News
Dive deeper into Maldivian wellbeing with Xubba visiting Oaga Art Resort’s Hoba Spa
Unwind, reconnect and rediscover yourself with ancient Maldivian healing practices at Hoba Spa by Oaga Resorts. The resort has announced the arrival of renowned healer and spa practitioner Aishath Zulfishan (Xubba) from May 2nd to 25th, 2024, a master of creating traditional Maldivian medicinal therapies.
Xubba is a pioneer and a global award winner in the spa field. She is the first to introduce traditional Maldivian medicine (Dhivehi Beys) to the spa experience. With over 18 years of dedicated experience and a deep respect for ancestral wisdom, she is a driving force behind Hoba Spa’s philosophy. Here, modern expertise seamlessly blends with time-tested practices, creating a truly groundbreaking concept.
Xubba believes in a holistic approach to well-being, encompassing mind, body, and soul. Her healing philosophy centers on connecting with your conscious mind and fostering a deeper bond with your subconscious and emotional self. This translates into highly personalised therapies rooted in touch and intuitive healing, acknowledging the unique needs of each individual.
During her residency at Hoba Spa, Xubba will offer insights into the range of personalised treatments using her specially formulated oils. These handcrafted blends, passed down through generations, harness the power of nature’s bounty.
Hoba Spa’s philosophy is deeply rooted vin Maldivian tradition, evident in its very name. “Hoba” translates to “kindness and balance” in ancient Dhivehi, reflecting the spa’s commitment to holistic well-being.
Your Hoba Spa journey begins at the Bodu Ashi, a traditional Maldivian entrance. Here, you set your intentions with ancient Dhivehi words. Experience bespoke therapies, a fusion of modern day techniques and Maldivian practices, or immerse yourself in the Fen Vadaa hydrotherapy circuit, inspired by Maldivian traditions. Depending on the therapy of your choice, you can witness the creation of your personalised oil blend in the Atharuge’, a place inspired by traditional royal perfumeries. Finally, you can also enhance your experience with the Sandhu Moon rituals influenced by the moon phases, incorporating incorporating specific yoga asanas, sound healing, and more.
Join Xubba at Hoba Spa this May and embark on a transformative journey of rediscovery. Reconnect with yourself, embrace the power of ancient traditions, and experience a new dimension of well-being.
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 Free Flow (art) classes, Take Notes (music) experiences, In-Villa Dining to floating meal, choices of excursions, motorised water-sports and many more.
Guests looking to book the resort can visit the website, www.oagaresorts.com to book your stay.
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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