ISSUE NO. 6 FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

THE SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI

Located a 45-minute scenic seaplane ride from Male in the unspoilt Noonu Atoll, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi rises like a pearl out of the Indian Ocean. Set within 52 acres of white sands and exotic flora, here guests are immersed in a timeless culture. From the intuitive detail and personalised service that creates the most beautiful of memories, to the sublime ambience that permeates each unforgettable taste, touch and experience, at Iru Fushi the incredible awaits.

Dedicated Passion www.thesunsiyam.com

T +960 6560591 F + 960 6560592 E [email protected] 3

Enjoy youtyour staystay inin oneone ofof thethe mostmost Historical Atoll's in the Maldives, with us...

Tel: +960 689 8721 Fax: +960 6898020 [email protected] www.equatorvillage.com FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Issue #6, Volume 3 / April 2015

MANAGING EDITOR Mohamed Mamduh [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Maryiam Athiza Athif FLYME EDITORIAL MANAGER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Nashiu Zahir Iselle McCalman

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Fathimath Lamya Abdullah, Flyme, Amilla Fushi, MWSRP, Carpe Diem, Duniye Spa, Nashiu Zahir, Aysha Naseem, Maryiam Athiza Athif, Eco Islands Maldives, Somerset Hotel, Melody Skye, Gertjan James Hancock, Iselle McCalman Van Veert, Shaahina Ali, Wikipedia, Shutterstock

LAYOUT & DESIGN Ali Imran Mohamed PRINTER Novelty Printers and Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Maldives BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE Aminath Ali

SALES AND MARKETING EXECUTIVE Mash-hood Abdulla

PUBLISHED BY FOR Perspecitve Pvt Ltd Villa Air Pvt Ltd 3rd Floor, Emerald Building, 2032 5th Floor, Villa House, 20181 Koli Umar Maniku Goalhi, Kandidhonmanik Goalhi, Male, Republic of Maldives, Male, Republic of Maldives, [email protected] www.flyme.mv www.perspective.mv

THE COVER Artist: Kareen Adam Title: Maakanaa Medium: silk screen on paper Size: 18.2 x 24.4 cm Limited edition of 4 Prints

Flying over the Maldivian archipelago is a serene experience at it inspired this artwork. For most of the journey I become mesmerized by the vastness of the ocean heaving and flowing thousands of meters beneath me. I wonder if the maakanaa (crane) meditating by the shore feels the same way as I do sitting up above in the sky.

This artwork was created for Fiya, Flyme’s inflight magazine.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Kareen is a Maldivian visual artist. Having spent half her life living between Maldives, Sri Lanka and Australia Kareen’s works reflect ideas about transitions, migration and cultural assimilation. Themes about senseof belonging and home often emerge in Kareen’s work. This fluctuation between multiple physical and mental spaces is explored using printmaking – Kareen’s primary medium of expression amongst drawing, painting and mixed media. The processes involved in printmaking lend itself to the concepts Kareen expresses in her work, both in its production and aesthetics. Recently Kareen has developed a range of handmade, hand-printed products under her own label “Kudaingili”. Kareen has a diploma in Visual Arts and a postgraduate degree in Psychology.

You can contact Kareen for commissions by email [email protected] and follow her work on Facebook www.facebook.com/KareenAdam.MKA or website www.kareenadam.com CONTENTS 5

08 Male’ Guide 10 Evolution of the Maldivian Script 12 Annual Review of Whale Shark Research 15 The History of Gan 24 HCP Bell’s The Maldive Islands - A Review 20 Have you seen the Flying Whale Shark? 28 Wonders of Ari Atoll 30 Belle Amie Bistro 33 Carpe Diem 34 Airport Beach - Munich Residence 18 Amilla Fushi 40 Island Playlist 42 Mezzo Mohamed 44 Turtles of Maldives 46 Holistic approach to wellness 54 Technology Review EDITORIALFLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

WELCOME ONBOARD FLYME -

As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2015, Flyme has already seen some exciting achievements and 5102 ވަނަ އަހަރުގެ ފުރަތަމަ ކުއާޓާރ ނިމުމަކަށް އައުން ގާތްވެފައިވާއިރު، ވިލާއެއަރ ީކަރަހައ ިމ .ެވެއަފިބިލ ްއެކަތްނުރެއިރުކ ިއާކަތީބާޔިމާކ ަނުގަނިގ ްށަރަވ ީނަވ ް ށ ައ ީމިއަލްފ developments. In 2014, its 4th year of operation, Flyme transported a total number of 332,000 passengers and can މިކުންފުނި ހިންގަން ފެށިތާ 4 ވަނަ އަހަރަށްވާއިރު، 5104 ވަނަ އަހަރު now boast a seat capacity of 264, with at least 175 scheduled 564 ަލްމުޖ ިދައ .ެވެއަފާވްއަރުކުރުތަދ ްނުރަޖްނިސަފ 332,000 ީނަވ ުކެއިއާންނެމުޑަގުޅައ flights a week to 7 domestic airports. ގޮޑީގެ ޖާގައާއިއެކު، 7 ޑޮމެސްޓިކް އެއާރޕޯރޓަށް ހަފްތާއަކު މަދުވެގެން 072 ފްލައިޓް Another milestone was the addition of our 2nd ATR 72- .ެވެއެވިއަފިވެރުކ ުލަވާތ ްށަމުރުކ ުރުތަދ 500 to the fleet. This expansion means we will be able to cater for the growing demand by increasing frequencies, ްށަޓީލްފ ެގީމިއަލްފ ރައެއާލިވ ީކައީބާޔިމާކ ުޑޮބ ެމްނ ެއ ޭވެލްށޮކ ަގަހާފ ްނުރުތިއ ެގީމ without compromising on the comfort and style our ެގްނެމުޑނަގުޅައ ުކެއިއާއިމ .ެވެމުވެރުކުރުތިއ ުޓޯބާދްނިތަމ ަނަވެދ ެގާކުރަމ ATR72-500 passengers have become used to. ހިދުމަތް ފުޅާކުރުމުގެ ގޮތުން ދަތުރުތައް އިތުރުކޮށް، ދަތުރުވެރިންގެ ތަރުހީބު ލިބިފައިވާ After a long wait, our SeePlane operation has officially ެގުކަތުރުތަދ ެގީމިއަލްފ ިއަލުނ ާކަމުއައ ްއެލަދަބ ްށަރަވްނެފ ިއާމާރައ ިއާކަތުރުތަދ ެގީމިއަލްފ commenced its commercial operation. With the first floating .ެވެއެނާދްނެގިބިލ ުތަސުރުފ ެގުމުނިދ ިއަވުރޯފ ްތަމުދިހ platform installed near Sun Island in South Ari Atoll, our passengers can enjoy a unique birds-eye view of the Maldives islands. However, flights can still be joined from .Villa International Airport Maamigili as well ދި ގ ު އިންތިޒާރަކަށް ފަހު، އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ ފުރަތަމަ ސީޕްލޭން ވަނީ މިހާރު ރަސްމީ ދަތުރުތައް ފަށާފައެވެ. އެގޮތުން ފުރަތަމަ ސީޕްލޭން ޕްލެޓްފޯރމް ވަނީ އަރިއަތޮޅު ދެކުނުބުރި، ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ްނުބަބަސ ެގުކަތ ުރުތަދ ިމ .ެވެއަފާޅައ ިއަގީރިއަކ ްޓރޯސިރ ްޑްނެލިއައ ްނަސ Our frequent travellers might also have noticed the new look of our magazine cover. We are happy to announce that .ެވެއެނާދްނެގިބިލ ުތަސުރުފ ެގުމުލާލަބ ްނިތަމ ްށަކަތޮގ ުތާފަތ ްނަކިތީރ ެގުކަތްށަރ Flyme has taken the initiative to work with local artists to promote Maldivian art. We hope that by featuring artists’ ްށޮކުމްނާއ ުކެއިއާންނެމުޑަގުޅައ ާމުރަފ ުއައ ެގުރަވަކ ެގްނިޒަގެމ ްޓިއަލްފްނިއ ިމ ެގީމިއަލްފ work on our cover, we can give local artists exposure and ްއަތުރަނުހ ެގްނުޓްސިޓާއ ިހެވިދ .ެވެއެނާދިވެރުކ ަގަހާފ ްށަންނުރަޖްނިސަފ ާވްއަރުކުރުތަދ motivate them to promote their work. A very limited number of the original cover prints will be available for purchase. ދައްކާލާ، އެކުރެހުންތެރިންގެ މަސައްކަތް މަޝްހޫރުކޮށް ފުޅާކުރުމަށް ހިއްވަރެއް ދިނުމުގެ Please have a look at the artist column for more details. ެގްނިޒަގެމ ެގްނެމުޑަގުޅައ ްނުތޮގިމ .ެވެއަފާށަފ ްތަކްއަސަމ ީނަވިމ ްނެމުޑަގުޅައ ިއަގުތަޔިނ ާވިއަގޭރެތެއ ުތާމޫލުއަމ ެގުތޮގ ީވްނަވަދްއަހ ްށަމުތަގ ިއަވަލްއަބ ުލްސައ ެގުމުހެރުކ ެގުރަވަކ We are continuously striving to deliver the best services to you, our valued passengers. The Flyme team will ensure that .ެވެއެނާވަންނަގިއަޑަވިބިލ ްނިއްމަލޮކ ެގާޔިރެތްނުހެރުކ the time you spend with us is enjoyable and hassle-free. Most of all, it is the commitment of everyone at Flyme to ްށަންނުރަޖްނިސަފ ިތެވުބޮލ ާހެމްނެއިތ ީނަރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމިމ ިޅޭނިޑނެކ ްނެމުޑނަގުޅައ strive to maintain the safety and quality of our product and ެމްނޮކ ާވްއަރުކ ުކެއިއާއ ީމިއަލްފ .ެވެށަމުނިދްށޮކުރޯފ ްއެތަމުދިހ ުޅަގނަރ ުރަވްނެފ ްސެވާހީވ not compromise our standards as we grow and aspire for wider service to our passengers. ުކެއާދީމްނުއ ެގުމަކެނާވްށަކަރުތަދ ޭވެރުކ ުކެއ ިއާމުހެޖަމަހްތިހ ިއަލުނ ިއާކަތިތަދ ީކަރުތަދ .ެވެމަވަންނަދުރުކުޝ ްށަބީހުރަތ ާވްއެދ ްނުތާރަފަޔިތ Enjoy your flight, and I hope to see you soon on one of our services. ރިލުވާން ޝަރީފް، ީމ ިއަލްފ / ރައެއާލިވ - ރަޓްކެރިޑ ްގްނިޖޭނެމ Riluwan Shareef Managing Director - Villa Air / Flyme

7 FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

N Male’ Guide S

Male is the bite-sized capital of the Maldives, a frenzied city dotted with tall multi-hued buildings, raucous streets and bustling cafés. The economic hub of the small archipelago, Male’ presents visitors with an experience distinct from that of resorts; it is fast-paced, brimming with people and traffic. For residents, there is simply no time to stop and stare, but there are quite a few charming places for the tourist to inspect at her leisure.

