unveiling soon | Viceroy Maldives to Debute Ultra-Luxury Resort in December 2010

Photo: Beach View from Viceroy Maldives at Vagaru Island

Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala) has partnered with Maldives-based, luxury hotel developer, EoN Resorts (EoN), to develop an exclusive ultra luxury resort in the Maldives. The hotel will be operated by Viceroy Hotels & Resorts (VHR) and will be the first property that Viceroy operates outside of the Americas.

Viceroy Maldives is set on the pristine island of Vagaru, located in the Shaviyani Atoll, featuring 61 luxury villas, both over the crystalline water and on the beach. These rooms will be among the largest Villas in a Maldivian resort boasting from 1,345 to 3,300 square feet of indoor space, generous outdoor private areas, including private plunge pools. The resort is currently in construction and is due to open in December 2010, just in time for the festive season.

Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality (MREH) is a leading business development and investment Company based in Abu Dhabi and owns 50% of luxury hotel operator Viceroy Hotel Group. This group has been actively driving its expansion into key gateway cities and leading destinations around the world. The development of Viceroy Maldives supports this growth strategy.

Viceroy Hotel Group delivers luxury lifestyle experiences that marry provocative design and intuitive service in sought-after locations. Managing hotels under third-party agreements, Viceroy Hotel Group operates two luxury brands, Viceroy Hotels & Resorts and The Tides.

unwind® eco-tip | Eco-Souvenirs

Photo: Souvenir Shop at Vilu Reef

If buying a souvenir for the trip home for your loved ones is a must-do and you are concerned about the environment, go eco-souvenir shopping. From ornaments to home decorators, your choices are endless.

Seeking sustainable souvenirs such as locally produced food items like vacuumed fish products, crafts such as lacquered vases, thundukunaa or jewelry made by local artisans and goods that support local green organizations are a way of helping local communities as well. Choose a souvenir that you consider is worth the expense and that the recipient would be able to make good use of and treasure forever. Try to reduce your purchases that may contribute to waste of money or landfills. Avoid any wildlife product made using any part of an animal such as tortoise shells, shark teeth or leather since these types of souvenirs have a huge impact on the environment. Make a list and enjoy a happy eco-souvenir shopping!

Huvafen Fushi Presents DJ Poet Name Life

Photo: DJ Poet Name Life

The month of Music fiesta continues in the Maldives. The latest announcement comes from Huvafen Fushi premiering Black Eyed Peas’ DJ, Poet Name Life for a one night performance on April 17th, just days before his appearance on American Idol and the start of Black Eyed Peas “The E.N.D. world tour.”

DJ Poet Name Life is the co-producer for Blacked Eyed Peas’ recent chart-topping hit ‘boom boom pow’ which continues to hold as the number one dance album on iTunes. This award winning DJ has worked with other mega stars like Justin Timberlake, Travis Barker, Will I.am. and Daniel Bedingfield.

So don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Los Angeles newest music elite at Huvafen Fushi. Other music happenings in April include the appearance of Boney M, Asward and Bubba Sparxxx on April 14 and Akon on April 23rd. Let's not forget W's resident DJ Monica Soldan spinning beats at 15BELOW till May 31st.

The Maldivian Mango

Photo: Green and Yellows by D.R/Flickr.

"Dhivehi Anbu" or Maldivian Mango is a juicy favorite among the locals and tourists alike! Maldivian mango season arrives twice a year, with most of the supplies coming from Fuah Mulak, Laamu Atoll and Addu Atoll. Last March was one of the best mango seasons with record amounts of mangoes distributed within the atolls. If you happen to stay at Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa during the Mango season, hop on the ferry to the Addu islands and explore the trail of local organically grown mango trees loaded with green and yellow mangoes! Resorts like Alila Villas Hadahaa celebrates the mango season by treating their guests to the taste of this tropical fruit.

Maldivian Mangoes are distinctly unique compared to its cousins worldwide. It is oblong in shape and smaller in size. The younger mangoes are green in color and are quite bitter; and when the mangoes ripen it turns bright yellow giving off an angelic aroma providing the most sweet and succulent flesh when peeled.

Although Mango is mostly prepared for sweets like mango juice or ice cream; in the Maldives, traditionally it is also cooked in spicy coconut sauce (Anbu Riha) or pickled (Anbu Assaara) to use as a side dish to flavor entrées . During picnics, Maldivian youths like to create “Anbu Majaa” a sour treat made from green mangoes to eat after a quick swim in the ocean. This super-fruit contains Vitamins A and C, and provides a high source of dietary fiber. What else is Mangoes good for? A recent study shows that mango is effective in preventing certain types of cancer! Why not treat yourself to a sweet and healthy treat with a retreat in the Maldives?

unwind® | Month of Mega International Music Fiesta

Photo: Boney M during late 1970's tour

The disco era fans can see the legendary Boney M along with world-famous raggae band Asward and American rapper Bubba Sparxxx live in concert at the "mega international music fiesta" on April 14 to be held at the National Stadium. The announcement comes just days after Akon announced he will also be appearing in the Maldives at a separate gig, on April 23.

Boney M are best known for their international chart toppers in the 70's like "Rasputin", "Daddy Cool", Sunny" and "Brown Girl in the Ring." Asward have released 21 albums with smash hits like "Don't Turn Around" and "Shine."

The event is organized by Pro Maldives Pvt Ltd in association with Rokomaestro Inc USA. The tickets are priced at USD $25 and $50 with part of the ticket sales to be contributed to youth development projects in the Maldives. Why not head over to the Maldives this April for the perfect island getaway combined with music concert of your choice!

Nuts for Coconuts | Coconut Leaves

Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa - Maldives

When anyone speaks about the Maldives, often what come to your mind are the graceful coconut palms swaying in the ocean breeze, with its palm leaves trailing over the beautiful ivory sands beneath the white fluffy clouds. These coconut palms are also an integral part in the life of the Maldivians and its use is interwoven with the culture and lifestyle of these islanders. Coconut leaves used to make a variety of items ranging from thatched houses to children's toys.

Coconut leaves can grow up to 90 centimeters long! The pinnate, is used for decorating homes or as a decoration at special occasions like traditional wedding. Stalk or the spine of the leaves are used for firewood in traditional Maldivian kitchens while the midribs of the leaves are stripped from the leaves and utilized for making brooms, cooking skewers or even toothpicks. During the “Eid Festival,” the leaves are woven to create a ‘bodu mas’ (big fish) which is the fundamental part of the Maalineshun – a traditional form of dance portraying the struggle between a group of fishermen and a huge fish.

The dried coconut leaves are heat-treated (to make it last longer) and woven to make thatches for roofs or partitions for traditional homes in the olden days. Most resorts have adopted these thatches to roof the guest bungalows. Recently unveiled "Soneva Fushi Volunteer" program offers the option for you to learn the art of thatch-weaving from local experts and earn five nights accommodation free! The leaves are also used to weave household products like baskets, hats, floor mats, ornaments and bags. Hence, the coconut palm is a symbolic representation of the livelihood of the Maldivians.

Happy Easter