Beach House Maldives joins the Waldorf Astoria Collection

Beach House Maldives became the first Waldorf Astoria Collection property in Asia Pacific yesterday, in a launch ceremony hosted by His Excellency, The President of the Republic of Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed.

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, which included a lavish Gala Dinner and beach party for guests with live local music on the neighbouring private island of Medafushi.

The official re-branding ceremony took place at 17.30 island time at the resort's new Art Gallery, which showcases local Maldivian culture and art to guests. His Excellency, President Nasheed said "It is my pleasure to be present for the inauguration of the beautiful resort and I am honoured that the Waldorf Astoria Collection has chosen the Maldives for their first venture into the Asia Pacific region. The resort's commitment to reflecting the essence of the Maldives culture is admirable and I am sure that the resort will continue to set the Hilton standard for hospitality and excellence in its latest opening."

Carsten Schieck, Hilton Hotels Regional General Manager Maldives & Sri Lanka thanked the President for his attendance and concluded "It is a great honour for us that His Excellency President Nasheed was able to join us today to preside over our inauguration. During his time in office, the Maldives and its people have benefitted from his vision and drive to preserve this fragile environment for future generations and we are fully supportive of his goals."

The stunning 35 acre private island resort in the northernmost Atolls of the Maldives joins the award-winning sister resort Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and newly re-branded Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa as part of Hilton's ongoing expansion in the country.

Hilton's management team have been in situ at the resort since 1 July 2009 and have overseen a number of key developments as part of the US$58 million project, which sees the resort re-brand from The Beach House at Manafaru.

With a focus on providing authentic, luxurious experiences, the resort will offer guests the chance to sample local heritage with a Waldorf Astoria Collection touch; from interaction with resident artists at the new Art Gallery and the chance to sample a Maldivian High Tea, to excursions to Utheem Island, home to a century old mosque.

83 Villas, each complete with a private pool and butler range from new-look Ocean Villas with steam room, sauna and Maldivian swing and hammock over-looking the Indian Ocean, to the two-storey Grand Beach Pavillion; the ideal retreat for a family or group with private swimming pool, massage treatment room and state-of-the-art entertainment.

New upgraded F&B concepts across all four restaurants and three bars have been designed to reflect Maldivian flavours complemented by global influences and using local organic ingredients wherever possible, with new additions including 30 Degrees the smallest and most exclusive restaurant in the Maldives offering private dining in a glass-floored over-water pavilion.

For spa aficionados, new programmes from UK based Aromatherapy Associates, Ayurvedic philosophies and traditional Maldivian treatments are also in place at the labyrinth style Modun Spa.

Transfers to the resort have also been improved with a direct 75 minute seaplane transfer offered as an alternative to a domestic flight and boat transfer.

The resort is offering opening savings of 56% for travel before 23 March 2010 and between 15 April and 30 September 2010. One-night in a Water Villa costs from $560 per night including breakfast and based on two sharing. For reservations call +960 650 0408, visit www.beachhousemaldives.com, email reservation @ beachhousemaldives.com.