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Cocoon Maldives: marrying Italian design with nature to bring out ‘cultural luxury’

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7 years ago

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If there is any postcard destination in the world, the Maldives deserves the top spot. With islets of powder white sand topped by tropical palms and vegetation, and strung like pearl necklaces onto dreamy atolls that seemingly float on the turquoise ocean, the Maldives provides the perfect setting for the best luxury beach resorts in the world.

Rightly so, the Maldives has come to be known as the ultimate luxury travel destination, favoured by celebrities and high net worth individuals from the world over. It has pioneered barefoot luxury and several innovative concepts such as overwater villas and so on. Great design, unostentatious luxury and personalised service coupled with utmost exclusivity and authentic experiences have made each and every resort in the Maldives the perfect beach holiday destination.

And nothing like that still exists anywhere in the world!

But travel trends are changing across the world with the emergence of millennial travellers that are on the lookout for something beyond the usual luxury. The Maldives too is inevitably adapting to these changes as well, and this phenomena is evident nowhere else more than at the recently opened Cocoon Maldives resort.

Opened in December and officially unveiled in March, Cocoon Maldives is developed on the 6.9-hectare island of Ookolhufinolhu in the northern Lhaviyani atoll. Nestled in a relatively large lagoon even by Maldives standards, Cocoon Maldives is accessible by a 30-minute scenic seaplane from the main Velana International Airport.

An aerial view of Cocoon Maldives. PHOTO/ COCOON

As the seaplane brings you directly to the arrival jetty, your first impressions may very well be the same as when you arrive in another resort in the Maldives. But at Cocoon Maldives, there is a whole world for you to admire and explore, as Italian design and the Maldives natural beauty creates a harmony never seen before. Through simple and chic interiors exclusively designed by world-renowned Italian design firm LAGO, Cocoon Maldives takes its guests through a cultural journey with a contemporary outlook. Here, Italian design takes a unique turn as it sets about telling a story of a culture that is deep-rooted in arts and crafts.

“My friend Alessandro Azzola [Managing Director of Cocoon Investments which owns and manages the resort] asked me to come to the Maldives to have a look at his island. I came down here when it was just another island in the Maldives, and I was awestruck by the natural beauty,” Daniele Lago, the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Design at LAGO, told Maldives Insider.

“Every design has a story, but we live in the present. So Cocoon Maldives presents that story with a contemporary twist.”

Daniele Lago (L) and Alessandro walk past a collection of water villas at Cocoon Maldives. PHOTO/ IBRAHIM ASAD

The story begins as soon as you reach the reception where simple, modern swings that pay tribute to the traditional swings often found in isolated islands complement woven chairs set inside the thatched building. There is nothing much here except a desk with a computer system and shelf to hold necessary items for the operations. From this point on, guests are invited to leave the complexities and complications of the world behind, and embrace their own well-being in an environment beautiful beyond imagination.

The reception area of Cocoon Maldives. PHOTO/ COCOON

In the 150 guest villas — including Beach Villas, Beach Suites, Family Beach Villas, Beach Suites with Pool, Lagoon Villas, Lagoon Suites, Lagoon Suites with Poo and a separate Cocoon Suite — a floating bed welcomes guests to a ‘cocoon’ of solitude where a carefully planned view constantly links eyes and landscape, and preserves and highlights its natural surroundings. Walls beaming with calming shades of powder blue and peach match with wooden details of the room and the bathroom, while the wallpaper projects an endless image on the facing wall when lights in the room are turned on.

“The main focus of the design is to reflect the vivid blue of the ocean and the natural beauty of the Maldives. The beds, chairs and tables are all suspended using glass bottoms. This reflects the crystal clear waters of the Maldives,” Daniele said.

A ‘floating’ bed in a Beach Suite at Cocoon Maldives. PHOTO/ COCOON

This simplicity and tribute to culture is seen across all dining venues of the resort as well. The main Octopus restaurant is a large open area with large oak tree tables where guests can enjoy freshly cooked meals while letting their mind drift away and forget about time. Deep into the greenery, a LAGO Community Table tears down all cultural barriers, and brings different worlds and people together. In the speciality overwater Manta restaurant, tables suspended with glass bottoms come with tabletops made from ceramic tiles decorated with traditional art.

