Kurumba Maldives will be celebrating its Ruby Birthday by holding 40 activities in 2012. These activities will align with current Corporate Social Responsibility projects as well as celebrating past guests, previous challenges and successes. A formal black tie dinner will be hosted on the 3rd October 2012 with a number of celebrities, media, key past guests, owners, personalities and staff all on the invite list. During the evening there will be presentations and evening entertainment.
Kurumba was constructed in 1972 on the uninhabited island of Vihamanafushi. The concept was simple and back to nature using coral stones, this being a common material for building houses in the Maldives in the 1970’s, which were collected from the surrounding reefs. The roof was covered with thatch and coconut timber was used as beams and columns. Two small generators provided electricity and meals were served in the small restaurant, which was sufficient for 60 guests. Local staff, without formal training, were employed throughout the resort.
According to the Maldivian entrepreneurs, construction was nevertheless a laborious task with the limited facilities available at that time. National infrastructure was at its lowest level and the country was just recovering from the impacts of the Second World War. “I was cook, gardener and room boy. We had to do everything ourselves,” explained Mr. Maniku. “We had nothing in the Maldives then, nothing. No Banks, no airport, no telephones only ham radio or Morse code with Colombo. Even the UNDP experts said that tourism would never succeed because there were no facilities, no infrastructure.”
The 30-room Kurumba Village was opened on 3rd October 1972 as the first ever Maldivian resort of the fledgling industry. Kurumba has now been upgraded in different phases after it’s opening, the major renovation being done during the 90’s. Presently the resort is 180 rooms which includes a Royal Residence, Presidential Suites and Pool Villas all the way through to the lead-in Superior rooms. Kurumba Maldives today is still evolving and is proud of being a pioneer in the Maldives and a part of living history.
Throughout the year, Kurumba Maldives will hold events to mark this momentous occasion as well as preparing a coffee table book showcasing the history of Kurumba Maldives.
Kurumba Maldives will also be running a photo competition, with a main prize of a 7 nights stay for two persons in a Pool Villa, daily Champagne breakfast, lunch and Dinner in Vihamana, return airport transfers, a sunset cruise and two signature Veli Spa treatments. Please see www.facebook.com/kurumbamaldives
or more details.
Special packages for this week will be available by contacting reservations@kurumba.com
40 activities to celebrate 40 years in 2012
- January, 10 – Rescue swimming Diploma completion for staff
- February, 6 – Maldivian Management Trainees signing ceremony
- February, 10 – Kurumba’s staff have got talent evening
- February, 23 – Blood donation day
- February, 25 – Remembering key staff; announcing the new team Restaurant – Idrees Restaurant.
- March, 1 – National qualification commences for our Maldivian team
- March, 8 – International women’s day luncheon
- March, 8 – Full moon evening & Maldives fashion parade
- April, 22 – Earth day – lagoon cleaning and energy conservation day
- May, 21 – Maldives music unplugged – 3 Maldivian bands + 1 DJ
- May, TBC – Local orphanage – donating of sports items, toys from guest & equipment
- June, TBC – Advanced watersports show
- June, TBC – Opening of the Kurumba 40th year museum
- July, TBC – Maldives artist in residence
- July, 1st-15th – Inter-island Olympics (futsal, volleyball, cricket + netball)
- August, TBC – Commencement of coral propagation
- August, 20 – Local Orphanage Eid lunch
- August, 28 – Maldivian Mothers cooking classes
- September, 1 – Alternative languages classes round one completion
- September, 5 – Over 20′s year’s employee’s Lunch
- September, 27 – Local school luncheon and site inspection
- September, 27 – Kurumba History Coffee table book launch
- September, 27 – Maldivian DH evening
- September, 28 – Local Children Art Competition
- September, 28 – Maldivian cooking class
- September, 28 – Sunset Jazz at the Sand Bar
- September, 29 – Lagoon cleaning
- September, 29 – Kurumba nuts and bolts tour
- September, 29 – Wine and sunset cruise
- September, 30 – Male History Tour
- September, 30 -Visit a local Island
- September, 30 -Full Moon Event with Maldivian Band
- October, 1 – 40 Divers on Kurumba house reef
- October, 1 – Over 30 years staff family day
- October, 1 – Guided snorkel with a marine biologist
- October, 2 – Coral propagation activity
- October, 2 – Bodu Beru afternoon
- October, 2 – Staff anniversary Party
- October, 3 – History Presentation
- October, 3 – 40th Anniversary Gala Evening
Date and events may change without notice.
About Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives is set on a tropical island in the North Male’ atoll, conveniently situated a brief 10 minute speed boat ride from the airport. Dotted with coconut trees that are the island’s namesake, Kurumba was the first private island resort in the Maldives. Lush tropical gardens, white sandy beaches and a vibrant house reef are the hallmarks of this classic Maldivian resort.
The resort offers an array of eight styles of accommodation, ranging from comfortable Superior rooms to the spacious Royal Residence, spread amongst the island’s lush tropical gardens with easy access to the beach. With nine different restaurants to choose from Kurumba Maldives will charm you with its unparallel choice of dining experience and a wide range of recreation activities and entertainment. All while maintaining idyllic refuges and quiet spaces of relaxation to create the perfect balance for a holiday in paradise, perfect for honeymooners and family alike.
For further information, please contact sales@kurumba.com or our global PR agencies:
