city. These purely oriental rooms have all the accoutrements you need and it is the hotels desire to provide you with any special needs you might require.

Accommodation

All rooms include:

  • High speed wireless internet access
  • IDD phone with voice mail
  • Air conditioning with individual comfort control
  • In room electronic safe
  • Mini component and DVD player
  • 32′ LCD TV with satellite & cable TV
  • Mini Bar
  • Smoke detectors
  • Tea and coffee-making facilities
  • Electric key card system
Superior Rooms
  • Location – 8-15th floors
  • Bathrooms – feature a bathtub, shower, bathtub, a separate toilet stall and a baht room phone
  • Room size – 28 sq m
  • Bed – 1 King size bed
Deluxe Rooms
  • Location – 16-26th floors
  • Bathrooms – feature a bathtub, shower, bathtub, a separate toilet stall and a baht room phone
  • Room size – 28 sq m
  • Bed – 2 single beds or 1 King size bed

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Suites Rooms
  • Location – 8-26th floors
  • Features – 1 Bedroom, A living room with Kitchen /pantry facility
  • Bathrooms – feature a bathtub, shower, a separate toilet stall and a baht room phone
Bandara Suites
  • Location – 26-26th floors
  • Features – 2 Bedrooms, A living room with Kitchen /pantry facility
  • Bathrooms – feature a bathtub, shower, a separate toilet stall and a bath room phone

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Dining

Maison Chin

Maison Chin Where East Meets West
Cuisine is now what Christopher Driver calls “the collision of food worlds over the past generation” has resulted in a permanent cross-fertilisation.” The initial reluctance to sample the new is rapidly being overcome, and the cooking is being revitalized by an uncharacteristic openness to foreign ingredients and techniques.

CHIN CHIN WINE BAR AND LOUNGE

A Sensational Wine Bar…..

Entering the CHIN CHIN wine bar is a bit like slipping beneath an umbrella in a rainstorm and having the little annoyances of the world turned away. With the soft lighting, sleek modern design of the bar, and inviting furniture create the cosy ambiance more like sitting at a friend’s home instead of an inner city pub. This feeling was enhanced when the waiter ambled over to our table with a big smile and a plethora of information about CHIN CHIN’S wine selection, and how best for us to enjoy one of the wines. Indispensable details such as the proper glass and temperature to bring out the utmost flavor of the selected bottle were not over looked.

The wine selection at CHIN CHIN is fabulous and long range. The wine recommended by staff that are well-educated with the specific product knowledge about each wine and vineyard served.

CHIN CHIN -another significantly – serves a new creativity of tapas menu – delicious Asian and Western fusion dishes and a full complement of mixed drinks, whiskey, and beer are also available on the menu .

CHIN CHIN can cater up to 27. 17 seats inside the bar and the lounge accommodates another 10 in a relaxed and intimate setting, the area is purposefully uncluttered with excess tables or chairs. This gives each group a bit of privacy, keeping the din to a pleasant murmur, and making for an ideal meeting place for a quiet business conversation or romantic chat.

At CHIN CHIN the overall ambiance is soft light, plush couches and chairs, calm and radiating. Simply set up. Average wine by glass at 270 baht/ glass Average beverage by glass at 140 baht/glass

Open hours: daily 5.00pm till midnight
Location : G floor

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SHINE at Bandara City Spa


SHINE at Bandara City Spa is dedicated to preparing suitable aromatic oils for their urban clientele. SHINE’S guests will be pampered with a custom experience designed to best suit their personal body needs. Let’s journey to the quaint aromatic world at SHINE for a relaxing tune up of the spirit.

SHINE Products

  • SHINE AFTER SUN SOOTHING OIL
    A soothing and cooling blend designed to help relieve the effects from sunburn, redness and dry skin.
  • SHINE REFRESHING OIL
    This blend energizes the body and strengthens the nervous system, which helps to clear the head & refreshes the spirit.
  • SHINE LAVENDER OIL
    A Soothing and calming blend designed to help in the relaxation of a stressful mind & body.
  • SHINE HAPPINESS OIL
    This simple blend is designed to refresh you and clear your head.
  • SHINE WITH THAI SPIRIT OIL
    This blend will balance mind and body and calm the nerves.
  • SHINE WITH BANDARA SPECIAL OIL
    This blend will relax mind & body, relieving mental stress and confusion, while enhancing concentration.

Resort Facilities

  • Limousine & Tour Desk
  • Baby sitting service
  • Laundry and dry cleaning
  • Car Park
  • 2 Swimming Pools
  • Fitness Centre
  • Jacuzzi
  • Sauna Room
  • Urban spa, Shine Spa
  • Business Centre
  • Meeting Room
  • Secretarial Service
  • Presentation Printing & binding
  • Audio Visual equipment for us & rent
  • 24 hr Concierge
  • 24 hr Room Service
  • 24 hr CCTV camera covering the propery

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COMPARE BANGKOK HOTELS FROM 30+ SITES – CLICK HERE!

Thailand

LUXX Hotel | Bangkok | Thailand

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Bangkok’s Smallest Hotel LUXX

One of the smallest hotels in Bangkok introduces a new taste of luxury for its guests. LUXX hotel Bangkok is for the young, hip and trendy traveller seeking design, comfort and experience at a new level. LUXX spawns from ideas of a young architect and designer with a vision to create a premium class accommodation facility in keeping with demands of todays uber-trendy travellers.

Rating
:
Location
:
Bangruk, Bangkok
No of Rooms
:
13
Time from Airport
:
30 minutes
Accommodation Type
  • Suites
  • Studio
  • Compact L
  • Compact S

Accommodation

Beyond the Hotel is a philosophy translated to its features and amenities. It is a 4-storey twin hotel building composed of a mezzanine floor and 13 individually designed rooms or suites. Each room is built on a studio concept and features a heavenly bed space, cable TV with hot and cold shower. Suites are perfectly structured into one-bedroom set-ups with LCD TV, personalized DVD player, coffee and tea making facilities, minimalist pantry and private views overlooking the newly created courtyard that reflects the spirit of calmness and zen. The wireless wi-fi internet access in rooms and lobby is free of charge.

Suites

Designed in perfection. No frils, just pure minimal-istic furnishings and straightforward hipness and trendiness. Ideal for business, pleasure, honeymoon or simple indulgence, your privacy s at peace in our suites.

    Flat LCD Screen

  • Personalzed DVD player
  • Living area with a long couch
  • Pantry
  • One bed room area separated by sliding glass and wooden framed doors
  • Perfect view of courtyard
  • 50 qsm of luxurious space

Studio

Designed as a business suite at 34 sqm with a courtyard that’s visible through transparent glass walls. Bathrooms are large with plaster walls that can be opened into the room. TV, DVD player, large cabinets, dresser and high ceilings make these studios a proper haven for business guests and leisure travellers alike.

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Compact L

Designed as a deluxe room at 24 sqm includes a small balcony visible through long glass windows. Bathrooms are openplan, with signature wooden bath tubs. Comfortable beds, TV, DVD player and mini bar are some of the features popular with honeymooners. The rooms are well appoinnted although minimalist in nature.

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Compact S

Simple design as a standard room at 20 sqm with ensuite bathroom, the rooms are comfortable and well appointed with folding blinds, TV, DVD player and bathrooms featuring the hotels signature wooden bath tubs and beds of heaven. These rooms are ideal for single/couples who prefer the comfort of sleeping at no frills.

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Resort Facilities

The Reception Lounge

The reception lounge is a change from most busy hotel lobbys, but then this boutique style hotel with just 13 rooms can hardly be called a busy environment. The ultimate feeling of personalised service and a warm welcome awaits all. Additionally a TV lounge and reading area adjoins the main lounge.

Mess Bar and Restaurant

The Mess Bar is an intimate cocktail bar by night and an authantic Thai and Chinese restaurant throughout the day. The restaurant or stylish bar by evening, overlooks an outdoor courtyard while also providing a facinating view of life on a Bangkok street outside.

