News
Maldives media, tourism officials discover new RAAYA by Atmosphere
Atmosphere Core highlights RAAYA by Atmosphere, a stunning property located in the beautiful Raa Atoll in the northern Maldives, which has recently been the focus of a special visitor experience for Maldivian media and tourism representatives.
The island RAAYA is a natural wonder in itself and shares an intriguing backstory that lies at the heart of every intrepid travellers. The story of RAAYA begins with Seb, an artistic sailor who washed up on the island shore after a fierce storm, sent his ship off course leaving him stranded on this stunning natural paradise. Seb dedicated himself adapting to castaway life and learning from what mother nature has provided. Today, Seb’s adventurous spirit is reflected in every aspect of RAAYA’s exceptional experience, from unique dining to the artistic activities and creative adventures, all woven together with subtle storytelling.
To share the story of RAAYA, this epic journey and life on the island for our artistic hero, Atmosphere Core recently invited their local media and tourism delegates to experience RAAYA by Atmosphere first hand. Distinguished attendees included representatives from the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Maldives Insider, Hotelier Maldives, Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), International Maldives Travel Market (IMTM Online), Maldives Halal Travel, and Travelution Media.
This visit allowed Maldivian media and tourism marketers to experience the island’s unique features and reconnect with island life through Seb’s art and installations. One of the standout experiences was the Dhoni building and painting workshop. This hands-on activity held special significance, as it was inspired by Seb’s desire to preserve his memories through arts and crafts. During his time on the island, sought to document his journey by capturing it in pictures, ensuring that others could connect with and understand his story. This meaningful activity is followed by the Raaya Ritual – a symbolic Dhoni race that represents both the beginning and the end of Seb’s extraordinary journey on the island.
The dining experiences shared were exceptional, deeply rooted in Seb’s sustainable practices. Cultivation of his own food from scratch, starting with seeds he collected from plants. This legacy continues, as the seeds he left behind are now for anyone to use from Seb’s farm, reflecting his enduring connection to the island.
The nature walk through the island’s lush mangrove trees offered a glimpse into the ‘circle of life’ Seb observed during his time here. This journey through nature was more than a walk, it was an exploration of Seb’s profound relationship with the environment that nurtured him.
Lastly, the group observed the watchtowers that Seb constructed around the island, and which ultimately played a crucial role in his eventual rescue. These towers stand as a testament to his resourcefulness and determination, marking key points in his survival story.
Seb’s installations are scattered throughout RAAYA, each revealing a part of his story for visitors to discover and explore, which our local representatives experienced throughout their stay. These experiences provided deeper understanding of Seb’s journey and the unique charm of RAAYA, making the visit both enriching and memorable.
Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has announced that it has been awarded the Gold Award for “South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel” at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. This recognition underscores the hotel’s longstanding reputation as the premier gateway to the Maldives, providing seamless hospitality experiences for travelers.
Held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, the 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards welcomed industry leaders and esteemed delegates from across the region to celebrate outstanding achievements in hospitality and tourism.
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is the region’s most prestigious platform dedicated to recognising excellence in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Launched to elevate industry standards and celebrate the diverse offerings across South Asia, SATA honours outstanding achievements by businesses, individuals, and destinations that shape and inspire regional tourism. With participation from six nations – Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives – SATA has become a symbol of unity and collaboration in one of the world’s most culturally rich and geographically diverse regions.
Ali Shakir, Group General Manager, commented on the award by saying, “Winning the Gold Award as South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel reinforces our promise of being more than just a transit hotel. Hulhule Island Hotel stands as the gateway to the Maldives, where comfort, convenience, and heartfelt hospitality meet. This achievement is dedicated to our passionate team who consistently go beyond expectations to create memorable experiences for every guest.”
Hawwa Fareesha, Hotel Manager of Hulhule Island Hotel added, “We are honored to receive the Gold Award for Best Leading Airport Hotel. This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our exceptional team and the strong leadership of our Group General Manager. Thank you to all our staff – your passion and commitment continue to set us apart.”
Strategically located just minutes away from Velana International Airport, Hulhule Island Hotel stands as the Maldives’ premier airport hotel, offering comfort and convenience to both leisure and business travelers. The property features a wide range of modern facilities including well-appointed rooms, multiple dining venues, recreation options, and event spaces, all designed to provide a seamless transition for travelers entering or departing the Maldives. Known for blending efficiency with warm Maldivian hospitality, HIH has become the preferred choice for international passengers, airline crews, and corporate guests alike.
Madifushi Private Island has announced its recognition as the Silver Award winner in the “South Asia’s Best New Hotel/Resort” category at the prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. This marks the first time Madifushi Private Island has participated in the awards, making the achievement even more significant.
The 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards was held at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together distinguished leaders and representatives from across the region’s travel and hospitality industry.
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is the region’s premier platform dedicated to recognising excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Launched to elevate industry standards and celebrate the diversity of offerings across South Asia, SATA honours outstanding achievements by businesses, individuals, and destinations that shape and inspire regional tourism.
With participation from six nations – Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives – SATA has become a true symbol of unity and collaboration in one of the world’s most culturally rich and geographically diverse regions.
Commenting on the recognition, Ali Shakir, Group General Manager, said “We are honoured to see Madifushi Private Island recognised on such a prestigious regional stage. This award is a proud moment not just for our resort but also for the Maldives. It validates our commitment to delivering authentic, meaningful, and memorable experiences.”
Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island, added “Being recognised as South Asia’s Best New Resort is a testament to the efforts put in by our wonderful team over the past 12 months. Given the remote, picturesque, peaceful, and serene location of Madifushi Private Island, along with our dedicated and well-established team working towards the common goal of providing serene wonders to our valued guests, we aim for the pinnacle of private island awards in the years to come. The direction from our Group General Manager, Mr. Ali Shakir, is on track towards us becoming the best private island in the Maldives.”
Nestled in the pristine waters of Meemu Atoll, Madifushi Private Island is an exclusive luxury retreat that blends natural beauty with refined hospitality. The island offers secluded beachfront and overwater villas, world-class dining experiences, and tailored wellness programs. Its unique positioning as a sanctuary of serenity makes it ideal for couples, families, and discerning travelers seeking both privacy and adventure. With a strong focus on sustainability and Maldivian-inspired experiences, Madifushi Private Island continues to redefine serene luxury in the Maldives.
The Maldives has reached a new milestone in its diving industry with the launch of the country’s first PADI TecRec diver training center. Established by Aquaventure Dive Center in Addu City, the facility marks the beginning of a new era for technical diving in the Maldives, creating opportunities for divers to explore greater depths beyond recreational limits.
As the first of its kind in the region, the PADI TecRec center is fully equipped to offer a wide range of technical diving courses, from entry-level Discover Tec programs to advanced Tec 50 certifications. The center’s team of PADI-certified technical instructors are prepared to guide both recreational divers who are curious about technical diving and experienced divers looking to challenge their skills.
With access to some of the most spectacular underwater environments in the world—including deep wrecks, current-swept channels, and uncharted reefs—the Maldives is now firmly positioned on the global map as a destination for serious technical divers.
“This is more than just a certification—it’s an opportunity to experience the Maldives like never before,” said Marc Kouwenberg of Aquaventure Dive Center.
In addition to courses, Aquaventure offers technical diving equipment and custom expedition packages designed for those ready to take the plunge into the Maldives’ most adventurous underwater landscapes.
Contact:
Marc Kouwenberg
WhatsApp / Viber: +960 797 4310
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