Featured
Fitness expert Domingos Folgado returns to Vakkaru Maldives this Spring with new holistic programmes
Renowned wellness consultant and personal trainer Domingos Folgado returns to Vakkaru Maldives for another residency from 23 March to 18 April, covering the Easter and Spring break. With a loyal following of repeat guests at the resort, Domingos is highly regarded for his exceptional treatments and personal training sessions customised to each guest’s individual needs.
During his upcoming residency, Domingos will introduce five new treatments in keeping with current wellness trends and guests’ demands.
Wellness Massage
Moving from the soles of the feet to the crown of your head, this tailored treatment combines premium aromatherapy oils with ancient techniques to deeply heal your mind, body, and soul.
Muscle Release Massage
Using warm aromatherapy oil and deep tissue techniques to relax muscles, drain the lymphatic system, increase circulation, and improve energy levels, this treatment is customised to your preferences and combined with a healing music playlist to relax the brain.
Himalayan Salt Stone Massage
This therapeutic massage uses salt stones to decrease stress levels and increase relaxation, which can alleviate anxiety and promote deeper, rejuvenating sleep.
Mind Body Massage
This tailored dynamic massage therapy uses cranial balance, trigger point therapy, breath work, vagus nerve stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to help alleviate frozen shoulder, sciatic pain, neck pain, and facial paralysis, among others.
European Swedish Massage
Designed to invigorate the body and promote better overall health using techniques such as percussion, kneading, vibration, tapping, and rolling, this treatment is ideal for relieving aches and pains or for simply unwinding and relaxing.
In addition to these new therapies, Domingos’ signature treatments, including the popular Amno Fu and Gua Sha Facial, will also be on the menu during the residency. Guests can also consult him for tailored personal training sessions for weight loss, gaining strength, core conditioning, muscle toning, increasing flexibility and postural analysis.
A graduate of the Instituto Medico Naturista de Lisboa in his native Portugal, the wellness consultant, therapist, acupuncture expert and qualified personal trainer uses his diverse skill set to work with an impressive black book of celebrity and high-end clients. During his 20-year career in the health and fitness industry, Domingos has also gained expertise in naturopathy, therapeutic massage, sports techniques, and KORE therapy, and can meld different treatments and disciplines according to a client’s needs and wishes.
To celebrate Domingos’ return, Vakkaru Maldives is offering all guests up to 20% off their bookings if they pre-book any treatment or personal training programme by 15 March 2023.
For reservations and general information, visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
Featured
Reethi Faru Resort reveals festive line-up of dining, entertainment and island experiences
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.
Awards
Condé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts
.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.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM
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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