Featured
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Ihuru welcome new General Manager
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru has welcomed its new General Manager Kanruethai Roongruang, who will be responsible for driving the resort’s day-to-day operations.
Kan joined Banyan Tree Group in 1997 as Manager of Canal Village, Laguna Phuket. She has held leadership roles in various Banyan Tree Spa & Gallery locations such as Bangkok, India, Phuket, UAE, and Malaysia and subsequently promoted to VP for Spas & Gallery Operations.
In 2017, she moved to hotel operations as Hotel Manager for Angsana Villas Phuket Resort, Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort, and Angsana Laguna Phuket after the resort integration. There, Kan successfully managed the hotel team to achieve smooth operations as well as guests’ and associates’ satisfaction.
Kan brings with her over 20 years of experience in the group she led and participated in various events and activities. She is also a high potential LEAFer in Banyan Tree’s LEAF, a program that develops senior managers with the aptitude to lead the group.
Kan will lead the Banyan Tree’s Post-Covid Wellbeing Drive for Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, the brand’s new journey that caters to the wellbeing curious.
The Wellbeing Sanctuary concept enables leisure travellers to design and combine a leisure vacation with wellbeing elements in a flexible and open way. Through a structured and straightforward, codified approach of 8 pillars, guests may personalise their stay and create a personal practice to sustain even after returning home.
Lastly, the journey is designed to inspire a greater connection between self, others, and nature, with Banyan Tree’s enduring commitment to sustainability woven through the experience.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is situated on the North Male Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from the Male airport. Located on the island of Vabbinfaru, the spa-centric boutique resort offers understated barefoot luxury, blessed with lush tropical palms, immaculate beaches, cerulean waters, and a house reef bustling with turtles, white tip sharks, manta rays, lobsters, and many other aquatic residents.
Blessed with palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear waters, pristine house reef, and the famed Ranamaari shipwreck, the dive-centric, all-Inclusive retreat of Angsana Ihuru is located in the North Male Atoll, mere 20 minutes by Speedboat from Velana International Airport.
For more information about Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, visit www.banyantree.com/en/maldives/vabbinfaru. For more information, visit wellbeing.banyantree.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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