Featured
LUX* South Ari Atoll awarded South Asia’s most sustainable wedding resort
Thanks to its innovative and restorative approach to celebrations, the luxury resort in the Maldives was recognised by the LUXlife Global Wedding Awards.
Launched in 2016 and now returning for the sixth consecutive year, LUXlife 2022 Global Wedding Awards aims to join the finest businesses across the wedding industry, from wedding planners and stunning venues to high-end caterers and bespoke stationers.
Regarded as South Asia’s Most Sustainable Wedding Resort, LUX* South Ari Atoll brings together wanderlusters from all over the world for moments and experiences that will last a lifetime, helping people Celebrate Life. With a stunning tropical backdrop, the island is an ideal place for a wedding, vows renewal or a honeymoon trip, and this luxurious island knows how to craft a day one will never forget. From flower petal showers to bodu beru drummers and sand bank candelight dinners, the possibilities of personalisation are lavish and endless.
LUX* South Ari Atoll not only aims to touch hearts of its guests but also improve lives of people around the world. Say ‘I Do’ in Paradise — it’s everything and more that guests can dream of at no additional cost to nature. Ensuring the co-existence of low-impact destination weddings and luxury, the wedding catalogue features three fresh themes — Wanderlust, Boho and Tropical Paradise, while highlighting chic sustainable hallmarks as part of its fabric. While all offered wedding themes unique in their own ways, they all have one common aspect – care for the planet. The resort is very proud of promoting its Zero Waste Weddings, as part of its latest sustainability proposal. LUX* South Ari Atoll will make sure happy couples can celebrate their special day worry-free of the impact on the beautiful Maldivian nature.
While the team does not compromise on guest’s wedding expectations, they still believe in taking care of the environment and giving back to the community. Purchasing a wedding package also funds the education of an underprivileged child and a visit to the children’s shelter during a stay can be organised. The couple can also choose to support the ocean and help to restore local marine ecosystem by adopting a coral frame. The resident Marine Biologist will be happy to share regular updates on the growing baby corals.
To ensure that everything about the special day is truly that – special – LUX* gives its full attention, dedication and commitment to each couple who has booked their wedding at the resort. Rather than hosting multiple occasions in one day, the resort has a policy of only one wedding per day on the island.
For more information on wedding and honeymoon offers at LUX* South Ari Atoll or to make a reservation, please visit www.luxresorts.com, contact stay@luxmaldivesresort.com or call +960 668 0901.
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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