Raffles Hotels & Resorts announced that it will manage a 49-villa luxury resort, Raffles Resort Konottaa, its first venture in the Maldives. The resort, owned and developed by Platinum Capital Holdings Pvt Ltd, is located at the pristine and the newly-developed Gaafu Alifu atoll, in the southern part of the Maldives.
 
Scheduled to open in Spring 2008, Raffles Resort Konottaa features 49 duplex villas, all with individual plunge pools. The duplex villas, of which 22 are over-the-water villas, are the first of its kind in Maldives. The water villas, which have an additional Jacuzzi pool, are set in secluded surroundings and enjoy unobstructed spectacular ocean views.
 
The villas, spread over an expansive 1,250 to 3,700 square feet, will be designed with a contemporary edge, but yet embrace the best of Maldivian architecture with tropical accents and details from the region.
 
Guests who seek the spa experience can rejuvenate and indulge at RafflesAmrita Spa, a sanctuary of calm and pampering luxury treatments. The brand name is derived from an ancient Sanskrit legend in which deities searched for Amrita, an elixir that would grant them eternal youth. Launched in 2000, there is now a RafflesAmrita Spa in all the Raffles properties in the world and several such as RafflesAmrita Spa in Raffles The Plaza and Raffles Hotel in Singapore, Raffles Le Montreux Palace, Raffles Resort Canouan Island, The Grenadines have received awards as best spa in their respective destinations.
 
A tantalizing selection of food and beverage options awaits guests. They may choose to dine at a specialty restaurant, an all-day casual dining restaurant or at the elegant Grill Room for exquisite fine dining. The culinary creations by Raffles chefs will feature specialties from the region and the freshest catch from the sea. For glorious sunsets, guests can unwind with signature cocktails at the Main Bar, which overlooks breathtaking ocean vistas.
 
Guests will also have access to an extensive library of DVDs at the resort, while the more energetic may choose to practice on a golf simulator, play tennis, scuba dive or snorkel at some of the most untouched and spectacular coral reefs in the Maldives. Other water sports include catamaran sailing and deep-sea fishing.
 
Accessibility to Raffles Resort Konottaa is made seamless through a 50-minute flight from Male to Kaadedhdhoo airport, and a relaxed 15-minute ride on the well-appointed Raffles speedboat to the resort paradise.
 
One of the top leisure destinations of the world, the Maldives is ranked 8th in the world with the fastest rates of tourism and travel growth, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and Oxford Economic Forecasting (OEF). With a tourism growth rate of 7.2%, Maldives is forecast as one of the top ten countries in the world's tourism industry.
 
'This is another milestone for the Group, as we extend the Raffles presence to one of the premier travel destinations of the world,' commented Mrs. Diana Ee Tan, Managing Director of Raffles Hotels & Resorts. 'The Southern Gaafu Alifu atoll, with its pristine waters and untouched surroundings is certain to be a haven for the discerning traveler in search of paradise and luxury. We are extremely gratified that Platinum Capital Holdings has entrusted Raffles to manage this luxury jewel.'
 
Mr. Mohammed Shaweed, President & Chief Executive Officer, Platinum Capital Holdings Pvt Ltd, said, 'We are delighted with our partnership with Raffles Hotels & Resorts. The name Raffles represents a promise to provide the best. Its uncompromising standards in products and service are well renowned and legendary. We believe that the Raffles difference will set a new benchmark in the Maldives.'
 
This new venture, Raffles Resort Konottaa, marks Raffles Hotels & Resorts' expansion into the top leisure destinations of the world, and reaffirms the brand's global position as a leading and much sought after management group.

-Ttgweb.com