Featured
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands celebrates Eid Al-Adha in the Circle of Island Life
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will host an unforgettable Eid Al-Adha to follow its milestone first anniversary celebrations. From the 8th-11th July, in celebration of Eid, guests are invited to awaken all their senses in the exquisite luxury of the design masterpiece resort, from the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The perfect setting for an Eid escape, guests will be immersed in a curated programme of Fari Island experiences to mark the festivities.
A feast to remember
The culinary journey at this Indian Ocean jewel spans Japanese, Southern Italian, Cantonese and Lebanese cuisine throughout its seven restaurants and bars. For the Eid Al-Adha celebrations guests can enjoy an exclusive dining experience with celebrity Chef Tala Bashmi, named winner of Middle East and North Africa’s Best Female Chef 2022. Chef Patron at her renowned Fusions by Tala restaurant in Bahrain, Chef Tala will bring the flavours of the Middle East to an innovative and vibrant menu at the resort’s Arabesque restaurant.
For an authentic cultural immersion, the resort’s Beach Shack will present Maldivian Night, a feast for the senses, serving inspired dishes fusing tropical ingredients, simple spices and flavours from the north to the south of the Maldives. For those keen to learn and create, a Maldivian Cooking Class at La Locanda restaurant shares islander’s favourite recipes in live demonstrations by the resort’s Chefs de Cuisine.
Indian Ocean adventures
Plugging in to nature is essential at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and exploring the abundant reef surrounding the atoll is high on the agenda. Dipping in to the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program marine naturalists will present the diversity of wildlife below the ocean, including its unique drone programme monitoring sea-life in the deep blue. Guests will get hands-on in the Coral Regeneration Ceramics Workshop, creating marine life-inspired clay ceramics for the coral nurseries, and for the explorers, a chance to snorkel with turtles and discover the biodiversity of the ocean for themselves awaits.
Those who prefer to stay above water can board a sunset Dolphin Cruise gliding alongside pods of playful dolphins, leaping and dancing to the setting sun.
Wellness rituals
With wellbeing at its core, The Ritz-Carlton Spa perches masterly over its sparkling lagoon, ready to welcome guests to sensory escapism shaped by the ocean forces, wind and waves. Guests can enjoy blissful treatments from holistic British brand Bamford, channelling the ocean’s rhythm in wave-like massage. In the Mystique Garden an Island Sunriser welcomes guests to a three kilometre scenic sunrise jog followed by a restoring body balance session, while Sunset Yoga will close balmy island days beachside.
Legendary experiences
To ensure memories are created to cherish for years to come, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands curates signature experiences showcasing the unique natural beauty of its setting, from total immersion in seascapes, and sunrise and sunset views. Guests will be invited to celebrate the resort’s Defining Moments, a sunset ritual with a Bodu Beru performance of Maldivian drums and elegant flaming ceremony.
In the Legendary Sandbank Experience, guests are transported to the Fari Islands’ sandbank for a day of remote island escapism. From noon to 4pm, guests will enjoy a lavish lunch, drinks on tap, water sports and entertainment on their very own Indian Ocean Island.
A family affair
No guest is too small for unforgettable moments and at Ritz Kids – a futuristic indoor-outdoor space of fun is home to playgrounds, napping pods, video games, movies, and a pool with slides and jets! For Eid Al-Adha, children will discover the ancient art form of Henna through beautifully designed skin art. Getting the creative juices flowing and inspired by nature, mini VIPs can join a coconut shell arts and crafts workshop and led by the Ladies and Gentlemen of the resort, a fun pom pom and accessories making session. At Kids’ Night Out, the youngest guests will enjoy an evening packed with hours of games, activities, movies, and delicious treats for tummies.
Villas by design
Set above vibrant azure waters or nestled along white-sand beach coves, the resort’s luxury villas blend island living with architectural mastery. Guests can retreat to a choice of 100 villas, designed by the late venerated Kerry Hill and Kerry Hill Studios, blurring the line between indoors and out, and offering complete privacy. From spherical-lux overwater and beachfront villas, sleeping up to four adults and two children, and to the pinnacle of accommodation, for larger families, The Ritz-Carlton Estate sleeping up to nine adults, or six adults and three children, complete with private chef and its own spa studio. Whatever the choice, guests are lavished in luxury with all villas providing mesmerising ocean views, private infinity pools, Aris Meeha island service for personalised experiences, and luxurious Bamford amenities.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
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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