W Retreat & Spa Maldives announces the return of DJ Kid Diesel who will take residency at the retreat from the 2nd of July.
KID DIESEL also known as DJ BRIAN, producer, re-mixer, DJ and part of SOULGANGSTERS house music project, has already played in more than 30 countries all around the world including China, Russia, Brazil, Spain (Ibiza), France, Greece (Mykonos), Germany, Ukraine and Malta just to mention a few. Recognized as one of the most successful house music DJ’s in Czech Republic with 14 years of experience, he has played 2 seasons in Ibiza in clubs AMNESIA, SPACE and SOMNY and was also the resident DJ of PARADISE club in Mykonos, voted as one of Greece’s No.1 clubs.
Bringing W Hotels passion for music to life at the retreat, DJ Kid Diesel will perform chill out mixes daily at SIP the retreat’s sunset lounge and thrice weekly in 15BELOW, the only nightclub in the Maldives located 15 steps below ground. Additionally, W Happenings Presents -Havana Nights event every Monday; chill out on the WET beach as the sunsets over the Indian Ocean horizon relaxing to cool beats and Mojitos. Whilst Retreat & Surrender provides a groovy end to a Wednesday night where large bean bags are set on the beach and the DJ Kid Diesel performs under the moon light
For more details about W Retreat & Spa - Maldives, visit wretreatmaldives.com/happenings.
Maldives wins ‘Best Destination for Relaxation’ while W Maldives wins ‘Best Resort Hotel’ at the Lonely Planet Magazine India’s Travel Awards 2012
The luxury playground of W Retreat & Spa – Maldives and the destination Maldives has won accolades of Lonely Planet reader’s choice awards.
In the results of the Lonely Planet Magazine India’s Travel Awards 2012 which was announced recently, W Retreat & Spa – Maldives was voted as the ‘Best Resort Hotel’ (International), while the destination Maldives was voted as the ‘Best Destination for Relaxation’ (International).
This year, both Maldives and W Retreat & Spa – Maldives have been tipped for a number of international accolades; having been nominated in multiple categories at the World Travel Awards 2012 as well.
This New Year Eve, amplify the night as W’s electric energy fuses with the Maldives sense of eternity at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives. Enur, the Danish DJ's who brought us the saxophone riff, hooky and thumping beat of the international hit 'Calabria' will countdown live to the New Year at W Happenings ‘UNPLUG 2011 & PLAY 2012’ in W Retreat & Spa – Maldives.
The Copenhagen-based dance producer and DJ Rune RK and his brother Johannes Torpe scored a major hit in 2007 with a fresh version of a year-old Rune track titled ‘Calabria’ featuring reggae vocalist and fellow Dane Natasja Saad that went on to dominated radio and sales charts and dance floors worldwide.
Tucked away in the Maldivian atolls, W Retreat & Spa - Maldives is on Fesdu Island located in the middle of the North Ari Atoll, to the west of Malé, the capital of Maldives. Hop on a sea plane in Malé, soar over the turquoise Indian Ocean for 25 exhilarating minutes, and you're there. 15BELOW is where it is all happening. Slide into a cozy alcove for perfect views of the dance floor. Belly up to the bar and have the mixologists make or shake your favorite cocktail.
W Hotels Worldwide passion of music is continued at W Retreat & Spa Maldives and globally through its Global Music Director, Michaelangleo L’Acqua (whotels.com/music) who curated the brands seventh edition of the ultra-popular CD, Symmetry. Earlier this year, W Hotels also released its iPhone APP at whotels.com/mobile.
With hundreds of luxury villas in Asia Pacific’s top resorts, Starwood’s Villa Collection offers the most savvy travelers a new way to stay and a new way to pla.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce the launch of the Starwood Asia Pacific Villa Collection, bringing together one of the region’s largest collection of luxury villas into one place for guests and travel professionals to explore. The new website, www.starwoodhotels.com/villacollectionasiapacific , offers one-stop convenience for locating and booking unique, high-end luxury villas in Asia Pacific’s most exotic and sought-after resorts and locations.
“The Starwood Asia Pacific Villa Collection offers a large and diverse selection of exclusive, breathtaking settings from which to explore Asia Pacific’s most exciting locations and captivating countries,” said Alison Taylor, Vice President of Sales, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “Whether you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon retreat or an exciting family adventure, Starwood has made it easier to match the perfect location to the ideal experience.”
