Gili Lankanfushi uncovers 2018 well-being program      

Chloe Brotheridge will be among the world leading wellness experts visiting Gili Lankanfushi in 2018

Luxury Maldivian Eco-resort, Gili Lankanfushi, is debuting a revolutionary new wellness programme for 2018.

Four world-leading international wellness practitioners, working in areas as diverse as transformational breath-work, sound therapy, and hypnotherapy, will be leading island residencies throughout the year.

The will offer treatments and workshops for guests, and passing on their skills to the team at the island’s Meera Spa.

The international wellness residency programme will kick off in March with bestselling author, Ayurveda enthusiast, cook, and well-being entrepreneur Jasmine Hemsley visiting Gili Lankanfushi from March 12th-19th.

Hemsley will be leading immersive and soothing sound bath sessions, helping guests to switch off their minds, open their hearts and nurture their spirits with waves of therapeutic crystal tones to balance the chakras. 


April 10th-18th will see the arrival of international author, breath coach and founder of Breathing Tree, Rebecca Dennis.

Dennis trained in the cutting edge breath technique transformational breath, used to harness the power of conscious breathing to unblock emotions and release tension, and specialises in treating issues such as stress, anxiety, addiction and sleep problems. 

Meditation guide, inspirational speaker, writer and intuitive mentor Jody Shield will be taking over the island from August 22nd-29th.

Shield is fast becoming a household name amongst London’s high-fliers as the go-to healer to solve all manner of modern woes, supporting people to process the past, be present and build a life they love.

The final international wellness residency of the year will be hypnotherapist, anxiety expert and bestselling author Chloe Brotheridge.

She will be leading hypnotherapy workshops on the island for guests from November 10th-17th, to help with issues including anxiety, confidence and sleep problems.

 

Best places to Visit in Maldives

Top 15 Best Places to visit in Maldives 

Left to the mercy of the soft and lapping Indian Ocean, the islands of the Maldives have been sculpted and formed into unquestionably one of the most quintessentially beautiful tropical places on the globe.

Ranging from the powdered beaches of the northern atolls to the earthy sea shacks and fishing hamlets of the southern isles, the whole nation can be found strewn across the turquoise waters some way from the Indian subcontinent.

Most visitors will land in the throbbing, pulsing city of Male, packed onto its own pinprick of an isle and boasting spice-scented markets and great mosques.

Most also don’t linger long before they hit the seaplanes or boats and make for the shimmering private bays of their chosen resort, where infinity pools and over-water cabanas are the norm.


More recently, new local guesthouses and the discovery of rolling waves have begun transforming the Maldives from honeymoon hot-spot to surfing, adventure and backpacking destination – paradise is now open to all, it seems.

Lets explore the best places to visit in the Maldives:

1. Male 

Islamic Center 

Thrumming with scooters and cars and Indian bazaars stacked with coconuts and spice, the city of Male – the capital of the Maldives atolls – has the frenetic feel of a place crammed into a slot that’s too small for it.

And that’s because it is.

Although rarely visited (most travelers bypass the city on seaplanes heading straight for their resort), the town is crammed onto a pint-sized islet in the North Male Atoll.

It manages to fit some fascinating sights between its streets though, like the 17th-century Friday Mosque and the gold-tipped Islamic Centre.

Male Market is another must – just be sure get your haggling skills up to scratch.

2. Hulhumale Island

hulhumale Island 

Sat just across the sparkling waters from the capital of Male, the island of Hulhumale is forever growing and growing as more and more land is reclaimed to house the sprawling urban tendrils of the city.

It’s also the home of the Velana International Airport, which is the main gateway to these paradisiacal islands for most.

However, don’t be put off by how all that sounds – Hulhumale is actually a charming place.

It’s got a gorgeous – if artificial – beach on its eastern haunch, a clutch of leafy neighborhoods, a glass-topped mosque, and planned promenade walkways above the Indian Ocean.

3. Maafushi

Maafushi

Maafushi might not have the sprawling luxury resorts and opulent 5-star hotels that many of its nearby brothers do, but it’s got plenty of charm.

Sadly ravaged in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the place has been busy rebuilding its salt-washed fishing jetties and industrious sailor huts in the last decade.

Something that’s helped is the opening up of rights to local guesthouses, which is transforming Maafushi into one of the top off-beat island getaways for budget travelers.

Of course, you can expect gorgeous beaches backed with palms, lapping waves, and a clutch of homey little coffee shops on the shore.

4. Utheemu

Utheemu

Sat on the far northern reaches of the Haa Alif Atoll, itself the northernmost of all the Maldivian island chains, the beautiful site of Utheemu holds a special place in the history of this archipelago nation.

That’s because it was once the home of the revered Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu – the leader who’s credited with driving out Portuguese invaders from the isles in the late 16th century.

Of course, there are the usual sparkling white sands and lapping Indian Ocean waves, but these are punctuated by heritage sites like the Utheemu Ganduvaru, which is the gorgeous timber-built palace where the respected leader grew up.

5. Feydhoo

feydhoo

Feydhoo’s story is a curious one.

In the 19th century, the people now living between the leafy streets and tight-knit housing blocks here were the inhabitants of nearby Gan island (more on that one later). When the British came in the run up to WWII, Gan was transformed into an airbase, and the locals were shipped out to live on the next island along in the Seenu Atoll.

That was Feydhoo, which is today a pretty picture of lived-in Maldivian life.

Come and stroll the winding walkways and sample seafood curries with the locals – the welcome is always warm.

6. Maradhoo

maradhoo 

Joined at the hip to aforementioned Feydhoo by a seaside causeway that runs just above the coral-fringed shores of the Seenu Atoll, Maradhoo is a major link in the island chain that starts with Gan to the east.

Long and thin, it juts out into the Indian Ocean like a finger fringed with narrow beachfronts and swaying groves of coconut palms.

As in Feydhoo, the locals are laid-back and lovely, and the cuisine is spicy and rich in seafood.

Be sure to take a walk down Link Road and flit between the coffee shops and sandwich vendors that meet between the palm trees there.

