Featured
Angsana Velavaru hosts CSR activities to support local community
Angsana Velavaru has hosted a number of activities to help the resort’s surrounding local community.
On September 15, 10 associates from the resort travelled to the neighbouring island of Bandidhoo to participate in the Clean up the World event. Twenty-one students and two teachers from Bandidhoo school along with island councillors helped the associates remove 212kg of plastic waste from different parts of the island, while Angsana Velavaru’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Ambassador Nick Hardman and General Manager Mario Piazza gave a presentation to inspire the local community to take action on plastic pollution.
Clean Up the World was established in 1993 and is a not-for-profit, non-government apolitical event that unites communities with a common focus to protect the environment. The annual event supports local groups and organisations to plan and conduct various activities to clean up, fix up and conserve the environment.
As part of the resort’s CSR programme, Angsana Velavaru donated Smart TVs to the local school in the neighbouring island of Maaenboodhoo on September 19. The donation was aimed to help reduce paper consumption and waste.
On the same day, students from the elementary school in the neighbouring island of Meedhoo were invited to Angsana Velavaru to celebrate the parodic holiday of International Talk Like a Pirate Day. The students organised a hunt for a secret treasure with the resort’s Kids Club team members.
Velavaru or ‘Turtle Island’ is located in the pristine Dhaalu atoll, and accessible by a 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. This 113-villa resort offers 79 island villas and 34 InOcean Villas, revealing spectacular views and direct access to the Indian Ocean.
Spoil your taste buds with fresh ocean picks at the overwater Funa restaurant, or sample international delights at Kaani. Drop in at Kuredhi bar for an exotic cocktail or two as the stars sneak into the sky.Wine and dine in the privacy of your villa, or savour romantic moments with dinner on the beach. Take off to a secluded island with a picnic basket, where powder white sand and turquoise waters set the stage for an unforgettable experience amidst the natural splendour of the Maldives.
Indulge in a myriad of Asian-inspired spa treatments at Angsana Spa. Soak in the tranquil surrounds as our therapists deftly vanquish your world-weary strain and tension, leaving you rejuvenated, energised and radiant.
With guided snorkelling safaris, get your hands wet and join in the efforts to preserve the delicate balance between man and nature. Velavaru is a famed location for turtle-nesting and has its own Marine Lab, particularly committed to protecting marine creatures like the hawksbill and green sea turtles, and coral reefs.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Featured
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
-
News1 week ago
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives officially opens
-
News5 days ago
Ambani’s family vacations in Maldives
-
Action1 week ago
Uncover the ocean’s secrets at Cinnamon Dhonveli
-
News1 week ago
‘Tis the season to be jolly at JOALI Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon opens Marine Biology Unit
-
Celebration1 week ago
JOALI Maldives celebrates six years of art and luxury with Maison Ruinart
-
Celebration1 week ago
VARU by Atmosphere marks five years of unmatched hospitality
-
News1 week ago
Experience ultimate Maldivian dream with Sirru Fen Fushi’s ‘Millionaire for a Month’ giveaway