Featured
Visit Maldives welcomes Bollywood star Janani Iyer
Visit Maldives has welcomed Indian movie star Janani Iyer to the Maldives on a familiarisation trip, aiming to showcase the nation as the most-preferred holiday destination for Indian travellers.
Janani Iyer – alongside her family – stayed in the Maldives from March 28 to April 2, and explore the different types of activities available, providing coverage through her social media platforms.
Janani Iyer is an Indian actress famous for Tamil and Malayalam movies, and has appeared in notable films such as the crime thriller Thegidi and the police drama 7th Day.
In addition to her celebrity status, Janani also has more than 4.6 million followers on her social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
In this familiarisation trip, Janani and family stayed at The Residence Maldives Dhigurah, where they experienced the resort’s signature cuisines, health and wellness offerings, snorkelling, watersports activities and sunset cruises, alongside the many other unique experiences.
These experiences were shared to her followers during her stay in Maldives.
Maldives has been one of the most preferred destinations among Indian celebrities over the past few months. Bollywood celebrities such as Taapsee Pannu, Varun Dhawan, Tiger Shroff, Disha Patani and Neha Dhupia are among some of the celebrities who spent their vacation in the island nation.
The exposure from celebrity vacations have greatly increased the awareness within India about Maldives as one of the most preferred and safe destinations.
The month of March continues to be fruitful for the Maldives in terms of arrivals from the Indian market as the very first offline events in India were also kicked off on March 22. This included a high-level press conference followed by a Roadshow in Delhi hosted by Visit Maldives.
In addition, the Maldives was also showcased at the South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) in Delhi from March 24-26.
Maldives reopened its borders on July 15 with stringent safety measures to ensure the safety for all tourists and the citizens, and to utilise the naturally distanced nature of the islands for all tourists.
Additionally, the Covid-19 vaccination programme has been commenced across the Maldives, and the country’s tourism is recovering with impressive results in 2021.
With regards to the Indian market, there are several activities ongoing and planned to promote Maldives as a safe haven for travellers. Visit Maldives is currently collaborating with Wedding Sutra, Thomas Cook, and MakeMyTrip, and is in discussion to conduct other similar activities to promote the destination within the region.
Statistics published by the tourism ministry reveal that India is currently the top source market for tourism in the Maldives. As of March 24, the Maldives had welcomed a total of 269,504 travellers with an arrival figure of 64,059 travellers from India.
Visit Maldives plans to continue this momentum of growth by conducting several marketing activities in India.
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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