7. Veligandu Island

Veligandu island 

Romantic sunsets glow red and yellow over the lapping waters of the Indian Ocean; cocktails clink in the resort’s luxurious bar; sea kayaks bob on the turquoise shoreline, and crystal-clear waves roll in softly from the inland lagoon.

Welcome to uber-beautiful Veligandu Island, which has long been championed as one of the top destinations in the Maldives for couples.

Honeymooners and newly-weds are a common site on this long, thin finger of land on the western edge of the North Ari Atoll, and there are plenty of opulent seaside villas and suites to match.

8. Banana Reef 

banana Reef

Many travelers heading to the islands of the Maldives will be coming for one thing and one thing only: diving.

And there’s hardly a single better place to don the SCUBA gear and wetsuits in the country than at the Banana Reef.

This fruit-shaped dash of multi-colored corals and seaweed-clad sandbanks lies underwater between the isles of the North Male Atoll.

It’s served by countless outfitters, who lead excursions to uncover the striped snappers and bulbous sponges, the reef sharks and the barracudas that all coalesce here.

9. Thulusdhoo Island

thulusdhoo Island 

It’s the spirit of the salt-washed Caribbean that seems to drive Thulusdhoo Island.

Largely undiscovered, this speck in the Male Atolls is ringed by wide spaces of sand from which bulbous coconut trunks sprout by the hundred.

The beaches are – naturally – great, and the locals love to draw in their fading fishing boats to flint up a good sizzling seafood barbeque now and then.

That all fits perfectly with the other pastime of travelers on Thulusdhoo: surfing.

Look for the fun left-hand rollers that turn into barrels off of Villingilimathi Huraa close by.

10. Fuvahmulah

fuvahmulah

Fuvahmulah promises something a little different to the rest of the Maldivian atolls.

For starters, this speck on the map of the Indian Ocean doesn’t really have any near neighbors, and it occupies an atoll all of its own.

It’s also peppered with the occasional inland lake, which is a rare sight to see in this flat-lying country.


Meanwhile the sandbanks that ring popular Banging Beach make for some crashing rollers and refreshing salt-spray (a break from the usual relaxing lapping lagoons), and the proximity to the Earth’s equator means steamy weather throughout the year.

11. Alimatha island 

Perched on the eastern edge of the Maldives, in the famous Felidhe Atoll, Alimatha is a great tourist island that offers luxury cabanas, untouched stretches of pristine sandy beach, and – most importantly – some of the most celebrated SCUBA diving spots around.

The resort that covers the island can often be seen packed with eager divers, who all come to seek out the pretty coral groves and sea walls that surround the shores.


These are packed with jackfish, morays and eels, and are known for their high visibility and popular night diving packages.

12. Hithadhoo

hithadhoo

Large (at least for a Maldivian island) and highly-populated (again, at least for a Maldivian island), this sub-section of Addu City in the old Seenu Atoll can be reached on the same causeways that connect Gan to Maradhoo.

On its southern edge, the place is given away to mangroves and marshes and shrub land, while the north side of the island is packed with cafes and bakeries and the occasional set of looming minarets that rise from the local mosques.

More than anything, Hithadhoo oozes a charming lived-in vibe; one that’s difficult to discover elsewhere in the resort-heavy country. 

13. Kuredu 

    Kuredu

Kuredu is the self-proclaimed jewel of the Lhaviyani Atoll, which makes its home in the central-north reaches of the Maldivian archipelago.

A boomerang-shaped isle, it’s entirely covered by a single resort, which offers rustic bamboo shacks and rows of those ubiquitous over-water bungalows with verandahs above the waves.

The whole place is completely surrounded by its own private fringing of powdery sand, and is considered one of the most advanced SCUBA and snorkeling destinations in the country – strong currents and high waves often make it difficult to see the manta rays and tropical schools.

Unusually, Kuredu also plays host to a full 9-hole golf course.

14. Gan 

Gan 

Gan is primarily known for its airport, which is the second-largest airport in the entire Maldives and a famous former airbase for the British Royal Air Force during WWII. Today, the island has shed its old military importance in favor of tourism, and it’s slowly rising to become one of the most popular spots in the Addu Atoll.

It’s not just the accessibility (thanks to the airport) that draws the crowds either, because Gan has earthy little fishing restaurants and small stretches of shimmering sand that are usually totally empty of visitors. Nice.

15. Kunfunadhoo Island 

Kunfunadhoo Island 

If you’re after the fabled luxury and romance of the Maldives, then it’s likely that the opulent resort on Kunfunadhoo Island won’t disappoint – it’s continually hailed as the most indulgent place to stay in the country.
Visitors enter through a thatched timber great hall that hides between groves of coconut palms.
From there, it’s onto the cocktail decks that soar on stilts above the jungle, or out to the beaches where candles flicker in the sultry sea breeze.
Add in a couple of infinity pools, swim-up bars, and the chance to dine on a private little sandbank with only the Indian Ocean waves as a backing track, and it’s easy to see why this one’s so popular!

Capella To Make Maldives Entry With Capella Maldives Resort at Rah Falhu Integrated Development

Capella Hotel Group has announced its entry to the Maldives with the planned opening of Capella Maldives resort.

The 65-key Capella Maldives is part of the integrated luxury development of Rah Falhu Huraa lagoon, located in North Male Atoll and accessible by a 45-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives main airport.


Proposed design of a villa at Capella Maldives resort. PHOTO/ PGAGC
No details have yet been made public, but the group’s official website says that “the potential synergies between the various components of Capella Maldives are poised to create a truly spectacular resort that is authentic and imbued with vibrancy and choice.”

In a July interview with Destinations of the World News, Capella CEO Nicholas Clayton said the resort was being designed by world-leading Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and Hong Kong based interior design firm Andrew Fu.


Proposed design of a unit at Capella Maldives resort.
According to Clayton, half of the rooms will be built overwater. Of the 64 units, approximately 14 will be for sale, he added.

“The Capella is developed at that location to be the leader, targeting customers at the Cheval Blanc price point,” Clayton said, referring to the ultra-luxury Cheval Blanc Randheli resort, which is managed by luxury fashion group Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy.

