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Waldorf Astoria Maldives: serene oasis of relaxation, indulgence

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Hilton’s luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, offers guests the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable and indulgent sensory retreat at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

In line with the brand’s renowned hospitality and its legacy of True Waldorf Service, the all-pool villa resort is designed to appeal to luxury leisure seekers in search of a blissful escape from the bustle of everyday life, featuring a lifestyle spa and wellness sanctuary complemented by the Maldives’ first-ever Wellness Concierge service.

Spanning three interlinking islands in the South Male Atoll, and a short 30-minute yacht journey away from Velana International Airport, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an iconic resort paradise surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian landscape and the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. In addition to the world-class spa, the resort also boasts 122 spacious villas, a Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park and 11 specialty dining venues, making it the perfect destination for guests of all generations.

Therapies inspired by nature

Set within a botanical sanctuary surrounded by turquoise waters, in 10 treatment villas across 10,000 squaremetres, the Waldorf Astoria Spa provides guests with an oasis of tranquillity where they can reconnect with nature and refresh their mind, body and soul with a range of customisable treatments.

The selection of spa therapies and treatments are grounded in nature, using plants and herbs with valuable properties that enhance, strengthen, cleanse and promote a sense of wellbeing and harmony. These therapies are categorised by three journeys — relaxation, rebalancing and results.

The diverse range of treatments offer a plethora of indulgent options, from the Signature Journey range inspired by the four natural elements of earth, water, fire and metal, to the Ancient Healing treatments, such as the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage for deep tissue relaxation and mood elevation. Those in search of the ultimate relaxation can opt for the Starlight Ocean Massage in the overwater Ocean Pavilion, where they can enjoy the benefits of a slow, rhythmic massage under the Maldivian stars and relax to the sound of gently lapping waves.

Guests wishing to combine their indulgence with wellness will also enjoy the Body Therapy range by LPG, with treatments that target specific areas or concerns, such as migraines or irritable bowel syndrome. Crafted body treatments including body polishes and wraps are available too, along with innovative luxury facials by Carol Joy London, hair treatments by Philip Kingsley and beauty treatments by reputable experts, ensuring that guests feel relaxed, reinvigorated and renewed from top to toe.

Indulgence for whole family

As the resort has been designed for all generations, families with young children are well catered to at the Waldorf Astoria Spa. Those seeking a unique bonding experience can enjoy mother-daughter and father-son treatments within the Family Time range, while the Junior Spa Experience offers massages facials, manicures and more for young adults seeking some pampering of their own.

Wellness journey in paradise

The resort’s Wellness Programme has been specially created for those who wish to focus on their health. Under the guidance of intuitive practitioners and set among the beautiful outdoor environment, the programmes provide guests with treatments and meals aimed at specific areas of health and wellness, including age reversal, de-stress and sleep therapy. Guests also have access to on-site practitioners for private wellness activities, such as meditation, yoga and Pilates.

Maldives’ first Wellness Concierge service

Created for the most discerning guests, the Maldives’ first-ever Wellness Concierge service is on hand to assist in creating an unforgettable spa experience. Offering a personalised consultation process, the service delivers bespoke solutions for guests, helping them discover equilibrium in mind, body and soul.

“We are proud and honoured to provide our esteemed guests with the finest spa and wellbeing treatments, inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds us here at the Maldives,” Angie Tai, Spa Director at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, said.

“Our Wellness Concierge is the first of its kind here in the Maldives and a great example of the True Waldorf Service we offer our guests to ensure a truly unforgettable escape.”

Exclusive health and wellness events

In celebration of the 2019 festive season, the Waldorf Astoria Spa featured a series of renowned guest practitioners over the months of December and January. Guests had the opportunity to participate in private sessions with Watsu aquatic therapy specialist Yukako Kitajima, holistic medicine expert Dr Igor Roganin, and wellness expert Lenke Elle Fernandes, featuring treatments such as acupuncture, ocean water thermal therapy, hormone yoga therapy and more.

“The Waldorf Astoria Spa is a wonderful oasis of serenity where guests can luxuriate in the unrivalled natural beauty of our surroundings while indulging in world-class spa and wellbeing treatments,” Etienne Dalançon, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, said.

Spanning three interconnected islands in the South Male Atoll, and a short 30-minute yacht journey away from Velana International Airport, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an iconic resort paradise surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian landscape and the crystal-clear Indian Ocean.

Aside from the excellent restaurants and bars, the resort also boasts 122 spacious villas, the Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park and a world-class spa.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.waldorfastoriamaldives.com or call +960 4 000300. 

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Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours

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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.

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Oaga Art Resort’s Samaasaa takes centre stage in Dubai’s art scene

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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.

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JOALI Maldives welcomes FIX’s iconic chocolate in first-ever global expansion

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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.

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