Featured
Inner shifts and island rhythms: mindful August at Vakkaru Maldives
This season at Vakkaru Maldives, transformation begins from within. Set against the ever-changing light, tides, and natural rhythms of the island, the resort is launching a series of immersive programmes and curated stays throughout August. These initiatives are designed to guide guests towards reconnection—with themselves, with each other, and with the sea.
The island’s atmosphere is one of intention and exploration, shaped by three visiting specialists whose presence brings depth and meaning to the resort’s wellness offerings. Among them is Executive Coach and Psychologist Dr Jonathan Marshall, who will be in residence from 6 to 16 August. His arrival signals a unique opportunity for guests to explore authenticity, purpose, and mindful awareness.
A psychologist trained at Stanford with post-doctoral studies at Harvard, Dr Marshall’s methodology draws on the work of leading thinkers such as Irvin Yalom, Daniel Goleman, Ron Heifetz, and Otto Scharmer. His coaching style is far from formulaic, offering instead a measured and reflective process that weaves psychological insight, narrative reframing, and presence-led practices to support meaningful inner shifts.

During his time at the resort, Dr Marshall will host one-on-one coaching and small group sessions that touch on leadership, resilience, and mindfulness. His experience—spanning elite athletes, Silicon Valley innovators, and academic institutions—finds a more intimate expression at Vakkaru, where the tranquillity of the island amplifies personal reflection.
Rather than encouraging guests to simply disconnect, Dr Marshall views the setting as an invitation to tune in. His residency will include three complimentary group sessions: Knowing Your Mind, which delves into emotional wellbeing and psychological safety; Purpose, Passion, and Direction, which guides participants through values-based realignment; and Hypnosis: Myth, Magic, or Medicine?, a practical exploration of how hypnosis can support performance, manage anxiety, and shift habits. Guests may also opt for a guided experience of hypnosis if they wish.
Private coaching sessions, available for individuals or couples, can be tailored to specific personal or relational goals, with some incorporating guided hypnosis upon request. Rates begin at US$575++ per hour or US$850++ for 90-minute sessions, inclusive of a personalised consultation.
Complementing Dr Marshall’s inward-facing work is the return of Daria Gudkova, a therapist trained in Himalayan traditions, whose approach combines intuitive touch, breath, and energy for a deeply grounding experience. Her residency continues until 24 August.
Joining the wellness team is Dr Thilini Madushani Kularathna, an Ayurvedic doctor from Sri Lanka who blends classical methods with contemporary insights. Her treatments and consultations are designed to support guests in rediscovering their body’s natural rhythms, often overlooked in the pace of modern life.
For guests seeking more structured pathways to reconnection, the resort has introduced two curated experiences. Wellness Your Way is a three-night minimum stay that includes a Signature Spa Treatment at Merana Spa, a personalised Ayurvedic consultation and follow-up treatment with Dr Thilini, a private yoga session, and a floating breakfast served in the privacy of one’s pool. It is crafted for those who wish to restore their wellbeing on their own terms.
Ocean Journeys, spanning five nights, is ideal for those who find renewal in water and wilderness. Guests begin with a guided snorkel or dive at the Blue Hole alongside the resort’s marine biologist, followed by a new off-island experience that includes traditional line fishing with a local crew and dining on their freshly grilled catch beneath the stars. The journey continues with a full day on a remote sandbank, where snorkelling, picnicking, and immersion in the raw beauty of the Baa Atoll offer a sense of freedom and simplicity.
For those arriving during these radiant weeks, Vakkaru Maldives offers not just a luxury escape, but an invitation: to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with self, with loved ones, and with the natural world.
Featured
Noku Maldives unveils long-term Sea Turtle Conservation Programme
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, has announced the launch of a dedicated Sea Turtle Conservation Programme, developed in partnership with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre (AMCC). Beginning on 25 November 2025, this long-term initiative strengthens the resort’s commitment to the Vignette Collection pillar Means for Good, reflecting a considered approach to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality.
The waters surrounding Noku Maldives support a naturally thriving ecosystem, characterised by extensive seagrass meadows, coral-rich shallows, and warm lagoons that provide an essential refuge for sea turtles. In recent years, the island has recorded multiple nesting events along its shores — a rare and significant indicator of the health of its marine environment. The new programme aims to safeguard and enhance this natural heritage.
As part of the collaboration, a full-time AMCC marine biologist will be stationed on the island to lead a comprehensive portfolio of conservation activities. This will include monitoring the local sea turtle population, assessing reef and coral health, supporting long-term scientific research, and conducting fieldwork and outreach initiatives across neighbouring islands.
