Featured
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island names Widiaptini as spa director
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has announced Ida Ayu Nyoman Widiaptini as its new Director of Spa as the iconic twin-island resort prepares for its grand relaunch.
The property is part of Conrad Hotels & Resorts, one of Hilton’s global luxury hotel brands.
An experienced spa leader and wellness expert, Ida will be responsible for bringing the resort’s holistic wellness program to life, including overseeing operations for two unique spa experiences – The Spa Retreat located at the family island, Rangali-Finolhu and The Over-Water Spa at the couples island, Rangali Island – as the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island turns the page to write its next chapter after a multi-million-dollar refurbishment.
The extensive multi-year makeover further elevates the resort’s health and wellbeing offering, including the revamped Over-Water Spa, which offers a luxurious sanctuary 100-metres into the Indian Ocean and caters to all demands, from soulful meditation to absolute therapeutic pampering.
Originally from Bali, Widiaptini brings more than 20 years of luxury spa experience to the role, having first learnt her craft at the Banyan Tree Bintan in Indonesia, before progressing to increasingly senior roles with the brand in Bahrain and Bali and honing her skills in all aspects of spa operations, design and management.
In 2011, she returned to Banyan Tree Bintan as Director of Spa, before making the move back to Bali with Six Senses in 2017.
With a strong eye for detail and expertise in Balinese healing philosophies and therapeutic practices, Widiaptini will lead a team of 17 wellness specialists from around the world to create an inspiring and diverse wellness program to further enhance the experience for guests during their stay.
Proudly the first international resort brand to arrive in the Maldives and soon to complete 25 years in time for the grand relaunch in 2022, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was, and continues to be, a pioneer amongst Maldives’ 150 resorts. Renowned for delivering authentic barefoot luxury, the twin-island property is home to the world’s first undersea restaurant Ithaa, first underwater bedroom set within the two-level residence The Muraka, and first twin island resort experience in the Maldives, amongst others.
Widiaptini said: “I am thrilled to be joining Conrad Maldives Rangali Island at such an exciting time for the resort, the team and guests. It’s pioneering approach has set the standard for luxury hospitality in the Maldives for almost 25 years, so to have the opportunity to be part of the next phase of its story is a real honour.”
Carla Puverel, General Manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ida as Director of Spa at a really key time for us as we head into the final stage of what has been an extensive, island-wide, transformation, including reimagined spacious water villas, reinvigorated culinary venues and innovative guest experiences. Moving forward, it’s important that we continue to push boundaries and seek out new firsts; Ida has shown a genuine passion to embrace the spirit of innovation and I can’t wait to see how that translates into memorable experiences for our guests.”
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
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.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
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.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi showcases mixology collaboration during Easter programme
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.
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