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Baa Atoll Summer Festival returns for a second year

Nafaahath Ibrahim
26 May 2019, MVT 12:50
Some of the resorts taking part in the Baa Atoll Festival. PHOTO: HAWWA AMAANY ABDULLA / THE EDITION
Nafaahath Ibrahim
26 May 2019, MVT 12:50

After a successful start in 2018, Baa Atoll Summer Festival returns for a second time in May, with impressive gastronomical offerings in the first-of-its-kind "Resort Dine Around".

The 12 participating resorts kicked off the festival with a 'Taste' meet and greet for press, held at a sandbank in Baa Atoll early May.

During this gathering, Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed drew lots to decide on a date for each resort's feature. The Westin Maldives will kick off the festival, Reethi Beach Resort will be featured on the final day.

The Summer Festival stretches over 14 days from July 8 - 21 and aims to join forces among resorts in the region in welcoming guests to the atoll to have 'Fun in the Sun'.

In the island hopping extravaganza, guests can experience the best of culinary offerings from Amilla Fushi, Anantara Kihavah, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Dreamland, Dusit Thani Maldives, Finolhu, Four Seasons Landaa, Reethi Beach, Royal Island, Soneva Fushi, The Westin Maldives and Vakkaru Maldives.

Minister Ali Waheed taking draws for resorts. PHOTO: HAWWA AMAANY ABDULLA / THE EDITION

The 14-night dine-around schedule consists of exquisite world-class dining options, opening Sunset Cocktails at selected resorts, followed by seven nights of featured restaurants. A 'full moon' celebration will take place on each island, followed by five more nights of festival.

Menus for each resort include a three-course meal set for USD 120, and guests can make bookings from their resort 24 hours in advance. This includes a glass of wine, and specialized children’s menus are also available.

Additionally, each resort offers an action-packed calendar of activities to keep the entire family entertained throughout the festival fortnight, from beach activities, conservation events, water experiences and more.

A new addition to this year's event is the introduction of a round-robin inter-resort Beach Volleyball Tournament between staff and guests, as well as a Full Moon Island Clean-up Day.

The festival will be opened with a special 'Sunset Cocktail' at each participating resort on July 8.

For the closing ceremony on July 22, the resort teams will gather once more on a sandbank for the round-robin volleyball final match, a catamaran regatta, ending with a beach party for guests.

According to organizers and participants of the festival, the aim of the event is to further cement 'Baa Atoll' as a special destination within the Maldivian archipelago itself.

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