Featured
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo wins big at FHAM Culinary Awards 2022
Premier hospitality chain Aitken Spence Hotels made waves in the culinary sphere with its resort, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo Maldives that clinched the champion award at Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) Culinary Awards 2022, with the coveted titled of ‘Most Outstanding Culinary Organization 2022’.
The 11-member Adaaran Prestige Vadoo team won 13 Gold, six (06) Silver and nine (09) Bronze medals at the national culinary competition of the Chef’s Guild of Maldives which is the only internationally recognized event endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), Chef’s Guild of Maldives, the Chef’s Guild of Lanka and World Platform of Islamic Countries Culinary Society.
The Group of Aitken Spence Hotels received multiple accolades at the competition which included – 6 medals and 6 recognitions for Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, 9 medals and 4 recognitions for Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi, 4 medals for Adaaran Club Rannalhi and 3 medals for Heritance Aarah.
The competition provides top chefs in the Maldives an opportunity to showcase their skills, promote talent and compete with fellow professionals.
This win is important as Aitken Spence Hotels competed with over 30 resorts and 560 entries including renowned hospitality brands of international repute. Therefore, it is a compelling testament to the culinary prowess of our resorts and the ability for creative innovation to curate gastronomic wonders. The team of chefs from Adaaran Prestige Vadoo were trained and guided by the Company’s team of Culinary Olympic winners.
“Our win further endorses Aitken Spence Hotels’ expertise in the culinary sphere, which we have proudly nurtured over the years. We are beyond elated to have received this honour as it shows the dedication and drive of our teams,” said Stasshani Jayawardena, Executive Director Aitken Spence PLC, Head of Tourism and Leisure, and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements.
She further commented that creativity is an art that requires constant work and encouragement and that the win is a result of a combined effort. “The team at Vadoo were trained by the very best of our chefs who have gracefully transferred their knowledge. Every win shows learning and growth and this is no different.”
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is a 50-overwater villa resort located in close proximity to the Male International Airport. Accessible via a 40-minute speedboat ride, the resort interiors are an ode to Japanese architecture with each villa featuring a plunge pool. Catering to the romantics, discerning guests at the resort will be looked after by personal butlers; and can enjoy fine dining and Japanese cuisine among other, during their stay.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is part of the Adaaran chain of hotels, under the Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC. Aitken Spence Hotels owns and operates 21 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Oman and India. The Company’s owned hotels are reflected under the Heritance, Adaaran and Turyaa brands, popular around the world for its exceptional service and undisputed product and curated lifestyle experiences. The Company’s Sri Lankan portfolio includes 10 resorts spread across the island of which five are Heritance properties, whilst the Maldives resorts totals to six (with one Heritance resort), four in Oman and one 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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