As the world’s largest operator of luxury hotels & resorts, the Starwood portfolio includes more than 1000 hotels in 100 countries around the globe, including 200 idyllic resorts with stunning, private villas in some of the world’s most exotic locations. The Starwood Asia Pacific Villas are an award-winning collection of 768 villas in 19 of Starwood’s resorts across the Asia Pacific region, ranging from Australia to China. By aggregating all of its premier Asia Pacific villas into one unique collection, Starwood has made it infinitely more convenient to explore, compare and tailor the desired experience to each resort’s location, brand and lifestyle offerings.
The Luxury Villa Lifestyle
Created with the most discerning guests in mind, the Villas are a home away from home with all the comforts and luxury found in the world’s finest hotels. Designed for privacy and luxury, the villas are ideally situated to take advantage of the resort’s best features, such as panoramic ocean views, convenient poolside or beach access, or privacy. Many of the villas in the collection offer private pools, outdoor dining areas, state-of-the-art kitchens, and multiple bedrooms. Most of the resorts offer luxurious spas and unique dining destinations, as well as access to world-class recreation such as snorkelling, diving, championship golf, sailing, deep-sea fishing and more.
The resorts in the Starwood Asia Villa Collection each offer a gateway to an exotic new world, with villas that are inspired by the local environs and reflect each hotel’s brand. Le Meridien properties are contemporary and offer a unique new perspective to the experience through its culture programs; the St. Regis villas are lush, sumptuous and sophisticated; W villas are modern and edgy, a great way to escape; The Luxury Collection properties are exclusive and reflect the local flavors; the Sheraton resorts are perfectly suited for adventurous families; the Westin experience promote health and wellbeing.
Some, like the tropical island villas at The St. Regis Bali Resort, come with your own personal St. Regis Butler. Others, like the contemporary villas at the Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa feature indoor-outdoor bathrooms and showers. Still others, like the chic ocean villas at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, boasts uninterrupted ocean views and luxurious outdoor areas with plunge pool, daybed, outdoor rainforest shower, private BBQ hammock and garden seating.
The villas in the Starwood Asia Pacific Villa Collection are perfectly suited for adventurous families who want to enjoy the region’s most exotic locations from the comfort and luxury of a spacious, meticulously-appointed villa with all the lifestyle conveniences and access to exciting recreation opportunities. Great family locations include Sheraton Port Mirage Douglas Resort, Austalia; The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket; Sheraton Sanya Resort, China.
Of course, the private villas in the Starwood Asia Pacific Villa Collection are also the perfect romantic getaway for honeymooning newlyweds and couples celebrating anniversaries. Some of the most secluded and romantic getaways include W Retreat & Spa Maldives, The Naka Island – A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, St. Regis Bali, and many more.
The Starwood Asia Pacific Villa Collection includes the following resorts:
· Australia: Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast; Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort
· China: Sheraton Sanya Resort; Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa; Le Meridien Xiamen
· Fiji: Sheraton Denarau Villas
· India: The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa
· Indonesia: The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali; The St. Regis Bali Resort; W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak
· Malaysia: The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
· Maldives: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; W Retreat & Spa Maldives
· New Caledonia: Le Meridien Ile des Pins
· Thailand: Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort; The Naka Island – A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa; The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket; Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa; W Koh Samui
More properties are under development and will be added to the collection include Vana Belle Samui Resort & Spa, Samui; The Westin Ubud Resort & Spa, Bali; The Westin Jaipur, Infotech City, India; The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort; and, Sheraton Guangzhou Huadu Resort.
The W Retreat & Spa Maldives is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Mijung KIM as the retreat’s official W Insider – W Hotels’ adaption of a concierge that assists the retreats guests to have access to all that that Maldives has to offer in terms of W Happenings, entertainment, sightseeing and once in a lifetime activities whilst in the Maldives.
Mijung, a native of South Korea holds a degree in Business Administration; Environment Science and has lived in the Maldives for the past 12 months. Fluent in Korean, English and Thai, Mijung started her hotel career by chance when she moved to the United Kingdom to study English and worked at a boutique 300 year old hotel. After completion of her studies, Mijung moved to Koh Samui, Thailand where she worked at Napasai – an Orient-Express Hotel and mastered the Thai language.
Mijung has always been intrigued by W Hotels and is familiar with the W Seoul Hotel and was impressed by their stylish freedom in terms of fashion and music.
Laurens Kritzinger, Hotel Manager says, “Guests at W Maldives expect an experience that is a universe away from the norm, quite often their trip to the Maldives is to celebrate a special occasion such as their honeymoon or anniversary and they want ‘Insider Access’ to the Maldives and to the retreat – with Mijung as our W Insider, she will be able to help guests get the most out of their stay at W Maldives”.