The Mess Bar and Lobby Lounge are both used for exclusive gatherings as below:

  • Mini Fashion Shows
  • Product Launch
  • Trendy Press Conferences
  • Media Interview Sessions
  • Lounge Meetings
  • Cocktail Parties
  • DJ Parties
  • CD Launch Parties

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Amenities: Business Centre, Room Service, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Tour Desk, Bar, Lounge, Air Conditioned, Non-Smoking Rooms, Medical Assistance Available, Mini Bar, Cable / Satellite TV, Bath / Hot Tub, Meeting Rooms, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service

The LUXX is a small prominent hotel, well known for its exquisite service and chic decor. The hotel built in 2006 has grown to become popular among those looking for a more personalised service, than that of larger hotels.

COMPARE PRICES FOR THIS HOTEL FROM 30+ WEBSITES – CLICK HERE!

Thailand

Four Seasons Resort | Chiang Mai | Thailand

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The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai – Spacious Lanna-style pavilions overlook terraced rice fields and the mountains in the beautiful Mae Rim Valley, minutes from the artistic and cultural heritage of Thailand’s northern capital. From the Thai cooking school to the acclaimed spa and flawless service, a signature Four Seasons experience. Sample the diversity of Thailand by pairing your visit with a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, an urban oasis in the capital.

Rating
:
Location
:
Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
No of Rooms
:
64
Time from Bangkok Airport
:
55 minutes

“Service here is superb: It’s not uncommon to have a towel handed to you as you emerge from the infinity-edge pool or a call for room service from one of the resort’s farthest “town house pavillions” to be answered within an impressive 15 minutes. – ” www.forbestraveler.com, 2008

Accommodation

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai offers 64 elegantly appointed pavilions, each with a private covered verandah, and 16 magnificent residences. All are furnished in a style consistent with a luxurious northern Thai home and fitted with all modern conveniences.

All rooms include:

  • CD player
  • Complimentary newspaper
  • Connection for MP3 players
  • Down duvets
  • Down pillows
  • DVD player
  • Hair dryer
  • Hypo-allergenic pillows on request
  • In-room safe
  • iPod docking station

Note :Fees may apply
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Make-up mirror
  • Multi-line telephone(s) with voicemail
  • Refrigerated private bar
  • Satellite television
  • Tea/coffee maker
  • Thick terry bathrobes
  • Twice-daily housekeeping service
  • Wired or wireless Internet access
Pavilions
Upper Rice Terrace Pavilion

Housed in two-storey clusters of four, the Upper Rice Terrace Pavilions offer a luxurious living space with a vaulted ceiling and a private outdoor Thai sala with a spectacular panoramic view of the Suthep mountain range and the Resort’s working rice paddy fields.

  • Each pavilion features polished teak floors, rich Thai cotton decorations and beautiful Siamese art under a vaulted ceiling with cooling overhead fans.
  • The Thai sala offers additional private outdoor living space with a wood floor, high ceiling with fan, northern Thai-style daybed, dining table and chairs.
  • The bathroom overlooks a secluded garden and features a deep soaking tub, separate shower and double vanity, as well as a separate dressing area.
Room details
Location Throughout the Resort
View Panoramic view of the Suthep Mountain Range and the Resort’s working rice paddy fields
Décor Rich silk and cotton furnishings, beautiful Siamese artifacts and original paintings.
Beds King or two twin beds
Extra bed (by request) One rollaway or one crib
Bathrooms One full bathroom
Maximum
occupancy		 King or two twin beds:
3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child
Size 70 (m2) 750 (sq.ft.)

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Lower Rice Terrace Pavilion

Housed in two-storey clusters of four, the Lower Rice Terrace Pavilions offer a luxurious living space and a private outdoor Thai sala with views of the Resort’s working rice paddy fields.

  • Each pavilion features polished teak floors, rich Thai cotton decorations and beautiful Siamese art under a vaulted ceiling with cooling overhead fans.
  • The Thai sala offers additional private outdoor living space with a wood floor, high ceiling with fan, northern Thai-style daybed, dining table and chairs.
  • The bathroom overlooks a secluded garden and features a deep soaking tub, separate shower and double vanity, as well as a separate dressing area.
Room details
Location Throughout the Resort
View Overlooking the Resort’s working rice paddy fields, lower floor
Décor Rich silk and cotton furnishings, beautiful Siamese artifacts and original paintings.
Beds King or two twin beds
Extra bed (by request) One rollaway or one crib
Bathrooms One full bathroom
Maximum
occupancy		 King or two twin beds:
3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child
Size 70 (m2) 750 (sq.ft.)
Lanna Pavilion

Located throughout the Resort and offering a variety of views, the Lanna Pavilions are housed in two-storey clusters with traditional Northern Thai decorations, luxurious living space and a private outdoor Thai sala.

  • Each pavilion features polished teak floors, rich Thai cotton decorations and beautiful Siamese art under a vaulted ceiling with cooling overhead fans.
  • The Thai sala offers additional private outdoor living space with a wood floor, high ceiling with fan, northern Thai-style daybed, dining table and chairs.
  • The bathroom overlooks a secluded garden and features a deep soaking tub, separate shower and double vanity, as well as a separate dressing area.

Room details
Location Throughout the Resort
View Variety of different views
Décor Rich silk and cotton furnishings, beautiful Siamese artifacts and original paintings.
Beds King or two twin beds
Extra bed (by request) One rollaway or one crib
Bathrooms One full bathroom
Maximum
occupancy		 King or two twin beds:
3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child
Size 70 (m2) 750 (sq.ft.)
Garden Pavilion

Housed in two-storey clusters of four, the Garden Pavilions offer a luxurious living space and a private outdoor Thai sala nestled amidst the Resort’s lush tropical gardens.

  • Each pavilion features polished teak floors, rich Thai cotton decorations and beautiful Siamese art under a vaulted ceiling with cooling overhead fans.
  • The Thai sala offers additional private outdoor living space with a wood floor, high ceiling with fan, northern Thai-style daybed, dining table and chairs.
  • The bathroom overlooks a secluded garden and features a deep soaking tub, separate shower and double vanity, as well as a separate dressing area.
Room details
Location Throughout the Resort
View Garden
Décor Rich silk and cotton furnishing, beautiful Siamese artifacts and original paintings.
Beds King or two twin beds
Extra bed (by request) One rollaway or one crib
Bathrooms One full bathroom
Maximum
occupancy		 King or two twin beds:
3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child
Size 70 (m2) 750 (sq.ft.)
Private residence rentals
Three-Bedroom Penthouse Resort Residence with Plunge Pool

Occupying two levels, Three-Bedroom Penthouse Resort Residences feature a luxurious living/dining area and a penthouse bedroom with stunning views of the mountains and countryside.

  • They include a large dining table for 8 to 12 people, polished teak floors, a fireplace and a kitchen with service quarters.
  • A teak spiral staircase leads to the penthouse bedroom, with panoramic views of the nearby mountains and surrounding countryside.
  • Guests of the resort residences have exclusive access to a full-service Residence Pool which features a children’s pool area and a whirlpool.
  • A personal “mae baan” (private housekeeper) is provided on a live-in basis.
  • Each of the full bathrooms features a whirlpool bathtub, separate shower and double vanity, as well as a separate dressing area.
Room details
Location Throughout the Resort
View Mountains and countryside
Décor Rich silk and cotton furnishings, beautiful Siamese artifacts and original paintings.
Beds Two king beds and two twin beds
Extra bed (by request) One rollaway or one crib per bedroom
Bathrooms Three full bathrooms
Maximum
occupancy		 Two king beds and two twin beds:
9 adults, or 6 adults and 3 children
Size 524 (m2) 5640 (sq.ft.)
Two-Bedroom Resort Residencewith Plunge Pool

Featuring their own plunge pool and terrace, the luxurious and palatial Two-Bedroom Resort Residences with Plunge Pool are located on the ground floor of the three- and four-storey residences.

