News
Kuda Villingili Resort wins Best Wellness Resort title at Global Wellness Day 2024
Kuda Villingili Resort, Maldives has announced its victory in the Best Wellness Resort competition held during Global Wellness Day 2024. The highly anticipated event, endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism and sponsored by COSMERC, took place on June 8, 2024. This accolade is a testament to Kuda Villingili’s commitment to wellness and its innovative approach to embracing nature.
The competition saw participation from 73 resorts, with 15 finalists presenting their celebrations to a panel of esteemed judges. The judges included industry experts and representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism. The evaluation criteria focused on the event’s outline, relevance to the #MAGENTANATURE theme, activity engagement, guest interaction, and the quality of event documentation through videos and photos.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives’ Global Wellness Day 2024 celebrations embodied the theme “Living in Harmony with Nature,” inviting guests and ambassadors to reconnect with the natural world. The three-day programme, from June 8 to June 10, offered a variety of activities designed to enhance physical and mental well-being while fostering a deep connection with nature.
The celebrations began at sunrise on June 8 with a beach yoga session, allowing guests and ambassadors to breathe in the ocean air and soak in the morning sun. This was followed by healthy drinks and an elevated organic breakfast buffet at The Restaurant. Guests and ambassadors participated in an immersive nature walk, learning about the island’s flora and its benefits to both humans and the environment. From hugging a banyan tree to estimate its age and discussing the many spiritual beliefs in different cultures related to the banyan tree to drinking freshly picked coconut from the island’s many coconut palms, the nature walk was a major highlight. The walk concluded with tree planting at Thundi Beach, which commemorated GWD 2024. A total of 8 different trees were planted, including a waterapple (Jamburoalu), beach heliotrope (Boashi gas), frangipani (Gulchampaa), iron wood (Kuredhi) and beach gardenia (Uni gas)making the already green paths of Kuda Villingili even more lush and soothing.
The spa team instructed guests and ambassadors on how to prepare Maldivian scrubs and talked about the advantages of using ocean water, coconut oil, and natural herbs in traditional Maldivian medicine. The fitness team hosted an outdoor fitness bootcamp, and expert yogis led outdoor yoga sessions. For children, the Kuda Fiyo Kids Club offered well-being walks, nature scavenger hunts, mini-Olympics, and nature-inspired arts and crafts.
Dr. Jayantha Karunarathne, Senior Medical Officer, Wellness Speaker, and Wellness Coach, praised Kuda Villingili’s efforts: “The team at Kuda Villingili truly embodied the concept of ‘Living in Harmony with Nature.’ Their impressive dedication and innovative approach set them apart, making them well-deserved winners of this competition. I look forward to seeing their continued success in the 2025 Global Wellness Day Best Resort event.”
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives takes pride in this recognition and remains committed to delivering exceptional wellness experiences for both its guests and ambassadors. Following this win, the Kuda Villingili Resort celebrated with a barefoot walking marathon for the ambassadors and a special dinner, lifting the team’s spirits and emphasising the importance of a healthy ambassadors team that diligently serves and delivers its guests with exceptional, high-quality, luxury service. This award underscores the resort’s commitment to sustainable luxury and holistic well-being and also motivates it to further enhance and establish more wellness services and facilities on its sunny shores.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu shine at Seven Star Awards
Coco Collection, a leading Maldivian resort brand, has been honoured at the 2024 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, with both Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu recognised for their excellence in luxury hospitality.
Seven Stars Luxury and Hospitality Awards, celebrated as the premier authority in luxury recognition, serves as a trusted guide for the discerning travellers and lifestyle enthusiasts globally, particularly from India and Middle East.
Coco Bodu Hithi, known for its romantic charm and ambiance, has been named the Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort in the Maldives, highlighting its exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for couples seeking an idyllic escape.
Welcoming high-profile celebrities from India such as Mouni Roy and Surbhi Jyoti highlights the resort’s ability to cater to diverse guest profiles and needs, offering curated experiences that elevate every stay. Some of the most notable experiences include the Sunset Cruise and the intimate Dinner Under the Stars in a private pergola.
In addition, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, known for its environmental values, was honoured as the Best Barefoot Luxury Resort in the Maldives at the Seven Stars Awards. This recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, even 25 years after its inception.
These core island principles, built on ecological measures, have helped the resort achieve multiple accolades at this year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards and be recognised in prominent categories that Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu passionately advocates for.
This winter, embrace the sunshine at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu with the Discover Coco deals offering up to 40% off on spacious and comfortable villas. To reserve, contact reservations@cococollection.com and secure your extraordinary getaway.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
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