The Republic Square A vast open space, the kind of luxury you do not get in the city, the square is home to hundreds of pigeons, and quite possibly the largest iteration of the Maldivian National Flag. Opposite the square sits the country’s Defense Head Quarters. On one corner is the tall sky blue Police Head Quarters. The square is scorching during the day but is a nice spot to sit and relax late in the afternoon or in the evenings. The Islamic Centre The Chaandhanee Magu Souvenir Shop District Just around the bend from the shopping district is the An old district that has been around almost as long as tourism main mosque of the capital, and indeed, the biggest of in the country, some of these shops are veritable institutions. its kind anywhere on the archipelago. Its official name, Expect anything from t-shirts adorned with local batik art to Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaan al-Auzam is a shark tooth pendants to kitschy fridge magnets. And always mouthful (Muhammad Thakurufaan is believed to be bargain. chief among those who liberated the Maldives from the Portuguese in the 16th Century). The majestic golden dome and minaret mould Male’s skyline; they are readily apparent as you approach the city.

Friday Mosque and Minaret Just up the road from the Islamic Centre is another mosque, but not just any mosque, it is the most important heritage site of the country. Constructed in the mid-17th century, the Friday Mosque has been in continuous use ever since. The mosque is built mainly out of coral stone and features intricate coral carvings, a pinnacle of Maldivian craftsmanship. Its interior displays fine lacquer calligraphy and decoration, among the best in the country. The local carpenters who carried out the roofing and other woodwork have their graves in the eastern part of the mosque. The minaret is believed to be constructed in the fashion of those in Mecca at the time. It was built on the orders of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar. The Friday Mosque complex has been on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage List since 2008. 9

The National Museum The museum was first opened in the fifties by the then Prime Minister Mohamed Amin Didi. The current Museum building, funded by the Chinese Government, is housed in Sultan Park. It features relics from the pre-Islamic era and various royal artefacts, including sunshades, thrones and slippers worn by Maldivian royalty. The museum is also home to a fragment of moon rock from the US Apollo mission to the moon. There is a cover charge of 20 Rufiyaa per adult, but it is definitely worth the money.

Sultan Park The biggest park in the capital and once part of the palace grounds; it is an excellent place to seek shade and sip a cold drink amid the tall trees, rarities in the concrete choked Dhivehi Malaafaiy city. A banyan tree close to the museum seems to intrigue Located close to Sultan Park, on Rah Dhebai Magu tourists. The park is also home to the National Library and Dhivehi Malaafaiy is a restaurant specialising in Maldivian the museum. cuisine. It is a great place to unwind, smoke a shisha and check out a wealth of uniquely Maldivian dishes. Try Artificial Beach Area Garudhiya and Bai, a local staple consisting of steamed rice, This is the only ‘beach’ to be found in the city, it is a place to fish broth, homemade chili paste, lime and onions. cool off and enjoy some food. No bikinis, but you can catch Alternatively go for Kukulhu Musamma, a delectable dry the rays in shorts and a tank top. Surrounding the horse-shoe chicken curry, moderately spicy but edible and enjoyable even shaped beach are various restaurants that serve International for those with a western palate. cuisines including Indian, Thai and Italian. Carnival Area Raalhugandu Further up, in the eastern part of the island, there is another This area on the eastern edge of the city is where the place for local fare, especially breakfast and ‘short eats’, cool kids hang out, catching the waves or contemplating finger food consisting of fish balls and samosa-like snacks the sea over cigarettes and energy drinks. Obviously a called ‘Bajiyaa’, to be had in the evenings. They also provide place for surfing, and getting to know the genial folk of the some local interpretations of international fare; check out the local surf community. ever popular nasi goreng. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE Evolution of the Maldivian Script by Fathimath Lamya Abdullah

These “Lōmāfānu” Copper Plates written in Evēla Akuru dates back to the 12th Century

Although the Maldives is renowned for its exquisite natural The oldest texts found in the Maldives were written in Evēla beauty worldwide, there is still much unknown about the Akuru. H.C.P. Bell, who was a British civil servant stationed country. Who the first settlers were, and what caused the in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1890, and later appointed as an inception of the Dhivehi language and the various Dhivehi archaeologist, claimed that Evēla Akuru bore similarities scripts are uncertain. These are a mixture of puzzle pieces with the Sinhala script. Evēla shows similarities to South many have attempted to put together. Asian scripts such as Elu, Tamil and Malayalam’s Vatteluttu. Accordingly, all these scripts are deemed to be related, Based on the little archaeological remains that have endured sprouting from, or from the branches of an ancient Indian the many centuries, and reliable texts from renowned script called Brahmi. travellers and adventurers, it is believed that Maldives has been inhabited for at least 2500 years, ever since the Indians Evēla can be seen on ‘Lōmāfānu’ (copper plate grants) and in began long seafaring journeys, as the Maldives lay in the inscriptions on ‘hiriga’ (coral stone) dating back to the Maldivian middle of an important ancient marine route. Therefore, Buddhist Period. It is written from left to right, and was used Maldivians are a mixture of many races, descended from even after the Maldives embraced Islam in the year 1153, when seafarers of the ancient times; Indians, Sri Lankans, Chinese, the last Buddhist King converted to Islam. Europeans and Africans. Thus, our language and script are the result of a wide variety of these influences that have To this day it remains a mystery when Evēla evolved to Dhives also shaped the country’s culture as we know it. Akuru, and when Maldivians actively started to use it as a substitution for Evēla. Both scripts share a lot of similar Ancient Maldivian scripts resemble and share many similarities characteristics, with one being that they were both written with those of our neighbouring countries. It is believed from left to right. Furthermore, both Dhives and Evēla letters that many of the changes our script underwent were give an “a” sound in their default state, even when fili (signs brought about intentionally, as a measure taken to maintain that give the vowel sounds) are not added to them. Indeed, to some originality and authenticity reserved to Maldivians. get the other vowel sounds, fili has to be added to the letters. Furthermore, these changes may have come as a result of attempts to preserve and protect our traditions and religion as well. 11

It is speculated that our nation changed its script completely to reinforce Islam and incorporate its ways better into the Maldivian culture. This change is speculated to have happened during the reign of Al Sultan Musa’faru Muhammed Imaadhudheen Sireekula Sundharu Siyakaa Saasthura Mahaaradhun during the early 18th century. The Sultan deemed that the Maldives was in need of a religious reform, and he worked, alongside the well-educated, to implement Thaana as the official script, written from right to left like Arabic.

Noted scholars Hassan Thaajudheen and Mohamed Siraajudheen both highly familiar with Arabic, and both known to be advisors to the Sultan, are assumed to have played a crucial role in inventing Thaana. Additionally, it is also assumed that the Sultan ordered the change, or at the very least gave permission for the change, since the Maldives was a monarchy back then, an individual would require the Sultan’s consent to bring about such a reform.

A letter written in early Tahana Akuru. Dates back to the early 18th Century

A Dhives Akuru document written in 1626 AD

Dhives Akuru was used throughout the nation, till the late 18th century, when Thaana, the modern Maldivian script, completely replaced the Dhives Akuru in 1778. The oldest Thaana writings are seen in documents that date as far back as 1705. However, it is believed that it was already used by the southern atolls on a larger scale even before then, though there is no fool proof evidence backing this up. During the years preceding the formal transition, Thaana was also known to be used in official documents of the government.

It is widely accepted that Thaana, which is written from right to left, was introduced to better integrate Arabic words into the Maldivian script. The order of the Thaana alphabet follows no apparent logic as it doesn’t follow the order of the Arabic nor Indic scripts. It is further unknown if all the letters of the Thaana alphabet were invented at once, or gradually. The first nine letters of the Thaana alphabet are derived from the first nine Arabic numerals, while the next nine letters are derived from the local Indic numerals. The remaining letters were probably derived from phonetically similar native consonants, with the exception of ‘yaa’- the Thaana equivalent of ‘y’, as there are no assumptions or speculations regarding its origin so far. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) released its Annual Report in March, detailing the organisation’s key research findings and community Annual Review of engagement outputs.

We’ve gathered together a selection of the best research bits to give you an overview of the work that Flyme is helping to Whale support! Between February 2014 and February 2015, 308 whale shark encounters were logged and environmental parameters Shark recorded by the MWSRP. This was supplemented by an additional 388 sightings contributed by guides on resorts and tourists themselves, bringing a total haul of data from 696 encounters – that’s just shy of two encounters per day! No wonder South Ari atoll is one of the world’s premier whale Research shark viewing sites! by James Hancock 13

PHOTO BY MELODY SKYE The laser-photogrammetry rig in operation. It provides very accurate lengths in an unobtrusive way

Citizen scientists ‘underestimate whale shark size’ The MWSRP uses a sophisticated technique to measure the whale sharks called ‘laser-photogrammetry’, relying on underwater lasers to accurately project a known length onto the shark from which an equation can be used to calculate how many times that distance fits into the overall length of the shark. Using this technique, the determined average length of a whale shark seen this year was 5.89 metres (≈ 20ft). This ties in very closely with last year’s average of 5.97m and again continues to reaffirm what we are beginning to understand about this whale shark population.

Another, much simpler technique to measure sharks is simply to make an ‘eye-ball’ estimate of the length. Now, the MWSRP team have had many hundreds of encounters with whale sharks over the years and also benefit from finding out daily how close their estimates are to the actual length provided by the lasers. Even so, the experienced team’s best effort average From the results collected by the MWSRP team, we for whale sharks over the year was 5.75 metres. know that all these sightings represent a total of just 50 individual whale sharks, of which all but 5 were already known Rather surprisingly, the average estimation of size from citizen to the team from previous years. This is very representative scientists was less, at just 5.17m. That’s a little over 10% less. of the understanding of the whale sharks in this area, as the This is surprising for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s a compliment to same sharks are seen year after year with only a few new the system of averaging that the accuracy is that close! There additions joining the population each season. What was really were some wild estimations amongst the maximum and exciting for the MWSRP though, was the contributions from minimum outliers! Secondly, it was long suspected that others via the Big Fish Network. In all, 15 new sharks were people first seeing a whale shark underwater would be ‘blown identified from photos submitted by ‘citizen scientists’, away’ by its bulk. Add to this that underwater objects appear showing the value of having many eyes on the reefs over the 25% bigger and closer and for the uninitiated a whale shark course of a year. is a mightily impressive object and so it was expected that people would grossly overestimate the size. One explanation Also true to form, the gender bias of these new sharks could be that everyone is used to seeing sharks around about remained resolutely male. Four were photographically the average length, so when a rarer, smaller shark turns up confirmed as male, with the team unable to confirm the they actually underestimate it’s size! This is the first year that gender of the final one. Overall though, the gender bias of citizen science estimations have been included in the results positively sexed sharks for this whole period lay at 93.6%, and MWSRP is fascinated to find out whether this is going to slightly less than the overall average of 96%. be the case next year, too. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE Your Perfect Escape

PHOTO BY ECO ISLANDS MALDIVES PHOTO BY DOUWE DE GRAAF Designed for pure relaxation with its sun kissed powdery beaches, crystal clear waters and mesmerizing underwater life, these perfectly located retreats are a true escapist dream.

