Featured
Megan Hess launches ‘Claris The Mouse: Bonjour Riviera’ at Vakkaru Maldives
Internationally-renowned fashion illustrator and author Megan Hess has landed at Vakkaru Maldives early this month for the exclusive launch of her third book in The Claris Collection, Claris: Bonjour Riviera.
Surrounded by glistening turquoise waters and luxurious island settings, Vakkaru Maldives set the scene on January 5 and 6 for Claris’ new adventure in the tropics.

Set against the crystal-clear waters surrounding Vakkaru Maldives and under the shaded coconut trees of Cabana Beach, tables were set in the theme of white and blue.

Each child who attended received a first-print of the new Claris book as well as a Claris plush toy and a signature Claris mocktail.
Children of all ages were then treated to a world’s first when Megan Hess unveiled and read from her new book, Claris: Bonjour Riviera, holding each child’s imagination captive with Claris’ adventure as she stows away on the family jet to the French Riviera. Children that attended the book launch each received a personally signed copy of Claris: Bonjour Riviera.

Joining Megan Hess, was Karolina Gniewek, founder of luxury fashion brand Poca & Poca who unveiled their newest children’s fashion collection consisting of six key looks — a resort collection in hues of blues and creams inspired by Claris’ seaside adventure. This exclusive collection is available at Vakkaru Maldives’ SAND Boutique and will be available online and at Poca & Poca’s boutique at Galeries Lafayette in Dubai Mall on March 4.

For adults, Megan Hess conducted her ultra-exclusive fashion illustration masterclass overwater surrounded by azure waters and a gentle breeze at Lagoon Bar where guests were treated to a sneak peek into Megan’s world of high fashion drawings.


Who is Megan Hess?
Megan Hess’ 2006 illustration of the New York Times No. 1 selling book, Sex and The City by Candace Bushnell catapulted her onto the world stage where she began illustrating portraits for the New York Times, Italian Vogue, Vanity Fair, TIME magazine and more.
Megan’s skills and iconic designs have also been specially commissioned by Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Harrods of London and used in global campaigns for FENDI, Tiffany & Co., Prada, Cartier, Dior, Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo and more.
She has illustrated live for bespoke fashion shows around the world like Viktor & Rolf, Christian Dior Couture and Chopard at the 2019 Cannes International Film Festival.
She has written and illustrated numerous best-selling books, including: Fashion House, The Dress and Coco Chanel, New York, Paris, Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris, Iconic, Elegance and more.
Today, Megan Hess is one of the world’s most sought-after fashion illustrators with a revered client list that includes Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and most recently Sarah Jessica Parker.
A look at Claris the Mouse
The Claris Collection was officially launched in 2018, offering readers delightful rhyming tales about courage, compassion and a stylish little mouse. From chasing her dream of moving to Paris in Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris, to racing against the clock to attend Paris Fashion Week in Claris: Fashion Fiasco, follow Claris’ next adventure as she stows away on the family trip to the French Riviera in Claris: Bonjour Riviera.
“The Claris Collection is destined to delight fashion-obsessed readers of all ages. It is about a little mouse who loves fashion, has an enormous heart and chases her dreams with courage and compassion,” says Megan Hess.
Claris: Bonjour Riviera will be available worldwide on March 1. Pre-order yours from here.
Vakkaru Maldives’ collection of ultra-immersive and cherished guest experiences is created in partnership with guest experiences specialist The Magnolia Creative Collaborations.
Watch out for more experiences from culinary greats, wellness mentors and scent experts to fashion collaborations and exquisite artisanal pop-ups as Vakkaru Maldives aims to inspire guests by creating timeless memories and effortlessly beautiful moments.
This Easter weekend, from April 11-16, Vakkaru Maldives will host ‘The Marshmallowist’ — UK’s first producer of gourmet marshmallows using premium ingredients of only whole fresh fruits, organic herbs and spices and boutique alcohol to create marshmallows with a French soufflé-like texture and a signature London edge. Guests can look forward to marshmallow masterclasses, smores over a bonfire movie night, artisanal hot chocolate and more.
For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
Featured
Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
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