Early design proposals seen by Maldives Insider show 27 Sunset Villas, which includes a combination of land and overwater units, 25 beachfront Sunrise Villas, three beachfront Northern Bay Villas, and nine overwater Southern Ocean Villas.

Singapore based developer Pontiac Land Group in May kicked off the Rah Falhu integrated luxury development.


Officials of Pontiac and the Maldives tourism ministry attend the ceremony held in May to inaugurate the Rah Falhu integrated development.
Slated to be the first of its kind in the Maldives, the USD 500 million integrated development consists of three resorts — each with its own characteristics and managed by renowned international brands — linked to a vibrant lifestyle hub island with a marina within the same lagoon to create a unique selling point for the entire development as the preferred tourist destination.

Rah Falhu will also host a tourism academy, which is to be run in collaboration with the Maldives tourism ministry and other relevant local authorities.

Pontiac had earlier said the integrated development would be fully operational by the end of 2019.

Capella, which was founded in 2002 by legendary hotelier Horst Schulze, moved its headquarters from the US to Singapore in October after the company was acquired by Singapore’s famous Kwee Family, who owns Pontiac.

With offices in China, Europe and the US, Capella offers global hospitality management services through two distinct brands: Capella Hotels and Resorts, and Solís Hotels and Resorts.

Capella Hotels and Resorts is an ultra-luxury hotel, resort, and residential concept designed for the most discerning travellers and offering personalised attention, with locations in Düsseldorf, Saint Lucia, Shanghai and Singapore as well as hotels planned for Ubud, Bangkok, Maldives and Sydney.

Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives Officially opens

Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has been officially inaugurated.

A grand opening ceremony at the resort Saturday evening saw the official opening of the first property in Maldives by Singapore-based Park Hotel Group and its partner Chip Eng Seng Corporation. The function, which featured traditional Bodu Beru performances, fire dances as well as live music, was attended by Allen Law, the CEO of Park Hotel Group, Raymond Chia, the Executive Chairman and Group CEO of Chip Eng Seng Corporation, and Lim Tiam Seng, Advisor of the corporation.



Located in North Male Atoll and a 15-minute speedboat ride away from the main Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu began welcoming guests in June.

The resort features a collection of 120 villas, including idyllic beachfront pool villas, breathtaking overwater villas and palatial two-bedroom villas. Sixty-five of the 120 villas come with their own private pools and the five two-bedroom suites feature extensive private terraces.


Aerial view of the villas at Grand Park Kodhipparu.

Ocean Pool Water Villas at Grand Park Kodhipparu.
Designed by world-renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, the resort showcases sophisticated architecture, state-of-the-art interior, high ceiling of palm fringed roof, and contemporary exterior with Maldives’ traditional influence of wood and rattan, inventive rustic appeal and inviting peaceful atmosphere. Neutral tones, natural fundamentals and spacious social settings balance the unrivalled beauty of the cobalt sea and tranquility.


Living room of the Grand Residence at at Grand Park Kodhipparu.

The Sunset Terrace of the Grand Residence at Grand Park Kodhipparu. PHOTO/ PARK HOTEL GROUP
Grand Park Kodhipparu offers three restaurants and a pool bar, including the overwater Edge restaurant, which offers a wide selection of international culinary creations, Breeze poolside restaurant and bar, which serves lunch and light bites throughout the day followed by inventive cocktails and fine wines in the night, and the Firedoor speciality restaurant, which offers grilled meats and fish coupled with the finest wines.


The Breeze pool bar at Grand Park Kodhipparu. PHOTO/ PARK HOTEL GROUP
Recreational facilities at the resort include an outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, sunrise yoga deck, wellness centre with spa and salon treatments, water sports and dive centre, children’s activity centre, and specialty shops.


The spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu.
To celebrate its opening, Grand Park Kodhipparu has also announced a limited-time opening offer of 50 percent off on beach and water villas.

Park Hotel Group owns and manages 15 properties in eight countries and 11 cities. Named Best Regional Hotel Chain in the TTG Travel Awards for five consecutive years (2012-2016), the group endeavors to create unique and memorable travel experiences, and to bring joy to its guests as it continues to grow its footprint across Asia Pacific.

Since August last year, the group has been expanding into new destinations in Australia, Malaysia and in South Korea. In addition to Grand Park Kodhipparu, the group is set to open two other hotels, Park Hotel Farrer Park in Singapore and Park Hotel Yeongdeunpo in Seoul this year.

World's Best Villa - Cheval Blanc Randheli Owner's Villa

Owner’s Villa at Cheval Blanc Randheli has bagged the award for the Best Villa in the world.

The global title was given at the Haute Grandeur Global Hotel and Spa Awards gala ceremony held at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel on October 27.

The Owner’s Villa sprawls across its 1-hectare dedicated island, and is accessible from a private berth and jetty. This four-bedroom villa is the epitome of exclusive privacy with unique facilities including its own spa, oversized 25-metre long outdoor pool, pristine beaches and exotic gardens.



Fine crafts, bespoke furniture and individual artworks enhance the tasteful interiors of this exceptional villa. In the main house, three light filled successive reception rooms invite to either a musical interlude around the grand piano, blissful relaxation in the multiple sofas and lounges, or a cocktail at the bar.

Cheval Blanc’s exquisite Art de Recevoir ensures a truly memorable experience for its guests. Overseen by a dedicated team – available 24/7 and housed on premises – guests will be surprised and delighted by tailor-made activities and unforgettable experiences, that are made to measure to meet every individuals’ wish.



Accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, Cheval Blanc Randheli is one-of-a-kind exclusive property from the luxury fashion group Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the creative mind behind some of the world’s most stunning resorts including the Chedi Muscat and many Aman resorts, Randheli marries contemporary aesthetic with the traditional Maldivian craftsmanship.

The resort offers 46 villas in three different categories to choose from; Island, Water or Garden. They have a variety of contemporary design elements, high doors and ceilings, outdoor areas for relaxation, pool terraces, a 12.5m long private swimming pool and lagoon-side pontoons.