Mijung’s Insider Tips:
· Let W’s Mixologist prepare cocktails for you at SIP, the retreats sunset lounge bar which offers the most stunning views as the sun dips over the crest of the Indian Ocean.
· Escape to Gaathafushi – the retreats own private island. A short speedboat ride to the deserted island is yours to explore for a few hours, or a full day. A real ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience.
· Snorkel the island with a guide from WAVE – W’s watersports team. The coral reef around AWAY Spa is a favorite of many guests where the underwater scenery is just steps away from the shoreline.
Mijung said “I am thrilled to join W Maldives and to being able to provide Insider tips to our guests and to creating unique and memorable experiences which become highlights of a guest’s W experience”.
W Retreat & Spa Maldives celebrates five years of operation this year and with just seventy-eight private retreats is the ultimate jetsetters escape providing guests with a place of rejuvenation and allowing them to recharge and prepare for whatever is next.
Two of the world's leading publications, Marie Claire and August Man has conducted a photo shoot in the Maldives featuring the upcoming Louis Vuitton fall/winter collection for their Malaysia editions.
The much anticipated, September issue cover of the Marie Claire features the model Elena Adeeva wearing a Lozenge embroidered dress on the first cover and a Patent leather coat with corset belt for the second. Both the photos were shot on the beach at FIRE; one of the 3 signature restaurants at the W Retreat & Spa Maldives.
The photo shoot by August Man, was featured in a 14 page double-spread in the September issue where the male model Sam Benzema wore a number of pieces from the upcoming Louis Vuitton fall/winter collection at various locations around W Maldives.
Starwood Resorts Maldives has appointed Mr. Francis Ambatt as the Director of Human Resources – Maldives for its two leading resorts, the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and the W Retreat & Spa - Maldives.
Francis, who joins Starwood Resorts Maldives from The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace in India, brings to the team over 15 years of human resources’ experience in a number of multicultural organizations. Beginning his career with Al Mufta Group in Doha, Qatar he was responsible for managing the HR functions of some of the world’s leading franchised retail outlets, such as Pizza Hut, KFC and American Fried Chicken.
“I am excited to be here in the Maldives to lead the HR functions of both the W Retreat & Spa Maldives and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. More excited as I carry the Starwood baton to carry its people philosophy, mindful of our unique positioning and committed service delivery”, Francis said citing his appointment.
Known as a keen strategist with a flair for designing and implementing innovative strategies and HR interventions, Francis said that both resorts of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives have many things to their credit – the best happening and performing resorts in the South Asia Region, and that it is time that they are to be taken to the next level of excellence in human resources practices.
Some of the world renowned brands which Francis has worked for include The Westin Hotels & Resorts, Taj Group, Six Senses and Accor.
Emerging International DJs to be Mentored by Top Industry Leaders Such as Cassius, Jason Bentley, Mode-F and W’s Michaelangelo L’Acqua and Tour W Hotels Globally
Ibiza, Spain (August 4, 2011) – W Hotels Worldwide, in collaboration with burn studios, an innovative music platform developed by burn, a globally leading energy drink from The Coca-Cola Company, today unveiled the W Hotels and burn studios DJ Lab, a unique approach to supporting rising music talent. The DJ Lab has been designed to bring together the most exciting new DJ talent from around the globe and provide them with tools, information and mentorship to enhance their skills and help them realize their full potential. W Hotels and burn studios, with support from SAE Institute and Avid pro audio equipment, created this original weeklong program, which will commence at W Barcelona and conclude at the burn studios Hacienda in Ibiza, Spain. The chosen participants will polish their skills during this DJ ‘boot camp’ in preparation for a global tour hosted by W Hotels in various locations around the world.
“The W Hotels and burn studios DJ Lab is a fantastic initiative for training and mentoring emerging DJs,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “With programs such as the W Hotels Designers of the Future Award and W’s Fashion Next program, and now the DJ Lab, we are able to identify and support rising stars in design, fashion and music, providing them with a global platform to showcase what’s new and next around the world.”
