Guests who have stayed with us have shared some of their valuable memories with us on Facebook and, we would like to share some of these magnificent captures with you! Happy viewing!
Guest flicks
Have you met Alain and Sara?
In this month’s issue, we have a special guests’ appearance on our staff profile. This time, it’s not just one team member of Kuramathi, but two and also a lovely family who calls Kuramathi their second home.
Alain Trefois, our Director of Operations joined the Kuramathi team on January 17th 2010. Originally from Belgium, his story is an interesting one. He started as the F&B Manager and moved up to the Director of F&B after a year. This year, congratulate him again, as he is now the Director of Operations, a position that oversees several of the key departments within the resort. We asked him what his secret was, and he chuckled it off by saying he invested a lot of passion in what he did. A polyglot, Alain speaks English, Spanish, French, German and Dutch with ease. He has garnered years of experience in the hospitality industry and has worked in Spain, Switzerland, France, England, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Presently, he lives on Kuramathi with his family; his wife Sara – the Kids Club Manager, and their 10 year old daughter Sharon. When asked what message he would like to convey to guests he beamed up and said
“My message for our guests is to discover as much as you can of the fauna and flora of Kuramathi, since not all islands in the Maldives flaunt such vegetation. We have plenty to offer, from a mixture of global cuisines to activities and entertainment suitable for all guests. Chose this place if you are seeking quality relaxing atmosphere and serenity, a place to forget all worries”
Fast Facts
Name: Alain Trefois
Birthday: 8th December
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Favourite colour: Blue
Sara shares her story with us as well. She first joined Kuramathi in September, 2011 and started at the Hydroponics Garden, overlooking the operations with the resident horticulturist. She then changed her hat, after joining the reception as a Guest Relations Officer mainly assisting guests of Spanish, Italian, and French origin. Her current position is overseeing the Kids Club, and she describes it as the perfect place to work, surrounded by the bubbly, go-happy kids. Sara has 9 year of experience in the hospitality industry and 6 years of experience as a recreational manager in a private children’s school.
Fast Facts
Name: Sara Quiles Perez
Birthday: 21st September
Star Sign: Virgo
Favourite colour: Green
Plants of Kuramathi: Bread Fruit Tree
A common sight on the Maldivian islands, the Bread Fruit Tree is a beautiful and prolific plant, bearing an essential component of traditional Dhivehi fare. “Bambukeyo” is the local term coined for this fruit, and it is a common element in home landscapes, which grows up to an astounding height of 30 metres. Unlike its native Polynesia and other tropical breadfruit growing areas, only the seedless varieties are found in the Maldives. Breadfruit is edible in all stages of maturity, and is known to be high in gluten-free carbohydrates while also being a prominent source of minerals and vitamins.
Quick Facts
- Breadfruit is experimented in cookery in many forms, from baking, boiling, frying and roasting; each method results in a unique taste. Such is the reason why it is so fittingly named, for its starchy like flavour similar to freshly baked bread.
- The latex, leaf, tips, roots, and the inner bark of the plant is known to have medicinal values.
- Breadfruit is also carved into paper-thin chips, and are deep fried – a favourite delicacy shared by Maldivians which is also available all year round. These are the famous “Thelulli Bambukeyo” – a must try snack for food enthusiasts.
- Apart from its edible and medicinal properties, Breadfruit furnishes ornamental purposes as well, providing shade, an ordinary sighting in the home gardens of the Maldivian tropics.
- The tree’s wood, is used as excellent means for woodworking and carpentry while it is also often a substitute for firewood.
New dishes at The Reef
Perched at the far end of the island, nestled amongst trees, and offering views into the mighty shades of the Maldivian blue; The Reef is a popular choice for guests, especially couples wanting a quiet and romantic dining experience. Excelling in seafood, the restaurant provides fresh catch from the sea, succulent cured meats along with garden-fresh salads and breads.
This month, it just got all better, when we unveiled the new menu with over 50 dishes, ingeniously designed by our Executive Chef, Michel Muffat. The exclusive menu is infused with new flavours that make the dishes even more delectable; showcasing a potpourri of seafood combined with the culinary ideas inspired by an Asian touch.
Begin your meal with a starter like the Barbequed Octopus, grilled with chorizo and olives salad and dressed in shrimp paste vinaigrette. Once you manage to finish it off, satiate yourself with a main course, where a wide choice of options are available; indulge in exotic seafood or tender meat prepared just how you like it! Save some space for dessert as well, as we offer delicious cakes and tarts from our island patisserie. Alternatively, you could also go for an ice cream. The choice is yours, to make your meal into an unforgettable culinary journey!
Reserve your experience early, and get ready to escape into an adventure of fine dining at The Reef.
Dishes to be featured
Starters – Barbequed Octopus
Main Course – Whole Grouper Fish & Mahi-Mahi Fish Fillet
Dessert – Rhubarb & Ginger Tartlet
Stand Up paddling at Aqua Sports & Fun
We all know that going for a splash into the inviting azure ocean is a feeling that’s hard to describe. What can be better than this – A feeling like you are almost walking on water? The answer; Stand up paddle surfing! Why not give it a try on our lagoon here at Kuramathi and glide along the marine, observing the aquatic life underneath teeming with fishes of all kinds.
