News
Delhi coronavirus fears mount as hospital beds run out

Ashwani Jain succumbed to the coronavirus in an ambulance as his family pleaded with several hospitals to take him in, the latest victim of the pandemic sweeping through the Indian capital and exposing a deadly shortage of hospital beds.
“They don’t care whether we live or die,” said his 20-year-old daughter Kashish, whose uncle, Abhishek, sat with Ashwani in the back of the vehicle on its desperate journey across Delhi.
“It won’t matter to them but I have lost my father, he was the world to me,” she said, tears welling up as she showed a photo of him.
All of the hospitals the 45-year-old businessman’s family tried refused to admit Ashwani, even though an app set up by the city government indicated Covid-19 beds were free, Abhishek told AFP.
With surging infections highlighting the precarious state of the Indian healthcare system, the death of Jain and others like him have heightened anxiety in Delhi over the growing threat.

More than 1,200 have died from the virus in the Indian capital and more than 1,000 new cases are being reported each day.
Mortuaries are overflowing with bodies and cemeteries and crematorium staff say they cannot keep up with the backlog of victims. Some local Delhi councils say the real death toll is twice the number given by the regional government.
Indian media has been full of tragic stories of people dying after being turned away by hospitals.
One pregnant woman died as she was being shuttled between hospitals. A 78-year-old man petitioned the Delhi High Court for a ventilator bed but died before the matter could be taken up.
India has now recorded more than 300,000 coronavirus cases with nearly 9,000 fatalities.
High price for rare beds
Several families have used social media to recount their harrowing experiences after being refused hospital beds.
Jain’s family had joined a noisy, nationwide tribute to health workers, banging pots and pans from rooftops and balconies after a nationwide lockdown started in March. Now they feel abandoned.
“The government is doing nothing. They are just playing with our feelings,” Kashish said.

Jain’s devastated relatives are now waiting to get tested themselves but the Delhi government allows that for only high-risk and symptomatic family members.
The city government has estimated that it could need 80,000 beds by the end of July, and warned hotels and wedding venues that they are likely to be turned into hospitals.
Currently government hospitals have 8,505 designated pandemic beds while private hospitals have 1,441.
But families say they are being forced to spend a small fortune for the few beds that are available.
Suman Gulati, whose father is a coronavirus patient, said she was asked for one million rupees ($13,200) by a private hospital for a bed.
“Once I paid the money getting a bed was not a problem. But arranging such a huge amount of money at such a critical time was,” she told AFP.
“What if I fall sick next, what will I do? Should I sell my property, my jewellery?”
A sting operation by the Mirror Now TV channel showed five Delhi hospitals asking coronavirus patients to pay up to $5,250 in order to be admitted.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has accused private hospitals of lying about available beds and promised tough action if they were found extorting money.
On Sunday, Home Minister Amit Shah said 500 of some 20,000 train coaches reserved as coronavirus wards would be “immediately” allocated to the state by the national government, adding some 8,000 beds.
Experts are questioning the city’s handling of the pandemic however.
Virologist Shahid Jameel said Delhi, like other major cities, has not tested enough people. So far, it has covered just one percent of its population.
“At the moment Delhi government is doing everything to make people panic,” he told AFP.
“It should be testing aggressively. I don’t understand the logic of testing only people who are symptomatic. How will you find how much the infection has spread in the community if you don’t test them?”
Shah said after a meeting with the Delhi government Sunday that testing for the virus would be stepped up.
Reporting and photos: AFP
Featured
Sonic serenity: Discover Sound Healing at Brennia Kottefaru

At Brennia Kottefaru, the pursuit of wellness extends beyond movement and meditation, flowing into the calming resonance of sound. The resort’s Sound Healing Session, conducted by Amit Singh (Yoga Teacher and Sound Healer), offers guests a deeply restorative experience designed to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit.
Held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. at the Recreation Hall, the 45-minute group session harnesses the resonant tones of singing bowls to guide participants into a profound state of relaxation.
The session offers a range of benefits:
Deep Relaxation – The soothing vibrations calm the mind and body, easing stress and anxiety.
Emotional Balance – The practice helps release stored emotions, fostering a sense of inner peace.
Improved Sleep – Sound frequencies encourage relaxation, aiding those experiencing insomnia and promoting better sleep quality.
Enhanced Focus and Clarity – By balancing brainwave activity, participants may experience improved concentration and mental clarity.
Energy Alignment – The vibrations help balance the body’s chakras and energy flow.
Participation is priced at USD 15 per guest, with a complimentary 15-minute demonstration session available upon request through the spa. Guests are encouraged to book in advance via the Brennia Kottefaru mobile app or by contacting the Spa directly at extension 108.
Within the serene setting of Brennia, the tones of the singing bowls intertwine with the island’s natural symphony — the rhythm of the waves, the whisper of the palms, and the gentle hum of island life. The result is more than a class; it is an immersive journey towards stillness and renewal.
At Brennia Kottefaru, wellness is not merely practised — it is felt in every vibration, every breath, and every moment of quiet connection.
News
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI receives MICHELIN Key recognition