Riding with the dolphins, alfresco dining by the beach or indulging your senses at the spa, discover Maldives at your own pace. When you stay with us, our promise to deliver an affordable luxury holiday stays true.

The nearly 2m ‘Strapless’ showing his entanglement

Released unharmed, this ‘neonate’ shark is one of the first recorded in the Maldives The wounds caused by the strap are visible after it is released

Special Recordings Citizen scientist members of the Big Fish Network contributed In April 2014 divers from the liveaboard vessel MV Carpe Diem some standout whale shark encounters during the February encountered a whale shark estimated just under 2 metres in 2014 – February 2015 period. These encounters expand on length and which was entangled in a plastic box strap which the known range or population make-up of sharks previously was threatening to constrict its future growth. Already causing reported to MWSRP and add lots of questions to the open wounds on the sharks back and pectoral fins, the divers importance of the Maldives to this species. successfully removed the strap by hand. WS208 ‘Strapless’ OLHUVELI BEACH & SPA RESORT VILU REEF BEACH & SPA RESORT was added to the database. MALDIVES MALDIVES In November 2014, Eco Islanders Maldives reported a www.olhuvelimaldives.com www.vilureefmaldives.com ‘neonate’ whale shark in the Maldives. Estimated at just 1 The new year is still young and the collaboration between metre long, this juvenile was at most a few months old. Flyme and MWSRP brings exciting potential for future Captured amongst floating flotsam by fishermen and brought discoveries. We will continue to report these as they occur, ashore to be photographed it was released unharmed the but should you wish to learn more about the Maldives Whale same day. Its discovery sparks exciting questions about the Shark Research Programme then you can find us on our possibility of pupping areas in the western Indian Ocean for website, www.mwsrp.org or follow us on Facebook, this species. This individual entered the MWSRP’s whale shark www.facebook.com/mwsrp H.Maley-thila, Meheli Goalhi, Male’, Rep. of Maldives database as ‘WS217’ and was called ‘Noomaa’ or ‘Blue Flower’ T +960 332 5977 F +960 331 8273 E [email protected] by the fisherman that found it. www.sunsiyam.com Your Perfect Escape 15

Designed for pure relaxation with its sun kissed powdery beaches, crystal clear waters and mesmerizing underwater life, these perfectly located retreats are a true escapist dream.

Riding with the dolphins, alfresco dining by the beach or indulging your senses at the spa, discover Maldives at your own pace. When you stay with us, our promise to deliver an affordable luxury holiday stays true.

OLHUVELI BEACH & SPA RESORT VILU REEF BEACH & SPA RESORT MALDIVES MALDIVES www.olhuvelimaldives.com www.vilureefmaldives.com

H.Maley-thila, Meheli Goalhi, Male’, Rep. of Maldives T +960 332 5977 F +960 331 8273 E [email protected] www.sunsiyam.com FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE PHOTO BY ISELLE MCCALMAN BY PHOTO Sunset as seen from Gan Airport Gan from seen as Sunset THE HISTORY OF GAN A unique story of modern-day exploration Some people might, or might not, know that the British had a Naval and Airforce Base in the South of the Maldives during the years of occupation. The story of GAN remains an interesting part of not just the British Empire expansion, but also of the Maldives.

Gan, located in Addu (previously Seenu) Atoll – the most Ideal location in the Indian Ocean southerly atoll in the Maldives, is also the second largest island of the atoll, after Hithadhoo, and measures 2.2561 Britain first made contact with the Islands in 1887 by means square kilometers (0.87 sq mi) in area. Gan (not to be of a letter from the Governor of Ceylon, representing the confused with two other Maldivian islands of the same name, Crown. Subsequently, many expeditions visited Gan and Gan (Huvadhu Atoll) and Gan (Laamu Atoll)) was formerly in 1941 plans were laid to make use of Gan for the purpose inhabited, but its inhabitants were moved to neighbouring of then shore based ‘Fleet Air Arm Squadron’, this being islands in the atoll after the British naval and airbase was built. under Naval control. By early 1942, work was started on the It has had continuous human habitation since very ancient first airfield by the Royal Engineer Company Army Units and times. There were large cultivated fields of yams, manioc and the help of the Maldivians. By late 1942 the first runway was coconut trees on this island. complete, this running NW/SE and being 1,600 yards long. Not long after, a second runway was completed. This one Approach into Gan Airport being slightly shorter at 1,200 yards and running NE/SW. PHOTO BY ISELLE MCCALMAN A third strip was never completed.

The construction of the airfield was a lengthy process, undertaken by local manual labourers. First came the job of removing the top layer of loose soil and a minimum of 12 inches of lump coral was put down; then came 6 inches of 2 inch coral, this being covered with sand and coral dust. After this was well rolled and watered, a final layer of pea coral was spread over. All this was done by hand - it must have been tough for the Gan people of that period, but it was not in vain as the result was a hard, even surface and could take the landing of a fully loaded freight aircraft.

Gan proved to be of great value during the Second World War, as the Japanese had over-run Burma and Malaya and at this time were also threatening India and Ceylon. Yet things were not quiet in Gan either, as Maldivians were re-housed in Feydhoo and Maradhoo and Gan was stripped of its mass of 17

Gan island and Addu atoll today – an attractive alternative in the Maldives

Being so far south on the Maldives map, and having been subjected to the British influences for many years, the culture and even language of the people of Addu are vastly different from that of Male’ and the more northerly atolls. Fortunately, the Maldives government supported the development in Addu atoll. Today Gan has Addu Atoll a hotel catering for tourists and is connected by causeways to the neighboring islands of Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo. The airport runway was restored, a new terminal building GAN erected and the airport obtained ‘international’ status. The airport also boasts a flying school - the Asian Aviation Academy. The port is now a commercial port where many fishing vessels and safari boats dock. Resorts were built on the neighbouring islands and many guest houses are now being developed, which makes this atoll palm trees and scrub to be replaced by guns. Within time, though, the an attractive alternative to visitors. Japanese were slowly pushed back in Malaya and Gan came to be of less importance and slowly the island was once again left in peace. For keen divers, this is better than paradise as the remote location ensures uncrowded and The year 1957 brought the British back to the paradise island, this time pristine dive spots with a mix of ocean and with a slightly longer lease, a 30 year one. It took several years before lagoon reef diving. a firm agreement was reached by the government and during this time the Islands witnessed an uprising by some of the Addu people, which Getting to Addu: All flights are routed through started on the 1st of June, 1959. The reason for the uprising was general Male’ to Gan International Airport where dissatisfaction over Government policies, particularly over taxation, the passengers are collected by safari boat, resort channeling of all trade through Male’ and fears that the government boat or taxi, depending on the end destination. wished to restrict the locals from working for the R.A.F. This problem was The flight is about 1 ½ hours direct or sometimes solved though, and life settled down to a happy pace. flights are combined and first stops at another atoll airport. Unfortunately for the inhabitants of Gan and the atoll, the islands were once again abandoned by the British when the Maldives became Information from various sources, but special independent in 1976. Some of the old buildings, and war relics can thanks to maldivesculture.com still be seen.

Tropical island airport PHOTO BY ISELLE MCCALMAN FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Amilla Fushi Home away from home

Amilla Fushi literally means ‘my island home’ in Dhivehi. As Amilla Fushi comes with clean, contemporary architecture the name suggests, Amilla Fushi is setting itself apart as inspired by the simplicity of a traditional Maldivian house the new home away from home located within the pristine but with an added element of modernity. The priority when environment of Baa Atoll, with a refreshingly modern take on designing the resort was to keep everything natural and lush, the ultimate authentic Maldives experience. and avoid destroying habitat or artificially expanding the island through dredging. Conceived and managed by The Small Maldives Island Co., Amilla officially opened its doors at the end of March 2015. The resort is home to more purpose-designed island houses of two or more bedrooms than any other Maldives resort - The luxury resort brings a new way of doing things to a perfect for families and groups of friends. All of the houses of destination that has found itself in a conceptual cul-de-sac. one, two or more bedrooms have directly connecting rooms The island comes with a relaxed down-to-earth approach. under one roof for total peace of mind. Spacious one and Amilla provides a genuine, laid-back service, with all guests two-bed Beach Houses; 12-metre high, two-bed Tree Houses; welcomed and flawlessly cared for by unstuffy, charismatic and Lagoon, Ocean Lagoon and Ocean Reef Houses ranging Maldivian Katheebs. between 200 and 600 square metres all have their own large pool and are to be complemented by 6 stunning bespoke Amilla is also all about guests enjoying the ultimate magical Beach Residences of three to six bedrooms that are due to be Maldives holiday experience, without feeling ripped off. completed by May 2015. There will be no stinging guests every time they open a bottle of water or connect to wifi to Instagram another Amilla Fushi is also setting itself apart with its food. The vision pool selfie, then waving them off the island with a serious of ‘Island Restaurateur’, acclaimed Aussie chef Luke Mangan case of ‘bill shock’. This also means that there’s no ‘paywall’ (described by food legend Anthony Bourdain as ‘the Michael deterring guests from making the most of the pristine UNESCO Corleone of Sydney’s restaurant scene’) is to prepare the kind biosphere Baa Atoll. A 20-minute motorised water sports of food people really want to eat on holiday at a reasonable activity is included every day for every guest and unlimited price. Out goes tray charge, starched-shirt service and linen, non-motorised water sports activities are complimentary as and in comes cocktails, barbecue flavours, zingy ceviches and well; guests can enjoy a daily 50-minute spa treatment as tropical ingredients – realised to perfection at the relaxed part of the room rate; and all child care is complimentary, from over-water restaurant, Lonu. the Kids Club to au-pairs, and a free babysitting service. No need for parents to cost-control by parking their kids in front Curling around one of the biggest swimming pools in the of the resort PlayStation for hours on end; instead families Maldives, is Baazaar, the hub of the island. The Baazaar is a will be free to splash around to their hearts’ content, with a food ‘baazaar’ that gives guests the opportunity to indulge in host of supervised fun and games ensuring an unforgettable, diverse culinary offerings from around the world. The outlets authentically aquatic Maldivian adventure. at Baazaar include Fresh, Tapas, Grill, Baazaar Bar, Joe’s Pizza and even the first proper Fish & Chips shop in the Maldives. What’s more, Amilla’s house reef even boasts its very own renowned ‘Blue Hole’ dive site within snorkelling distance Guests are also free to grab some snacks from the island’s of the beach. The Small Maldives Island Co. has partnered Emperor General Store, including fresh fruits and vegetables, with pioneering Dive Butler International to provide safe, deli style sandwiches and fine cuts of meat plus wine from seamless, luxury scuba diving services to new, beginner and Cellar Door wine shop, making Amilla Fushi a true ‘home away experienced scuba divers alike. from home’ experience for foodies. 19 FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Have you seen the Flying Whale Shark?