W Hotels Global Music Director Michaelangelo L’Acqua along with burn studios asked six promising DJs to join them for the first-ever DJ Lab experience. Building upon the W Hotels mission of music discovery of ‘what’s new and next’, the DJ Lab will enroll six rising talents who embrace and embody these ideals. Hailing from key international cities across the globe, the selected DJs are:
DJ Angus Wong of Hong Kong
Lincoln Madley of New York, also known as DJ Bouji
Miaou Mix, comprised of Noemi Sunshine Ferst and Judith Dju (Tête d'Affiche, Paris)
Stopmakingme of London, also known as Daniel Avery
Eiko of Tokyo
“W Hotels is getting ahead of the curve by selecting and mentoring these rising DJs,” said Michaelangelo L’Acqua, “We are thrilled to be giving these cutting-edge artists a platform to perfect their craft at the burn studios Hacienda and later expose them to what is sure to be their future fan base through our upcoming DJ Lab Global Tour at the most iconic W destinations around the world.”
The up-and-coming DJs will convene this week in Ibiza for a DJ ‘boot camp’, where they will be mentored by the Master Tutors, including Arthur Baker, Jason Bentley and Michaelangelo L’Acqua. Beyond the classroom, DJs will be charged with spinning for various events, including a sunset cruise on a catamaran, where nightlife gurus from Eclipse (Ignite Group) will create their signature martini and burn cocktails. To cap off the weekend, the DJs will participate in a W Happening at La Plage, one of Ibiza’s best beach clubs, and spin alongside their mentors.
The DJ Lab Global Tour at W Hotels will commence as soon as the DJs complete their ‘Master Class’ sessions and workshops at the burn studios Hacienda. On this worldwide tour, crisscrossing the globe, these DJs will spin at W Happenings and other sought-after events, providing a fresh soundtrack for W Hotels guests and music fans alike. The global tour will include exclusive events at W Hotels, including New York, Miami, Hollywood, London, Barcelona, Istanbul, Doha, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Maldives, Bali, Koh Samui, and Vieques.
To fully provide a global platform for exposure, W Hotels will also feature exclusive mixes created by this group in the DJ Lab at the burn studios Hacienda on the music tab of the recently launched W Hotels iPhone application. This app features an integrated music platform with exclusive and thoughtfully curated playlists in addition to the app’s Insider tips, access to W The Store, and social media channels for all W Hotels. The DJ Lab mixes will also be available through MIX.dj, a DJ community and database available online and via mobile devices.
To learn more about the W Hotels and burn DJ Lab, the global DJ tour, or to download the W Hotels iPhone App, please visit www.whotels.com/music.
W Maldives Retreat & Spa announces the appointment of Gomez Mauro as Executive Chef.
An Argentinean by birth, Mauro has been in kitchens since he was 12 years old. His family owned a traditional Argentinean / Italian restaurant in Argentina. Mauro’s passion for food, cooking and kitchens has been with him ever since.
With a desire to travel and live abroad, Mauro moved to Miami Beach, Florida USA in 1999. He later joined The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in 2004 where he was responsible for the daily operation of the banquet kitchens servicing 245,000 square feet of meeting space.
In 2007, Mauro’s travels took him to The Westin Copley Square in Boston where his Clam Chowder was voted the best in Boston. In 2007, Mauro worked with the opening team of the W Atlanta Midtown – the world’s largest W Hotel – featuring a Jean-George restaurant, Spice Market.
Backed by a lifetime of culinary experience, Mauro looks forward to revitalizing the menus and dining experiences of the guests at W Maldives Retreat & Spa, one of the worlds’ most dreamt of destinations.
On a lighter note, Mauro enjoys snowboarding, visiting Farmers’ Market and is currently listening to Symmetry Live, W Hotels Worldwide very own music CD complied by Michaelangelo L’Acqua the chain’s global music director.
Following in the recent footsteps of Kate Moss, award winning actor and director Kevin Spacey took time out of his hectic schedule to relax and unwind at the W Retreat & Spa Maldives before heading to the 61st Berlin International Film Festival. Stepping hot off the plane from Abu Dhabi where he hosted the 2011 Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremony, Kevin took a two day break on the beautiful Fesdu Island where he certainly made the most of it.
Staying in one of the stunning luxury Seascape Escapes, situated over the crystal clear lagoon, Mr Spacey was spotted diving and using the retreat’s Sea Bob; a hand-held underwater propulsion device which is designed to help snorkelers get closer to coral reefs without the use of scuba diving equipment.
Kevin also enjoyed cuisine from a selection of restaurants located on the island. From KITCHEN, which is an all day dining bistro, where he enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, to FISH the signature seafood restaurant set over the water where he saw two 1 metre reef sharks swimming below. When asked by a member of staff how he enjoyed his stay, Kevin commented “This place is just stunning! I had the most wonderful time and will definitely be back.”
