Featured
Fire cupping, chakra aligning, ‘natural Botox’: wellness specialist Domingos Folgado comes to Vakkaru Maldives
From March 15 to April 13, Vakkaru Maldives is set to welcome wellness expert Domingos Folgado to the resort for a special residency.
A wellness consultant, therapist, acupuncture expert and qualified personal trainer who works with clients from his base in London, his residency at Vakkaru represents a rare opportunity for guests to enjoy the breadth of his knowledge surrounded by the restorative beauty of the Indian Ocean.
A graduate of the Instituto Medico Naturista de Lisboa in his native Portugal, Domingos’ diverse skill sets have been accrued over a 20-year career in the health and fitness industry.
During his time at Vakkaru, he will be on hand to assist guests with one-off appointments or to lead multi-day personalised, holistic programmes that combine his varied specialisms.
“It’s rare to encounter a wellness practitioner with a range of specialties as diverse and developed as those held by Domingos Folgado. With the principles of Vakkare so integral to the spirit of Vakkaru, we are delighted that he will be able to share his expertise and insights with guests as they enjoy a relaxing break on our peaceful private island,” Vakkaru Maldives General Manager Iain McCormack said.
Many of the distinctive treatments Domingos will provide in Vakkaru are inspired by his lifelong interest in traditional medicines and massage techniques.
A specialist in rebalancing the body, he will offer Chakra Hot Stone Aromatherapy treatments to balance emotions and calm the spirits.
His Facial Rejuvenation with Acupuncture and Gua Sha treatment is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and provides a natural alternative to Botox; Fire Cupping Therapy tackles blood flow blockages to induce a deep sense of relaxation.
Domingos is also proficient in naturopathy, therapeutic massage, sports techniques, pilates and KORE therapy, and will be able to meld different treatments and disciplines according to guests’ needs and wishes.
He will also be available to lead seminars on topics ranging from joint protection to detox methods and benefits.
During his stay, Domingos will primarily be based at Vakkaru’s overwater Merana Spa, and his residency represents the latest expression of the resort’s unique hospitality concept Vakkare.
Placing the concept of care at the core of all Vakkaru offers, Vakkare provides guests with endless opportunities for self-care, deep rest and meaningful relaxation.
In addition to availing of Domingos’ services, visitors to Vakkaru will be able to enjoy complimentary sunrise yoga sessions, alongside classes in breathwork and meditation, Ayurvedic treatments, and a variety of massages and facials.
“I’m delighted to visit Vakkaru Maldives. At this time, I know the resort’s sincere commitment to caring for the health and wellbeing of all who stay here is more appreciated than ever, and I look forward to providing bespoke treatments and programmes that will leave guests revitalised, restored and ready to face the year to come with energy and enthusiasm,” Domingos Folgado said.
Nestled in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru is a timeless sanctuary intuitively designed for guests seeking unassuming luxury and cherishable experiences.
A scenic 30- minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport takes you to this secluded reef island blessed with timeless ocean views, powder-soft white sand beaches, unique deep blue holes and spectacular marine biodiversity.
The 113 beautifully-appointed Over Water and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect the surrounding tropical nature and Maldivian charms.
Indulgent dining choices, a world-class wine cellar – home to a curated selection of fine vintage and non-vintage offerings from Old to New World — as well as curated leisure activities and amenities create enriched experiences for everyone.
For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort hosted a two-day Behind the Bar experience as part of its Easter programme, bringing together contemporary mixology and craft-led guest experiences.
The event featured collaborations with Modernhaus, led by Bar Manager Upay Aldi, and The Cocktail Club, represented by Co-Founder Mirwansyah Bule, both from Indonesia. Over two evenings, guests were invited to engage with the bartenders’ techniques, flavour profiles and creative processes, with Modernhaus recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
The programme included a curated selection of cocktails prepared using ingredients such as cempaka-infused whisky, hibiscus ginger maple, wasabi spirit, jasmine peach, coconut chai milk, salted tamarind, yuzu whey, salted fino sherry, sake gomme, guava vodka, Thai tea liqueur and malic. The offerings reflected a combination of tropical elements and contemporary mixology methods.
The first evening took place at Kata, the resort’s Japanese-fusion restaurant, where the experience was set against sunset views over the lagoon. The second evening was held at Raha Market in a beachside setting, offering a more informal atmosphere while maintaining the focus on crafted cocktails.
The event formed part of Sirru Fen Fushi’s ongoing programming, which centres on curated guest experiences and collaborations with international talent in food and beverage.
-
Action1 week agoSix Senses Kanuhura participates in international COASTS Project on blue carbon ecosystems
-
Cooking1 week agoAnantara Veli Maldives continues Michelin guest chef series with female lineup
-
Action1 week agoBaros Maldives introduces ‘Lines of Respect’ fishing programme
-
News1 week agoReethi Faru Resort joins global Earth Hour campaign with conservation efforts
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli introduces new treatments at Ocean Spa
-
Awards1 week agoVilla Park recognised with CHECK24 Top Hotel Award
-
Cooking5 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
News1 week agodusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives observes Earth Hour with sustainability efforts