The wait is FINALLY OVER!! Flyme has started the commercial flights of its SEEPLANE operation after a period of intensive training and preparation. Passengers can now have a bird’s-eye view of the Maldives in the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin. The Cessna Caravan amphibious aircraft, fitted with 7 seats and extra-large windows, makes it the ideal way to capture this unique archipelago. With the installation of the first docking platform near Sun Island, visitors to South Ari atoll can choose between a runway or platform operation. The installation of more docking platforms in various locations and other atolls - allowing passengers easy access to this unique experience - are being planned. You can SEE more with the SEEPLANE…

At a glance…

AIRCRAFT Cessna Caravan B208 amphibious Some of the first DURATION OF PHOTO FLIGHT SeePlane 20 minutes passengers MAX # OF PAX PER FLIGHT excited about 7 their flight! RATES Contact the resort where you are staying E-MAIL ENQUIRY AND BOOKINGS [email protected]

SeePlane crew with the team from Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP)

Flyme teamed up with the Mal- dives Whale Shark Research Pro- gramme (MWSRP), based in South School children from South Ari atoll posing for a Ari atoll, flying aerial surveys and photo in front of the ‘Flying Whale Shark’ before also providing special Whale Shark their flight. They were participants in the Whale Research flights in the SeePlane. Shark Festival. 21

Undocking from the platform

Taking off…

Taxiing out

Through the huge windows of the SeePlane

SeePlane gracing the blue skies

WHY DON’T YOU JOIN US FOR • Photo Flights • Sightseeing • Personalized charter trips • Whale Shark spotting … and many more FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE Skin Care Tips

by Fathimath Lamya Abdullah

FoR HOT WEATHER The equatorial tropical climate is what makes Maldives so Humidity can be very good for your complexion, as the very attractive to those that live in colder, frigid temperatures. damp air aids rapid cell turnover, leaving the epidermis soft Especially popular as a getaway destination during the harsh and supple. However, humidity can also cause you to sweat winters, the hot and humid weather is regarded as a welcome and this can aggravate acne-prone skin. Furthermore, skin change by most. However, this change that you welcome with conditions like miliaria, a heat rash that occurs when sweat good grace might not be something that your skin welcomes ducts are clogged, or folliculitis, the inflammation of hair ducts so willingly. caused by microorganisms, may arise from getting overheated.

Anyone that has lived in one place for long would have There are several things that can be done to reduce the harmful perfected a skin care routine down to the dot according to the effects of a humid climate on your skin before they even start. skin type and climate. However, before a trip to Maldives you Though the treatments to the various skin conditions may be might want to re-think your skin care rituals for the duration, different, the steps to successful prevention are quite the same. as the procedures that you follow in cold or warm places may All you need to do is adapt your skin care routine to best suit produce some unwanted or harmful effects on your skin in the the humidity, and remain cool to ward off the scorching heat. hot and humid Maldives. 23

Moisturize

Exposure to the sun can dry out the skin on your face Cleanse and body, and can increase the risk of skin cancer. It is best to use a moisturizer that contains a broad Humid weather can make your pores go into overdrive spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 40 to protect and produce more sweat to cool off your overheated your face and body from ultraviolet rays. It is advised to body, which makes you more prone to breakouts, do this even on seemingly cloudy days in Maldives, as especially if you have oily skin. To avoid having oily skin the weather here is quite unpredictable. When applying full of excess sweat, wash your face at least once a day, moisturizer on your face, skip the areas that produce the using warm water and a non-comedogenic (does not most oil, also known as the T-zone. The moisturizer may blocks pores) skin cleanser. If you are prone to breakouts, aggravate your already oily skin and make you more you might also need to use an acne-care treatment susceptible to breakouts. The T-zone generally covers that includes salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as these your nose and the forehead right above your eyebrows. help to naturally dry up the oil caused by the humidity while treating the pimple causing bacteria. However, as these will increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, it is advised to use them during night time. In a situation EXOFOLIATE where you feel extra sweaty, just splash some lukewarm water on your face. This will wash away the sweat and open your pores without stripping your skin of its While you might experience an urge to wipe away the natural moisture. sweat and succumb to its complimentary itchiness, it is something that you must never do in humid weather. The ostensibly innocent action only spreads the dirt and oil present on your face, and may even introduce bacteria, making the already bad situation worse. Rather than No TOUCHING wiping the sweat off with your hand try blotting your skin with a clean tissue. You can also use an oil-absorbing, skin-blotting cosmetic paper, that’s often sold from While you might experience an urge to wipe away the cosmetic stores. These extra-absorbent items help to sweat and succumb to its complimentary itchiness, it is suck the oil and sweat out of your skin giving you a more something that you must never do in humid weather. The matte appearance. ostensibly innocent action only spreads the dirt and oil present on your face, and may even introduce bacteria, making the already bad situation worse. Rather than wiping the sweat off with your hand try blotting your STAY COOL skin with a clean tissue. You can also use an oil-absorbing, skin-blotting cosmetic paper, that’s often sold from One thing you must never be without in a humid climate cosmetic stores. These extra-absorbent items help to such as the Maldives is a bottle of water. Drink plenty of suck the oil and sweat out of your skin giving you a more water to keep yourself cool and hydrated. Additionally, matte appearance. it is best to wear cool clothing, nothing that will overheat your body or cause excessive sweating. Cotton and linen clothing is the most suitable choice, accompanied by a hat. Doctors also do advice to shower at least twice a day using anti-bacterial soap. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

HCP Bell’s THE MALDIVE ISLANDS An account of the physical features, climate, history, inhabitants, productions and trade

– A Review by Nashiu Zahir 25

As to history, Bell admits that the early history of the country is inaccessible, which he attributes to the Maldives’ isolation and ‘comparative insignificance’. The Maldivians, he notes, did not have any known historical records of ‘antiquity’. He also mentions that a National Record styled Tarikh or Muskulhi foi, said to be preserved in the Sultan’s Palace in Male’, holds all important events and matters of state. This record has apparently been kept for centuries, and is written in the old Maldivian character – Dhives Akuru- and in the crude initial form of the modern script– Gabulhi Thaana.

The conversion to Islam, Bell deduces from Ibn Battuta’s narrative, must have occurred late in the 12th century. He observes a close connection in the 14th and 15th centuries, between the Maldives and the thriving Muslim settlements on the Malabar Coast, most notably Cannanore. He further notes that the commercial prosperity and political influence Harry Charles Purvis Bell, 1890 Image wikipedia.org of the Arab or Moorish traders, which peaked in the 12th or 13th centuries, remained considerable until they gave way to the ‘all absorbing powers of the West’, heralded by the he book is a brief but comprehensive account of the Portuguese. Bell then goes over each period, from the Maldives in the late 19th century, providing the reader Portuguese through to the English in some detail. At the with rich sketches of the country’s geography, end of the chapter is a handy table, indicating the Dutch and history, its people, and economy. The author, HCP Bell, T English governors of Ceylon and the contemporary sultans of an Indian born British civil servant and archaeologist with a the Maldives, starting from the 17th century. passionate interest in the country, published a few works on the Maldives, including the famous monograph on Maldivian history, archaeology and epigraphy. This edition, published by Asian Educational Services, a New Delhi based publisher, comes with several tables, a detailed, folded map of the Maldives and a small list of errata.

In the introduction, Bell expresses his wish to do justice to ‘a people little known and less regarded.’ He is shocked at the ignorance of certain eminent parties (in matters related to the Maldives), including a particular standard geography treatise (Pinkerton’s Modern Geography Vol.1) that made authoritative yet uninformed statements. At the time of his writing, however, there were decidedly few authorities on the Maldives. Yet, in part by unearthing old colonial records in Colombo and through examining records of Ibn Battuta and the French explorer Pyrard, Bell has showcased a wealth of information on the hitherto neglected country.

Bell is precise in locating the country, and the book starts in earnest with geographical coordinates, which few people at the time knew. It goes on to describe the physical aspects of the Maldives; its atolls, reefs, channels and islands and other geographical features are presented in good detail. In the chapter notes, he even speculates as to the origin of the name Maldives; mentioning four derivations of the name favoured by different writers. Bell expressly believes Ibn Battuta’s version – in which ‘Mal’ is derived from Male’, the Sultan’s island, and Diva (dwipa) from island – to be the correct one. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Regarding the inhabitants, Bell estimates the population of the Maldives to be around 30,000. He appears to believe that the population had been larger in earlier times, which Maldivians themselves believed to be the case. Maldivians are characterised as ‘inoffensive’ and ‘timid’, and a ‘naturally suspicious people’, which he attributes to their isolation. However, once they have confidence in a stranger, they exhibit an ‘excess of inquisitiveness’ that is often embarrassing to the outsider. He references Albert Gray, who quotes Ibn Battuta as saying the Maldivians are ‘sober, fairly honest’ and ‘naturally cheerful, with few wants and therefore inclined to be lazy and sluggish’. But Bell also quotes Pyrard who says, conversely, that the Maldivians are an ingenious, industrious lot who apply their skill successfully to all sorts of productions.

Bell goes on to note the appearance of the islanders, their On the topic of trade, the book is well stocked with tables dress, habitations, education, marriage, employment and displaying the values of exports and imports to and from the even burial rites, the latter which, according to Pyrard, British India and Ceylon. It is not surprising that even then, deviates considerably from Islamic norms. dried fish was the largest article of export from the Maldives. Ceylon was its principal buyer. Rihaakuru, which Bell has erroneously dubbed ‘fish blood’, was also exported to Ceylon in some measure, as were tortoise shells. Mention is also made of Maldivian currency. A fact that Bell (via Pyrard) finds particularly striking about it is that during Pyrard’s time, the sole Maldivian coin was a silver ‘larin’, which, he believed, was evidently copied from the eponymous Persian coin, which was then common throughout the East.

The appendices at the conclusion of the book include lengthy tracts on the political status of the sultan, his dealings with the powers of his time, and perhaps strangely, the treatment of wrecks in the Maldives. Bell’s book is without doubt, a treasure to those interested in the history of the Maldives. It is insightful, and carefully written, if in dated style. It contains surprises for the ordinary reader of Maldivian history and displays an avid interest in a country that few in the West had known so intimately. 27 where dreamsare made...

