News
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru launches Manta Ray app in partnership with The Manta Trust
As part of its ongoing commitment to green NGOs and spreading the message of ocean conservation, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has partnered with world-leading environmental charity The Manta Trust to create a unique interactive app that explores the underwater secrets of one of the world’s most incredible marine marvels – manta rays.
The Manta Story app – developed by Loopcraft and available to download for free on digital devices – is the latest development in a conservation partnership between Four Seasons and The Manta Trust that spans 17 years, since Chief Executive and Founder of The Manta Trust Guy Stevens had his first life-changing encounter with mantas while working as a marine biologist at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru.
The App Experience
The fully interactive VR app takes the viewer on a mesmerising adventure into the world of manta rays, covering their dazzling courtship, feeding and cleaning rituals, as well as a manta pregnancy and birth. Based on the actual manta ray population studied by Stevens and his team in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, users can click through to further facts at each stage of the learning journey, and test their knowledge with a quiz.
The app also includes ways to support the work of The Manta Trust, established by Stevens in 2011 as a UK-registered charity dedicated to the worldwide conservation of mantas and their close relatives. Users can choose to donate, adopt a manta, or join the “Cyclone” – a community of supporters who are investing in the conservation of the ocean’s rays, their relatives and their habitats.
“I’m super pleased and proud that we were able to create this app together with The Manta Trust and our passionate in-house techies, allowing us to spread our message of ocean conservation around the globe,” comments Four Seasons Regional Vice President and General Manager Armando Kraenzlin. “Getting up close with these gentle giants is both humbling and awe-inspiring and our mission has always been to inspire as many people as possible to help conserve them and their ocean home.”
An Immersive Experience
Narrating the app with soothing gravitas is British actor, environmentalist and host of Trees a Crowd podcast David Oakes, who relishes taking app users to swim alongside the Maldivian mantas he himself has met in the flesh. Passionate about championing conservation causes, the star of shows such as Netflix’s Vikings: Valhalla and ITV’s Victoria uses his influence to support charities including The Woodland Trust, Wildlife Trusts and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
“I’ve always had an affinity for manta rays so I was honoured when Guy and Armando asked me to narrate the Manta Story app,” Oakes explains. “To see so many of these magnificent and gentle giants, almost every time I’ve dived or snorkelled near Landaa Giraavaru – cycloning, surface feeding, rolling and loop-the-looping – is something impossible to take for granted, but conservation of our planet’s key megafauna shouldn’t just be a concern for those lucky enough to have had first hand encounters. The app is a beautiful and enjoyable way to get across the story of our planet’s mantas.”
Manta Rays at Landaa Giraavaru
The Manta Story app follows the recent launch of Landaa Giraavaru’s Hologram Room – an opportunity for the whole family to virtually “swim” with the Baa Atoll mantas. Other manta ray education experiences at the Resort include Manta-on-Call snorkelling adventures and a Trainee Manta Biologist module that gives conservation-minded teens a serious insight into the world of Manta Trust scientists.
Landaa Giraavaru is also home to one of the Maldives’ leading centres of marine research, working in partnership with local and national environmental agencies and employing 10 full-time marine biologists across pioneering conservation projects including sea turtle rehabilitation, coral propagation, anemone mapping and more. In 2020, the Resort partnered with the NOW Force for Good Alliance and EarthCheck, undertaking ongoing monitoring and annual Benchmarking Assessments to ensure that its presence in Baa Atoll is as beneficial as it can be.
“It’s clear to me that without the continued generosity of Four Seasons in the Maldives, The Manta Trust would not exist in its current form,” adds Oakes. “This app is but the dorsal-fin poking above the surface of how deep their collective conservation goals run.”
To find out more manta ray experiences at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, email: reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call the central reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at tel: (960) 66 00 888.
News
THE OZEN COLLECTION brings festive magic to the Maldives this holiday season
There is a certain magic that settles over the Maldives during the festive season, a quiet sparkle that transforms the island sanctuaries into havens of celebration and togetherness. At THE OZEN COLLECTION, you are invited to experience this enchantment, where every sunset brings new wonder and every evening holds the promise of shared joy.
From 22nd December 2026 to 7th January 2027, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invite guests to immerse themselves in a curated calendar of festivities—from cherished Tree Lighting ceremonies that herald the start of the season to spectacular New Year’s Eve galas and the serene observance of Orthodox Christmas. Every detail has been thoughtfully composed to honour time-honoured traditions while celebrating the unique spirit of the Maldives.
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: An Indian Ocean Celebration
Mornings begin with restorative wellness rituals at ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, while younger guests delight in the creativity of Gingerbread house-making. A lively Sangria Fiesta and an underwater tree planting ceremony pay tribute to the resort’s profound connection with the ocean. Christmas games, a spectacular Gala Dinner, and a Bubbles Breakfast ensure each day is imbued with festive cheer. The season is further enriched by family-themed activities, curated wine, gin, and bubbles tastings, immersive culinary journeys, and interactive cooking classes—ensuring every generation discovers something to treasure.