The Cheval Blanc Spa offers exclusive Guerlain treatments in special treatment villas, while the Hair Spa by Leonor Greyl doubles as a beauty studio and barber shop. For guests with children, there is a Le Carrousel Kids Club and Le Paddock Teens Club on the premises to keep them occupied.

The 2017 gala ceremony held in Thai capital Bangkok commended exceptional hospitality establishments across seven continents and 172 countries, including the Maldives. Awards were given in 94 categories.

Recognised as the highest accolade a hotel or spa can receive, a Haute Grandeur Award is a guaranteed golden stamp of excellence. Award winners and participating establishments are perceived as exceptional and distinguished by association.

The Haute Grandeur Awards system is unlike any other. Unbiased results are guaranteed through a fair, transparent process that recognises brilliance by means of quality guest feedback rather than the quantity of votes by a panel of judges or the general public. This unique approach to measuring excellence is why Haute Grandeur is in a class of its own.

Festive Cyber Sale Announces Outrigger

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has announced its best rates of the year ahead of the festive season, offering huge savings for travellers to holiday at several of its resorts around the world, including in the Maldives.

The Cyber Sale opened to the public on Monday and will be available through December 6, for travel between now and through May 31, 2019. With savings of up to 35 percent off standard room rates, travellers can treat loved ones to a one-of-a-kind warm-weather getaway in the Maldives, starting at USD 649.

According to Outrigger, current and new Discovery loyalty programme members will benefit from exclusive Cyber Sale rates that are at least 10 percent lower than those offered to the general public, when using the promo code CYBER17. Adding to the overall vacation experience with Outrigger, Discovery members will also enjoy a glimpse into the local traditions and culture of each iconic location through various unique and authentic activities curated by each hotel property, it said.

In addition to the Maldives, Outrigger’s properties in Hawaii, Thailand, Fiji, Guam and Mauritius are also participating in the Cyber Sale.

In the Maldives, Outrigger runs the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort is accessible via a 55-minute flight from the main Velana International Airport to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a scenic 30-minute journey on a luxurious private speedboat. The resort comprises 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and a masterful three-bedroom Grand Konotta Villa, offering guests a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury.

Urvashi Rautela in Maldives for Maldives Travel Award Gala Edition

Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela has arrived in the Maldives to attend the upcoming Maldives Travel Awards Gala Edition.

Urvashi arrived in the Maldives Wednesday morning, and was welcomed at the main Velana International Airport by top officials from organiser Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and host Adaaran Resorts Maldives.


The actress-cum-model is staying at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort, where the Gala Edition is set to take place. She will be the guest of honour at the gala ceremony on Thursday evening.

Urvashi was crowned Miss Diva 2015, and represented India at the Miss Universe 2015 pageant.

The 23-year-old actress made her Bollywood debut in 2013 with the film, Singh Saab the Great, followed by critically acclaimed roles in Sanam Re and Great Grand Masti in 2016. She also starred alongside Hrithik Roshan in the 2017 movie Kaabil.



Meanwhile, MATATO is making final preparations for the Gala Edition.

Voting for the 230 properties nominated for the 25 categories in the awards closed on Tuesday with an overwhelming 100,000 plus votes.

Winners for the Gala Edition will be decided by a collective score based on traveller reviews on TripAdvisor and the popular vote. The winners will be announced at the gala ceremony to be held at  Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi Thursday evening.

In addition to the main categories, MATATO will present five awards to recognise special areas of tourism development and sustainability.

MATATO will also combine the grand gala with the second edition of the Maldives Travel Conference, which is set to be held on Thursday at Bandos Maldives resort.



Initiated in 2012 by MATATO, Maldives Travel Awards celebrate and honour the best tourism and hospitality products in the Maldives, while fostering relationships with suppliers and local travel agents. From 20 categories in 2012, the awards have now expanded into three editions totalling 55 categories.

This year, MATATO has for the first time branched out the prestigious awards into three categories; the People’s Edition, which recognises successful pioneers and long serving individuals in the tourism industry, a Guesthouse Edition, which celebrates the outstanding performance of the up and coming guesthouse sector, and the Grand Gala, which is exclusive for winners in the categories for resorts, airlines and liveaboards.

As the first event held under the Maldives Travel Awards brand, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi hosted the People’s Edition on July 13, where 10 individuals were recognised for their immense contributions to the development of the Maldives tourism industry.

The Guesthouse Edition, held in the island of Maafushi on October 30, expanded on the recognitions awarded to guesthouses by MATATO as part of the Maldives Travel Awards, and celebrated the outstanding performance of the guesthouse sector.

As MATATO brings in a rising Bollywood actress for the most anticipated travel event of the year, the Maldives has become a sought after destination by Bollywood stars.

A-list Bollywood stars who have visited the Maldives include Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra. Bollywood couples such as Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor have also spent their holidays in the Maldives, while Bollywood couple Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan has declared the Maldives as their favourite holiday destination.

India has also become a major emerging source market for the Maldives tourism industry.

Official figures show that 66,955 tourists arrived in Maldives from its closest neighbour last year, a 27.9 percent increase from the 52,368 Indian travellers that chose the Maldives in 2015.

That growth has gathered steam this year, as the number of Indian tourists that visited the Maldives recorded a 25.4 percent increase in the past 10 months to reach 63,141 from 50,369 in the same period last year.

Cheval Blanc Randheli's Hublot Special Edition Watch

Cheval Blanc Randheli has partnered with Hublot to create a special edition timepiece inspired by the Maldives’ beautiful waters.

Designed to embody a trip to the ultra-luxury resort, the Classic Fusion Cheval Blanc Randheli Special Edition watch is a tribute to the colours surrounding the atoll, where the ocean’s dark blue contrasts beautifully with the limpid turquoise of the lagoon — all a reflection of the clear blue skies above.

The Swiss luxury watchmaker commissioned Parisian artist Vincent Beaurin, designer of the signature works of art at Cheval Blanc Randheli, to help create the unique dial using sand.

Vincent Beaurin says that he wanted “in this incredible landscape, to open his arms, to embrace and contemplate the vastness.” “The watch tells time and dilutes it in the colours of the crystal-clear waters of the Noonu atoll,” he explains.