  • They feature polished teak floors and gabled buttresses, reminiscent of ancient temples, with open-plan living and dining space for 8 to 12 people, a fireplace and a kitchen with service quarters. They also feature their own plunge pool and terrace.
  • They include a king-bedded master bedroom. The second bedroom features twin beds and its own full bathroom.
  • Guests of the resort residences have exclusive access to a full-service Residence Pool which features a children’s pool area and a whirlpool.
  • A personal “mae baan” (private housekeeper) is provided on a live-in basis.
  • Each of the bathrooms feature a whirlpool bathtub, separate shower and double vanity, as well as a separate dressing area.
Room details
Location Throughout the Resort
View Gardens and mountains
Décor Rich silk and cotton furnishings, beautiful Siamese artifacts and original paintings.
Beds King and two twin beds
Extra bed (by request) One rollaway or one crib per bedroom
Bathrooms Two full bathrooms
Maximum
occupancy		 King and two twin beds:
6 adults, or 4 adults and 2 children
Size 350 (m2) 3767 (sq.ft.)

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Two-Bedroom Resort Residence

Located on the ground floor or lower level of the three- and four-storey Thai-style residences, Two-Bedroom Resort Residences offer the exclusivity of a private home, with ample living space.

  • They feature polished teak floors and gabled buttresses, reminiscent of ancient temples, with open-plan living and dining space for 8 to 12 people, a fireplace and a kitchen with service quarters.
  • They include a king-bedded master bedroom. The second bedroom features twin beds and its own full bathroom.
  • Guests of the resort residences have exclusive access to a full-service Residence Pool which features a children’s pool area and a whirlpool.
  • A personal “mae baan” (private housekeeper) is provided on a live-in basis.
  • Each of the full bathrooms feature a whirlpool bathtub, separate shower and double vanity, as well as a separate dressing area.
Room details
Location Throughout the Resort
View Gardens and mountains
Décor Rich silk and cotton furnishings, beautiful Siamese artifacts and original paintings.
Beds King and two twin beds
Extra bed (by request) One rollaway or one crib per bedroom
Bathrooms Two full bathrooms
Maximum
occupancy		 King and two twin beds:
6 adults, or 4 adults and 2 children
Size 350 (m2) 3767 (sq.ft.)
One-Bedroom Resort Residence with Plunge Pool

Featuring their own plunge pool and terrace, the luxurious and palatial One-Bedroom Resort Residences with Plunge Pool are located on the ground floor of the three- and four-storey residences.

  • They feature polished teak floors and gabled buttresses, reminiscent of ancient temples, with open-plan living and dining space for 8 to 12 people, a fireplace and a kitchen with service quarters. They also feature their own plunge pool and terrace.
  • They include a king-bedded master bedroom.
  • Guests of the resort residences have exclusive access to a full-service Residence Pool which features a children’s pool area and a whirlpool.
  • A personal “mae baan” (private housekeeper) is provided on a live-in basis.
  • The bathroom features a whirlpool bathtub, separate shower and double vanity, as well as a separate dressing area.
Room details
Location Throughout the Resort
View Gardens and mountains
Décor Rich silk and cotton furnishings, beautiful Siamese artifacts and original paintings.
Beds King bed
Extra bed (by request) One rollaway or one crib
Bathrooms One full bathroom
Maximum
occupancy		 King bed:
3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child
Size 284(m2) 3055(sq.ft.)

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One-Bedroom Resort Residence

Located on the ground floor or lower level of the three- and four-storey Thai-style residences, One-Bedroom Resort Residences offer the exclusivity of a private home, with ample living space.

  • Each resort residence features polished teak floors and gabled buttresses, reminiscent of ancient temples, with open-plan living and dining space for 8 to 12 people, a fireplace and a kitchen with service quarters.
  • Also included is a king-bedded master bedroom.
  • Guests of the resort residences have exclusive access to a full-service Residence Pool which features a children’s pool area and a whirlpool.
  • A personal “mae baan” (private housekeeper) is provided on a live-in basis.
  • The full bathroom features a whirlpool bathtub, separate shower and double vanity, as well as a separate dressing area.
Room details
Location Throughout the Resort
View Gardens and mountains
Décor Rich silk and cotton furnishings, beautiful Siamese artifacts and original paintings.
Beds King bed
Extra bed (by request) One rollaway or one crib
Bathrooms One full bathroom
Maximum
occupancy		 King bed:
3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child
Size 244(m2) 2,626(sq.ft.)

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Dining

Restaurants & Bars
  • Sala Mae Rim – Savour the unique flavours of northern and vegetarian Thai specialties at Sala Mae Rim, renowned for its sumptuous Thai cuisine. A high teak wood ceiling complements Northern Thai artifacts and sweeping views of the Mae Rim Valley. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with seating for 46 indoors and 24 outdoors.
    Hours
    Breakfast – 7:00 am – 10:00 am
    Lunch – 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm
    Dinner – 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    Thai classical music, daily from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
    Location – Lower level by the Lobby
    Attire – Smart casual
    Reservations Required
  • Terraces – Located beside the Resort’s main swimming pool, Terraces offers a stunning open air setting with an expansive view of the surrounding rice paddies and the distant Doi Suthep mountain range. Complementing the traditional Lanna-style architecture of the Resort, Terraces features international cuisine inspired by the region’s abundant natural produce and showcases dishes from Asia and beyond. Seats 58.
    Hours
    Lunch – 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
    Dinner – 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    Location – Adjacent to the main swimming pool
    Attire – Smart casual
    Reservations Required
  • Elephant Bar
    The perfect place to watch the sun set as you relax on the terrace under large Thai umbrellas with charming elephant stands. This open, pavilion-style lounge offers a truly relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy a creative selection of cocktails, after-dinner drinks and refreshments. Seats 22.
    Hours
    Every day – 11:00 am – 12:00 midnight
    Location – Adjacent to the Sala Mae Rim
    Attire – Smart casual
  • Terraces Bar – An ideal place to enjoy a light meal during lunch or signature refreshments before dinner at Terraces. Decorated with the oversized teak furniture. Located on the upper deck of the main swimming pool. Seats 28
    Hours
    Every day – 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
    Location – Main Pool
    Attire – Casual
  • In-Pavilion Dining – Four Seasons In-Pavilion Dining is a 24-hour fine-dining experience within the comfort and convenience of your pavilion or residence suite. Choose from an extensive menu, day or night, ideal for time-zone-hopping travellers or for quiet, private dining.
    Hours
    Breakfast – 5:30 am – 11:00 am
    All-day dining – 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
    Overnight dining – 10:00 pm -5:30 am

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Spa

Step into the spa and you enter a luxurious temple of harmony for body, mind and spirit – an indulgent sanctuary created exclusively for your pleasure and well-being. The fragrance of specially blended oils, herbs and spices fills the air, and your body and mind immediately relax in anticipation of the exotic experience that awaits.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, chosen as the World’s Best Spa by Conde Nast Traveller (UK) in the 2007 Reader’s Award, features seven spacious treatment suites offering total privacy for individuals or couples. Each suite offers a variety of facilities, including outdoor showers, private herbal steam rooms and outdoor soaking tubs. Two of the suites have tropical rainshower massage tables. The spa also features a lanna-style beauty salon.

The range of Four Seasons treatments is inspired by ancient Thai rituals using native herbs, spices and aromatic oils created through traditional rural methods and focusing on the use of organic ingredients. One of our spa specialists will help choose the most beneficial therapy for you.

