Latest news with #VelanaInternationalAirport
Saudi Gazette
26-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Maldives becomes 8th country benefiting from "Makkah Route" Initiative
Saudi Gazette report MALE — Saudi Arabia launched the "Makkah Route" Initiative in the Maldives on Monday, making it the eighth country to benefit from the initiative. The other countries are Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Côte d'Ivoire. Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the Makkah Route Initiative at Velana International Airport in Male in the presence of Chairman of the "Makkah Route" Supervisory Committee Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya, Maldives Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Acting Chargé d'Affaires at the Saudi Embassy in the Maldives Fahad Al-Dosari. A high-level Saudi delegation, including officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as senior officials from the Maldivian government also attended the ceremony. The first group of 234 Maldivian pilgrims under the Makkah Route Initiative left the Male airport for Saudi Arabia. The "Makkah Route" Initiative focuses on facilitating the smooth and seamless completion of all travel procedures for pilgrims from beneficiary countries in their designated embarkation points. These include issuing Hajj visas electronically, taking biometrics, completing entry procedures to the Kingdom from the airport of the country of departure after verifying that the required health requirements are met. The process involves coding and sorting luggage according to transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom. The passengers are then transferred directly to buses to be transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah. Partner agencies are responsible for the delivery of their luggage to buses and accommodation of the pilgrims. The Ministry of Interior is implementing the initiative for the seventh year in a row as part of the Doyof Al-Rahman Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Endowments, the Doyof Al-Rahman Program, and the General Directorate of Passports.
The Star
23-04-2025
- The Star
More resorts in the Maldives adopting green practices
While the Maldives covers an area of 90,000sq km, 90% of this small Indian Ocean nation is seawater, with most of its land area rising just a few metres above the current water level. Global warming and the resultant rise in sea level are a major concern for many island nations. According to a report by the World Bank, '... with future sea levels projected to increase in the range of 10cm to 100cm by the year 2100, the entire country could be submerged'. As such, the Maldives is adapting to climate change and other environmental challenges, and its government has been prominent in its international advocacy to mitigate such changes. Many resorts and hotels in the country have also made concerted efforts to follow more sustainable practices, incorporating them into daily operations. One such resort is SO/ Maldives. While there doesn't appear to be a sense of urgency on the tiny speck of sand and palm trees on which the resort is located, its designers and planners aren't taking any chances. In fact, all those involved in the development of the place are concerned about the rising sea level and other environmental issues. Before addressing the potential environmental issues confronting the small nation comprising some 1,200 islands and islets scattered around numerous atolls like pearls on a necklace, it's important to get a grasp on the current situation. The Maldives is commonly known for its palm-fringed beaches surrounded by water of immense clarity and beauty. The island colours are so intense and saturated with the deepest blue, vivid turquoise, yellows that shimmer like gold bars, and greens that are so vibrant to take them into a different realm of understanding. The beach villas at SO/ Maldives are all designed to encourage birdlife. Photo-enhancing software and apps are simply not required, as the beaming equatorial light does the saturation free of charge. A companion I travelled with described the island on which the SO/ Maldives is located as a natural screensaver, similar to the ridiculously saturated images that many of us have on our computers. This first became apparent as our AirAsia aircraft from Kuala Lumpur made its approach into Velana International Airport, adjacent to the Maldivian capital, Male. With spare seats next to me on the four-hour flight, I slipped across the row to the window seat to admire the view. As the captain tweaked his approach, I was able to admire the contrasting sky blue of the deep water surrounding the turquoise waters of the shallow atolls. Maritime silk road Once we had landed, and cleared immigration and customs with ease, I realised just how flat the islands are; Maldives is also one of