In a statement, Hublot said the latest collaboration follows the successful launch of the 2016 Special Edition: a perfect illustration of the savoir-faire of the brand and its constant quest for new fusions between time, art and luxury.

“Just like the blue waters surrounding Cheval Blanc Randheli, the captivating blue tones of the two new timepieces dedicated to the Maison create an appealing aura on the wrist, offering wearers a new experience with time,” Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, was quoted in the statement, as saying.

The Classic Fusion Cheval Blanc Randheli Special Edition is available in 45mm and 38mm versions with brushed metal cases and blue crocodile straps. The smaller version also features a halo of crystalline stones on the bezel.

“This watch is an illustration of the art de vivre and creativity so characteristic of both brands. This approach reflects a tailor-made dialogue between Hublot, the artist and Randheli’s unique universe. Time stops at Cheval Blanc,” Olivier Lefebvre, Head of Hotel Activities at LVMH Hotel Management, said.

Both versions of the special edition watch are only available for purchase at the Cheval Blanc Randheli Concept Store, in the dedicated Hublot area that reflects the identity of the most iconic Hublot boutiques around the world.


A private villa at the luxury Cheval Blanc Randheli resort in Noonu Atoll. Accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, Cheval Blanc Randheli is one-of-a-kind exclusive property from the luxury fashion group Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the creative mind behind some of the world’s most stunning resorts including the Chedi Muscat and many Aman resorts, Randheli marries contemporary aesthetic with the traditional Maldivian craftsmanship.

The award-winning resort offers 46 villas in three different categories to choose from; Island, Water or Garden. They have a variety of contemporary design elements, high doors and ceilings, outdoor areas for relaxation, pool terraces, a 12.5m long private swimming pool and lagoon-side pontoons.

The Cheval Blanc Spa offers exclusive Guerlain treatments in special treatment villas, while the Hair Spa by Leonor Greyl doubles as a beauty studio and barber shop. For guests with children, there is a Le Carrousel Kids Club and

Soneva Announces Festive Programme Featuring Guest Favourites

Soneva’s two resorts in the Maldives are set to offer an exciting set of activities during the upcoming festive season.

The festivities will extend to the world-leading luxury resort operator’s property in Thailand as well, with activities that allow guests to pair fine-dining lunches with whiskey, wine, champagne or sake, learn how to make Christmas chocolate truffles and New Year detox masks, receive a private coaching tennis lesson from the nine-times Grand Slam winner Jonas Björkman, and discover Soneva’s famous food journeys.

“Let your children explore island nature with the Soneva Den hosts taking charge, while you learn how to make Vietnamese, Maldivian, Japanese and Thai food, and come together at the end of the day for a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings in a truly spectacular location,” the group said, in an announcement.

“There is no shortage of experiences to do, eat or see at Soneva.”

Soneva Fushi

Soneva’s flagship resort, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, offers tried and true guest favourites. Cast yourself away to a Sonu’s picnic on a desert island with just your family, or join a group picnic and meet new snorkel companions or teammates for the next water volleyball game. Discover your new favourite spot to dine at a sunset sushi bar, or a Spanish barbecue under the banyan tree. Learn from our talented chefs from our many cooking classes specialising in different cuisines. Explore the world’s best cuisine and entertainment in one night during Soneva’s famous food journey.

In between dining on delicious food, take some time to meet Santa, hunt for treasure, and snorkel with our marine biologist. Discover Soneva’s waste-to-wealth techniques on an Ecotour, learn about the ocean life with a presentation from our marine biologist, or try your hand at glass blowing in our glass studio.

Jonas Bjorkman, former tennis champion, will be offering complimentary private coaching sessions during the holiday season exclusively for a limited number of Soneva guests. Jonas formerly coached Andy Murray in 2015, No. 1 in singles (July 2017), and currently coaches world No. 6 Marin Cilic.

Plus, learn more about the secrets of the universe with Soneva’s Astronomy Week, being held between December 25-31.  Soneva’s resident astronomer, plus guest astronomers, will be able to give dinner talks, presentations and classes to anyone interested in learning more about the night sky.


Discover Soneva’s newest addition Soneva Jani, with a programme full of culinary delights and activities for the whole family. Treat your palate to a lunch or dinner paired with whiskies, sake, wine or champagne, or travel the world through your plate and dine on Vietnamese, Maldivian, Japanese cuisine and more. End the year with a New Years Eve food journey that will lead you through the resort, from 2017 into 2018.

In between delicious feasts, treat yourself to a variety of experiences, fun for the whole family. Loosen your body and mind with a special Christmas yoga, before welcoming Santa to Soneva Jani. Stay up late to dance the night away to a DJ, relax with some live music, or immerse yourself in a movie at Cinema Paradiso.


Established in 1995, Soneva Fushi is the original Soneva. The No News, No Shoes blueprint for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways is located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 65 spacious beachfront villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, hidden amongst dense foliage.

Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from and nine dining options.  If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.

The iconic resort has bagged several international awards for eco-friendly tourism and green initiatives, including the 2017 Green Hotelier Award for the Asia Pacific region and the Sustainable Hotel Award by the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) as well as a spot in the Gold List compiled by Condé Nast Traveler China as the Best Hotel in the Maldives.

Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani encompasses a collection of 24 overwater villas and one island villa set in a 5.6 kilometre private lagoon located in the northern Noonu atoll. The resort spans five islands surrounded by pure white beaches, covered in rich tropical vegetation, offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury.

Each of the resort’s multilevel water villas has its own private pool and a retractable roof that allows guests to sleep beneath the stars. Many villas also have slides that transport guests directly from the top level into the lagoon below. Other hotel highlights include a spa, an observatory — home to the largest telescope in the Indian Ocean — and an outdoor cinema.

Since its opening, Soneva Jani has created a lot of buzz amongst luxury travellers with its exciting features such as the retractable roofs and the water slides. It has also been named the Best Over-the-Top Luxury hotel of the year by Jetsetter.com.

55% Discount Offer | Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef has announced a special offer with up to 55 percent discount.

Under the offer, which is valid for bookings and stays between now and December 25, room rates start from USD 330 per night.

