Lifestyle
Bollywood Diva Malaika Arora finds paradise in Maldives at Heritance Aarah

Bollywood actress and style icon, Malaika Arora, has once again graced the pristine shores of the Maldives. The stunning actress arrived on Sunday to embark on a photoshoot for the Global Spa Magazine.
Malaika is currently enjoying the luxurious accommodations at Heritance Aarah, where she has been warmly welcomed with a traditional Boduberu performance upon arrival. The resort’s staff extended a gracious hospitality that perfectly complements the serene ambiance of the Maldives.
The actress has been sharing glimpses of her Maldivian paradise on her Instagram, treating her millions of followers to breathtaking views of the resort and its surroundings. From the luxurious pool to her stunning villa, Malaika’s social media posts have been captivating fans worldwide.
This isn’t Malaika’s first visit to the Maldives. The actress has been a frequent visitor to the islands, often sharing her experiences and love for the destination with her fans.
With her latest visit, Malaika continues to solidify the Maldives’ position as a preferred destination for celebrities and high-profile individuals seeking relaxation, luxury, and stunning natural beauty.

Celebration
Fari Islands Festival 2025: New chapter in cultural and creative luxury

The Fari Islands Festival, a pioneering celebration of cultural connection and creativity, will be held from 19 to 22 September 2025, across The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Patina Maldives. Rooted in the Fari Islands’ founding vision as ‘The Home of Island Artistry’—where ‘Fari’ means “beautiful” in Dhivehi—the festival brings to life the archipelago’s deeper ethos of celebrating nature, craft and connection.
Uniting international talent and regional voices under the theme of shared creativity and consciousness, the event features five core pillars: Culinary Artistry, Sonic Immersion, Nature Amplified, Body, Mind & Soul, and Creative Artistry. These elements shape a dynamic three-day programme designed to inspire transformation and meaningful exchange, while redefining luxury through a lens of ecological and emotional intelligence.
Among the highlights, marine scientist and National Geographic Explorer Gibbs Kuguru will collaborate with the Olive Ridley Project, engaging guests in marine conservation efforts. Through donations and educational encounters, attendees will support ongoing turtle rescue and rehabilitation work across the Indian Ocean. In the culinary sphere, nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson will host two intimate, wellness-oriented lunches—one at Wok Society, Patina Maldives and another at La Locanda, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives—focusing on seasonal nourishment and balance, complemented by curated juices throughout the festival.

Danico Bar of Paris, a mainstay in the World’s 50 Best Bars, will lead nightly cocktail showcases and a special masterclass featuring its famed Chicha Morada. The wellness programme also includes transformative facials and experiences from Allies of Skin, with participation from the brand’s founder Nicolas Travis and practitioner Leyen Tran.

Creative workshops will be led by STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery from Singapore, offering hands-on sessions in craft and expression for all levels. Daily schedules begin with grounding rituals by Bamford, followed by ocean excursions, creative exploration, and intimate dialogues led by Fari Voices—regional changemakers at the forefront of cultural and ecological innovation.

As evening falls, the festival transforms into a celebration of sound and reflection. The opening night features a performance by renowned poet and artist Rupi Kaur, set against the ethereal backdrop of Skyspace Amarta by James Turrell. The second evening blends sound and taste at EAU Bar, where DJ Kim Turnbull and bar takeovers by Danico and Nutmeg & Clove promise an immersive experience. The final night culminates in the Fari Marina Fiesta, headlined by French Kiwi Juice (FKJ), whose unique blend of jazz, funk and electronica sets the tone for a soulful close beneath the stars—followed by a final performance by Kaur.
The Fari Islands, conceived as a departure from the conventional ‘one island, one resort’ model, offer an interconnected hospitality experience. Patina Maldives champions artistic innovation and mindful luxury, while The Ritz-Carlton Maldives brings timeless refinement through its Circle of Life philosophy. Together, they create a destination designed for deep connection and thoughtful discovery.

