Featured
Jalboot: Making sea travel in Maldives an enjoyable experience

Travelling by sea is a great experience as it is, and the Maldives makes it all the better. You get to enjoy the cool sea breeze and take in the breath-taking scenery of the archipelago; islets filled with lush green vegetation and surrounded by white sandy beach seemingly floating before your eyes!
But this joyful experience can sometimes turn into a daunting ordeal. All of a sudden, you maybe faced with rogue waves, mechanical problems or bad weather, and you will be left with sea sickness and headache amongst other irritating conditions. It could get even worse depending on the vessel you are on.
Jalboot Holdings, which is owned by a single shareholder from the royal family of Abu Dhabi, is trying to change that and ensure that every ride you take through Maldivian waters is as enjoyable as it can possibly be. After setting up shop in the Maldives in 2018, Jalboot has quickly gained a foothold in the local sea transport industry, with its services already used by leading resorts in the Maldives, including Jumeirah Vittaveli and several others in the pipeline.
“There is no reason why travelling by sea cannot be as comfortable as travelling by air. In fact, with no waiting time and less security checks, air-conditioned sea transport can be a much more enjoyable experience if done right,” said Shameem Mohamed Ismail, Senior Operations Manager at Jalboot Maldives.
Mohamed Roestali, CEO of the Jalboot Group, also added: “At Jalboot, we have a track record of providing exceptional services in the marine industry worldwide. We also have a firm platform in the Maldives to support our operation and to expand in this fast growing and exciting market. Our aim is to elevate water transport sector to a whole new level by offering comfortable and safe boat transfers within the Maldives.”
Jalboot’s fleet in the Maldives consists of a new generation of Maldives-centric ferries to be used at Crossroads and other luxury destinations throughout the Maldives. Supported by cutting edge technology and world-class accreditations, these new air-conditioned ferries are especially designed for Maldivian waters, with its hull adapted to reduce sudden jolts and jerks even in choppy waters. The catamaran-style dual hulled, water-jet and diesel engine powered crafts are 17 metres long, with a maximum capacity of 60 passengers and equipped with the latest safety measures, navigation and communication technology. Options for lounge-style VIP rooms also exist with exclusive seating for 20-24 guests.
One of the novel features of the new ferries is their ability to come to a full stop in one and a half boat lengths whilst travelling at full speed. The vessels are International Association of Class Societies (IACS) classified and built in compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards, comprising many standard safety features such as life jackets for every passenger, a dedicated life raft on board and emergency exits. The vessels are also equipped with state-of-the-art fire detectors and mitigation equipment, digital distress signals, emergency DSC transmitters and EPIRB floating emergency beacons.
As a leading integrated provider of vessel design, construction and operation of sightseeing and passenger transfer ferry services based in Abu Dhabi, Jalboot prides itself in providing premium-level customer service in the marine transport service industry, along with industry-leading private and commercial boat charters. Jalboot ensures that all its staff members are qualified to the highest standards. Jalboot maintains HSEQ qualifications and accreditations with regular training and drills in every country the company operates, and the company’s ferry operation teams are trained to respond to all types of emergency situations at sea.
In order to ensure sustainable and environmental-friendly operations, Jalboot complies with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) standards to maintain a zero-waste policy and ensures that waste is kept onboard each vessel until it can be safely disposed. Jalboot also employs the latest, cutting-edge, low emission diesel engine technology. Its ferries are also designed with water jet propulsion instead of conventional propellers to reduce damage to precious marine lives and corals, making them especially suitable for the geography of the Maldives.
With its vast experience in managing the world-renowned Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, Jalboot is also gearing up to manage the first ever international yacht marina in the Maldives. Drawing from its operational excellence in countries such the UAE, China, Germany and Thailand, Jalboot will manage the luxury marina at the Crossroads integrated tourism destination being developed by Thailand’s premier property development company Singha Estate.
Crossroads spans nine islands in the Emboodhoo Lagoon and will have a plethora of dining, retail, entertainment, recreational and leisure-lifestyle offerings, including a 50-berth marina. In addition to SAii Lagoon Maldives, the first Curio Collection by Hilton resort in the Maldives which will be set exclusively on one of the islands within the integrated destination, Crossroads will also be home to Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and Hard Rock Cafe Maldives — the first development in the Maldives by world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand Hard Rock International.
With its close proximity of a 15-minute boat ride from the Maldives main Velana International Airport and capital Male, Crossroads aims to captivate leisure travellers and family markets with a development spanning nine islands, boasting 1,300 rooms and a retail space of over 11,000 square metres.