The rates are subject to 10 percent service charge, 12 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST), and green tax of USD 6 per person per night. An additional USD 445 per adult and USD 295 per child will also be charged for seaplane transfers.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef is a palm fringed paradise-like island located in Dhaalu atoll, a mere 35-minute seaplane flight away from the main Velana International Airport.

Hidden amongst the foliage are 62 shell shaped bungalows, (14 Beach Villas, 18 Deluxe Beach Villas, 10 Jacuzzi Deluxe Beach Villas, five Deluxe Beach Villas with Pool, and 15 Sun Aqua Pool Villas) with lava-stone pools, whirlpool bathtubs, private sundecks and day swing beds. A further 41 Water Villas (20 Reef Villas, nine Sunset Reef Villas, six Aqua Villas with plunge pools, five Aqua Suites with private swimming pool and a Grand Reef Suite) complete the accommodation offering with a select few even hiding inviting overwater hammocks.

Guests can be selective at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef and explore the spice and warmth of home style Maldivian cuisine, feast on gourmet organic and free-range produce grown on the resorts private Farm Island, sink their teeth into freshly caught, barbecued seafood or dine under the stars with private dining experiences.

A major focus, the Sun Aqua Spa at the Sun Aqua Vilu Reef consists of six private treatment pavilions each with open air flower baths, open showers, a hydrotherapy area and double treatment beds. On offer is also a salon, manicure/pedicure and a beautiful relaxation area. Encompassing the Five Element Theory — Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth and Water — the spa will offer a lengthy menu of Ayurvedic wellness rituals, pampering beauty therapies and massage techniques from around the world. It also offers a selection of signature therapies to help renew body and mind, including a rich scrub of coconut or coffee, a herbal Udavarthanam detox or a relaxing, fragrant flower bath.

Seven Stars Luxury Award Goes To Let's Go Maldives

Leading local travel agency Lets Go Maldives has won the 2017 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award.

Officials from Lets Go Maldives were present at the gala, which took place at the exclusive The Ecali Club on September 23, to collect the highest, most exclusive award in the industry; the Signum Virtutis seal of excellence.

Lets Go Maldives, which won the award in the Seven Stars Inbound Tour Operator category, is one of the largest travel agencies in the Maldives, with direct contracts and allotments with over 100 resort hotels and safari yachts across the Maldives. The agency also specialises in planning quality, custom-made packages at best prices, arranging luxury holidays for VIP clients, representing and handling travel agents, providing super-yacht charters, and aviation ground handling assistance.

Three resorts in the Maldives, including Hurawalhi Maldives, Ayada Maldives and JA Manafaru, also received the award.

After a cocktail reception filled with media and photographers, the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards Gala Ceremony was opened by the beautiful and talented celebrity presenter Ece Vahapoglu. Greek sensation Nina Lotsari entranced the audience with a spectacular performance accompanied by live music.

Special awards were also handed out on the night to companies which outclassed their rivals in particular sectors. Included in these special awards were Deer Jet, Mantis Collection, Hanging Gardens of Bali, Green, The Ecali Club, Italian Hospitality Collection, The Greek Villas, Despina Miraraki, Super Strom Vatsinas and Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards Gala Ceremony was a first for Greece, and witnessed the participation of CEOs, Presidents, Managing Directors, Owners and GMs, royalty, and celebrities from around the globe.

Khalil El-Mouelhy, Chairman, President and Founder, commented: “Today marked the fifth anniversary of the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, and we feel honoured to have been able to celebrate this very special evening here in Greece and to have had the privilege to work with such an elite and distinguished organisation like The Ecali Club. I would like to express my appreciation for the winners for making this a global celebration and I would like thank The CEO of the Ecali Club, John Georgakakis, and the members of his team for their input, efficiency and unwavering dedication to excellence.”

Georgakakis, CEO of Ecali S.A., said: “The Ecali Club is famous in Greece for the high-profile events that took place in its premises in the past. Tonight we are deeply honoured to have been chosen to host the unique awards ceremony of the internationally recognised organisation ‘Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards’.  These awards represent true excellence, just like the Ecali Club, which represents the concept of eclectic living in luxurious hospitality.”

Now in its fifth year, the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards is designed to identify and to separate the exceptional from the very best by bestowing the Signum Virtutis, the seal of excellence upon the most exceptional luxury hospitality and lifestyle properties and products worldwide. The number of winners each year is capped in order to provide maximum exclusivity and benefit for the winners.

Hurawalhi, Ayada & Ja Manafaru Bags Seven Stars Luxury Award

Hurawalhi Maldives, Ayada Maldives and JA Manafaru have won the 2017 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award.

Officials from Ayada Maldives were present at the gala, which took place at the exclusive The Ecali Club in Greece on September 23, to collect the highest, most exclusive award in the industry;  the Signum Virtutis seal of excellence.

Set in the relatively unexplored Gaafu Dhaalu atoll in the south of the Maldives, Ayada Maldives offers 122 spacious villas and suites, with private pools, butler service and thoughtful five-star detailing. Traditional thatched-roof water villas stand on stilts over the resort’s peaceful lagoon, while beach villas offer absolute privacy amid tropical greenery alongside powder soft palm-lined white beaches.


Ayada Maldives.
Accessible via a 75-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport or by a 45-minute domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute luxury speedboat transfer, JA Manafaru is a peaceful haven situated in the northernmost atoll of Haa Alif, where world-class service is delivered amidst dazzling turquoise waters, white sand beaches, distinct Maldivian architecture and lush vegetation.


JA Manafaru.
Officially inaugurated in January, the five-star Hurawalhi resort is accessible by a 40-minute scenic seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, and offers 90 villas, including 60 Ocean Villas and 30 Beach Villas, for grown-ups who are seeking luxury and innovation. The villas are stylishly and beautifully conceived featuring soothing décor, sumptuous linens on king size beds, bleached wooden floors, and private terraces with panoramic views.


Hurawalhi Maldives.
After a cocktail reception filled with media and photographers, the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards Gala Ceremony was opened by the beautiful and talented celebrity presenter Ece Vahapoglu. Greek sensation Nina Lotsari entranced the audience with a spectacular performance accompanied by live music.

