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Nika Island, Parley come together to raise awareness about ‘the ocean that used to be’
Nika Island Resort has hosted a new edition of its Nostalgia series, raising awareness about plastic pollution and the state of our oceans.
Edoardo Caccin, the External Director at Nika Island, opened the November edition of Nostalgia with a simple question: “How are you?”
Good!”, “Excellent!”, “Amazing!” were answers that started echoing all around.
Then, Edoardo formulated another question: “What if I ask the same question to the ocean? What would the ocean reply?”
Silence filled the room.
Shaahina Ali, Country Representative for Parley, gave the answer: “Very bad”.
During the latest event in the Nostalgia series, both Nika Island and Parley shared detailed presentations and videos about the current situation of plastic pollution in the ocean and how the issue impacts such a fragile country like the Maldives.
Nika is supporting Parley by intercepting plastic debris in the ocean. In addition to the various efforts to maintain the Maldives that used to be, Nika is also taking up the long-term challenge of eliminating single-use plastics on a broad scale in the island.
Edoardo commented: “We are working hard and with passion to preserve the authenticity of the country, what we call ‘the Maldives that used to be’.”
“The ocean surrounding the islands is a fundamental component of the beauty of the Maldives. We are excited to join Parley’s efforts for the interception of plastic and we hope that this collaboration will help to restore the original beauty of the Maldivian Waters, as ‘the ocean that used to be’ was not contaminated by plastic.”
A day after the Nostalgia event, the team from Parley along with team members and guests of Nika went to an uninhabited island for a cleanup.
“As a support to the communities surrounding Nika Island, we are happy to use our supply Dhoni to transport the plastic intercepted in Mathiveri and Bodufolhudhoo. These precious cargo will be handed over to Parley, to be redesigned into products that would otherwise use virgin plastic,” Edoardo said.
Parley has also added Mathiveri School and Bodufolhudhoo School to their growing number of interception collaborators.
“Education and instilling awareness is a pivotal component of our daily operations. We are visiting the schools of Bodufolhudhoo and Mathiveri, explaining the current status of the ocean and the emergency related to plastic,” Shaahina said.
“We are educating the community to collect plastic and not to throw it in the ocean, and not to abandon it in the island.”
With this special edition of Nostalgia, Nika and Parley successfully managed to come together to shed light on the urgent need for action to eliminate plastic pollution in the ocean and on the importance of establishing a fruitful dialogue amongst resorts, local communities and international organisations.
Located in North Ari Atoll, Nika is a milestone of the Maldives hospitality industry.
The deserted island of Kudafolhudhu turned into a resort back in 1983. Since its inception, the philosophy and values that shaped this unique boutique resort are the same: privacy, natural sophistication and local heritage.
All of its 43 villas have been built according to the traditional Maldivian architectural style. Being one of the first resorts built in the country, everything on the island has been built using coral blocks, coconut palm trunks and palm leaves. A collection of antiques and unique Maldivian pieces of art decorate the interiors of all the villas.
Nika is a perfect example of a boutique hotel that breaks the dynamics of big international brands that are reshaping the Maldivian hospitality industry. Nika is a heady mix of Italian lifestyle and Maldivian traditions; a unique platform where heritage and natural beauty meet together.
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.
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.
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.
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