Featured
Amilla Maldives celebrates sustainability day
Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences was proud to show off the many advancements they have made in sustainability in the past 2 years during the celebrations of Sustainability Day on the 27th October 2021.
The resort also recently announced they were awarded Silver Certification by Earthcheck.
The day started with a talk by the resident Marine Biologist for the resort’s smallest guests, aimed at getting future eco advocates to understand more about the subject.
The children then participated in a beach clean up to collect any small pieces of garbage that has washed up on the shores during the night. This “waste” was then separated in ”mystery boxes” for a family upcycling challenge.
Next was a Tepache and Mango soda class. These probiotic sodas form part of the resorts Homemade@Amilla programme, whereby the resort makes as many items as possible on-site, including Kombucha, yogurts and sauces, to reduce packaging waste and eliminate food preservatives.
Tepache, a fermented pineapple drink, and mango soda are made using the skins of the fruit. At Amilla the whole of each pineapple is used, the top to plant back in the resort’s garden, pineapple for eating the the skins for making this delicious drink.
After this class guests were invited to tour the resorts extensive gardens as part of their Homegrown@Amilla programme, again achieving goals such as reduced packaging waste, air miles and fresh and nutritious vegetables for their guests.
The day culminated in a unique dining experience for their lucky guests. Amilla’s culinary team concocted a delicious Zero Waste Menu.
The Resort’s Sustainability and Wellness Mentor, Victoria Kruse explains the concept, “With a growing world population and attrition of fertile, not to mention organic, growing and grazing area, we need to find ways to utilise all parts of food and find creative and tasty ways of using items that would otherwise be thrown out.”
Key highlights from the menu included broccoli stem salad with onion leaf tips and crispy tomato skins, watermelon rind pickle with papaya seeds served on bread ends and dessert that featured sorbet made with fruit offcuts “mudi kashi”, the nutritious sponge inside of baby coconut trees, a syrup scented with basil stems, basil leaf powder and caramelised basil stem, made from basil harvested from the resorts Mystique Garden.
This ground-breaking menu is just one highlight from the resorts award winning Wellness Your Way programme. This programme, recently crowned as the Wellness Cuisine of the Year at the Destination Deluxe Awards, offers the resort guests dedicated menus that cater to a variety of eating lifestyles. Each of the resorts restaurants showcases a menu that caters for keto/paleo/low carb, gluten free, dairy free and vegan/vegetarian.
The next highlight in Amilla’s culinary offering is the upcoming residency of London’s renowned Plant-Based Chef, Kirk Haworth. The driving force of Plates London with be cooking up a vegan storm at Amilla between the 10th and 25th November.
For more information, email stay@amilla.com.
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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