News
The Seven Star Global Luxury Awards returns for 2014
Maldives.net.mv – After the great success of the inaugural event in 2013, Seven Star Global Luxury Award, the highest most exclusive award for the pinnacle in hospitality and lifestyle, has, again, opened its doors for Voting in order to identify and separate the exceptional from the very best.
The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort in Malaysia will play host to the most luxurious and exclusive event in the hospitality and lifestyle industry on June 14th 2014.
Last year’s attendees included worldwide brands such as Kempinski , St Regis, Great Hotels of the World, SIXT, Conrad, Starwood, Waldorf Astoria as well as some of the world’s most exclusive privately owned properties and Spa’s like the Regency Kuwait, Maradiva, Vila Joya and the Vidago Palace.
HE Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor, Minister of Tourism of Maldives, Mrs Ijlal kastal Erdogan, Director of Turkish Tourism Office Spain, and Mag. Michael Spalek (Austria’s Authority of the Ministry of Economy & Tourism) also attended this extremely exclusive event in order to receive the award for “Seven Star destination”
Luxury Watch brand Antoine Martin also attended the event in order to collect the Seven Star Abbas Behbehani Award.
Luxury Panel Member and Honorary Ambassador Prince Max della Torre e Tasso, Prince Dimitri della Torre e Tasso and Princess Costanza della Torre e Tasso also attended the event and presented the winners with the Signum Virtutis, the seal of excellence, along with other notable Luxury Panel Members.
The night also played host to various VIP’s like the always beautiful Lamia Khashoggi, Princess Beatrice d’Orleans, and Dona Alicia de Villapadierna.
“The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort is the perfect choice and location for the 2014 Seven Star Global Luxury Award Gala ceremony. This impeccable property offers luxury, privacy, attention to detail, incredibly friendly and well trained staff along with world class facilities for events and functions. We are delighted that our 2014 event will take place at such an awe inspiring Resort”
Khalil El-Mouelhy-President/Founder Seven Star Global Luxury Award 2014 also brings numerous high profile additions to the Luxury panel of the Seven Star Global Luxury Award.
Industry experts such as, Miss Ece Vahapoglu, Eleonora Meleti, Marina Noble, Dr Yoannis Karlaouzos, Dr. Maria Leventi, Thanos Liontos, Doron Levy, Rohit Hangal and Utkarsh Faujdar, all of whom represent highly valued additions to the Seven Star Global Luxury Award.
Voting for the Seven Star Global Luxury Award takes place online at www.sevenstaraward.com and is now open.
Action
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef introduces guest-led coral restoration initiative
Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, is inviting guests to leave behind more than memories. This World Nature Conservation Day (28th July 2026), the boutique island retreat officially launched its signature ‘Adopt-a-Coral’ initiative, giving travellers the opportunity to play an active role in restoring one of nature’s most precious underwater sanctuaries.

Driven by Sun Siyam Resorts’ overarching sustainability program, Sun Siyam Cares, this initiative provides a hands-on opportunity to safeguard the fragile aquatic landscapes of the South Nilandhe Atoll. Guests become active participants in the restoration process, carefully attaching live coral fragments onto specially designed nursery frames under the guidance of the resort’s marine experts. These structures are then carefully placed in nursery zones across the lagoon to flourish and rebuild vital habitats.

To commemorate the launch, guests enjoyed an interactive morning event featuring bespoke refreshments and a symbolic frame planting ceremony. Long after returning home, guests continue receiving personalised updates, allowing them to witness the growth of the very coral they helped restore, creating a lasting connection with the island and its surrounding waters.

