Introducing Four Seasons Resorts Maldives
September 15 2006 - 9:43AM
PR Newswire (US)
Three exceptional and distinct experiences in one destination
TORONTO, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Four Seasons is
unveiling three exceptional experiences in the Maldives comprising
two very different resorts and one luxury catamaran. Set amidst a
vibrant garden island, the brand new Four Seasons Resort Maldives
at Kuda Huraa reopens today with a traditional Maldivian village
setting and legendary Four Seasons service. The company's second
and highly anticipated new resort, Landaa Giraavaru, will open on
November 1, 2006. Situated in the Baa Atoll, the Resort is a
paradise hideaway where seclusion meets wild natural beauty. Guests
can further explore the far flung and seldom-visited atolls in the
Maldives in the comfort of the company's luxury catamaran, the Four
Seasons Explorer. The opening of the Resorts marks the return of
two hundred local staff who have been deployed to work at other
Four Seasons properties around the world after Kuda Huraa was
forced to close following the tsunami. Each returns to the Maldives
with new personal and professional experience gained from working
in hotels and resorts in locations ranging from Dallas, Palm Beach,
Washington D.C., Provence, Hampshire, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo
and Singapore. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa The
original Four Seasons resort on the island of Kuda Huraa in the
North Male Atoll reopens following an extensive period of
reconstruction. Only a 25-minute speedboat ride from Male, the
Resort's Maldivian village-like feel makes it perfect for families
and couples who enjoy a social environment in a vibrant setting.
The Resort's 96 beach and water bungalows combine a generous use of
timber and thatch with modern tropical furnishings and comforts. -
Maldivian Village - The architectural design centres on giving the
entire island the feeling of a Maldivian village. Inspired by
Maldivian architecture and culture, elements such as traditional
decorative lattice panels, curved roof forms and stone walls add
character throughout the Resort. The new Beach Bungalows have
raised floor levels to increase the ocean views and feature
individual plunge pools. Extra-spacious Beach Pavilions with
increased living space of 10m(2) and interconnecting gates offer
the perfect accommodation for families. - Baraabaru restaurant is
designed thematically around the menu which focuses on Indian
cuisine. Large timber columns stand on a raised outdoor deck that
extends 25 metres out into the lagoon creating an enchanting
over-water dining experience. - Diving -There are 35 exciting dive
sites within 10 to 45 minutes boat ride from the Resort. - Island
Spa - Integral to the Resort is the Spa which is located on its own
private island. Specialising in innovative spa treatments from
Thailand, Bali and the Maldives, its seven over-water treatment
pavilions are set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. -
Dedicated Surf School - The school runs certified courses for
beginners, as well as surf clinics and escorted surf excursions for
experienced surfers. It is the only one of its kind offered in the
Maldives. - Environmental Initiatives - Fully committed to help
preserve the magnificence of the marine gardens of the Maldives,
the Resort has embarked on a Reef Ball Project. Guests are invited
to be a part of the reef regeneration initiative through the
adoption of a Reef Ball. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa
Giraavaru Set to open on November 1, 2006, the much-anticipated new
Resort on Landaa Giraavaru is situated in the undeveloped Baa
Atoll, 120km north of Male. The 102-villa Resort occupies the
extensive 18-hectare (44 acres) island, which is itself a natural
wonder, its western tip sloping into a stunning two kilometre
lagoon. Here, Four Seasons has created a resort that is
refreshingly different with its key goal being to embrace the
island's raw wilderness and secluded privacy, rather than develop
it. - Paradise Hideaway - Set against a backdrop of delightful
isolation, seclusion meets natural wild beauty at the Resort.
Complete privacy is achieved with the concept of 'individual
domains'; each villa is entered via its own turquoise gate, has
generous indoor and outdoor living space and is surrounded by lush
vegetation. - Traditional Maldivian Architecture - The
architectural and interior design direction for the Resort is
heavily influenced by the works of Sri Lankan architect and
interior designer, Geoffrey Bawa. Until his death in 2003, Bawa was
heralded as Sri Lanka's most prolific and influential architect.
