News
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives opens M-Lounge on the beach
Maldives.net.mv – One of the most luxurious resorts, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives unveils a picture-perfect beach lounge that sophisticates unwinding in style to a new level.
The new lounge, an extension of the resort’s Manzaru Bar and located on the adjoining beach, has recently opened. Decorated in nuances of white and cream, the lounge offers resort guests the ideal venue for daytime refreshments, spectacular sun downers and nightlife underneath the stars.
M-Lounge opens in the morning until late and remains the hottest resort attraction. Throughout the day, guests position themselves on stylish loungers and bean bags, enjoying their favoured tea, coffee or other desire. The soothing sound of waves at their feet and the whispers of palm trees behind them mixes with the lounge music, creating a perfect holiday soundtrack.
The arrival pier and the hotel’s unique luxury sailing yacht Horizon, docked metres away from M-Lounge, provide the backdrop and make the new venue a hub of island activity.
M-Lounge is a meeting point where friendly conversations begin and revolve around the most pleasant moments of resort life.
Once the evening comes and the low Maldivian sky starts changing from a pale lilac to purple through splashes of orange and pink, M-Lounge becomes the front row for sunset-watching romantics. Sipping on a sun downer, while enjoying an exotic-flavoured shisha – sophisticated chilling out has quickly become a habit for Villingili visitors.
Guests feel the ocean breeze on their skin and watch the stars slowly coming out to amaze. One can choose a pre-dinner cocktail or drop by after dinner to see how the mood of M-Lounge has evolved with dozens of soft lights reflecting the magic of the skies. Light snacks created from local ingredients, creative cocktails, some of which in different shades of blue to match the surroundings, and non-alcoholic drinks are available throughout the day with impeccable service and attention to every detail from the professional M-Lounge and Mazaru Bar team.
M-Lounge evolves again into one of the few upscale live DJ spots in the Maldives. Resident DJ Kate spins tunes six nights a week and brings her exquisite musical taste and international DJ experience that have been refined in the trendiest lounges of Singapore and Bali. Her engaging beats and sunny personality have guests dancing nights away on the sand and under the stars. Wednesday at M-Lounge is an island cocktail party where guests are offered drinks and delightful canapés, with compliments, and local Maldivian Bodu Beru dancers bring their drums and perform.
Future entertainment boasts international DJ guests and live VJ performances, as well as creative themed nights with a range of music from different eras accompanied by matching cocktails and décor elements.
M-Lounge’s design is classic, simplistic and contemporary. Shades of white dominate the venue, reflecting the white sandy beaches of Shangri-la’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives. The décor perfectly matches the lush green of the island and the mesmerising turquoise of the lagoon.
Resort General Manager Rene D. Egle is the mastermind behind this new Villingili hotspot. “I wanted to praise local nature and, at the same time, create something very internationally recognised,” Mr Egle said. “The design is inspired by the beauty of the surrounding island and modelled after the latest chill-out lounges in Monaco, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”
M-Lounge is the latest addition to the resort’s fascination restaurant collection comprising three restaurants and two bars catering to all tastes and occasions.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu shine at Seven Star Awards
Coco Collection, a leading Maldivian resort brand, has been honoured at the 2024 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, with both Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu recognised for their excellence in luxury hospitality.
Seven Stars Luxury and Hospitality Awards, celebrated as the premier authority in luxury recognition, serves as a trusted guide for the discerning travellers and lifestyle enthusiasts globally, particularly from India and Middle East.
Coco Bodu Hithi, known for its romantic charm and ambiance, has been named the Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort in the Maldives, highlighting its exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for couples seeking an idyllic escape.
Welcoming high-profile celebrities from India such as Mouni Roy and Surbhi Jyoti highlights the resort’s ability to cater to diverse guest profiles and needs, offering curated experiences that elevate every stay. Some of the most notable experiences include the Sunset Cruise and the intimate Dinner Under the Stars in a private pergola.
In addition, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, known for its environmental values, was honoured as the Best Barefoot Luxury Resort in the Maldives at the Seven Stars Awards. This recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, even 25 years after its inception.
These core island principles, built on ecological measures, have helped the resort achieve multiple accolades at this year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards and be recognised in prominent categories that Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu passionately advocates for.
This winter, embrace the sunshine at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu with the Discover Coco deals offering up to 40% off on spacious and comfortable villas. To reserve, contact reservations@cococollection.com and secure your extraordinary getaway.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
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