Featured
John Rogers appointed as General Manager of LUX* South Ari Atoll
The Lux Collective’s award-winning resort LUX* South Ari Atoll appoints John Rogers as its new General Manager.
Not new to the Group, British-born John brings along over three decades of experience overseeing award-winning luxury properties across different countries along with an impressive background in business strategy and pre-opening.
His professional journey took him to many destinations around the world such as Spain, Antigua and Barbuda, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Now in the Maldives, John is committed to apply his hospitality expertise and creativity to the vibrant operations of one of the largest resorts in the country.
“I am happy to be back to The Lux Collective’s family and to lead the shining team of LUX* South Ari Atoll to the new heights. This resort is well-known for innovative culinary offerings including the healthy yet tantalising LUX* Keen On Green cuisine. With my team, I am excited to create unique Extraordinary Experiences for our guests, considering my food & beverage career background,” said John Rogers on his appointment.
LUX* South Ari Atoll is not just about luxury and aesthetics: a spacious resort with a playful and modern soul for travellers looking for a distinctive experience and exclusive dining options in the Maldives. It is a island paradise resort to experience the ‘sunny side of life’ at its fullest.
To discover and book your LUX* South Ari Atoll stay and the newest Extraordinary Experiences, visit www.luxresorts.com, email the resort at stay@luxmaldivesresort.com, or call +960 668 0901.
Featured
Moo Ge: Oaga Art Resort’s new creative hub redefines artistic experiences
Oaga Art Resort has introduced Moo Ge, a significant addition to its artistic offerings. More than a gallery, Moo Ge serves as a versatile space where creativity flourishes. Designed to be flexible and multifunctional, it operates as a movement studio, performance venue, exhibition centre, and creative haven. This dynamic environment supports artists across various disciplines, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, collaboration, and warmth.
As part of the Suvaasthi ecosystem, which emphasises the expression of happiness, Moo Ge enhances Oaga’s dedication to celebrating art as a source of joy and personal growth. Together, these spaces contribute to building a connected artistic community that resonates within the Maldives and extends beyond.
Moo Ge officially opened on January 7th with a curated collection from Watercolour Journals of Nazimbe, an exhibition first showcased at the National Art Gallery in January 2024. This extraordinary collection, featuring over 100 paintings by renowned Maldivian artist Ahmed Nazim (Nazimbe), highlights his shift from oil to watercolour and his introspective maritime storytelling. Selected works from this celebrated series are on display at Suvaasthi Gallery from January 7th to January 21st, marking Moo Ge’s inauguration as a sanctuary for creativity and inspiration.
Guests are encouraged to experience the resort’s all-inclusive offerings by booking their stay at Oaga Art Resort. The Greatest All-Inclusive plan includes unique experiences such as Free Flow (art) sessions, Take Notes (music) experiences, floating meals, excursions, motorised water-sports, and more.
Cooking
Chef Joanna Artieda brings dessert masterpieces to Coco Bodu Hithi
Coco Bodu Hithi, part of the Coco Collection, is celebrating the Year of the Snake with a showcase of bold flavours and exquisite ingredients. Recognised by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, Coco Bodu Hithi will host acclaimed pâttissier Chef Joanna Artieda from January 27 to 29, offering guests an indulgent experience with her signature sweet creations.
During this exclusive chef residency, guests will have the rare opportunity to engage with Chef Artieda, a culinary artist celebrated for her remarkable achievements. Her accolades include being the first woman to receive the title of Best Spanish Chef in 2016, earning honours at Madrid Fusion for two consecutive years, and being recognised in 2019 by Pastry Revolution Magazine as the creator of one of the top ten trendsetting desserts globally. More recently, she was awarded the 2022 Navarra Award for Gastronomy and the 2022 Best Pastry Chef Award.
Chef Artieda’s passion for food is evident in her innovative techniques and artistic approach to dessert creation. In late 2019, she published her first book, Sweet 12, the world’s first digital book dedicated to seasonal ingredients, designed to modernise and inspire the traditions of sweet cuisine.
Coco Collection’s Group Culinary Director, Michelin-starred Chef Martin Cahill, will collaborate with Chef Artieda during the event, personally preparing the opening dinner courses. This partnership aims to elevate the island’s fresh flavours, with Chef Artieda curating a tempting array of desserts and irresistible treats.
With limited seating available, Coco Bodu Hithi encourages guests to take advantage of significant savings for advance reservations, underscoring the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences.
Family
Finolhu Baa Atoll launches art lab and teen haven in collaboration with Muza Lab
Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has announced the opening of its new Art Lab and Teen Hut. These innovative spaces, conceptualised and designed by the acclaimed design studio Muza Lab, aim to enhance the resort’s creative offerings while furthering its appeal to multi-generational families.
The Art Lab and Teen Hut embody Muza Lab’s hallmark approach of integrating culture, colour, and storytelling into design. These spaces seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with Maldivian heritage, providing a sanctuary for creativity, play, and relaxation across all age groups.
Bamboo was selected as the primary material for both structures due to its eco-friendliness and versatility. This choice highlights the natural tones of bamboo, creating a cohesive aesthetic that extends from the interiors to the exteriors. Vibrant, colourful decorations within the spaces stand out beautifully against the bamboo backdrop.
Focusing on creativity and interaction, Muza Lab infused the spaces with varied textures and hues to encourage free-flowing imagination. The Art Lab, nestled within lush greenery, serves as a haven for artistic expression. It offers workshops in painting and pottery, fostering a relaxed and inspiring environment where guests can create with their toes in the sand. The bespoke design incorporates bamboo architecture, open and airy layouts, and elements reflective of Maldivian culture.
The Teen Hut caters to younger visitors aged 12 to 17, offering a dynamic blend of fun and relaxation. This space features state-of-the-art gaming zones, a bar adorned with shells and sea glass for crafting mocktails, a movie lounge, an outdoor games area, and a second-floor music zone equipped with instruments, a stage, and a karaoke machine. Muza Lab carefully designed the furniture and ambiance to appeal to the “Instagrammable” generation while ensuring enough activities to encourage teens to step away from their devices and engage with their surroundings and peers.
Inge Moore, Founder of Muza Lab, noted that the spaces are designed to foster inclusivity and interaction, emphasising their use as venues for workshops, meetings, and collaborative experiences among guests.
Steven Phillips, General Manager of Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, expressed pride in the new additions, stating, “The Art Lab offers a creative oasis for guests of all ages, while the Teen Hut provides a dynamic space for younger guests to connect, unwind, and create memories. These additions ensure that every member of the multigenerational family can find joy and fullfillment during their stay in our island paradise.”
-
Cooking1 week ago
Seb’s Farm: RAAYA by Atmosphere’s sustainable culinary haven
-
Featured1 week ago
Reethi Faru Resort renews Travelife Gold Certification for Accommodation Sustainability
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell bring intimate performances to Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
-
Fitness1 week ago
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa hosts successful Fit Week
-
Cooking7 days ago
Niyama Private Islands brings Japanese-Peruvian haute cuisine to Subsix’s oceanic setting
-
Cooking1 week ago
Angsana Velavaru unveils revamped dining experiences
-
Featured1 week ago
Villa Haven takes flight with Virgin Atlantic’s inflight entertainment
-
News7 days ago
Celebrate Chinese New Year charm at Bandos Maldives