This exciting sport can be tried by anyone willing to go for an adrenaline filled adventure; also giving you a sense of calm as you blend with nature. All one needs to do is balance yourself on a longboard, and gently paddle away into whichever direction you wish to move in, giving you a full body workout while you are at it! Aqua Sports & Fun offers Stand up paddles at US$ 22 for an hour, and additionally, they offer 11.9ft longboards, making it easier for one to balance and glide away!
Stand up paddling is commonly used as a substitute for wave surfing, and was originated in Hawaii, by two renowned surfers, Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama. It has grown into a recreational sport performed by plenty across the globe.
Fish ID – Manta Rays
Manta rays are graceful creatures stemming from the ray family. Presently, two valid species are recognised; the gigantean ocean manta ray (Manta birostris), and the coastal manta ray (Manta alfredi), which reportedly frequents along the waters of Kuramathi. The coastal manta ray may not be as massive as its ocean counterpart, but it is still contended as an impressive animal that can reach a wingspan of 5.5 metres!
The peak season for Manta sightings at Kuramathi falls into the North-East monsoon (during November – April) with a sharp rise in abundance between November and January. During this year, surprisingly enough, manta ray activity has been observed near Kuramathi and Rasdhoo as early as in July.
When compared to the eye-catching whale sharks, which are best witnessed whilst snorkelling, manta rays can be equally well encountered by snorkellers or SCUBA divers. With a fluke, you might be able to see them without getting wet, as these animals can often be seen swimming just below the water surface, meaning you can watch them from the boat or off the jetty.
The appropriate behaviour when being in the water with manta rays is to show some respect to these magnificent animals! Manta rays may be large marine animals, but the slightest disturbance may drive them away. Do not make any hasty movements, do not chase after the mantas, and do not attempt to touch them! If you stay calm, the mantas may stay around for a while, so you have plenty of time to study their fascinating behaviour and enjoy their glorious beauty!
Guest flicks
Guests who have stayed with us have shared some of their valuable memories with us on Facebook and, we would like to share these magnificent captures with you our readers! Enjoy your viewing!
Have you met Shafiu?
Considering Kuramathi his second abode, Shafiu Moosa, is a hardworking enthusiast who has been dedicating his services to the Guest Service department for 4 years and 6 months. He first started off as a receptionist in 2008, after which he climbed up to the position of a Head Receptionist, his present post today. When asked about his fondness for Kuramathi, he grinned widely and responded cheerfully.
“I have such a strong passion to work in Kuramathi; my duties are second nature to me now. I have gained plenty of knowledge about the hospitality industry while learning about many cultures from around the world. My advice to everyone who’s seeking a vacation is – Come to Kuramathi, this is the perfect venue for a holiday!”
Fast Facts
Birthday: 7th January 1989 (22 years)
Star Sign: Capricorn
Marital Status: Single
Favourite colour: Green
Plants of Kuramathi: Screw Pine Tree
Ubiquitously found in Kuramathi, this oddly shaped tree used to be the main source of food during the early famines in the Maldives. Aptly named after its large screw like roots, the plant can reach 12 to 14 metres in height when fully grown. It also bears a delicious fruit covered in a thick greenish hard shell, its flesh red in colour. Locally referred to as “Maa Kashikeyo”, the fruit is eaten raw or boiled to a sweet broth. Palm Pizzeria & Gelateria, one of our 6 à la carte restaurants, also features the fruit on the ice cream menu, a must for all the gelato lovers out there!
The fruit is also a favourite ingredient used in various types of cooking from scrumptious cakes to sweet blended juices.
Quick Facts
- Apart from its edible properties, the plant has other interesting uses as well. The early Maldivians were known to use the stems of the Screw Pine tree to craft “Holhuashi”; a resting lounge for the fishermen to idle after toiling in the sea.
- The prop roots were used as an alternative to paint due to its brush like stature.
- Throughout Oceania, almost every part of the plant is used. Pandanus trees provide materials for housing, clothing and textiles including the manufacture of dilly bags.
- The fragrant flowers are used to extract perfume, aromatic oil that are stimulant and antispasmodic and are used against headaches and rheumatism.
- The trees commonly have many thick prop roots near the base, which provide support as the tree grows top-heavy with leaves, fruit, and branches.
Interactive TV at the Eco Centre
We are pleased to share with you the latest upgrade to our Eco Centre ; interactive touch screen TVs, a fun yet educational approach to better understand our environment. Placed just in front of the sperm whale exhibit, these 2 HD Touch Smart PC’s allow you to peruse through a world of raw nature from the land animals and plants to stunning coral gardens under water.
Mingling with nature was never this easy. With just a hover and a tap on the screen, satisfy your curiousity by browsing through the different sections from Reef Inhabitants, Corals, Coral Science, Animals and of course, the Plants of Kuramathi. The TVs are in operation 24 hours, and guests can swing by and educate themselves.
