News
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru launches new three-bedroom estate
Maldives.net.mv – Located on the southeasterly edge of the island, away from the hub of the Resort, the chic new Three-Bedroom Landaa Estate at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru accommodates families or groups of six adults and up to five children across 2,000 square metres (21,500 square feet) of private quarters and grounds – the biggest and most impressive in the Maldives.
Within the Estate’s traditional coral walls extends a vast beachfront haven with a flowing indoor-outdoor design: unobstructed ocean views combine with a massive sense of space, large sandy frontage, and wall-less living accommodation to bring the outdoors in and fully immerse guests in the absorbing beauty of the surrounding Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
A 25-metre (82 foot) swimming pool lies adjacent to a private 80-metre (260 foot) white sandy beach that gently slopes into the turquoise lagoon. Around the pool, a meandering deck links the living and bedroom accommodations with multiple terraces and outdoor seating, dining and relaxation areas – furnished with sofas and loungers, plus day beds on a “floating” platform. Beyond the deck, just a few steps into the sea, guests find themselves in the vibrant underwater world of the Baa Atoll, declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 2011 on account of the unparalleled richness of its marine life.
Throughout the Estate, traditional Maldivian construction melds with contemporary design and furnishings in light airy interiors. In addition, an abundance of idiosyncratic features wow at every turn: from the second-floor plunge pool that cascades via a dramatic wall of water into the main swimming pool, to the upper Stargazing Loungecomplete with comfy sofas and powerful NexStar telescope with computer-automated technology.
The expansive ground floor accommodation opens via a bright spacious hallway onto an open-plan living and dining room, flanked by a sleek kitchen and adjacent maid’s room. Two ground-floor bedrooms include a stunning master bedroom – complete with lounge and dressing area, plus huge en suite bathroom with sunken marble bath and pretty shower garden – and an en suite twin bedroom with lounge and dressing area, and large en suite with shower garden. The third en-suite bedroom – with double bed and state-of-the-art facilities including Bose surround-sound music system – is located on the second floor. Pastel blue, cream and whitewashed furnishings exude a relaxed yet sophisticated beachfront vibe, while all rooms offer uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling views across the sparkling lagoon.
The second floor of the estate is also home to an upper Stargazing Lounge. Here, a large al fresco lounge area and covered plunge pool, sheltered by the Estate’s rooftops, offer wide-reaching sea views and the perfect location for sunset cocktails or night-time stargazing.
Available round the clock to help epitomize a home-from-home experience, the Estate Manager can help arrange a poolside or beach dinner, schedule the day’s activities, or chauffeur guests around via their own private buggy. A personal chef is available to prepare delicious family breakfasts, while each evening hand-delivered cocktails and canapés provide the perfect accompaniment to sunset. Excellent snorkelling can be found just steps off the private beach (walled for additional privacy), while complimentary bicycles for every guest enable leisurely exploration of the wider island.
Speaking at the launch of the new estate, General Manager and Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin commented, “We wanted the Estate to showcase the ultimate in beachside escapism – an al fresco retreat that would immerse guests in the exceptional beauty of the Baa Atoll. We’re proud to be able to launch such a unique accommodation; the surroundings are nothing short of sublime.”
Awards
Jen Maldives Malé by Shangri-La named ‘Leading Business Hotel – Maldives’ at SATA 2025

Jen Maldives Malé by Shangri-La has been named ‘Leading Business Hotel – Maldives’ at the prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, held this year in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The award recognises outstanding achievements in travel, tourism, and hospitality across South Asia, underscoring the hotel’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional service, modern business facilities, and a seamless experience for both corporate and leisure travellers.
General Manager Juan Carlos Diago expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition from SATA. The award is a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work of our entire team, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services to our guests. We share this achievement with our valued guests and partners who continue to trust and support us.”
Situated in the heart of Malé, the capital of the Maldives, Hotel Jen Malé Maldives by Shangri-La has long been a preferred choice for business travellers seeking convenience, comfort, and efficiency. The property offers state-of-the-art amenities, versatile meeting and event spaces, and a balance of work and leisure. Guests regularly commend the hotel’s professionalism and consistency in delivering high standards, making each stay both productive and memorable. Whether for a short stopover or an extended business visit, Hotel Jen continues to set the benchmark for world-class service in a dynamic urban setting.
