Featured
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives welcomes culinary artist Janice Wong
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes guests to embark on a sensorial journey of edible art, with multi award-winning international culinary artist and master of desserts, Chef Janice Wong this October 3rd to 6th. The resort’s culinary stable continues to impress and inspire, as Chef Janice is set to unveil a series of immersive guest experiences throughout the week.
October 3-6, 2022
As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean and guests gather at Eau Bar drawn by the sounds of traditional Maldivian Bodu Beru drumming, Chef Janice will reveal her world-renowned edible art installation inspired by the resort’s ‘Defining Moment’ ritual. Throughout the week, guests are invited to dive in to experience her visionary taste sensations at a Cocoa Pod-To-Bar Masterclass at The Tasting Room, for adults and at Ritz Kids for children, reserve a front row seat in the culinary theatre for a Four-Hands Chocolate-infusion Degustation Dinner with Executive Chef Glen Cooper and embark on a sustainable island trail of Cocoa Tree-Planting with the resort’s Naturalists.
In September, as a sneak preview and in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival marking the end of harvest, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will present guests with Janice Wong’s signature mooncakes with flavours of Double Yolk Lotus Paste and Osmanthus, beautifully packaged in a sustainable and reusable box whilst dining on an exquisite Cantonese menu curated by Chef Pak Fan Yuen at Summer Pavilion. Throughout the year, guests will also receive the most indulgent turndown amenity of artisanal chocolate bon bons handcrafted and hand-painted using natural colours and encased in a bespoke box made exclusively for The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.
Named “Asia’s Best Pastry Chef” two years in a row by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Janice Wong continues to push the boundaries of the dessert concept. The creative mind behind Singapore’s 2am:dessertbar and 2am:lab, Pure Imagination, Soft Haus and Mallow delighted audiences with her special appearances on MasterChef Australia, Top Chef, the documentary feature film Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles and published a series of mouth-watering written works titled Perfection in Imperfection, Dim Sum and verses on Japanese citrus. Chef Janice’ highly sought-after edible art installations have taken her around the world with her creations available in the UK, Japan and her home city, Singapore.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives For real-time updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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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