Special awards were also handed out on the night to companies which outclassed their rivals in particular sectors. Included in these special awards were Deer Jet, Mantis Collection, Hanging Gardens of Bali, Green, The Ecali Club, Italian Hospitality Collection, The Greek Villas, Despina Miraraki, Super Strom Vatsinas and Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards Gala Ceremony was a first for Greece, and witnessed the participation of CEOs, Presidents, Managing Directors, Owners and GMs, royalty, and celebrities from around the globe.

Khalil El-Mouelhy, Chairman, President and Founder, commented: “Today marked the fifth anniversary of the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, and we feel honoured to have been able to celebrate this very special evening here in Greece and to have had the privilege to work with such an elite and distinguished organisation like The Ecali Club. I would like to express my appreciation for the winners for making this a global celebration and I would like thank The CEO of the Ecali Club, John Georgakakis, and the members of his team for their input, efficiency and unwavering dedication to excellence.”

Georgakakis, CEO of Ecali S.A., said: “The Ecali Club is famous in Greece for the high-profile events that took place in its premises in the past. Tonight we are deeply honoured to have been chosen to host the unique awards ceremony of the internationally recognised organisation ‘Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards’.  These awards represent true excellence, just like the Ecali Club, which represents the concept of eclectic living in luxurious hospitality.”

Now in its fifth year, the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards is designed to identify and to separate the exceptional from the very best by bestowing the Signum Virtutis, the seal of excellence upon the most exceptional luxury hospitality and lifestyle properties and products worldwide. The number of winners each year is capped in order to provide maximum exclusivity and benefit for the winners.

Visiting Wellness Practitioner Programmes in Niyama Maldives

Niyama Private Islands Maldives has announced a roster of visiting wellness practitioners.

Drift by Niyama offers a unique take on spa journeys, with the latest in beauty from the world’s leading brands and a visiting roster of wellness practitioners from Beverly Hills to Dubai. The schedule of visiting practitioners for the rest of the year and early next year include:

Inner peace and outer beauty with Katrina Valente (October 20 to November 10)

Join the Hollywood A-list with Intraceuticals oxygen facials – the first in the Maldives – and Dermapen mesotherapy, treatments which deliver tailored nutrients directly to the skin. Indulge in soothing massages such as raindrop therapy, originating with the Lakota Native Indians.

Katrina’s philosophy begins with the maxim that beauty radiates from the inside out. Her facials and anti-ageing treatments combine the latest medical innovations, 100 percent organic aroma products and the healing powers of holistic medicine. Each personalised consultation with Katrina begins with colour therapy to individualise treatments based on each individual’s chakras.

Trained at the Burghley Academy of Beauty in Cambridgeshire, Scottish-Italian beauty Katrina Valente is a master practitioner of reflexology, crystal therapy, Shamanic reiki and pranic healing, and has spent the last two decades based in Dubai giving holistic beauty treatments to royalty and socialites alike.



Non-surgical facelifts with Dr Alessi (December 22 to January 2, 2018)

Remove wrinkles and folds, contour and shape the planes of your face, or correct asymmetrically aligned features. Using a combination of Botox for crow’s feet and frown lines; Juvederm and Perfectha hyaluronic fillers to lift and contour cheeks, minimise nasolabial folds, wrinkles and skin depressions, and add volume to and contour lips; and Kybella, the first and only FDA-approved injectable treatment to improve the appearance of impurities beneath the chin by physically destroying fat cells. Treat yourself to a facelift without the invasiveness of surgery, all under Dr Alessi’s artistic hands.

As the founder and medical director of the Alessi Institute for Facial Plastic Surgery, Beverly Hills, Dr Alessi is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Magician to the stars, Dr Alessi has appeared on Larry King Live, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News and CNN for his expertise in facial contouring.



Perfect health with Paulo Fernandes (December 27 to January 17, 2018)

Paulo will be hosting complimentary workshops on The Ten Steps for Perfect Health at Drift by Niyama. A holistic look at the combination of diet, hydration, detoxing and exercise, Paulo also introduces the wonders of nutritional microscopy and an alkaline lifestyle.

Discover the inner workings of your body, with a live blood analysis illustrating your nutritional needs, deficiencies and imbalances. Learn about targeted super foods and herbs to increase your energy levels. Sign up for a bamboo massage to melt away muscle pain, or a session of lymphatic detox with cavitation to remove accumulated toxins and break up localised fat deposits and cellulite with ultrasound.

Paulo Fernandes is a health coach certified by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in Manhattan. Competing in international swimming from a young age, Paulo joined the Marines at 18 and became a Navy Seal officer. After receiving his PhD in sports, Paulo specialised in nutritional microscopy, naturopathy, raw nutrition and biontology. Paulo has travelled the world, from Los Angeles to London to Dubai, helping the elite reach their goals of maximum health and fitness.



Niyama, a popular A-list hideaway nestled in the Dhaalu atoll, offers guests exclusive access to its twin islands – Chill and Play – conveniently connected via a picturesque bridge.

The family-friendly retreat, surrounded by picturesque shorelines and lush vegetation, has nine deluxe room categories ranging from spacious beachfront studios and one-bedroom water pavilions to three-bedroom family beach pavilions with two private pools, jacuzzi and a personal spa treatment room. With state-of-the-art amenities, in-room fridges filled with gourmet treats, a private butler plus the magic of the Maldivian island, this is the ultimate antidote to city life.

The jewel in the resort’s crown is the magnificent Crescent, a playground of five ultra-chic villas, all with private pools, for up to 14 adults and eight children. Boasting a private chef, two butlers, a housekeeper and a host of complimentary activities including a sunset dhoni cruise and movie under the stars, this over water sanctuary is the perfect paradise treat for extended families, honeymooners and discerning travellers.

With nine dining destinations, including tree house restaurant Nest and the world’s first underwater playground Subsix, guests can enhance their stay at Niyama with surreal gastronomic experiences.