The project’s leisure and entertainment hub, Marina @ Crossroads will house a variety of international restaurants, retail outlets, a world-class wellness spa, a Maldives Discovery Centre with coral preservation and coral propagation activities, a diving centre, a multi-purpose hall, a kids club, and a cultural centre. World-renowned partners at the Township include Hard Rock Café Maldives, Café del Mar, and two of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Ministry of Crab and Nihonbashi.
As part of a 10-year exclusive deal with Singha Estate, Jalboot will be providing a full spectrum water transport solution for Crossroads. Alongside managing Crossroads’ luxurious berth yacht marina, Jalboot will be providing a comprehensive range of luxury cruise services at the integrated destination. Totalling six vessels initially, Jalboot’s services will include round-trip ferry transportation services to and from Velana International Airport and other nearby islands, a yacht chartering service, as well as cutting edge electric Dhoni boats providing inter-lagoon services at Crossroads.
The first year of Crossroads will see the operation of four of these ferries by Jalboot, with two vessels servicing guests arriving from Velana International Airport and two vessels servicing Maldivians and residents from the capital Male. From the collaboration with Singha Estate, Jalboot plans to enhance employment opportunities amongst Maldivian communities by sharing its specialised know-how with a local team at Croassroads via a specially formed start-up group.
“Our operation will provide career opportunities for local communities by allowing Maldivians to benefit economically. When it comes to career opportunities, our focus is to offer job opportunities to locals,” said Fathmah Thaufeeq, HR Manager at Jalboot Maldives.
Despite being relatively new to the Maldives, Jalboot has already been successful in transforming the water transport sector in the Maldives. Its modern boats and integrated water transport solutions are becoming increasingly popular in an industry that had until now remained stagnant for far too long. But this is just the beginning; as more and more leading resorts in the Maldives adopt Jalboot’s technology, gone will be the days of unpleasant rides through Maldivian waters!
Featured
Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours

Angsana Velavaru, part of the esteemed Banyan Group, has secured prestigious placements in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, ranking #8 for Best Resort Pool and #3 for Best General Manager in the Maldives. These accolades underscore the resort’s dedication to outstanding service, thoughtfully crafted accommodations, and guest-centric innovation.
Located in the unspoiled South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru features 113 villas—79 of which are equipped with private infinity pools. Among them are the celebrated Beach Villas and the signature InOcean Pool Villas, which extend elegantly over the lagoon’s turquoise expanse. Each villa is designed to offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature with both privacy and style.
Central to the resort’s social ambiance is the Kuredhi Pool Bar, a lively and inviting venue that offers more than just refreshments. It serves as a communal hub where guests can enjoy curated experiences such as DJ nights, aqua aerobics, and wellness sessions. This programming reflects the resort’s vision of merging serenity with social vibrancy.
Spearheading this success is General Manager Ahmed Zahir, who was recognised as the #3 Best General Manager in the Maldives. Zahir’s inspiring career began three decades ago as a Laundry Supervisor and has since evolved into a historic milestone—becoming the first Maldivian General Manager within the Banyan Group. His leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of local culture, empathy, and hands-on experience across resort operations.
“This recognition is not only an honour—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a team and as an industry,” Zahir shared. “I’m proud to lead with values shaped by the Maldives itself: resilience, hospitality, and heart. At Angsana Velavaru, we aim to deliver something genuine and lasting—for our guests, our people, and our community.”
Under Zahir’s stewardship, Angsana Velavaru has fostered a culture rooted in authenticity, local empowerment, and purposeful guest engagement. The resort remains committed to evolving as a destination that honours tradition while embracing forward-thinking experiences.
Featured
Oaga Art Resort’s Samaasaa takes centre stage in Dubai’s art scene

Under the desert sky of Dubai, Oaga Art Resort made its international debut with a striking performance by Raai Badeeu at the closing night of renowned light calligrapher Karim Jabbari’s exhibition, Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees, held at Inloco Gallery. The performance introduced audiences to Samaasaa, the resort’s original theatrical dining concept where storytelling intertwines with seasonal cuisine, and folklore comes alive through immersive performance.
Samaasaa represents a distinctive fusion of art and gastronomy, with each course unfolding as an edible chapter of a story. The concept invites guests into a world where tradition meets innovation, rooted deeply in Maldivian heritage.
The venue for the performance, Inloco Gallery, is an emerging boutique art space in Dubai known for pushing creative boundaries. Its third season was dedicated to ‘vanishing urban landscapes’—a reflection on the echoes of fading cityscapes. Central to this season was the work of Karim Jabbari, whose intricate light calligraphy transforms traditional Arabic script into contemporary expressions of cultural memory. His Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees exhibition explored the theme of ‘Lost Tradition,’ featuring a collaborative project with artist Khalil Abdulwahid that documented Al Satwa’s disappearing historic fabric and reclaimed calligraphy’s original role as a vehicle for communication and preservation.