The W Retreat & Spa is unlike any resort in the Maldives, it is the perfect haven for those who enjoy a fabulously chic & contemporary lifestyle. It’s located on Fesdu Island, in the North Ari Atoll which is a short and scenic 25 minute seaplane ride south-west of Male and has a total of 78 retreats waiting for those who wish to escape to this tropical playground.
Choose From Five Events To Ring In The New Year On Your Own Private Island Playground.
W Retreat & Spa-Maldives is set to ring in the New Year as only they can. With five options of events, there is something for everyone on this private island playground. The idyllic backdrop of the Indian Ocean against the white sandy beaches, coupled with the awe inspiring architecture and adrenaline filled activities make for the coolest spot to close out 2009.
The five events include:
• UTOPIA @ WET – Our New Year’s Eve feast set in WET garden offers up an international selection to tempt anyone’s palate. The perfect combination of paradise and fantasy. Be WOW-ed by fantastic entertainment, including DJ Double who will lead the guests towards an unforgettable countdown. It’s also the best location to watch fireworks! Included in room rate supplement.
• NIRVANA @ FISH – Find tranquility over the water and under the stars. Choose FISH’s stylish and romantic setting to start 2010. Savour a 6-course menu coupled with a variety of fine wines or bubbly. Each course takes you though a state of bliss. $250USD per person.
• LUXURIA @ ESCAPE & Gaathafushi Island – The most exclusive option to ring in the New Year. Set sail on ESCAPE, the 2-mast sailing yacht, with acoustic musicians while you enjoy free-flowing champagne and canapés. Then cast ashore Gaathafushi for a lavish take on private island dining. Encounter a culinary fête fit for the indulgent and enjoy an acoustic band in the background for this extraordinary evening. Desire more bubbly? Each couple will also receive a bottle of champagne upon departure from the island. $850USD per person.
• BABYLON @ 15BELOW – THE New Year’s After Party. After the fireworks fade away go to the only underground nightclub in the Maldives to access the sexiest spot on the island. Have our mixologists shake your favourite cocktail or pour more bubbly (in limitless amounts!). Keep moving to the beats and dance your way into the New Year. Tasty treats will also be on hand for those late night/early morning cravings. Imbibe. Dance. Nibble. Enough said. $175USD per person.
• CARPE DIEM @ KITCHEN – As if last night wasn’t enough, now it’s time to delve into our New Year’s Day Brunch. Choose from rejuvenating tonics, a fresh cup of coffee or RETOX yourself all over again. A plethora of food awaits and we’re sure you’ll be craving something ultra healthy. That’s what New Year’s resolutions are for, right? Included in room rate supplement.
The award-winning W Retreat & Spa – Maldives is the jetsetters’ ideal destination for exclusivity, access and style. All 78 retreats offer private plunge pools, plasma screen televisions, DVD/CD players, indoor/outdoor showers, BOSE speakers, the W Signature bed, a wine fridge and more. From December 27, 2009 – January 9, 2010 rates start from $3500USD per retreat/per night and the $300USD supplement includes UTOPIA @ WET and CARPE DIEM @ KITCHEN. A minimum 7-nights stay is required over this travel period. Airfare, service charge and local taxes not included. Please call your travel agent or W Retreat & Spa – Maldives – Phone: +960 665 0222 or Email: reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.
About W Hotels Worldwide W Hotels is a global luxury lifestyle brand with 25 properties in the most vibrant destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access. Each hotel offers a unique mix of sophisticated design, chic comfort, and cultural influences from fashion to music, pop culture to art, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern travel and stylish living, featuring world-class cuisine, destination bars and signature spas. In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Buckhead Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hoboken, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Downtown New York, Santiago, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Amman, Doha, Dubai-Festival City, Dubai-The Palm and Marrakech. W has plans to open W Retreat & Spa properties in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques Island and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W Hotels’ first ski retreat. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St.Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
KID DIESEL also known as DJ BRIAN, producer, re-mixer, DJ and part of SOULGANGSTERS house music project, has already played in more than 30 countries all around the world including China, Russia, Brazil, Spain (Ibiza), France, Greece (Mykonos), Germany, Ukraine and Malta just to mention a few. Recognized as one of the most successful house music DJ’s in Czech Republic with 14 years of experience, he has played 2 seasons in Ibiza in clubs AMNESIA, SPACE and SOMNY and was also the resident DJ of PARADISE club in Mykonos, voted as one of Greece’s No.1 clubs. 
