Featured
Heritance Aarah celebrates yoga day
Heritance Aarah has hosted an invigorating sunset yoga session to celebrate the International Day Yoga 2020.
With a two-fold objective of educating resort staff on the acclaimed wellness practice of yoga and supporting them in dealing with the mental stress during the lockdown period, Heritance Aarah’s resident yogi Jagath Bandara Basanyake conducted a number of sessions, including a 60-minute hatha flow depiction, on Monday.
Heritance Aarah, known for promoting wellness tourism through the Maldives first-ever Medi Spa facility, took the lockdown period to train its associates in a variety of fields which went beyond heightened safety and health practices.
The yoga sessions are part of the resort’s approach to give a first-hand experience and educate its employees on some of the resort’s offerings.
With the perfect setting of the serene Indian Ocean, the warm skies and swaying palms, Heritance Aarah associates enjoyed the peaceful submission to the calming effects of yoga.
“My vision is to share the benefits of yoga with others and be part of a growing and supportive community that is inclusive and caring. By teaching with creativity and humour, I want to connect with and inspire others to practice and develop the skills to embrace the highs and lows of life,” yogi Basnayake said.
“I admire Heritance Aarah’s approach to advocate and encourage its associates to both learn and embrace this as part of their daily routine; which will undoubtably assist the team in being more centred, which would increase their capacity to serve.”
Operating as a premier all-inclusive resort, Heritance Aarah consists of 150 villas. Designed to inspire and custom-built to immerse guests in the scenic sights and soothing sounds of the ocean surrounding the island, Heritance Aarah is adorned with earthly hues and vibrant blues.
Guests can indulge in the many charms of the island at a poolside bar and an open-air rooftop venue while ocean suite guests can enjoy a more exclusive space with three separate bars. With nine outlets for guests to experience diverse cuisines, the culinary culture unfolded at the resort is intended to promote exclusive gastronomic delights from around the world. The six restaurants offer a wide range of flavours from Asia, Europe, Middle East to Latin America.
The award-winning F&B team of Heritance Aarah has illustrated their exceptional culinary skills, clinching multiple gold medals at several local and international culinary competitions.
Accentuating this impressive offering are the the overwater infinity pool and the Medi-Spa equipped to cater to the rising demand in the wellness segment with state-of-the-art treatments and equipment.
The spa, with six treatment rooms set over the lagoon with views of the eastern coast of the island, provides a range of high-end wellness and pampering treatments, salon services, beauty treatments and programmes. From weight loss to anti-aging treatments, massage therapy to body care, facial care to revitalisation programmes, Heritance Aarah has become a destination for those pursuing wellness combined with leisure and luxury.
With variety being the spice of life, the resort hosts a dive and water sports centre, a range of excursions and adventures, an interactive and engaging kids club, and traditional local activities to present a unique luxury holiday experience to guests.
Keeping with the brand promise of Heritance to promote culture and tradition at the forefront, the resort unveiled an exciting calendar of daily activities including coconut leaf art workshops, cookery demonstrations for traditional sweets and dishes, traditional Maldivian bodu beru drumming and a memorable local island dinner.
The resort also follows the ingrained ethos of sustainability and ethical commitments of the Aitken Spence Hotels group.
In addition to being the first LEED Gold certified resort in the Maldives, Heritance Aarah has drawn the best practices from the group and has successfully implemented many an initiative which includes (but not limited to) reduction of single use plastic, coral reef restoration and sustainable sourcing with close integration with local communities.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
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.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
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.
Featured
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian
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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