TravTalk India Online Magazine
A family-friendly hotel, Lily Beach Resort and Spa is changing the perception of Maldives while offering an all-inclusive holiday deal for the Indian market.
Nikhil Jeet from The Maldives
Unlike Maldives’s general perception as a romantic beach destination with limited offerings for kids and families, Lily Beach Resort and Spa offers a complete family holiday. In a chat with TRAVTALK, Michael Wieser, CEO, Lily Hotels, talks extensively about this property, stating, “The most positive thing about our property is that we are extremely family-friendly.”
Having reopened in 2009, Lily Beach Resort and Spa features 125 rooms with an easy, exclusive access to the pristine Maldivian waters. The resort was the first to introduce an all-inclusive platinum plan (for all guests) in the Maldives.
The property is surrounded by an exotic house coral reef teeming with over 10 million aquatic species. The resort offers guided snorkelling tours of the house reef for the novices and is in close proximity to amazing dive sites. Excursions like snorkelling with Manta’s, turtles and whale sharks are not to be missed. The resort also offers sunset cruises, dolphin watching cruises and fishing expeditions.
Tailored offerings
The hospitality brand is represented by Explora in India and has been working closely with trade partners. About 80-85 per cent of the Indian bookings are coming from travel agencies in India. Lily Maa, the resort’s main restaurant offers a variety of Indian food options including dishes especially designed for the Indian traveller. Special anniversary and honeymoon benefits are also offered which can be tailored for Indian visitors.
Working with trade
The resort is focused on increasing its presence in the Indian market and is working with travel agents from across the country. “We have been conducting Indian roadshows and participating in events such as the Global Panorama Showcase and Luxury Travel Show. Indian agents often benefit from promotions like free accommodation for kids,” adds Sunny Katara, Managing Partner, Explora.
The property sees most visitors from the South and West India due to its geographical proximity. An average stay for Indian travellers is four nights. The resort is now focusing on increasing its presence in North India.
