News
Coco Collection adds Sankhara Villas to its portfolio of luxury resorts
Maldives Promotion House – Coco Collection has announced the addition of Sankhara Villas in Mauritius to its portfolio of luxury resorts. Sankhara Villas by Coco Collection will join the prestigious portfolio from 01 April 2013 and is the group’s first venture outside of the Maldives.
Situated in the picturesque village of Poste-la-Fayette on the East coast of Mauritius, Sankhara Villas by Coco Collection offers discerning travellers an authentic haven of tranquility in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Nestled on almost an acre of lush private gardens the beachfront property comprises of two luxurious villas, Villa Tiara and Villa Almira. Both feature eclectic Balinese architecture and luxe living, with each offering unique interior design aspects drawn from different regional references.
Villa Tiara features 550m² of well-appointed living space, with interiors paying homage to the rich heritage of Indonesia. Spacious and light, the villa’s five bedrooms can accommodate up to 14 guests and each bedroom comes complete with an en-suite bathroom and dressing room. Villa Tiara also boasts its own private hammam for the enjoyment of its guests. The villa also offers two fully equipped kitchens and three dining areas, one interior and two exterior, and boasts an integrated surround sound entertainment system and a quiet office space.
Villa Almira features 430m² of living space incorporating contemporary Moroccan design. Its teak wooden roof, balustrades, pillars and floors blend harmoniously with the multi-colored basalt stones sourced from ancient sugar factories. The colourful villa comprises of three large en-suite double bedrooms which can be configured to accommodate a total of nine guests, a large dining and sitting room, a second lounge and TV room, a kitchen and two dining areas – one interior and one exterior.
Both villas feature a heated swimming pool with al-fresco rain showers. Each villa also has its own private beachfront garden complete with a spectacular veranda that promises uninterrupted views over the untamed beauty of the lagoon and beyond.
As part of the Sankhara Villas by Coco Collection experience, guests benefit from a dedicated kitchen team lead by Chef Arlando. As an awarding-winning chef, Arlando has developed his own signature cuisine that combines style with delectable gastronomy. His culinary repertoire, which includes à-la-carte and tailor-made dishes, spans French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Arabic, Mauritian and vegetarian cuisine ensuring all guests tastes can be catered for.
A team of efficient lifestyle hosts are on hand to ensure that guests’ needs and desires are met throughout their stay, and also benefit from an array of à-la-carte services and leisure facilities. Activities available include aqua-gym, yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, star-gazing, live classical and jazz music, complimentary pedalos & kayaks, boat excursions, deep-sea fishing and dolphin watching. Additionally, the resort is in close proximity to no fewer than five world-class golf courses.
Awards
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives secures nine accolades at World Luxury Awards 2026
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is celebrating nine accolades at the 2026 World Luxury Awards, including two prestigious Global Winner titles, recognising excellence across resort hospitality, leadership, wellness and gastronomy.
The awards reflect the resort’s philosophy of Connected Island Luxury, where personalised hospitality, restorative wellness, exceptional dining and meaningful encounters with nature come together to create memorable island experiences.
Among the highlights, The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives was named Global Winner for Best Luxury Island Resort Spa, while signature fine-dining restaurant FireDOOR received the Global Winner title for Best Sunset Views.
The resort also received recognition as Best Luxury Boutique Resort and Best Luxury Lifestyle Resort in the Indian Ocean, alongside Best General Manager for Raffaele Solferino.

Global Recognition for Wellness and Gastronomy
Perched above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s overwater Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and restoration. In addition to its global title, it received two Indian Ocean awards: Best Luxury Boutique Spa and Best Luxury Oceanview Spa.
Meanwhile, FireDOOR’s global recognition celebrates its spectacular sunset setting overlooking the island’s house reef. Combining intimate fine dining with distinctive glass-floor features and panoramic ocean views, the restaurant also received Indian Ocean titles for Best Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant and Best Luxury Waterside Restaurant.
Together, these achievements highlight the breadth of experiences that define Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, from restorative wellness to memorable moments shared over exceptional cuisine.

Celebrating the People Behind the Experience
For General Manager Raffaele Solferino, who has been part of the resort’s journey since pre-opening, the awards are a testament to the dedication of the island team.
“To receive nine World Luxury Awards, including two Global Winner titles, is an extraordinary honour and a wonderful recognition of our team’s passion and commitment,” said Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives.
“What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that it celebrates the complete guest experience. We believe true luxury goes beyond beautiful surroundings; it is about genuine connections, thoughtful hospitality and creating moments that stay with our guests long after they leave. As we approach our tenth anniversary in 2027, these awards are both a celebration of our journey and an inspiration for the next chapter.”

A Decade of Island Hospitality
Since opening in 2017, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has established a distinctive identity built around contemporary island luxury, personalised service and a deep connection with its natural surroundings.
As the resort prepares to celebrate ten years of welcoming guests in 2027, the nine World Luxury Awards provide a fitting recognition of its achievements and continued commitment to creating extraordinary island experiences.
News
ananea Madivaru Maldives unveils personalised island concierge experience
From 1 November 2026, ananea Madivaru Maldives will introduce its new Island Concierge Programme. A more personal and relaxed approach to island hospitality built around one simple idea: Here, you’re never just a villa number.
Rather than adopting the formality of a traditional butler service, the Island Concierge becomes each guest’s personal connection to the island, someone who knows their journey, remembers their preferences, anticipates their needs and helps them discover the resort naturally.

From the moment guests arrive, their Island Concierge becomes a familiar face throughout their stay. They personally welcome guests on arrival, connect with them over breakfast, assist with plans and experiences throughout the day, and return for a personal farewell at departure.

The concept is intentionally uncomplicated.
Less formality. More connection.

Island Concierges spend their time where guests are rather than behind a desk, around the beaches, pools, restaurants, bars and pathways of the resort. Whenever possible, they may even personally drive guests to dinner, spa appointments or activities, turning a simple buggy journey into another opportunity to connect.
They can assist with everything from restaurant recommendations and spa treatments to watersports, excursions, celebrations and the spontaneous island moments that often become the most memorable parts of a holiday.

The Island Concierge is also there to share the story of the island itself, its people, Maldivian culture, marine life and the fascinating realities of island living, from producing fresh water and electricity to caring for the beaches and surrounding environment.

“We don’t want to create another traditional butler or host concept,” says Pierre Edlund, General Manager of ananea Madivaru Maldives.
“We want something more natural and more human. Your Island Concierge is someone who gets to know you, remembers what you enjoy and helps make things happen without unnecessary formality. But ultimately, every colleague on our islands is part of the experience. The Island Concierge may be your personal connection, but the whole island is looking after you.”

Importantly, the philosophy extends far beyond the Island Concierge team.
At ananea Madivaru Maldives, every guest belongs to everyone. Whether a guest meets a chef, engineer, bartender, housekeeper, watersports colleague or leader, the philosophy remains the same.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
-
News1 week agoSix Maldives spas operated by Mandara Spa recognised in global top 100 list
-
Entertainment1 week agoFormer Savoy Hotel pianist Richard Sully to perform at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi
-
Local1 week agoAtmosphere Foundation supports 1,440 households, 3,599 students in 2025
-
Entertainment1 week agoHard Rock Hotel Maldives welcomes British duo The Whiskey Brothers for live performances
-
News1 week agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa marks eight years in Maldives with special guest experiences
-
News1 week agoKandooma Maldives introduces experience-led all-inclusive holiday concept
-
News6 days agoThe Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet for festive residency
-
Awards1 week agoAlila Kothaifaru Maldives secures Best Resort of the Year title at AHA Asia Hotel Awards



