Featured
LUX* South Ari Atoll launches global fashion collaboration with DIARRABLU

In celebration of tropical wanderlust, conscious contemporary lifestyle brand DIARRABLU partners with LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives to present a Resort ‘23 collection named “FILUN” (Maldivian for “escape”) inspired by the island’s vibrant colours and warm culture.
As one of the biggest Maldivian islands, the award-winning resort of The Lux Collective is an ideal place for creativity with its cheerful vibes, secluded picturesque coves, and crystal-blue ocean waters. The DIARRABLU Resort ‘23 Collection is a reflection of the tropical LUX* South Ari Atoll, where blue lagoons meet four kilometres of pristine sands. The brand’s creative director Diarra Bousso and her global team travelled to the island from San Francisco, Dakar, Cape Town, Abidjan and London to create a special campaign telling the magical story behind the partnership.

“The collaboration between LUX* South Ari Atoll and DIARRABLU is not merely a fashion activation but a meaningful partnership. Travel and fashion go hand-in-hand, and anyone packing for a holiday to a faraway tropical destination will think twice about what to pack. The capsule collection’s locally inspired prints and sustainable materials aligned with LUX*’s sustainability values. The handcrafted womenswear and swimsuit are versatile and eye-catching – to celebrate life and bring a little extraordinary to your holiday,” said Caroline Gaud-Perrier, Vice President – Marketing of The Lux Collective.
The Collection
The collection’s colour palette features inspiration from turquoise waters, pink flowers and white sands. The prints, Ari Blu, Atoll Rose, Atoll Blu, Playa Aqua, Isla Noir and Tukki Noir, are designed in the brand’s distinct spirit of fusing geometry and art.
The solid-coloured pieces, in aqua, coral, white and black, use sustainable materials of lyocell and tencel, made from regenerated cellulose of wood pulp. The collection features balanced and size-inclusive pieces for head-turning looks while on vacation. The clothing and jewellery are handcrafted by local artisan communities in Diarra’s native country Senegal – in line with the brand’s innovative business model with a mission to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce waste.

The Brand: DIARRABLU
DIARRABLU is a conscious contemporary lifestyle brand founded by multidisciplinary artist and mathematician Diarra Bousso and known for its versatile, practical and convertible pieces in bold prints designed for the travel-spirited muse. With notable features in Vogue, Forbes and CNN among others, the brand’s design approach is a conscious merger of tradition and technology. DIARRABLU gained a strong fanbase with collections synonymous with effortless sophistication and comfort. and an ethos rooted in sustainability, wanderlust, and traditions.

The Artist: Diarra Bousso
Diarra Bousso, the self-dubbed creative mathematician is an artist at heart. A trained ballerina and former Wall Street trader spends her time exploring mathematics to create emotional artistic and educational experiences. Born and raised in Senegal and Norway, and currently living in California, Diarra is fascinated with oxymorons. Her work is rooted in old African craftsmanship while looking to the industry’s conscious future. The brand celebrates the beauty in contradictions by merging tradition and technology through her collection of clothing, accessories and art prints.
This brand collaboration between LUX* South Ari Atoll and DIARRABLU is born out of the strong shared values and passion for sustainability. Recognised for its award-winning eco-approach to conscious travel, the resort constantly strives for a greener future.
From 12 November 2022, the new DIARRABLU Resort ’23 Collection can be purchased online via www.diarrablu.com, with worldwide delivery.
Those seeking tropical vibes of LUX* South Ari Atoll and FILUN outfits can book their Maldives getaway with a special offer at www.luxresorts.com, email stay@luxmaldivesresort.com or call +960 668 0901.
Featured
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.
According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.
To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.
Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.
The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.
Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.
Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.
According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”
The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.
Featured
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.
Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.
The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.
Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.
For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.
October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.
Family
Kuramathi Maldives brings families together with fortnightly children’s programme

Kuramathi Maldives has introduced the new Bageecha Kids Club fortnightly programme, designed to inspire creativity, nurture curiosity, and create memorable holidays for children. The two-week programme, which began on 25 August, offers a wide range of engaging activities for children of different ages and interests. Bageecha Kids Club aims to create lasting memories, build friendships, and enhance family holidays. With this initiative, Kuramathi Maldives continues its commitment to delivering enriching experiences for guests of all ages.
The pirate-themed club is specially designed for children aged 3 to 12 years and operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Families travelling with children under the age of three may request babysitting services at an additional charge, ensuring that younger guests are also well cared for during their stay at Kuramathi.
Week 1:
- Monday – Art & Nature Day: Activities include a scavenger hunt, nature crafts, and fitness games. Children can build sandcastles on the beach, take part in pool activities, enjoy splash pad games, and explore watercolour painting.
- Tuesday – Ocean Adventures: Young participants can enjoy reef crafts, pool activities, and an underwater wildlife masterclass, concluding with fish tattoos and aquatic-themed fun.
- Wednesday – Sports Day: The day features mini-Olympics, children’s yoga, and beach volleyball, followed by pool time and a BBQ lunch.
- Thursday – Pirate & Mermaid Day: Children create treasure maps, embark on a treasure hunt, and learn to make pirate hats and mermaid crowns. The day concludes with splash games and a film.
- Friday – Superhero Adventure: Children design their own costumes, take part in beach games, and enjoy kite flying, before ending the day with a superhero disco.
- Saturday – Tropical Explorers: The programme includes animal crafts, jungle walks, coconut bowling, and pool activities, followed by a cinema session with popcorn.
- Sunday – Maldivian Culture & Heritage: Children are invited to learn Dhivehi phrases, craft miniature Dhonis, and practise traditional drumming. Palm leaf weaving and poolside activities round off the day.
Week 2:
- Monday – Eco & Green Day: Children make bookmarks and recycled art, alongside beach games, pool activities, and a nature walk.
- Tuesday – Underwater Wonders: Activities include underwater crafts, painting seascapes, a reef quiz, and laboratory time at the Eco Centre.
- Wednesday – Beach Olympics: The day features yoga, beach activities, pool time, a BBQ lunch, dance and movement sessions, hydroponic gardening, and a mini triathlon.
- Thursday – Creative Mind: Budding artists work on a group mural and nature journals, alongside pool adventures, water games, and a dance party.
- Friday – Animal Kingdom: The schedule includes animal-themed crafts, a relay race, pool activities, board games, and a paper plane contest.
- Saturday – Pirate Adventure: Children take part in crafts, pool games, and a treasure hunt, designing their own ship as part of the day’s activities.
- Sunday – Adventure & Fun: The final day brings a dance competition, superhero quiz, memory games, an obstacle course, and relay races.
The Bageecha Kids Club fortnightly programme provides children with the opportunity to experience creativity, fun, and cultural discovery, ensuring a memorable holiday for families at Kuramathi Maldives
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