News
ELE|NA marks 10th International Day of Yoga across Maldives
ELE|NA has celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga, held across its picturesque locations in the Maldives. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” underscores the profound impact yoga has on individual well-being and the broader community. ELE|NA believes that fostering a culture of wellness extends beyond guests to dedicated staff, making it a part of our everyday actions and community life.
In the Maldives, ELE|NA locations have come alive with various yoga activities designed to cater to both novices and seasoned practitioners. Each session is thoughtfully crafted to align with this year’s theme, emphasising how yoga can enhance personal health and contribute to societal well-being.
As part of the celebrations, ELE|NA at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi had the honour of hosting members of the Cancer Society Maldives for a serene morning yoga session followed by a healthy breakfast. This event highlighted the holistic benefits of yoga, emphasising its role in promoting physical, mental, and emotional health, especially for those facing health challenges. It was a touching and transformative experience, showcasing the power of yoga in fostering a supportive and healing community environment.
Yoga is a time-honoured practice known to offer numerous benefits, including:
- Enhanced Flexibility and Strength: Regular practice improves physical strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of injuries.
- Stress Reduction: Yoga techniques such as deep breathing and meditation are effective in managing stress and anxiety.
- Improved Mental Clarity: Yoga helps enhance focus, concentration, and mental clarity.
- Holistic Well-being: It promotes a sense of inner peace and overall well-being, balancing body, mind, and spirit.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” reminds guests that society encompasses not only the community at large but also the actions people take daily to improve their collective well-being. ELE|NA’s wellness ambassadors play a crucial role in instilling a culture of wellness among guests and staff. Through various yoga sessions and wellness programmes, ELE|NA aims to integrate wellness into everyday life, promoting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for all.
ELE|NA’s initiatives include:
- Guest and Staff Yoga Programmes: Regularly scheduled yoga sessions for guests and staff to enhance their physical and mental health.
- Wellness Workshops: Interactive workshops focusing on holistic health, mindfulness, and stress management.
- Community Outreach: Collaborations with local organisations like the Cancer Society Maldives to extend the benefits of yoga to those in need.
- Wellness Ambassadors: Dedicated wellness ambassadors are always on hand to guide and support individuals on their wellness journey.
Awards
Villa Park secures second straight HolidayCheck Award
Villa Park has been recognised with the HolidayCheck Award 2026 for the second consecutive year, reflecting continued guest trust and consistently strong feedback.
Set on one of the Maldives’ largest natural islands in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) region, Villa Park is a standout choice for families seeking a lush, activity-filled escape. With tropical greenery woven throughout the island, long stretches of beach, and a wide range of experiences to suit every age, the resort offers the space and variety that make family travel feel effortless. From active lagoon days to slower, restorative moments, families can shape each day around what matters most to them.
Villa Park is also home to an extensive range of Beach Pool Villas, offering picture-perfect settings designed for easy indoor-outdoor living. Surrounded by palms and gardens, these private stays deliver the bright, tropical backdrop guests return for and love to capture.
For families, the island experience is elevated further by Park Players, positioned as the Maldives’ largest kids’ club, with a dedicated world of play, creativity, and discovery. The combination of nature, space, and things to do across the island continues to shape Villa Park’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ most trusted family resorts.
Love
Azur rooftop at JEN Maldives sets stage for Valentine’s Day dining
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is set to mark Valentine’s Day with a curated rooftop dining experience at Azur Rooftop, combining ocean views, live music and a specially designed menu for couples.
Taking place against the backdrop of the Malé skyline and the Indian Ocean, the Valentine’s Day dinner is designed for couples seeking an intimate yet lively evening. The experience begins with a Tropical Sweetheart welcome drink, blending strawberry, lime and honey, followed by an amuse-bouche served as a shared moment between partners, featuring romesco mousse in a rye tart.
The dinner continues with a selection of starters including Indonesian chicken satay with peanut sauce and a chilled watermelon coconut gazpacho. A passion fruit and mango sorbet is served as a palate cleanser ahead of the main courses.
For the main course, guests may choose between roasted chicken with thyme and beet jus, seared seabass with smoked paprika mashed potatoes, or beetroot risotto finished with burrata. The dining experience concludes with a dessert sequence titled Kiss Me Goodnight, accompanied by petit fours such as dark chocolate passion bites and strawberry rose macarons. Illy coffee, teas, chilled juices and soft drinks are also included.
Live music performances by Akku will accompany the evening, adding to the rooftop ambience created by soft lighting, décor and panoramic views.
The Valentine’s Day dinner at Azur Rooftop is priced at USD 110 per couple, inclusive of all taxes and service charges. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +960 330 0888.
Action
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience
Nestled in the pristine waters of the Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort introduces Swim with Nurse Sharks, a new guided marine experience offering guests a rare opportunity to encounter these gentle creatures in their natural lagoon habitat.
Located just minutes from the island, the calm, shallow waters provide ideal conditions for observing nurse sharks at rest and in motion. The one-hour experience operates three times a week by speedboat and is designed for small groups, making it suitable for families and confident swimmers seeking a meaningful connection with the ocean.
Guided with care and respect for the environment, the experience reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine awareness and responsible interaction with wildlife. Guests gain insight into the behaviour of nurse sharks while exploring one of the region’s few accessible snorkelling sites dedicated to this species.
Available at USD 95++ per person, with special rates for children under 12, Swim with Nurse Sharks adds a distinctive new chapter to the resort’s immersive ocean experiences.
For more information on “Swim with Nurse Sharks” at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, please visit the resort’s website.
-
Entertainment1 week agoCraig David shares emotional Maldives moment after ‘Rise & Fall’ surprise at resort dinner
-
Awards1 week agoFuvahmulah receives Tiger Shark Dive Award at DRT Expo KL
-
Action1 week agoDusit Thani Maldives adds padel and upgrades sports facilities
-
Love1 week agoLunar Beats Festival to bring music, art and celebration to Oaga Art Resort
-
News1 week agoAmilla Maldives unveils February programme with Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year experiences
-
News6 days agoThe Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to mark International Women’s Day with ‘Give to Gain’ programme
-
Featured1 week agoTen years of turtle conservation: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Olive Ridley Project milestone
-
News1 week agoBanyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru unveil sustainability and festive programme for February