the world's lowest countries. Velana International Airport is located on Hulhule Island, just over the water from Male and connected by the Sinamale Bridge. Some 212,000 people, or 29% of all Maldivians, live in Male, but very few tourists visit the capital as most resorts are a flight or boat journey away. Access to most of the surrounding islands is done via boats or a fleet of small aircraft that service 18 domestic airports. Get close to marine life on a snorkelling excursion to Shark Point. — SO/ Maldives Having been to the Maldives before (where I stayed at several remote resorts), I was aware that waiting – as well as the travelling times – for domestic flights can be quite long, so it was a wise decision to stay at SO/ Maldives. This resort is located just a short boat ride from the airport. (While Maldives is one of the world's smallest nations, the archipelago is surprisingly large, extending 870km north to south.) On the 20-minute motor launch journey to the resort, we passed Male, which must be one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with its tallest building being the 25-storey-high Dharumavantha Hospital. You soon realise that if the environmentalists have got it right, the whole of Male is vulnerable to rising sea levels, as are the resorts. Only 200 islands are inhabited, with most set aside for private and luxurious accommodations – often just one resort on each island. These properties are some of the world's finest in offering over-the-water chalets, villas, private pools, spas, signature restaurants and watersports. SO/ Maldives, my 'home' for the next few days, was barely metres above sea level, and the tallest objects on the island were the swaying coconut palms that cast a modicum of shade over my villa. The resort and the island are simply stunning, though, and if a committee were asked to design an idyllic island getaway, the end result would be this place. The Maldives is known for its beautiful islands and clear waters but the country also has major environmental challenges to tackle. Going green Concerned that my villa may sail off on the next high tide, I decided to check in with the management to reassure me that this would not happen. I also wanted to find out what strategies they had put in place for such eventualities. Being one of the most recently built resorts in the Maldives, I assumed that it would have state-of-the art technology. Meeting up with resort manager Oreste Traetto and the head of rooms, Aifulla Jameel, I learned that it was part of the Accor hotel group, a company that has stringent environmental policies regardless of the location of the property. Like many other resorts, SO/ Maldives has implemented ecological initiatives to protect its fragile marine ecosystem. This means appropriate management of waste, protection of waters and reefs, and adopting sustainable practices to lower their carbon footprint. An impressive 45% of the resort's energy is generated by on-villa solar panels, and this figure is expected to increase over time. Greywater recycling and rainwater capture are used to irrigate the extensive landscaped gardens. Resort chefs buy locally where possible, but this is a big challenge for an island nation that produces very little. In fact, most resorts in the Maldives import their products from all over the world. The hotel is putting in place strategies to get a full 'Green Globe' certification and follow a set of guiding principles to better manage the resort. (Green Globe is an affiliate member of the UN Tourism which carries the original standard upon which all tourism eco-labels are based.) After a few days at the resort, I began to appreciate that championing the global warming challenge wasn't the entire responsibility of the people of the Maldives or the resorts –visitors too have a role to play. Being a responsible traveller isn't a new concept, and it is a way of life that an increasing number of global travellers are adopting. Everyone is familiar with the 3Rs (recycle, reuse and reduce), but I thought of two additional suggestions – repurpose and rethink. Choosing appropriate activities, such as dolphin-sighting tours, is being responsible, so a plan was hatched to join an afternoon sunset cruise. Joined by some 20 other excited guests, we boarded a replica of a traditional local fishing boat called a dhoni. It features a distinctive peaked prow. We were informed that, in the past, these vessels were made from a single coconut tree. Initially, these boats were propelled by a triangular sail, but now most are motorised. I positioned myself near the bow to photograph Spinner Dolphins as I was told that they are unlike most other dolphins that breach the surface. My patience was eventually rewarded as we were joined by a playful pod that remained with the boat for some 30 minutes. In addition to joining the dolphin tour, guests can also