Hilton Worldwide's management agreement with Sun Travels & Tours in relation to Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi has been terminated, with effect from 3 May 2013.
Accordingly, the owner of the hotel, Sun Travels & Tours, is now managing the property, and as such the hotel will no longer be a part of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, nor the Hilton HHonors program.
A statement issued by Hilton, said, "The cessation of Hilton Worldwide’s management of that resort was unforeseen and due to factors outside its control." Hilton Worldwide still manages the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in the Maldives.
Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spahas announced a brand new room category to their inventory the Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool.
For the perfect island hideaway and for beach lovers, individual Deluxe Beach Villas are nestled within the island's natural vegetation, sufficiently secluded from the beach to ensure privacy, while close enough to catch shimmering glimpses of the lagoon. Whatever the time of day, the jungle breeze and the sound of lapping waves on the shores of the Indian Ocean will captivate guests.
The new room categories have a large and private swimming pool hewn from black lava stone which contrasts beautifully with the white sand and the tropical green foliage of each private garden.
Two sun loungers are located on the beach for either watching the sun rise in the morning, soaking up the sun during the day, watching the sun set or lying back watching the shooting stars at night. A large gazebo is situated in the private and temperate garden for outdoor dining, relaxing or socializing. With a comfortable day bed, an informal terrace leads in to a large open plan bedroom with elevated ceilings that give a sense of calm. A substantial open air bathroom and seating area contains two rain showers and a spa bath.
The interiors of the villas have been decorated with new soft furnishings and a new and soft colour scheme. Bed nets hang like gossamer from the high vaulted ceilings draping the bedin romantic swathes of fabric creating an inviting cocoon. Soft greens and creams that lightly reflect the nature of the island are brought into the room creating a peaceful and tranquil living space. Local artists have been inspired by this magical country with individual paintings depicting abstracts of the islands in the same colour scheme in each room.
Over 130 staff members at Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa generously donated blood to the local community this week.
The initiative was set out to meet the increasing demand for donated blood, and has set
a new Maldives record for most blood donated in a single day. A total of 59.6 litres of blood was donated from 132 team members.
“This achievement falls within our pioneering role in serving the local community and the
high turnout at the donation centre expresses our teams care and commitment for others, “says General Manager Jean-Sebastien Kling.
Exclusive Maldivian Resort Becomes Preferred Choice For MICE Professionals Seeking Something Special
The Maldives – 28 April 2011 - How does a resort with no meeting rooms become a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Event) specialist? Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa rises to this creative challenge with the launch of its new ‘barefoot’ MICE programme that incorporates a host of different options, none of which take place in a conventional meeting room.
“Traditionally, the Maldives is not seen as a typical MICE destination,” says General Manager Jean Sebastien Kling, “At Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi we intend to change that with our ‘barefoot’ MICE programme. We pride ourselves on being the specialists in creative and innovative meetings and we promise organisers that no event will take place in a dull, stuffy room. Instead, all meeting activities can be done barefoot in various locations around the resort.”
The resort’s new strategy is already paying dividends with the one event already successfully taken place in February and the next one to follow in May of this year when the resort welcomes 238 guests for a four-night incentive event for a European financial company.
“We are seeing increased interest in bringing MICE business to the Maldives because it’s a truly spectacular location that can’t be found elsewhere. Event organisers love the flexibility we offer in terms of individualisation and customisation of their event,” says Kling. “Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa is an extraordinary tropical resort with the space and flexibility to hold memorable meetings and events in an incredible environment. We offer 'meeting rooms' in the sand with ocean views in the heart of paradise”.
Possibilities that bookers can consider include the exclusive use of a private island where their guests can enjoy their own Robinson Crusoe experience that includes beach barbecues, watersports, spa treatments on the beach, drinks reception in the ocean and of course outstanding creative menus, wonderful accommodation and dining options at the resort.
Other ‘barefoot meeting space’ options at Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi include private hire of various open-air restaurants as well meetings on the beach held in marquees or open sided tents. It’s even possible to set up cocktails and receptions with delegates’ feet in the ocean. The Spa – which is the largest in the country – offers a treasure trove of relaxing possibilities, while the resort’s six restaurants ensure an abundance of dining options.
If these options are not enticing enough, bookers can benefit from the Hilton HHonors® Event Bonus whereby they can earn Points & Miles® with meetings and conferences held at the resort.
