Featured
Vakkaru Maldives joins exclusive Serandipians by Traveller Made portfolio
Vakkaru Maldives achieved another milestone this month. The timeless sanctuary nestled in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll was invited to join the prestigious travel network, Serandipians, as one of a few selected hotel partners in the Maldives.
Membership to Serandipians (a global network of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to the most discerning travellers), is by invitation only. The network represents the finest in travel design and works with selected luxury travel and hospitality suppliers such as hotels and resorts, private villas and other exceptional experience or service providers.
Commenting on the new partnership, Iain McCormack, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives, said, “We are delighted that Vakkaru Maldives has become the official hotel partner of Serandipians by Traveller Made for its Private Residences Collection. This network of luxury travel designers creates dream holidays for a clientele that appreciates the finer things in life. With the paradisiacal location of our luxurious resort, the exceptional experiences we create and the thoughtful service we provide, we are the perfect match for the Serandipians network. We look forward to working with Serandipians to create bespoke vacations and lifetime memories for our guests.”
Since opening in December 2017, Vakkaru Maldives has created world-class luxury experiences for travellers seeking the ultimate beach escape. Fringed by powder-soft white sand that gives way to a turquoise lagoon and several of the Baa atoll’s unique ‘blue holes’, the intimate hideaway offers guests luxurious accommodation in 113 well-appointed villas (where guests can choose from either Over Water or Beach locations), exceptional dining options, and a multitude of exceptional experiences.
Other facilities include the magnificent overwater Merana Spa, with its extensive menu of Western and Ayurvedic holistic treatments and a regular transitional residency of the world’s most inspiring wellness practitioners. The Parrotfish Club and Coconut Club cater to children and teens. At the same time, guests of all ages can play against world-famous pros from Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis on the resort’s iconic cobalt -blue tennis courts – or enjoy the brand new Padel Tennis court (one of the only Padel courts in the Maldives where Vakkaru is embracing the demand for one of the fastest-growing sports in the world). The range of exhilarating water sports available at Splash make the most of the Maldives’ exceptional opportunities and include luxury yacht excursions and world-class dive adventures.
All the services and facilities are bound together by a unique hospitality concept, Vakkare, which places a sincere, proactive commitment to care at the core of its operations.
For reservations and general information, visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.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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