News
Multi-sensory art retreat: Transformative experience at Milaidhoo Maldives
Milaidhoo Maldives, the pristine boutique private island paradise, has announced the launch of its 7-day Multi-Sensory Art Retreat for guests to reset the mind, body, and soul. The one-of-a-kind retreat experience, hosted by renowned artist Alena Lavdovskaya, aims to ignite creativity and self-expression through a series of immersive experiences that engage all five senses.
Alena Lavdovskaya is a renowned artist who brings glamour and elegance to life through her celebrated illustrations. With a career spanning two decades, Alena has collaborated with top models, hotels and celebrities, captivating audiences worldwide with her exquisite work. From fashion magazines to solo exhibitions, her artistic prowess shines through, making her a true icon in the industry.
The Multi-Sensory Art Retreat at Milaidhoo will take place in October 2023 and is designed to take guests on a captivating journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. The retreat will focus on vision, sound, taste, smell, touch, and intuition and each session of the retreat focuses on a different sensory aspect, allowing participants to unlock their creative potential in unique and unexpected ways.
The retreat begins with the “Vision” session, where guests are guided through beginner’s techniques to gain confidence in putting their visions on paper and truly understanding new perspectives. The participants will be introduced to Alena, who will provide guidance and encourage them to share their desired outcomes for the retreat. Through brainteasers and a beginner’s art class, guests will shift their perspectives and gain inspiration for their artistic endeavours.
Next, the “Sound” session invites guests to listen to themselves and their surroundings at the spa. Serenity Spa will perform a sound healing session, and Alena will guide guests in illustrating the emotions and sensations evoked by the sounds on a canvas. This session opens new avenues of artistic expression, introducing participants to innovative techniques of depicting “sound” through visual art.
In the “Taste” session, participants embark on Milaidhoo’s culinary journey, collaborating with the Milaidhoo culinary team. Guests will put their senses to the test, tasting the chefs’ masterpieces in the wine cellar, while blindfolded. These creations will be in the form of hors d’oeuvres, bonbons, and canapés. After this session, the participants will learn the art of plating. The session focuses on creating culinary masterpieces as edible artworks, emphasising presentation and plating techniques. After the plating session, guests will savour a delectable four-course meal specially crafted by Milaidhoo’s culinary team.
The “Smell” session invites guests to a rejuvenating aromatherapy meditation session led by Serenity Spa and Alena. Through this aromatic experience, the retreat participants will explore how different scents can inspire and enhance their creative mindset. Alena will guide them in capturing scents in their artwork, while the spa team will share valuable insights on the impact of scents with guests and provide them with a gift pack of small scent bottles for further experimentation.
Following a relaxing massage in the “Touch” session, guests will explore the sense of touch through finger painting techniques. Retreat participants will experience different textures brought about by paint and learn how to create tactile elements in their artwork. This session encourages guests to express themselves through the medium of touch and further enhances their sensory experience.
Finally, in the “Intuition” session, guests will reflect on their profound journey and work with Alena to create inventive and unconventional self-portraits. Drawing from all the newfound senses and experiences, the retreat participants will create a personal art piece that captures the essence of their transformative journey. Alena will also create small art pieces for each guest, providing her interpretation of their newfound selves.
The Multi-Sensory Art Retreat at Milaidhoo is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines artistic expression with sensory stimulation. It offers Milaidhoo guests a rare opportunity to discover their inner creativity and forge a deeper and more meaningful connection with themselves and their surroundings.
For more information and to book the Multi-Sensory Art Retreat, please visit https://www.milaidhoo.com/special-offers/multi-sensory-art-retreat or contact Milaidhoo via emailing at welcome@milaidhoo.com or dialling +960 660 77 88.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
News
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives marks Thai New Year across island portfolio
This April, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives invites guests to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Songkran, rooted in its rich Thai heritage, in a setting where turquoise lagoons and white sand shores meet time-honoured traditions. As a brand deeply inspired by Thailand’s culture and hospitality, Centara brings the essence of the Thai New Year to its collection of distinctive island resorts, where each celebration reflects authenticity, warmth, and a true sense of togetherness.
Across the Maldives, Songkran is thoughtfully reimagined through immersive experiences that honour these traditions while embracing the natural beauty of the islands, creating moments of joy, connection, and celebration. From family-friendly festivities to intimate beachfront gatherings, each resort offers a unique interpretation of Songkran, where water becomes a symbol of renewal and togetherness, and every experience is curated for you and yours.
At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, celebrations unfold in a lively, family-centric atmosphere. Days are filled with playful water activities, beachside games, and vibrant poolside gatherings, while afternoons bring the energy of a colourful Songkran carnival by the sea. As the sun sets, guests are invited to savour the bold and authentic flavours of Thailand through immersive dining experiences, where the spirit of the festival comes alive in a setting designed for shared moments and lasting memories.
At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, the celebration embraces both tradition and togetherness. Guests can take part in a vibrant beachfront parade and traditional Thai games, capturing the joyful essence of Songkran against the backdrop of the island’s serene lagoon. As evening falls, the festivities continue with an enchanting Thai-inspired dining experience, complemented by cultural performances and lively entertainment. Younger guests are also invited to join in the celebration through playful and imaginative activities, ensuring a truly inclusive experience for all.
For those seeking an adults-only escape this Songkran, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers a unique take on the celebration. Inspired by the Thai concept of joy and togetherness, the resort brings guests together through light-hearted beachside experiences and playful moments by the sea. Evenings unfold into vibrant culinary journeys and lively entertainment, where music, flavour, and atmosphere combine to create a celebration that is both elegant and spirited.
This Songkran, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives presents a celebration that goes beyond tradition, where each moment is an invitation to reconnect, to celebrate, and to create memories that linger long after the festival ends.
News
St. Regis Maldives expands and upgrades Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has introduced its newly reimagined Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa, thoughtfully redesigned to offer an elevated experience for families looking to balance privacy with shared time together in a pristine natural island setting.

Now expanded from 334 square metres to an impressive 380 metres meters, the villa features an additional 66 square metres of refined indoor living space. This enhancement creates a more generous environment for families to gather, relax, and spend time together in comfort.

The layout has also been thoughtfully arranged, with a master bedroom located on the ground floor offering direct ocean views, while the second bedroom is positioned on the upper level and features two beds—ideal for children or friends travelling together.

Seamlessly blending contemporary design with the surrounding environment, the villa is fully equipped with intuitive iPad controls, allowing guests to personalise lighting, climate, and entertainment at the touch of a button.

At the heart of the transformation is the villa’s outdoor experience. The private pool, previously 15 square metres, has been re-envisioned as a striking 30-square-metre infinity pool, seamlessly extending toward the horizon and framing expansive views of the Indian Ocean. The beachfront has also been enhanced, offering a wider, softer stretch of pristine sand that flows effortlessly from the villa’s deck to the turquoise lagoon beyond.

True to the St. Regis legacy, guests will also enjoy the signature St. Regis Butler Service, ensuring that every detail of their stay is thoughtfully anticipated and effortlessly delivered—from personalised dining arrangements to bespoke island experiences.
Spacious, elegant, and serene, the redesigned Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa with Pool, offers a comfortable and well-balanced setting for families and friends to relax and reconnect, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives.
For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.
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