The programme will also enhance guest engagement through educational talks, guided snorkelling experiences, and hands-on conservation workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the underwater world in an enriching and meaningful way.
The initiative complements Noku Maldives’ growing suite of Means for Good activities, which already include reef conservation studies, coral restoration projects, cultural experiences, and community-led programmes. Together, these efforts underpin the resort’s commitment to delivering stays that are rooted in authenticity, responsibility, and deep respect for the natural environment.
“Our lagoon has always been a peaceful refuge for sea turtles and marine life,” said Hussain Shahid, General Manager of Noku Maldives. “This partnership with AMCC reflects our dedication to protecting these waters and ensuring they continue to flourish. By bringing conservation, community involvement, and guest education together, we hope to create meaningful and lasting impact for the atoll.”
Featured
From spa rituals to sunrise yoga: Angsana Velavaru champions mindful living
Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to embark on a holistic journey of renewal that nurtures both body and mind.
At the centre of this experience is the award-winning Angsana Spa, inspired by the timeless essence of Asian wellness traditions. Here, the healing power of touch, scent, and nature come together in harmony. Guests can enjoy a range of treatments designed for both relaxation and family bonding, including restorative massages, revitalising body polishes, and signature rituals that incorporate natural ingredients such as coconut, honey, and tropical herbs. Each therapy aims to rejuvenate, soothe, and restore a deep sense of inner calm that reflects the island’s natural rhythm.
Wellness at Angsana Velavaru extends far beyond the spa. The resort’s approach to wellbeing embraces movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection. Its modern tropical fitness centre provides a tranquil setting for guests to stay active while remaining close to nature. Activities such as aqua aerobics in the Kuredhi Pool and sunrise yoga on the beach combine physical vitality with mindful awareness.
Across the island, guests are encouraged to slow down and reconnect with their surroundings. Guided meditation, breathwork sessions, and sunset yoga create opportunities for reflection and relaxation. These practices are seamlessly woven into the resort’s environment, offering a sense of serenity that lingers long after the stay.
Under the guidance of Wellbeing Director Artemasius Harefa, Angsana Velavaru’s holistic programmes align with Banyan Group’s Eight Pillars of Wellbeing, with a focus on rest, movement, mindfulness, and connection. The result is a collection of experiences designed to inspire balance and renewal, giving guests the opportunity to embrace a more mindful way of living.
“Modern travellers seek more than rest; they seek renewal,” said Artemasius Harefa, Wellbeing Director at Angsana Velavaru. “Our goal is to create experiences that help guests reconnect with themselves and the natural world, turning wellness into a meaningful way of life.”
At Angsana Velavaru, wellbeing is not a moment but a continuous journey shaped by nature, connection, and the healing spirit of the Maldives.
Awards
Trans Maldivian Airways named World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, has once again strengthened its position as a global aviation leader with new accolades at the World Travel Awards 2025. The airline was named the World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025 and the Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025, acknowledging its continued contribution to air connectivity across the Maldives. The 32nd Annual World Travel Awards ceremony took place at Exhibition World Bahrain and was attended by more than 300 leaders from the international tourism industry.
Established in 1993, TMA has played a central role in shaping the Maldives’ aviation and tourism sectors. Operating the world’s largest seaplane fleet with 65 DHC-6 Twin Otters and serving over 80 resort destinations, the airline provides vital connectivity across the archipelago with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Conducting more than 400 flights daily, TMA remains essential in enabling access to resort islands nationwide.
Commenting on the achievement, A.U.M. Fawzy, CEO of Trans Maldivian Airways, said: “This prestigious recognition from the World Travel Awards, year after year, reflects the trust placed in our team by our partners and guests, and the responsibility we carry as the primary air service provider connecting resort destinations across the Maldives. At TMA, our focus remains on continuous improvement and building on decades of service excellence. As the tourism industry in the Maldives continues to evolve and grow, we will continue strengthening our operations and supporting the long-term development of the Maldives as a world-leading destination.”
TMA continues to enhance its operational capabilities through ongoing investments in fleet upgrades, infrastructure, staff training, and technology-driven improvements, ensuring it meets rising demand while maintaining its hallmark of dependable service.
As the Maldives prepares for further growth in visitor arrivals, Trans Maldivian Airways remains committed to working closely with industry partners, supporting national tourism objectives, and ensuring a seamless and reliable travel experience for guests visiting the country’s island destinations.
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