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Baros Maldives voted world’s most romantic resort; launches truly unique experience on Nooma

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On the occasion of the prestigious award, which the private island resort has received for the seventh time since 2012, Baros Maldives has crafted an incredible experience. Guests can set sail on Nooma in the traditional way while enjoying their choice of Indian Ocean journey, focusing on either a Maldivian, Sri Lankan, or Indian journey that includes a spa treatment and destination dining experience of the chosen country.

With an elegantly crafted curved prow, a vast single sail, a thatched roof, and a sarong-clad crew of four, Baros’s 19m long sailing vessel Nooma is modelled after the traditional Maldivian sailing boat, locally known as Dhoni. It is a vessel of hidden treasures, with a secluded sun deck for two in the bow, a private saloon lounge paired with an air-conditioned double bedroom, toilet and shower, and a personal butler on board. Nooma is the perfect destination for the ultimate intimate cruise.

As guests listen to the sounds of the Indian Ocean and as Nooma drifts upon the North Male’ Atoll, it is time to savour the sunset with their choice of either Maldivian, Sri Lankan or Indian gourmet canapés and cocktail served by their personal butler. As the sun sets, their personal expert therapists are ready for their treatment of choice.

Guests who opt for the Maldivian treatment will enjoy a coconut scrub based on 100% natural ingredients such as finest sand from Baros that twill cleanse, nourish and give your skin that silk soft feeling and purest Maldivian virgin coconut oil and coconut milk that delivers all the essential nutrients for a healthy and glowing skin. Carefully designed techniques combining the best of the massage world will evoke a sublime sense of deep relaxation.

If Sri Lanka is their preferred destination, guests will enjoy a nourishing body wrap, a deeply grounding experience for skin that has never felt softer. Velvety monoi oil is applied on the body for ultra-hydration, followed by a bespoke massage tailored specifically to the guests’ needs focusing on any areas of tension, allowing their body and mind to relax, revive and heal.

The Indian Abhyanga and Shirodhara treatment begins with Abhyanga, a rhythmic massage which uses herbal oils to stimulate the circulation of blood, lymph, and prana (energy). This is followed by Shirodhara, during which a steady stream of oil is gently poured over the forehead to improve clarity of mind.

When heavenly relaxed from their treatment of choice, Nooma will be anchored in the Baros lagoon where guests can dine under the stars and enjoy a delicious Maldivian, Sri Lankan or Indian four course menu.

The Maldivian menu starts with traditional Maldivian Mezze, followed by Garudiya, a traditional fish broth with vegetable, continues with a curry tasting featuring a chicken, fish and vegetarian curry and ends with a finest dessert featuring Maldivian sweets.

Guests opting for the Sri Lankan menu can enjoy fish cutlet, coconut Roti and Seeni Sambal as a starter, followed by a curry flavoured pumpkin soup and a Ceylonese mustard prawn curry, chicken black curry, potato tempered, Brinjal Morju and coconut sambal and end their culinary journey with a Sri Lankan sweets sampler.  

The culinary journey to India starts with a Green Job Tikka, sea prawns, yoghurt and cream marinated, a rich tomato Dhaniya Shorba broth, and continues with a traditional Indian lamb curry, Paneer Butter Masala and Indian Black Dal and ends with a Sweet Indian Dessert Sampler dish.

Each meal is prepared with fresh local ingredients and created just for them by their private chef, as they create memorable moments with their loved one that they will cherish for a lifetime and reignite their romance with an evening filled with delicious local culinary highlights. Imagine dining in the most beautiful lagoon in the world with the ocean as your backdrop.

“This new Nooma experience is the ultimate romantic adventure, where we invite our guests to escape to their destination of choice and spend a whole evening enjoying bespoke drinks, a tailored wellness treatment and local food among the unparalleled views. This is a must-have experience during full moon nights, where guests get to witness a natural phenomenon occurring just once a month,” comments Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros.

More information about the Nooma experience is available on the Baros website and guests can book the unique journey by contacting reservations@baros.com or dial +960 6642672 to start crafting their perfect romantic escape to Baros.

Awards

Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.

Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.

Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:

  • Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
  • Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
  • AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
  • Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
  • Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
  • The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
  • Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.

The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.

General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”

The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.

Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.

With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.

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Featured

Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

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Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.

Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.

Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.

South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.

Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.

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Entertainment

Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.

The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.

Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.

Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.

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