snorkel or dive on various reefs, including Shark Point, and learn about the importance of coral reefs and the fish that survive in such ecosystems. I also learned that 75% of the world's reef fish flourish in the waters of the Maldives. With more than 1,100 fish species in the Indian Ocean, marine life in the Maldives is prolific. Divers can admire colourful coral and fish, and possibly sharks, eels and turtles feeding around the reefs there. The Indian Ocean is also home to half the world's species of coral, and their protection is vital for fishing and tourism. Coral bleaching (higher water temperatures and increased ultraviolet light), resulting from the El Nino Effect, is a global problem and one that the Coral Global Reef Alliance has noticed is evident in the Maldives. The country's rich underwater life makes up for its limited biodiversity. Bird sightings weren't as prolific as I had hoped, although I enjoyed watching grey herons fishing daily in the shallows of the resort lagoon. Human activity threatens the survival of Spinner Dolphins in the Maldives. It's a lot of rubbish Disposing of rubbish is a major global problem, especially for islands as they have limited avenues for disposal. Eliminating waste in the first place is the best way to reduce its impacts, and it's pleasing to note that many resorts like SO/ Maldives have adopted a policy of zero single-use plastics. In the past, resorts shipped their waste to Thilafushi, near Male, to add to the growing landfill known to the locals as 'Trash Island'. For years, the trash smouldered away, sending harmful gases into the air, and was hardly the solution to a growing problem. Some 1,200 tonnes are generated daily in and around Male, but recycling and sorting garbage at source are growing in popularity, while a waste-to-energy facility is being considered. SO/ Maldives staff sort the waste generated and recycle where possible. They also clean the beach of flotsam that washes up on each tide. Though not much can be done about the existence of microplastics in the ocean, we can prevent them from getting out of hand. As a traveller, try to choose activities that have a lower impact on the environment like non-motorised water sports. While wet food wastes are treated and used to fertilise gardens, lowering waste amount at source is key to reducing it, and the resort analytically monitors its waste to see what items are being ... wasted. With this knowledge, chefs, for example, can adjust daily or weekly menus to reduce wastage. A holiday in the Maldives is, for most, aspirational and perhaps a journey some will make once in their lifetime. While an idyllic tropical holiday destination, there could be trouble in paradise from global warming and a rising sea level. Tourism is important for this island nation, and efforts by some resorts are helping ensure that tourism remains sustainable in an ever-changing world. Travel notes How to get there: All three local airlines – Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Batik Air – have direct flights to Male. Currency: The Maldivian rufiyaa is the official currency
FACT
10-04-2025
- FACT
Destination Maldives: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
Expect barefoot luxury less than one hour from the runway. Convenience is key. Less than an hour after touching down at Velana International Airport in the Maldives, I'm sinking my toes into sun-warmed sand as the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean glitter invitingly in the distance. It's no surprise that the Maldives continues to captivate travellers from across the globe. The allure is undeniable: powder-soft beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and an overwhelming sense of serenity that seems to cast a spell the moment you arrive. Enter: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. Opened in 2022, Hilton's latest Maldivian resort marks a milestone for the global hospitality brand. Its flagship property in the island nation is one that blends Hilton's polished pedigree with an unmistakable sense of place. Set on a reclaimed island just a short speedboat ride from Malé, the resort offers a seamless arrival that skips the usual seaplane transfer and gets you beachside in record time. The architecture here embraces its surroundings. With a collection of 109 beach and overwater villas, the design is a harmonious fusion of contemporary lines and Maldivian tradition. Think thatched roofs, timber finishes, and open-plan spaces that blur the lines between inside and out. Sandy pathways, dappled in shadows from frangipani and palm trees, snake their way through the dense foliage, with guests pedalling between spa sessions and sunset cocktails on baby blue bikes. Astounding abodes My villa — a One Bedroom Overwater Suite with Pool — is a revelation. Suspended above the shallows, I'm greeted by panoramic views that stretch