News
The 3rd Annual Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards Shines Bright
Maldives.net.mv – The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards shined bright at the Trans Resort Bali on September 19th 2015.
The leading Lights of the Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle industry gathered at the beautiful Trans Resort Bali this past week end to attend and collect their awards from the 3rd annual Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality & Lifestyle Awards.
Guests were treated to a spectacular evening which kicked off in style with a saxophone backed cocktail reception accompanied by a selection of mouth-watering canapes.
Guests were then ushered to the grand ballroom to begin the celebrations.
Numerous winners from all over the world, such as Katara Hospitality, Al Marjan Island, Emirates Palace, HRH Group of Hotels, Spirit Hotel, Melia Zanzibar, Hanging Gardens of Bali, Villa Padierna Hotels & Resorts and many more attended the star studded ceremony.
The Trans Resort Bali provided for culinary delights with a 5 course meal for all attendees while they enjoyed the entertainment and award presentations.
Luxury panel Members in attendance included HSH Prince Massimiliano della Torre e Tasso, Frank M Pfaller, Khalil El-Mouelhy, Nicola El-Mouelhy, Karine Lackner, Mohammed Riyaz, Marina Noble, Dr Andreas Lindner, Thanos Liontos and the beautiful Ms Ece Vahapoglu who is also the official presenter of the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards.
Mr Frank M Pfaller, Honorary Chairman of the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality & Lifestyle Awards, President of the Hoteliers Guild greeted the attendees and officially launched the world’s first International Hospitality Hall of Fame to a roaring applause.
In Addition, the Torch was passed to the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel in Marbella Spain to host the 2016 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards.
These awards included the “Outstanding furniture Design for Luxury Hospitality”, which was collected by Serkan Yildirim of DSIGN Furniture, The Award for “Remarkable and Exceptional achievements in Luxury Hospitality” which was presented to Katara Hospitality, The Seven Stars Travel Technology Award which was collected by Illusions Online, the Award for “the preservation and promotion of Heritage and Heritage Hospitality”, which was presented to HRH Hotel Group and the Seven Star Development Award which was presented to Al Marjan Island.
Poshberry also received the special award for Seven Star Luxury Flight booking service by providing customers with exceptional rates of first and Business class travel.
Maharajas Express, Bali Food Safari and Ayung Resort Ubud collected the award for Seven Star Experience presented by Luxury Panel Member Karine Lackner.
Two resorts from Maldives, JA Manafaru and Ayada Maldives were awarded Signum Virtutis, the Seal of Excellence.
Fashion Designer Paul Ropp provided for excitement with his first fashion show since 2012 and a prize for 2 lucky winners.
The event concluded with a group picture on the Stage and an after party at the trendy 18th, the Trans Resort Bali’s very own open air roof top bar.
News
Amilla Maldives unveils first dedicated pottery and ceramics studio on the island
Amilla Maldives has announced a groundbreaking partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives, introducing the island’s very first dedicated pottery and ceramic production space. This innovative studio will invite guests to embark on a grounding, tactile journey, deeply rooted in local artistry and mindfulness.
Set to provide an unhurried sensory experience, the upcoming studio aligns seamlessly with Amilla’s signature gentle rhythms and commitment to holistic well-being. Designed as a meditative retreat, this space will encourage guests to slow down, connect with the earth, and tap into the creative flow of working with clay.

Through this collaboration, the resort will further enrich its vibrant tapestry of cultural and artistic programming. The studio will offer a welcoming haven for all generations, featuring thoughtfully crafted workshops in wheel throwing, hand building, and pottery painting. Guided by skilled artisans, adults, couples, and inquisitive young minds from the Sultan’s Village kids club will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the quiet satisfaction of creation.
Each session will empower guests to transform raw clay into personal narratives, crafting authentic, locally fired keepsakes. These unique creations will serve as meaningful mementos of their time on the island, tangible souvenirs that are truly “Made in Maldives.”
This partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives beautifully reflects our commitment to celebrating local creativity. By bringing this contemporary ceramic tradition to our shores, we look forward to honoring homegrown talent and offering our guests an intimate, immersive way to engage with Maldivian creative culture.
The forthcoming clay studio will add a tactile dimension to Amilla’s carefully curated blend of wellness, nature-led experiences, and the serene ease of island life.
For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.
News
InterContinental Maldives invites guests to reconnect through yoga and mindfulness
With International Yoga Day fast approaching, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to reconnect the mind, body and spirit through a curated programme of new wellness focused experiences at its award-winning AVI Spa. Celebrating the global day of mindfulness and movement, the resort will introduce a series of restorative spa activities designed to inspire balance and relaxation, and allowing guests to find their inner calm amidst the serenity of the Indian Ocean.
Guests can begin their days with Aqua Yoga at The Retreat, available from 6am–11am. This gentle, water-based yoga practice combines mindful movement with the soothing support of water, helping to improve flexibility and enhance balance. Guests are encouraged to welcome deep relaxation in the tranquil overwater setting. As evening falls, the 60-minute Floating Sound Therapy session begins at AVI Spa, running from 6pm–8pm. Floating effortlessly on water, participants are immersed in a deeply calming sensory journey as the soothing vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls and delicate chimes create a calming atmosphere of relaxation and renewal.

