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GoAir resumes Maldives flights with Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore direct service

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GoAir on Sunday resumed its flight operations to the Maldives, as part of the Indian budget carrier’s winter schedule.

GoAir’s first flight this season landed at the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport Sunday morning.

Tourism minister Ali Waheed, Indian ambassador to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir and top officials of the airport operator Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) welcomed the crew and passengers.

Until January 31, 2020, GoAir will operate direct flights to Male five days a week from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru.

  • Mumbai – Male – Mumbai: GoAir’s direct flight G8 23 will depart from Mumbai at 9am and arrive in Male at 11.15am, every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. On its return journey, flight G8 24 will leave Male every Wednesday and Sunday at 12.10pm and on Thursday it will leave at 12.20pm to arrive in Mumbai at 3.40pm.
  • Delhi – Male – Delhi: Flight G8 33 will take off from Delhii at 10.35am and arrive in Male at 2.15pm, and flight G8 34 depart from Male at 3.15pm and arrive in Delhi at 7.45pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Bangalore – Male – Bangalore: Flight G8 will take off from Bangalore at 1.10pm and arrive in Male at 2.40pm, and on its return journey flight G8 44 will leave Male at 3.45pm and reach Bangalore at 6.10pm every Wednesday and Sunday.

“The Maldivian capital known for its scenic white sandy beaches, azure sea waters and exotic, colourful coral reefs is a popular tourist destination. Malé is the throbbing, mercantile heart of Maldives. Yet its laid-back lifestyle on scenic beaches with fresh produce from the island is a hot favourite for honeymooners as well as families looking for a relaxing get-away destination,” a statement issued by GoAir read.

“Ahead of the upcoming holiday season the new flights connecting Male to Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore will aid travellers to enjoy all that this beautiful tropical island has to offer.”

GoAir operated flights to the Maldives during the last winter season.

Flagship carriers of the Maldives and India currently operate scheduled flights to and from major cities, including Bangalore, Trivandrum and Chennai. 

Low-cost Indian airline SpiceJet operates daily direct connections between Kochi and Male as well as Trivandrum and Male. Another budget carrier, IndiGo also operate daily non-stop flights between Male and Kochi, as well as five weekly service from Mumbai and twice weekly from Bangalore.

GoAir’s winter service to the Maldives — to and from three of the major business and tourism hubs in India — is expected to help both the countries, and further boost tourist arrivals to the Maldives from India, which has become a major source market for the Maldives’ tourism industry.

Official figures show that 90,474 tourists arrived in Maldives from its closest neighbour last year, a nine per cent increase from the 83,019 Indian travellers that chose the Maldives in 2017.

That growth has continued this year as well, as the number of Indian tourists that visited the Maldives recorded a 105.1 per cent increase in the first nine months of the year to reach 115,507.

Maldives has also become a sought after destination by Bollywood stars.

Famous Bollywood stars who have vacationed in the Maldives include Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor KhanAlia BhattPriyanka ChopraParineeti Chopra, the Bachchan familyNeha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, and Sonakshi Sinha.

Awards

Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards

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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.

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Drink

Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar

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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.

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian

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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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