Dusit Grand opens first hotel in Maldives

Thursday, 13 September 2012 01:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dusit International celebrated the grand opening of its flagship resort, the Dusit Thani Maldives, in a ceremony that saw the Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik and First Lady Madam Illham Hussain as the guests of honour.

Also in attendance was the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor.

Dusit International CEO Chanin Donavanik, and Dusit Thani Public Company Limited Chairman Chatri Sophonpanich along with the board of directors of DMS Property Investment Private Limited were also on hand to mark the event.

Dr. Waheed in his opening remarks, commented on the deep commitment that Dusit International has made to his country, “The Republic of the Maldives will not only benefit from economic gains and job creation as a result of Dusit International’s investment, but equally, if not more important, is the legacy afforded by the education opportunities that Dusit International will introduce to this country...The group has created a blue print to develop their well established and highly successful hospitality college in the Maldives.”

Donavanik said, “It has always been the dream of Dusit International to establish a hotel property on this beautiful island destination. To realise this dream is a source of tremendous pride and achievement for the entire Dusit group.” Donavanik reflected on the long history of the company and the vision of Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, founder of Dusit International, who opened the first Dusit Thani College in 1993. Furthermore he confirmed that Dusit Thani College is in the process of being established in the Maldives.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is just 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé and only 10 minutes by speed boat from the new domestic airport opening in late 2012. It is also just a short boat ride away from Hanifaru Huraa, the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The fully operational Dusit Thani Maldives comprises a luxurious collection of 100 exclusive guest villas and residences.

The resort also features three restaurants, two bars and Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa, uniquely elevated above a grove of coconut palm trees. The hotel’s General Manager is Desmond Hatton.