Speaking on the festive offerings and what to expect, Mei P. Pun, General Manager mentioned “This festive season at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a celebration of connection—between families, between cultures, and between the ocean and our island home. Watching our guests create memories that will last a lifetime is the greatest gift we could ever receive.”
As the year draws to a close, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO will welcome 2027 with a ‘Glitz & Glam’ New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with fireworks, live entertainment, and an atmosphere of sparkling elegance. The festive season concludes with the serene observance of Orthodox Christmas, offering a moment of quiet reflection and tradition.
View and download the Festive Brochure for OZEN LIFE MAADHOO here.

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI: A Winter Wonderland
The resort transforms into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ for Christmas, offering an enchanting fusion of festive charm and tropical beauty. Guests can embark on a Wine Journey through rare vintages, master the art of mixology at an exclusive class, and savour gastronomic experiences across the resort’s celebrated dining venues. A Black & White Theme Night and a vibrant Pool Party add a playful, spirited touch to the festivities.
The season culminates with ‘A Night of Refined Elegance’ —a New Year’s Eve celebration that promises a sophisticated farewell to the year, complete with gourmet dining, champagne, and live entertainment. The festive period draws to a graceful close with Orthodox Christmas celebrations, offering a moment of calm and reverence before the new year begins.
“At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, the festive season is about more than celebrations—it is about the quiet joy of togetherness in a setting of unparalleled beauty. We are honoured to welcome guests to our island sanctuary, where every tradition is reimagined with elegance and every moment becomes a cherished memory,” says Abnash Kumar, General Manager, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

Festive-themed entertainment across both resorts will transform the islands into a theatre of music, laughter, and shared celebration.
These curated experiences are seamlessly integrated into the INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and the RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, offering guests the freedom to immerse themselves fully in the season’s magic—without a single worry.

View and download the Festive Brochure for OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI here.
News
Mandara Spa introduces new ELEMIS treatments and LED facial technology
Some partnerships are measured by milestones. Others are measured by the experiences they continue to create. For the past 20 years, Mandara Spa and British skincare brand ELEMIS have worked together with a shared commitment to combining professional skincare expertise with meaningful wellness experiences. Today, that partnership continues with an expanded ELEMIS treatment portfolio, giving guests across the Maldives even more ways to personalise their spa journey.
Since partnering with ELEMIS, Mandara Spa has remained committed to delivering treatments that balance visible skincare results with the restorative experience at the heart of every spa visit. As guest expectations continue to evolve, the expanded portfolio reflects a growing demand for personalised treatments that address individual skincare concerns without compromising moments of relaxation and self-care.
A New Dimension in Facial Care
Among the highlights of the expanded collection is the ELEMIS EXPERT™ LED ENERGY MASK, bringing advanced light therapy into the professional spa experience. The enhancement features ELEMIS light technology designed to work alongside professional facial treatments, offering guests a more targeted approach to their individual skincare needs.
The introduction reflects ELEMIS’ evolving high-touch, high-tech philosophy, where advanced skincare technology complements the expertise and hands-on care of the therapist. Using carefully engineered light wavelengths that work at different depths of the skin, LED technology is designed to support concerns including brightness, smoothness and the appearance of redness, while enhancing the results-driven approach at the heart of ELEMIS professional skincare.
For Mandara Spa, the ELEMIS EXPERT™ LED ENERGY MASK adds a new dimension to the facial experience without losing the restorative qualities guests seek from time spent in the spa. By bringing together technology, professional expertise and personalised care, the treatment represents how the longstanding partnership between Mandara Spa and ELEMIS continues to evolve. The ELEMIS EXPERT™ LED ENERGY MASK will be available at select Mandara Spa locations across the Maldives.
An Expanded ELEMIS Experience
The refreshed treatment portfolio introduces a broader selection of facial therapies and targeted enhancements, allowing therapists to tailor each experience to the guest’s individual skincare needs.
ELEMIS’ globally renowned, hands-on facial treatments use touch as a powerful diagnostic tool, softening and preparing the skin to receive active ingredients. This is where intuition meets expertise.
- ELEMIS Expert™ Touch Renew Facial
- ELEMIS Expert™ Touch Define Facial
ELEMIS Expert™ Add-Ons:
- ELEMIS Expert™ Collagen Eye Boost
- ELEMIS Expert™ LED Energy Mask
- ELEMIS Expert™ Restorative Head Massage
Powered by ELEMIS’ marine-inspired formulations and botanical ingredients, the collection supports hydration, radiance, firmness, and skin renewal while complementing Mandara Spa’s signature approach to holistic wellbeing. Together, the expanded offering provides guests with greater flexibility to personalise their experience, from hands-on facial therapies to targeted enhancements addressing individual skincare needs.
A Partnership Built Over Two Decades
For Mandara Spa Country Manager Tenille Keats, the milestone is also deeply personal. Her journey with ELEMIS began in 2003 while working aboard Silversea Cruises under Steiner Leisure, where she was first introduced to the brand. More than two decades later, ELEMIS remains Mandara Spa’s skincare partner of choice.
