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Lti Maafushivaru welcomes Global Gift Foundation founder Maria Bravo

Lti Maafushivaru has welcomed Maria Bravo over five nights after attending a range of philanthropic events in Dubai.
For her arrival on February 28, the resort management team gathered on the arrival jetty, all wearing the Global Equity Limited Edition Tee in support of the Global Gift Foundation, which was founded by Maria in 2013.

The Global Gift Foundation aims to create a positive impact on the lives of the children, women, and families in need across the world.
Maria’s story starts in Marbella, Spain; due to her study of business and nature of work; she has lived in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.
After several years spent working in the entertainment industry producing and acting in films and television, Maria decided to use her existing status and business connections to bring forward an entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy and impacting positive changes in the world.
Maria has branded some of the highest profile events in the philanthropic world with her celebrity clients that work closely with her. She brings together the worlds of philanthropy, celebrities, and corporations to give financial support and media awareness to fiscally responsible foundations worldwide.
Maria’s daily Instagram stories and posts showcasing the beauty of lti Maafushivaru island highlight how much she enjoyed her idyllic and unique island experiences.
Maria also posted an extensive Tripadvisor review declaring how important this kind of holiday is for her, to recharge and disconnect from what is happening in the world, allowing her to bounce back to the new normal with positivity.
During an overview catch-up with the resort’s marketing team, Maria congratulated the resort for doing a great job in maintaining the island’s natural beauty while providing impeccable service to all guests and first-class dining experiences.
Lti Maafushivaru ranks first out of 38 resorts in South Ari Atoll, and currently sits on rank third out of 418 resorts in the Maldives, based on traveller rating on Tripadvisor.
Additionally, she mentioned that she felt safe and worry-free throughout her stay, thanks to the resort’s COVID-19 safety guidelines and practices.
Maria plans to initiate the Global Gifters annual gathering location for 2021 to lti Maafushivaru.
Global Gifters are people who support the Global Gift Foundation in some a variety of ways, inclusing volunteering, by purchasing a ticket for gala dinner, or by committing to the foundation by becoming members, partners, raising social awareness or connecting the foundation’s mission among their own contact networks.
Some notable Global Gifters include Eva Longoria, David and Victoria Beckham, Antonio Banderas, Tony Parker, Goldie Hawn, Deepak Chopra, Terrence Howard, Ronaldo Cristiano, Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, Ronan Keating, Alec Baldwin and many more.
For 2021, the main objective of the initiative gathering will focus on the ocean, marine life conservation, plastic use reduction and sustainability which Maria considers extremely important to discuss and raise awareness of.
Given the different sustainability practices that lti Maafushivaru is implementing in its daily resort operation, alongside the exceptional location of the Maldives in terms of ocean health, the resort is the perfect place to host the annual event. Maria stated that she can’t wait to return and show to her “Global Gifters” all that lti Maafushiravu offers.
“I’m taken aback by how clean the water that surrounds the island is. I’ve been in many different places like Bora-bora, Greece, Hawaii and other holiday destinations in the world but nothing compares to the Maldivian ocean,” Maria said.

Located in the pristine South Ari Atoll, Maafushivaru is just a 25-minute seaplane journey from Male and offers guests the idyllic island experience epitomising all that one dreams of when thinking of the Maldives.
At just over 350 metres in length, Maafushivaru cocoons guests in lush vegetation, encircled by powder white-beaches, and a fringed by a house reef that a myriad of fish call home.
A total of 81 villas spread on the land and overwater offers a choice of five different categories for guests to choose from for their unique Maldives experience.
Maafushivaru provides an array of diverse dining options on the island with multiple meal plan options.
A new dining option, Half Board Plus, includes breakfast and dinner at the Cuisine Gallery, Daily High Tea with tea/coffee and snacks served at the Library Lounge from 3-5pm alongside a wide range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including selected soft drinks, juices, international branded spirits, an extensive cocktail list, draught beer, a selection of bottled wines, specialty coffees and teas, and house mineral water. Other benefits offered in the plan include complimentary snorkelling equipment and non-motorised water sports.
Half Board and Dine Around All Inclusive options are also available.
Featured
SO/ Maldives unveils restorative wellness journey with Holistic Healer Karan Kumar