Villa Hotels & Resorts, Villa Building, Ibrahim Hassandidi Magu, Male’, Maldives. +960 331 6161 +960 331 4565 [email protected] FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

WONDERS OF ARI ATOLL by Aysha Naseem

PHOTO BY SHAAHINA ALI

Ari Atoll or Alif Atoll is one of the largest atolls in the Maldivian Mr. Mohamed Fayaz, a PADI archipelago and also a designated tourist development zone in instructor at Dive Oceanus with an Whale Shark the country. Geographically, the atoll is blessed with scores of overwhelming dive portfolio shares spotting islands and is enclosed by the best dive sites in the country. his favourite 5 spots in the region. throughout For administrative conveniences, Ari Atoll is divided into North “How many dives have you done?” and South. South Ari Atoll, with its various world class dive I ask Fayaz, who has trained almost the year sites is simply a diver’s paradise! Just outside the island of 1000 divers at different levels. Maamigili in South Ari, is SAMPA (South Ari Marine Protected “It’s definitely more than 10,000! I am sure because I stopped Area), featuring the only dive spot in the world where whale logging after 9000 but now it has definitely exceeded 10,000.” sharks can be spotted throughout the year. He spoke with thrill and enthusiasm in his eyes and voice. Retired from instructing, Mr. Fayaz currently manages the DiveOceanus, one of the top dive operations in the Maldives ogistic side of the dive centres. has 4 centres across 3 atolls in the Maldives. Sun Island Resort & Spa, Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Fun Island Resort and Holiday Mr. Fayaz assures me that these dive sites, each unique in Island Resort: each resort has a diveOceanus centre offering their own way, makes for an extensive dive experience of the dive lessons to everyone from beginners up to PADI dive master Maldives, creating a memory lasting a life time. Easily accessible certification. All of the diveOceanus centres are rated “5 Star by boat, the travel times mentioned here are from Sun Island Gold Palm” by PADI, and can easily access most of the best dive Resort & Spa, the largest and busiest of the four centres. sites in Maldives. 29

Bodu Finolhu Thila An outside reef in front of the small island of Bodufinolhu and a 40-minute boat ride away, this spot is a surprise awaiting you. If you are lucky you may get to witness a fantastic show just in a single dive. Schools of mobula rays, mantas rays, eagle rays and barracudas are found here while an abundance of reef fishes such as snappers, puffer fish and fusiliers are found on the main reef. Starting at 7 metres deep and sloping down to 30 metres, the main reef starts at 23 metres deep. Grey reef sharks are often found while white tip reef sharks are found throughout the year.

Kuda Rah Thila Kuda Rah Thila is one of the most famous dive sites in Maldives due to its beautiful coral formation. A small reef with lots of both soft and hard corals, the site was declared a marine park in as early as 1995. A 40-minute boat ride away, Kuda Rah Thila is the most colourful dive site on the Dhigu Rah Channel and is 12-26 metres deep. With two huge overhangs covered in PHOTO BY GERTJAN VAN VEERT colourful sea fans and lots of pink anemones at the top of the site; this is a dive you shouldn’t miss! Its denizens range from jack fishes to blue striped snappers, giant groupers, shoals of Maamigili Beru bat fish, fusiliers and also white tip reef sharks. This dive site in Ari Atoll, known as the “Whale Shark Point” is a mere 10 minute boat ride away from Sun Island Resort & Five Rocks Spa. Located just outside the local island Maamigili towards This beautiful reef is comprised of five deep coral blocks the channel entrance, the top reef starts at 5 metres and standing adjacent, creating narrow canyons to dive through. slopes down to about 30 metres. Though a long reef, it is an Though small, the reef is 30 metres deep and is one of the most easy site to dive, and is one of the best sites to encounter stunning reefs in the area. Decked with both soft and hard both pelagic and schools of reef fishes. Chances of spotting a corals of vibrant colours you also find sea fans and sponges whale shark are extremely high and you may encounter one apart from the plethora of marine life. Occasional guests at any time of the year. In fact, it is best that you snorkel if include barracudas, white tip reef sharks, stingrays and you wish to seek that aesthetic pleasure of encountering with tunas, while napoleon fishes and oriental sweet lips are found this magnificent creature. in abundance, offering you a delightful dive experience. Other dwellers of the reef include mobula rays, manta rays, napoleon fishes, turtles and dogtooth tunas. Descend 15 metres deeper and you get to see moray eels and lobsters peeping though the holes.

German magazine Tauchen listed Maamigili Beyru as one of the top 100 sites in the world because of the chances to spot a whale shark while Unterwasser, also a German magazine listed it as the 77th best dive site in the world.

Rangali Manta Point From January through May, manta rays come around here for cleaning. Watch them cleanse with the help of small cleaner fishes at cleaning stations, but never pursue them. 50 minutes from Sun Island Resort & Spa, this site has a shallow top reef at 7 meters – ideal for beginners as well. Although mantas are seasonal, myriads of marine creatures such as napoleon fish, moray eels, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, giant groupers and turtles are found here throughout the year.

Apart from these areas, there are more than 50 designated dive sites in South Ari Atoll alone. From caves to underwater cliffs, canyons to ship wrecks; each site is unique. For many travellers Maldives is a once in a life time dream destination while diving enthusiasts frequent the country as much as once or twice a year, seeking an extraordinary and unforgettable dive PHOTO BY SHAAHINA ALI experience each time. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Huddled on the busy Keneree Road, just a stone’s throw from the National Museum is a small bistro operated by The Somerset Hotel. The entrance is paved, populated by a few marble-capped tables, a refuge for smokers. Inside the air-conditioned interior you are spared the day’s heat. The tall glass windows and glass panelled doors keep the sounds of the street at bay. Belle The cosy, cream and wood interior of the bistro compliments the décor of the hotel; it seems a natural extension of it. Fareesha Hawwa, The Somerset’s general manager, describes it as a boutique bistro. “It’s a different kind of place, you won’t usually find youngsters who come for a coffee and a smoke here,” she explains. The bistro’s muted setting is more suited for families and business types. Inside seating is limited to 42 Amie and on this particular afternoon, the place is tranquil but for the click of cutlery and the faint hum of the kitchen.

Apart from the guests who stay at the hotel, the bistro attracts different kinds of clients. “We get many locals for our [English] high tea,” says Hawwa. “Quite a number of working Bistro foreigners frequent the place for lunch and dinner, especially by Nashiu Zahir the Thursday night dinner buffet. It’s a unique place. Our cuisine is quite different from what you’d get elsewhere in the city.” 31

The food served at the restaurant is a mixture of Asian and Western cuisine; its menu was put together under the guidance of a German consultant back in 2013. “It was he “We’re very who suggested that we have the English high tea in the afternoon,” reveals Ganesh Kumara, the restaurant manager. The high tea has proved to be popular. Served between three flexible and offer and six in the afternoon, it features a selection of pastries and savouries, all prepared at the bistro. Unlimited refills of tea and coffee is part of the high tea experience. The tailor-made restaurant also hosts a daily executive lunch buffet where diners can enjoy a three course meal, with mains made à-la minute, for a reasonable rate. services that meet The authenticity of its fare is almost a non-issue when the clients’ needs. it comes to Belle Amie bistro’s approach to food. “We don’t intend to serve food of a particular country that is exactly the same as what you might have there,” says We always try Hawwa. “We like to add our own touches [to dishes]. For instance, you won’t get a Russian salad that tastes exactly like it does in Russia. We might mix it up with to exceed some local herbs, get our signature on it.” The bistro’s ex- ecutive chef, Sathish Kumar is fond of mixing it up. “It would be boring to serve the same food,” he says. “A expectations.” chef needs to experiment, to create new things, it is an art like any other.” Kumar is a man with over ten years of experience in F & B and is confident in the ability of his When it comes to theme nights, however, the bistro is more team to deliver. The bistro’s Nandur rolls and Kung Pao guarded and conservative. The restaurant rotates Sri Lankan, chicken are particular favourites of his. Chinese, Indian and international themes over the month. “Each month’s Thursday begins with a Sri Lankan themed night,” says Kumara. “We cook Sri Lankan fare, like curries in clay pots, just like they do it in the villages. And the meals are served on banana leaves.” Chinese nights feature a variety of Chinese cuisine. “Any Chinese customer would immediately feel at home because of the variety of Chinese meals on offer,” he asserts.

In addition to buffets and à la carte dining, the bistro has a few more services on offer. They undertake catering projects, and host small parties and wedding receptions. Private dining options are also provided and the bistro is able to accommodate special requests in terms of food and ambience. “We recommend things, such as a particular cuisine, to clients and make proposals based on their guidelines,” says Kumara. “We’re very flexible and offer tailor-made services that meet the clients’ needs. We always try to exceed expectations.”

Despite its relatively recent opening, the restaurant has managed to foster a loyal customer base, according to Hawwa. It has also garnered rave reviews on Tripadvisor and often holds the number one spot in restaurants in the city and never goes below number two. “We’ve managed to build a great reputation,” she says. “We’ve been really well received by our customers. And we’ve received lots of new customers based on comments that we’ve got online.” Hawwa is confident that the bistro will continue to perform as it has, not least because it is paired with a sought after city hotel. “I don’t think that there is any looking back for us,” she says. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE LIFE ON A LUXURY SAFARI BOAT The other side of SUNNY MALDIVES

by Iselle McCalman When I first heard the term ‘safari boat’ I was not quite sure what it meant. Where I come from, ‘safari’ and ‘boats’ don’t quite mix. A safari meant searching for wild animals in the bush. However, I soon learnt this is the local terminology for a liveaboard. I guess it involves the same kind of action - in this case one would be searching for marine life!

IMAGES BY CARPE DIEM BY / IMAGES Carpe Diem Birdseye Although the Maldives is known for luxury 5-star resorts, liveaboards represent another side to the tourist market in the country, adding an increasing number of tourists to the sunny shores every year.

To understand the attraction of this kind of holiday one has to understand a diver’s addiction - the moment they step off the boat the next trip has already been booked. The only question seems to be which dive site and which boat. Some divers travel the world in search of yet another dive site, while others prefer to do the same sites for many years in a row. I know of divers returning to the Maldives for 15 consecutive years, always staying on liveaboards. It is therefore understandable that the boat charter industry has grown substantially during the past 10 years as a specialised provider for serious divers. With over a 100 registered liveaboards in the Maldives, it is a tough and very competitive market, so only the best survive. It is also a seasonal market dictated by the two main monsoon seasons, which means operators have to make the most of the approximately 7 months - from November to May - of drier, more stable weather. Some operate year round, where others prefer to utilize the peak season only.

However, being the best does not necessarily mean being the most luxurious. Boats range in size and facilities and vary to suit all tastes - from laid back dhoni style, to 5-star cabins. And not all boats are exclusively for divers. Many welcome families and often stop at local islands for excursions. So when searching for that perfect dive holiday it

Whale Shark & Hussain Ozgur, Feb 2014, TOP Feb & Hussain Ozgur, Whale Shark MIDDLE Restaurant, Upperdeck BOTTOM will require some research to find your match. 33

Carpe Diem Maldives – well-respected operator in the Maldives

One boat operator that has made a name for itself in the Maldives is Carpe Diem Maldives. Now in its 7th year of operation it has served the local dive market with distinction. Divers can choose one of two boats: Carpe Diem or Carpe Vita with Carpe Novo due to start in 2016. You will be cruising in style, pampered by their crew, while scuba diving 3/4 times a day, guided by their experienced Maldivian dive guides.

Agnes van Linden, the Operations/Marketing Director along with her business partner and owner of the boats Amir Mansoor, manage the day-to-day operations from the Head Office in Male’.