Director of Sales Mariyam Shafiyya Steinhilber added, “We are deeply honoured to receive the Best City Hotel Award. Winning this award reflects the passion and dedication of our entire team, from our front-line staff to our management. Every department has played a vital role in creating the outstanding guest experiences that make our hotel a leader in the city’s hospitality landscape.”
The South Asian Travel Awards brings together leading industry figures from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, and has become one of the region’s most respected platforms for recognising excellence and innovation in tourism and hospitality.
As Jen Maldives Malé by Shangri-La celebrates this milestone, the team remains dedicated to enhancing service standards and redefining the business travel experience in the Maldives and beyond.
Cooking
Grégory Doyen brings his sweet artistry to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is continuing its acclaimed Tastemaker Series, a curated programme of exceptional collaborations with world-renowned chefs, artists, and creative visionaries, with the arrival of Chef Grégory Doyen, one of the most distinctive talents in contemporary pastry art.
Born in Burgundy, France, into a family of artists, Chef Doyen discovered his passion for pastry during childhood, turning his family kitchen into his first studio. A graduate of the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie, his career spanning two decades has taken him through Michelin-starred kitchens and international stages, earning him recognition as a leading figure in modern patisserie.
Renowned for his sculptural desserts and refined French craftsmanship, Chef Doyen’s creations merge technical precision with emotional expression, transforming pastry into a form of edible art. His innovative approach has led to collaborations with some of the world’s most iconic luxury maisons—including Cartier, Marc Jacobs, La Prairie, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Vacheron Constantin, and Hermès—alongside bespoke commissions for Range Rover and Vogue. Often described as the creator of fashion-desserts, he is celebrated for infusing haute couture sensibility into the timeless artistry of French patisserie.
Guests at The St. Regis Maldives are invited to immerse themselves in Chef Doyen’s world of delicate textures and visual poetry through a special festive programme. On 10 December, he will conduct an intimate pastry masterclass, offering participants rare insight into his creative process and sculptural finesse. That evening—and throughout the festive season—his desserts will take centre stage at ALBA, the resort’s signature dining venue, where a curated dessert collection will be presented daily from 10 December to 7 January, offering a decadent celebration of the holiday season.
The residency’s highlight will unfold on 11 December at Decanter, where Chef Doyen will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef for a six-course, four-hands wine-pairing dinner, showcasing a symphony of refined flavours and masterful artistry.
A testament to The St. Regis legacy of exceptional taste and global collaboration, the Tastemaker Series at The St. Regis Maldives unites leading talents from gastronomy, art, and design in one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship amid the breathtaking surroundings of Vommuli Island. From Michelin-starred chefs to visionary mixologists and artisans, the series continues the St. Regis tradition of curating the extraordinary—where innovation, tradition, and indulgence converge in the most exquisite of island settings.
Entertainment
Swiss cellist JODOKCELLO to perform at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, in collaboration with BRICS Entertainment, has announced the continuation of the global journey of JODOKCELLO — the barefoot cellist from the Swiss Alps whose performances have reached millions worldwide.
Born in the hills of Emmental, Switzerland, Jodok Vuille, known professionally as JODOKCELLO, has transformed the way audiences experience classical music. Having built his own cello and performed barefoot across mountaintops and global stages, his approach to music is rooted in authenticity, presence, and human connection.
With over 15 million followers and collaborations with international brands and artists including Mercedes-Benz, Swatch Group, FC Barcelona, Alan Walker, IL VOLO, and Lindsey Stirling, JODOKCELLO has become one of Switzerland’s leading cultural figures. His work continues to transcend musical boundaries and inspire audiences across generations.
As part of his ongoing three-year global initiative, the Barefoot in the Sand Tour, JODOKCELLO will perform an exclusive set at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives during the resort’s management cocktails on 18 October. The collaboration highlights Alila’s dedication to curating meaningful experiences that celebrate both creativity and nature.
“Music is not just sound. It’s connection. It’s presence. It’s the truth,” said JODOKCELLO.
His barefoot performance, set against the backdrop of the Maldivian horizon, will offer guests a distinctive cultural moment that intertwines artistry, authenticity, and environment.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, said: “Hosting JODOKCELLO at Alila Kothaifaru is an honour. His artistry reflects the same values we uphold — authenticity, connection, and respect for nature. This will be an unforgettable experience for our guests.”
The Barefoot in the Sand Tour marks a new chapter in JODOKCELLO’s artistic journey — one that extends beyond concert halls, bringing his message of presence and unity to audiences around the world.
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