Products
  • YtsaraYtsara means freedom in Thai, and our Thai collection of treatments is an invitation to look at life anew. Grown organically in Thailand, the herbs, roots, flowers and fruits used in Ytsara treatments result in naturally radiant skin.
  • Four Seasons originalsSpecially extracted and blended for optimal regenerating and healing results, our pure oils, herbs and teas help promote your general well-being.
  • ElemisAward-winning natural products from England, together with a new sequence of massage movements inspired by a blend of cultures and techniques, provide ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation. Each Elemis treatment begins with the “Welcome Touch” – a warm aromatic compress on your feet to cleanse the effects of the urban environment and to focus your senses.
  • Yoga BarnImagine greeting the sun with your sun salutation. It’s now a reality at the new Yoga Barn at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, modelled after the ancient rice barns that dot the landscape of Northern Thailand. Nestled in the rice paddies surrounding the Resort, the Barn provides an inspirational setting coupled with crisp mountain air and a soothing sense of solitude. Please contact the spa for your private class.
  • The Day Spa Escape
    Reserve a 90-minute aromatic oil, Orient blend or traditional Thai massage and receive an upgrade to a 120-minute massage of the same type at no extra cost. [conditions apply]
    Every day 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
  • In-room massage and spa services
    • The following treatments are available in your guest room:
    • Manicure
    • Pedicure
    • Traditional Thai massage
    • Orient blend massage
    • Reflexology massage

Note: Guests 18 years and older are welcome to enjoy spa treatments and guests 16 years and older are welcome to enjoy our facials. Please contact the spa for details.

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Activities

At Four Seasons, you enjoy a unique vantage point from which to explore the sights, sounds and experiences around you. We hope the highlights of local attractions below help simplify your planning. Please let us know how else we can assist you.

Places of interest around the hotel
Attractions
Buffalo Training Camp 15 minutes drive
Chiang Dao Caves 1.5 hours drive
Chiang Dao Elephant Camp 45 minutes drive
Chiang Mai Night Safari 30 minutes drive
Doi Intanon National Park 2.5 hours drive
Doi Suthep Temple 45 minutes drive
Mae Sa Elephant Camp 15 minutes drive
Mae Sa Snake Farm 10 minutes drive
Mae Sa Valley Craft Village 30 minutes drive
Phuping Palace 1 hour drive
Pong Duet Hot Springs 1 hour drive
Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens 30 minutes drive
Sainamphung Orchid Farm 10 minutes walk
Tad Mok Waterfall 30 minutes drive
Wat Chiang Man 30 minutes drive
Wat Pa Bong 30 minutes drive
Wat Phra Singh 30 minutes drive
Wat Suan Dok 30 minutes drive
Wat Umong 30 minutes drive
City tours
Boat Cruise along the Ping River 1 hour drive
Shopping
Hang Dong District 45 minutes drive
Night Bazaar 30 minutes drive
Sankamphaeng Road 30 minutes drive
Warorot and Ton Lamyai Market 30 minutes drive
Side trips
Bangkok 55 minutes plane ride

Seasonal highlights
February

Chiang Mai Flower Festival: The Flower Festival in Nong Buak Had Park, Amphor Muang, is a local tradition – and a perfect opportunity to see colourful African marigolds, globe amaranths, orchids, Ban Chun, chrysanthemums, celosia and assorted roses such as Fa Mui and thin Uang Dok Lek.

Activities include the Miss Flower Pageant and Procession, an agriculture exhibition, flower contests, garden arranging contests, a local goods market, international food contests and cultural performances.

April

Songkran Festival: Chiang Mai is one of the most famous places for celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year. Traditional practices, such as food offering to monks and Buddha image bathing, are rounded out by entertaining displays like the Miss Songkran Pageant and Procession, the morning market and the sand pagoda contest. Celebrations usually last for three days, starting April 13.

November

Loy Krathong Festival: Northern people celebrate this full-moon day by floating their Krathong lanterns onto the river and setting free lantern balloons called Khom. When the river and the sky is dotted with flickering candlelight, it is believed that grief and ill fortune will fly away from the people and their households.

Festival highlights include the grand procession of the charming giant Krathong, the religious ceremony and Lanna cultural performances, the spectacular light and sound show on the River Ping, the Queen Nappamas Beauty Pageant and the Lanna Thai candle-lighting market at Tha Pae Gate.

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Resort Facilities

  • Fitness facilities
    • 20-metre (66-foot) infinity-edge swimming pool
    • Golf
      Summit Green Valley Country Club
      Five minutes drive from Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, world-class Summit Green Valley Country Club’s 18-hole 72 par course contours to the natural terrain. Designed by Dennis Griffiths & Associates, the course is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, cool lakes and superb mountain vistas. Facilities include a club house, pro shop, restaurant, bar and a conference room. Preferred tee times and special rates are available for Four Seasons guests.
    • Tennis
      The Tennis Club offers two floodlit tennis courts and a Peter Burwash International (PBI) resident professional for private coaching. Complimentary racquets, balls, tennis shoes and clothing are available.
  • For younger guests

    Whether yours is just beginning, all grown-up or at any stage in-between, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is a wonderful base for your family. We go out of our way to make our youngest guests feel welcome, and our resourceful Concierge is always close at hand – to make reservations for a family dinner, offer suggestions for tomorrow’s outing or help arrange a babysitter. Children under 18 can share their parents’ room at no extra charge.
    Children’s amenities available

  • Babysitting services
    With 24 hours notice, we can arrange reliable babysitting services for your little ones. We will do anything possible to accommodate requests with shorter notice. Please note that there is an hourly fee for this service, please contact the Concierge for details.
  • Business services

    Around the clock, Four Seasons can assist you with business, entertainment or travel arrangements through the Business Center and resourceful, multilingual Concierge.

  • Business amenities and services
    • 24-hour business services
    • Airline reservation service
    • Audiovisual equipment
    • Computers
    • Currency exchange service
    • Express check-in/check-out
    • Japanese translation and interpretation service
    • Secretarial service
    • Translation and interpretation service
    • Wired or wireless Internet access


  • Cooking school

    The cooking school introduces guests, both novice and experienced cooks, to the art of Thai cuisine. Designed by the Resort’s culinary team, the programme offers guests a hands-on learning experience. Famous dishes such as kaow soi gai (Chiang Mai curry noodle soup with chicken) and gaeng hung lay (dry spiced curry with pork and pickled garlic) are just two of the specialties that are introduced in the cooking school’s weekly programme.The cooking school experience is also available as an all-inclusive package.

    Facilities
    Designed by the award-winning Bensley Design Studios in Bangkok, the Resort’s lanna-style cooking facility celebrates northern architecture and traditional design. An imposing stone staircase leads guests into the demonstration, dining and retail pavilions, which complement the Resort’s distinctive design.
    The demonstration pavilion, with rich timber floors, large overhead zinc exhaust fans and huge sliding glass doors, is air-conditioned. It features a large cooking area for the chef, eight individual cooking stations suitable for one or two people, and a large teak working table and chairs that can accommodate all participants. The open-air dining pavilion offers spectacular views of tree-lined mountains, extensively landscaped gardens and a waterfall, and is a perfect venue for guests to enjoy the dishes created during the class. An array of essential Asian ingredients, such as lemongrass, ginger, galangal, turmeric and garlic, are on display in the school’s herb garden.
Other recreation
  • Balloon ride

    Our early morning balloon ride takes you over the plains of Ping River Valley where you can watch the sun rise and enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and terraced rice paddies. Sights of the many beautiful temples of Chiang Mai are also highlights of your flight. The excursion is offered on a seasonal basis from November to February.

    Garden tour

    A seemingly endless variety of exotic plants and flowers make up the Resort’s extraordinary landscape. Take the guided Garden tour or discover these tropical varieties of plants at your leisure.

    Horseback riding

    The Pack Squadron, a mere 15-minute drive from the Resort, offers horseback riding; experienced instructors are available if guidance is required.

    Introductory Thai

    The Resort offers an opportunity to learn simple Thai words and phrases every Wednesday and Saturday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Please contact the Health Club for details.

