News
Return of the Toddy Tapper at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
Maldives Promotion House – Coco Collection has taken up efforts to revive the fading local tradition and culture of the community. One such activity is the collection of ‘toddy’ from local trees which is done twice daily at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.. In turn the collected toddy is made available to guests at Cowrie Restaurant and Conch Bar to sample.
Toddy tapping used to be an important occupation in the Maldives, with the skill of climbing the coconut palm declared an art passed from father to son. Every island traditonally had at least three to four toddy tappers. There was always a favourite Toddy tapper depending on the consistency of freshness.
Toddy tappers – or Raaveriya – cut the end of he palm’s inflorescence, when is it ripe, and hang a pot specially made from coconut shells called “Gudi” wherer it is left to fill overnight. The toddy is collected the following day and transferred into a coconut container called “Raa badhi.” Sweetness differs according to the time of the collec- tion with thee vening toddy being the sweetest. Toddy is a tasty sweet drink however is often also used to make a form of liquid sugar, used in many local desserts..
For additional information, please contact marketing@cococollection.com.mv
News
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi joins MGallery Collection portfolio
MGallery Collection has announced the opening of V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection, a luxurious all-villa retreat where light, time and the ocean flow in soothing harmony. Crafted as a refined ode to Maldivian heritage and natural beauty, this property invites travellers to experience luxury, where every horizon line invites stillness, presence and awe.
An oasis of peace and calm
Cradled by turquoise waters and kissed by the equatorial sun, V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection is an intimate oasis imbued with the art of quiet luxury. Located on the private island of Mirihi, one of the Maldives’ most pristine isles in the South Ari Atoll, this property is an alluring canvas of powder-white sands and crystalline blue-green lagoons. Accessible via a 30-minute seaplane journey from Malé, guests arrive in a world where time slows down and tranquillity takes hold. The property’s 42 spacious villas, including four new luxury overwater villas with expansive private pools, are spread across the crystal-clear lagoon and along the island’s pristine white sandy beach. Each features panoramic ocean views and a private butler service, ensuring utmost privacy and calm.

Ocean-inspired architecture
Created by famed experts Studio Gronda, each curve and contour of the property reflects the Maldives’ contemporary artistry. Handwoven lattices filter sunlight into soft golden patterns that dance across textured stones, while coral-inspired ceramics crafted by Maldivian artisans evoke shapes reminiscent of the reef’s living architecture.
The 42 villas harmoniously blend into the idyllic landscape, as though they have gently emerged from the sea and sand. Designed with neutral tones from local pinewood, soft linen textures and smooth timber that glows in the sun’s embrace, luxury exudes in each villa. The Mirihi Maa, the resort’s signature suite, offers expansive indoor-outdoor living with a private pool and direct access to the lagoon, making a sublime escape for families or groups in search of connection and calm.

At the heart of the property stands the sculptural masterpiece: The Coral Ceramic Wall. The Coral Ceramic Wall, glazed in shades of reef blue, celebrates the island’s artisanal spirit and coastal lineage, bringing both the island’s natural beauty and MGallery Collection’s love of design together as one. The Akoya Sea Lounge is designed in calming neutral tones, an ode to the peaceful nature of the island, magnified by the stunning rope chandelier, gently hovering above the lounge.
A culinary symphony of land and sea
Gastronomy becomes an act of storytelling at the property, weaving Maldivian traditions into every dish to create lasting memories.
At Dhonvelli, the all-day dining space, barefoot luxury meets coastal charm. Breezy interiors and open-air terraces invite melodic waves to mingle with laughter and clinking glassware, as guests enjoy delicious, fresh ocean-to-table food made from the finest locally-sourced ingredients. Over at Muraka, the main overwater restaurant, the menu celebrates the bounty of the ocean and dining unfolds as an elegant performance. The signature dish, a freshly caught Maldivian lobster, is flambéed tableside and infused with Muraka rum, coconut curry, kaffir lime, and palm sugar. The result is a sensory symphony of flame, aroma, and spice, evoking the essence of island flavours.

As the day dissolves into coral skies, the Akoya Sea Lounge welcomes guests to linger over sunset cocktails and ocean air conversation. The signature Maldivian Glow, a radiant blend of Mirihi’s own Muraka rum, coconut liqueur, and sun-dried pineapple, invites guests to unwind in the island’s golden hour.