On 28th of February and 1st March 2011 Hilton Maldives / Iru Fushi Resort & Spa hosted the legendary Italian winemaker Andrea Franchetti. This is the first time ever in Maldives, the brilliant and maverick Andrea shared his prestigious collections from two different wineries with our guests. The most sought after Tenuta di Trinoro from Tuscany and Passopisciaro, Mount Etna, Sicily.
The First dinner; Tenuta di Trinoro 28th February 2011 on the Islander Grill’s Beach Front; Andrea presented four of his best vintages – 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006!
This was preceded by a vertical of his second wine, Le Coupole di Trinoro with vintages 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2000.
The Second dinner; Passopisciaro 1st March 2011 in the Overwater Wine Cellar; Andrea presented some of the most exclusive single vineyard wines from one of Italy’s most revered emerging Sicilian wines.
Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa was recently voted the best employer in the Maldives by the website www.job-maldives.com. Compiled over the past year by users of the job-seeking website in the Maldives, the five-star resort was voted clearly ahead of the competition as the employer of choice.
“We are incredibly proud to have been voted the best employer in the Maldives,” said General Manager, Jean-Sebastien Kling. “We expect our team members to deliver our founder Conrad Hilton’s vision which was ‘to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality’. This can only be achieved if we provide a supportive environment and of course this also means making a happy home for everyone as well as a positive work place.”
The resort’s 530 team members enjoy a high standard of accommodation in clean, newly built, air-conditioned rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. For leisure time the resort’s team member village has its own swimming pool, gym, and mosque. Three meals a day – and snacks – are freshly prepared in the canteen while light bites are on offer at the open air ‘cafe’.
Team activities such as parties, excursions and sports tournaments are regularly organised. But it is in the training and development sphere that the resort really excels offering every team member free access to one of the industry’s best training programmes through the interactive online Hilton University at the resort’s dedicated ‘learning room’. Likewise, the resort has gained a strong reputation for classroom-based learning having recruited an English teacher from the United States who holds weekly classes to ensure team members have the skills and confidence to communicate with guests.
This autumn, the five-star Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa introduces attractive 50% discounts on room rates for its spectacular Beach and Water Villas. The offer is valid for stays from 1st October to 23rd December 2010 and can be booked from 13 September onwards.
An ideal getaway for winter sun, this is a resort that genuinely offers something for everyone: from first-class dining and a heavenly spa to diving in an unexplored atoll and a complete range of excursions and activities. From the clichéd palm-fringed beaches to crystal clear turquoise ocean, Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi offers its guests the quintessential Maldivian experience.
Expedia offers one-night in a Beach Villa from £130 per night based on two sharing and including breakfast. A package including flights, seaplane transfers and access to the Hilton lounge at Male International Airport costs from £1494 per person for six nights or from £2529 per person for ten-nights. For reservations visit http://www.expedia.co.uk
The 50% discount offer is bookable direct and via selected trade partners. Terms and conditions apply.
On 1 July 2010, Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa turns one, and to celebrate, the luxurious private island resort is running a series of enticing competitions and offers throughout the month. From a Facebook holiday prize photo competition, to exclusive upgrades for lucky online bookers and special honeymoon discounts; there are multiple opportunities to join in the party.
In homage to the resort’s launch, when over 500 team members gathered to create a human ‘H’ on the white sandy beach of the island, replicated in a giant ‘1’ to celebrate the anniversary; Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa is inviting Facebook fans to take their own unique photo incorporating the Hilton logo. Whether it’s a flower arrangement, cake decoration or human twister; the most imaginative photo, as chosen by fans of the site, will win a complementary five-night stay at the resort for two.
Guests already set on visiting the private island hideaway could also strike it lucky throughout July, with the 100th booking made to the resort via www.hilton.com during the month receiving a complementary upgrade to the stunning Aqua Retreat* for the duration of their stay. The only one of its kind on the island, the two-bedroom over-water retreat is the epitome of pure indulgence, featuring an infinity swimming pool on the sun-deck, two i-spa’s, a private dining pavilion and spacious lounge with 40” LCD console. To qualify, guests must simply mention ‘Happy Birthday Hilton’ in the comments when booking.
For couples lucky enough to be honeymooning at the resort this July, the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa is also offering an incentive to celebrate their first anniversary in style, with a 30% discount on their next stay. The offer is valid for direct bookings made at least three months in advance of arrival.
