Connect with us

Featured

Hurawalhi Island Resort’s Exemplary Commitment to Marine Conservation Shines in the Maldives

Published

on

Hurawalhi Island Resort, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Maldives, proudly reaffirms  its steadfast dedication to marine conservation through pioneering initiatives aimed at  safeguarding the region’s diverse marine ecosystems. 

Saoirse Macklin, the esteemed Resident Marine Biologist at Hurawalhi Island Resort, emphasizes  the Maldives’ distinguished status as one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments. “At  Hurawalhi, we prioritize the dissemination of knowledge and wonder about our marine world,”  states Macklin. “As a Marine Biologist, it’s been a privilege to inspire and educate guests about the  remarkable marine life surrounding our island.” 

Hurawalhi’s commitment to marine conservation materializes through a range of educational  experiences offered to guests. From immersive Turtle Tours, shedding light on the pivotal role of  seagrass in sustaining turtle populations, to awe-inspiring Manta Search excursions, each journey  represents an enlightening voyage of discovery. 

During these excursions, science and education take precedence, ensuring guests acquire profound  insights into the intricate ecosystems enveloping the island. As the resident Marine Biologist,  Macklin spearheads efforts to monitor and safeguard turtle and manta populations, employing  cutting-edge photo identification techniques to meticulously track and document individual  specimens during every expedition. 

Hurawalhi extends a warm invitation to guests to partake in Marine Biologist-guided reef  snorkeling experiences, providing an unparalleled opportunity to explore coral reef and seagrass  ecosystems while championing their preservation. Participants not only revel in the splendor of the  house reef but also actively engage in efforts to protect these delicate habitats. 

Furthermore, Hurawalhi’s commitment to marine conservation is evident in its ongoing projects.  The resort’s diligent monitoring and maintenance of its artificial reef program adjacent to the  iconic 5.8 Underwater Restaurant aim to rejuvenate and revitalize reef systems. In 2021, a total of  114 artificial reef frames were transplanted, laying the groundwork for reef regeneration. 

Recent initiatives include the creation of “festive frames,” crafted by guests during the holiday  season, with regular updates fostering continued guest involvement in conservation endeavors.  Annual monitoring of benthic habitats and species abundance by the Marine Biologist team is  pivotal, collecting data to track changes in habitats and biodiversity over time. This scientific  endeavor provides valuable insights into the health of Hurawalhi’s marine life and serves as a  cornerstone for future conservation efforts. 

The data collected holds immense potential, serving as a catalyst for initiatives aimed at securing  protected status for Hurawalhi and its surrounding waters. Through collaboration with  government-led conservation programs and local stakeholders, the resort aspires to designate  Hurawalhi as a protected area, ensuring its continued vitality and resilience.

In the face of unprecedented challenges to ocean conservation, Hurawalhi remains resolute in its  mission to preserve and protect the marine marvels of the Maldives. Through collective  understanding and concerted action, the resort endeavors to safeguard these invaluable ecosystems  for generations to come. 

Cooking

Grégory Doyen brings his sweet artistry to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Published

on

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is continuing its acclaimed Tastemaker Series, a curated programme of exceptional collaborations with world-renowned chefs, artists, and creative visionaries, with the arrival of Chef Grégory Doyen, one of the most distinctive talents in contemporary pastry art.

Born in Burgundy, France, into a family of artists, Chef Doyen discovered his passion for pastry during childhood, turning his family kitchen into his first studio. A graduate of the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie, his career spanning two decades has taken him through Michelin-starred kitchens and international stages, earning him recognition as a leading figure in modern patisserie.

Renowned for his sculptural desserts and refined French craftsmanship, Chef Doyen’s creations merge technical precision with emotional expression, transforming pastry into a form of edible art. His innovative approach has led to collaborations with some of the world’s most iconic luxury maisons—including Cartier, Marc Jacobs, La Prairie, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Vacheron Constantin, and Hermès—alongside bespoke commissions for Range Rover and Vogue. Often described as the creator of fashion-desserts, he is celebrated for infusing haute couture sensibility into the timeless artistry of French patisserie.

