Featured
Fairmont Maldives reopens Oct 18 with flurry of new aquatic guests
There’s no bad time to visit the Maldives, but it’s hard to beat during the winter months, when temperatures average a balmy 28 degrees and rainfall is at a minimum.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi — or ‘secret water island’ as it’s known to locals — will reopen on October 18, just in time for late-summer sun-seekers.
Quieter seas mean marine life has flourished around the resort lagoon and its Coralarium — the archipelago’s first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art gallery.
Dive into the crystal ocean, where over 250 species of tropical fish, manta rays and turtles patrol the nine-kilometre coral house reef. Explore the Coralarium and its soaring sculptures, created by British eco-artist Jason deCaires Taylor as an artificial reef, encouraging marine life to make it a home. Learn about ocean conservation, snorkel the reef and rub shoulders with the circus of aquatic life on a unique underwater art tour, guided by the resident marine biologist.
This might be a private island, but there’s plenty to keep guests entertained. After exploring beneath the waves, guests can create their own marine-inspired masterpiece in the Art Studio, before taking a dip in the Maldives’ longest infinity pool.
Relaxation-seekers can indulge in an Asian-inspired therapy at Willow Stream Spa, drawing inspiration and vitality from its natural surroundings, from the ocean to fragrant herbs from the horticultural garden.
For a deep-dive into Maldivian culture, take an authentic cookery class with a local chef, or visit a local island on a cultural tour to learn more about the archipelago’s colourful heritage.
It’s not just the coral that Fairmont Maldives strives to conserve. Back on land, the island is home to a fresh water bottling plant and guests are given branded, refillable Fairmont bottles on arrival.
Environmentally-friendly, bio-degradable amenities are available across the luxurious villas — from the overwater villas to safari-style tented lodgings — and through lessons in sustainability, marine exploration and educational workshops, guests feel inspired to continue their conservation journey long after they leave.
Fairmont Maldives will reopen with intensified hygiene and prevention measures, in line with Accor’s ALLSAFE initiative.
Physical distancing will be respected across all common areas, including pre-booking across Willow Stream Spa, fitness centre and diving, etc. Restaurants and bars have put a maximum seating in place, and menus across the resort will be digital.
Guests with any concerns can speak with a dedicated ALLSAFE officer, stationed in the hotel reception.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is offering a Dream Stay package, which starts from $740 (approximately £575) per night based on two people sharing a Sunrise Water Villa on an all-inclusive basis (daily breakfast, lunch and dinner including standard beverage package). The package also includes return seaplane transfers from Male to Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi.
For more information or to book, please visit Fairmont-maldives.com.
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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