across a never-ending palette of blue. The interiors are understated yet indulgent, with low-slung seating, floor-to-ceiling windows, and glass panels underfoot, offering glimpses into the marine world below. The bedroom is anchored by a cloud-like double bed angled perfectly to maximise the view, leading out to a sprawling deck complete with a private plunge pool and overwater hammock nets swaying just above the waves. The bathroom is just as impressive — a calming sanctuary with a freestanding tub, dual vanities, and both indoor and outdoor rain showers. Every detail has been considered, from the soft lighting to the bath salts ready for a long evening soak as the sun dips beneath the horizon. Destination dining Dining is a standout at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. Habitat, the resort's all-day dining venue, presents a bountiful breakfast buffet that's as photogenic as it is satisfying. Expect tropical fruits sliced to order, golden pastries, pillowy pancakes, and Maldivian staples like fiery curries. The setting is equally spectacular, with alfresco tables dotted along a terrific terrace that hugs the shoreline. Origin, the resort's signature overwater restaurant, offers a refined take on Italian cuisine, where handmade pastas and truffle-laced risottos are served above a lagoon teeming with blacktip reef sharks that glide silently beneath the waves. At Sip Tea Lounge, the ritual of tea is reimagined with an extensive selection of premium blends alongside innovative tea-based cocktails that blur the lines between tradition and mixology. As the sun sets, the scene shifts to Eden Champagne & Gin Bar, a chic adults-only enclave where rare vintage bubbles and artisanal gins are poured under a canopy of stars. By night, Beach Shack offers a romantic grill restaurant where Wagyu steaks and fresh-caught fish are flame-kissed in an open kitchen just steps from the sea. Guests dine barefoot amidst flickering lanterns, casting a soft glow across the sand. Elsewhere, Aura Pool Bar & Cocktail Lab deserves a special mention. It's the first cocktail lab in the Maldives and is dedicated to infusion, distillation, and clarification. The menu offers everything from clarified Piña Coladas to Smoked Negronis, crafted with flair and served beside a shimmering infinity pool. The menu includes poolside fare and light bites ranging from poke bowls and sushi to nachos and bombastic burgers. Rest and relaxation For those in search of rejuvenation, the overwater Amingiri Spa is a tranquil retreat. Treatment pavilions float above the turquoise lagoon and are named after wildflowers. Each comes with its own glass panel beneath the massage bed, allowing you to gaze into the depths of the ocean as shoals of fish glide beneath you. It's an immersive wellness experience that feels utterly attuned to the Maldivian vibe, providing hammam rituals, body treatments and facial care. Activities abound, from diving excursions to paddle tennis, basketball, and a state-of-the-art gym. Families are well catered to with a vibrant kids' club, an art centre and a beautiful boutique, while a luxurious residence is currently under construction, promising even more indulgent stays for larger groups in the near future. On the water, glass kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and snorkelling adventures take preference. Yet, the daily dolphin cruise is the true highlight — arguably one of the best in the archipelago. As the sun begins to set, pods of spinner dolphins leap and twirl in the boat's wake, their acrobatics drawing gasps and applause from sunburnt tourists. The verdict Catering to Middle Eastern travellers, Hilton Maldives Amingiri ensures cultural sensitivity and elevated comfort throughout the experience. Many of the villas offer complete privacy, ideal for couples and families alike. The proximity to the Gulf — four hours from the UAE and Saudi — makes it convenient for long weekends or Eid holidays. And with private in-villa dining, and shaded beachfront lounging, the resort understands and accommodates the nuances of regional preferences with ease. Hilton Maldives Amingiri is the latest resort in Hilton's impressive Indian Ocean footprint, which offers everything from ultra-luxe escapes to laid-back island living. In the Seychelles, Mango House and Waldorf Astoria Platte Island offer a new level of secluded sophistication. While Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa in Mauritius is renowned for its idyllic beachfront setting. With thoughtful design, exceptional dining, and a location that's both accessible and idyllic, Hilton Maldives Amingiri is a resort that delivers barefoot luxury with effortless charm. Whether you're in search of romance, wellness, or simply the chance to disconnect from the world, you'll find it here, suspended between sea and sky. GO: Visit for reservations and more information.