SO/ Maldives, the avant-garde private island retreat nestled in the Emboodhoo Lagoon, has announced a deeply restorative wellness journey for the wet season. This immersive experience is spearheaded by renowned Certified Holistic Healer, Karan Kumar, in collaboration with the resort’s resident wellness team.
Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, SO/ Maldives blends high fashion with holistic living, offering a bold and stylish take on island luxury. The resort comprises 80 individually designed villas—ranging from beachfront sanctuaries to overwater havens—all boasting panoramic views, complete privacy, and vibrant marine surroundings. Every element of the property is curated to appeal to modern travelers seeking indulgence, creativity, and connection.
At the heart of the resort lies the SO/ Wellness Camp, a sanctuary where cutting-edge design meets nature to provide a transformative escape. More than a traditional spa, this tranquil retreat delivers a full-body and mind experience. Guests are invited to unwind in contemporary, organic-inspired treatment rooms featuring amenities such as a Vichy rainforest shower, steam and sauna rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with sweeping ocean views. The spa’s architectural design is inspired by the gentle movement of water and the island’s natural contours, creating a space that is simultaneously grounding and ethereal.
Central to the wellness offering is a curated selection of therapies that balance ancient practices with modern innovation. Programming includes sound therapy using full moon singing bowls, high-tech facials that combine astrology with skincare, and other bespoke rituals designed to restore and inspire. Whether seeking deep relaxation or a revitalizing boost, SO/ Spa offers guests a chance to reconnect with themselves in an environment that’s as stylish as it is serene.
As part of this season’s programming, guests can access personalised healing sessions at the SO/ Wellness Centre led by Karan Kumar. With over six years of experience, Kumar brings together Ayurveda, Reiki, Energy Healing, and mind-body therapies in a powerful integrative approach. His one-on-one sessions aim to address physical pain, emotional trauma, and energetic imbalances while unlocking each guest’s potential for joy, clarity, and inner strength.
Each session is intuitively tailored, creating a compassionate space for healing and introspection. Guests are encouraged to slow down, reconnect with their inner selves, and rediscover a vibrant sense of balance and wellness.
Featured
Yoga Day marked with soulful island practice at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

In honour of International Yoga Day, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives hosted a serene yoga session on its pool deck, inviting both in-house guests and resort colleagues to begin their day with mindfulness, movement, and meaning. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the session offered participants a chance to embrace the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga in a uniquely immersive natural setting.
Led by resident yoga instructor Malvika Pant, the morning session encouraged attendees to step away from their daily routines and reconnect with themselves through breathwork and gentle movement. “Yoga isn’t just a practice,” said Malvika. “It’s a way of returning to yourself. Here at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, with the sea breeze in your hair and the sound of the waves close by, even a few mindful stretches can feel like a profound reset. Nature supports the journey inward.”
The session drew participants from around the world, including both seasoned yoga enthusiasts and first-time practitioners. One guest shared, “I’ve done yoga before, but this was different—more peaceful, more connected. Doing sun salutations with the ocean in front of you and no distractions around is something I’ll carry with me long after I leave.”
Beyond marking the global celebration of yoga, the event showcased the resort’s ongoing commitment to wellness. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives offers a variety of well-being experiences throughout the year, from early morning yoga flows and sunset meditations to personalised one-on-one sessions tailored to individual needs.
As holistic wellness continues to shape global travel trends, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides a distinctive retreat where guests can reconnect with themselves and the natural world—one breath at a time.
Featured
Sun Siyam Iru Veli debuts Wellness in Motion Week with beach runs and expert-led yoga

Sun Siyam Iru Veli recently hosted its inaugural ‘Wellness in Motion Week,’ welcoming guests, local wellness leaders, and global experts for a curated celebration of movement, mindfulness, and holistic reconnection in the heart of the Maldives. The week-long programme attracted over 150 participants, offering a series of transformative events aimed at promoting deeper wellbeing in harmony with nature.
To commemorate Global Wellness Day, the island held the first-ever Maldives Wellness Run in partnership with iRunners Maldives on June 14th. Set against the stunning backdrop of the shoreline, the 4-kilometre beach run featured over 85 guests and team members, who completed an invigorating course around the island. Embracing the theme #ReconnectMagenta, participants were encouraged to connect with themselves, their community, and the surrounding environment through intentional movement and breath.
Central to the week were intimate Mind & Body sessions led by two international wellness experts. Marina Violinha, a holistic women’s health and fitness specialist, conducted a sunset yoga session and an interactive talk at Magoodhoo Beach, guiding attendees in exploring feminine strength and emotional balance. Meanwhile, Shane Seery, an award-winning executive health coach, offered functional movement coaching on the resort’s tennis courts, combining personalised support with outdoor flow.
On June 20th, 88 team members took part in a sunrise yoga session led by the resort’s spa team. This gathering aligned with the global theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ highlighting the resort’s commitment to wellbeing as a shared value among both staff and guests.
The week concluded on International Yoga Day (June 21st) with a serene sunrise yoga and wellness ceremony at Turtle Beach. Facing the Indian Ocean, participants welcomed the day in stillness and unity.
Through Wellness in Motion Week, Sun Siyam Iru Veli underscored its dedication to offering meaningful, restorative experiences where nature, culture, and conscious living converge. From sunrise yoga sessions and barefoot beach runs to expert-led coaching and immersive spa rituals, the resort continues to redefine island wellness and rejuvenation.
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