    Rice planting

    Learning how rice is planted can be a rewarding experience. Join the farmers when they transplant sprouts from the seed bed, every Tuesday and Saturday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. You will wear the “mor hom”, a farmer’s traditional costume, available from the Tennis Club and Health Club.

    Thai kickboxing

    Learn “Lanna Muay Thai” – the sport of northern-Thai-style kickboxing. The lessons are challenging, the workout fun and the memories are unforgettable. Also receive a Lanna Muay Thai t-shirt as a souvenir. 90-minute classes are available on Wednesday at 1:30 pm and Sunday at 10:30 am. Reservation is required and can be made at the Tennis and Health Club.

  • Gift certificate

    As a gift of love or one of thanks, a Four Seasons Gift Certificate is everyone’s perfect gift. Use them to reward your favourite people with Four Seasons moments. Let your imagination soar and design an experience you know they’ll love. Or simply let your recipient decide, with denominations in any value selected by you. At your request, we can even arrange shipping.

    Gift ideas

    • Yoga classes
    • Cooking lessons with a trip to the market
    • A breakfast-in-bed-retreat
    • A romantic dinner in the Rice Barn
    • A personalised family getaway
    • Spa treatments or massages during their stay
    • A unique cultural or sports weekend
    • Sunday Jazz Lunch for two in Lanna Terrace at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Cooking School

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FOUR SEASONS RESORT | CHIANG MAI – COMPARE DEALS ON 30 SITES HERE!

Maldives

Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi | Maldives

PRIVATE LUXURY SPA RESORT & MARINA

Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi, Maldives, Spa Resort & Marina

 Rating :
  • Location : Haa Alif Atoll
  • Distance from airport: 120 km
  • Transfer: 45 minutes by Seaplane & 20 minutes by Speed Boat
  • No of rooms : 46

Your Exclusive Luxury Private Island

The Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Maldives, Spa Resort and Marina is a luxury boutique resort situated on the privately-owned uninhabited virgin island of Dhonakulhi, North Maldives, Indian Ocean. The resort was opened on 1st August 2005 with 6 types of spectacular guest villas. The marina is the first of its kind in the Maldives. The Island is a haven of peace, tranquillity and serenity. Island Hideaway is one of the very few resorts [currently 3] in the Haa Alifu Atoll.

Dhonakulhi is a large crescent-shaped island with a beach length of some 1.4 kilometres on each side, a width of 500 metres and land area of 234,000 m² – equivalent to 28 football pitches. The crystal clear turquoise waters of the shallow waist-deep lagoon surrounding the Island stretch as far as the eye can see. The Island is unique in its reef formation, the reef system it sits on having a natural channel splitting it in two distinct parts, and thereby forming a natural harbour for the marina. In addition to coconut trees, banana trees and rubber-tree-like vegetation, the Island is covered by uniquely rich dense bushy vegetation.

The Island Hideaway – Philosophy and Environment

Nature and luxury blend harmoniously together at The Island Hideaway. The entire Island and lagoon is the exclusive and private domain of guests. Guest villas are some of the largest of any resort in the Maldives. These majestic chalets are tucked into the lush greenery and scattered along the beach-line some 30 metres apart from one another, providing the ultimate in privacy. All of the Island’s villas boast breathtaking panoramic views over the beautiful turquoise lagoon and Indian Ocean. The designs of furniture, fixtures and fittings are a rustic celebration of nature having used custom-made hand-finished natural materials throughout. At the same time, however, guests can indulge all their senses in the magic of this Maldivian Island and enjoy every exclusive luxury which todays sophisticated globetrotters have come to expect.

Despite the extensive facilities and services at The Island Hideaway, barely 5% of the Island and lagoon have been utilised, thereby leaving 95% in its original state, untouched by the hand of man.

The Island Hideaway is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World [SLH], representing the most luxurious independent, exclusive hotels and resorts around the world.

Accommodation

Designed as an intimate, luxurious resort with exceptional levels of attention to detail and service standards, The Island Hideaway consists of the following types of accommodation.

Hideaway Palace [2]

3 bedroom complexes on the sandbank (Size :1,420 m² )

In the world of high class resorts, this Resort’s two Hideaway Palaces remain unparalleled and represent the epitome of exclusivity, privacy and refinement. Each Hideaway Palace is sprawled over an expansive 1,420 square metres of land, located on a golden natural sandbank and erected one facing sunrise, and the other facing sunset. The Hideaway Palace comprises of five exclusive individual Villas which sit on top of a beautiful timber deck and are surrounded by a number of private Infinity Swimming Pools, giving an impression that they are floating on water.

Perfect for a couple or a family alike, the Hideaway Palaces offer uncompromising luxury and extravagance, are impossibly spacious and have been tastefully and comfortably furnished.

Villa facilities

  • The Master Bedroom has a huge 2m diameter circular bed and all the Guest Bedroom Villas have super-king-size beds (2m x 2m) with custom made mattresses with pocketsprung springs for maximum comfort
  • Second Guest Bedroom Villa with en-suite indoor and outdoor garden bathroom
  • Third Guest Bedroom Villa with en-suite indoor and outdoor garden bathroom
  • Teak wood Hand-made and custom manufactured furniture
  • Pantry Pavilion for preparation and service of light snacks and exotic cocktails by the dedicated Hideaway Palace Butle
  • Carefully selected natural finishes throughout the Hideaway Palace, both in terms of materials used and the ‘look’ of the finishes
  • The en-suite Bathrooms have each been fitted with hand-crafted ‘two-person’ baths and have separate outdoor garden shower facilities, as well as a spacious walk-in wardrobe area
  • The Bathrooms contain a blend of modern and traditional styles, including stone, such as granite, slate and onyx, as well as timber. Double sinks are hand-made from single pieces of granite, with modern taps and fittings
  • Spacious Indoor Dining Pavilion with a roof-terrace for star-gazing and romantic candle-lit dinners
  • Open-air Alfresco Dining Pavilion on the deck
  • The Villas and pavilions of the Hideaway Palace are surrounded by timber deck and swimming pools of various shapes and sizes, ranging from smaller shallow pools ones for children to a main pool of 12 metres in length by 8 metres in width at its widest point
  • Instead of using traditional tiling, all pools have been finished in quartezone in order to give as close to a feeling of sand as possible without actually being made from sand!
  • At the same time, the ‘infinity’ effect of the large pool, gives an impression of blending with the sea
  • Guests can enjoy gourmet meals and barbecues in the various Dining Pavilions
  • Dedicated electric Motorised Buggies for the Hideaway Palace, as well as guest-use bicycles
  • Hideaway Palace Butler remains on 24-hour call to the service of guests

Jasmine Garden Villas

On the beach with 9.5m by 4m wide private pools (overall land area per villa : 705 m²)

The exotic Jasmine Garden Villas are a spectacular expanse of 705 square metres of land that you can call entirely your own. Each of the 5 Jasmine Garden Villas sits on the beach front and has its own exclusive 9.5 metre by 4 metre private Infinity Swimming Pool and garden area. Entrance to the Jasmine Garden Villas is through a Maldivian-style courtyard garden, leading to a spacious lounge overlooking the swimming pool. The Bedroom has a walk-in closet area and en-suite Bathroom with indoor and outdoor bathing facilities and a ‘two-person’ hand-crafted bath. There is also a separate guest toilet and shower room across the Lounge.

Guests may intimately dine in their Open-air Alfresco ‘Floating’ Dining Pavilion situated on a ‘mini-island’ that floats on top of the pool or, alternatively, on the romantic Roof Terrace.

