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.
Awards
JOALI Maldives ranked Asia’s best and No. 7 in world’s top 100

JOALI Maldives has been named the #1 Resort in Asia and #7 Resort in the World in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025, reaffirming its place as one of the leading luxury destinations globally and the hallmark of excellence of the Maldives.
Each year, Travel + Leisure readers rate the world’s most exceptional hotels based on rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. JOALI Maldives’ consistently high ratings reflect an enduring commitment to thoughtful luxury and heartfelt guest experiences.
With an outstanding score of 99.46 this year, the resort stands among the highest-rated properties in the world in this year’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Guests praised every element of the experience, from the design of the villas to the warmth of the service, with one reader declaring Saoke, the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, as “the best food in the world.” This level of acclaim reflects not only exceptional facilities, but also the resort’s unwavering commitment to curating personalised, soulful journeys for every guest.
This award adds to an ever-growing list of honours for the resort. JOALI Maldives has proudly upheld Forbes Five-Star status consecutively, has been celebrated in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards most recently as the #1 Resort in the Indian Ocean, and continues to earn praise in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards and previous editions of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best.
“We are truly humbled by this recognition from Travel + Leisure readers,” says Shifaz Hassan, General Manager of JOALI Maldives. “It’s especially meaningful because it comes from our guests — many of whom return year after year, sharing heartfelt feedback about our island. Our team works with quiet dedication to anticipate needs, honour privacy, and create moments of true joy. The recognition reflects the connections we have built with our guests, and I am immensely proud of this achievement”
A beacon of creativity and conscious living in the Maldives, JOALI continues to elevate luxury hospitality by meaningfulness, beauty, and soul.
Awards
Villa Park, Villa Nautica crowned among world’s top 100 hotels

Villa Resorts has been recognised in the TopHotels “Top 100 Hotels of the Year 2024” list, with two of its properties, Villa Park and Villa Nautica, featured among the highest-rated hotels based on guest reviews from Russia and the CIS.
TopHotels is one of the most widely used hotel review platforms among Russian-speaking travellers, and its annual ranking reflects feedback from thousands of verified guests. Earning a place in this list highlights the strong appeal of Villa Resorts’ offerings in these markets and the high level of satisfaction experienced by guests throughout the year.
Villa Park, located in South Ari Atoll, is well known for its lush landscapes, vibrant marine life, and wide range of activities suited for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts. Villa Nautica, situated near Malé, offers a more energetic island setting with beachfront villas, lively experiences, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
While each resort offers something unique, both share the brand’s signature focus on heartfelt service, comfortable luxury, and a strong sense of place inspired by the Maldives.
This recognition reflects Villa Resorts’ longstanding relationship with guests from Russia and the CIS. The brand has continually invested in understanding the needs of these travellers, offering multilingual support and culturally considerate service across its properties.
With roots in the Maldives since the early 1980s, Villa Resorts remains one of the country’s most established hospitality brands. This recent acknowledgment from TopHotels reinforces its position as a trusted choice for international travellers seeking authentic island experiences grounded in comfort, care, and connection.
Fitness
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives welcomes celebrity trainer Faisal Abdalla for PMA Island Fitness Residency

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, a haven for wellness seekers, has announced the upcoming PMA Island Takeover with Faisal Abdalla, a transformative 7-day fitness residency taking place from July 22 to 28, 2025. This immersive program invites guests to train with one of the fitness world’s most inspiring personalities while reconnecting with mind, body, and nature in the serene setting of the Maldives.
Renowned for its philosophy of redefining time and space, Kuda Villingili offers more than just tropical luxury—it’s a sanctuary where wellness meets island living. From sunrise to sunset, the resort’s programs are designed to awaken the senses, spark inner transformation, and embrace holistic wellbeing. This July, the island evolves into a playground of power, positivity, and purpose, guided by the high-energy coaching of Faisal Abdalla, known globally as Mr. PMA (Positive Mental Attitude).
Faisal Abdalla, best-selling author of The PMA Method and trainer to A-list celebrities, brings his signature mix of sweat and soul to Kuda Villingili’s shores. With a focus on mindset, motivation, and movement, his residency promises results that go beyond the physical and is open to guests of all fitness levels.
At Kuda Villingili, wellness isn’t confined to a spa or a gym—it’s an island-wide experience. From ocean breezes that fuel your workouts to nutrient-rich cuisine, serene natural beauty, and soulful connections, the resort inspires a lifestyle of balance and renewal.
“The PMA Island Takeover is more than a fitness retreat. It’s a reminder of what we’re capable of—physically and mentally—when we align movement with mindfulness,” says Faisal.
Whether you’re aiming to boost your strength, shift your mindset, or simply rediscover joy through movement, this residency offers a rare opportunity to be coached by one of the best in the business—against the backdrop of a private island sanctuary where connection, wellness, and experience are at the heart of every stay, Kuda Villingili blends luxurious living with soulful moments. From curated wellness residencies to world-class dining and barefoot adventures, the resort invites guests to craft their own version of paradise—on their own time, at their own pace.
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