Nova Maldives, the soulful island resort in the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, is thrilled to announce an exclusive  wellness retreat with the celebrated Dr. Amit Kumar ‘Eknath’, from 12th to 17th June, 2024. Renowned for his  holistic approach to health and wellness, Dr. Eknath will lead guests on a transformative journey with an impressive selection of signature treatments, personalised wellness experiences and a series of complimentary  group classes. 

About Dr. Amit Kumar ‘Eknath’: 

With a career spanning nearly 24 years, Dr. Eknath is a venerated figure in the realm of health and wellness. A  certified practitioner of chakra and pranic healing, yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy, his expertise in detox,  cleansing, and holistic therapies has garnered an international following. Dr. Eknath’s mission to foster health  and happiness across the globe aligns perfectly with Nova’s commitment to guest wellbeing. 

A Journey of Rejuvenation and Enlightenment: 

Dr. Eknath will introduce guests to a variety of signature treatments, including Advanced Sound Healing,  Advanced Facial Therapy, Kundalini Awakening Meditation, and more. These sessions are designed to harmonise  the body and mind, offering deep relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Exclusive Treatments and Therapies: 

Guests will also have the chance to explore unique treatments such as Tantra Meditation, Signature and  Numerology Therapy, Marma Mamatva Facial Treatment, and Yogic Detox, among others. Each therapy aims to  unlock new pathways to wellness, guided by Dr. Eknath’s profound knowledge and compassionate approach. 

Additionally, Nova guests will have the opportunity to start their day with invigorating daily yoga sessions from  7am to 8:30am, embracing Asana and Pranayama with relaxation techniques. Afternoons will offer a peaceful  retreat into meditation from 4pm to 5pm, promising a sanctuary for the mind amidst the breathtaking  surroundings of Nova’s remote island paradise. These sessions are offered on a complimentary basis toguests. 

Spiritual Night, A Fire Ceremony: 

During Dr. Eknath’s visit to Nova, guests will also be able to join in a special Fire Ceremony, an ancient ritual to  purify the atmosphere and release negative energy, marking a highlight of this spiritual journey. 

Nova Maldives invites those seeking escape to to immerse themselves in a harmonic blend of luxury, nature, and  wellness, at the first of a series of exclusive, themed wellness retreats this year.  

For more information and bookings, visit https://nova-maldives.com/soul-renewal-retreat/ and https://nova maldives.com/. 

While global cost of living pinches, ‘all-inclusive’ stays grow.

Award-winning Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has crunched the numbers and ‘All-inclusive’ stays are now at their most popular. The 15-hectare private island paradise in South Male Atoll, just a 40-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport has established itself with families, couples, and groups over several years.  In Quarter 1 2024, the Resort says 32.19% of total stays booked an All-inclusive experience. At Kandooma guests can choose between a soft or alcohol All-inclusive stay, with the latter showing a whopping 40.9% growth since 1 January.

Regarding the growth of All-inclusive stays and customer preferences, Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing shares, “Our guests are looking for value and our All-inclusive dining plan delivers in spades.”

So are we all drinking more, or is it just the comfort of knowing it’s all included?

“We are not necessarily drinking more, but I certainly do think many people like to enjoy a sundowner or a cocktail while on holiday, and a fancy coffee.  In a remote location, those costs add up quickly and if there is a great drinks list and a mixologist on the bar with a bit of sparkle, you are more likely to indulge in more than just one on holiday.”

She adds that the All-inclusive offering has recently been upgraded.

“I think it’s fair to say that all of the resorts in the Maldives recognise that we can be perceived as a little pricey with everything being transported into the individual islands, most often from abroad. With that in mind and that people in many of our feeder markets are feeling the pinch with greater costs of living at the moment, travellers are becoming more savvy and want to budget their getaways. They are not necessarily cancelling a trip because of tighter budgets or reducing the number of nights, but rather, pricing it up and seeking greater value.”

“As a resort that sits in the mid-market, just beneath the five-star ranking, we are conscious now, as much as ever, that guests use all the digital tools at their disposal to compare the different offerings, and we work hard to remain competitive.”

Kandooma has just refreshed its All-inclusive offering.  Though it seems like more of an overhaul than just a simple refresh, it includes everything from more discount privileges at the Spa and specialty dining to afternoon tea snacks, ice cream hours, and much more.

The refreshed All-inclusive plan at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets at Kandooma Cafe the resort’s all-day dining restaurant which showcases international favourites as well as Maldivian flavours
  Option to enjoy an a la carte option for lunch or dinner at Bokkuraa Coffee Club on the pool deck
  Afternoon tea snacks
  Ice Cream hour
  Unlimited Drinks including wines, beers, mixed drinks, cocktails and special coffees from 11am to 11pm daily (using quality brands); the soft option includes mocktails, smoothies, milkshakes and more.
  20% discount privilege at Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala
  50% discount privilege on Mini Bar
  Welcome drink on Check-in
  Complimentary non-motorised activities (excl Catamaran)

Coming second in the meal plan preference stakes (by less than a percentage point) is the Half Board option which includes buffet Breakfast and Dinner at the resort’s all-day dining international restaurant, Kandooma Cafe. With 31.42% of all stays opting for Half Board.

“The numbers revealed some interesting trends, even for us, with less than a quarter of all guests, 22.83% choosing bed and breakfast,”

2023 Winner of Leading Family Resort Maldives and Best Dive Resort Maldives, Kandooma is a private and natural island. White sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for a wide variety of leisure pursuits and some of the best diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas for their stay. Families are well catered for with the Kandoo Kids’ Club and a full activities programme supported by the IHG Kids’ Stay & Eat Free initiative. Six food and beverage outlets ensure you’ll eat like a King and have the opportunity to not only indulge in your favourites from around the world but sample the flavours of the Maldives too.  You might just be inspired to book one of the resort’s terrific cooking classes.  For those guests who desire the ultimate in relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are located around the island and the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers the ultimate in tranquillity and escape for body and mind.  Visit www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com

SO/ Maldives is gearing up for Orthodox Easter with a special event featuring renowned celebrity Chef Mirko Zago. From May 5th to May 8th, guests can embark on an exceptional culinary journey curated by the acclaimed chef.

Chef Mirko, known for his impressive background and Michelin-recognized dishes, will present a series of exclusive dining experiences with a Mediterranean flair. The highlight is the “Via Con Me” (Follow Me) 6-course signature menu on May 5th and 8th, taking guests on a delectable exploration of Chef Mirko’s iconic flavors.

On May 6th, guests can participate in a unique culinary masterclass led by Chef Mirko himself. Learn the art of crafting homemade pasta while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Beyond the culinary delights, SO/ Maldives offers fun-filled activities for children at The Nest kids club, ensuring a memorable family experience. Guests seeking wellness can also avail themselves of services from Dr. A. Aradhana, a renowned holistic healer available at the resort until May 15th.

Treat your family to a luxurious Easter escape at SO/ Maldives. For more information and bookings, visit SO/ Hotels & Resorts: https://so-hotels.com/en/offers/the-ultimate-family-escape/