President of the Maldives opens new resort

The Hilton Maldives/Iru Fushi Resort & Spa officially launched on Wednesday (July 1st) in a ceremony hosted by the President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed.

The stunning 52 acre private island resort 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.

Joining local and international media, senior Hilton representatives, owners Sun Travels and Tours Pvt. Ltd and island visitors, the President was the guest of honour at a day of celebrations in the resort.

“I am delighted to be here for the inauguration of this beautiful resort and am sure that the Hilton family will continue to set the standard for hospitality excellence In the Maldives with its latest opening.” commented President Nasheed.

Their commitment to providing valuable hospitality training, supporting local schools and introducing environmental initiatives such as the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme is extremely worthy, with the latter playing an instrumental role in the Government’s recent decision to create three new Marine Protected Areas to preserve these majestic sea creatures.”

Carsten Schieck, Hilton Hotels Regional Manager Maldives thanked the President for his attendance and concluded “We are honoured that President Nasheed has taken the time to preside over the inauguration today. The Hilton family share the goals of president Nasheed and his government and are committed to helping to preserve our fragile environment to ensure it is not lost for future generations.”

Situated in the idyllic Noonu Atoll, the re-branding will offer guests a wealth of new service enhancements as well as a new Spa programme, revamped dining experiences and additional leisure activities.

Guests will now receive five-star service from the moment they land with access to the exclusive Hilton lounge at Male International Airport providing complementary refreshments, shower facilities and entertainment before departing by seaplane for the resort.

In resort, new in-villa and private dining options, a new beach drinks service as well as increased access to all four restaurants for guests staying on half-board, full-board and all-inclusive packages aims to ensure the best value luxury.

Spa aficionados will be treated to a new programme of treatments using world-class Thalgo products, housed in the stunning spa sanctuary featuring 21 private spa pavilions as well as hydrotherapy pools, fitness centre and Yoga and meditation areas.

And for guests looking to venture beyond the resort, the Hilton Maldives/Iru Fushi Resort & Spa will offer increased options to explore the stunning beauty of the Maldives both above and below the water. The Dive Centre will offer PADI tuition and dive excursions with access to over 30 previously unexplored dive sites as well as a stunning House Reef just moments from the shore. From Kite-Surfing and Big Game Fishing to romantic champagne sunset cruises, new equipment and facilities will offer something for everyone from adrenalin seekers to honeymooners.

The new adults-only Infinity Pool area and separate children’s pool will offer families and couples alike their own private space on the island, whilst the complementary Kids Club will provide a re-vamped programme of activities for younger guests looking for their own Maldivian experience.

The resort will also be taking significant steps to both reduce its environmental impact and help preserve the natural surroundings with the implementation of eco-friendly waste management and eco initiatives.

From Jacuzzis with ipod connections, private wine cellars and state-of-the art entertainment systems in all beach and water villa categories, to a Private Karaoke Bar, over-water Wine Cellar and exclusive Celebrity Suite, the resort offers guests the latest contemporary facilities in harmony with the natural beauty of the Maldives.

The Hilton Maldives/Iru Fushi Resort & Spa is currently offering a ‘two for one’ deal on bookings made before 17 August 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 (subject to availability). For reservations visit hilton.co.uk/maldivesirufushi.