In collaboration with Inloco Gallery and Karim Jabbari, Oaga Art Resort presented Raai Badeeu as part of the finissage—a moving farewell performance that seamlessly blended calligraphy, choreography, and storytelling. The immersive show transformed the gallery into a space of ancestral memory, myth, and poetic expression, embodying the artistic ethos of Oaga.
The performance also offered audiences an exclusive preview of Samaasaa Presents: The First Coconuts, Oaga’s upcoming theatrical dining experience. A specially curated segment from the show was performed, offering a glimpse into the mythical origins of island life through expressive movement and narrative.
As Oaga Art Resort expands its creative reach beyond the Maldives, this performance in Dubai marks the beginning of a broader journey. Guided by a spirit that is playful, poetic, and deeply rooted in island culture, Oaga is poised to share its unique stories with the world.
Featured
JOALI Maldives welcomes FIX’s iconic chocolate in first-ever global expansion

Dubai-based artisanal brand FIX Dessert Chocolatier, renowned for its viral chocolate creations, has partnered with JOALI Maldives – the Indian Ocean’s first art-immersive luxury island resort. Starting 2 July 2025, guests at JOALI Maldives will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in FIX’s signature creation, The Original Dubai Chocolate, marking the first time the coveted dessert will be available outside the UAE.
Famed for its bold creativity, intricate layering, and unforgettable textures, FIX has redefined the modern dessert experience. This collaboration brings together two worlds of sensory delight – the imaginative world of FIX and the refined, story-driven luxury of JOALI Maldives.
As part of this partnership, FIX introduces Time To Mango, a brand-new chocolate bar inspired by tropical fruits, warm breezes, and the playful spirit of summer. Blending mango-forward flavours with nostalgic childhood treats and a whimsical touch of popping candy, the creation delivers a multi-sensory experience wrapped in rich chocolate.
FIX Dessert Chocolatier’s signature artistry and innovative flavour combinations align seamlessly with the philosophy of JOALI Maldives, a resort celebrated for its immersive art, sublime design, and curated experiences. According to FIX co-founder Sarah Hamouda, “This collaboration is about more than flavour – it’s about sparking wonder and delivering delight in unexpected ways. Seeing our creation featured at JOALI Maldives feels like the perfect match of storytelling and indulgence.”
Guests at JOALI Maldives will encounter FIX’s chocolates across various curated settings – from the private airport lounge and the resort’s artisanal ice cream shop to bespoke in-villa amenities and select evening turndown rituals. Every piece is hand-crafted in Dubai, carefully transported, and presented under the Maldivian sun as a true edible work of art.
Commenting on the partnership, Semiha Askin, Global Director of Sales and Marketing at JOALI, stated, “At JOALI, we embrace art in all its forms – from visual and spatial to culinary. Partnering with FIX Dessert Chocolatier allows us to extend that ethos into the realm of artisanal sweets. Their chocolate is more than a dessert – it’s an immersive experience our guests will remember, one bite at a time.”
This marks FIX’s first international placement, making JOALI Maldives the only destination outside of the UAE to offer the brand’s signature chocolate. The collaboration exemplifies a shared dedication to luxury, creativity, and culinary innovation.
Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, JOALI Maldives offers 73 elegantly appointed beach and over-water villas, each accompanied by a personal Jadugar (meaning “skilled magician” in Dhivehi). The resort is a sanctuary of sustainability, immersive programming, and next-level wellbeing offerings, including the JOALI BEING Cure – the first outpost of sister retreat JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ pioneering wellness island.
-
Action13 hours ago
Netflix’s ‘All the Sharks’ puts global spotlight on tiger shark paradise in Maldives’ Fuvahmulah
-
Action1 week ago
Consistently awarded, beyond compare: Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef
-
Cooking1 week ago
Jumeirah Olhahali Island welcomes Shimmers’ Chef Emanuele for exclusive culinary residency this July
-
Drink1 week ago
Cellar of quiet distinction: Vakkaru Reserve wins fifth Wine Spectator Award
-
Action1 week ago
Siyam World kicks off August with star-studded football camps
-
Awards6 days ago
Atmosphere Kanifushi marks 6 years as Maldives’ leading family resort
-
Drink1 week ago
Dare to taste with W Maldives at Island Alchemy Ft. Beckaly Franks
-
Action1 week ago
Making waves all summer long: Manta rays, mini explorers take over The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives