Featured
AyurMa at Four Seasons Maldives wins SpaChina’s Top Wellness Resort Award
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, home to the wellness retreat AyurMa, has been awarded Best Global Wellness Resort of the Year by SpaChina, a leading spa and wellbeing publication in China.
AyurMa spans over three acres (1.2 hectares), where a skilled team of naturopaths, Ayurvedic physicians, yogis, and therapists create personalised wellness programs within four key areas: Planetary Wellbeing, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, and Wellness. These tailored programs encourage guests to foster care for themselves, others, the oceans, and the planet.
Situated in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve—a location known for its unique synergy between people and nature—AyurMa emphasises Earth-conscious practices alongside personal wellness. Over 75 plant species are grown on-site for Ayurvedic remedies, maintaining a zero-mile approach, while the plastic-free operations benefit from extensive waste, energy, and water management systems. AyurMa also reaches out globally, offering e-consultations and a free daily yoga livestream via www.ayurma.life, with past classes available in an online video library.
In addition to its environmentally conscious initiatives, AyurMa integrates advanced wellness technology. Its latest offering, PraMā, is a comprehensive five-stage wellness screening involving biomarker diagnostics, postural and joint mobility analysis, metabolic evaluations, pulse readings, iris diagnostics, Oligoscans, and 3D body composition assessments, each contributing to customised health blueprints for guests.
AyurMa is renowned for its Yoga Therapy courses, targeting specific conditions. Led by graduates of S-VYASA, the world’s first “University for Yoga” and a pioneer in scientifically researched Yoga Therapy, each course is designed to address particular ailments, highlighting yoga’s therapeutic potential.
Four Seasons Regional Vice President and General Manager, Armando Kraenzlin, acknowledged the significance of new technologies and environmentally aware luxury among Chinese travellers. He commented on the SpaChina award, stating, “In the ever-evolving world of luxury wellness, cutting-edge innovation cannot come at the expense of planetary protection. We are proud to be recognised by SpaChina for our commitment to creating an experience that respects both our environment and our guests.” Kraenzlin highlighted the wider resort’s sustainable practices, which include biodigest composters, Mushroom and Orchid Houses, a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, on-site gardens, and small livestock like chickens, ducks, and quail, all aimed at reducing the resort’s environmental impact.
The concept of “Planetary Wellbeing” is integral to the broader resort at Landaa Giraavaru. Resort restaurants incorporate over 100 varieties of herbs, vegetables, and fruits grown on-site; a large-scale coral reef project has restored local reefs with more than half a million coral fragments; and Parley-affiliated recycling initiatives benefit both the local community and the resort. Additionally, a partnership with EarthCheck ensures all operations align with global Sustainable Development Goals.
At AyurMa, wellness activities are designed to synchronise with nature’s rhythms. Sensory Wake Up to Wonder walks combine yoga with explorations of the island at dawn. Outdoor Mud Therapies, conducted beneath an ancient Banyan tree, include sun baths to dry healing mud applications. Every evening, the Rahumathuge Vaguthu (Earth Blessing) brings together AyurMa’s team and guests for a shared gratitude ritual.
Other highlights at AyurMa include the Om Supti Night Spa, the Yoga Energy Trail, sessions with global visiting practitioners, jungle AntiGravity Yoga, and facials by Teresa Tarmey.
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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