Featured

Vakkaru Maldives continues to innovate with new guest experiences

Published

3 years ago

November 23, 2022

There’s always something exciting going on at Vakkaru Maldives. In time for the festive season, the timeless island sanctuary in the pristine Baa Atoll has further enhanced its guest experience by adding two new exciting offerings – Jungle Cinema and Anguru Teppanyaki restaurant.

The Jungle Cinema certainly lives up to its name. It is located in a private spot in the centre of the island and is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. It seats up to 10 people and is ideal for a family, a small group of friends, or a romantic movie date night for a couple. There is a wide selection of movie genres to choose from, and two screenings are possible every night – the first one at 7.30 pm and the second from 9.30 pm onwards. A private movie screening in the Jungle Cinema includes free-flow soft drinks and popcorn, while for a more elaborate night out, guests can also opt for a movie night that includes a set menu dinner.

Complementing Vakkaru’s exciting dine-around journey, Anguru, the new teppanyaki restaurant and the resort’s sixth food and beverage outlet, is a deliciously interactive dining experience. In the old days, coconut shells were used for fire and cooking in the traditional Maldivian kitchen. The by-product was “coconut shell charcoal” or “anguru’ in the Dhivehi language that is then used for barbecues. The restaurant’s name also celebrates the island’s heritage as a coconut plantation, which is still home to 2,300 trees today.

The restaurant, housed in a gazebo with a thatched roof near the main pool, lets diners watch the talented chefs slice, dice and sear right before their eyes. Open for lunch and dinner, Anguru can seat 10 diners and serves an a la carte menu for lunch and set menus for dinner. The a la carte menu offers a sumptuous selection of sushi, maki rolls, nigiri and sashimi to start the meal. For mains, diners can select from a range of premium meats and fresh seafood, including Australian Wagyu, Angus beef, Maldivian Grade A tuna, Scottish Salmon, and Maldivian lobster. Mains are all accompanied by miso soup, teppanyaki grilled vegetables, Japanese pickles and signature Japanese fried rice. Flambe pineapple and ice cream stuffed with batter-fried profiteroles are some of the desserts on offer.

Set menus such as the Sunset Flair and Ocean Delight include sushi, sashimi, soups, mains and desserts. The extravagant Surf & Turf set starts with a seafood soup, assorted sushi, lobster popcorn, pineapple and Malibu sorbet. Next, the mains are fresh Maldivian lobster and Tajima Wagyu beef MB, pan-seared foie gras, baby vegetables, and vegetable fried rice. Finally, the orange macerated flambé crepes bring a sweet end to the meal.

Speaking about the new guest experiences, Iain McCormack, General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives, said: “All our guests are evolved, luxury travellers. And at Vakkaru, we are always looking for ways to improve and elevate the experiences we offer to match and exceed their expectations. As a result, both Jungle Cinema and the Anguru Teppanyaki restaurant have been refined with singular attention to detail to deliver unique, exceptional moments to our guests.”

For more information, contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com or visit vakkarumaldives.com.

Featured

JOALI BEING launches global campaign ‘Joyful Journeys of Well-Living’

Published

10 hours ago

November 15, 2025

m@ldives

JOALI BEING, the world’s first well-being island, has announced the launch of its new global brand campaign titled “Joyful Journeys of Well-Living.” The campaign celebrates the art of self-discovery, inviting travellers to reconnect with their inner selves through bespoke and transformative experiences.

Building upon JOALI BEING’s core philosophy of the “Joy of Weightlessness,” the campaign embodies the essence of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. It encourages guests to explore holistic pathways designed to restore balance and inspire personal growth.

Joyful Journeys of Well-Living serves as an invitation to travellers seeking meaningful change and renewal. The campaign narrates stories of individuals discovering joy through purposeful living, mindful connection, and immersive well-being experiences at JOALI BEING.

The visuals capture the island’s tranquil landscapes and nurturing spaces — from oceanfront sanctuaries to treetop villas and transformative healing sessions led by resident experts. The campaign presents JOALI BEING as more than a destination; it is a journey towards well-being, creativity, and self-transformation.

Each guest journey at JOALI BEING is founded on the resort’s Four Pillars of Well-Being — Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy. Through tailored programmes, guests can embark on integrative wellness experiences encompassing sound therapy, movement and fitness, hydrotherapy, nutritional guidance, and energy-healing sessions curated by specialists.

The island features a series of advanced well-being spaces, including:

CORE: a movement and fitness zone
AREKA: a transformative treatment centre
KAASHI: a hydrotherapy hall
SEDA: a sound-healing room
Ocean Sala: an open-air meditation and relaxation deck

Each space is designed to nurture a profound connection with nature and the self.

