Maldives Airport Hotel HIH wins ‘Best Airport Hotel – Asia Pacific’ Award at International Hotel Awards 2012-2013

The International Property Awards set up eighteen years ago, launched the International Hotel Awards last year. The competition was extremely keen with entries across the board being of the highest standard. The presentation of awards was held in Kuala Lumpur at the culmination of a two day Property & Hospitality Summit on April 26th and 27th, 2012.

Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) was the honoured nominee under „Best Airport Hotel‟ category for these awards. The second and third placed hotels out of the nominees were given a „Highly Commended Award‟ while the best of the nominations were presented with „Five Star Rating Awards‟. HIH was a proud recipient of the „Five Star Rating Award‟ at International Hotel Awards 2012-2013.

Further ahead, the awards for Asia Pacific region were announced and only two hotels qualified as nominees under the “Best Airport Hotel‟ category. HIH was the ultimate winner surpassing a Pan Pacific hotel to win the „Best Airport Hotel – Asia Pacific‟ at International Hotel Awards 2012-2013. HIH, being the Regional Winner has also qualified for the International Awards, scheduled to be held later this year.

The honour was conferred upon by Mr. Stuart Shield, President of the International Hotel Awards at a ceremony which was attended by many esteemed professionals. Participants from twenty three countries competed in thirteen different categories for these awards.

These awards organised by International Hotel Awards cater to different regions namely Asia Pacific, UK, Europe, America, Africa and Arabia.

The objective of these awards is to recognise excellence in the hotel and hospitality industry worldwide thus promoting an international standard in today‟s competitive times. Mr. Stuart Shield, President of the International Hotel Awards commented, “It is going to be really exciting to see the level of competition from around the world as we progress with judging throughout the summer.”

This award is truly a well deserved one for HIH. Since its inception in 2000, the hotel has undergone continuous expansion, refurbishment and has been rebranded in an effort to provide impeccable service standards to the traveller visiting this paradise set amidst the Indian Ocean. Constant changes and thoughtful additions to the existing property have made HIH a place to reckon with. Guests have an option to choose from various categories of rooms available ranging from Deluxe, Super Deluxe and rooms with Jacuzzi. The guest rooms are provided with international standards of amenities wherein the guests stay is made comfortable with the overall quality and service.

Although located at the airport island, HIH is far superior to the other city hotels in terms of accommodation, cuisine and the general experience. There are various food and beverage options serving ethnic cuisine along with Japanese, Thai, Continental and Indian. During Ramadaan, the holy month speciality chefs are flown in for the fasting month from different countries only to make the occasion a more rewarding one by providing a new international cuisine. The local and expat community enjoy the services at HIH along with a sumptuous gastronomic experience in the restaurants. Uduvilaa, the roof top signature restaurant is the connoisseur‟s favourite and well known for its extravagant menu selection. The hotel has an excellent team and has been winning the “Best Culinary Establishment” award numerous times in the past few years. The highly skilled Chefs take keen interest and prepare innovative delicacies suiting every palate.

The well equipped Gymnasium at the hotel is very popular with the in house guests as well as members from Male‟. The enthusiastic instructor plans workouts based on individual needs which is much appreciated. The Serena Spa and foot reflexology available in the lobby area go a great way in unwinding oneself, the trained masseurs and the herbal treatments surely rejuvenate the mind and body. The putting green, tennis court, badminton court and the landscaped gardens provide a wonderful opportunity to keep oneself occupied leisurely.

HIH is a contemporary hotel, wherein the service standards are at par with international hospitality norms. The rooms are very comfortable and have a refreshing ambience, care has been taken to provide a special pillow menu to suit individual preferences, apart from the well stacked mini bar, wine cellar, tea coffee making facility, LCD television and other amenities. The food is exceptionally sumptuous; the presentation along with the flavours leaves one spellbound and the dining experience is truly gratifying.

At Kuala Lumpur, prior to the Award ceremony Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar, the General Manager of HIH had a round table presentation on tourism industry in the Maldives to the professionals from hospitality and its affiliated sectors. The topic addressed was “Maldives – the sunny side of life and the significance of Hulhule Island Hotel in creating a memorable holiday experience”, this incorporated inputs from Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation. The seminar was much appreciated and the attendees got a deeper insight into Maldives.