Featured
Nova Maldives crafts new wellness rituals inspired by traditional Maldivian medicine

Nova Maldives has launched a selection of unique spa treatments based on the sacred wisdom of Traditional Maldivian Medicine. The distinctive healing rituals invite guests to form connection with nature and enhance their body and soul’s well-being.
Traditional medicine, or “Dhivehi Beys”, is integral to the Maldivian heritage. Over the centuries, Maldivian healers acquired medical knowledge from travellers who passed through the remote island country and adapted them using locally available and imported products. Dhivehi Beys are characterised by Arab, Persian, Indian, Chinese and even ancient Greek medicinal traditions, and carries with them the secrets about the benefits of natural cycles of nature, its environment, as well as the healing and nourishing effects of the diverse flora and fauna in the nation.
The Drift Away Treatment helps balance the emotional state of mind, while also reviving the physical energy centreing around detoxifying the body and improving the blood flow. Inviting guests on a 90-minute journey of rejuvenation and healing, the treatment starts with a cleansing foot ritual. It is then followed by a short meditation and a full body massage focusing on the back. Will skilled expertise, Nova’s spa therapists will perform a combination of strokes and classical movements, relieving stress and sending the body into an immediate slumber with a noni leaves mask used for their backs. The evergreen leaves of the noni tree, also known as Indian Mulberry, are famous for their various healing properties. They have been used to tend to arthritis, abdominal swelling, headache, skin problems, and rheumatism. Guests are assured to feel like they are floating while getting spoiled from head to toe in the breathtaking Eskape spa suit.
The Maldivian Serenity Treatment, centred around coconut oil and the Dhiggaa plant, is rich in vitamin E and nourishes the skin. Starting the treatment with a cleansing foot ritual, two therapists will work on the guest synchronically to transport them to a realm of harmony and relaxation. The guests will breathe in the scent of coconut oil as their scalp is massaged. The benefits of the Dhiggaa plant, also known as sea hibiscus, extend to relieving stomach pain, fractured bones and sprained muscles, gonorrhoea, and fever. At the same time, the coconut oil used in the treatment works as an anti-wrinkle and antioxidant. With a trunk roller massage relaxing their muscles, releasing the tension of knots, and detoxifying their skin, guests will get a fully immersive experience that will put both their body and mind in a complete state of serenity.
Nova’s signature Tropical Body Polish Treatment allows guests to immerse themselves in deep relaxation. The journey will begin with steam melting the stress away as guests’ skin is cleansed and polished with a purifying scrub of coconut and morning glory leaves. This delicate flower that blooms in shades of blue, pink and purple, possesses impressive healing abilities. It is a blood purifier and an antioxidant that calms nerves, treats insect bites, reduces swelling and helps relieve joint pain. This remarkable flower also helps smoothen the skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and scars. Nova’s signature scrub is used to remove dead skin cells and encourage new cells’ regeneration, leaving a smooth and responsive canvas ready to absorb the deeply nourishing coconut body oil. Treating the skin to an ultimate level of softness, the journey continues with a facial massage to balance the mood and to let go of all worldly cares. It concludes with a relaxing cranial head sacral therapy that relaxes guests’ bodies and renews their souls.
Perched overwater against the dream-like backdrop of azure blue of Nova’s lagoon, Eskape spa features three blissful treatment rooms. A Thai Sala, a relaxation room and a yoga pavilion, takes guests to a world of wellness experiences designed to reconnect and awaken their senses.
Book your good soul days and stay informed: www.nova-maldives.com. Get in touch with: hello@nova-maldives.com.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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