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‘Beyyaa’ campaign: buy a t-shirt, plant a coconut palm
A campaign to plant a coconut palm for every t-shirt bought has been launched.
At a special ceremony held Saturday, The ‘Beyyaa’ (a Dhivehi slang, similar to ‘bro’ in English) campaign was inaugurated by Speaker Mohamed Nasheed.
The former president highlighted the importance of the campaign, adding that the number of coconut palms has decreased significantly.
“All customers purchasing a t-shirt are in reality purchasing a palm tree in their name,” he said.
As part the ‘Beyyaa’ campaign, conducted in collaboration with flagship carrier Maldivian, a coconut palm will be planted for every t-shirt bought from the ‘Beyyaa’ company.
Buyers will receive an email with details of the plant, including the island where it was planted.
The t-shirts will be available from company’s website and from Maldivian’s Moonimaa lounge at the main Velana International Airport. Each t-shirt retails for USD 30.
Maldivians place tremendous importance on the abundant coconut palms – they are represented in the national flag by the green rectangle. The coconut palm is also the national tree.
The picture of Maldives isn’t complete without the verdant presence of coconut palms. Its distinctive silhouette acts as a herald, with promises of sandy beaches and clear blue seas underneath.
Coconut palms are not just ornamental signs of the island paradise; often called the Tree of Life, they are one of the most useful trees in the world. From its woody trunk all the way up to the swaying fronds, the coconut palm has been providing a bounty of natural resources to the Maldivian people for generations.
Traditional Maldivian sailboats, known as dhoni, were built using coconut timber. Fibres extracted from the husk of the coconut, called coir, is used to make ropes and fishing nets.
Palm fronds were used to make baskets and mats. The green of the leaves was removed, leaving behind the wood-like strips in the middle, which were collected and tied together to make brooms. Dried palm fronds were used to thatch roofs- an architectural feature still seen today on the villas at our resorts.
Scraped coconut is one of the most common ingredients used to make many local dishes, as is coconut milk in almost all types of Maldivian curries. Even dried coconut shell halves were repurposed as bowls or attached to handles to make ladles.
Visitors to the Maldives will surely know that there is nothing as refreshing in this tropical heat as a cool helping of coconut water, straight from the source.
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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