Integral to this ecosystem is Fari Campus, the Maldives’ first dedicated island for staff accommodation, education, and development—an investment in local talent and a commitment to empowering communities through comprehensive skills training and growth opportunities.
Oscar Postma, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, noted the festival reflects the resort’s commitment to beauty in both detail and depth. Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives, added that the festival is a collective invitation to engage with purpose, through taste, movement and story.
Ultimately, the Fari Islands Festival is more than an event—it is an evolving expression of place, people and possibility. It aims to honour the Maldives’ heritage and environment, while empowering guests to become thoughtful stewards of the cultural and natural richness that defines this extraordinary destination.
Lifestyle
Return to art, elegance with Alena Lavdovskaya’s second artistic journey to Milaidhoo

The luxury boutique island in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is to welcome back celebrated fashion illustrator Alena Lavdovskaya for her second visit from 22nd to 29th September 2025. Following a highly praised debut, Alena returns to our shores to host a new chapter of creativity, where art, inspiration and island serenity intertwine.
An internationally acclaimed artist with a career spanning over two decades, Alena Lavdovskaya is renowned for her glamorous, emotive illustrations that have captivated the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle and beyond. Her intuitive eye for elegance and detail has led to collaborations with top fashion houses, hotels and celebrities, making her a celebrated name in both the creative and couture worlds.
During her week-long residency at Milaidhoo, Alena will host two exclusive Group Art Masterclasses designed for guests of all levels. Whether a passionate sketcher or a curious beginner, participants will be guided by Alena’s refined techniques as they capture the beauty of the Maldives through expressive brushwork and stylised form.
Reflecting on her return, Alena shares, “Milaidhoo is pure inspiration. The colours, the natural grace of the island and the feeling of timeless calm, it’s a dream setting for any artist. I’m thrilled to return and create alongside guests who are eager to discover their own artistic voice.”
This year’s masterclasses will draw from the vivid textures of Maldivian life: the fluidity of marine life, the rhythmic beauty of bodu beru drumbeats and the elegance found in everyday island moments. Held in a serene, open-air setting, each session invites guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
To celebrate this unique collaboration, guests can register for one of Alena’s masterclasses using the booking code Alena2025 and enjoy the following exclusive benefits:
- 10% savings on all spa treatments at the Serenity Spa
- A USD 150 resort credit during their stay
- All art materials included for the masterclass
Spaces are limited to preserving the intimate nature of the sessions. Guests are encouraged to book early and be part of this one-of-a-kind artistic experience in paradise.
At Milaidhoo, where every guest becomes part of the island’s unfolding story, Alena Lavdovskaya’s return promises another unforgettable chapter, one coloured by creativity and the magic of island life.
Cooking
Malaa – The Maldivian Café: NH Kuda Rah’s new culinary jewel

NH Maldives Kuda Rah has announced the launch of its newest food and beverage outlet, Malaa – The Maldivian Café. Now open to guests, the café offers a taste of authentic Maldivian cuisine alongside interactive Maldivian cooking classes.
Guests staying at NH Maldives Kuda Rah can delve into the country’s rich culinary traditions with guidance from award-winning Executive Chef Farish Mukhthar. With over 22 years of experience in the hospitality and culinary industries across five-star and ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives, Chef Farish brings a deep-rooted passion and refined expertise to the resort. Trained under renowned European celebrity chefs, he has earned a strong reputation for his culinary artistry.
The café focuses exclusively on authentic Maldivian dishes, using locally sourced ingredients from nearby islands as well as the chef’s own garden within the resort. Cooking classes offer guests the opportunity to prepare classic Maldivian dishes, such as curry and local salads, under the guidance of Chef Farish—culminating in a delicious homemade lunch.
As fish (both fresh and smoked) is the staple of the Maldivian diet, it is often prepared with coconut and rice or roshi (Maldivian flatbread). Other traditional ingredients include breadfruit and sweet potato—versatile and starchy staples that feature in a wide range of local dishes. The cuisine is often boldly spiced, with the fiery Scotch bonnet chilli, locally known as githeyo mirus, playing a central role. This essential chilli, along with herbs grown organically in the resort’s garden, imparts a distinctive heat and fruity flavour to many Maldivian dishes.
While many resorts in the Maldives offer a wide array of international cuisine—ranging from Italian and Japanese to French and Indian—the opportunity to savour authentic local flavours can be one of the most memorable aspects of travel. Malaa – The Maldivian Café provides a unique and immersive dining experience for those curious about Maldivian culinary heritage and the fascinating stories behind its traditional ingredients.
This initiative is part of NH Hotels & Resorts’ broader effort to connect guests with meaningful local experiences through its Live Local programme, under the Minor DISCOVERY loyalty scheme. The programme is designed to offer curated, immersive activities and authentic cultural encounters, allowing guests to engage more deeply with their destination.
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