5 minute read

Fun and freedom, the Maldivian way

from ATM Yearbook 2022

from ATM Yearbook 2022, page 190

The place where time stands still

Cora Cora Maldives is an innovative all-inclusive luxury resort built around the concept of freedom, which is unique to the Maldives.

It officially opened in October 2021 following an 18-month renovation, evolving into a place where guests can reclaim their freedom and reconnect with their families and loved-ones – an ideal proposition following the considerable challenges of the pandemic.

“The new concept is much more fun, light and colourful, with a completely new offering to appeal to growing demand for affordable all-inclusive luxury.

“It has been created with freedom in mind, providing the perfect blend of luxury, romance, and fun, family friendly options,” explains Vishen Mootoo, Director of Sales & Marketing, Cora Cora Maldives. “We chose the new name, Cora Cora Maldives, to reflect both the friendliness of the resort and our spectacular house coral reef, which is easily accessed by swimming from the beach.”

Located on Maamigili Island in the pristine Raa Atoll, Cora Cora Maldives is just 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport or 30 minutes by domestic flight, followed by a 20-minute speedboat journey.

Freedom and wellbeing define the resort experience, from the moment guests step into the glistening turquoise waters that fringe the sugar-soft beaches, immersing them in tranquillity, to the delicious plantbased dishes they are served as part of the gastronomic experience, created from home-grown produce.

Cora Cora Maldives comprises 100 villas and suites, each one expertly designed to reflect the spirit of the Maldives, with nine accommodation categories from which to choose.

Accommodation sizes range from the generously appointed Beach Villas at 68 sqm to the Two-Bedroom Lagoon Pool Villa, which features a slide that runs from the villa into the water,

Above: The Two-Bedroom Lagoon Pool Villa with slide injecting an element of fun into the traditional over-water villa proposition for which the Maldives is famous.

All of the villas and suites offer complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a fully stocked mini-bar, and organic amenities. A resort highlight is the Premium AllInclusive Gourmet Meal Plan®, enabling guests to experience the full array of dining possibilities.

They can choose from Asian marketinspired cuisine at Ginger Moon®; all-day dining with a Middle Eastern and Indian Ocean twist at Tazäa®; Italian fare coupled with music and entertainment at Acquapazza® Restaurant and Beach Club; and a tri-Japanese blend of Teppanyaki, Sushi and Kushiyaki at Teien®

There’s a coffee bar too where guests can grab a quick bite or “sip and graze”.

The resort caters to a range of dietary requirements, serving up plenty of healthy options made from the island’s produce, with options including homemade vegan ice cream, crisp salads, and dishes made from Maldivian ingredients including freshly caught fish and seafood.

The Gourmet Meal Plan® is a drawcard for all guests, but particularly those from the Middle East, notes Mootoo.

“With its dine-around option, providing the freedom to choose which restaurants to eat at for lunch and dinner, it is particularly attractive to guests with young families, as well as honeymooners from this region,” he says.

With wellness core to the Cora Cora Maldives experience, there are seven beautifully designed spa treatment rooms nestled into a luxurious tropical sanctuary.

The stunning surroundings enable guests to connect with the environment and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the resort and the island while participating in a range of mindful activities at the MOKSHA® Spa & Wellbeing Centre.

An extensive range of spa treatments are available, with experienced therapists carefully selected from Bali, Thailand and Indonesia to expertly deliver a fusion of Eastern and Western practices.

Completing the wellness offering are activities such as yoga and meditation classes, which take place in the expansive yoga pavilion.

Cora Cora Maldives is also the first resort in the Maldives to play host to a licensed art gallery and The Dutch Onion Museum, hosing more than 400 artefacts unearthed on site, including Chinese porcelain and Maldivian tools.

It’s a chance for guests to explore the rich history of the Maldives in breathtaking natural surroundings.

Prior to arrival, guests can download the brand-new Cora Cora Maldives app for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play, so they can start planning their Maldivian adventure as soon as they book their trip.

The app has been designed to make their stay as easy and relaxing as possible, with key features including a digital resort map, a chat function with a member of staff, and a page dedicated to children’s activities. A timetable and online booking system helps guests to plan events and activities in advance, ensuring they maximise their time at the resort.

With exploration aligned to the freedom theme at Cora Cora Maldives, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the magnificent underwater wonderland surrounding the island.

The resort has a PADI Five-Star Dive Centre, one of only nine in the entire Maldives, catering to all abilities, with options ranging from ‘Discovering Scuba Diving’ to ‘Divemaster’.

It’s a chance to become fully immersed in the Indian Ocean’s crystal-clear waters, world-renowned for its colourful and diverse marine life, with the Raa Atoll home to lemon sharks, marlins, nudibranchs, and the red-toothed triggerfish. Aquatic adventures can be undertaken at any of the 10 dive sites around the island that can be accessed in as little as 20 minutes.

With the Maldives also boasting magical star-lit skies, Cora Cora Maldives will soon open a new stargazing tower. Standing at around 10 metres high, it will offer guests memorable stargazing experiences.

And, in a move that will appeal to environmentally conscious travellers, the resort is currently being audited to be certified by Green Globe, with the process due to be completed by the end of the month (May 2022). Green Globe is a global leader in certifying sustainable operations and management of travel and tourism projects, spanning hotels, resorts, conference centre, attractions and more.

The Green Globe Standard includes 44 criteria in four groups, supported by more than 385 compliance indicators.

Rounding off the Cora Cora Maldives experience is its team of expertly trained staff, who “go above and beyond for guests in every way imaginable”, says Mootoo.

They are part of the resort’s inherent “experiential nature”, where the senses are indulged. “Whether guests are looking for a culinary journey, an underwater wonderland experience or a retreat from the modern world, Cora Cora Maldives has it all,” he says. “This remarkable ethos is not limited to one aspect of the resort, but across the entire island and into the sparkling waters beyond. It’s freedom time; let the incredible Cora Cora Maldives journey begin.”

The MENA region is doing pretty well with individual markets performing relatively better. Looking at the entire region we expect the full recovery in 2022 with occupancy reaching back to 2019 levels. Although international travel is yet to come back, mega events such as the Expo 2020 Dubai and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have supported demand for the region”