Addicted to Maldives is fast becoming Australia’s foremost destination specialist for the Indian Ocean archipelago. With over 10 years of experience, it is the first Australian DMC to focus exclusively on the Maldives.
Co-founder and director, Di Lechner, is a self-confessed Maldives addict. Di and her team tailor each holiday to the desires – and addictions – of the client, be it surf, spa or romance.
Addicted to Maldives shared its vision of a tropical getaway with its first Barefoot & Beautiful event on Sydney Harbour on Thursday 12 April. Superyacht Quantum was transformed into a Maldivian island paradise for the leading luxury travel advisors in attendance, with fresh coconuts, champagne, glitter tattoos and massages courtesy of resort partner, One&Only, while DJ Feline provided the relaxed island-inspired soundtrack.
The company’s top 10 resort partners jetted in from the Maldives for the event, including One&Only Reethi Rah, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Huvafen Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi, Coco Collection, Amilla Fushi and Finolhu, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island and Taj Exotica.
“We wanted to bring a little piece of Maldives magic to Sydney Harbour … in an effort to inspire and educate our agent partners on the destination,” said Di Lechner, cofounder and director, Addicted to Maldives.
The event also saw Addicted to Maldives launch its new agent incentive program, Maldives Elite.
Maldives Elite offers its members the opportunity to earn increased commissions, take part in yearly famil trips to the Maldives and participate in regular education sessions offered by the Addicted to Maldives team. This year’s Maldives Elite top agent will be rewarded with a 5-night stay at One&Only Reethi Rah, including return international flights, half-board for 2x adults and return transfers.
“In speaking with a number of agents, what we have identified is that many advisors shy away from recommending and selling the Maldives because they just don’t have the knowledge on the destination. The Maldives is quite unique and it is so important that advisors recommend the right property for their clients. Logistically, it can be challenging getting to and from islands, and once your client is there, the resort has to be the right option for them because they are entirely dependant on the facilities and experiences offered at that property,” explained Di.
