Featured
Araamu Spa at Royal Island secures double win at Haute Grandeur Awards
Araamu Spa at Royal Island Resort and Spa has won two recognitions at the 2017 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel and Spa Awards.
At the gala ceremony held at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel on October 27, the Araamu Spa at Royal Island was awarded a continental title for the best Ayurveda Spa in Indian Ocean. A country award was also given to the spa facility in the best Health and Wellness Spa category.
Set in the secluded island of Horubadhoo in UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll, Royal Island features luxury beach villas and suites with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. With two world-class restaurants and three vibrant bars and lounges, coupled with the lavish treatments of Araamu Spa, nothing could beat the romance-thick atmosphere at this island getaway.
Royal Island, owned and managed by leading local resort operator Villa Hotels and Resorts, offers the utmost in romance whether it is a honeymoon, wedding anniversary, getaway with your soulmate or your dream wedding. Royal Weddings offer the perfect romantic package from preparations, rituals to photography. Making new vows, commitments and memories may not commemorate the years of togetherness, but can be a very romantic way to celebrate and re-kindle the love, respect and devotion for one another.

Surrounded by tropical foliage and natural water features and ponds, the Araamu Spa facility at Royal Island is a holistic retreat, offering a delectable menu of treatments to calm the senses, relax the body and invigorate the spirit. Four outdoor wooden pavilions and two deluxe pavilions with sunken jacuzzi and steam bath ensure the ultimate in privacy and solitude. There are five indoor treatment rooms specially designed for Indian Ayurvedic treatments, with steam, sauna and whirlpool.
The 2017 gala ceremony held in Thai capital Bangkok commended exceptional hospitality establishments across seven continents and 172 countries, including the Maldives. Awards were given in 94 categories.
Recognised as the highest accolade a hotel or spa can receive, a Haute Grandeur Award is a guaranteed golden stamp of excellence. Award winners and participating establishments are perceived as exceptional and distinguished by association.
The Haute Grandeur Awards system is unlike any other. Unbiased results are guaranteed through a fair, transparent process that recognises brilliance by means of quality guest feedback rather than the quantity of votes by a panel of judges or the general public. This unique approach to measuring excellence is why Haute Grandeur is in a class of its own.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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