News
Bountylab Hospitality set to redefine Travel and Tourism Standards
The South Asian tropical paradise islands of Sri Lanka and the Maldives are the crème de la crème of exotic holiday destinations. The sizzling sun, sandy beaches, gentle breezes and pristine natural beauty make these neighbouring countries two of the most spectacular holiday destinations in the world.
The ever-increasing demand from holidaymakers has opened up the doorway for many new homegrown travel, tourism, hospitality and recreational enterprises to emerge, as well as attracting many international brands to enter Sri Lankan and Maldivian markets.
“We feel that this upward trend requires support from professional expertise to ensure the success of these new ventures,” says Israth Ismail, the Director of Bountylab Hospitality.
“Due to the fact that the market has become very attractive and competitive, industry players are constantly seeking to outperform each other by devising ever-more cutting-edge innovations. Especially high demand exists within the Maldivian and Sri Lankan tourism industry for technology expertise, marketing talent, creative ideas and operational excellence. This has influenced us at Bountylab International to launch Bountylab Hospitality and we are excited to now announce the launch of it in Sri Lanka and the Maldives” he adds.
Bountylab Hospitality is a modern, innovative, consultancy firm aimed at serving key travel, tourism and hospitality industry players in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The company offers hospitality consultancy; creative and digital solutions; media planning and communications services.
Bountylab Hospitality’s parent company, Bountylab International, is a successful ICT solutions corporation with headquarters in the UK and operations in the USA, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Bountylab International is trusted and relied upon by many high profile clients for its innovative and leading-edge services. Whilst sitting comfortably as a market leader in the ICT and business solutions industry, Bountylab International is now channeling its expertise in the travel and tourism arena through the dedicated Bountylab Hospitality division.
Bountylab’s approach towards the industry is revolutionary; its ideas and concepts are fresh, its know-how and authority is unparalleled and the company’s passion for excellent client service is unrivalled.
The consultants in the Bountylab team have high calibre backgrounds which include expertise in information technology, hospitality marketing, internet marketing, business consultancy, creative solutions, hotel property development and management and more.
Bountylab Hospitality is anticipating being able to aid clients by bridging a gap in the tourism and hospitality industry in order to help brands reach new levels. With Bountylab Hospitality’s assistance, brands can expand operations and reach guests and customers through the most modern marketing techniques and strategies. Existing and new brands alike in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry of Sri Lanka and the Maldives can benefit from Bountylab Hospitality’s experience in utilizing state-of-the-art technology and consultancy services.
Meditation
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa introduces ŪRJĀ, a new naturopathy wellness island
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa has unveiled ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island – the next evolution of holistic healing in the Maldives. Named after the Sanskrit word for vitality, ŪRJĀ is a wellness destination with a difference. Its programme balances naturopathic principles with scientific expertise, shifting the focus from surface-level relaxation to meaningful restoration.
ŪRJĀ was created with a clear intention: to move beyond the sameness of many modern spa experiences and offer something deeper. A space where ancient knowledge, natural healing and personal empowerment come together in harmony. Beyond buzzwords, trends and quick fixes, ŪRJĀ is designed for genuine, ongoing healing, not momentary escape.

Many treatments at ŪRJĀ feature AION A®, the powerful healing mineral discovered in an ancient Roman quarry in Würenlos, Switzerland by visionary Swiss naturopathic researcher Emma Kunz (1892–1963). Named it after the Greek for “without limitation”, AION A® supports detoxification, soothes inflammation, and encourages healing via positively charged ion exchange.
A Grounded Vision of Wellbeing
Rather than chasing the latest wellness protocol, ŪRJĀ takes a holistic path rooted in knowledge, education and integrity. In a world defined by stress, digital overwhelm and physical fatigue, it asks: what do guests truly need now?
The answer is timeless: Naturopathy, practicing for centuries what the modern world now calls ‘biohacking’, restores balance, supports natural healing, and guides enduring, sustainable habits.

Rooted in this philosophy, ŪRJĀ’s programmes unite nutrition, movement, detoxification and energetic realignment, for lasting wellbeing. The imparting of knowledge is central to the experience. Guests learn about the body’s innate intelligence, the importance of rhythm and nourishment, and how small, consistent changes can restore vitality. Diagnostics, consultations and personalised guidance empower them to return home with deeper understanding and practical tools for everyday wellbeing.
ŪRJĀ’s philosophy also recognises the growing need for stillness. In a world of constant stimulation, moments of silence and reflection become powerful therapeutic tools. Experiences encourage guests to reconnect with nature, their breath, and the peace found within.
ŪRJĀ invites guests to rediscover something simple yet profound: the body already knows how to heal. Sometimes it simply needs the right environment, guidance and silence to remember.