Villa facilities

  • Carefully selected natural finishes throughout the Jasmine GardenVilla, both in terms of materials used and the ‘look’ of the finishes
  • Teak wood Hand-made and custom manufactured furniture
  • The Jasmine Garden Villa Infinity Swimming Pool is 9.5 metres in length by 4metres in width with Jacuzzi air-jets built-in into the steps/seating
  • Pool has been finished in quartezone in orderto give as close to a feeling of sand as possible without actually being made from sand! At the same time, the ‘infinity’ effect of the large pool, gives an impression of blending with the sea
  • The Jasmine Garden Villa Bedroom has a super-king-size bed(2m x 2m) with custom-made mattresses which have been pocket-sprung springs for maximum comfort
  • Guests can take pleasure in gourmet meals and barbecues in the Open-air Alfresco ‘Floating’ Dining Pavilion that sits on top of the pool
  • Romantic candle-lit dinners can be had beneath the stars on the Roof Terrace
  • The Bedroom can be fully opened-up on three sides allowing you to sleep almost outdoors!
  • The en-suite Bathroom in the Jasmine Garden Villa has been fitted with handcrafted‘two-person’ baths and have separate outdoor garden shower facilities, aswell as a spacious walk-in wardrobe area
  • The Bathrooms contain a blend of modern and traditional styles, including stone such as granite, slate and onyx, as well as timber. Double sinks are hand-made from single pieces of granite, with modern taps and fittings
  • Dedicated guest-use bicycles
Dhonakulhi Residences [20]

On the beach with ocean view 8 m² Jacuzzi Splash Pools overall land area per villa : 550 m² )

Lapped by the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, Dhonakulhi Residences are scattered along the white sandy beach-front of the Island Hideaway. Each Residence in a compound of over 550 square metres, has an open-plan living area with a timber deck outdoor seating. The French-windowed spacious bedroom overlooks the generously proportioned outdoor Jacuzzi Splash Pool. In addition to the indoor and outdoor Bathroom with its ‘two-person’ hand-crafted bath, there is also an Open-air Alfresco Garden Dining Pavilion and Roof Terrace. The mandatory Maldivian Swing [Undholi] Pavilion completes the majestic Dhonakulhi Residence.

Villa facilities

  • Carefully selected natural finishes throughout the Dhonakulhi Residence, both in terms of materials used and the ‘look’ of the finishes
  • Teak wood Hand-made and custom manufactured furniture
  • The Dhonakulhi Residence Jacuzzi Splash Pool is 2.5m x 4m and comfortably sits two
  • Instead of using traditional tiling, the pool has been finished in quartezone in order to give as close to a feeling of sand as possible without actually being made from sand!
  • The pool has a fitted salt water UV filtration system into to ensure that
    chlorine is not required, thereby not only protecting the environment, but at the same time also creating a sense of natural sea water
  • Guests can take pleasure in gourmet meals and barbecues in the Open-air Alfresco Garden Dining Pavilion
  • Romantic candle-lit dinners can be had beneath the stars on the Roof Terrace
  • The Dhonakulhi Residence Bedroom has a super-king-size bed (2m x 2m) with custom-made mattresses which has pocket-sprung springs for maximum comfort
  • Guests can also use the day-bed on top of the cool sandstone-finished Roof Terrace for sleeping out under the stars or lazing in the sun
  • The en-suite Bathroom in the Dhonakulhi Residence has been fitted with handcrafted ‘two-person’ baths and have separate outdoor garden shower facilities, as well as a spacious walk-in wardrobe area
  • The Bathrooms contain a blend of modern and traditional styles, including stone, such as granite, slate and onyx, as well as timber. Double sinks are hand-made from single pieces of granite, with modern taps and fittings
  • Dedicated guest-use bicycles
Raamba Retreats [7]

On the beach (overall land area of 385 m² per villa)

Spread over 385 square metres are elegantly rustic Raamba Retreats with their open floor-level outdoor terraces and landscaped gardens offer the perfect seclusion for a peaceful retreat. The 7 Raamba Retreats are dotted across the coastline on the beachfront. The Lounge and the Bedroom in the Raamba Retreats are generously spaced. The Bedroom has a walk-in closet area and en-suite Bathroom with indoor and outdoor bathing facilities and a ‘two-person’ hand-crafted bath.

Villa facilities

  • Carefully selected natural finishes throughout the Raamba Retreatboth in terms of materials used and the ‘look’ of the finishes
  • Teak wood Hand-made and custom manufactured furniture
  • Guests can take pleasure in alfresco gourmet meals and barbecues on the open floor-level outdoor terrace
  • The Raamba Retreat Bedroom has a super-king-size bed (2m x 2m) with custommade mattresses has pocket-sprung springs for maximum comfort
  • Bedroom can be fully opened-up on a number of sides allowing you to sleep almost outdoors!
  • The en-suite Bathroom in the Raamba Retreat has been fitted with hand-crafted ‘two-person’ baths and have separate outdoor garden shower facilities, as well as a spacious walk-in wardrobe area. The Bathroom contains a blend of modern and traditional styles, including stone, such as granite, slate and onyx, as well as timber. Double sinks are hand-made from single pieces of granite, with modern taps and fittings
  • Dedicated guest-use bicycles at the Raamba Retreats
    		•
    Hideaway Water Suites [2]

    In the lagoon (floor area : 235 m² per villa)

    Hideaway Water Suites are a first of their kind in the Maldives, if not the world…and are truly in a class of their own. Erected on wooden stilts in Dhonakulhi Island’s shallow turquoise-blue lagoon and spread over 235 square metres of timber deck are two stand-alone Hideaway Water Suites having their own exclusive ocean-view treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, outdoor round bathtub overlooking the tranquil lagoon, sundeck, lagoon access, and complete in-villa spa treatment facilities in which guests can look forward to being pampered by a team of dedicated spa specialists from Mandara Spa. A stay in these havens of peace and serenity will leave you fresh, revitalised and rejuvenated.

    Villa facilities

    • In contrast to other guest Villas, furniture in the Hideaway Water Suites isprimarily made of coconut timber, selected specifically for its grain, colour andtexture. They are hand-made and custom manufactured
    • Carefully selected natural finishes throughout the Hideaway Water Suites, both in terms of materials used and the ‘look’ of the finishes
    • The Mandara Spa therapists will offer treatments in the privacy of your own
      treatment room, and the sauna and steam room is exclusive to the guest as well
  • The Hideaway Water Suites Bedroom has a super-king-size bed (2m x 2m) with custom-made mattresses which has pocket-sprung springs for maximum comfort.
  • Romantic candle-lit dinners can be had beneath the stars on the private deck area looking out to sea
  • The Bedroom can be fully opened-up on various sides allowing you to sleep
    almost outdoors!
  • The Bathrooms contain a blend of modern and traditional styles, including stone, such as granite, slate and onyx, as well as timber. Double sinks are hand-made from single pieces of granite, with modern taps and fittings
    		•
    Funa Pavilions [7]

    On the beach (overall land area of 176 m² per villa)

    The 7 Funa Pavilions on the beach front with their chalk-white walls promise peace and privacy in a living area covering 176 square metres. Characterised by their own garden, a separate sleeping and living area with teak flooring, open-air bathroom and a wooden patio area facing the beach with two thickly cushioned teak sun-beds, these Villas offer luxury over and above the call of duty. Their design is a declaration of love for nature with an eye for detail. If their architecture leans heavily on nature, so, too, does the colour scheme of the villas with its earthy shades of brown, beige and green. A round table with a two-seater sofa and two cocktail chairs forms the communicative centre of the living area with its integrated day bed and wine-red upholstery. The satellite TV with DVD and surround-sound system and multi-format CD player has been accommodated in a separate cupboard. The bedroom has a super-king-size bed, walkin wardrobe and a writing table. The bathrooms have a bath and shower and have been tastefully decorated with granite, slate and onyx finishes.

