One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah launches in the Middle East, joins ATM 2007

Luxury resort One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah has launched its presence in the Middle East market through a glamorous Maldivian party held recently aboard a luxury yacht at Dubai Creek Marina.

The launch was led by the newly appointed General Manager Michael R. Payne.

Participating at the Arabian Travel Market 2007, Payne explained, 'With the Maldives being a short 4 hour direct flight away from Dubai, we are in an ideal situation to provide the ultimate idyllic getaway from the hectic lifestyle of the Middle East. The privacy, luxury and spaciousness of the private beach and water villas are geared to the needs of the Middle East market, where the needs of our guests are catered to by dedicated villa hosts. We are here at the Arabian Travel Market to raise the awareness of our own piece of paradise amid nature's tropical magic.'

One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah has been recognised as one of the most luxurious resorts on the planet, just a short 4-hour direct flight from Dubai International Airport and 75-minutes aboard the One&Only luxury yacht brings you directly to your own piece of paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Surrounded by the wonders of the crystal blue ocean, this superb new all-villa resort offers an unrivalled level of style, choice, and personalised exploration. Sleek and spectacular, with unprecedented privacy, One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah inspires extraordinary journeys for the soul.

The 109-acre island in the North Malé Atoll comprises 130 exquisite beach, over-water, and duplex villas (37 of which have a private pool), designed by world famous architect Jean Michel Gathy. Every villa has a specially designated twenty-four-hour villa host, who is on call throughout, while 650 staff members are in situ to pamper and indulge.

One&Only Maldives' Executive Chef, Daniel Smith, oversees an eclectic and imaginative menu whilst the extensive wine cellar, stocked with more than 450 premium labels and 9,000 bottles on the island, is available for wine tastings and dinner parties.

One&Only Maldives' three restaurants, including the Japanese specialist Tapasake and the Middle-Eastern influenced beach restaurant and bar, Fanditha, cater to every taste and occasion. Beach barbecues, champagne parties and gourmet dinners can also be organised.

Guests will also have numerous activities to choose from, either at the Peter Burwash Tennis Academy, water sports and scuba diving in the magnificent Maldivian waters, excursions in the resort's sleekly designed yachts, or simply relaxing on one of the 12 white-sand beaches. For extra pampering, the One&Only Spa by ESPA offers eight stand-alone treatment villas, two private spa suites, vitality pools, crystal steam rooms and saunas and a range of specially devised ESPA holistic treatments.

One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah offers the ultimate holiday experience to those seeking the pinnacle of tropical luxury. Nowhere else in the Maldives is there a resort with this much space and exclusivity.

Source: media.ameinfo.com

Completion of the transaction between Kerzner and Sun Resorts

Kerzner International Limited (“Kerzner”) and Sun Resorts Limited (“SRL”) have completed the transaction that was announced at the end of 2006.

On April 5, 2007, the management and marketing agreements held by One&Only (Indian Ocean) Management Ltd. (“One&Only”), an affiliate of Kerzner, for SRL’s Mauritius hotel properties (La Pirogue, Sugar Beach Resort, Le Coco Beach and Le Touessrok) were terminated. SRL has acquired full ownership of these four properties and will control the management and marketing of these resorts. For a transitional period through the end of April 2007, One&Only will continue to provide sales and marketing representation for the aforementioned four properties. Additionally, Le Touessrok will be permitted to promote its past affiliation with One&Only until May 31, 2007.

In order to ensure a smooth transition, SRL and Kerzner have agreed to certain short-term licensing and service arrangements. In addition, SRL’s management team and the staff at each resort in Mauritius will remain unchanged. SRL believes that this will ensure that guests receive the same exceptional level of service and care they have always enjoyed whilst minimizing any inconvenience to travel partners that could result from the ownership and management change.

Also as part of this transaction, Kerzner has acquired from SRL full ownership of One&Only Le Saint Géran, except for holes two to eight of the adjacent Le Saint Géran golf course. Kerzner and SRL have entered into a joint venture agreement to develop ultra-luxury villas on this part of the golf course that will be branded, marketed and sold as One&Only villas. Kerzner will lead the design and SRL will lead the development of this project, which is anticipated to break ground in December 2009 at the earliest and December 2010 at the latest. Until groundbreaking, the golf course will remain available for play by guests and others.

In addition, Kerzner has acquired from SRL its entire investment in Kerzner’s One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah and One&Only Kanuhura resort properties located in the Maldives. Kerzner has also divested itself of its entire equity interest in SRL, and SRL has acquired from Kerzner two entities: World Leisure Holidays (Pty) Limited, a South African tour operator, and Solea Vacances SA, a French tour operator.

Both Kerzner and SRL are confident that these new arrangements will permit them to focus on their core objectives, continue to deliver exceptional service and amenities to their guests, and create value to their travel partners and shareholders.

Source: E-Travel Blackboard

Sol checks out of Le Touessrok partnership

Sol Kerzner, the leisure and gaming tycoon, has lost control of the five-star Le Touessrok hotel in Mauritius, where he launched his One&Only resort empire in 2002.

Analysts expressed surprise that Kerzner - who is in pole position to develop a possible Manchester supercasino - had ceded control of Le Touessrok, where there has been considerable investment in recent years. The flagship hotel, which has been described as the 'jewel in the Indian ocean', is a favourite with celebrities from around the world.

Source: The Observer

One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah launches Special Promotions

Fun meets luxury at the One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah with a special 3 night experience tailored to families of all ages. Guests can enjoy precious moments together with an exciting sailing or snorkeling excursion, as well as a magical family dinner under the stars at Fanditha.

The KidsOnly club for ages 4–11 years, and a special programme of activities for teenagers is available should parents wish to enjoy some time away from the kids. Parents can have a well-earned rest knowing that their children are having the holiday of a lifetime, meeting new friends from around the world and experiencing a whole range of exciting activities in the most luxurious surroundings.

Plenty of fun awaits with unlimited use of non-motorised water sports in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, where parents can take part in sailing, kayaking, pedaloes or windsurfing with their kids.

Prices start from US$3,185 based on two adults and one child sharing a Beach Villa and includes 3 nights accommodation, return luxury yacht transfers from Male International Airport, daily breakfast at Reethi Restaurant, one Secrets of Thila or traditional dhoni sunset sailing excursion, one magical dinner at Fanditha restaurant (excluding beverages), use of KidsOnly club facilities, special kids’ arrival pack, and unlimited non-motorised water sports.

Another promotion targets wellness and well being. The One&Only Spa by ESPA is offering total escapism from the outside world with exquisite ESPA treatments, to rebalance the mind and rejuvenate the body.

The 5 night Wellness experience combines one selected ESPA treatment with a stunning sailing excursion in order to truly relax in the tropical Indian Ocean setting. Specialized Lifestyle Consultants create an experience that encapsulates your whole being. Yoga or Personal Training completes the holistic experience.

In addition, a specially designed Well-being Menu offers freshly prepared healthy options, including vitamin-rich juices to maximise detoxifying, re-balancing and cleansing.

Prices start from US$4,825 based on two people sharing a Beach Villa and includes 5 nights accommodation, return luxury yacht transfers from Male’ International Airport, daily breakfast at Reethi Restaurant, one 50 minute Couples Personal Training Session or Couples Private Yoga Class, one 80 minute ESPA Aromatherapy Body Massage or Balinese Relaxation Massage per person, one Secrets of Thila or traditional dhoni sunset sailing excursion and one relaxed dinner at Tapasake Restaurant (excluding beverages).