Rejuvenating rituals beneath the island sky
Guided by the natural rhythm of the island, the Mirihi Spa is a sanctuary of stillness and renewal, where sunlight filters through gauzy drapes, setting the tone for transformation.
The Mirihi Spa offers an array of treatments that harness the botanical power of island flora, marrying ancient Maldivian wisdom with modern techniques. Guests can awaken the senses with an ocean mineral salt scrub, indulge in an intuitive body massage, or experience the infrared sea bath ritual, designed to restore balance from within. Sound healing ceremonies, guided meditation sessions, and aerial yoga overlooking the water invite deeper harmony between body and sea.The Signature Spa treatment is a transformative ritual inspired by the energy of Mirihi island, honouring the balance of the five elements through a full body massage with warm seashells.

M Moment
Each MGallery Collection property is defined by an M Moment, a singular experience that transcends luxury. At V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection, this is found aboard the Mirihi Thari, a luxury yacht chartered exclusively for guests of the property. The full-day voyage across Ari Atoll is an odyssey into the Maldives’ most awe-inspiring waters. As the yacht slices through glasslike waters, guests can encounter the majestic whale shark, manta rays and graceful turtles, in their natural habitat. Between dives and snorkels, guests can enjoy shaded decks with refreshing drinks and chef-prepared canapés.

Local Commitment
Shaped by diversity and community, MGallery Collection is committed to creating purposeful connections to the people in every destination. At V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection, luxury and purpose are intertwined. As part of the brand’s Committed to Her pillar, the resort is also collaborating with Mom’s Aid to support and empower women within the local community.
Rooms start from 600 USD per night and suites available from 2,100 per night. All are available for bookings here.
News
ELE|NA sets new benchmark with Gold sustainability status across entire portfolio
ELE|NA has achieved Gold Sustainable Wellness Accreditation across all its sanctuaries, marking the first time every property within the portfolio in Maldives, has attained Gold status. ELE|NA was the first spa and wellness company in the Maldives to receive accreditation from the Sustainable Wellness Group, setting a benchmark for responsible wellness practices in the destination.
Since receiving its first Sustainable Wellness Accreditation in 2023, ELE|NA has progressed from Silver to Gold across its sanctuaries, reflecting a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, ethical business practices, and responsible wellness operations.

The achievement is further distinguished by ELE|NA becoming the first wellness company within the Sustainable Wellness accreditation programme to maintain Gold accreditation continuously for three consecutive years.
Sustainable Wellness is globally recognised accreditation programme that recognises wellness and hospitality organisations committed to responsible and regenerative business practices. Through a comprehensive assessment framework, it evaluates how businesses integrate environmental sustainability, community wellbeing, ethical operations, cultural preservation, and guest experiences into their everyday practices. The accreditation aims to raise industry standards and promote a holistic approach to wellness that benefits people, communities, and the planet alike.

This milestone comes at a meaningful time as the world celebrates both World Environment Day and World Ocean Day.
As a small island nation whose future is intrinsically linked to the health of its marine ecosystems, the Maldives serves as a powerful reminder of the connection between environmental stewardship and human wellbeing.

For ELE|NA, sustainability is not simply a certification but a philosophy deeply embedded within its wellness experiences. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Maldives, the ocean serves as both inspiration and therapist, shaping experiences that foster a deeper connection between people and nature.
Across ELE|NA Sanctuaries, guests are invited to reconnect with the restorative power of the sea through immersive experiences including Ocean Flow treatments, Sound Healing, and signature seaweed wellness journeys, all designed to encourage mindfulness, relaxation, and a deeper connection with nature. These experiences reflect ELE|NA’s belief that nature is one of the most powerful tools for wellbeing.
Beyond the treatments themselves, ELE|NA creates opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the healing presence of the ocean. At OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, guests can enjoy treatments in a unique beach spa setting just steps from the shoreline, where the sound of the waves, fresh ocean breeze, and uninterrupted sea views become part of the wellness journey.

