JOALI Maldives, the first and only art-immersive resort in the Maldives, will commemorate its sixth anniversary on November 15, 2024, with a special event that highlights its dedication to art, sustainability, and nature. For this milestone celebration, the resort is collaborating with Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house. Founded in 1729 in Reims, France, and currently owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy, Ruinart has a long-standing connection to art, dating back to 1895 when Andre Ruinart commissioned Czech artist Alphonse Mucha to design a poster for the brand. Similarly, since its launch in 2018, JOALI has redefined the role of art in luxury hospitality by showcasing works from international artists. Renowned for its vibrant joie de vivre lifestyle, JOALI aligns with Maison Ruinart’s savoir-vivre philosophy, sharing values rooted in art and luxury.

As part of the celebration, British-French artist Sophie Kitching will present an ethereal art display during a cocktail event at Mura Bar, the heart of the resort. A graduate of the École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the School of Visual Arts in New York, Kitching is acclaimed for her installations, paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. She frequently employs oils, watercolours, and gold leaves on natural materials. Having collaborated with Maison Ruinart for events such as Frieze NY 2022 and the “Maison 1729” exhibition, Kitching will create bespoke eco-designed second skins and coasters for JOALI’s sixth anniversary. Drawing inspiration from the island’s native flora and fauna, including grey herons, sea birds, vibrant corals, and marine life, her creations incorporate vivid colours and copper-zinc leaves to adorn Ruinart bottles. These pieces reflect both JOALI’s and Ruinart’s shared commitment to art and sustainability.

During the event, guests will savour Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Cuvées while admiring Kitching’s ‘Invisible Green Art XXX, 2024’, an abstract masterpiece featuring a distinctive green tone originally developed during England’s Georgian and Regency eras. Transported from Ruinart’s archives in Reims, this artwork will remain on display at JOALI Maldives for over six months. Art and wine enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to purchase limited-edition hand-painted second skins by Kitching during the cocktail event or until the pieces are sold out.

On November 16, 2024, guests can further indulge in an exclusive champagne-pairing dinner hosted by Fabien Vallérian, International Director of Arts & Culture at Ruinart. This gastronomic experience will pair Maison Ruinart’s champagnes with a meticulously curated menu, with each plate and glass weaving a narrative of art and flavour.

Fabien Vallérian praised the partnership, stating: “At Maison Ruinart, the protection of nature is central to our values. We are dedicated to supporting artists who foster a dialogue between humanity and nature through their creativity and craftsmanship. Since 2022, we have collaborated with Sophie Kitching on various artistic commissions, and this project with JOALI provides an incredible opportunity for her to explore and celebrate the ecosystems of the Maldives.”

These celebratory events mark the beginning of a promising partnership, with future activations planned both in the Maldives and globally.

The 2024 Boutique Hotel Club Awards, often likened to the Michelin Guide for boutique hotels, has unveiled its winners, showcasing the pinnacle of global luxury and hospitality. Among the celebrated properties, Velaa Private Island in the Maldives made an indelible mark by clinching the award for ‘World’s Best Fine Dining Hotel’, solidifying its reputation as a beacon of exclusive experiences and culinary excellence.

Renowned for its unparalleled offerings, Velaa Private Island is a secluded paradise in the Noonu Atoll, surrounded by pristine azure waters. The accolade highlights its commitment to delivering curated dining experiences that transcend luxury, blending world-class cuisine with the serene beauty of its surroundings. The judges lauded the property as “an exclusive private island surrounded by an azure sea and curated experiences to go beyond luxury.”

The Boutique Hotel Club, celebrated for its meticulous vetting process, evaluated over 500 nominees across 80 countries. Properties undergo rigorous on-site assessments, with over 400 gold standards of hospitality excellence shaping the selection process. This year’s winners represent the pinnacle of creativity, sustainability, and immersive guest experiences.

While Velaa Private Island shone as the standout destination for fine dining, other winners in various categories celebrated unique aspects of boutique hospitality. The overall title of ‘World’s Best Boutique Hotel/ was awarded to Akademie Street Boutique Hotel in Franschhoek, South Africa, known for its style, charm, and exceptional guest service.

The awards also emphasised sustainability, with Munduk Moding Plantation in Bali earning ‘World’s Best Eco Hotel’ for its dedication to environmental impact and community support. This reflects a broader trend in the boutique hotel industry: integrating sustainability into the luxury travel experience.

Velaa Private Island is renowned for offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, bespoke services, and extraordinary culinary adventures. Whether dining under the stars or exploring the vibrant marine life of the Maldives, guests are immersed in an exclusive escape tailored to their desires. This latest recognition further cements Velaa’s position as a leader in luxury hospitality.

For 15 years, the Boutique Hotel Club has celebrated the world’s finest boutique properties, meticulously curating destinations that embody exceptional quality, emotional resonance, and a unique sense of place. With Velaa Private Island leading the charge, the 2024 awards highlight a new era of boutique excellence, where luxury meets heart and innovation.

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, on Wednesday opened Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. This underwater world-themed resort marks a significant step in the company’s growth strategy, becoming Centara’s third property in the Maldives and the fourth in its family-oriented Mirage brand portfolio.

Located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts—a multi-island paradise offering exclusive access to two Centara properties—the resort promises endless fun for families. Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, the brand’s fourth Maldives venture, is set to open in early 2025.

At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, guests can immerse themselves in the resort’s expansive water park, featuring a lazy river, swimming pools, kids’ pool, and water playground. The resort also boasts a vibrant kids’ club, the innovative child-focused Candy Spa, and the renowned Spa Cenvaree, all designed to create lasting family memories.

The resort’s opening aligns with Centara’s “Future Growth” strategy announced earlier this year. This new property highlights Centara’s ongoing commitment to expanding its family-centric hospitality offerings while delivering world-class experiences in top travel destinations.

In celebration of the grand opening, Centara is offering a special introductory package. Available until December 20, 2024, the offer includes up to 25% off best available rates, complimentary stays and meals for up to two children aged 15 and under, and free roundtrip speedboat transfers between Malé Airport and the resort. CentaraThe1 Members can also benefit from an additional 15% discount and triple CentaraThe1 points.

Guests who complete their stay by December 20, 2024, will receive a voucher for a complimentary return stay of the same duration between May and September 2025, providing the perfect opportunity to escape the summer heat in the GCC region.

Offer Details:

• Booking Period: Now until December 20, 2024
• Stay Period: November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025

Offer Inclusions:

• Up to 25% off best available room rates
• Complimentary stays, meals, and activities for up to two children aged 15 and under
• Free roundtrip speedboat transfers between Malé Airport and the resort
• Voucher for a complimentary return stay of the same duration between May and September 2025 for guests who complete their stay by December 20, 2024
• Additional 15% discount for CentaraThe1 Members and triple CentaraThe1 points
• Access to a range of family-oriented attractions, dining options, and more