    Villa facilities

    • Carefully selected natural finishes throughout the Funa Pavilion both
      in terms of materials used and the ‘look’ of the finishes
    • Teak wood Hand-made and custom manufactured furniture
    • Guests can take pleasure in alfresco gourmet meals and barbecues on the open floor-level outdoor terrace
  • The Funa Pavilion Bedroom has a super-king-size bed (2m x 2m) with custom made mattresses which has pocket-sprung springs for maximum comfort.
  • The en-suite Bathroom in the Funa Pavilion has separate outdoor garden shower facilities. The Bathrooms contain a blend of modern and traditional styles, including stone, such as granite, slate and onyx, as well as timber. Sinks are hand-made from single pieces of granite, with modern taps and fittings, and there is an outdoor two-person occupancy Jacuzzi bath
  • Dedicated guest-use bicycles at the Funa Pavilion
    		•

    All accommodation has the following features

    • Wooden flooring in the Villas and deck area are made of Merbau timber selected specifically for its grain and colour
    • Bed linen is made from a heavenly satin finish
    • Strategically littered extra-wide day beds/ sun loungers, oversize cushions and pillows made with a combination of materials carefully selected for their comfort and aesthetic values, including cotton and silk
    • Subtle and discrete warm mood lighting
    • The blinds in the rooms are made from different types of raw silk, carefully
      selected for their particular feel, colour hue, yet using a sophisticated mechanism to ensure effortless operation
    • Although the rooms are fully air-conditioned, they are designed to maximise natural ventilation, supported by again ceiling fans carefully selected for their whisper-quiet operation
    • The Lounge houses/Villa Berooms have a TV with DVD and surround sound system music player
    • Private in-room DVD and music CD collection, and Satellite TV channels
    • Uniquely-crafted chess and backgammon tables are perfect for idling away the hours
    • Contains coffee/espresso makers, generously stocked mini bar, personal safes, hairdryers, golfing umbrellas, torches, mosquito repellents, bath-robes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and all other amenities typical of a 5-star resort
    • Complimentary in-Villa bottled drinking water is provided
    • IDD telephone and GSM mobile services
    • The Maldivian Swing (Undholi) Pavilion with its wide two-person traditional carved wood swing, used for centuries by Maldivian families for relaxation, completes the perfect setting for your hideaway from the world
    • Airport meet and greet on arrival and departure
    • With our complimentary dedicated exclusive business class lounges at Malé and Hanimaadhoo Airports for all passengers, on-resort baggage and boarding pass check-in facilities and express check-out at Immigration and Customs, our guests can expect a service that is second to none with our partners, Island Aviation Services.
    Key facilities and services

    • The Hideaway Spa by Mandara, outstanding spa experience. 4 Spa Land Villas, 2 Lagoon Spa Pavilions and 2 private treatment rooms in the Hideaway Water Suites
    • 24-hour in-Villa room service
    • Unique butler concept
    • The Hideaway Library: books, magazines, games, music CDs, DVDs and Cyber Café
    • Meridis Dive: PADI certified scuba diving in uncharted waters
    • Meridis Dive Boutique: sale of snorkelling and diving equipment
    • Infinity Swimming Pool facing the Indian Ocean
    • IDD telephone
    • Laundry and valeting
    • All major credit cards accepted and foreign currency exchange available on resort

    Leisure, Recreation and Entertainment

    • Hideaway Water Sports:speedboat trips, catamaran sailing, water skiing, snorkelling, windsurfing, canoeing and wakeboarding
    • Sports complex with 2 Tennis Courts, Gym, Table Tennis, Fussball, Beach
      Volleyball, Bicycle Riding and Silat, Pool Table/Billiard Table and a bar
    • Sunset, Sunrise, Night and Big-game fishing
    • Cultural Excursions: excursions to significant sites of Maldivian heritage and culture on nearby islands
    • The Hideaway Bazaar: gifts, lifestyle boutique, Maldivian arts and crafts, jewellery and hand-made fabrics, toiletries
    • Sifani London Jewellery Boutique: custom-made jewellery for
      any occasion
    • Mandara Spa Shop: range of products for skin health, body well-being,
      aromatherapy, and gifts from Elemis and La Thérapie range
    • Desert Island Retreats: picnic trips to nearby uninhabited island or sandbank lagoon
    • Aerial Photo Flights: private chartered photo flights to other Atolls or resorts in thee Maldives

    Cuisine

    Whatever takes your fancy and whatever the time of day or night, the resident Chefs remain entirely at your disposal. They can conjure up a myriad of succulent gourmet dishes to tempt your sensations and satisfy any taste at any time. These Chefs can suggest a menu specially designed for you using the freshest of fresh ingredients or can personalise a menu to excite your desired palate.

    Maldivian cuisine draws heavily on fish and seafood and is similar in some ways to Indian. Yet the dishes that are served at The Island Hideaway are much more varied and sophisticated. The cool coral sandy-floored Matheefaru restaurant offers international and Maldivian cuisine, and Gaafushi fine dining serves authentic Asian cuisine and seafood specialties. Lovers of Japanese cuisine will also be delighted to hear that the Island Hideaway Resort offers exquisite Jap cuisine.

    All the restaurants are located on the beach front and have been designed to ensure that guests have the best views across the Indian Ocean. There are overwater dining areas situated close to the reef edge, ensuring that fish are always your neighbours!

    For the romantics, just imagine strolling out to a nearby sandbank to enjoy an incredibly romantic candle-lit Robinson Crusoe experience or dining out under the stars – it’s all possible at the Island Hideaway. Alternatively you may choose to dine in the privacy of their Villa any time of day or night, or on a secluded part of the beach.

    Those wanting to while away the evening to exotic drinks and snacks will find the Meeru Bar the perfect place. The Meeru Bar located on the beach has a unique design in that the roof structure is like the inside of a boat’s hull and the deck area extends over water giving fantastic sunset views.

    Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi attach a great deal of importance on the quality of their produce. All produce comes from the very best sources and fresh fish is caught locally and delivered to the island on a daily basis.

    Restaurants and Bars

    • Matheefaru Restaurant
    • Gaafushi
    • Meeru Bar

    The Ultimate Indulgence at the Hideaway Spa by Mandara

    If pampering your body and soul and achieving total peace and tranquillity is your idea of heaven, the Hideaway Spa by Mandara has it all. Created with sensitivity towards the guest experience, the design emphasis of the Hideaway Spa is on space, privacy and luxury. The spa design is supported by a service style that considers the guest’s need for escape, unobtrusive delivery and extraordinary attention to detail. Like other Maldivian spas before it, the Hideaway Spa capitalises on the dramatic Indian Ocean location. The difference here is that the sun, sand and sea theme continues throughout with internal waterways and waterfall walls, open areas and feature sand floors. Hideaway Spa finishes have been carefully selected and the combination of coconut and teak timber furnishing, sukabumi stone, java rosso tumble stone, sandstone, pink slate, onyx and silk fabrics culminate to overwhelm all of one’s senses.

    Unique, intimate and romantic, the Hideaway Spa encompasses 4 Spa Land Villas, 2 Lagoon Spa Pavilions. The Hideaway Spa is operated by the internationally-acclaimed spa and wellness company, Mandara Spa. The name “Mandara” comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about the gods’ quest to find the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. Mandara Spa, with its roots in Bali, has embraced this legend and now operates more than 60 spas worldwide.

    The spa menu has been created to fit the exclusive nature of the Hideaway Spa and to offer each guest an outstanding spa experience. It combines traditional Asian favourites with Elemis Spa-therapy and new treatments that reflect themes of the ocean, nature and indigenous Maldivians. Massages, body packs, detox and a range of body and facial treatments using “Elemis” products, together with manicures and pedicures, have all been included to ensure the ultimate in relaxation and revitalization.

    Two Lagoon Spa Pavilions feature private ocean views, double treatment rooms, en-suite bathroom with private steam shower, outdoor terrazzo dip pool, day bed and shower, personal sound systems and lagoon access.

    Four expansive Spa Land Villas are located on land but surrounded by waterways. Each Spa Land Villa offers an open-to-air double treatment room, private bathrooms with steam room, hand-crafted ‘two-person’ baths, shower room, and a very private outdoor relaxation area.

