Travelling on direct British Airways flights from the UK with leading trade-only luxury tour operator Lusso to this award-winning island, agents will get to experience the best of what the Maldives has to offer.
The trip takes place 4-9 June, hosted by TTG Luxury editor and publisher April Hutchinson, who said: “I have been lucky enough to experience the Maldives a few times, and it always wows me – with many resort islands in this idyllic destination, it’s important to have a good knowledge of what resorts such as InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort have to offer.
“We are thrilled to partner with such leading luxury brands on the latest TTG Luxury Journey, trips that are all about showcasing the finest experiences, hotels and destinations to agents to help them plan and sell dream holidays for their clients: this will be one very special trip.”
Set within the pristine shores of the Raa Atoll, the award-winning InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau is a new resort set on an exclusive private island offering stylish Beach, Lagoon and Overwater accommodation options, as well as curated dining and wellness experiences. Enter now for your chance to join the trip.
Across this all-Club island, guests also enjoy complimentary benefits such as daily afternoon tea and aperitif hours, and have access to a dedicated team of Island Curators, who design bespoke experiences.
There are six restaurants and bars to choose from – including The Lighthouse, with 360-degree views of the island and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine – while the award-winning overwater AVI Spa is ready to pamper guests.
Agents on this latest TTG Luxury Journey will also get to see how suitable the resort is for families too, thanks to an extensive programme at the Planet Trekkers Kid’s Club. In addition, The Retreat – an adult-only enclave with infinity pool – ensures a sophisticated place to relax.
“We cannot wait to show agents what our beautiful island has to offer,” said Laura Bartie, director of sales and marketing, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. “There is no substitute for seeing a place in-person to help you design a trip for clients, and our exclusive destination getaway offers a unique opportunity for those looking to unwind and reconnect in an enviable island setting.”
The resort also prides itself on marine conservation and its partnership with the Manta Trust, which even includes organising the annual Manta Retreat, an event that helps to spread curiosity and excitement among guests so they can learn more about these gentle giants and their natural habitat, as well as understanding the work of the charity.
There are 30 Beach Villas on the island, including a stunning two-bedroom Beachfront Residence as well as a three-bedroom Royal Beachfront Residence. Other options available are the 26 beautiful Lagoon Villas, including an incredible three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, while for those who love to be even more connected to the ocean, there are 25 Overwater Villas, which, of course, also includes a spacious three-bedroom Overwater Residence.
Travel in style
Agents will be travelling to the Maldives alongside Lusso, the Cheshire-based luxury tour operator established almost 15 years ago, which has remained totally focused on only working with the trade.
“Everything we do at Lusso is designed with agents in mind, so we are delighted to partner with InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort on this TTG Luxury Journey to take travel advisors to such an exciting destination,” said James Weaver, managing director of Lusso. “Understanding what makes each resort in the Maldives unique is of prime importance to match the right client, so we are delighted to be able to help agents do just that and get to know this resort in detail.”
Those joining the trip will fly with British Airways, which offers a direct service from Heathrow to Velana International Airport in Male, with a flight time of around 10 hours. The service is available three times a week in the summer season (April-October) on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and in the winter season (October-March), a daily service operates on the Boeing 777-300 aircraft.
British Airways offers a generous baggage allowance, personal entertainment systems, delicious meals and full bar service in all cabins, or choosing to fly to the Maldives in World Traveller Plus means more legroom and wider seats. Club World has fully-flat beds for total comfort, a premium menu, and priority boarding, with bedding created by The White Company and noise-cancelling headphones to enjoy the entertainment. Agents on this trip will get to experience both cabins – gaining valuable insight to use when talking to clients about potential upgrades.
The island is a scenic 35-minute seaplane journey from the country’s national hub, Velana International airport. For those arriving on international flights after 3.30pm, guests take a 20-minute internal flight to nearby Dharavandhoo Domestic airport, from where a short speedboat ride whisks them to the island – with everything taken care of by the resort team, there is nothing for you or your clients to think about.
“We’re creating an incredible trip that will help travel advisors truly absorb what it means to stay in style at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, gaining the knowledge needed to inspire clients to want to go there too,” added Hutchinson. “What’s more, agents will get to know Lusso better, and what it has to offer as a trade-only luxury tour operator dedicated to their needs – and not forgetting, they will fly in British Airways’ premium cabins direct to the Maldives. This really is a dream trip.”