“From the very beginning of my career, I fell in love with ELEMIS. There was something incredibly powerful about the way the brand combines marine actives from beneath the sea with carefully selected botanicals and herbs from the land. It delivers real, visible results while still feeling luxurious and holistic,” said Keats. “Even as the business has evolved over the years, ELEMIS has remained our trusted partner — a reflection of its performance and its commitment to responsible beauty, underscored by its certification as a B Corp.”
Today, ELEMIS is recognised globally for combining science-led skincare with naturally derived ingredients and is certified as a B Corp, reflecting high standards of social and environmental responsibility. These values continue to complement Mandara Spa’s philosophy of delivering thoughtful wellness experiences grounded in quality, care, and lasting results.
As Mandara Spa celebrates this milestone, the partnership with ELEMIS remains focused on the future. By continuing to refine treatments, invest in professional expertise, and respond to the evolving needs of today’s wellness traveller, both brands reaffirm a shared commitment to creating spa experiences that guests will return to time and time again.
Guests can experience ELEMIS treatments and retail products at the following locations across the Maldives:
- Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Velifushi
- Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa
- Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
- Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
- Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi
- Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura
- Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi
- Mandara Spa at Meliã Whale Lagoon Maldives
- Chavana Spa at Adaaran Club Rannalhi
- Chavana Spa at Cinnamon Dhonveli
- Chavana Spa at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
News
From Galaxy of Dreams to Beneath the Blue: Cinnamon Resorts reveal festive programmes
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives is preparing to trade winter chills for warm shores this festive season, with four distinctly themed celebrations unfolding across its island resorts. From evenings inspired by the stars and a festive journey around the world to a tropical wonderland and celebrations beneath the blue, each resort will put its own spin on Christmas and New Year in the Maldives. Across the islands, days will move between long lunches, ocean adventures and time on the beach, before evenings give way to festive dining, live entertainment and celebrations under the stars.

Cinnamon Velifushi Malives
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Christmas looks to the stars with Galaxy of Dreams, a celestial-themed celebration made for the island’s wide-open skies. Sunset cruises, saxophone performances by the beach, intimate gourmet dinners and live music set the pace in the days leading up to Christmas, while younger guests can join their own Adventures Among the Stars. Christmas Eve brings a gala feast, the Velifushi Choir and Santa’s grand arrival before celebrations continue late into the night. The theme reaches its finale on New Year’s Eve, when DJs, a live band, dancers and a midnight countdown bring the Galaxy of Dreams to life one last time.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives will take the festive season Around the World, drawing inspiration from the food, music and traditions of different cultures while keeping the setting unmistakably Maldivian. Christmas Eve begins with a feast inspired by flavours from across the globe, followed by carols and live music, before the night shifts into dancing beside the ocean. The journey continues beyond Christmas with a celebration of Maldivian heritage during Spirit of the Islands, sunset cruises across the atoll and, as 2026 draws to a close, a New Year’s Eve filled with international music, live performances and dancing into the first hours of 2027.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Tropical Wonderland swaps snow-covered Christmas scenes for sunshine, sand and plenty of island energy. The season begins with the lighting of the Christmas tree and unfolds with experiences ranging from sunrise yoga and traditional coconut-leaf craftsmanship to festive activities for children. Christmas Eve brings everyone together for a Tropical Wonderland Gala Dinner, carols by the Dhonveli Choir and Santa’s arrival by the sea. And there is plenty still to come before New Year, including dolphin cruises, a neon beach party and a masquerade evening, culminating in a gala dinner and midnight fireworks over the Indian Ocean.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
For Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the festive season goes Beneath the Blue, taking its cue from an island where some of the most memorable experiences begin at the water’s edge. Guests can head out across Ellaidhoo’s renowned house reef on a snorkel safari with the resort’s Marine Biologist, discover island-grown flavours through a garden-to-plate culinary experience, or settle in for festive dinners by the shore. Christmas brings carols, celebrations and time together by the ocean, while the final days of the year introduce a distinctly Maldivian beat with traditional Bodu Beru. On New Year’s Eve, one last golden-hour cruise leads into a grand gala dinner, music and a countdown to 2027 surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
For full festive programmes and further details for all four resorts, please visit the official website.
-
Cooking1 week agoMichelin-starred Chef Karim Khouani to lead culinary residency at Sirru Fen Fushi
-
Action1 week agoChef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme
-
News1 week agoVakkaru Maldives elevates overwater luxury with new pool villas
-
Meditation1 week agoReconnect with nature at Milaidhoo Maldives this World Wellness Weekend
-
Action7 days agoMaldives’ Dhigurah ranked among world’s 10 most valuable beaches
-
News1 week agoReiki Master Nikki begins August residency at Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa
-
Cooking5 days agoSun Siyam Iru Veli hosts Czech Chef Jan Punčochář for culinary residency
-
News5 days agoHeritance Aarah invites guests to ‘Unwrap Incredible’ this festive season