In a resounding affirmation of its stature on the global luxury stage, THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced a landmark achievement as OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI receives a prestigious MICHELIN Key. This distinguished accolade places the Maldivian sanctuary among an elite circle of only twelve five-star resorts in the country recognised by the anonymous and expert inspectors of the MICHELIN Guide. More than an award, the 1 MICHELIN Key represents a new level of prestige for the brand, underscoring its philosophy of crafting guest experiences where exceptional service, transformative wellness, and culinary artistry seamlessly converge.
The MICHELIN Key distinction, regarded as a hallmark of extraordinary stays, enhances the resort’s already stellar reputation for bespoke luxury. It stands as a powerful endorsement of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s guiding philosophy — where every element of the guest journey is thoughtfully curated to the finest detail. This honour affirms the resort’s continued success in delivering on its promise of a rarefied, all-encompassing island escape, particularly through its signature RESERVE™ Plan.
The hallmark of a MICHELIN Key property is reflected in the resort’s meticulously designed experiences, each contributing to an unparalleled standard of excellence. Central to this offering is the RESERVE™ Plan, a comprehensive all-inclusive concept that provides a seamless continuum of indulgence. Guests enjoy unlimited gourmet dining across multiple specialty restaurants, a selection of premium international beverages, and the attentive service of a private butler, ensuring every desire is anticipated with discreet precision.
Culinary excellence forms a cornerstone of the OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI experience, with its diverse gastronomic venues earning international acclaim. Highlights include ORIGINꓱ, a refined waterfront dining destination, and SANGU BEACH, where the vibrant flavours of Levantine cuisine are showcased. Complementing the dining journey is the resort’s architectural philosophy, which harmonises with the natural splendour of the South Malé Atoll. Expansive overwater and beachfront villas, each featuring a private pool, are designed to offer supreme privacy, comfort, and an enduring sense of tranquillity.
Beyond accommodation and cuisine, the resort houses dedicated sanctuaries of wellbeing and connoisseurship. The award-winning ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa delivers transformative wellness experiences within breathtaking overwater treatment lofts, while the exclusive CUVÉE wine library — home to over 300 prestigious labels — offers oenophiles a sophisticated enclave for curated tastings. Each of these elements contributes to a holistic experience that is both effortlessly luxurious and deeply personal.
“To receive a MICHELIN Key is to gain something far greater than an award; it is the most meaningful affirmation of our team’s dedication and passion,” said Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. “This recognition, from the world’s most trusted and anonymous inspectors, validates our mission to craft deeply personal and unforgettable journeys for every guest. To stand among the very best in the Maldives is both an incredible honour and a powerful inspiration. It fuels our commitment not only to meet but to continually redefine the pinnacle of luxury and service.”
The esteemed MICHELIN Key recognition represents more than an accolade — it is an invitation to experience the zenith of Maldivian luxury. For discerning travellers, it reaffirms that a stay at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI transcends the traditional holiday, offering instead a curated narrative of moments defined by impeccable style and effortless grace. This pivotal endorsement elevates THE OZEN COLLECTION beyond a destination brand, positioning it as the definitive choice for those seeking to explore the true essence of a luxury island escape — where every detail is foreseen, every setting sublime, and every memory exquisitely crafted.
Celebration
W Maldives introduces its ‘Make Waves, New Traditions’ festive series

W Maldives is inviting guests to Make Waves, New Traditions this festive season, presenting a celebration that redefines the holidays with creativity, connection, and indulgence. From 23 December to 1 January, the resort will transform into a tropical haven where every moment is designed for joy and every guest has officially “Made the List.”
The festivities commence with Twinkle & Toast, a lighting ceremony that marks the start of a vibrant, week-long calendar of events. Highlights include flame-grilled feasts on FIRE Beach for Christmas Eve, holiday movie nights under the stars, festive afternoon teas overlooking the reef, seafood markets brimming with fresh coastal flavours, and a Maldivian beach barbecue infused with rhythm and local flair. On New Year’s Eve, the island will evolve into a lively playground featuring creative cocktails, immersive culinary journeys, electrifying performances, and fireworks over the Indian Ocean to welcome 2025 in true W style.
This year’s celebration also introduces The Restore Series with internationally acclaimed wellness coach Arron Collins-Thomas, founder of TONIQ. Integrating Qigong, breathwork, and cold-water therapy with energising workouts and restorative rituals, the seven-day wellness experience aims to refresh both body and mind while harmonising with the festive atmosphere. Guests can take part in sunrise sessions, sunset meditations, and ice-bath resets, embracing wellness as an essential part of the celebration and preparing themselves for the year ahead.
Culinary experiences take centre stage in this season of togetherness and authenticity. From ocean-to-table creations at FISH to Chef Bakaa’s festive degustation menu and the dynamic seafood markets at KITCHEN, each dining encounter blends local ingredients with bold imagination. Guests are encouraged to come together, share stories, and experience the Maldivian spirit through flavours that are both comforting and refreshingly innovative.
“This is the season to connect, recharge, and celebrate without boundaries,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “At W Maldives, we embrace the unexpected. Make Waves, New Traditions is our invitation for guests to come together, savour the island’s soul, and create memories that sparkle long after the fireworks fade.”
With its star-lit skies, daring gastronomy, revitalising wellness rituals, and music that carries into the night, W Maldives offers a festive escape where traditions are reimagined and every guest truly Makes the List.
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