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Guinness World Record for longest underwater kiss sets new mark at LUX* South Ari Atoll in Maldives

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Global hospitality group The Lux Collective’s well-loved LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is the official resort host of South African-based conservation couple, Beth Neale and Miles Cloutier, who break the Guinness World Record for the longest underwater kiss to mark the Valentine’s Day 2023.

A mermaid at heart, Beth Neale is a 4-time South African freediving champion, conservation filmmaker, Pure Apnea Master freediving instructor and a qualified Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) advanced scuba diver. Together with her husband, a renowned director Miles Cloutier, they took their love to new lengths, breaking the previous world record of 3 minutes 24 seconds 34 frames set in Italy in 2010. Through sharing their underwater love story, they hope to inspire others to fall in love with the magic and wonders of the underwater world. The couple believes that oceans need all the love possible to safeguard them for the future generations.

The new record of the longest underwater kiss of 4 minutes and 6 seconds took place on 4 February 2023, at LUX* South Ari Atoll, one of the largest resorts in the Maldives. The event was attended by the Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator Mr. Swapnil Dangarikar who confirmed the achievement. The record was celebrated with a champagne ceremony on the island, followed by a surprise greeting by Trans Maldivian Airlines for the couple on their way back home.

During the celebration of this great milestone, Beth shared, “Breaking a Guinness World Record for the longest underwater kiss at LUX* South Ari Atoll is a dream come true – it is the world’s most romantic destination resort and the pinnacle of eco-conscious luxury. Surrounded by pristine ocean thriving with life, it is a true island paradise with no better destination to share our underwater love story!”

Miles enthused, “It is such a privilege to partner with The Lux Collective, which shares our goal of promoting sustainability and ocean conservation. The infinity pool overlooking the ocean was the perfect location for this world record breaking kiss. We feel that Valentine’s Day is the best time to share our new record, as it’s a reflection of our love for the underwater world and for each other. And what better way to make the moment last than with a 4-minute kiss!”

John Rogers, General Manager of the resort, added, “Our heartiest congratulations to Beth and Miles! It is an honour to witness the achievement, and LUX* South Ari Atoll is proud to be associated with Guinness World Records and to be part of this award-winning moment.”

This record showcases the Maldives as the ultimate romantic destination, and LUX* South Ari Atoll continues to be the top island resort for wedding and honeymoon travel as well as once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaways. Offering extraordinary experiences and surprises, this uniquely chic island offers the most inspiring eco-conscious luxury escapes for couples.

To learn more about romantic offers and extraordinary experiences of LUX* South Ari Atoll, visit  www.luxresorts.com, email the resort at stay@luxmaldivesresort.com, or call +960 668 0901.

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Reethi Faru Resort reveals festive line-up of dining, entertainment and island experiences

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Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.

The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.

The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.

For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.

Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.

According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.

Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.

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Awards

Condé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts

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.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in the Maldives, has been named the No. 6 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.

The annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines and other travel experiences based on votes submitted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.

The recognition places .Here Baa Atoll among the highest-ranked resorts in the Indian Ocean and comes during a milestone year for the property.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences spread across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere.

Somewhere features seven three- and four-bedroom residences extending from the beach towards the lagoon and designed for families and groups travelling together. Each residence offers indoor and outdoor living spaces, multiple pools, private dining and personalised Roohu service. Guests are transferred directly to their residence by private speedboat, avoiding a conventional lobby and check-in process.

Condé Nast Traveler has previously highlighted the resort for its emphasis on privacy, its beach-to-lagoon residences and its discreet approach to luxury.

The resort experience also includes Nowhere Private Island, which is reserved exclusively for a single group at a time. The island features a five-bedroom Presidential Residence and a three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, providing eight bedrooms and 3,329 square metres of private living space, supported by dedicated service and individually curated experiences.

The Readers’ Choice Award follows several other recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll during 2026. The resort was included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2026, with the publication highlighting its residences and design. It has also received international recognition for its architecture and design, alongside creative collaborators Kulör Group, Muza Lab and Topo Design Studio.

Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll, said: “To be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler so early in our journey is incredibly meaningful. .Here was created around a simple idea: to give guests extraordinary space, genuine privacy and the freedom to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms. This recognition belongs equally to our team, whose care and dedication bring that vision to life every day. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us.”

The latest recognition adds to .Here Baa Atoll’s growing international profile within the luxury travel sector, with the resort positioning privacy, spacious accommodation, design and personalised service at the centre of its guest experience.

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Awards

Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM

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Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.

At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.

Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.

At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.

The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.

According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.

The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.

Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.

The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.

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