Now onto the 7th issue of the Spot Maldives community
e-newsletter

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Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

	Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces is delighted to inform you that Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives is going from strength to strength since its re-opening in December 2005 following extensive refurbishment and renovation.

The resort continues to win prestigious awards, the most recent being the Maldives leading suites award at the 14th world travel award 2007, Spa finder reader’s choice award 2007 to
name a few. The press acclaim focused on the impeccable service, resting on an elevated degree of care and warmth and outstanding food combined with uber chic design.

The Taj continues to take feedback and to enhance the customer experience is constantly upgrading and renovating its facilities.

Revitalised Accommodation

The Deluxe Lagoon villas with the pools continue to be the favourite with our guests hence we have decided to add plunge pools to the balance 21 deluxe lagoon villas thus offering fresh water pools and added privacy to all villas. Work on these villas will start from 20th June 2008 and will be completed by 30th September 2008. A detailed plan has been put in place to ensure guests in other areas of the resort are not disturbed.

To enhance the guest experience we are also putting in place the butler service and a top of the line Food and Beverage experience with the addition of an all new pool side dining experience starting October 2008.

Check offers of Taj Exotica here

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The newest and most exciting new development to reach the Maldives this year is not on land but on water. It is the award-winning Sultans way 007, the Azimut 103S superyacht which beat many desirable yachts to come away with the most coveted award in its category at the World Superyacht Awards in Venice on April 18.

Along with her two sisters, the Sultans way 007 brings a new dimension to bespoke tourism in the Maldives. It is the way to experience the Maldives’ 1900 pristine islands offering the ultimate freedom, relaxation and adventure in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

The arrival of Sultans of the Seas’ new superyacht the Sultans way 007 this spring, comes at a time when resort development in the atolls around the capital Male is reaching saturation point but where the seas linking the 26 major atolls of the Maldives are traffic-free. There are many creatures patrolling the channels but they are almost exclusively marine animals, large and small and a few local fishermen in their traditional dhonis.

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Rochelle Kilgariff – General Manager, Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay - Oman. Bringing 7 years experience as Resort General Manager, Rochelle has just competed a two year tenure as General Manager of the Six Senses flagship property in Maldives, Soneva Fushi. This multi-award winning luxury resort beyond stars' was named 'Best of the Best' in the world in 2002. Renowned for offering luxuries of the highest international standard in an environment that nurtures the indigenous feel in design, architecture and service; fusing nature with guest experiences and creating destinations of its own. Rochelle's role with Soneva Fushi is preceded by a tenure as General Manager of the twin properties of Chaba Cabana Beach Resort & Spa and Chaba Samui Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand.

	Rochelle Kilgariff

Rochelle commenced her career in the hospitality trade with tour operations, in which she spent thirteen years in Sales and Marketing with Creative Holidays, Australia’s largest wholesale travel company. As Product Director - Asia, Rochelle represented & negotiated with over 300 hotels and resorts covering six Asian countries.

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So you've won the lottery, you've got cash to burn and you're looking for that one, ultimate holiday. The trip to end all trips; a destination so lavish, yet so understated, that you'll never find another quite so spectacular.

Sound like you? Say hello then to the W Retreat & Spa – Maldives.

The latest addition to the stylish group of ultra-chic W hotels is set on the exclusive and very exotic island of Fesdu. With its contemporary and cutting edge approach, this resort is in perfect harmony with the island. Traditional Maldivian exteriors conceal contemporary interiors with sweeping arcs of gleaming white sand and calm turquoise waters.

Whatever you want, Whenever you want it is the philosophy of W hotels throughout the world; and in conjunction with the famously charming service of the Maldives, this is a winning combination.

Seventy eight individual Retreats are available in four categories: forty six (146m²) spacious, over-water Ocean Oasis; twenty eight (188m²) land based, spectacular Beach Oasis; three 2-bedroom (328m²) Seascape Escapes and one 2- bedroom (491 m²) Ocean Haven.

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One&Only Resorts has entered into a unique partnership with iconic shoe designer Christian Louboutin to create a limited edition of his elegant espadrilles exclusively for the resort group. This is Louboutin’s first ever resort collaboration.

“My initial visit to One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives inspired me to create a collection just for One&Only and my recent second stay is where I designed my latest collection. Not only was it truly a privilege for me to stay at such a spectacular resort, it was also an ideal location to be creative with the exotic beauty of the island and the genuine pampering of the staff. I hope my collections for One&Only captured the true essence of these resorts and will remind the wearer of an unforgettable journey,” said Christian Louboutin.

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Mauritius' leading bank, the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB), has opened a branch in Male, in the Maldives, an official source here told PANA Wednesday.

This is the 78th branch of the bank and also the fifth foreign commercial bank to be set up in the Maldives.

"The opening of MCB Maldives is a strategic move that will strengthen further the reputation of our bank as major regional instrument while offering financial solutions to Maldives citizens", the MCB management said in statement.

MCB is already operating in Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique, Reunion, Mayotte, South Africa and France.

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Maldives based operator, Dhiraagu has announced the connection of 275,000th mobile customer to mobile network. The company also announced the completion of mobile coverage to all inhabited islands, a key milestone in the telecom history of Maldives.

At a press conference, the announcement was made by Dhiraagu Chief Executive Mr. Ismail Rasheed. Speaking at the function, Ismail congratulated the 275,000th customer Mr. Mohamed Linaaf and presented him with a plaque and Nokia N series mobile phone with one year free subscription to Dhiraagu Post-Paid Platinum Package. Ismail also thanked customers for their trust in Dhiraagu and reiterated company’s commitment in providing high quality services and introducing new innovations.

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May 8th - May 22nd

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