Naturally Inspired
Accessed from the Resort’s main jetty via a small Maldivian dhoni, ŪRJĀ offers a deep immersion in elemental rhythms – a living reflection of its ethos of vitality through nature. Over-water treatment suites, open-air rituals and the pulse of the surrounding ocean immerse guests in natural rejuvenation.
The spa’s pioneering approach centres on individualised wellness. At its heart are four core naturopathic pathways: Rest & Rebalance, Cleanse, Nourish, and Reconnect. Each pathway offers a collection of therapies and rituals to align mind, body, emotions and intellect, awakening self-healing. Every journey begins with an expert Naturopathic Consultation to craft a bespoke programme of therapeutic care. Optional micronutrient scans, iris diagnosis and postural mapping offer deeper insight into internal balance and vitality.

Signature treatments include Mud Therapy, Heliotherapy, Life-Force Healing, Magneto Therapy, and Sound Healing. Complementing these are Yoga Therapy, and traditional naturopathic practices such as fasting, acupuncture and full-body alignment rituals. Highlights include the ‘Vagus Reset’, a centring ritual that activates the vagus nerve, and the Night Spa Ritual, a celestial open-air experience aligned with the rhythms of the cosmos.
ŪRJĀ also offers specialised programmes guided by the team of onsite Naturopathic Doctors to address root causes of imbalance through therapies, coaching and nutrition. From Sleep Enhancement to Liver Detox and Joint Care, each is designed to restore and sustain lasting health.

Healing Geometry
ŪRJĀ’s approach is complemented by the work of visionary Swiss naturopath and artist Emma Kunz. Four Seasons has exclusive access to Kunz’s geometric drawings – believed to emit healing energy and reflect universal principles – which illustrate ŪRJĀ’s treatment menu.
Cooking
VARU by Atmosphere celebrates Maldivian cuisine with new Kaagé cookbook
VARU by Atmosphere has unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of the Maldives to life through an immersive new experience. As part of the island experience, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses, offering a hands-on connection to authentic local flavours and the opportunity to take home the beautiful cookbook as a memento.
At Kaagé, the award-winning speciality restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through the history and traditions of the Maldivian islands. Time-honoured local recipes are paired with modern culinary techniques, allowing the distinctive flavours of the Maldives to be recreated in kitchens around the world.

Held on 20th August, the exclusive cookbook launch event brought together journalists, culinary influencers and resort guests, who joined the resort’s chef team for an interactive masterclass. The session explored local ingredients including skipjack tuna, coconut and fiery Scotch bonnet chillies, offering participants an authentic taste of Maldivian culinary traditions.

“These immersive cooking classes are now a permanent part of your resort experience. Kaagé is a tribute to the vibrant culinary identity of the Maldives,” says Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere. “Through our cookbook and masterclasses, we invite you to connect deeply with island culture. We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.”

VARU by Atmosphere is a naturally Maldivian island escape in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. Blending authentic Maldivian culture with contemporary elegance, the resort offers an intimate island experience centred around warm hospitality, vibrant dining, wellness and immersive experiences. From its distinctive overwater villas and unique overwater cellar to its island-inspired cuisine and commitment to sustainability, VARU by Atmosphere celebrates the essence of the Maldives while offering a refined and relaxed tropical retreat.

The Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook is available exclusively to participants of cooking masterclass. To discover more or reserve your spot, visit www.varu-atmosphere.com or contact reservations@varu-atmosphere.com.
Business
BBM Hulhumalé Phase 2 opening promotion winner receives Honda Airblade
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has presented a brand-new Honda Airblade motorbike to the winner of a lucky draw held to mark the opening of its newest wholesale outlet in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
The outlet, located at Lot 20286 on Nirolhu Magu, opened on 16 February 2026 as part of BBM’s expansion of its wholesale operations.
To celebrate the opening and thank customers for their continued support, BBM introduced a special lucky draw exclusively for customers who made purchases from the new outlet on its opening day.

Customers who purchased products during the opening were eligible to enter the draw, with a Honda Airblade motorbike offered as the grand prize.
The lucky draw was conducted on 13 August 2026, with Ibrahim Shifaz of Vagthun Vaguthah outlet selected as the winner.
Shifaz was recently presented with the ceremonial key to the Honda Airblade by AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives.

The promotion formed part of BBM’s activities surrounding the opening of its Hulhumalé Phase 2 outlet, which provides customers with access to the company’s range of wholesale products from the growing residential and commercial area.
Bestbuy Maldives is a supplier and distributor serving businesses across the Maldives, including customers in the hospitality, food service and retail sectors.
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