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Waldorf Astoria Maldives celebrates top accolades in Travel + Leisure’s 2020 World’s Best Awards

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Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi celebrates its recognition in the coveted annual Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards list.

Anchored in the timeless heritage of Hilton’s iconic luxury brand Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, the 119 all-pool-villa resort paradise came in at a resounding third place among the Top 15 Resort Hotels in Asia and fifth among the Top 100 Hotels in the World.

“Having just celebrated its first year since opening in July last year, we are truly delighted to see the positive impression Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has left on our guests, which is testament through these outstanding accolades the resort received,” Paul Hutton, Vice president of operations for South East Asia at Hilton, said.

“As the island opened to guests once again from August, I have every confidence the team will continue to deliver the unparalleled level of hospitality and service that will position the resort at the top of mind for discerning travellers to the Maldives.”

In addition to the awards picked up by Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, the Waldorf Astoria brand has also been recognised as one of the Top 25 Hotel Brands in the World, coming in alongside other luxury brand stalwarts.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and their relentless commitment in delivering on Waldorf Astoria’s brand ethos, inviting our guests to Live Unforgettable – where every single element of the experience contributes to authentic moments that become unforgettable memories,” Nils- Arne Schroeder, Vice President of Luxury and Lifestyle for Asia Pacific at Hilton, said.

“In the months and years ahead, the Waldorf Astoria brand will continue to deliver on our legacy of anticipatory service with unwavering attention to detail, satisfying our guests’ every desire and evolving along with their changing needs and preferences.”

Situated in one of the most beautiful, sought-after locations in the world, the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers guests unparalleled, bespoke service and unforgettable experiences.

Set in a tropical paradise, the resort features 119 all-pool Beach, Reef and Overwater villas across three interlinking islands.

Guests can select from 10 indulgent dining venues such as The Ledge, which was created by Dave Pynt, the culinary mastermind behind Singapore’s Michelin-starred Burnt Ends restaurant, and features elevated barbecue that can be savoured against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Discerning guests can also dine among the treetops at Terra while enjoying spectacular views of the ocean and horizon, or bask in the magnificent sunset at Amber, the resort’s signature bar.

The endless list of experiences and activities ensures that all generations are catered for. Should they choose to, the option to unwind in one of 10 luxurious spa treatment villas within a blissful botanical sanctuary, explore the ocean’s incredible marine life or traverse the island’s dazzling white sand beaches by bicycle or on foot are all at their fingertips.

“Being one of the latest additions to the Maldives, it is truly an honor to be named amongst the top resorts in Asia and the world. We could not have achieved this without the dedication and hard work of all our team members, and the recognition by our guests is an encouragement for us to keep delivering exceptional service for all who enter our resort paradise,” Etienne Dalancon, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, said.

Now in its 25th year, the Travel + Leisure’s Awards programme celebrates the ultimate in hospitality and travel, recognising the world’s finest providers of luxury-travel experiences, from the most impressive hotels, destinations, cities and more.

The results are drawn from Travel + Leisure’s exceptionally well-travelled readers, and award winners can take pride in a title that is recognised and respected by holidaymakers and tourism-industry insiders alike.

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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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