    The Spa Shop stocks a range of products for skin health such as exfoliating creams, masks, cleanses and washes, anti-ageing boosters, body well-being enhancements, aromatherapy, and gifts from the much-admired Elemis range.

    Dive in Uncharted Waters with Meridis

    If the setting above sea level has all the ingredients for holiday heaven, the spectacle awaiting you below the water’s surface is even more spectacular. The Maldives is famed for its rare underwater beauty. The profusion of psychedelic colours and the abundance and variety of life underwater have fascinated divers and snorkellers since Maldives was first discovered as a diving destination. This Island is situated on an Atoll that is at the moment untapped and unexplored by the diving world. This gives an excellent opportunity for new divers and old alike to genuinely be able to dive where no person has ever dived before.

    Operated by Meridis Dive is one of the largest dive centres in the Maldives providing the latest technology and highest quality branded diving equipment e.g. Scubapro Uwatec Nitrox regulators, Sony P9 and MX5 underwater cameras, Supercharged Seadoo Scooters and Bauer Compressors. Meridis Dive has full Nitrox diving facilities, underwater scooters, audio-visual classrooms and a dive specialist boutique. PADI-certified scuba instruction is given by multi-lingual dive experts to beginners, amateurs and experienced divers alike on the importance of safe and enjoyable diving intertwined with the protection of the marine environment.

    Some of the courses and services offered by Meridis Dive are PADI Open Water [Beginner] to Assistant Instructor and all other common specialities, Nitrox, Scooter, Photography, Deep, Drift, Night, Navigation, Naturalist and Peak Performance. Meridis also offers a safe and enjoyable diving experience for children over 10 years of age, and has special “kids diving equipment” available. Children can carry out the PADI Open Water Junior course.

    Some of Meridis Dive’s safety philosophies are as follows:

    • Nitrox diving
    • depth limits
    • small groups of a maximum of 4 people
    • all dives will be guided dives
    • there will be buoys for all divers
    • current check
    • easy and shallow dives

    Please note that all divers are required to present an international dive certificate, log book and a medical certificate of fitness for diving.

    Meridis Dive has in fact surveyed and mapped all the key diving points in the Atolls surrounding The Island Hideaway and estimate that there are at least 20 glorious dive sites that are absolutely untouched and unspoilt. There is one particular dive site where divers can expect a minimum of 15 turtles each dive, several dive sites with manta cleaning and feeding stations, 2 ship wrecks at a depth of 16 metres with fantastic fish live around, and another dive site full of fantastic table corals. Wherever you look there are lots and lots of fish! Mantas, eagle rays, grey reef sharks, turtles, big schools of tuna, barracudas, dolphins, and, and, and…..

    In season there’s also the chance of seeing whale sharks and other whales!

    Another first is that the Meridis experts will also offer guided snorkelling trips. The snorkelling here is also so impressive that lots of guests will be making their way to the diving school after seeing what the edge of the Dhonakulhi house reef has to offer. No sooner have you taken a few strokes, then you are snorkelling in some of the world’s most fertile waters. Just under the water’s surface you are confronted with swarms of small fish, giant turtles, metre-long mantas and slim sharks patrolling the reef. And here’s the good news: almost none of the fish are really dangerous. This means that this rich under-water world is a safe paradise for swimmers, snorkellers, diving enthusiasts.

    For those that want to enjoy the view without getting wet, there’s an underwater camera in the nearby lagoon giving live views of life on the coral reef. From whale sharks to manta rays, moray eels to white tip sharks, a whole new world of magnificent marine creatures awaits you.

    “Tender Hearts” Kids’ Club

    The “Tender Hearts” at Dhonakulhi is open to all kids. The 75.7 m² Kid’s Club has a playground area of 50.5 m² and offers a variety of games and activities for kids. Apart from the activities there’s also a small library with board games and bicycles to ride too.

    		 Some of the activities provide are:

    • Painting and Drawing
    • Crab Race
    • Movies
    • Sandcastle making
    • Dance Party
    • Running Race
    • Balloon Race
    • Make your own Sandwich
    • Musical Chairs
    • Treasure Hunt
    • Tour of the Resort

    COMPARE AND BOOK RESORTS IN MALDIVES – CLICK HERE!

    Sri Lanka

    Sri Lanka poised to become global hot spot for…

    Sri Lanka has the potential to become one of the global hot spots for whale watching as it is among the easiest places in the world to watch blue and sperm whales according to researchers, marine biologists and eco-tourism specialists.

    Sri Lanka is situated within the International Whaling Commission’s protected zone in the Indian Ocean. Of the 80 species of cetaceans observed and identified worldwide, 26 are found in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.

    Whale and dolphin watching is a seasonal activity in Sri Lanka, available on the west coast in locations from Kalpitiya and along the South West Coast from November to March while the east coast off Trincomalee is preferable from June to September.

    “The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society estimates that ten million people go whale watching every year,” said Heba AL Ghais AL Mansoori, Middle East Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. “Sri Lanka has the potential to attract several thousand whale watchers on bespoke tours or even to take one off excursions.”

    Ms. Al Mansoori noted that Sri Lanka is the most reliable and easiest location in which to see the Blue Whale, the largest animal that has ever inhabited this planet. “Sri Lanka may well turn out to be the top location for seeing both Blue and Sperm Whales,” she said.

    Tour operators in Sri Lanka offer both boat and air based expeditions. For the boat trips, motor boats and trawlers enable the guests to travel far out to sea and get to the natural habitats of the whales and dolphins. Air based expeditions are also available by helicopter or sea plane for an incredible aerial view of Sri Lanka.

    The proximity to the shore makes Sri Lanka one of the easiest places in the world to spot blue or sperm whales. Blue whales are the largest animals on earth growing up to some 110 feet in length and weighing up to 180 metric tons. They feed on krill, a shrimp like marine invertebrate. Sperm whales, the largest carnivore mammals, mostly feed on squid and octopus in the deep sea bed.

    Naturalists say conditions around the island are good for whale habitat due to the nutrient flow from the country’s river system.

    Increased sightings of both blue whales and sperm whales off the southern coast have now opened up a window of opportunity for whale watching tourism in the island’s Deep South.

    According to marine biologists, the deep sea off Dondra Head is one of the best locations to watch whales in Sri Lanka because of its close proximity to the coast.

    High concentration of both blue whales and sperm whales within easy reach under tropical conditions puts Sri Lanka on top of the world’s whale watching map.

    Due to the calm seas, between December and April, there are is an outstanding window of opportunity for observing Blue Whales and Sperm Whales close to shore because of a migration of whales.

    The South of Sri Lanka is blessed with beautiful beaches, snorkelling and some of the best boutique hotels and villas in the world.

    “Sri Lanka has over the centuries been described as a tropical paradise. This is not surprising as it is a destination that has everything: sun, sea, sandy beaches, cool mountains, ancient monuments and lakes, forests teeming with wildlife, precious stones, magnificent archaeological sites and above all friendly people,” remarked Ms Al Mansoori.

    Combine this with well educated, English conversant people, and a good tourist infrastructure, and it is not hard to see why it continues to enjoy being a popular tropical island destination.

    Sri Lanka offers diversity within easy reach in a small island. Among the many epithets showered upon this tiny island include Serendipity, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma and Pearl of the Indian Ocean to name a few and none comes even close to articulate the true beauty and old world charm of Sri Lanka.

    Tourists from around the world visit Sri Lanka every year in search of a perfect holiday ranging from nature, culture, adventure, education, healing and spiritual discovery to connecting with roots or simply to watch a cricket match.

    SriLankan Airlines operates a full Airbus fleet to 41 destinations in 22 countries worldwide. Flights from the Middle East to Colombo connect with onward services to the Maldives, 11 key destinations in India, seven destinations in the Far East including Malaysia, Singapore, China and Thailand.

    Source: ArabianBusiness

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