Featured
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan in Maldives for summer holiday
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, is enjoying a summer holiday in Maldives.
Sheikh Hamdan, who married Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum last month, is spending his vacation at the ultra luxury Velaa Private Island in the northern Noonu atoll.
Taking to Instagram, Sheikh Hamdan, fondly known as Fazza (meaning “the one who helps” in Arabic), has been sharing pictures from the sea and the island. He shared a video from the beach as a hermit crab headed towards the sea as the sun set.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzFzJzfg3Lv/
The Dubai royal is well known for his love of adventure holidays, and often documents them on Instagram. So far this year, he has shared photos from hitting the slopes in Canada, free diving and swimming with sharks, and rock climbing in Japan.
Sheikh Hamdan is a licensed and well-cultivated equestrian, a sky diver and a scuba diver. He is known for his romantic and patriotic poems in Arabic which he publishes under the name Faz3.
Tucked away within the collection of islands that form the northern Noonu atoll, Velaa Private Island is elegantly positioned to overlook enchanting vistas of a cerulean ocean. Its name derived from generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch; it is comprised of 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. The resort also includes a Romantic Pool Residence which can only be reached by boat.
At Velaa Private Island, all details have been considered: each villa comes with a personal butler, all services offered can be tailored to personal specifications. Attention to detail everywhere is also impeccable: stone pavements from the desert in Jordan, Indonesian flowerpots, luxury wood panelling from Borneo, and glimmering Italian marble.
Velaa Private Island offers endless exclusive opportunities. These unique offerings include the Maldives’ first and only snow room, the largest and most extensive wine collection in the region, one of the few Maldivian resorts with a private submarine, an extraordinary kids’ club conceptualised as the world’s ideal kids’ club by the owner’s seven-year-old daughter, and the only resort in Asia with a My Blend by Clarins spa.
Personalising and tailoring the entirety of the island depending on specific requirements, there is no limit to ensure the ultimate experience. Guests can sit back in the knowledge that the island’s highly trained and dedicated butlers will cater to each and every whim. Whether it is watching a spectacular fireworks display within the Maldivian night sky, dancing into the early hours with an Al fresco live music event, stepping aboard the island’s private yacht for a glamorous sunset cruise or enjoying a private, open air cinema night, anything is possible. Other interactive activities perfect for private groups include gourmet cooking classes with one of the resort’s chefs or wine tasting within the Maldives’ largest wine cellar.
For those looking to get involved in some Indian Ocean adventure, Velaa’s high-tech water toys, including the hover board, jetpack and fly board serve as the definitive adrenaline rush. Whilst discovering the wonders beneath the island’s welcoming waters, guests can learn to dive or simply snorkel the coral rainbow.
Maldives is amongst the most sought after destinations by high profile personalities and celebrity travellers from around the world.
Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio and American TV personality Paris Hilton have partied in the Maldives. The likes of English singer and television presenter Rochelle Humes and her husband Marvin, and British TV personality Billie Faiers have all declared the Maldives as their favourite part of the world for a relaxing getaway. Another British singer Perrie Edwards and English actress Millie Mackintosh have also fell in love with the white sands, turquoise waters and the blue skies of the Maldives.
Hollywood actress Gal Gadot and Lindsay Lohan along with Bollywood personalities such as Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Parineeti Chopra, the Bachchan family and Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, as well as world-renowned music artists such as Robin Thicke and Justin Bieber have declared their love for the Maldives.
Sports personalities, including the likes of David Beckham, Carlos Tevez, Arjen Robben, Miroslav Klose, Franz Beckenbauer, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcel Desailly and Mohamed Salah have also spent their hard-earned vacations in the tropical paradise.
Cooking
Niyama Private Islands brings Japanese-Peruvian haute cuisine to Subsix’s oceanic setting
Niyama Private Islands Maldives has unveiled a new culinary innovation, introducing an exquisite tasting menu at its underwater restaurant, Subsix. This latest offering brings the unique fusion of Japanese-Peruvian haute cuisine, known as Nikkei, to the Maldives.
