Featured
Kagi Maldives Spa Island introduces ‘Wellness Inc’
Kagi Maldives Spa Island, the boutique 50-villa resort situated in the North Malé Atoll, has introduced ‘Wellness Inc’ – cost-effective, laid-back holistic wellness journeys alongside peaceful lifestyle experiences.
General Manager, Jorg Weytjens commented: “The Maldives is the perfect setting for a wellness break, but we understand our guests want a ‘proper’ holiday too. By blending wellness options with the Maldivian lifestyle and ensuring we offer real value for money, Kagi is at the forefront for a new mode of wellness travel experience.”
According to a global survey, 45% of global consumers are looking for relaxation and wellbeing in their next travel destination—the second most popular travel motivator behind the need to get away. Kagi’s Wellness Inc approach will incorporate the easy-going nature of an Indian Ocean escape with optional bespoke wellness journeys as defined by the guest.
At the heart of the resort is the fully integrated, 1500-square-metre Baani Spa Sanctuary, one of the largest of its kind in the Indian Ocean. It features an open-air, teardrop shaped roof and floating yoga pavilion, and offers holistic and outcome-focused wellness programmes to take guests on an immersive journey to release, restore, and regain.
Baani’s ‘Spa Corner’ restaurant provides nutritious food and drink options, but guests also have the option to indulge in restaurant ‘Ke-Un’s South-Asian cuisine, the buffet at Noo-Faru, or ‘Nonna’, the newly opened signature Italian restaurant led by Executive Chef Dennis Placerani.
Guests can also choose to heal the body and mind through activities such as underwater meditation or yoga, but also adventure into the lagoon to snorkel and explore the abundant marine life, paddleboard, or windsurf.
Frances Geoghegan, Founder of spa & wellness specialists, Healing Holidays, commented: “With the introduction of Wellness Inc., the team at Kagi have understood that people travelling to the Maldives want to include Wellness as part of their holiday – it’s not an ‘either/or’ option, rather the best solution for those seeking better Wellness & Wellbeing whilst enjoying all that the Maldives can offer. Kagi has captured what we believe is going to be a lasting trend – a little bit of what you love combined with the best of what’s good for you.”
Kagi houses a state-of-the-art gym, four restaurants, three bars, a dive centre, and house reef, and is just 15-minutes on seaplane or a 60-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. The barefoot luxury resort is a fusion of tradition and contemporary design by NYC based Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki, the mastermind behind the world’s first underwater villa, with natural elements such as wood, stone and coconut thatch combined with the very latest in comfort, style and refinement.
Bed & breakfast rates for Kagi Maldives Spa Island Lagoon Pool Villas start at US$666/£552/€636 per night. For further information, contact info@kagimaldives.com or telephone: +960 6640123.
A 7-night stay at Kagi with Healing Holidays costs from £2929 person, including transfers from Male, daily breakfast and access to the daily group Wellness schedule. For further information, see https://www.healingholidays.com/accommodation/maldives/kagi-spa-island
Featured
AIDA brings over 2,000 tourists to Maldives in major economic boost
Maldives recently welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA, carrying 2,139 tourists. Operated primarily for Swiss, Austrian, and German visitors, the ship arrived on December 8, 2024, from Muscat, Oman. This visit marks the first cruise ship arrival since regulatory changes were implemented at the request of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).
The AIDA’s stopover is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists is likely to benefit various businesses, including restaurants, souvenir shops, local dhonis, guesthouses, and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé. This surge in activity is anticipated to further solidify the Maldives’ position as a leading cruise destination in the region.
This milestone underscores the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. Beyond its economic impact, the AIDA’s visit is expected to enhance foreign reserves and contribute to broader national economic growth. The vessel is scheduled to depart the Maldives on December 9, 2024, at 6 PM, after a brief yet impactful visit.
The Maldivian tourism industry continues to thrive despite global challenges. This achievement follows recent accolades, including being named the World Travel Awards’ (WTA) World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and earning the title of World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time. The successful introduction of cruise tourism marks the beginning of a promising new chapter, with future visits poised to further invigorate the industry and local economy.
Celebration
A Soaring Festive: celebrate the season in style at Ifuru Island Maldives
This festive season, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to a tropical paradise celebration under the theme ‘A Soaring Festive.’ Taking place from December 21, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the event promises a vibrant, entertainment-filled program designed to create joy, excitement, and lasting memories.
Catering to diverse preferences, A Soaring Festive offers an array of experiences, from dynamic nightlife and unique performances to relaxed island vibes, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Renowned DJ Rawlo will headline the nightly entertainment, captivating audiences with high-energy performances and dynamic beats. Breaking away from conventional DJ stereotypes, Rawlo’s electrifying sets promise to keep guests dancing under the stars until late into the night.
Adding to the festive lineup, the talented duo Synthetic Seduction—comprising Evgeniya and Olcay—will deliver versatile performances, including soulful saxophone melodies, lively DJ sets, and engaging duo band shows. Whether guests are enjoying cocktails by the pool or dancing on the sand, this duo creates the perfect ambiance for both relaxation and high-energy fun.
For those seeking visual artistry, Jonas and Aygul will dazzle with awe-inspiring fire shows, mesmerising LED displays, skillful juggling acts, and elegant belly dancing. Their multi-faceted performances promise to light up the island with unforgettable entertainment.
Complementing the headline acts, ‘A Soaring Festive’ features a variety of activities designed to enhance the holiday experience. Guests can participate in beach games, competitions, and themed culinary events that celebrate the flavors of the season, ensuring a celebration filled with joy and excitement.
Featured
New deep-sea fish species discovered in Maldives: Chromis Abadhah
In a breakthrough for marine science, a new species of fish has been discovered in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Named Chromis Abadhah, the species derives its name from the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, meaning perpetual, symbolising the ongoing commitment to planetary conservation. The name also acknowledges the support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, which funded the research.
The fish was first spotted near Maafilaafushi in the Kaafu Atoll. Subsequent studies revealed that the species inhabits multiple regions of the Maldives, ranging from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll. Researchers documented the fish in eight distinct locations, indicating that it may be distributed across various parts of the country.
Chromis Abadhah resides at depths between 95 and 110 metres, in the mesophotic zone, where sunlight begins to fade. This habitat sets it apart from other species in its family, which are typically found in shallower waters of around 30 meters.
The new species belongs to the ‘Dan’ba’ family, a group of damselfish commonly found in Maldivian seas. However, Chromis Abadhah is distinct from its relatives in several ways:
- Unlike other Chromis species, it lacks the characteristic black cross line near the neck.
- Its upper shell comprises 14 bones, compared to the typical 13 seen in related species.
While other Chromis species, such as Chromis axillaris, Chromis pelora, and Chromis woodsi, are found in various parts of the world, Chromis Abadhah appears to be endemic to the Maldives, making it a unique addition to the region’s biodiversity.
The study was a collaborative effort involving Maldivian experts and international scientists. To better understand the species, researchers captured four specimens using a specialised net. Their findings, published in a scientific paper, highlight the importance of deep-sea exploration in uncovering hidden marine treasures.
The identification of Chromis Abadhah underscores the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity and the critical role of research in its preservation. This discovery also emphasises the importance of protecting deep-sea habitats, which often harbour unique and endemic species.
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