Passengers are met at the airport and transferred to the boat. Depending on where the boat is anchored, it might involve a domestic flight to a neighbouring atoll airport.

On arrival at the boat, all guests are briefed and the boat operations explained. This also includes diver-specific information. Strong emphasis is placed on safe, yet enjoyable, diving. Both Carpe Diem and Carpe Vita are very well- equipped with large cabins and ensuite bathrooms, great meals and well-trained crew.

Dive packages cover mostly the central Atolls like North and

South Ari atoll, Meemu and Vaavu, but the boats also cater for CARPE DIEM BY / IMAGES Vita Room Carpe special, longer itineraries to the deep south to Gaafu Dhaalu, Gaafu Alifu and Gan as well as to the north covering dive regions such as Baa, Raa, Noonu and Lhaviyani.

During their 7 or 10 night liveaboard cruises, you will be assured to see and experience more than you could wish for. Both their vessels are accompanied by spacious diving dhonis (tenders) which are equipped with the latest gear and equipment to meet the ever growing demands of divers. Both dhonis have Nitrox membrane systems, a hot water shower and toilet, two fresh water showers, a camera rinsing tank, aluminium tanks (11.5 liter and 13.5 liters) free of charge and 15 liter steel tanks at extra charge upon request.

And if diving is not your thing, you can always try surfing. In summer, starting end of April, the Maldives becomes a paradise for wave surfers. The Carpe Vita had her first surf charters in 2012 year. In 2013 both of the vessels catered for special surf charters during this period, offering itineraries especially chosen for an excellent surfing experience. Surf charters alternate with dive charters, but surfers are welcome to try their hand at diving.

For more detailed information on the boats, scuba diving and surfing trips, schedules and itineraries check the Carpe Diem Maldives website: carpediemmaldives.com Tel: +(960) 3300883 | Fax: +(960) 3306747 Skype: mvcarpediem

Facebook: fb.com/Carpe.Diem.Maldives.Fleet TOP Atoll, Ari Thila, North Sunlight at Sun deck, MIDDLE Observing Mantas BOTTOM FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE ADVERTORIAL 35 AIRPORT BEACH MUNICH RESIDENCE by Nashiu Zahir

On the beachfront in Hulhumale’ stands the Airport Beach Munich Residencies; a striking, four-storeyed white building with blue tinted windows peering out at the road. The hotel has been in service for a little over a year, and the freshness of its construction is immediately apparent. Through its glass panelled ground floor, its restaurant and lobby are clearly visible from the outside as you approach it. Tables populate the sidewalk by the hotel, around which are seated guests, some sipping tea or having a smoke, enjoying the late afternoon. The beach is only a few feet from the hotel, a luxury enjoyed by most establishments nearby.

The hotel is accessible, easy to get to if you have planned ahead. You may opt for a five minute ‘Express’ ferry from the Hulhumale’ terminal in Male’ for a speedy, scenic trip. The hotel will have the driver ready to pick you up in the company vehicle near the arrival terminal.

The lobby is cosy and inviting with grey sofas and a soft blue rug. The staff too are welcoming, ready to greet the guest with smiles, a cold towel and a zesty welcome drink.

“It’s unmatched in terms of service,” says Hugo Mendis, the hotel’s general manager. Mendis has been in the hotel trade for close to three decades and has worked at properties in Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia. “We are very lucky to have a well-trained team with us,” he says. “We’re all about putting the customer first.”

The place was built as a residential dwelling, and this is evident in the layout of the rooms. It lends a certain quirkiness to the hotel; rooms on each floor open out to a main seating and dining area, as you would expect in an apartment. These communal areas have sofas and big, high-definition televisions and are further enhanced by kitchenettes. “It’s notwhat is usually expected of a place like this,” says Mendis. “But it does make us stand out from the rest and it works well for groups of people travelling together. They have a bit of space to hang out and have fun.” FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

The rooms themselves are compact and exhibit a white, grey The terrace also features a small sauna, which guests can and wood theme. They are well furnished, with luxurious access for a small fee. The terrace is the highest point of beds, a small desk, and little white end tables. They all have the hotel, and because of Hulhumale’s building regulations, small balconies. Their restrooms come with rain-showers, and, all buildings in the area are permitted to be built up to four in two rooms on the VIP lounge on the third floor, spa bath storeys. This is fine; it does not impede guests from features and bathtubs. enjoying the sweeping views of the sea. Guests can recline on comfortable deckchairs and soak up the sun. And on evenings The crown jewel among the rooms is dubbed ‘the owner’s this area can easily be converted into a romantic spot, where suite’ and is situated on the third floor. It is considerably couples may enjoy each other’s company over private dinners. larger than the rest of the rooms and its balcony overlooks the beach and the sea, affording occupants an unobstructed Dining is a pleasant experience at the hotel; its in house view of magnificent sunrises. If money is no objection, this is restaurant, Piquente, offers guests specialties from across undboutedly the room to go for. the globe. “Our chefs are quite experienced,” says Mendis. “They’ve worked in food and beverage for years, and in various Upstairs on the terrace is a small, perfectly kept pool. “We’re establishments around the world.” The chefs, according to the only hotel in Hulhumale’ with one,” says Mendis with a Mendis, will be more than happy to accommodate special note of pride. The terrace also houses a little spa; a cosy affair, requests, even going so far as to make items that are not with wooden slats keeping out the sun, and floors made of included in the menu. “Our lobster dinner is a particular little wooden blocks. Its two treatment rooms can each favourite with guests,” enthuses Mendis. “We can prepare accommodate a single guest. The two Philippino therapists them in several ways to suit their taste.” deliver a range of treatments including Balinese and Swedish massages. The spa is owned and run by the hotel. 37

Like most hotels in the country, Airport Beach also conducts excursions. “We have sandbank, snorkelling and fishing excursions,” explains Mendis. “We also take guests to visit nearby [inhabited] islands where they can get a taste of local culture.” The excursions are conducted by representatives of the hotel, unlike most establishments where such tours and excursions are outsourced. “Outsourcing them would be eas- ier for us,” Mendis admits. “But it might compromise quality. We need to be sure that each of our guests is satisfied.” Most excursions managed by the hotel close with a five course dinner, which Mendis believes is great for customer relations. “They really enjoy those dinners,” he says. “Even if they don’t catch any fish on the trip, we will have fish ready for them here.”

With great service and its superb location, it is unsurprising that the hotel has garnered great reviews online, on booking sites and Tripadvisor. Mendis is visibly pleased with the ratings; he considers them rewards for his work. “They matter a lot to me,” he says. “It’s an honest indication of our performance. My goal is to exceed this level of excellence and go that extra mile for our customers.”

CONTACT US Airport Beach Hotel, Hulhumale’ Lot 10969, Maldives Tel: +960 3354949, Fax: +960 3353949 Email: [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.airportbeach.mv ADVERTORIALFLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Far from being a novice to the fashion industry, Ajai Vir Singh is an Indian living in Sri Lanka who founded Colombo Fashion Week, the Sri Lankan annual fashion event in 2003. Coming ARUGAM BAY from such a strong background in fashion, he noticed a gap in the market for beachwear and footwear, seeing the usual trends in Sri Lankan fashion to be batik, sarees, and cocktail Redefining Beachwear dresses. Eventually, Arugam Bay was born.

“Arugam Bay started in 2008 because I felt Sri Lanka It’s a universal truth that great deserved a beach brand which was Sri Lankan yet very fulfillment comes with great risks. international, stylish and fashionable. I believe in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan brands, and so even the name represents that,” Who can know this better than surfers? said Ajai Vir Singh, CEO and Director of Arugam Bay. It was the Indulging in daring watersports whilst idyllic middle ground to fuse fashion into surf and beachwear by creating a unique brand with a design philosophy rooted in enjoying the picturesque view of the East the sceneries, colours and music of Sri Lankan culture. Coast of Sri Lanka, a unique idea struck With the lack of authentic local beachwear and surf wear Ajay Vir Singh, the surfing and scuba brands previously in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay successfully diving enthusiast with a fashion became the pioneers in the industry. Arugam Bay products are different from other international beachwear brands like background. He realized the potential Billabong and Quiksilver in offering fashionable styles. The of the geography with its exotic tropical latter are more technical in range with little to no priority giv- en to fashion, whilst a few other fashionable brands do not touch and envisioned the fusion of design cater a range of surf wear. The rest are fashion brands which and style with the beach lifestyle. don’t offer beachwear; hence Arugam Bay arose as the unique brand with the perfect balance of fashion and technical details in Sri Lanka. Having already established its presence in India as well, Arugam Bay is now venturing into Maldives with great optimism. 39

Ajai Vir Singh CEO & Director of Arugam Bay

Products range from footwear, resortwear, accessories, beach Challenges Arugam Bay faced have so far been in its logistics; and swimwear offering a wide array of choices to men, women namely production, marketing and sourcing and never involving and kids. “Our beachwear brands are enjoyed on the beach any compromising on the quality of the products which with innovative footwear and accessories such as trendy bags, always prioritized international standards from the very and our surfwear brands can also be enjoyed in the water,” inception. Ajai Vir Singh was glad to add, “We are very elaborated Ajai Vir Singh. Other footwear brands don’t design confident by God’s grace that our designs are very beachwear while most international beachwear brands don’t contemporary in the world. You can wear it in Paris and feel include footwear. Hence, Arugam Bay again has the balanced this is well-designed by international standards. So that advantage of catering to tourists and surfers alike and was always holds us in a good position. So we are very excited created with the intention to expand internationally, to venture into the Maldives as it’s a hub for holidays on the and never to be limited in Sri Lanka. Hence, being a beach.” contemporary stylish brand catering for the international market, Arugam Bay products can be enjoyed on any beach As for the greatest accomplishment of Arugam Bay so far, inter-continentally. “ Ajai Vir Singh is pleased to reveal, “I’ve never seen a brand rise and establish itself so soon within its first year.” The Arugam Bay designs, colours and themes are not by the books. future looks promising with a wide range of variety to be Each colour has its own unique name which often evolve from added to the women’s wear and footwear. Ambitiously, Ajai Vir everyday objects and nature like Rainforest, Gauva, Coconut, Singh envisions 500 stores to house this fun brand around Green Chillie, Coffee Brown, Angel Fish, etc. Bubble Gum the world traversing Paris, Milan and New York with no coloured flip-flops are the trend amongst teenagers limitation to any single beach and intends to make it to New York in Colombo since their launch in 2009 which revolutionized Fashion Week as well. flip-flops into fashionable options.

