Featured
Inspiring changemakers celebrates extraordinary Women’s Day at LUX* South Ari Atoll
The Lux Collective’s beloved LUX* South Ari Atoll welcomed extraordinary guests for this year’s Women’s Day celebrated on the 8th of March.
Following the tradition, the renowned island resort hosted inspiring changemakers and thought leaders, who contribute to development of the Maldives, each in her own field. This year, the guests were invited for an Extraordinary Quest with pop-up surprises and hosted workshops designed to guide them on a new approach to daily routine.
Six women of different nationalities, professions and positions made it to the “extraordinary winners” list: Ajna Shareef – Aero Marketing Manager at Maldives Airports Company Limited, Shaistha Mohamed – MSP Engagement Strategist at Noo Raajje, Elisabeth Gressl – founder & designer of LANALA Swimwear, Mary Halym – self-made artist & owner of Kakuni Studio, Viktoriia Lavrinets – Lead Safety & Sustainability Consultant at NSURE, and Aishath Alaa Abdul Hannan – Deputy Manager of Corporate Strategy & Business Development at Trans Maldivian Airways. All of them shine brightly in their industries, supporting the Maldives towards a successful and sustainable future.

The unique journey started with a healthy snacks workshop at Umami restaurant, following a self-pampering class at LUX* ME Spa and an island tour. After an engaging Maldivian cooking class at the resort’s Herb Garden, the quest concluded with a celebration ceremony and symbolic presentation of the Extraordinary Women certification. With special gifts from the resort collected during the quest, the participants will be able to continue new self-care practices back at home.
“Every year, we invite inspiring women from different industries across the country to celebrate their successes. From running a small business, teaching art, or rocking the corporate world, we want to appreciate their contribution, which is very valuable to the Maldives. We find it truly beautiful that both local and expat ladies from many nationalities call the islands their home and work together to make the Maldives shine”, said Anastasiya Babenko, Marketing & PR Manager of LUX* South Ari Atoll.

The Lux Collective proudly supports women in their professional and personal growth, empowering them to excel. Recently accredited as the Great Place to Work, the group firmly believes in the importance of inclusion and emphasises #EmbraceEquity, thereby discovering and nurturing talented women leaders across different departments and levels wherever it operates globally.
To discover more and book a stay and newest Extraordinary Experiences at LUX* South Ari Atoll, visit www.luxresorts.com, email stay@luxmaldivesresort.com, or call +960 668 0901.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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