bluer, greener, brighter, plusher!
In the last postcard, much was made of the upcoming improvements.("banging for a better casa" - Issue 8).

Having just scrubbed the last of the paint and cement from our fingernails, we are delighted to be able to report on some of the upgrades that were completed in May.

Variably shaded deep blue tiles now line the pool in the centre of which lies a 15 foot sea horse in light mosaic. The coconut grove and patio have been planted with extra landscaping making things extra lush and green, affording more intimate dining and privacy. Relocated foot paths giving seafront rooms their own gardens, new outdoor dining furniture, new mattresses with one-inch plush tops, extra sun beds and a fresh coat of paint all add up to a new lease of life for "The Casa".

You can check some of these out from the photos on the web…even better book in and try them out for real.

Bye and Hi
Well, the time has finally come! After almost five very happy years here in Langkawi I shall shortly take up the challenge of running a hotel in the Maldives.

I know you will welcome Jason Kruse who replaces me as the new manager. Jason, who has been working with me through August, comes with significant experience in the resort industry having managed three other hotels over the past decade in Australia and Bali.

In the short time I have spent with him it is clear that he has a passion for the boutique hotel experience and that his involvement with Casa del Mar can only see it flourish.

For inquiries, Jason can be reached at: jason.kruse@casadelmar-langkawi.com

Bean there, ground that.
Alongside Jason, although they arrived separately, we are also pleased to introduce our latest bar accessory; a two group SM 85 Sprint E Espresso machine. This will mean little to everyone but coffee machine spotters and a rather excited Peter Ting, guest services manager, who reckons his life is going to get a whole lot better.

What's more, we have upgraded the stuff that goes in it. Illy coffee is a north Venetian premium coffee blend which, as many of you may know, grinds a good bean well. So while you may be miles away from your favorite café you are only a quick hiss and froth away from a great latte.

Club Pescara
Do the time, Get the Fish.

From April this year visitors to the Hotel may have noticed the odd ceramic tropical fish decorating the pillars that surround the bar. A closer inspection will reveal that each fish carries the name of a person or couple. These are the members of the "Fish Club", guests who, unhappy with just a single stay, return time and again clocking up more than 30 nights and four visits. We felt such persistance deserved recognition. "Pescarites" (collective noun as yet undecided) will also enjoy rate benefits, room choice preferences and a couple of other features we are keeping under wraps for now.

Pictured on the right receiving a tropical Angel Fish from Rajes, CDM's Spa Manager, is Ellie Lindsay. Ellie was on her 9th stay and has clocked up 59 nights.

Guests who have "done the time" prior to April, may need to be aware that behind CDM doors awaits a fish with their name on it.

Introducing Kandooma
Owned and managed by Hotel Properties Limited (those nice people who brought you Casa del mar), Kandooma is, like all Maldivian resorts, located on its own island of the same name. It can be reached from Male, the nation's capitol, by spending 30 minutes on a southbound speedboat.

In a region known for its excellent dive sites, and opportunity for underwater photography, this four star resort will have 160 rooms, several outlets and aims to offer a fun, fresh alternative to the traditional Maldivian holiday. It is currently under construction and is planned to open in the second quarter of 2008.

I'll send you a postcard from there. If you would like to get in touch I may be reached at: andrew.drummond@kandooma-maldives.com