Featured
Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives focuses on wellness In 2022
Cheval Blanc Randheli, the Maldivian Maison of LVMH group Cheval Blanc, is launching a series of new wellness retreats designed for post-pandemic travel.
With so many exceptional island hideaways opening across the archipelago, it can be challenging for a resort to stand out in the Maldives. Rather than chasing trends, Cheval Blanc Randheli continually draws new and returning travellers back with its lavish accommodation and lifestyle offering fusing French l’art de vivre with an idyllic Indian Ocean setting in the Noonu Atoll. This experience defined by gastronomy, the breath-taking design of Jean-Michel Gathy and a spa offering the Maldives’ only Guerlain rituals is continually enhanced with new concepts immersing guests in life on the island.
Following pandemic lockdowns and addressing the increased demand for retreats benefitting both mental and physical wellness, the coveted island resort has developed a series of immersive wellness retreats to be launched in early 2022. This follows on from the creation of a new yoga and meditation program that the Maldivian Maison first launched for travellers returning to the archipelago in 2021.
Cheval Blanc Randheli is spread across six islands where white sand shores meet the vivid turquoise water of the lagoon and are backed by palm trees and lush tropical vegetation. One of these islands is dedicated to the Cheval Blanc Spa with access only possible by sailing across from the main island on the resort’s traditional dhoni.
The spa island’s jetty leads to a high-ceilinged ocean-view arrival area facing onto the island’s private white sand beach. The open-fronted Spa Bar with oceanfront pool lies to one side and paths to the other side of the beach lead through verdant greenery to a collection of ocean-facing spa villas and other wellness amenities including a thermal suite, hammams, a yoga deck and orchidarium – orchids run throughout the spa’s wellness concept.
Specific Guerlain wellness rituals, specially conceived for the Maldives resort, range from the After-Diving Experience and Randheli Sun Ritual to Orchidée Impériale Guerlain treatments. Yoga sessions span everything from Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa to aerial yoga, therapeutic yoga for healing, weight-loss yoga, power yoga and both sunrise and sunset sessions and meditation covers a range of approaches including Pranayama and mindfulness.
The yoga retreats run between three and five days and aim to bring balance to your life through the expertise of the on-island yoga master, Puneet Sharma. The three-day yoga retreat comprises a consultation followed by sunrise meditation, morning and afternoon yoga, a breathing session, mindful walking, use of the thermal facilities, aerial yoga discovery, sunset meditation, singing bowl meditation and a 60-minute massage. The five-day retreat also includes chakra healing and activation, breathing yoga flow, a 60-minute hammam treatment, 90-minute beauty lift facial and a 45-minute Watsu session.
The soon-to-be-launched immersive wellness retreats, which are being created in partnership with Guerlain, will combine the experiences had on these yoga and meditation retreats with additional personalised treatments and tailored wellness cuisine, which is to be created by the resort’s accomplished chefs wherever you are in the gastronomy focused resort.
Additional enhancements to the resort experience include the recent introduction of the Maldives’ first surf simulator and the transformation of the resort’s impressive kids’ club. Excursions add to the overall resort experience, with yacht trips taking guests out to see dolphins at sunset or to dive and snorkel in the archipelago’s marine-life-rich waters.
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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