Taj Opens its First Vivanta Resort in the Maldives

MUMBAI, India - On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces today announced the reopening of the erstwhile Taj Coral Reef after a stylish & comprehensive makeover. The hotel has been christened Vivanta by Taj- Coral Reef, Maldives and thus becomes the Taj’s first resort hotel under this exciting new brand. Slotted in the Upper Upscale segment, Vivanta Coral Reef offers an exceptional holiday experience at a stunning value proposition.

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Vivanta addresses the needs of a sophisticated, new-gen traveler with 62 delightful villas all offering unrivalled views of the sea, an eclectic choice of dining options and a truly amazing array of recreational activities. Vivanta is designed to deliver a vibrant, contemporary experience; combining the charming hospitality that is the hallmark of the Taj, with a vivacious twist!

The name Vivanta is drawn from vivacity, vividness & ‘bon vivant’: an appreciation of the good things in life. It speaks of style, refinement and living life to the full.

“The Taj has played a prominent role in developing the Maldives leisure market and we are delighted to reopen this resort under our exciting Vivanta brand & in this stunning location,” commented Raymond N Bickson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, The Indian Hotels Company Limited. “Our pleasure is heightened by the fact that we are doing so during the Indo-Maldives Friendship Week and at the hands of His Excellency, Mr Mohamed Nasheed the President of Maldives and so many other distinguished guests, including our Group Chairman, Mr. Ratan Tata.”

Allwyn Drego General Manager, Vivanta Coral Reef explained “We are extremely thrilled to be back with a Vivanta hotel on this lovely island. Vivanta guests seek experiences which are beyond the predictable & staid; and here at Vivanta Coral Reef, they will find adventure, romance & inspiration in good measure!”

Form at Vivanta Coral Reef

Located on Hembadhu Island, in the North Male Atoll, the resort is 32 kilometers from the airport, a distance traversed in less than an hour by luxury power-yachts. The accommodations at Vivanta Coral Reef are utterly chic. All 62 villas are spacious, starting at 58 sq.mts. for the Charm Beach Villas & going up to 215 sq. mts. for the superlative Nirvana Suites. Each villa sports its own deck with loungers, daybeds & place for a private meal. The Indulgence Water Villas have the deck over water with its own outdoor rain shower too! All the mod-cons like wi-fi all over, large LCD TVs with home theatre & mp3 connectivity, cordless phones, organic mini-bar & large/ walk-in wardrobes make for a habitat that is both involving as well as comforting. The Nirvana Suites are perfect for families, featuring two bedrooms & a large outdoor deck with private plunge-pools, not to forget personalized butler service!

Sustenance at Vivanta Coral Reef

In keeping with the Taj’s traditional culinary flair, Executive Chef, Vikas Milhoutra has masterminded a diverse range of menus which offer regional and international fare from light meals to indulgent fare. The All Day Dining restaurant, Latitude offers Pan-Asian flavours; Open - an alfresco dining experience, with an interactive Tepanyaki grill goes from Wagyu to Creole, Med, Japanese or Indian

Snacks & light-meals at the poolside pizzeria and 24 hour in-villa-dining ensure that guests can indulge whenever!

Private Dinners can be arranged at various romantic locales from a casual in-villa barbeque evening, at the stunning Moon-deck or even on an exclusive island. Water lovers can opt for the secret ‘Sandbank’ picnic location, surrounded by water only accessible at low tide.

The open air Reef Bar offers welcome respite from the day’s activities and an ideal spot from which to contemplate the tranquil island setting. A comprehensive wine-list with 120 labels from the old as well as new worlds and an equally extensive liquor & cocktail choice ensure that all tastes & whims will be met. A select Water Menu and a choice of cigars complete the seduction.

Experiences at Vivanta Coral Reef

Guests will notice a new hospitality experience at Vivanta: touching all the senses. The resort is perfect for guests who would rather relax; and for those who seek adventure, it could not be better. Vivanta has many options, sure to satisfy the most demanding adventure-seeker: island-hopping, a sea-plane flight, a submarine experience, snorkeling, big-game fishing, various picnic options….to more soothing adventures like a champagne breakfast or a sunset dhoni cruise or a romantic sandbank escapade will ensure that guests never feel left-out!

Vivanta Coral Reef is a bonanza for the aquatic minded. A ship-wreck just 30 meters away & the resorts own coral reef, as well as the evening ritual of sting-ray feeding are some of the entirely unique experiences. There is also the PADI affiliated Dive Centre as an integral part of the hotel, which allows both; serious divers as well as novices who want a first-taste of diving or snorkeling to take a crack at this adrenalin raising sport.

For the romantically inclined, Vivanta Coral Reef also offers some charming options for ‘Renewal of Vows’ …..couples can pledge themselves to each other at the beach pavilion or sandbank, on a dhoni & the more adventurous have an option of going underwater or even in a submarine!

Rejuvenate at the Jiva Spa

Tucked in the heart of the island, the Jiva Spa features two double treatment rooms and two single treatment rooms with private soak bath areas. Guests can choose from authentic Indian, royal and holistic experiences which are especially designed to maintain physical, mental and spiritual equilibrium in life.

Our Sensitivity to the environment

Vivanta Coral Reef is a part of a fragile eco-system & is fully cognizant to its responsibility. Measures like energy efficient lighting & a captive water-bottling plant ensure minimal strain on the resources. Vivanta has also initiated a plan to regenerate the corals around the resort affected by bleaching & is working with the assistance of the International Finance Corporation by setting up a nursery to rejuvenate the coral life.

Vivanta by Taj - Coral Reef, Maldives is slated to be the ultimate island escape & a perfect spot for a wondrous holiday.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces (www.tajhotels.com)

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 65 hotels in 45 locations across India with an additional 15 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East and South Africa. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.

For further information please contact Tarini Mathur, Vaishnavi Corporate Communications at +22-66568787 or email tarini.mathur@vccpl.com.

Source: Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

For further information please contact Tarini Mathur, Vaishnavi Corporate Communications at +22-66568787 or email tarini.mathur at vccpl.com.