Featured
Niyama Maldives hosts Chinese medicine practitioner Dr Rui
Niyama Private Islands Maldives is hosting Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist Dr Rui Pedro Loureiro for exclusive consultations and treatments.
Dr Rui is based at Drift by Niyama spa from October 1-29, where offers a complimentary consultation to see which therapies will work best for individual guests.
Dr Rui is a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and licensed acupuncturist based at Lisbon’s St. Louis Hospital, where he heads the Chinese medicine department. He also serves as director at the Clinica Cura Pura in Aveiro.
With over 16 years of research and practice in his field, Dr Rui holds a bachelor’s degree from Chengdu’s University of Chinese Medicine, and a postgraduate diploma in Cosmetic Acupuncture from CMIR/ACUMEDIC – London and Beijing’s University of Chinese Medicine.
Harness the power of acupuncture to treat a host of ailments, from joint pain, backache and arthritis to chronic headaches and migraines. Based on a holistic medical history and detailed consultation, Dr. Rui uses his needles to unblock your body’s qi, leading to long-term relief and overall wellbeing.
Facial acupuncture is a well-known cosmetic procedure favoured by Hollywood royalty such as Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow. Termed the “natural facelift”, 24-carat gold needles are inserted over the face and body, increasing blood flow which transports oxygen and nutrients, and boosting collagen and elastin production. Another beauty treatment, anti-cellulite acupuncture, targets localised fat deposits and dimpled skin, resulting in enhanced metabolism, improved circulation and lymphatic flow, and eliminated toxins.
Tried to quit smoking countless times but failed? Dr Rui uses auricular therapy – a needle-less form of acupuncture practised on the outer ear – with an 85 percent success rate and counting. Mild electrical stimulation banishes cravings and anxiety, rendering the overall process gentler on body and mind.
Combine the benefits of acupuncture with the magic of modern science. Undergo an epigenetics test of a strand of hair, which provides insight in to how our genes are affected by our environment. Bio-resonance analysis looks specifically at nutritional deficiencies and food intolerances. From this, Dr Rui draws up diet and lifestyle recommendations to help you feel and look better from the inside out.
Niyama, a popular A-list hideaway nestled in the Dhaalu atoll, offers guests exclusive access to its twin islands – Chill and Play – conveniently connected via a picturesque bridge.
The family-friendly retreat, surrounded by picturesque shorelines and lush vegetation, has nine deluxe room categories ranging from spacious beachfront studios and one-bedroom water pavilions to three-bedroom family beach pavilions with two private pools, jacuzzi and a personal spa treatment room. With state-of-the-art amenities, in-room fridges filled with gourmet treats, a private butler plus the magic of the Maldivian island, this is the ultimate antidote to city life.
The jewel in the resort’s crown is the magnificent Crescent, a playground of five ultra-chic villas, all with private pools, for up to 14 adults and eight children. Boasting a private chef, two butlers, a housekeeper and a host of complimentary activities including a sunset dhoni cruise and movie under the stars, this over water sanctuary is the perfect paradise treat for extended families, honeymooners and discerning travellers.
With nine dining destinations, including tree house restaurant Nest and the world’s first underwater playground Subsix, guests can enhance their stay at Niyama with surreal gastronomic experiences.
Young VIPs will adore the Explorers Kids Club with its range of activities including nature expeditions around the tropical isles to MasterChef classes, while adventure-seeking teens and adults will be inspired by the resort’s excellent water sports offerings such as surfing, scuba diving and jet-skiing. Wellness devotees looking to indulge in a spot of indulgent pampering can retreat to the tranquil Drift by Niyama spa while enjoying the crystal-clear turquoise sea views from the six overwater treatment rooms.
Featured
Reethi Faru Resort reveals festive line-up of dining, entertainment and island experiences
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
Awards
Condé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts
.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in the Maldives, has been named the No. 6 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
The annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines and other travel experiences based on votes submitted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
The recognition places .Here Baa Atoll among the highest-ranked resorts in the Indian Ocean and comes during a milestone year for the property.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences spread across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere.
Somewhere features seven three- and four-bedroom residences extending from the beach towards the lagoon and designed for families and groups travelling together. Each residence offers indoor and outdoor living spaces, multiple pools, private dining and personalised Roohu service. Guests are transferred directly to their residence by private speedboat, avoiding a conventional lobby and check-in process.
Condé Nast Traveler has previously highlighted the resort for its emphasis on privacy, its beach-to-lagoon residences and its discreet approach to luxury.
The resort experience also includes Nowhere Private Island, which is reserved exclusively for a single group at a time. The island features a five-bedroom Presidential Residence and a three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, providing eight bedrooms and 3,329 square metres of private living space, supported by dedicated service and individually curated experiences.
The Readers’ Choice Award follows several other recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll during 2026. The resort was included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2026, with the publication highlighting its residences and design. It has also received international recognition for its architecture and design, alongside creative collaborators Kulör Group, Muza Lab and Topo Design Studio.
Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll, said: “To be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler so early in our journey is incredibly meaningful. .Here was created around a simple idea: to give guests extraordinary space, genuine privacy and the freedom to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms. This recognition belongs equally to our team, whose care and dedication bring that vision to life every day. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
The latest recognition adds to .Here Baa Atoll’s growing international profile within the luxury travel sector, with the resort positioning privacy, spacious accommodation, design and personalised service at the centre of its guest experience.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
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