LAGO tables set on a sandbank at Cocoon Maldives. PHOTO/ COCOON

As Maldives has come to be synonymous with luxury tourism, so has its resorts. Properties across the archipelago are constantly adding new features to satisfy those that splurge on their vacations — from private residences, in-villa pools to branded amenities and spa treatments.

But Cocoon Maldives keeps it simple. Here, food is simple but great tasting. Villas have minimal furnishing and basic amenities. Spa treatments are ordinary but especially designed to ensure peacefulness of the mind, body and spirit. Recreational facilities and activities are not grand but exhaustive. All in all, Cocoon Maldives does not go overboard; instead, the resort offers a well thought-out and elegant holiday experience with the feeling of lightness and joy.

“We have conceived a design resort that is deeply connected with the unspoiled natural surroundings and crystal clear water. Every space in the resort has been created with meticulous precision to give life to as fantastic an experience as the environment they belong to,” Daniele explained, still paying tribute to the Maldives, which he enthusiastically described as “paradise” on several occasions.

“This is the new luxury. It’s cultural luxury born from the environment.”

The simplicity offered by Cocoon Maldives brings a new face to the luxury that the Maldives is known for. Starting from the swings at the reception to villas and dining experiences, this is the place where luxury is redefined to connect with one’s mind and soul. This new form of ‘cultural luxury’ does not disconnect you from the breath-taking environment and scenery of the paradise island, but allows you be at ease. At Cocoon Maldives, as you ‘float’ on one of the swings, on your bed or while you are dining, your troubles float away as well.

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Unwind and Explore: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa Invites Families to a Rejuvenating Summer Escape

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4 days ago

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May 3, 2024

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Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, an all-pool villa haven nestled amidst the breathtaking natural seascapes of the Indian Ocean, invites families to embrace the joy of relaxation and the spirit of adventure this summer with a slew of experiences designed to inspire playful discoveries and foster tranquil reconnections with the mind and body.

Fun for All Ages

Budding adventurers and creative little spirits alike can discover new adventures at Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest kids’ clubs in the Maldives. Led by a multilingual team of certified childcare professionals, young guests can engage in an exciting array of daily activities that combine learning and play.

Upstairs, Re:Fuel, a rooftop lounge for teens, hosts engaging milkshake-making workshops and fun family movie nights under the starry Maldivian sky.

In June, the resort offers a Holiday Camp for teens, who can personalize their wellness experiences as follows:

  • Pick up new sports such as tennis, pickleball, and badminton on the multi-purpose court with the hotel’s resident Sports Animator
  • Work out with a personal trainer at the fitness center
  • Try aerial yoga for beginners, yoga for better sleep, breathwork, and meditation with the resident yoga practitioner
  • Enjoy a restorative massage in the overwater treatment villas of Amingiri Spa.

The experience is available at USD 150++ per person for a combination of any two 30-minute sessions.

Restful Retreats

Amingiri Spa introduces Water Connect, a private in-villa pool experience guided by a certified water shiatsu specialist. The gentle movements and targeted massage techniques melt away tension and create a deeply relaxing sensation akin to being cocooned in the womb. The serene escape is available between 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm at USD 150++ for 30 minutes.

Starting in June, guests can indulge in a brand-new Sleep Wellness menu designed to ease the mind and body into a state of deep and rejuvenating slumber. Guests can choose to unwind with a calming signature massage on the spa’s Skye Deck, bask in the timeless glow of an evening hammam ritual in the modern hammam room, or embrace tranquility with an in-villa session incorporating guided meditation, yoga, and breathwork.

Exclusive Offer

Guests who stay a minimum of four nights enjoy the added value of a half board meal plan and complimentary shared roundtrip speedboat transfers with Maldivian Bliss. This offer is available for stays through to December 20, 2024.

From May through to September 30, 2024, children stay and dine free: parents staying with two young children ages 11 years and below in an Overwater Suite with Pool and any of the Two-Bedroom Beach and Overwater Villas will also enjoy the half board meal plan and complimentary shared roundtrip speedboat transfers when booking Maldivian Bliss. Hilton Honors members enjoy full points for their stay. Terms and conditions apply.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 22 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly on the hotel’s website will have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors app.

