Featured
‘Hack Your 21st Century Digitised Body’ at Vakkaru Maldives with renowned fitness expert Yasmin Karachiwala
Vakkaru Maldives has announced plans to host a fitness retreat with world-renowned fitness expert Yasmin Karachiwala.
Awarded “Best Fitness Instructor” by Vogue, Yasmin and her team have curated a bespoke programme to rev up your daily routine. With over 26 years in the industry and the pioneer of Pilates in India, Yasmin is also India’s first “Balanced Body Master Pilates” instructor and “Fletcher Pilates” instructor. With numerous awards and accolades including best-selling author to her name, her elite client list reads like the cover of a fashion magazine, literally. India’s A-lister’s from Katrina Kaif to Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt to Kareena Kapoor and more train with Yasmin to sculpt, tone and look their ultimate best for one of the world’s largest film industry, Bollywood.
Harnessing all her knowledge and experience, Yasmin invites guests to her “Hack Your 21st Century Digitised Body” at Vakkaru Maldives from August 9 to 13.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing my brand of fitness to the Maldives for the first time. I am looking forward to ‘Hack Your 21st Century Digitised Body’ as I have created a holistic experience where guests will be able to take away a little bit of everything. My personal goal is to increase your knowledge on Pilates and to beat the common misconception that you need equipment to work out. I want you to know that you can work out anytime, anywhere,” Yasmin was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“I will also be joining forces with the culinary team at Vakkaru Maldives to curate my ultimate breakfast table every morning, spend an afternoon sharing my hacks on the best travel-friendly snacks and smoothie concoctions as meal replacements and share some of my well-kept secret recipes for desserts. At my masterclass, I want you to understand that the food you eat must not be a tedious diet that you have picked out of a magazine, but a variable routine that you look forward to each morning.”

To “Hack Your 21st Century Digitised Body” at Vakkaru Maldives with Yasmin Karachiwala, guests can book an all-inclusive-retreat or a class-by-class session. The programme includes:
- August 9: Mat pilates at Main Pool Side Deck | Leg, butt and abs at Vakku Beach
- August 10: Beach cardio with Tone-Y bands at Isoletta Beach | Pilates with props at gym
- August 11: 20-20-20 Pilates at Lagoon Bar | Beach Tabata at Vakku Beach
- August 12: Beach boot camp at Isoletta Beach | Circuit pilates at Merana Spa’s Wellness Area
- August 13: Beach circuit at Isoletta Beach
Yasmin Karachiwala’s five-day “Hack Your 21st Century Digitised Body” is priced at USD 7,954 for stays in a Beach Pool Villa or USD 6,024 for an Over Water Villa. Each package comes with:
- Five nights stay in the chosen villa category
- Half board meal plan ie (daily breakfast and dinner)
- Return transfers either via seaplane or domestic flight (subject to international arrival time, weather and availability)
- A 60-minute body massage at Merana Spa
- Access to Yasmin Karachiwala’s “Hack Your 21st Century Digitised Body” programme
- All applicable taxes
This 2019, complementing Vakkaru’s island offerings will be a collection of curated, ultra-immersive and cherish-able guest experiences in collaboration with luxury guest experiences specialist, The Magnolia Creative Collaborations. From culinary greats to wellness mentors, from scent experts to fitness guru’s, from luxurious fashion collaborations to exquisite artisanal pop-ups, Vakkaru Maldives will be inspiring guests to create timeless memories, effortlessly.
From October 21 to 25, Vakkaru Maldives will open its shores to Alistair Birt, Head Pastry Chef of Harrods London for an extraordinary experience with Chocolate.
“Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll in the Maldives, Vakkaru Maldives is the perfect setting to bask in the ultimate luxury of ‘time’ and ‘space’ where guests are invited to relax, reflect and refocus. We recognise that our guests are on a lifelong, personal and emotional quest towards a fulfilling health and wellness goal and we are dedicated to ensuring they have access to the best,” General Manager Nicholas Mason said.

Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll and accessible by a 25-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, Vakkaru is a secluded tropical island resort blessed with timeless ocean views, white sandy beaches and nurtured by nature. The resort offers guests a holistic approach to unassuming luxury and unforgettable experiences. Drawing on the rich traditions of the locale, design elements are focused on traditional Maldivian style and fused with the finest natural elements. The result is the creation of amazing spaces for guests to connect with each other and the environment around them.
Whether travelling on a romantic break or with family and friends, the resort offers a superlative choice of accommodation types, including family rooms. Each of the 125 beach and overwater villas and suites have a natural aesthetic and sense of privacy.
An indulgent selection of dining choices await guests in four restaurants and two bars, with several ingredients hand-picked from the island’s very own organic farm. The beachfront Amaany restaurant specialises in international cuisine, and serves breakfast and dinner. Isoletta overlooks the garden and specialises in Italian cuisine, while Vakku is a beach restaurant that specialises in international cuisine and serves dinner. Overlooking the garden, Onu specialises in Asian cuisine and serves dinner.
Extensive Parrot Fish Club facilities offer tailored activities for children aged between three and 12 years. Indoor play and activity areas have been designed to capture the imagination, and the outdoor exploration space features a children’s pool.
For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
Featured
Dhigali Maldives closes festive season with dynamic New Year’s Eve party
The festive season at Dhigali Maldives concluded on a vibrant and memorable note, offering guests a series of celebrations that blended tradition, creativity, and island spirit. From a uniquely Maldivian take on Santa’s arrival to thematic experiences inspired by the elements, the resort transformed into a setting designed for joy and togetherness.
Christmas Eve brought guests to Capers, where a traditional buffet featuring a wide range of global flavours was accompanied by live music that set the festive tone. On Christmas Day, Santa Claus made his entrance not by sleigh but aboard a traditional bokkura, a gesture that delighted families gathered along the shoreline.
In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, Dhigali Maldives presented a programme themed around “The Four Elements of Nature.” The series began on 27 December with Earth, featuring a jungle trail, grounded yoga sessions, and spa treatments. On 28 December, the celebrations moved to East for Water, highlighted by a floating bar and zorb ball acrobats performing across the pool. Air followed on 29 December with an aerial silk performance on the beach, and Fire brought the energy to a peak on 30 December with traditional Bodu Beru drumming and a fire dance illuminating the night sky.
The festivities culminated on New Year’s Eve at East Beach, where all four elements converged for an immersive celebration. Fire dancers, live performers, and a pyrotechnic display lit up the sky in vibrant colours. Hungarian DJ Regán Lili headlined the night with a set described as electric, her soundscapes resonating across the island and drawing guests to the dance floor as they welcomed the new year. It marked a striking finale to a season of celebration at Dhigali Maldives.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
-
News1 week ago‘Around the World in Wonder’ brings culture, cuisine, celebration to Amilla Maldives
-
News1 week agoFour Centara resorts in Maldives target school-holiday travellers with extended-stay offers
-
News6 days agoCinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives wraps Christmas celebrations, prepares NY 2026 line-up
-
News7 days agoKuda Villingili Resort Maldives marks Year of the Horse with four-day Lunar New Year programme
-
News6 days agoHoliday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives unveils week-long Orthodox Christmas celebrations
-
News4 days agoSun Siyam Olhuveli marks end of 2025 with sustainability-led programmes
-
News5 days agoSun Siyam Vilu Reef brings ‘Ocean Odyssey’ to life this festive season
-
News4 days agoFinolhu unveils ‘A Year in Colour’ with global artist residencies in 2026