Selected ELE|NA sanctuaries also feature overwater treatment rooms positioned directly above the ocean, creating a sensory connection to the surrounding marine environment. In selected treatment rooms, glass viewing panels beneath the treatment beds allow guests to observe the gentle movement of the ocean below, fostering calm, awareness, and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
As ELE|NA continues to evolve its sustainability journey, the brand remains committed to demonstrating that luxury wellness can be both transformative and responsible. By protecting the natural environments that inspire its experiences, from thriving marine ecosystems to island communities, ELE|NA continues to champion a vision of wellness that benefits people, place, and planet.
News
The Standard, Maldives blends sustainability, wellness and marine discovery in June programme
This month, The Standard, Maldives invites guests to experience a month where nature, community, and wellbeing come together in meaningful and memorable ways. Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’manta ray season, a time when these majestic creatures gracefully glide through the surrounding waters, the resort curates a series of experiences that celebrate both the environment and the human spirit.
June marks a uniquely special time in the Maldives. As plankton-rich waters attract manta rays in greater numbers, the ocean comes alive, offering guests not only extraordinary marine encounters, but also a deeper reminder of the importance of ocean conservation. Inspired by this natural phenomenon, The Standard, Maldives has designed a month-long program that blends sustainability, wellness, and immersive island living.

The journey begins on 5 June, as the world comes together to celebrate World Environment Day. At the resort, the day unfolds through mindful experiences that encourage guests to reconnect with the planet. A specially curated plant-based menu at Joos Café brings sustainability to the table, while a zero-waste lunch at Kula reimagines dining with minimal environmental impact. In the afternoon, everyone is invited to take part in a tree planting activity, creating a living legacy on the island and fostering a shared sense of responsibility for the natural world.
Just days later, World Ocean Day is celebrated on 8 June, attention turns to the vibrant waters that surround the island. Throughout the week, curated water excursions offer guests the chance to explore the lagoon and beyond, deepening their appreciation for marine life during this remarkable season. From manta ray encounters to nurse shark excursions, from vibrant coral gardens to the house reef just steps from your overwater villa, every experience invites you to fall deeper under the spell of the ocean, discovering how its beauty can truly captivate and mesmerise. For younger guests, Lil’ Shark Kids Club offers a range of ocean-inspired activities and craft sessions, where children can explore the wonders of the sea and discover its fascinating marine life, while learning the importance of protecting and preserving it for generations to come.

From 7 to 13 June, the focus gently turns inward as the resort embraces Hyatt’s Global Wellbeing Week, inviting associates to “Unplug and Recharge.” Guided by the principles of community, discovery, and rejuvenation, the week encourages a more mindful and balanced approach to both work and life. It creates space for meaningful pauses, where connection is strengthened, creativity is awakened, and rest is intentionally embraced, serving as a reminder that wellbeing is not a luxury, but an essential part of everyday living. This sense of reflection naturally flows into a moment of shared celebration. On the evening of 12 June, a thoughtfully curated turndown experience for all villas sets the tone, quietly inviting guests to transition from personal restoration into collective wellbeing.
In the end of the week, Global Wellness Day is celebrated on the 13th, and the island comes alive with energy and movement. Guests and associates are invited to gather for a spirited kayak race across the lagoon, where the rhythm of paddling mirrors the vibrant spirit of the day. As the morning unfolds, a healthy food masterclass at Guduguda offers an inspiring exploration of nourishing cuisine, blending learning with sensory pleasure, including lunch as well. By late afternoon, the atmosphere shifts to the shoreline, where a dynamic CrossFit session on the beach builds momentum, an open invitation for all to move, energise, and connect beneath the setting Maldivian sun.

The spirit of wellbeing continues on 21 June, as The Standard, Maldives celebrates also International Yoga Day with a series of grounding and restorative experiences. At sunrise, guests can gather on the spa pool deck at 6:00 am to flow through breath and movement as the first light of day stretches across the Indian Ocean. Later, a calming Yoga Nidra session offers deep relaxation in the afternoon, while younger guests are welcomed into the world of mindfulness through a playful kids’yoga session led in collaboration with the Lil’ Shark Kids Club and the wellness team at 10:00 am.
Coinciding with the day is Father’s Day, bringing a joyful and relaxed energy to the island. A dedicated space is created for fathers and families to unwind together, complete with movies, volleyball matches, accompanied by refreshments at Todis Bar.

Throughout the month, each experience, whether on land or at sea, echoes a shared intention: to reconnect with what truly matters. In a destination defined by its natural beauty and rich marine life, June at The Standard, Maldives becomes more than a celebration of global environmental days; it becomes a living expression of them.
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