Young VIPs will adore the Explorers Kids Club with its range of activities including nature expeditions around the tropical isles to MasterChef classes, while adventure-seeking teens and adults will be inspired by the resort’s excellent water sports offerings such as surfing, scuba diving and jet-skiing. Wellness devotees looking to indulge in a spot of indulgent pampering can retreat to the tranquil Drift by Niyama spa while enjoying the crystal-clear turquoise sea views from the six overwater treatment rooms.

Inauguration Ceremony of "Mercure Maldives Kooddoo" Resort

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom inaugurated the Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort on Monday.

At a ceremony held at the resort, the president was presented with a  plaque of appreciation by Ronald Leo, Chairman of resort owner Pristine Islands Investment Maldives Pvt Ltd, and Mohamed Ali Janah, Chairman of resort developer Hotels and Resorts Construction Pvt Ltd.



A memorandum of understanding was also signed at the ceremony between tourism ministry, Pristine Islands Investment and Hotels and Resorts Construction to create 1,000 training and employment opportunities for the youth from Gaafu Alif atoll.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, the only resort in the Maldives with direct access to an airport, welcomed the first group of guests late last month.

The four star resort, developed on the island of Kooddoo in Gaafu Alif atoll, boasts 68 stylish and well-appointed villas, comprising 43 overwater villas and 25 beach villas with 20 of them featuring a private swimming pool. Attesting to the Mercure brand promise of an authentic experience, vivid colours and decorative motifs along with warm textures and local design touches are used tastefully throughout the villas in order to create a haven of peace with a strong local character.



Guests are offered several attractive dining options. The all-day dining Alita Restaurant serves Pan-Asian à la carte cuisine and themed buffets, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Vistas, an overwater restaurant and lounge, serves tapas, snacks and handcrafted cocktails, while the Alita Pool Bar offers cocktails and light bites with a view.

Suvadiva Divers, the resort’s five star PADI dive and water sports centre, provides aquatic excursions to the many unique and wonderful locations nearby. Several water sports options such as snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, catamarans, jet skis and fun tubes are also available.

Additionally, the resort has several recreational activities and facilities such as the 50-metre lagoon-side swimming pool, fully equipped fitness centre, tennis court, kids’ club and off-island day trips. The marine-themed Suvadiva Spa at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, meanwhile, offers a range of treatments and therapies for guests in need of relaxation and rejuvenation.



Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort is the only resort in the Maldives directly accessible via domestic flight from the main Velana International Airport, with no need for an additional speedboat transfer. The domestic plane transfer to Kooddoo, which also houses a fish processing plant, takes about 55 minutes.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort is the first property run in the Maldives by French multinational hotel chain AccorHotels. The company has since taken over the management of Dhevanafushi from Dubai-based hospitality group Jumeirah, with plans to reposition the luxury resort under the iconic Raffles Hotels and Resorts brand.

AccorHotels has also signed up to manage another resort being developed in Gaafu Alif atoll.

Set to open next year, the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa resort is a traditional ‘one island, one resort’ property located a 10-minute speedboat ride away from its sister property, the Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort. The five star resort will offer upscale modern facilities such as two swimming pools, a sunset bar overlooking the lagoon, a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a kids club, beach playground, tennis courts, gourmet restaurants, organic gardens, a dive centre and a water sports centre.

Velaa Private Island Wins Seven Gold Medals at Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge

Chefs from Velaa Private Island has won seven gold medals at the recently concluded Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge.

At the culinary challenge held from September 17-20 at the main convention centre of Dharubaaruge in capital Male, the talented culinary team at Velaa won trophies for the Best Maldivian Dish, Best Young Chef, Best Plated Hot Dish, Dress the Cake, Best Tapas and Finger Food, Best Hot Pasta, and Best Appetiser.

“…. [this win proves that] Maldives is not only a place to relax, you can enjoy the best gastronomy as well,” an announced by the resort said.

“What are you waiting for? Come and let our Executive Chef Gaushan de Silva and his winning team pamper your palates while in paradise!”

Tucked away within the collection of islands that form the northern Noonu atoll, Velaa Private Island is elegantly positioned to overlook enchanting vistas of a cerulean ocean. Its name derived from generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch; it is comprised of 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. The resort also includes a Romantic Pool Residence which can only be reached by boat.


The Tavaru restaurant at Velaa Private Island. PHOTO/ VELAA
At Velaa Private Island, all details have been considered: each villa comes with a personal butler, all services offered can be tailored to personal specifications. Attention to detail everywhere is also impeccable: stone pavements from the desert in Jordan, Indonesian flowerpots, luxury wood panelling from Borneo, and glimmering Italian marble.

Named one of the world’s Top Five Best Hotels and more recently the ‘Best Wedding Hotel in the Maldives’, Velaa Private Island offers endless exclusive opportunities. These unique offerings include the Maldives’ first and only snow room, the largest and most extensive wine collection in the region, one of the few Maldivian resorts with a private submarine, an extraordinary kids’ club conceptualised as the world’s ideal kids’ club by the owner’s seven-year-old daughter, and the only resort in Asia with a My Blend by Clarins spa.

Personalising and tailoring the entirety of the island depending on specific requirements, there is no limit to ensure the ultimate experience. Guests can sit back in the knowledge that the island’s highly trained and dedicated butlers will cater to each and every whim. Whether it is watching a spectacular fireworks display within the Maldivian night sky, dancing into the early hours with an Al fresco live music event, stepping aboard the island’s private yacht for a glamorous sunset cruise or enjoying a private, open air cinema night, anything is possible. Other interactive activities perfect for private groups include gourmet cooking classes with one of the resort’s chefs or wine tasting within the Maldives’ largest wine cellar.

For those looking to get involved in some Indian Ocean adventure, Velaa’s new high-tech water toys including the hover board, jetpack and fly board serve as the definitive adrenaline rush. While discovering the wonders beneath the island’s welcoming waters, guests can learn to dive or simply snorkel the coral rainbow.

The Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge has established itself as the premier culinary event in the Maldives, attracting chefs from local and international resorts whose work and creativity are evaluated by experts, including celebrated chefs from the world over.

This year’s edition saw the participation of 630 chefs in 20 categories. Their dishes were judged by world-renowned chefs from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WorldChefs).