Featured
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru unveils elevated luxury with Lonubo Island’s reopening
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is excited to announce the exclusive re-opening of Lonubo, a private island retreat that takes barefoot luxury to a new level. This enchanting island is now available for hire, offering discerning travellers an unparalleled experience of privacy, serenity, and bespoke indulgence.
Situated just 200 meters from OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort and accessible only by private boat, Lonubo Island provides a secluded escape for those seeking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The island’s ambiance is perfectly curated with plush sun loungers, beanbags, sunshades, and refreshing beverages—set against a backdrop of swaying palm trees, powdery white sands, and the shimmering turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
“Lonubo has been reimagined as a sanctuary for guests who value exclusivity and barefoot luxury,” says John Allanson, General Manager of OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru. “It’s a tropical paradise where our guests can enjoy a truly personalised experience, whether they seek a tranquil daytime getaway or a magical evening under the stars. Lonubo is redefining what it means to relax in paradise.”
Guests can select from a range of curated experiences designed to cater to every preference:
‘Your’ Lonubo Experience
Claim your own private island for four blissful hours (11am-3pm), where you can unwind on pristine sands, swim in the crystal-clear lagoon, or simply relax beneath the shade of coconut palms. Ideal for couples looking for a secluded setting to reconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of the Maldives.
$250 per couple ($65 per additional guest)
Lonubo Private Island Escape
Elevate your island experience with a gourmet picnic lunch. Choose from a menu of freshly prepared dishes and enjoy them with your toes in the sand and the sound of the waves as your background music. Swim, snorkel, or simply bask in the sun while savouring this ultimate castaway fantasy.
$690 per couple ($65 per additional guest)
Starlit Lonubo BBQ Dinner
For an unforgettable evening, enjoy a starlit BBQ dinner curated by your personal chef. Begin with Champagne at sunset, followed by a sumptuous meal of freshly grilled specialties. Optional extras include a beachfront bonfire, gourmet canapés, or a private movie screening. A private boat will take you to Lonubo at 5:30pm, where dinner will be served from 7pm.
$1,750 per couple ($190 per additional guest)
Enhance your experience further with optional add-ons, such as a log fire under the stars, Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne paired with canapés, or a private surf and turf dinner featuring one-kilo Maldivian lobster and 500g of Black Angus tenderloin, expertly prepared by your private chef.
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort now invites guests to discover the unrivalled luxury and tranquility of Lonubo Island. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful daytime retreat or an evening of romance under the stars, Lonubo promises a bespoke experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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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