Guests at The St. Regis Maldives are invited to immerse themselves in Chef Doyen’s world of delicate textures and visual poetry through a special festive programme. On 10 December, he will conduct an intimate pastry masterclass, offering participants rare insight into his creative process and sculptural finesse. That evening—and throughout the festive season—his desserts will take centre stage at ALBA, the resort’s signature dining venue, where a curated dessert collection will be presented daily from 10 December to 7 January, offering a decadent celebration of the holiday season.

The residency’s highlight will unfold on 11 December at Decanter, where Chef Doyen will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef for a six-course, four-hands wine-pairing dinner, showcasing a symphony of refined flavours and masterful artistry.

A testament to The St. Regis legacy of exceptional taste and global collaboration, the Tastemaker Series at The St. Regis Maldives unites leading talents from gastronomy, art, and design in one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship amid the breathtaking surroundings of Vommuli Island. From Michelin-starred chefs to visionary mixologists and artisans, the series continues the St. Regis tradition of curating the extraordinary—where innovation, tradition, and indulgence converge in the most exquisite of island settings.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Swiss cellist JODOKCELLO to perform at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Published

on

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, in collaboration with BRICS Entertainment, has announced the continuation of the global journey of JODOKCELLO — the barefoot cellist from the Swiss Alps whose performances have reached millions worldwide.

Born in the hills of Emmental, Switzerland, Jodok Vuille, known professionally as JODOKCELLO, has transformed the way audiences experience classical music. Having built his own cello and performed barefoot across mountaintops and global stages, his approach to music is rooted in authenticity, presence, and human connection.

With over 15 million followers and collaborations with international brands and artists including Mercedes-Benz, Swatch Group, FC Barcelona, Alan Walker, IL VOLO, and Lindsey Stirling, JODOKCELLO has become one of Switzerland’s leading cultural figures. His work continues to transcend musical boundaries and inspire audiences across generations.

As part of his ongoing three-year global initiative, the Barefoot in the Sand Tour, JODOKCELLO will perform an exclusive set at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives during the resort’s management cocktails on 18 October. The collaboration highlights Alila’s dedication to curating meaningful experiences that celebrate both creativity and nature.

“Music is not just sound. It’s connection. It’s presence. It’s the truth,” said JODOKCELLO.

His barefoot performance, set against the backdrop of the Maldivian horizon, will offer guests a distinctive cultural moment that intertwines artistry, authenticity, and environment.

Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, said: “Hosting JODOKCELLO at Alila Kothaifaru is an honour. His artistry reflects the same values we uphold — authenticity, connection, and respect for nature. This will be an unforgettable experience for our guests.”

The Barefoot in the Sand Tour marks a new chapter in JODOKCELLO’s artistic journey — one that extends beyond concert halls, bringing his message of presence and unity to audiences around the world.

Continue Reading

Featured

Ifuru Island Maldives hosts visiting practitioner Devendra Pokhriyal at Xanadu Spa

Published

on

Xanadu Spa at Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the arrival of Devendra Pokhriyal, a highly regarded wellness practitioner from the Himalayan foothills of India, who will serve as a Visiting Practitioner from 23 October 2025 to 7 January 2026. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to experience his renowned healing therapies during this four-month residency.

Hailing from the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda, Devendra brings extensive expertise across a diverse range of holistic disciplines, including Ayurvedic consultations, detox programmes, myofascial release, dry needling, marma therapy, and energy healing. His therapies are recognised for their ability to relieve pain, enhance mobility, and restore harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.

“We are excited to welcome Devendra as a Visiting Practitioner at Xanadu Spa,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “His authentic Himalayan knowledge and holistic approach will enrich our guests’ wellness journeys and add a distinctive dimension to their time on the island.”

During his residency, Devendra will offer a curated menu of treatments, including:

  • Ayurvedic Consultations – personalised wellness guidance based on Ayurvedic principles.
  • Marma Healing Therapy – revitalising energy flow and vitality through ancient Ayurvedic techniques.
  • Remedial Massage – a bespoke full-body experience combining deep-tissue techniques, Thai stretching, and wooden tapping along meridian lines.
  • Detox and Healing Therapies – including slimming detox massages, myofascial release, and nasya sinus cleansing.

Known for his compassionate and intuitive approach, Devendra has guided guests across the world toward relaxation, recovery, and transformation. His limited-time residency at Xanadu Spa presents a rare opportunity for guests of Ifuru Island to immerse themselves in authentic Himalayan-inspired wellness in the heart of the Maldives.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.