Subsix, named for its remarkable location half a kilometre offshore and six meters below the ocean’s surface, has been a hub of extraordinary experiences for over a decade. From champagne breakfasts to midnight glow parties, the venue offers a captivating underwater setting surrounded by glass walls that showcase vibrant coral reefs, colourful anemones, butterflyfish, and occasional reef sharks. Every moment spent here is described as a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Continuing its tradition of innovation, Subsix now presents a Nikkei-inspired five-course tasting menu, blending Japanese precision with Peruvian creativity. The dishes highlight the bounty of the Indian Ocean, with sustainably sourced ingredients crafted into playful, modern presentations. Signature dishes include scallop ceviche, balancing tangy and salty flavours; wahoo tartare, caught locally and paired with avocado and a hint of spice; and buttery cod, paired with crisp asparagus. To complement the meal, guests can indulge in a selection of sake or fine wines curated by Head Sommelier Mayank Sharma.
The menu is the brainchild of Executive Chef Thierry Vergnault, whose culinary journey began with classical training at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and expanded through roles worldwide. “With a setting as extraordinary as Subsix, nothing less than an extraordinary menu will suffice,” Chef Thierry remarked. “Our goal is to engage all five senses and delight the palate with every bite, while proudly showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from the beautiful waters around us.”
Chef Thierry oversees nine dining venues at Niyama, each offering unique experiences. These include the newly relaunched Nest, serving Asian cuisine in treetop settings; Tribal, featuring a culinary exploration of South American and African flavours; and Edge, perched above the Indian Ocean. Each reflects Niyama’s commitment to culinary excellence and creative dining.
Featured
MMA fighter Piotr Szeliga’s unforgettable escape at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives recently hosted Piotr Szeliga, widely recognised in Poland as Szeli, a renowned MMA fighter, former hockey player, and bodybuilder. Stepping away from the ring, Szeliga embraced the resort’s serenity, luxury, and warm hospitality, creating cherished memories to begin the New Year.
A highlight of his visit was a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach, an experience that exemplifies the resort’s commitment to crafting magical moments for its guests. Szeliga expressed particular admiration for the gourmet crab soup, describing it as a culinary masterpiece that surpassed his expectations. He noted, “In Poland, when you order crab soup, it’s just cream and nothing else. But here, it was full of crab meat and tasted absolutely delicious!”
During his stay, Szeliga immersed himself in the Maldives’ natural beauty, spending hours exploring the vibrant marine life in the resort’s pristine lagoon. From swimming among colourful fish to thrilling encounters with sharks and manta rays, his underwater adventures became an unforgettable aspect of the trip. He also took time to appreciate the thoughtful design and luxurious amenities of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, including its stunning overwater villas and the wide array of activities and attractions available to guests.
With opportunities to explore rich marine life, indulge in world-class cuisine, unwind in the comfort of overwater villas, or retreat to the exclusive Platinum Island designed for adults seeking tranquillity, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers an idyllic escape for travellers in search of an unforgettable getaway.
Featured
Villa Haven takes flight with Virgin Atlantic’s inflight entertainment
Villa Resorts has launched a global campaign through Virgin Atlantic’s inflight entertainment system, introducing travellers on all routes to Villa Haven, its newest luxury flagship property located in the Maldives.
Virgin Atlantic, renowned for its exceptional service and modern fleet, connects passengers to over 30 destinations across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, including iconic cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and London.
Shumaes Rasheed, Associate Director of PR & Marketing, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that the campaign provides passengers with a glimpse into the serene beauty of the Maldives. Villa Haven, Rasheed noted, embodies refined and serene living, offering a sanctuary where privacy, luxury, and nature come together to create an unforgettable experience. As the latest addition to Villa Resorts, Villa Haven enhances the Maldives’ appeal as a one-of-a-kind retreat.
Located in the picturesque South Ari Atoll, Villa Haven features 73 private villas and residences, each designed to offer expansive beachfront views, private pools, and a harmonious blend of contemporary style and natural tranquility. The resort aims to provide a personalised retreat that captures the essence of a tropical paradise.
This campaign follows Villa Resorts’ previous marketing success, which included a television campaign in Virgin Atlantic’s premium Clubhouse lounges at major hubs such as London Heathrow, New York JFK, Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco, and Johannesburg.
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