News
Velaa Private Island celebrates a decade of unforgettable luxury, artistic excellence

Exactly a decade ago, the Šmejc family realised their vision of an enchanting haven, Velaa Private Island, which has since evolved into an exquisite retreat cherished by families, friends, and kind-hearted Maldivians seeking to share the “majaluga hayaai,” the Maldivian embodiment of the “joy of life.”
In honour of these extraordinary ten years of opulence and tranquillity, Velaa Private Island introduces an innovative endeavour, Velaa Art Gallery’s latest exhibition The Glass Collection. This unique curation brings to life a diverse assortment of vibrant glass artworks. Rooted in a historical tradition of the Czech Republic, where the art of glassmaking flourished, The Glass Collection bridges the past with the present, capturing the Šmejc family’s commitment to blending global uniqueness with the cherished heritage of their homeland.
“We are immensely proud to celebrate a remarkable decade of Velaa, unveiling a curated masterpiece that reflects the very essence of our journey. The island has not only become a luxurious retreat but a canvas for artistic expression. ‘The Glass Collection’ encapsulates the essence of our pursuit. This is a celebration of not just art, but of ten years of luxury and inspiration, looking forward to the continued legacy of providing unforgettable experiences to all who step onto our shores,” says Wayne Milgate, General Manager.
Carefully curated by KODL Contemporary, known for its discerning eye for exceptional artistry within the Czech art scene, the collection unites the works of three internationally renowned masters of the craft: Rudolf Burda, Lukáš Novák, and Rony Plesl. Each artist, while diverse in technique, themes, and artistic philosophy, is united by a shared aspiration to transcend boundaries and redefine artistic expression. The trio was commissioned to craft exclusive pieces tailored exclusively for Velaa’s ten-year anniversary exhibition. Each artwork encapsulates the island’s themes through their distinctive perspectives, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the abundance of Maldivian ambiance.
Rudolf Burda’s minimalist pieces, rooted in the intrinsic nature of glass, epitomise simplicity. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and its underlying laws, Burda’s creations explore the energy that permeates all existence. His pieces transcend conventional artistry, offering an experience akin to scientific discovery and philosophical exploration. The piece The Energy of the Universe enables viewers to peer within its depths, provoking contemplation of reality’s fundamental truths.
Lukáš Novák transforms glass into a medium that amplifies the intensity of reality through its form and transparency. Novák’s artistry, showcased through three hand-cut, hand-polished optical glass pieces, mirrors the play of light found in the sun’s dance upon the ocean’s surface. Delving into the phenomenon of light refraction, Novák invites viewers to traverse the boundaries between air and glass, yielding kaleidoscopic imagery that captures the island’s distinct allure.
A boundary-pushing virtuoso in glass, Rony Plesl’s expertise is unparalleled. Renowned for his monumental glass sculptures, Plesl catapulted the Czech Republic onto the global art stage at the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Plesl’s sculptures “Man & Woman” and “Le Grand Jeu” grace Velaa with a blend of elegance with intellectual depth, drawing from classical motifs to address the essence of human existence.
Collectively, these artists capture the distinct encounters of every visitor to the island, infusing their unique perspectives into each creation. The exhibited works reverberate with the exclusive aura of Velaa Private Island, a tranquil retreat that has graciously embraced families and individuals alike for an unforgettable decade of serenity and sophistication.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru weaves wellbeing into World Wellness Weekend celebrations

Angsana Velavaru is marking World Wellness Weekend with a series of holistic activities designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. From 19 to 21 September, the resort is hosting three days of complimentary sessions led by its in-house yoga instructor.
Each morning begins with aqua aerobics at the Kuredhi Pool, combining gentle resistance and the movement of water to awaken the body. On 20 September, attention shifts to an evening sunset yoga session, guiding participants through a flow of movement and breath as the sun sets over the island. The programme concludes on 21 September with sunrise yoga on the beach, a practice blending pranayama and ashtanga elements in the calm of dawn.
The resort’s wellness approach extends beyond the weekend, with a range of treatments available at the award-winning Angsana Spa. Therapists draw upon traditional Asian techniques to restore balance and energy, offering treatments such as body polishes, facials, and holistic massages with natural ingredients. Guests may also take part in personalised wellness rituals designed to nurture both body and mind.
Located in South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru integrates wellbeing into the island experience. From yoga and spa therapies to the tranquil pace of island life, the resort provides an environment where health and renewal are at the centre of the guest experience.
News
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa welcomes Dr Jyoti Kodwani for festive wellness programme

