Featured
Sun Aqua Iru Veli hosts charity art auction to support Down Syndrome Association
Sun Aqua Iru Veli has hosted a charity art exhibition to raise funds for Beautiful Eyes Down Syndrome Association.
Over 20 paintings were auctioned during the exhibition held Friday evening. All proceeds from the auction were donated to the association.
Ahmed Ansam, founder of Beautiful Eyes Down Syndrome Association, presented the paintings to successful bidders.
Beautiful Eyes Down Syndrome Association is an NGO working to provide people with Down Syndrome and families with proper care, training and assistance to create awareness among public.
The latest addition to the Sun Aqua portfolio is Sun Aqua Iru Veli, which makes its home on one of the most naturally beautiful islands in Dhaalu atoll — the naturalist wonderland of Aluvifushi, reachable by a 35-minute scenic seaplane journey from the main Velana International Airport.
Across the lagoon and along the beach, a variety of 125 overwater and beachfront villas offers total seclusion in open spaces. Each of the suites reflects the island’s unspoilt beauty, individually-decorated in natural tones and local artworks. Spacious, contemporary bathrooms reveal ocean views. Take your pick from decadently private couples’ or family suites with interconnecting spaces for the whole crew to rest, relax and recharge. All suites have private freshwater swimming pools and sunbathing areas with complimentary minibars (wine, beers, soft drinks) replenished twice daily.
The Sun Aqua boutique-style all-inclusive experience means you will enjoy the freshest, global fusion fare, from champagne breakfasts and mouth-watering Maldivian curries to seafood straight from the ocean and classic dishes with a difference. Dine à deux on the beach, enjoy a fine dining experience in one of the three restaurants or keep it low key with family dinner in the privacy of your suite or room service – private dining is offered anywhere! Sun Aqua Iru Veli has its own wine cellar and a mixologist will create sundowners you will never forget and a wide selection of unlimited alcoholic drinks.
Take time out to be soothed at the tranquil Sun Aqua Spa with seven overwater pavilions with double massage tables, open-air rain showers and romantic flower-strewn baths and a main spa house with hydrotherapy pools, steam, sauna and spa boutique. Whilst you bliss out, the complimentary Kids Club welcomes little ones aged between three and 11 years, if not, the complimentary babysitting service includes three hours per stay.
Soak up the sun with exhilarating activities at the water sports centre and infinity pool. Dhaalu atoll is becoming a diving hotspot with clear waters teeming with dolphins, sting rays, whale sharks and myriad tropical fish offering excellent channel dives. Set within its own lagoon, Sun Aqua Iru Veli has its own house reef and PADI/SSI facility dive centre. Guests can select three dives per stay or swap for spa credit up to USD 100 per day. The use of snorkelling equipment is complimentary for all guests.
Sun Aqua Iru Veli provides an idyllic setting for an intimate, relaxing escape, and the opportunity to help you find clarity and rejuvenate your mind and body. The Sun Aqua Signature plan offers guests a flexible, premium all-inclusive experience from dining, drinking with a shisha experience and a wide selection of wines from the wine cellar to champagne breakfast to kick start the day. Also included are diving, excursions and bespoke spa treatments.
Sun Aqua brand is a visionary creation from Sun Siyam Resorts, one of the most forward-thinking and dynamic hospitality companies in the Maldives. In addition to Sun Aqua Iru Veli, the existing properties in the Sun Aqua portfolio include Sun Aqua Vilu Reef in the Maldives and Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka.
With Maldivian entrepreneur Ahmed Siyam Mohamed at the helm, Sun Siyam Resorts aims to create a collection of hotel and resort brands across the Indian Ocean and Asia infused with his uniquely passionate and colourful spirit.
Sun Siyam Resorts currently has a portfolio of boutique luxury resorts operating in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, including The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Maldives, Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives, Sun Aqua Iru Veli Maldives, and Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka.
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.
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