Tying up with Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, the number one European designer from Spain, was a groundbreaking collaboration for Arugam Bay in 2011 which strongly catapulted the maverick brand into international markets. The first collaboration was a footwear collection, followed by Arugam Bay beachwear and accessories are exclusively distributed beachwear and a swimwear collection as well. Arugam Bay in the Maldives by Perspective Private Limited maintains its international standards with its choice of models. Tel: +960 7910858 The face of Arugam Bay is Adam Flamer Caldera, currently Email: [email protected] New York’s hottest model from Ford Models, New York. Webiste: www.perspective.mv FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

NOW WITH 100+ CHANNELS CUSTOMIZED CABLE TV SOLUTION FOR HOTELS & RESORTS

To subscribe call 779 4918 Availability of channels depends on your location. All logos and related channels, trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. ISLAND PLAYLIST 41 by Mariyam Athiza Athif

DHAALU RAA by Ahmed Legendary Maldivian musician Ahmed’s Dhaalu Raa, released by Asasi Records in 2012, can be described as a transcendental union of local rhythms and western rock music, especially that of the 60s and the 70s. Tracks such as “Sihuru”, “Bakari” and “Rasge” blend rock electric guitars and drums with local elements such as traditional boduberu and dhandi. The mellower “Dhiyaanaage Huvafen” has slight hints of a Maldivian raivaru, the unhurried grunge like track “Fihivalhu” is rich with urgency, and the last track of the album “Sheyvaa” is reminiscent of Indian classical music, chant like and sublime. Dhaalu Raa is available for purchase from Amazon, iTunes, and other major online music stores. It’s also available from various outlets in Male’ including Island Music, Jazz Cafe’, Le Cute, SeaHouse Cafe’, and SeaHouse Brasserie. The album also streams on Spotify. The tracks “Bakari” and “Rasge” can be freely downloaded via SoundCloud.

NOTHNEGAL by Nothnegal The Maldivian melodic metal band Nothnegal explores the mystical, mythical and spiritual in this self-titled 4-track EP, released in 2013 via independent record label Season of Mist. The EP seems to be a departure from Nothnegal’s melodic death metal past. It’s still dark and sullen, with plenty of electric guitar magic, moody keys, and heavy drumming, but it looks like elements from Maldivian traditional music are at the roots of this one. The opening track “Actuality” sets the tone for the EP with slithering hypnotic guitars, clean but powerful vocals and Maldivian traditional boduberu drums, which are featured on every track of the EP, creeping seamlessly in and out of the track. The boduberu groove plays a much more dominant role in the second track “Rannamaari”, a song exploring the Maldivian folktale about a sea demon while “Viha”, the only song in Dhivehi, could easily be the most potent one from the EP with some powerpacked, raivaru-like singing. The EP is available from iTunes and Amazon and can be listened to on Spotify as well.

ODIHANU by Haisham Haisham’s Odihanu released in 2013 by Dinba Music features some contagiously groovy tracks and potent Dhivehi poetry. The tracks are predominantly rooted down in reggae, but comes with subtle touches of jazz, blues and Indian music. The album was recorded at Klangkantine Studio in Darmstadt, Germany, and was produced by German producer Chris Kling “Nurahka” which means ‘danger’ in the local language is probably the most dangerous track on the album, while “Furadhathuru” and “My Mistake” are easy going sunny affairs. Odihanu is available from iTunes, Amazon, and from outlets in Male’ such as Island Music, Jade Bistro, Jazz Café’ Lecute, SeaHouse, and SeaHouse Brasserie.

MALDIVIAN TRADITIONAL MUSIC FROM V.KEYODHOO Vaavu Keyodhoo Rahvehi Club This 3-CD set released in September 2014 by Asasi Records packs in some of the most iconic forms of Maldivian traditional music; boduberu, thaara and raivaru. It sounds raw and live, and seems to have captured the ambience and energy of Vaavu Keyodhoo, the island on which the album was recorded. “Ishqi Haalathu” and “Ey Folheymaa” are two of the most energetic tracks from the album. They start off slow as most boduberu songs do, with slow drums and a lead singer leading his group of accompanying chorus singers, and gradually get intensified into a frenzy of singing and boduberu drumming. This gradual escalation is also mirrored on the thaara tracks, where thaara, a tambourine-like traditional instrument accompanies choral singing. The thaara track “Bismi Rabbi” is almost eerie, reminiscent of Indian chants and Arabic melodies, and the almost dissonant vocals could probably send some listeners into a trance like state of mind. The track “Maama” on which Mariyam Hassan, who was a hundred years old at the time of the recording, sings a Raivaru, a type of Maldivian traditional song sung to a certain melody without any accompaniment, is both evocative and beautiful. The album is available from Amazon, iTunes and all major online music stores. It can also be bought from various outlets in Male’ including Island Music, Jazz Cafe’, Le Cute, SeaHouse Cafe’, and SeaHouse Brasserie. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

It was during the early 1980s that Mezzo Mohamed got his first chance to perform at Olhuveli resort and he was also booked the same week to perform at a venue which was then known as Club 33. “Even back then I was leading the band. I was playing the drums. I asked my lead vocalist if we could play a particular Indian song which was very loud and involved lots of shouting and screaming. By the end of the song, quite a few tables had left because they didn’t like it, so we packed up our stuff and left” says Mezzo Mohamed while recalling the early days of his career.

After this somewhat rocky introduction to the world of Maldivian resorts, Mezzo Mohamed decided to spend the next six months learning to sing English songs, as he realised that most resort guests preferred songs they already knew. Mezzo Mohamed learned the songs by ear, after buying LP records by the likes of Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley and The Shadows.

“After that, we were playing at resorts five nights a week - until today” says Mezzo Mohamed. “It was nice, because there were not many bands in the Maldives at that time so we got lots of work”, he says. “I would do anything for music. Even during the times when I didn’t have my own band, I never stayed jobless – I would work as a roadie, I’d play drums, I’d play guitar – anything to do with music”.

ARTIST PROFILE Mezzo Mohamed has been performing for the last 21 years under the name ‘Mezzo’, both while playing solo and with his band. He has also appeared as part of the line-up for bands MEZZO including Club Cobras, Born in Maldives, Quicksand, 20th Century BC and Cream of Acid.

So far, he has released four albums which focus solely on his orig- MOHAMED inal music. “I sing in any language, according to the clientele,” says Mezzo Mohamed. “I can’t sing Robbie Williams for 150 Russians, they just don’t care,” he jokes. Mohamed Majid, popularly known as Mezzo Mohamed, is one of the most famous musicians in the Maldives, with a career Mezzo Mohamed is keen to encourage young Maldivian spanning four decades. His talent has propelled him beyond musicians to try to follow in his footsteps. “Going to resort performing in the tropical archipelago to gigs around the hotels is one of the greatest treats a local can have because world. He was the first Maldivian musician to have his music they are not allowed to go to the resorts usually, and they played on MTV. can also attract international interest at the resorts” he says.

We caught up with Mezzo Mohamed as he was preparing to play a gig at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa in North Male’ Atoll.

Mezzo Mohamed, 49, tells us he got his first job as a musician at the tender age of nine. He taught himself to play drums, guitar and keyboard, and also to speak and read English, since his parents didn’t want him to go to school. “When I was young, education wasn’t so necessary in the Maldives and my parents didn’t want me to go to school to study,” recalls Mezzo Mohamed.

“My brother used to take me with him when he travelled. He played across the Maldives and introduced Western-style music in the Maldives. I started out playing the tambourine and singing female songs, because I didn’t have a ‘male’ voice at that time, because I was young. We also used to play at houses during Eid from 1977 to 1979”. 43

Mezzo Mohamed also expressed happiness regarding the fact Mezzo Mohamed admits not everyone approved of his choice that his children have followed his footsteps and have become of career, which sometimes caused some obstacles. But he is acceptable musicians by the Maldivian standard. adamant that talented musicians should pursue their dreams. “My first girlfriend was told ‘He’s a musician – he’ll go to hell!’ “I’m so happy now in this period of my life. I took my career but I don’t think music could hurt you” he says. seriously because a career as a musician looked to me like a beautiful life. The musicians were always the best dressed “Some people also think that if you go to resorts then it means people in Male’. Their clothes looked good, their hair looked you drink, but I’ve never drunk or done drugs in my life. I’ve good – everything looked good, and that’s why I decided that had dreadlocks, long hair, bleached white hair, crazy clothes their life was the best”. – but I was always me, I never changed inside. It’s not your clothes or your hairstyle that makes you. I always knew who I was. I’m a Muslim and I am proud to be Maldivian”.

His career continues to go from strength to strength. In recent years, one of his biggest gigs was playing to a crowd of approximately 2,000 in South Africa. Mezzo Mohamed was also presented with a national award in recognition of his contribution to the Arts.

“I still believe I am the luckiest person in the music industry in the Maldives, because I have so many gigs offered to me,” says Mezzo Mohamed. “I have requests from the best bookers in the Maldives. I’ve played at different locations around the world with my band Mezzo including South Africa, Europe, and the Seychelles. It’s a beautiful experience to be able to perform in so many amazing places. Every gig I did abroad will stay with me forever.” When asked about his upcoming plans, Mezzo Mohamed, who is about to turn 50, says that he is trying to come up with a special 50th birthday gift for his fans. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Turtles are a large part of the Maldivian marine life, and have been known to dwell in our seas since ancient times. However, the uncontrolled hunting, killing and exploitation of turtles for their shells and meat have led to a drastic decrease in the tur- TURTLES tle population worldwide. The dwindling numbers are seen in the Maldivian seas as well, where five of the seven known turtle species can be found.

Out of the five turtle species found in Maldives, the hawksbill OF and green sea turtle are the most common. The other three are olive ridley, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtle, the last is noted as an occasional visitor to the Maldivian seas as it doesn’t nest here as the rest of them do. Unfortunately all the turtles found in Maldives, and the rest of the world as well, are classified MALDIVES as either ‘endangered’, ‘critically endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’. by Fathimath Lamya Abdullah

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) This is one of the most common turtle species found in the Maldives and it’s known to live up to about 80 years. The green sea turtle is a large, weighty sea turtle that can weigh up to 317.5 kg and be as long as 1.5 metres. It has a wide smooth carapace or shell, and inhabits the tropical and subtropical coastal areas around the world. Unlike most sea turtles, adult green turtles are herbivorous, feeding on sea grasses and algae while juvenile green turtles feed on invertebrates, crabs, jellyfish, and sponges. These graceful swimmers are the only species in the turtle family unable to retract their heads into their shells. Mating occurs every two to four years and normally takes place in shallow waters, closer to shore. To nest, females leave the sea and choose an area, often the same beaches used by their mothers to lay eggs. They dig a pit in the sand and fill it with a clutch of 100 to 200 eggs, cover the pit and return to the sea, leaving the eggs to hatch after about two months. Green turtles are an endangered species.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Loggerhead sea turtles are another turtle species that frequent the beaches of the Maldives and they are now also threatened due to pollution, shrimp trawling and developments in their coastal nesting habitats. Loggerheads have massive heads, strong jaws, and a reddish-brown shell. They are primarily carnivores munching on jellyfish, conches, crabs and even fish but will eat seaweed and sargassum occasionally. Mature females will often return to the beach they were hatched on to lay their eggs, sometimes thousands of miles away. 45

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Olive ridleys are named for their heart shaped shell, which starts out grey but turns olive green as they become adults. Olive ridleys are one of the turtles that nest on the Maldivian beaches. Known to live up to fifty years, these turtles are considered to be vulnerable to being endangered. These are solitary turtles that prefer the open ocean. They migrate as much as a thousand miles every year, and only come together for the ‘arribada’ or mass nesting. Females lay about a thousand eggs, and may nest up to three times a year during their nesting season, from June to December.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) The hawksbill turtle is the second most commonly found turtle species in Maldives. Named for their tapered heads that end in a sharp point resembling a bird’s beak, they are a turtle species that’s comparatively smaller than other sea turtles. While young, their carapace or upper shell is heart-shaped and it elongates as the turtle matures. They are found abundantly in the Maldives as our reefs are rich with the sponges they prefer to feed on. Like other sea turtles, they make incredible migrations from nesting grounds to feeding sites, and mate every two to three years, in shallow waters where a beach is close at hand. The hawksbill is classified as critically endangered, mostly due to human impact. However, their eggs are still eaten worldwide despite their international protected status.