“Our reef is the heart of our island, and protecting it is a responsibility we proudly share with every guest who visits us,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager. “By giving our guests the opportunity to plant coral, we offer them a meaningful way to leave our sanctuary even better than when they arrived. It is a genuine privilege to empower our visitors to play a direct role in building a more resilient ecosystem while forging a lifelong bond with the Maldives.”
The Adopt-a-Coral initiative forms a key part of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s long-term sustainability vision, seamlessly combining luxury island hospitality with meaningful conservation efforts, guest participation, and community engagement. The resort’s spectacular house reef is home to an extraordinary diversity of coral formations, tropical fish, turtles, and countless other species, making its protection essential for future generations.
Action
Fushifaru Maldives offers access to Lhaviyani’s manta ray hotspot
One of the Maldives’ most anticipated marine spectacles has arrived – manta ray season is returning to Lhaviyani Atoll. As plankton-rich waters attract these gentle giants, the atoll transforms into a haven for unforgettable underwater encounters. Graceful, curious and inspiring, manta rays can often be spotted gliding effortlessly through the turquoise waters, creating magical moments for both snorkelers and divers.
Whether you’re taking your first plunge beneath the surface or you’re a seasoned ocean explorer, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of swimming alongside these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Think vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life and crystal-clear lagoons. Manta ray season offers an unforgettable experience that captures the true wonder of the Maldives.
One of Lhaviyani Atoll’s most renowned manta ray sites is Fushifaru Thila, located just three minutes by boat from Fushifaru Maldives. This protected dive site is home to a natural manta cleaning station, where cleaner wrasse and other small reef fish remove parasites and dead skin from the mantas. Watching these gentle giants gracefully circle the cleaning station as they pause for their underwater “spa treatment” is a truly remarkable sight and one of the highlights of diving in the Maldives.
News
Baros Maldives invites guests to slow down with ‘Baros Pause’ weekly wellness programme
Known for its intimate island setting, timeless Maldivian charm and experiences that encourage guests to reconnect, Baros Maldives has introduced Baros Pause, a complimentary weekly wellness programme designed to help guests step away from the pace of everyday life and embrace moments of stillness, movement and meaningful connection.
Launching on 20 August, Baros Pause will take place every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Serenity Spa, with sessions hosted on the tranquil Overwater Villa Deck or at the Indoor Pavilion should the weather require an alternative setting.
Designed around the natural rhythm of island life, Baros Pause invites guests to put aside digital distractions and reconnect with what truly matters — themselves, the surrounding nature and the people they share their journey with. Each 60-minute session combines mindful practices such as meditation, breathwork, yoga and island-inspired rituals, offering guests a simple yet meaningful way to enhance their stay at Baros.
The programme follows a four-week cycle, with each week offering a different approach to wellbeing:
Week 1: Reconnect with Self
Mind • Breath • Stillness
A calming journey inward, this session focuses on restoring balance and creating a sense of inner calm through guided meditation, breathwork, gentle yoga and mindfulness practices. Ideal for guests looking to reset and enjoy a moment of personal reflection.
Week 2: Reconnect with Nature
Earth • Water • Island Energy
Inspired by the beauty and tranquillity of Baros’ natural surroundings, this experience encourages guests to connect with the island through outdoor yoga, mindful beach walks, ocean-inspired breathing exercises and sunset or moon rituals. A celebration of the healing energy found in nature.
Week 3: Connect with Each Other
Couples • Presence • Shared Moments
Created with Baros’ romantic island setting in mind, this session offers couples an opportunity to reconnect through shared experiences including partner yoga, breathwork, connection meditation and mindful rituals. A meaningful addition for honeymooners, anniversaries or simply those wishing to spend quality time together.
Week 4: Connect with Energy and Flow
Movement • Vitality • Balance
A gentle and uplifting session designed to awaken the body and restore energy. Combining flow yoga, mobility stretches, chakra balancing and mindful movement, this practice supports relaxation, circulation and a renewed sense of wellbeing.
At Baros Maldives, wellbeing is found not only within Serenity Spa, but throughout the island itself — from quiet moments on the Piano Deck to barefoot walks along the beach and time spent surrounded by the beauty of the Indian Ocean. Baros Pause reflects the resort’s philosophy of creating authentic experiences that allow guests to reconnect and fully immerse themselves in island life.
Baros Pause is complimentary for all resort guests and takes place every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Serenity Spa.
Endless Summer at Baros provides timeless elegance at exceptional value. Guests may enjoy a complimentary upgrade to half board, special rates on speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport and enhanced privileges. Valid for stays between 01 May 2026 to 31 October 2026. For booking enquiries, please contact reservations@baros.com or call +960 664 2672.
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