His legacy is evident in all aspects of the design, including
interiors and landscaping, brought to fruition by Ismail Murad who
worked directly with him for many years. The entire Resort is built
following traditional Maldivian architectural principles, using
indigenous materials and details that reflect a sense of place. -
The Landaa Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat have been carefully developed
in association with experts from Kerala, India, offering a
comprehensive approach to physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.
A first for Four Seasons, the Ayurvedic Retreat is designed for
guests to experience the holistic approach of Ayurveda, the ancient
Indian "science of life" with the assistance of a resident
Ayurvedic Physician. Guests are invited to visit the Herbal Centre
where they can learn about medicinal herbs, trees and flowers that
provide the base of oils and treatments used in the Ayurvedic
process. - Koimala Land and Ocean Villas - Presenting a Maldivian
first in terms of villa concept, it combines the attraction of
land-based living areas with the appeal of sleeping over water.
Each villa consists of a land-based pavilion with private beach
access and living and dining area. It is linked to the sea-based
sleeping pavilion with bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower by a
wooden walkway that leads past a plunge pool. - Exquisite Dining in
Inspired Settings - Dramatically perched on the western tip of the
island overlooking the 2 kilometre lagoon, no restaurant in the
archipelago epitomises the Maldives more than Blu - with its
all-white furnishings looking out into the endless blue skies and
waters. For authentic Lebanese and Moroccan cuisine, dine under a
canopy of stars at the rooftop restaurant of Al Barakat. -
Environmental projects - The Maldives' first 'Ornamental Fish
Breeding Programme' will take place at the Resort. The goal is to
create guest and employee awareness, while developing ornamental
fish breeding into a sustainable livelihood for upcountry
islanders. Four Seasons Explorer The most intimate Four Seasons
Maldivian experience can be had on a 39-metre (129 foot) three-deck
catamaran known as the Four Seasons Explorer. It offers divers and
non-divers an insight into some of the Maldives' finest and most
remote isles and atolls, and its historical and cultural
attractions. The Explorer is a light boat that cruises fast at 16
knots and has a draft of just 1.9m, making it possible to access
locations that larger vessels cannot reach, enhancing the sense of
discovery and adventure. Ten spacious staterooms and one Explorer
suite accommodate no more than 22 passengers (including children
over 10 years old). - Exciting diving - The boat cruises between
exceptional dive sites offering a variety of educational,
specialist, sunrise, wreck and night dives. - Resident Spa
Therapist - A variety of treatments can be enjoyed on board or on
one of the secluded beaches visited during the cruise. - Spacious
decks - The boat includes an upper sun terrace with massage corner,
lower sundeck with whirlpool and bar, a restaurant with indoor and
outdoor dining and a lounge and library. - Private charter - Guests
can charter the boat for three or more nights for customised dive,
surf, leisure or cultural cruises. Each aspect of the Maldivian
experience Four Seasons has created can be enjoyed on its own, or
combined. The range of 'Land & Sea' packages available enable
guests to customise their itinerary. Introductory Offer To
celebrate the rebirth of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda
Huraa, the Resort is extending a "Stay Longer and Receive the
Fourth Night Free" introductory offer from September 15 to November
30, 2006. The offer also applies to the opening of Four Seasons
Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, valid from November 1 to 30,
2006. Terms and conditions of the Introductory Offer apply: - The
offer has a multiplying effect; for example, two complimentary
nights will be given for a stay of six consecutive paid nights. -
Applicable to published rates only. - Not applicable to packages. X
X X Note to Editors: Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the
travel experience through continuous innovation and the highest
standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest
quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four
Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and
appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is
personified in its employees - people who share a single focus and
are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons
has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels in
major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the
world. Currently with 70 hotels in 31 countries, and more than 25
properties under development, Four Seasons will continue to lead
the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making
business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more
information on Four Seasons, visit http://www.fourseasons.com/.
DATASOURCE: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts CONTACT: Nicola
Blazier, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, (416) 441-4301, ; Leanne
Drago, PRCo New York, (212) 251-1015,
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