The Joyful Journeys of Well-Living campaign has been conceptualised and produced by JOALI BEING’s in-house team in collaboration with creative partners and visual storytellers from across the globe. The multi-platform campaign integrates film, digital, and print media to convey JOALI BEING’s ethos — a celebration of joy, transformation, and harmony.

The visual narrative draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Maldives, reflecting JOALI BEING’s immersive design philosophy. The imagery captures the rhythm of the ocean, the play of light, and the flow of energy that define the spirit of the island.

Awards

Coco Bodu Hithi wins Best Waterside Hotel at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2026

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

m@ldives

Coco Bodu Hithi has been recognised on the global stage, winning Best Waterside Hotel (Riverside, Lakeside, Seaside) at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026, held on 3 November 2025 in the UK. It is the second consecutive year the resort has been honoured by the publication, following last year’s win for Best Service, reaffirming its focus on heartfelt Maldivian hospitality and refined island living.

Described by Condé Nast Johansens as an “over-water, over-indulgent Maldivian island outpost,” Coco Bodu Hithi offers an intimate retreat of comfort and calm. The resort’s 32 Water Villas and 24 Coco Residences, each measuring 184 square metres and featuring private pools, provide secluded spaces set above the lagoon, where nature, design, and comfort come together to reflect the island’s romantic ambience.

Known for contemporary design infused with Maldivian heritage, the resort continues to welcome travellers seeking time by the sea, complemented by culinary collaborations with celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs. The experience balances privacy and comfort throughout a guest’s stay. With turquoise waters, quiet spaces, and experiences designed for connection and shared discovery, the resort presents a considered take on island living.

Located 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the island combines accessibility with seclusion—close enough for convenience, yet removed for privacy and serenity. As part of Coco Collection, the resort offers bespoke experiences, attentive service, and sustainable practices, shaping stays that feel personal and reflective of relaxed, authentic island life.

Featured

‘Unlimited Play – Eat. Sip. Repeat.’: New Premium All-Inclusive at The Standard, Maldives

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

m@ldives

The Standard, Maldives, the stylish and unconventional resort in Raa Atoll, announces the launch of its most generous offering yet: the Premium All-Inclusive package, timed to complement its highly anticipated Festive 2025 programme. Titled “Unlimited Play – Eat. Sip. Repeat,” the package is designed to provide guests with a hassle-free, elevated island experience, ensuring every moment is infused with fun and luxury without reaching for the wallet. The move reinforces The Standard’s commitment to offering unscripted fun and memorable stays in the Maldives.

The Premium All-Inclusive

The Premium All-Inclusive package covers all daily meals across four dining venues, including the signature specialty restaurants. At the heart of the offering is the unlimited premium beverage programme: guests can enjoy free-flowing Champagne; choose from over 50 premium wines, prosecco, and sparkling selections from around the world; and access top-shelf spirits with crafted cocktails and mocktails available all day and into the late-night hours at Todis and by the pool.

Beyond dining, the package includes further inclusions. Every villa receives a daily replenished, fully stocked mini bar featuring two bottles of premium wine, two spirits, and four beers. For stays of six nights or more, the Ultimate Indulgence is unlocked, granting each adult a complimentary 45-minute spa treatment—either a restorative massage or a DIY hammam experience. In addition, guests receive one complimentary Adventure Time excursion per stay, selecting from a sunset fishing trip, a lucky dolphin cruise, or a romantic sunset cruise.

Festive Season 2025

As the year draws to a close, The Standard, Maldives invites guests to join the Festive 2025 celebrations, an immersive programme that transforms the island into a lively setting of parties and bespoke gastronomy. From Christmas Eve through the New Year, the resort’s playful spirit will feature uniquely Standard activities, decorations, and a curated line-up of entertainment for guests of all ages.

Highlights of the Festive 2025 calendar include exclusive themed beach parties, culinary journeys crafted by international chefs, and dedicated events for families. The celebrations will culminate in a high-energy New Year’s Eve gala with performances, fireworks over the lagoon, and dancing to ring in 2026 in The Standard’s signature style.

“At The Standard, we believe true luxury means freedom; freedom to play, indulge, and live in the moment without a second thought. Our new Premium All-Inclusive is all about that: seamless, generous, and fun. From Champagne breakfasts to late-night cocktails, it’s the easiest decision guests will ever make on holiday,” said Justin Swart, General Manager, The Standard, Maldives.

The Standard, Maldives aims to offer a celebratory experience this year by coupling the convenience of the Premium All-Inclusive with its Festive 2025 programming, setting the stage for a holiday season where preferences are catered to from the first welcome bubbles to the last dance of the New Year.