The 52 acre resort in the un-spoilt Noonu Atoll has under-gone a major re-branding since its launch on 1 July 2009, with a wealth of service enhancements and new experiences including a new spa programme, new menus and dining experiences, upgrades to water and beach villas and new facilities and activities for honeymooners and families alike.
New Spa Menu combines modern techniques with ancient traditions
The chance to detox, improve sleeping patterns, banish cellulite or feel the benefits of a natural ‘botox’ treatment are all part and parcel of the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa’s newly launched spa menu.
The largest spa in the Maldives provides guests with a wealth of options to suit every goal, offering a range of facial, body and massage therapies, as well as beauty treatments, signature rituals and specialist honeymoon and men’s treatments based on the philosophy of ‘organic earth and vibrant sea’. A combination of Thalgo products, which draw upon the richness of the marine universe, as well as traditional Ayurvedic therapies overseen by the resident Ayurvedic Doctor provide both the benefits of modern technology with age-old healing traditions.
For a January detox, highlights include the Rasayana Arogya four-day Rejuvenation and Detox package, based on the yearly treatments taken by the kings and queens of ancient India. Designed to nourish cells and tissues, improve immunity, detoxify and support the harmony of body, mind and soul, the ritual incorporates a consultation with the Ayurvedic Doctor, an Abhyangam Massage, a Njavara Kizhi treatment using warmed rice poultices to balance individual Doshas, or Ksheera Sekam, a rejuvenating treatment using warmed medicated milkpoured onto the body.
This is followed by Shirodhara an invigorating body massage whereby warm oil is poured onto the forehead or ‘third eye’, or Ksheera Dhara, a similar full body massage treatment enhanced with the pouring of medicated milk over the third eye. The treatment concludes with Udwarthanam a detoxifying and exfoliating herbal massage and Steam Bath. For an alternative approach to the detox process, the Pure Collagen by Thalgo treatment is designed to provide intensive hydration for sun-damaged skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles using pure native collagen extract.
The spa features 20 individual spa pavilions, including 5 dedicated Ayurvedic suites, hydrotherapy, plunge pools, sauna and steam, and a dedicated relaxation area overlooking the tranquil spa gardens. Yoga and Meditation are also available for individual and group tuition.
The Hilton Family Maldives has launched a range of fantastic offers for departures to their portfolio of three resorts between now and December, with savings of over £2500 per couple and a wealth of added value including free seaplane transfers and complementary nights.
Save 65% at the Hilton Maldives/ Iru Fushi Resort & Spa After joining the Hilton Family on 1 July 2009, the stunning 52 acre resort has undergone a wealth of upgrades including new dining experiences and a new look Spa. Save £2060 per couple on departures between 1 November and 23 December and enjoy seven-nights in a Beach Villa with private outdoor bathroom garden and beach cabana from just £1549 per person. Price includes BA direct flights to Male, seaplane transfers and breakfast. Book with Sovereign Luxury Holidays at sovereign.com.
Free half board, free transfers and seven nights for the price of four at The Beach House at Manafaru Set to join the Waldorf Astoria Collection in March 2010, the stunning private island in the far north of the Maldives is offering a wealth of complementary extras for guests travelling between now and 23 December. With all Villas featuring a private swimming pool and butler service it is tropical luxury at its finest. Kuoni is offering seven-nights in a Water Villa with private pool from just £1899 per person – a saving of £2961 per couple – for departures up to 5 December 2009. Price is based on two sharing and includes half board, domestic sea and boat transfers and international flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow. To book visit kuoni.co.uk and quote tour ref: IO0130.
Two free nights and complementary seaplane transfers at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island The award-winning twin-island resort of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to some of the Maldives must-visit attractions including Ithaa, the world’s first all-glass under-sea restaurant and the Maldives only destination Spa Retreat. Departing on 18th November, Hayes & Jarvis (hayesandjarvis.com) is offering seven-night stays for £2,229 per person (based on two sharing) – a saving of 33 per cent (£1,104pp) including two free nights. The package includes seven nights’ accommodation in a Beach Villa, daily breakfast, return Qatar Airways flights from London Heathrow and complimentary seaplane transfers.
Whilst the Maldives is well known as a firm favourite for the honeymoon crowd, its appeal and practicality as a family holiday destination is less explored.
The newly launched Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa aims to ensure that both children and parents alike experience their very own version of paradise with tailor-made activities and facilities to suit all ages.
Kids love to splash and play, something which couples in the throes of romance will not appreciate. No such problem at the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa where the adults-only pool is as far from the dedicated family pool as possible on the 52 acre tropical island. The neighbouring Kids Paradise is one of the main features of the resort; open daily from 9am to 6pm, it is home to playgrounds, games, toys and a full activity calendar tailored to kids aged from 3 to 12. After hours, and for toddlers, a baby-sitting service is also available.
Children’s ‘gourmet’ needs are also not forgotten with children under two enjoying complementary food and drinks and a special kid’s menu available at a 50% discount across all restaurants, with a particularly wide choice at Iru, the main buffet style dining area.
For those looking for some much-needed family time, the resort has a wealth of excursions. The daily snorkeling and turtle safaris are ideal for older children giving them the chance to make their geography lessons a reality in the vibrant reefs of the Noonu Atoll. Children as young as eight can also try their hand at diving with a special ‘Bubblemaker’ experience and from the age of 10, kids can embark on their first Discovery Dive, progressing to a Junior Open Water Course with the resort’s PADI Dive Centre if they get the bug.
Active teens can try their hand at beach football, volleyball or even big game fishing, whilst those used to slumping in front of their computers will enjoy the Movie of the Day and selection of Children’s DVDs available to borrow. And for those families who like to engage in some healthy competition, the Golf Simulator, board games and Private Karaoke booth provide the perfect occasion.
High-tech accommodation featuring i-spa bathtubs (Jacuzzis with i-pod connections) will impress even today’s tech-savvie teens and the spacious inside-outside living give plenty of space for all the family.
For those worried about a long-haul flight, the Hilton Family Maldives dedicated lounge at Male International Airport provides guests with complementary shower facilities, refreshments and entertainment the minute they step off the plane to ensure every moment of the holiday is spent in complete relaxation.
Tropical Sky (tropicalsky.co.uk) is offering seven-nights at the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa Hotel from £1,625 per person (based on a family of four sharing). Available for selected departures in September, the price includes flights from London Heathrow with Emirates, accommodation in two Jacuzzi beach villas on a half-board basis, transfers, taxes and surcharges.
President Mohamed Nasheed has, yesterday afternoon, inaugurated Hilton Maldives Irufushi Resort and Spa in South Miladhunmadulu atoll.
Upon arrival at the resort, the President was greeted by Chairman of Sun Hotels, Ahmed Shiyam Mohamed and senior management of Hilton.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the President expressed hope that the resort would contribute for greater advancement of the tourism sector.
He also spoke on the importance of good management practices. Speaking in this regard, the President said good management practices were essential for sustainable tourism.
Stressing that the world was now undergoing an economic slowdown, the President called on all stakeholders in tourism industry to sacrifice their personal differences and to peacefully resolve any grievances that they may have.
President Nasheed also spoke on the importance of protecting the environment. He said that the resorts in the Maldives could play an important role in this endeavor. He further said democracy was an important adaptation measure to climate change.
On 1 July, the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa will officially open in the idyllic Noonu Atoll as part of Hilton’s ongoing expansion in the Maldives. To celebrate, the resort is offering a fantastic ‘two for one’ offer for bookings made on or before 17 August 2009, valid for travel before 31 August 2009.
Throughout the promotion, a stunning Beach Villa is available from just $129.30 (approx £78) per villa per night including taxes and service charges and a buffet breakfast.
Nestled within the island’s natural vegetation with glimpses of the shimmering lagoon, the spacious Beach Villas feature a large bedroom, an en-suite bathroom opening out onto its enclosed private courtyard with an i-spa bathtub, an extensive sun-deck, a large gazebo and two rain showers, as well as a front terrace with over-sized day bed, perfect for relaxing in the Indian Ocean sunshine.
The re-branding will offer guests a wealth of new service enhancements at the 52 acre private island resort as well as a new Spa programme, revamped dining experiences and additional leisure activities.
Highlights include a newly designated Adults-Only Infinity Pool area and separate children’s pool to offer families and couples alike their own private space on the island; enhanced Dive centre with access to a wealth of new dive areas in the north of the Maldives and a new Spa programme in the stunning 21 pavilion Spa Sanctuary using internationally renowned Thalgo products. Guests will also have access to the exclusive Hilton lounge upon arrival at Male international airport, with complementary refreshments, shower facilities and entertainment.
The Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa joins the award-winning sister resort Conrad Maldives Rangali Island as part of Hilton’s ongoing expansion in the Maldives, which will also see The Beach House join the Waldorf Astoria Collection on 1 November and The Doubletree by Hilton Malé open in the capital in 2011.
Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced that its subsidiary has entered into an agreement with Sun Travels and Tours Pvt. Ltd, to manage the Hilton Maldives/Iru Fushi Resort & Spa. A conversion hotel project, the property currently known as the Irufushi Beach & Spa Resort is scheduled to open as a Hilton Worldwide Resort in July 2009. Martin Rinck, President Hilton Hotels Corporation – Asia Pacific, commented, “The beauty of the Maldives, its pristine white beaches, turquoise waters and fascinating underwater world continues to entice yachting and diving enthusiasts, spa seekers and honeymooners looking for an island hideaway.
This is one of the most exotic and idyllic island destinations in the world, and we are delighted to add the Hilton flag to the Conrad brand already present”. Comprising 220 villas, the Hilton Maldives/Iru Fushi Resort & Spa will sprawl over 52 acres of powdery white sands and abundant tropical vegetation on Medhafushi which is nestled within the unspoilt Noonu Atoll. Traditional Maldivian architecture and materials are used to dramatic effect to create luxurious villas for discerning travelers. The resort will offer a range of room options, from beach villas that open onto private shores and are surrounded by rich tropical foliage, to over-water villas with private whirlpools and sundecks from which guests can take in uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean.
Four unique restaurants will enable guests to embark on an epicurean journey during their stay. From an alfresco restaurant with live stations and grills serving freshly caught seafood to a fine dining restaurant blending local and international flavours. A selection of distinctive bars and an over water wine cellar will allow guests to unwind with beverages and watch the famous Maldivian sunsets. A stunning spa sanctuary with 21 private spa pavilions will be complemented by a fitness centre, swimming pool, tennis courts and a range of water sport activities, while book lovers can curl up at the resort library and Internet cafe. Famed for its beautiful and rare underwater reefs, warm water temperatures and high visibility, the Maldives enjoys a reputation as one of the best diving destinations in the world.
The Hilton Maldives will have a diving centre on property to enable guests to learn to scuba dive with qualified trainers as well as enable dive enthusiasts to make the most of their experience of the house reef and crystal clear waters of Noonu Atoll. Over 30 dive sites are available to explore within an hour from the island, all with an abundance of marine life and a rich variety of colourful corals. "We're thrilled to welcome the Hilton Maldives/Iru Fushi Resort & Spa to our portfolio," said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president - Brand Management, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "This beautiful location, coupled with our unique brand of Hilton hospitality is sure to make this hotel a favorite among the world's travellers." Located approximately 60 kilometres north of Malé International Airport, the resort is easily accessed by a 45-minute seaplane flight.
The management contract will further enhance Hilton Hotels’ presence in the Maldivian archipelago, where the company will have several of its Hilton Family of Hotels Brands. The Hilton Maldives will build on the success of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island which opened in 1997 (originally as a Hilton hotel before being rebranded to the Conrad in 2007). The Doubletree by Hilton Malé is also scheduled to open in the Republic’s capital, Malé, in 2011.
Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced that one of its subsidiaries is collaborating with Sun Travels and Tours Pvt Ltd to take over management of the new Hilton Maldives. The property, which is presently named Irufushi Beach & Spa Resort, is expected to launch as a Hilton resort in July 2009.
Located 60 km north of Malé International Airport, the resort can be reached by a 45 minute seaplane flight. With 220 villas, the Hilton Maldives is spread over 52 acres on Medhafushi in the Noonu Atoll. The property will offer a room options, including beach villas with private beaches and above-water villas with private whirlpools and sundecks.
F&B options include an al fresco restaurant with live stations and grills, a fine dine option serving local and international cuisines, a selection of bars and an above-water wine cellar. Other amenities provided comprise spa sanctuary with 21 private spa pavilions, swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis courts, water sport activities, resort library, Internet café and diving centre.
A statement issued by Hilton, said, "The cessation of Hilton Worldwide’s management of that resort was unforeseen and due to factors outside its control." Hilton Worldwide still manages the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in the Maldives.
