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PER AQUUM unveils new brand identity

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PER AQUUMMaldives.net.mv – PER AQUUM has revealed new phase in the brand’s evolution and the most significant development since its launch 10 years ago with a new logo, revamped visual identity and fresh hotel names. A collection of pure originals, the current portfolio reflects the elevated status of the brand featuring PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi and PER AQUUM Niyama in the Maldives, PER AQUUM Desert Palm in Dubai and Essque Zalu Zanzibar, which is being transformed into a PER AQUUM resort.

In 2013, Minor Hotel Group (MHG), the Thailand-based hotel owner, operator and investor, entered into a joint venture strategic partnership with Universal Enterprises, PER AQUUM’s founding company based in the Maldives. As part of this strategic venture MHG and Universal are developing the brand to encompass at least five additional properties within the next five years.  The new brand identity, which is designed to lay the foundation for the expansion of the brand, was developed by MHG’s in-house team led by industry veteran and luxury hotelier, Nick Downing, VP of PER AQUUM, and Eight, the Hong Kong-based brand strategy and communications firm. In line with the rebranding and reflecting the literal translation of PER AQUUM ‘through water’, MHG and Eight created a new logo and identity inspired by the element of water, inspiration for many of the brand’s innovative concepts from the world’s first underwater spa to the world’s first underwater lounge.

‘The fact that this is the first major change to PER AQUUM’s visual identity since our launch 10 years ago is testament to the strength and longevity of the brand’s original DNA as well as the foresight of the founding company, Universal Enterprises,’ said Nick Downing, VP of PER AQUUM. ‘As we usher in this new era, we are determined to remain at the cutting edge of luxury and to continue to break the mould and challenge convention – we have a proven track record to uphold so we’re not looking for cookie cutter hotels or every day experiences. The most significant changes include the new tagline ‘Daring to be different’, a brand new logo with the monogram representing the ripples and immersive effect of a stay at a PER AQUUM hotel or resort and the renaming of the hotels under the PER AQUUM umbrella.’

Huvafen FushiDetermined to maintain PER AQUUM’s pole position at the forefront of naturally modern design, Nick recently announced the opening of Play, the second island at PER AQUUM Niyama. With 48 new villas, Play offers fresh, groundbreaking concepts including Nest, the treetop dining experience and BLU, the laid-back beachfront restaurant where Miami meets the Mediterranean, plus new facilities for every generation including the most exciting children’s club in the Maldives. MHG also announced last December that Essque Zalu Zanzibar would be transformed into the newest member of PER AQUUM’s portfolio following the completion of the first phase of the upgrade programme targeting accommodation and selected public areas. PER AQUUM will manage the resort’s operations with signature passion and imagination during the transition period whilst simultaneously driving its evolution into a PER AQUUM-branded property to be relaunched in late 2015.

In parallel with the launch of new itineraries and new experiences for guests as well as a new set of service standards, PER AQUUM’s iconic Dream Calendar is also evolving.  Surging with originality under its new identity, Pulse is PER AQUUM’s exclusive stream of avant-garde experiences from A-list affairs to intimate celebrations. Guests can immerse themselves in one-of-a-kind happenings inspired by PER AQUUM.

Eight was selected by MHG following a competitive pitch due to its strategic approach based on business intelligence and insight, its groundbreaking design concepts and its 20 year track record working with leading global brands from Apple to Montblanc to Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic.  Eight has received widespread industry recognition from Cannes Lions nominations to multiple wins as Brand Consultancy of the Year.

‘‘PER AQUUM is a hospitality brand that isn’t afraid to push the envelope and the strategy encapsulated by “Daring to be Different” is a simple, emphatic expression of the company credo,’ says Bjorn Fjelddahl, Partner at Eight.  ‘We chose electric colours to mirror the hues of aquatic life and the vibrancy of the lush, green polo estate and natural environment in the UAE.  We created a signature ‘liquid’ pattern to echo the brand’s fluid personality and mystique,’ says Fjelddahl. ‘Much like the actual hotel experience, our identity hints at something sumptuously and discreetly luxurious, a hidden, ethereal world waiting to be discovered.’

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Grand Park Kodhipparu unveils ‘Kodhipparu Escapes’ promotion

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As global travellers seek reassurance and simplicity in their holiday planning, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, an award-winning boutique island resort in North Malé Atoll, has announced its limited-time Spring Savings: Kodhipparu Escapes. This compelling “book now, travel later” offer combines exceptional value with seamless travel access to the Maldives.