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Leatherback sea turtles are the largest sea turtles in the whole world, and hold the title of being the fourth heaviest reptile, after three other crocodilians. These reptilian giants are the only turtle species found in Maldives that does not nest on our beaches. Leatherback sea turtles are the only remaining representatives of a family of turtles that traces its evolutionary roots back more than 100 million years. Leatherbacks have the widest global distribution of all reptile species, and possibly of any vertebrate, once prevalent in all the oceans except the Arctic and the Antarctic, though their numbers are now dwindling. Leatherbacks have an inky blue carapace which is somewhat flexible and almost rubbery to touch. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Holistic Approach to Wellness by Duniye Spa

by Fathimath Lamya Abdullah

Duniye Spa was founded by a group of international hotel owners with the intention of providing their customers with the most memorable spa and wellbeing experience. Since its inception in 2002, Duniye Spa has become a prominent spa management and consultancy company in the Indian Ocean region with spas located in the Maldives and the Seychelles.

Meeru Island Resort, located in North Male’ Atoll provides a tropical spa experience at the two Duniye Spa outlets located on the resort. The Land Spa, located on the island is built around a banyan tree. It gives a spiritual vibe and makes you feel connected with nature. It houses four treatment rooms, one of which is a double room.

The Over-Water Spa, as the name suggests, is built over- water. Surrounded by the pristine lagoon on every side, the Over-Water Spa offers the opportunity to embark on a journey of self-wellness surrounded by the sound of gentle whoosh of the splashing waves and the smell of salty wind. The five of the six treatment rooms on the Over-Water Spa are double rooms, while only one is single.

Group Spa Director of Duniye Spa, Ms Renate Hermes hopes to make both Meeru Island and the Maldives a spa destination one day, one that is more than just a luxury honeymoon destination. “Internationally the concept has already been well established in certain places. It started out in the late 70’s in the US and there are some pioneers in the field,” says Hermes. “Since then, it has been copied and fit into different variations, though not yet in the Maldives. I strongly believe the potential for such a market is there.” 47

Hermes further points out that as the global spa and wellness industry moves in that direction, the Maldivian industry will have to fall in line as well. “’Duniye literally means the universe In addition to the signature treatments offered at Duniye or the world in Dhivehi (the local language) and here at D.S, Spa, the couples’ treatments are amongst the most popular. we aspire to approach providing wellness services in a very “Couples’ treatments are expected to be popular in Maldives, holistic way.” which is a famous honeymoon destination.” Full Moon Magic is an enchanting ritual that captivates a couple’s senses as “Holistic is a word that is very over used in the spa and wellness they experience a Balinese massage, a body polish with an industry, and I think as a company and a spa operator, you indulgent head and foot massage. The Full Moon Magic Spa need to define what ‘holistic’ means. For us, holistic means the experience is completed with a tropical Marula bath fusion, whole, considering the many dimensions of a person. We have champagne and fruits, and a Healing Earth mini facial. the body, the soul, the spirit, and we are social creatures that Additionally, you get a complimentary spa gift along with this interact with other human beings. These are the four things treatment to help enhance you spa experience at home. that are generally defined as holistic.” Other treatment categories include Massages of the World, Duniye Spa’s treatment menu is constructed upon this which incorporates different proven techniques from around concept. “The receptionists, therapists and the front office the globe. Some of them include hot stones, reflexology and staff are trained to follow the holistic approach,” adds Hermes. reiki. Other important segments include Body Care, Facial “Each and every guest is looked after under this method, Care, Beauty Care and Optional Enhancements. “Body care treated as a whole person rather than a room number.” provides everything that helps to exfoliate and to stimulate the skin, from wraps to packs, to soften the skin or prepare it Some of the most popular treatments on Duniye Spa’s menu for sun tanning, its here,” says Hermes. are their signature treatments. One such treatment is Sense of Touch, which seduces you to escape from your daily life. “It is a Duniye Spa is a wellness provider that focuses largely on beautiful massage where we use something called rain sticks making the spa experience an enjoyable, luxurious and to create a soothing sound.” The other signature treatments educational experience. “We want the spa goers to think, ‘Ah, include Heaven on Earth and Maldivian Island Paradise, both I’ve done something that is good for my body’, than simply go, popular for their uniqueness. Heaven on Earth is considered ‘Well, that felt good.’ With the developing spa industry, feel to be the ultimate body and face ritual. good massage is simply just not good enough,” says Hermes. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

FLYING YOU IN STYLE OPERATED BY Flyme is a privately owned Maldivian Airline Although the airline operates from Ibrahim Nasir International which is part of the Villa Group. Our objective is to Airport in Male’, Flyme boasts its own airport, Villa provide an exceptional service to all passengers on International Airport Maamigili, where passengers are our airline and to sustainably contribute to the received in style before being transported to the various economic growth of the Maldives. resorts. All technical facilities are also located here.

The flexibility and reliability presented by the airlines’s Our passengers can expect a safe, comfortable, quality flight schedules afford passengers a unique and convenient air-travel experience, with the added benefit of frequency, service. Since air travel is a major means of getting around, including night flights, and reliability. Our aim is to provide you might as well do it in style! on-time departures as much as we can.

Launched in 2011, Flyme is now comfortably in its third year, As of January 2015 Flyme is also offering excursions and with a vision to become a world-class regional airline through Sightseeing flights on the ‘Flying Whale Shark’ SEEPLANE, excellent service and innovation. based in South Ari Atoll.

PASSENGERS REQUIRING SPECIAL ATTENTION All passengers in wheelchairs or requiring assistance can be accommodated by forwarding a request to the Customer Service Department at least 3 days before the flight arrival. Patients with medical conditions must be able to provide a clearance certificate by a doctor stating the passenger is safe to travel.

BAGGAGE LIABILITY We take the utmost care with your baggage. To assist us, please remove all valuable/fragile items from your checked baggage. We will make every reasonable attempt to return mishandled baggage within 24 hours, and to compensate passengers for reasonable expenses associated with delayed delivery as required. Verified baggage claims are settled on the basis adopted by IATA (International Airlines Transport Association). Although there is no obligation to replace damaged bags, Flyme will evaluate such claims on a per-case basis. Refer to the Customer Information leaflet you received before boarding. If for some reason you did not receive it, please ask your cabin crew for a copy.

LIQUOR LAWS No alcohol is allowed outside the resorts in the Maldives. So, when departing your resort please ensure that you have no alcoholic beverages in your bags, as these will be confiscated at the airport.

WATER The water in the Maldives is desalinated, so please use sparingly. Bottled water for drinking is available at all resorts.

For any information or queries, do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department at [email protected] 49 OUR FLEET

Flyme uses a technologically-advanced fleet of aircraft that The configuration and seat capacity planning in our fleet are among the best for short-haul air travel. The ATR 72-500 provide very comfortable legroom. Additionally, the high and ATR 72-600 turbo propelled aircraft is the latest capacity air-conditioning system, soft cushion leather seats evolution of the ATR family. This type of aircraft is ideal for the and the seat fitting, ensuring sufficient elbow room provide domestic air transport service in Maldives due to its excellent passengers with comfortable levels equivalent to those of jet performance, optimum passenger comfort and outstanding aircrafts. All aircrafts are fitted with night flying instruments reliability. which means your transfer can take place regardless of the time you arrive. It is also ideal for use in the Maldives because of its high maneuverability in shorter air strips such as those in some of Flyme SEEPLANE is a Cessna Caravan C208 amphibious the Maldives domestic airports. aircraft. This type is extremely popular in America and Africa for various applications. Fitted with the latest technology avionics, air-conditioning and leather seats, it guarantees the best sightseeing experience. FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHT 51

MATATO TRAVEL AWARDS 2014 Flyme MD Mr Riluwan Shareef presents the award to Kurumba Maldives, winner of the Leading CSR Programme, during the MATATO (Maldives Association of Tour Agents and Operators) Travel Awards Ceremony. Flyme was one of the main sponsors of the 2014 Annual MATATO Travel Awards.

Captain Shamin hands over the key of 8Q-VAV to 8Q-VAW, the 2nd ATR 72-500 touches down at the Chairman of Villa Group, Mr Gasim. Villa International Airport Maamigili for the first time.

Our first seaplane floating platform installed Special event held to mark the 21st Anniversary of between Sun Island and Holiday Island, South Ari Atoll. Kaadehdhoo Airport, G.Dh. Villa Air now manages this airport. IMAGEFLYME INFLIGHT IN MAGAZINE FOCUS

Meemu Dhiggaru - a small fishing community where all members of the family are involved in fishing and processing. When fishing is good - the whole island including the streets are lined with drying cooked and smoked fish.

Photo Shaahina Ali TECHNOLOGY REVIEW 53 FLYME INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

KANIFUSHI MALDIVES A Premium All-Inclusive Holiday Plan!

Stand-alone Beach villas spreading idyllically along a mesmeric two kilometre long turquoise lagoon, showcasing vast living spaces with accentuating Maldivian interiors, offers a hassle-free five star resort experience with a premium All-inclusive holiday plan – Platinum Plus. Platinum Plus offers a fine collection of premium wines & spirits, a combination of buffet, fine dining & theme night dining options, clubbed with an array of activities ranging from excursions, sunset fishing, snorkelling & non-motorized water sports! ALL INCLUDED in ONE price!

TEL: +960 662 00 66 | FAX: +960 662 00 77| EMAIL: [email protected] ATMOSPHERE-KANIFUSHI.COM 55

KANIFUSHI MALDIVES A Premium All-Inclusive Holiday Plan!

Stand-alone Beach villas spreading idyllically along a mesmeric two kilometre long turquoise lagoon, showcasing vast living spaces with accentuating Maldivian interiors, offers a hassle-free five star resort experience with a premium All-inclusive holiday plan – Platinum Plus. Platinum Plus offers a fine collection of premium wines & spirits, a combination of buffet, fine dining & theme night dining options, clubbed with an array of activities ranging from excursions, sunset fishing, snorkelling & non-motorized water sports! ALL INCLUDED in ONE price!

TEL: +960 662 00 66 | FAX: +960 662 00 77| EMAIL: [email protected] ATMOSPHERE-KANIFUSHI.COM