Featured
Mindful travel with LUX* South Ari Atoll: 5 ways to make tropical holiday truly meaningful
From yoga and meditation sessions to unique Extraordinary Experiences, this renowned resort of The Lux Collective – LUX* South Ari Atoll knows how to turn a couple getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat into a life-changing adventure.
Stop and enjoy the breeze
Landing in secluded tropics amidst the Indian Ocean is a perfect opportunity to slow down. Take a deep breath. Sink the toes in the warm white sand. Enjoy a bike ride along LUX* South Ari Atoll’s 1.8 kilometers long island with lush gardens. Look up to watch the sun streaming through the palm leaves. Guests can sip signature cocktails during the sunset Aperitivo hour, as the sky turns rosé. The starry Maldivian nights are the best for indulging dinners on the beach or open-air movie at the Cinema Paradiso.
Detox all the way
Away from the noise and stress of city life, this is a well-deserved “me” time. Switch off the phone and switch on the detox mode. Guests can start the day with an invigorating yoga class or an energising workout at the island’s well-equipped fitness centre. Visit the LUX* ME Spa for a personalised wellness advice and be pampered with a massage, facial, or a salon treatment. De-stress at the tennis court before taking a dip in the ocean. For ultimate zen with a Maldivian twist, couples can book a private yoga and sound healing Extraordinary Experience – onboard a dhoni traditional wooden boat amidst the waves at the Golden Hour. With self-care opportunities at every step of the holiday, LUX* South Ari Atoll is the ideal place to let go and recharge.
Mind what you eat
Eight restaurants and five bars of LUX* South Ari Atoll is where guests learn that food can also be a meaningful journey. Discover the variety of cuisines and flavours. Wake up to a healthy breakfast served fresh at the table or on a floating tray in your private pool. LUX* signature Keen On Green cuisine features plant-based and vegan specials in every restaurant, while ICI parlour serves homemade guilt-free ice cream right on the beach. Guests who wish to take a deep dive into culinary knowledge can book a wine-tasting or a bubbly and oysters pairing class and even a private Maldivian cooking class with the resort’s Master Chef.
Reconnect with each other
Be it travelling solo or with a companion, every hour at LUX* South Ari Atoll is a socialising opportunity. Guests can spend a meaningful time together with the beloved ones or meet some new friends. Morning boat trips gather ocean lovers for exciting snorkelling and whale shark discovery outings. Wellness group classes are for those looking to get fit together. A variety of experiences, from coffee art at LUX* Café, visiting a local island for a shopping tour, and jet ski ocean safari to a sunset dhoni cruise, the island’s Jungle Gym, water sports and diving centres, and the sea-facing Wanderlust Library await.
Appreciate the Nature
Located in the Marine Protected Area, LUX* South Ari Atoll gives a chance not only to see the vibrant underwater world but also to contribute to the ecosystem’s wellbeing. Coral planting classes invite everyone to engage in protecting coral reefs. Junk Art studio is the place where trash turns into treasure during the weekly craft classes. The reusable LUX* Bamboo Cup from Café LUX* is a great souvenir of this mindful holiday. Additionally, even a wedding is a zero-waste experience on this magnificent island, awarded multiple times as the Most Sustainable Wedding Resort in South Asia. With mindful approach to travel at its core, all guests are encouraged to join in the efforts to preserve and protect the beauty of the Maldives.
To learn more about unique travel experiences at LUX* South Ari Atoll and to book your stay, visit www.luxresorts.com, email the resort at stay@luxmaldivesresort.com, or call +960 668 0901.
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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