Available for bookings from 4–12 April 2026, the offer includes 30% savings on all villas and 15% savings on dining experiences, valid for stays through 31 October 2026.

With ongoing uncertainty in parts of the world, travellers are prioritising destinations that offer ease of access, minimal transit complexity, and dependable connectivity.

The Maldives remains one of the most accessible luxury island destinations, with direct international flights from major hubs across Europe and Asia, enabling smooth and reliable travel planning.

Upon arrival, guests at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives benefit from a 20-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, avoiding additional domestic flights or seaplane transfers—making it one of the most convenient resort arrivals in the Maldives.

This simplicity, combined with consistently strong guest feedback, contributes to the resort’s 9/10 guest satisfaction rating, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and reliable choice for travellers to the Maldives.

The Spring Savings offer allows holidaymakers to secure their escape now while planning for a series of standout experiences across the coming months:

May: Moon-Inspired Island Experiences

A curated programme of lunar rituals, sunset-to-moonlight cruises, and beachside dining invites guests to experience the Maldives through the rhythm of the moon—designed to enhance wellbeing, connection, and stillness .

June: 9th Anniversary Celebrations

Marking nine years of hospitality, the resort will host a series of celebratory dining moments and curated experiences reflecting its ethos of connection and togetherness.

July to September: Summer Lagoon Living

An increasingly popular travel window, offering:

  • Encounters with sharks, turtles, and sting rays on the house reef
  • Uncrowded travel conditions compared to peak summer destinations
  • Calm lagoons ideal for snorkelling and watersports
  • A private island setting designed for space, privacy, and relaxation

At the core of the experience is the resort’s Connected Island Luxury concept—where travel is designed around meaningful moments:

  • Connection to self through wellness and slow living∞ Connection to others through shared experiences
  • Connection to nature through the lagoon, reef, and ocean

Guests can enhance their stay with curated “Connect Experiences”, combining spa, dining, and ocean activities into seamless, purpose-led journeys.

Designed for forward planning, Spring Savings provides both immediate value and future flexibility, allowing travellers to secure preferred dates and experiences well in advance.

For bookings, please visit the resort’s website

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Beneath and beyond the reef, Machchafushi Island tells a story of nature

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Hidden within the South Ari Atoll lies a remarkable ecosystem where life moves in quiet harmony. At Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa by the Centara Collection, the island is more than a destination, it is a living universe shaped by ocean currents, coral gardens, tropical birds, and the rhythms of the reef. From the vibrant world beneath the lagoon to the gentle rustle of palms overhead, every corner of the island supports a delicate network of life. Together, these elements form the Machchafushi Universe, a place where nature thrives, evolves, and invites discovery. Guests become observers of a living story, written in coral formations, passing reef fish, turtles gliding gracefully through the water, nesting seabirds, and the ever-changing colours of the Indian Ocean.

Just steps from the shoreline lies a thriving underwater world. The award-winning house reef surrounding Machchafushi Island shelters a diverse community of marine life, from delicate coral formations to schools of reef fish moving like living currents through the lagoon. Hard and soft corals form intricate underwater gardens, creating habitats for countless species. Among them, Blue-tip Acropora with its cream, brown or greenish branches tipped in blue or purple and Maze Coral with its meandering valleys and thick ridges form the foundation of the reef. Sea fans sway gently in the currents, offering shelter to small fish, crustaceans and seahorses. Parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, reef sharks, stingrays, manta rays, whale sharks and turtles glide through this kaleidoscopic marine tapestry.

The house reef is also home to the Kudhi Maa Shipwreck, a sunken Japanese cargo ship now alive with lionfish, batfish, glassfish and groupers, creating a spectacular underwater theatre for snorkellers and divers alike. Each dive or snorkelling experience reveals another chapter of this underwater universe, defined by colour, movement and remarkable biodiversity.

At the heart of the Machchafushi Universe are the corals themselves, living architects that build the foundation of the reef. Branching corals form underwater forests while massive boulders rise slowly over decades, sheltering fish, protecting the shoreline and sustaining the delicate balance of ocean life. Through reef awareness initiatives and careful stewardship, the resort actively supports the preservation of these vital ecosystems.

