Soneva Gili in the Maldives pushes back re-opening to 1 June 2005

Soneva Gili Resort in the Maldives, which suffered damage from the December 26 tsunami, has deferred its planned re-opening by one month, until 1 June 2005.

Originally completed just three years ago, Soneva Gili was closed following the tsunami so that restoration and additional development could take place. Much of the building materials on hand at that time were lost to the Indian Ocean. A re-opening schedule was initially put at 1 May.

The resort’s commitment to the environment included sourcing timber only from certified renewable forests. A Boeing 747 cargo plane chartered by the resort to deliver timber and building material from New Zealand, arrived in Male at the end of February and together with almost 300 builders and craftspeople, the work began.

Due in part to the significant ecological sensitivities associated with essential services connected to the 44 over-water villas, Six Senses Spa and bar/restaurant, plus an extraordinary Private Reserve complex, the manpower has not been able to keep to the restoration schedule. Additional building materials and supplies that were not included in the original shipment have also needed to be ordered.

“Re-opening the resort if there is still major work in progress, is not an option for us,” said Area General Manager, Stephen Antram. “Premium guest experiences are paramount to the Soneva Resorts brand, which is evidenced by the overwhelming repeat loyalty that we experience at both Soneva Gili and its sister Maldives property, the flagship Soneva Fushi – which remains fully operational”.

Every effort is being made to accommodate Soneva Gili reservations at Soneva Fushi during the restoration period, for which free seaplane round-trip transfers from Male can be be arranged; or the hotel stated that current reservations will be honoured following the re-opening after June 1st.

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