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Maldives Madridistas: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands Nets Exclusive Football Camp Partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation

Published

2 months ago

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March 14, 2024

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Younger guests at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands can embrace new patterns of play this summer at an exclusive, Maldives-first Real Madrid Foundation football camp. From 4 July – 12 August, a youth coach will lead a comprehensive Real Madrid Foundation programme of daily soccer sessions for ages 5-9yrs, 10-14yrs, and 15-17yrs. The coach will be joined by an elite player ambassador from UEFA’s all-time no. 1 ranked football club toward the end of the programme.

This summer’s inaugural Patina Maldives x Real Madrid CF Foundation football camp is the first edition in an ongoing partnership, with additional future football camp dates to be confirmed. Led by a licensed Real Madrid Foundation coach, sessions will focus on developing each participant both individually and as part of the group, in order to ‘Play The Real Way’ – the training methodology that combines play, as well as sports values.

Sessions will take place on a new, purpose-built 6 a side astroturf pitch located near the Fari Marina Village at Patina Maldives.

All participants will receive an official camp football camp shirt, shorts, socks, drawstring bag, sweatbands, and cap; while those completing a minimum of four days’ coaching will also be presented with a Real Madrid Foundation participation certificate.

Real Madrid Foundation football clinics at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands are priced at USD195++ per child per session for guests of the resort. Bookings are also open to guests from neighbouring resorts, from USD250++ per child per session.

Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands start from USD2,054 (approx. GBP1,620) per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa including daily breakfast, complimentary Guest Benefits, tax, and service. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information and reservations, please visit https://patinahotels.com/maldives or contact reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com. For more information on Pathways, please see here.

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A blissful island Easter celebration at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Published

2 months ago

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March 14, 2024

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Experience unique and enriching getaways at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, as the luxury resort unveils exciting benefits for family getaway packages launching this season. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the ethereal charm of the Maldives.

Nestled in the pristine Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives seamlessly blends eco-friendly architecture with contemporary sophistication, complemented by the untouched, rugged beauty of the Raa Atoll. Situated amidst miles of untouched marine life, Alila Kothaifaru invites guests to reconnect with nature in the most extraordinary ways. With spacious villas and private pools, guests can truly experience the essence of a getaway where luxury and adventure harmoniously coexist.

Surrounded by azure skies and the turquoise waters of the Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers an idyllic setting for a family escape during the Easter break. Here, guests can unwind in luxurious, nature-immersed surroundings, embark on exciting adventures together, and indulge in unforgettable wellness and culinary experiences.

During Easter weekend, Play Alila will delight young guests with a diverse range of festive island-inspired activities, including Easter egg decorating, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. For those seeking relaxation, Spa Alila offers enticing packages for parents and children to enjoy quality bonding time.

For the adventurous souls, do not miss the chance to join our Sparkling Underwater Egg Hunt. Hidden throughout one of our nearby dive sites, these eggs hold a special surprise. The lucky diver who discovers the egg with a unique mark will win an exclusive clutch made of Swarovski crystal valued at EUR 1,800!

Embark on an Easter journey to remember at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. Explore all of the Easter events and activities at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives here 

Family Getaway Package

  • Booking Period: Until 30 October 2024
  • Stay Period: Until 25 December 2024

Experience a family holiday rich with memorable moments. From nature walks to energetic beach activities, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ offerings extend to the whole family. Indulge in a host of fun adventures together, or relax while your children participate in creative indoor and outdoor activities. Enjoy special family welcome amenities upon arrival, return seaplane transfers, daily full-board meals, and a special offer on wellness treatments. Experience the beauty of our island while creating lasting memories to be treasured!

Stay with us during the Easter period from 25-31 March 2024 and be treated to a wide range of festive island inspired activities such as Easter egg decorating, arts and crafts, egg hunting around the island and underwater, wellness offering, and many more!

For more information and reservations, please contact kothaifaru@alilahotels.com or visit alilahotels.com

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