Above the shoreline, another world unfolds. Towering coconut palms, tropical shrubs, and coastal vegetation create a lush canopy that shelters a variety of birdlife. Early mornings often begin with the song of birds moving through the trees, while gentle sea breezes carry the rhythm of island life through the foliage. Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa by the Centara Collection is home to a fascinating array of feathered visitors. Grey Herons (Maakana) stand patiently along the water’s edge, hunting fish or crabs, while White-breasted Waterhens (Kanbili) move energetically through bushes and shallow waters. Asian Koels (Koholu) call from the treetops, and graceful Black-naped Terns (Dhivehi Raajeh) and Roseate Terns (Raajeh Dhivehi) glide elegantly over the lagoon. Colourful parrots, including Blue-and-Gold Macaws (Ossie) and Ringneck Parrots (Sunday), bring energy and charm to the island’s surroundings, adding vibrancy and life to the immersive experience of the Machchafushi Universe.

The Banyan Tree, or Ummeedhu Tree meaning Wish Fulfillment in Dhivehi, holds a sacred place at Machchafushi Island. Over two centuries old, its roots reach deep into the earth while its branches stretch skyward, embodying strength, resilience and enduring spirit. Guests may participate in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, tying golden leaves to the tree to set intentions, a quiet moment to reflect, reconnect with nature and leave a piece of their story within the island’s living legend.

Every experience at Machchafushi Island is crafted to awaken the senses. Guests can swim alongside gentle whale sharks, explore the house reef just steps from their villas, glide over coral gardens, or dive into the waters of the Kudhi Maa Wreck. Kayaking and paddleboarding offer a closer connection to the lagoon, while night snorkelling reveals glowing plankton and the secret world of nocturnal marine life.

“At Machchafushi Island, every ripple of the lagoon, every whisper of palms and every vibrant flicker of coral tells a story waiting to be discovered,” says Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. “The Machchafushi Universe is more than an island, it is a living tapestry of nature, culture and wonder. From swimming alongside gentle whale sharks and gliding past kaleidoscopic coral gardens to pausing beneath the ancient Banyan Tree and listening to the island’s songbirds at dawn, each moment is crafted to spark connection. Here, we are redefining the Maldivian experience, offering guests not just a stay, but a journey into a universe where nature leads, and every encounter becomes a memory etched in the heart of Machchafushi Island.”

Every coral colony, reef fish, turtle and seabird forms part of the intricate web that makes Machchafushi Island so special. Through responsible marine practices, reef awareness programmes and conservation initiatives, the resort remains committed to protecting this living environment for generations to come. The Machchafushi Universe is not only something to admire, it is something to understand, respect and preserve, a living paradise where every moment tells a story, and every visit becomes part of its enduring legacy.

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Milaidhoo Maldives welcomes visiting Thai healer for spa residency

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Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome visiting Thai wellness practitioner Naphat Theechanthuek for a special residency at the island’s serene spa from 11th to 30th April 2026.

With more than two decades of experience in luxury wellness and holistic healing, Naphat brings a deeply intuitive approach to her practice. Her treatments blend time-honoured Thai bodywork with energy-based therapies, creating experiences that nurture balance, release tension and restore harmony between body, mind and spirit.

During her residency, guests will be invited to discover a thoughtfully curated collection of therapies inspired by ancient Thai healing wisdom. These signature rituals combine traditional Thai massage with Himalayan crystal salt stone therapy, herbal compress treatments, Tok-Sen rhythmic tapping therapy, reflexology and the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls.

Every experience begins with a personal consultation, allowing Naphat to tailor each treatment to the guest’s individual needs, whether seeking deep muscular release, energetic alignment, deep relaxation or a moment of mindful reconnection.

Among the highlights of the residency is the Thai Energy Balancing Ritual, an immersive therapy that weaves together Thai massage, Tok-Sen tapping, Himalayan salt stones and the resonant vibrations of crystal bowls to help restore the body’s natural energy flow.

Guests may also experience Crystal Resonance Sound Healing, a deeply meditative session designed to calm the nervous system and invite a profound sense of stillness through harmonic sound vibrations.

Set within the peaceful natural beauty of Milaidhoo Maldives, this visiting practitioner residency offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic Thai healing traditions in one of the world’s most tranquil island settings.

Naphat’s residency will run from 11th to 30th April 2026 and advance reservations are recommended.

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