Wellness and mindfulness are at the heart of the InterContinental Maldives experience. Inspired by the turquoise waters that surround the island, the overwater AVI Spa serves as a sanctuary for restoration and rejuvenation. The award-winning spa features six tranquil overwater treatment villas, each designed to harness natural light, ocean sounds and the calming rhythm of the sea. From holistic therapies to immersive wellness rituals, expert therapists guide guests through transformative experiences that nurture both physical wellbeing and emotional balance, making InterContinental Maldives an idyllic destination for wellness-focused escapes.
AVI Spa is hosting a full-day wellness experience dedicated to mindful movement and wellness. The day will begin at sunrise with an energising yoga session designed to awaken the body and mind. Guests will then enjoy a nourishing breakfast to support their wellness journey. Throughout the day, guests can firstly immerse themselves in Floating Yoga, balancing across calm waters. Guests will have the opportunity to explore their strength, balance, and flexibility through Aerial Yoga, using suspension techniques to deepen movement and core engagement. As the day unfolds, guests will reconnect through guided breathwork, and meditation practices focused on clarity and mindfulness. The day will conclude with a restorative Yoga Flow and Sound Healing session, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind and end the day in a state of balance and renewal.

Aqua Yoga (45 minutes) from $85++ per person, Floating Yoga (45 minutes) from $85++ per person, Floating Sound Therapy (60 minutes) from $170++ per person and Aerial Yoga (60 minutes) from $50 ++ per person. Breathwork & Meditation (60 minutes) from $45++ per person.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives unveils exclusive dining collaboration with Chef Benjamin Peifer
This December, Kandolhu Maldives is set to host an extraordinary gastronomic event in collaboration with celebrated German Chef Benjamin Peifer. Recently named Chef of the Year 2025 by Gault & Millau, Peifer brings his highly distinctive culinary vision to the Maldives. His signature approach masterfully blends traditional Japanese techniques with carefully selected regional ingredients, with all dishes prepared over an open fire to create intense aromas and complex flavour profiles.
Benjamin Peifer’s journey from a baker’s apprentice to a two-star Michelin chef has forged a unique path in the world of high-end gastronomy. At his restaurant, Intense in Wachenheim, he creates an original fusion where traditional Palatinate pub fare meets Japanese haute cuisine. His goal is to deconstruct regional tastes into their core components and reimagine them, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and excitingly new.

Peifer’s culinary style is deeply connected to his personal history. After an unfulfilling start as a baker, he found his calling in the restaurant industry, drawn to its creativity and immediate feedback. He honed his skills at establishments like Zum Schwanen and Ketschauer Hof before opening Intense in 2017 with his wife, Bettina, who serves as the restaurant’s maître d’ and sommelier. He is known for reinterpreting everyday ingredients with exceptional technique and imagination, aiming to showcase the potential of what is readily available.

The collaboration features two distinct evenings of epicurean excellence, both beginning with a personal Meet & Greet. The first event on Saturday, 26 December, presents a bespoke four-course dinner, while the second evening on Tuesday, 29 December, offers an elevated five-course Wine & Dine experience. In keeping with Chef Peifer’s “no menu, trust the chef” philosophy, guests are invited to embrace a spontaneous and immersive culinary journey.

Discerning travellers and epicureans are encouraged to secure their reservations early to partake in this perfect blend of Maldives luxury and Michelin-starred artistry.
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