News

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Oaga Art Resort, Maldives

Published

2 years ago

February 3, 2024

Embrace the vibrant rhythm of island life this Valentine’s Day at Oaga Art Resort in the Maldives, where art meets romance under a sky shimmering with a million stars. This February 14th, ignite your senses with experiences designed to awaken your hearts and refresh your souls.

Culinary Delights:

Indulge in a symphony of flavours at Kaa Kada, the resort’s main restaurant, or embark on a private culinary journey at one of the specialty venues.

La Fuh Dan: This Italian specialty restaurant is set to come alive with a six course Italian dinner in honour of the special day.
Samaasaa: Immerse yourselves in a theatrical feast for the senses, where the Maldivian folktale about star-crossed lovers Dhon Hiyala and Alifulhu unfolds alongside a delectable five course dinner.
Kaa Kada beach: Let the whispers of the waves serenade you while you savour a seven-course private dinner under the starlit sky.

Rekindle Love with Hoba Spa:

Reconnect with your inner selves and each other through the transformative power of touch at Hoba Spa. The Lovers’ Spa Package is a 90-minute journey that includes a Maldivian rose body massage to let the aroma of roses wash away tension and reawaken your senses, followed by a crystal facial therapy where the radiance of precious stones detoxify and revitalise your skin. On an end note, is a foot massage to melt away your stress and find grounding. Lastly, guests are offered a chance take a piece of the spa’s serenity home via a special gift.

In addition to this, the Spa has planned out special Dhulhaheyo (wellness)

activities, including the Loabi Morning Ritual to greet the day with a mindful practice that connects you to the rhythm of the island and Loabi Stretch in the evening to release tension with a gentle yoga session. The Loabi Adu Sound Healing session is sure to aid in reconnecting with your inner balance.

Sip on Love’s Elixir:

Be sure to taste the resort’s unique Valentine’s Day cocktails, such as ‘Kiss Me Later’, a playful blend of peanut butter bourbon, milk syrup, and a touch of rose.

Enjoy the Rhythm of the Night:

Let the music wash over you as you celebrate your love under the stars. At Raa Baa, sway to the live music of Maeesha and band, followed by a vibrant DJ set. At the private dinner venues, Adlee and Shiuz’s soulful melodies will serenade you at Kaa Kada beach, while the in-house duo Naffah and Human set the mood for an unforgettable Italian escapade at La Fuh Dan.

This Valentine’s Day choose Oaga Art Resort and paint your own masterpiece of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

For Maldives lovers searching for an all-inclusive holiday, Oaga Art Resort’s Greatest All-Inclusive plan re-defines the limits of what All-Inclusive is all about; with inclusions such as Creative Expression (art) classes, Take Notes (music) experiences, In-Villa Dining to floating meal, choices of excursions, motorised watersports and many more. Guests looking to book the resort can visit the website, www.oagaresorts.com to book your stay, don’t miss out!

News

Emirates NBD cardholders receive exclusive savings at Centara Maldives Resorts

Published

45 seconds ago

July 15, 2026

m@ldives

Centara Hotels & Resorts has announced a new offer for cardholders of Emirates NBD, one of the leading banking groups in the MENAT region, giving customers across the GCC exclusive savings and lifestyle privileges across all four of its Maldives properties. Valid for bookings and stays until 30 September 2026, this is a bundled offer that goes beyond a standard rate discount, with complimentary return transfers, curated dining experiences, spa benefits and a range of signature island experiences included as standard across the portfolio.

The offer gives Emirates NBD cardholders access to four distinct island experiences, each designed to suit a different traveller profile.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is tailored to discerning travellers and multi-generational guests, offering a sense of privacy and award-winning hospitality. The resort features a curated selection of overwater and beachfront villas alongside spacious two and three-bedroom residences. Guests can explore world-class dining across six restaurants and four bars, unwind across three distinctive wellness concepts at SPA Cenvaree Retreat, and keep younger guests entertained at multiple kids’ clubs and E-Zones, all set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

The neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is a family-centric, underwater world-themed resort offering endless activities for all ages, from a lazy river and water playground to a Kids’ Club, E-Zone and the candy-themed Candy Spa.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, is an authentic Maldivian retreat surrounded by an award-winning house reef, a 52-metre sunken cargo ship and some of the region’s most renowned dive sites, where guests can encounter whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles year-round.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives is a vibrant adults-only playground for indulgence, connection and rejuvenation in the North Male Atoll, with overwater villas, pristine white beaches, PADI-certified diving and the award-winning SPA Cenvaree.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Booking and Stay dates: Until 30 September 2026
Offer: 25% savings on stay
Inclusions: Accommodation, Half Board Plus, round-trip speedboat transfers, one-time spa massage at SPA Cenvaree Retreat, one-time floating breakfast for pool villas and residences, and one excursion (dolphin cruise or handline fishing) for Grand Two-Bedroom guests
For bookings and more information, please click here.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

Booking and Stay dates: Until 30 September 2026
Offer: 30% savings on stay
Inclusions: Accommodation, Half Board Plus, round-trip speedboat transfers, one-time spa massage at SPA Cenvaree, one-time floating breakfast for pool villas
For bookings and more information, please click here.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection

Booking and Stay dates: Until 30 September 2026
Offer: 30% savings on stay
Inclusions: Accommodation, Half Board Plus, round seaplane transfers, USD 50 spa credit per person per stay, welcome amenities including sparkling wine, Club Lounge access for Club Pool Villa guests, one-time floating breakfast for Club Pool Villa guests, one-time whale shark snorkelling for Club guests, and kids stay and eat free
For bookings and more information, please click here.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

Booking and Stay dates: Until 30 September 2026
Offer: 30% savings on stay
Inclusions: Accommodation, Half Board Plus, round-trip speedboat transfers, USD 50 spa credit per person per stay, welcome amenities including sparkling wine, one-time poolside romantic dinner for 2 adults
For bookings and more information, please click here.

News

Maldives named one of the world’s happiest places to visit in new travel study

Published

3 hours ago

July 15, 2026

m@ldives

The Maldives has been ranked among the world’s happiest destinations for travellers in a new global study analysing more than one million online reviews from holidaymakers.

The research, conducted by Irish travel insurance specialist JustCover, placed the Maldives 11th out of 155 destinations worldwide, awarding the island nation a ‘Happy Place’ score of 71.4 out of 100. The Maldives narrowly missed the global top 10, finishing level on score with Toronto, Canada, although rankings were determined using more precise underlying values.

The study examined reviews of tourist attractions, restaurants, resorts, scenic locations and other visitor experiences to identify how frequently travellers used language expressing happiness and joy. Each destination was then assigned a score based on the proportion of reviews reflecting positive emotional experiences.

Tulum in Mexico topped the global rankings with a perfect score of 100, followed by Soufrière in Saint Lucia with 95.2 and Oaxaca, Mexico, with 88. Las Vegas also scored 88, while Maui, New York City, Cappadocia, Rio de Janeiro, Chicago and Toronto completed the top 10. Bora Bora in French Polynesia and Positano in Italy followed the Maldives in 14th and 15th place respectively.

According to the study, North America dominated the rankings, with the United States claiming six of the top 15 destinations, including Las Vegas, Maui, New York City, Chicago, Austin and New Orleans. Researchers noted that the results reflected a mix of beach destinations and urban centres, suggesting that travellers find happiness in a variety of holiday experiences.

Peter Clark, Director at JustCover, said the findings demonstrated that happiness while travelling comes in many forms.

“Holidays are a time to get away from the busyness of everyday life. Most people have a place where everyday stress melts away and they feel a sense of peace. The findings show how wide the range of happy places really is and that happiness in travel comes in many different forms.”

He added that while some travellers are drawn to destinations offering beaches and nature, others find enjoyment in vibrant cities, emphasising the importance of being prepared with appropriate travel insurance before travelling.

JustCover said the research analysed more than one million reviews across 155 destinations worldwide. Reviews were assessed for expressions of happiness and joy, with destinations scored relative to the highest-ranking location. All data used in the study was current as of June 2026.

News

Harriet Emily brings sound journeys wellness programme to Angsana Velavaru

Published

4 hours ago

July 15, 2026

m@ldives

Angsana Velavaru, a private-island resort in the South Nilandhe Atoll, has announced Sound Journeys with Harriet Emily, a week-long wellness programme taking place from September 17 to 22, 2026. The retreat invites guests to explore the restorative power of sound healing through a series of immersive experiences led by internationally recognised Sound Healing Practitioner and Meditation Guide, Harriet Emily.

With over a decade of experience in the wellness industry, Harriet Emily is known for blending crystal singing bowls, flute, and her own voice to create sound journeys designed to inspire relaxation, mindfulness, and inner peace. Her sessions have drawn a devoted following among travellers seeking meaningful, transformative wellness experiences, and her residency at Angsana Velavaru marks a rare opportunity for guests to experience her practice in one of the Maldives’ most serene natural settings.

Throughout the week, guests will be invited to a curated wellness schedule set against the backdrop of the resort’s lagoon, beach, and pool deck. The programme opens with a complimentary Meet the Sound Healing Expert & Sound Bath Taster session, followed by a series of sunrise, sunset, stargazing and floating sound bath experiences, each designed to guide guests toward a deeper sense of calm and presence.

Highlights of the schedule include a Sunrise Sound Bath on the Kuredhi pool deck, a Sunset Sound Bath & Meditation on the beach, a Stargazing Sound Bath beneath the night sky, and a Floating Sound Bath Meditation combining gentle sound vibrations with the sensation of drifting on water. For those seeking a more intimate experience, private sessions are also available, including one-on-one, couples’, and a family sound baths, as well as bespoke Private Wellness Package pairing a floating sound bath with a floating breakfast.

“Sound has a unique ability to help people slow down and reconnect with themselves, especially in a setting as tranquil as Angsana Velavaru,” said Harriet Emily. “I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with guests and creating a space where they can truly let go.”

The programme reflects Angsana Velavaru’s broader commitment to holistic wellness, complementing its existing spa and dining offerings with experiences that nurture guests’ mental and emotional wellbeing alongside physical relaxation.

Programme Highlights: