Featured
La Vie Hotels & Resorts launches NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi under new upscale lifestyle brand
La Vie Hotels & Resorts, has launched its new lifestyle brand, NOOE, alongside its first resort, NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi.
NOOE promises to be a place where great things happen; where lobbies are abuzz, restaurants are local favourites, pools perform as day clubs and gyms build as many smiles as bodies. Guests are invited to lounge in studios, suites, bungalows and villas, not rooms, and sharply designed spaces inspire work and creativity, as much as rest and relaxation.
Designed with balance in mind, NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi offers travellers 72 Guest Bungalows and Villas spanning 3 hectares, 39 of which boast an overwater location. These stunning overwater villas provide the ultimate holistic and romantic escape, offering two stories, private plunge pools, a large deck area and uninterrupted views out over the Vaavu Atoll (affectionately known as the ‘Wow’ Atoll to the locals).
Located just 1 hour from Male city and international airport by speed boat or 25 minutes by seaplane, the property features six Food and Beverage Outlets, a Dive & Watersports Centre, kǔlh·un’ (Play) Kids Club, Boutique Shop and Th·āri by Mandara Spa, offering three private treatment rooms with a range of curated treatment options.
At NOOE, F&B is at its heart; it’s where culture, history and the ritual of food preparation and service encourage connection with artisans of local culinary delights. NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi has been carefully designed to deliver. From all-day dining restaurant Ìrǔ (Sun) providing themed buffets and live action stations, to Japanese inspired dining at w·āsho’ku, featuring a custom built teppanyaki grill and showcasing combinations of traditional and moderninterpretations of Japanese cuisine, NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi will offer the ultimate sensory experience.
The resort’s Pool bar vēlì (Sand) will provide life’s comforts (and cocktails) for guests to enjoy with its day club vibe, set up with sunlounges and cabanas looking out over the pool and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The resort’s coffee shop, mõ·odhǔ (Sea), offers guests a choice between selections of decadent and holistic treats to go, which path will you choose?
fl·äm·ē chargrill overwater restaurant showcases the best of air, land and sea. The perfect combination of dry aged meat partnered with premium seafood and poultry sourced locally and from across the globe.
Clubhouse is a global feature of NOOE, and the Clubhouse at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi will feature an all-day dining offering featuring Mediterranean influenced small plates, the best coffee and cocktails on the island alongside buzzy live entertainment.
Craig Bond, Managing Director of La Vie Hotels & Resorts, said the group was beyond excited to be launching NOOE, a lifestyle brand that will truly encapsulate the essence of life, colour and vibrancy.
“We have been working on creating the NOOE brand for some time now, and we are thrilled to be launching this new lifestyle offering in the Maldives with our partners CJL Investments.
“The NOOE brand brings together what it means to live a balanced lifestyle; blending work, play, relaxation, good food and drink, and adventure all into one, and we are excited to grow the brand in other resort and urban locations.
“Careful attention has been paid to the design and layout to our Maldives resort, ensuring all who visit have the space and privacy to completely unwind. With 72 incredible bungalows and villas, a day spa, watersports centre, kids club, not to mention six restaurants and bars to choose from, the dream of paradise can truly be enjoyed.
“The Maldives has always been known as a bucket list destination for travellers across the globe, so what better place to launch a new lifestyle brand that promotes a balanced holiday than the place everyone dreams of visiting.
“We’ve long seen a gap in the market for an upscale lifestyle resort brand and see huge growth opportunities for urban and resort properties within this segment across Asia Pacific. We look forward to growing NOOE and bringing owners and guests on the journey with us”.
For more information on NOOE and to book NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi, head to www.nooe.com
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Featured
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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