Featured
Endless summer fun in the sun at Dhawa Ihuru Maldives
Set on an idyllic private island in North Male’, which is just 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Dhawa Ihuru is the ideal destination for an endless summer fun in the sun. A charming paradise in its true sense, it is an eco-friendly luxury resort with one of the best house reefs in the Maldives. Guests will be mesmerised by the azure waters, powdery white sand and breathtaking panoramas.
As part of the Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading independent, multi-branded hospitality groups, the recently rebranded resort (formerly known as Angsana Ihuru) fuses imaginative design, absolute comfort and seamless technology into a single stay experience, which caters to the emerging design-savvy travellers that seek distinctive experiences in stylish and unique destinations.
In line with the brand’s “active wellbeing” motivating characteristic, Dhawa Ihuru ensures an energising and revitalizing stay. For the thalassophiles, they will be thrilled to join the guided snorkelling trips or snorkelling safari. They can also attend interesting talks conducted by the marine biologist that covers the diverse underwater life and marine conservation topics, which educate guests about the environmental challenges the Maldives is facing like coral bleaching. By participating in marine conservation efforts, such as coral planting, guests can help in propagating the house reefs.
With its island playground ambience, various ocean experiences await guests – from kayaking, catamaran sailing and wind surfing to diving and traditional fishing. For guests who would like to socialise over drinks and snacks, Nest, the all-day self-service chill out zone is the place to be.
For families with little VIPs, a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities await them at the Kids Club – from building sandcastles to T-shirt painting, treasure hunts, and beach games. While they are under the care of well-trained attendants, couples can opt to work out together at Activa, a fully-equipped gym with stunning sea views, or indulge in a rejuvenating signature body massage.
With all-inclusive packages, guests are spoilt for sumptuous culinary treats to international cuisine and the freshest catch of the day at the Riveli Restaurant, local bites and cocktails at the Velaavani Bar and Nectar, the Japanese bento box-style in-villa dining. Further, the new Twin Island dine-around concept allows them to explore premium dining at its sister resort, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
While guests take in the beautiful sight around with the softness of the sand on their toes, the rhythmic drum beats accompanied by enigmatic dance performance of the Boduberu takes over – taking them to an unforgettable experience of the heart of the Maldivian music, which African roots can be traced all the way back to the 11th century. In the local Dhivehi language, “bodu” means big, and beru “beru” means drums, bringing unparalleled energy to the crowd. Hence, no guest leaves the island without clapping and dancing along.
With an equilibrium of tranquility and leisure, guests at Dhawa Ihuru can be as private or as social as they wish. For minimum three nights’ stay at Dhawa Ihuru, guests can take advantage of 20% discount, plus one-time complimentary sunset cruise and return speedboat transfers for two persons with the Stay More, Pay Less offer, which also includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a selection of free-flowing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This ongoing offer is valid for bookings and stays until December 31, 2024.
For queries and reservations, guests can visit www.dhawa.com.
Featured
Janice Wong brings edible art to OZEN LIFE MAADHOO
For those with a refined sweet tooth and a love for the Maldives, THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced an exclusive collaboration with celebrated pastry virtuoso Janice Wong. The renowned chef will be present at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO from 24th to 26th April 2025, transforming the island into a hub of culinary innovation. Guests will have the opportunity to experience bespoke dessert creations, interactive workshops, and captivating chocolate installations.
During her residency, Chef Wong will unveil her signature edible chocolate wall art—an impressive three-metre-tall masterpiece crafted from sustainably sourced chocolate. Designed to reflect the Maldives’ vibrant marine ecosystem, the installation will feature intricate coral-inspired designs, with 100 ‘reef-like’ cavities containing hand-painted bonbons for guests to enjoy. In addition to this centrepiece, she will host live dessert stations at the resort’s overwater venues, offering delicacies such as Yuzu Meringue Clouds and Salted Caramel Lava Spheres, carefully paired with sommelier-selected dessert wines.
On 24th April, a four-hands gourmet dinner at the underwater restaurant M6m will showcase a collaboration between Chef Wong and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s Executive Chef Alok. This exclusive event, limited to just 40 guests, will present a dessert degustation menu that reimagines Maldivian flavours through modernist techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
Younger guests will also have the chance to explore their creativity through daily chocolate art workshops, where Chef Wong will guide families in crafting edible masterpieces using chocolate crayons, rice paper, and miniature canvases. Each child will leave with a personalised creation and a keepsake brochure detailing the week’s activities.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Chef Wong expressed her inspiration from the Maldives’ natural beauty. She noted that her goal at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is to blur the lines between art, nature, and gastronomy, creating lasting impressions both on the palate and in memory.
All experiences will be seamlessly integrated into the resort’s INDULGENCE™ Plan, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. From sunset bonbon tastings to private consultations with Chef Wong, the programme exemplifies THE OZEN COLLECTION’s commitment to Refined Elegance, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Cooking
Celebrity Chef Jord Althuizen brings his BBQ mastery to Coco Bodu Hithi
Coco Bodu Hithi, an authentic Maldivian retreat located approximately a 35-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, is set to offer guests a unique opportunity to experience the flavours of the grill with celebrity chef and best-selling culinary author from the Netherlands, Chef Jord Althuizen, from February 24 to 26 this year.
Renowned for its stunning barbecues under the stars, the resort, which was awarded the title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort’ at the 2024 World Travel Awards, welcomes Chef Jord during what is often considered the “most romantic month” of the year. Best known for earning the Whole Hog BBQ’er title in 2014, he has received multiple accolades for authoring four best-selling BBQ cookbooks in 2016 and 2017.
Recognised by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to indulge in an extraordinary dining experience featuring Chef Jord Althuizen’s expertise in grilling. With his dedication to perfection, diners can expect a remarkable culinary journey showcasing freshly caught seafood and the finest meats from around the world.
Frequently referred to as a “gourmet getaway” in the Maldives, the resort regularly hosts Michelin-starred chefs who create unforgettable dining experiences. These exclusive events are further enhanced by the expertise of Group Culinary Director and Michelin Star-awarded Chef Martin Cahill.
Guests can look forward to savouring Moroccan Fire Fish, Indian Asado Cooked Lamb Parathas, or Texas-Style Short Ribs, complemented by expertly paired wines for a truly immersive gastronomic experience.
Featured
Constance Maldives Resorts shine in Booking.com Traveller Review Awards
Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf has once again been recognised in the prestigious Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, reflecting its unwavering commitment to excellence and outstanding hospitality. Among its properties, the resorts in the Maldives have achieved remarkable scores, highlighting their dedication to creating exceptional guest experiences.
The Maldives properties have received the following ratings out of 10:
- Constance Halaveli Maldives – 9.7
- Constance Moofushi Maldives – 9.6
These impressive scores underscore the high standards of service, luxurious accommodations, and unique experiences offered at these renowned Maldivian resorts.
Jean-Jacques Vallet, CEO of Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “These awards are a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team, who continually go above and beyond to provide guests with a vibrant atmosphere, high-quality experiences, and exceptional value.”
With these accolades, Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf further cements its reputation as a leading luxury hospitality provider in the Maldives, ensuring guests an unforgettable stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
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