This festive season, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa unveils a unique wellness collaboration designed to inspire deep renewal and inner alignment. From 15 December 2025 to 15 January 2026, the resort’s Vidhun Spa will host Dr. Jyoti Kodwani, known as “Jazz”, the visionary founder of The Sacred Chakras, for an exclusive residency offering transformative therapies rooted in ancient wisdom and modern wellness science.
Nestled in the untouched Huvadhu Atoll, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is renowned for its immersive natural beauty, sustainability ethos, and mindful luxury. Dr. Kodwani’s approach seamlessly aligns with the island’s spirit—offering guests the chance to reconnect, release, and restore through personalized healing experiences.
With over a decade of yogic immersion, Dr. Kodwani specializes in emotional and mental well-being, biohacking for longevity, and energy healing. Her diverse background includes training in sound therapy, breathwork, trauma release, chakra healing, Pilates, and neuroscience-based modalities, allowing for a deeply integrated healing experience.
During her residency, guests will have access to a thoughtfully curated range of therapeutic sessions, including:
- Cupping Therapy – A traditional healing technique that stimulates circulation, eases tension, and supports detoxification.
- Mukha Vedha Reflexology & Sensory Activation – A multisensory experience using facial reflexology, Ayurvedic rituals, and acupressure to restore energetic balance.
- Sacred Immersion: In-Water Sound Ritual – A deeply calming floatation experience using vibrational sound healing in warm water for cellular-level relaxation.
- Quantum Alignment Brainwave & Chakra Synchronization – A fusion of brainwave entrainment and chakra work for inner clarity and conscious reset.
- Shoonya Flow Yin & Sound Healing – A meditative session combining Yin yoga and therapeutic sound to release stored tension and elevate emotional well-being.
- Golden Energy Activation & Manifestation Ritual – A sacred energy cleansing ceremony designed to awaken clarity, intuition, and intention.
Guests are invited to begin their journey with a complimentary consultation, allowing Dr. Kodwani to recommend a personalized pathway to healing based on each individual’s emotional and energetic needs.
“Our collaboration with Dr. Jyoti Kodwani brings a rare depth of healing and presence to the island,” says Anshul Sharma, General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. “Her work beautifully complements our vision of Hadahaa as a sanctuary for conscious living—where guests reconnect with themselves and nature in its purest form.”
This limited-time wellness residency is available exclusively during the festive season and is by appointment only.
Tucked within one of the most untouched and biodiverse atolls in the Maldives, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is a refined escape rooted in nature and authenticity. With just 51 luxurious villas and an award-winning 360° house reef, the resort invites travelers to experience the beauty of simplicity and the richness of mindful connection. A proud recipient of the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating, Hadahaa stands as a beacon of eco-luxury and heartfelt service.
Discover the resort’s full calendar of seasonal celebrations, special events, and exclusive experiences in its Festive Brochure. To learn more or to make a reservation, please contact reservations.parkhadahaa@hyatt.com or visit www.experienceparkhyattmaldives.com.
Honeymoon
Honeymoon in style: Exclusive romantic benefits at Ayada Maldives

Set amidst a postcard-perfect setting of powdery sands and turquoise seas, Ayada Maldives is a sanctuary made for love. A favourite among newlyweds and couples alike, the resort offers a seamless blend of privacy, indulgence, and romance, making it an ideal escape for honeymooners seeking something extraordinary.
To make each celebration even more special, Ayada Maldives now offers exclusive honeymoon benefits for couples staying four nights or more. The experience begins with a warm welcome: a bottle of sparkling wine in the villa, setting the tone for what will be a truly memorable getaway.

Guests can indulge in a beautifully curated in-villa breakfast, served once during the stay, a private moment to savour the island’s calm beauty together. And to elevate the experience further, honeymooners enjoy a romantic dinner for two at one of Ayada’s signature restaurants: either the Asian Kai Restaurant or the breezy, oceanfront Ocean Breeze. The set menu features dishes that celebrate global flavours and local inspirations, crafted for an intimate evening under the stars.

Known for its expansive villas, lush gardens, and personalised service, Ayada is designed for moments that matter. Couples can choose from overwater suites, beach villas with private pools, or even a secluded sunset-facing haven, all with the added benefit of thoughtful experiences tailored for two.
For couples beginning a new chapter, Ayada Maldives is more than a destination, it is the perfect setting to fall in love all over again.
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