nuts for coconuts | the coconut

Photo: Coconut pool side amenity at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives

Did you know that the coconut water is naturally low in carbohydrates, 99% fat free and low in sugars with vitamins? It is known for its benefits for the medical purposes, and doctors recommend coconut water for various health risks. With the same electronic balance as human blood, coconut water is used as IV's for sick patients, as blood plasma and energizers.

The husk is used for making coir and the coconut shell is used as toddy containers or creating ornaments and utensils. The matured meat of the coconut is grated and used for cooking, or extracting milk and oil. While grated coconut is used in local snacks, meals and desserts, it is also mixed with sugar and food coloring to create a festive candy, popular in Children’s birthday parties. Coconut milk is extracted by squeezing the grated meat with water and filtering and is used for various purposes. Coconut oil is extracted from coconut milk and is said to be the healthiest oil available, loaded with natural antioxidants which fights free radical damage and keeps the skin smooth. Coconut oil is used for medical treatments and to produce cosmetic products as well. The CHI spa at Shangri-La Vilingili Resort & spa – Maldives uses locally acquired organic coconut oil for soothing and healthy massages.

unwind® eco-tip | eco-crafting

Who says being eco-friendly is a bore? Unveil the creativity in you through eco-crafting and take a new meaning into the three principles of waste management of Reduce, Reuse and Recycling.

If you decide to take novels while travel and don’t want to forget where you read last after pausing for a swim or spa, bookmarks are the easiest crafts you can create with your used gift wraps and a piece of ribbon or even coir rope available in the local souvenir shops in Maldives. Bedazzle or paint your old sandals and carry it on your way, it’s all sand here! Ever thought of proposing in a unique way? Surprise your loved one by giving a message in a bottle, by recycling champagne bottles, a note and a piece of thin coir rope to tie it up.

After your wonderful trip in Maldives, take home the travel pictures and add little captions and designs, you can also create your own unique photo frames! Scrapbooking is a craft which both contributes to your creativity and the environment. Use the old magazines, newspapers, gift wraps, ribbons, used papers and design your own travel scrapbooks!

Why all the fun for adults? Keep your young ones occupied with travel crafts such as recycling and designing gift boxes and gift cards or enjoy art and crafts in the Kid’s club. Now you can have fun and help the environment at the same time.

maldivian arts | lacquered work

Photo: A lacquer box used as a picnic hamper for a Four Season Resorts Maldives excursion.

Lacquer work or ‘Liye laajehun’ as called in Dhivehi is a captivating, and maybe the most distinctive Maldivian traditional handicrafts, which are mostly produced in Thulaadhoo in Baa Atoll. From a long time, Lacquered crafts have been used for decors and to display the artistry of Maldivian craftsmen.

In the olden times, the craftsmen used three colors to add hue to the lacquer which are yellow, red and black, all of which were produced using local materials. Although in present days, ready-made colors are being used such as oil colors, gold & silver dust is also used to add a more exquisite look to the design. Traditionally, lacquer application or ‘Laa Jehun’ refers to the process where lacquer is stamped onto an object without melting using heat, instead a stand called ‘Dhigu haru’ or ‘Bomakandhu’ is used for application which is worked manually even though nowadays, electrical machinery are being used. After the lacquer is applied, the artist carves beautiful floral designs into the lacquer work.

With the revolving of time and modernization, lacquer works are done on a variety of objects such as wood and metallic objects, glass and paper products. Since the introduction of the tourism industry to Maldives, lacquered works were famous as souvenirs for the guests. Like most Maldivian art, lacquer working is an obsolete art form which is now being practiced in a handful of local islands. In order to revive this wondrous fading art form, courses are being conducted for the locals.

unwind® | travel tip

Photo: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Wondering if you would require a Visa prior to visiting the Maldives for your vacation? This is a frequent question asked by travelers, and the answer is no, you do not. The entry process to the Maldives is quite convenient, as the Immigration Services provides a complimentary entry permit, irrespective of your nationality, valid for 30 days upon your arrival at the Hulhule' International Airport or your port of entry However, the Immigration requires the following fulfillment prior to issuing the entry permit for touristic purposes:

* Possession of a valid international travel document or Passport issued by the Government of a Sovereign State.
* Hold a valid return airfare to a destination where the passenger has permission to enter, together with necessary visas for the onward journey to the next destination.
* Possession of minimum of US$100.00 per person per day or a confirmed hotel reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives.

Diplomats, United Nations Personnel, work permit holders, technical experts for the government and those sponsored by a Maldivian are exempted from this requirement.

unwind® top ten | unique dining venues for couples

We have picked out unique destination dining venues for couples to romance while holidaying in the Maldives. We encourage you to let us know which ones are your absolute favorites.

#1. Exclusive Beach Dinner at The Rania Experience

Our number ONE pick comes with the biggest price tag, starting at $10,000.00 a night, but it sure to sweep you off your feet! The Rania Experience is the only resort, where you don’t book a ‘room’, you book your own private island with private chef, butler, masseuses and a private yacht to cater to your every whim! Sip away the free-flowing Crystal, witness the divine sunset; a table for two dug on the beach await, a star-lit sky and a candle-lit beach!

Don’t despair yet, many Maldivian resorts do offer a similar dining experience on venues like sandbanks or exclusive patches of beach with selective menu, and a minimal budget!

#2. Underwater Ithaa Restaurant at Conrad Rangali Island Resort & Spa
Dip under water for our second pick, the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant offers a completely unique journey, with fusion Maldivian cuisine paired up with ambrosial wines amidst the blue abyss and gracefully floating marine life. Meals range between $120 to $250 per person with advanced reservation, check out a sample menu here.


#3. Overwater Gazebo Dining at One&Only Reethi Rah
From underwater, we now take you to the ‘overwater’ gazebo at One&Only Reethi Rah. Comfortable reclining cushions, dreamy lighting, gourmet cuisine, under the thatched hut surrounded by the serene ocean breeze and stars above, with your sweetheart next to you, what more can you be asking for?



#4. Underground Wine Cellar at Soneva Fushi
Over-water to underground, this is an absolute haven for wine-lovers! Dine amidst seven thousand wine-bottles in a climate controlled futuristic subterranean dorm. Want to learn a bit more about the wine you’ve selected? Why not ask your wine Sommelier for a private wine presentation?



#5. Jungle Dining at Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa – Maldives
Feel adventurous under the thick tropical vegetation at Shangri-La Villigilli, safari-like experience with a twist. Relish the extravagant gourmet delectable’s cooked by the island chefs.






#6. Fanditha Restaurant at One&Only Reethi Rah
Feel like a Sultan and Sultana at Fanditha Restaurant, with its fantasy décor and ambiance taking you on a journey through the mystical Arabian nights. Laze on the Arabian divans and celebrate your enchanting kingdom with a puff of sheeha, mezzes, delicious Arabian breads and DJ music.



#7. FIRE at W Retreat & Spa - Maldives
Feel the heat at FIRE, the Mongolian style jungle restaurant at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives. Be prepared to be wowed by the trance of fire dancers and bodu beru performers as you are served from the spit-roasted lamb, salads and your favorite beers amidst the privacy of the lush tropical greens and twinkling fire fly lights, creating the mood for you!

#8. Dhoni Dining at Kanuhura
Sail away into the sunset on a dhoni (boat); toasting the golden sunset. Let the waves and cool breezes set the scene, as you relish and share a meal together.

If you are looking for something chic and stylish, W Retreat & Spa – Maldives, offers its “escape” yacht and Huvafen Fushi offers its sleek “Sensuelle” to cruise the seas in complete style and luxury with a sensational dinner on board!



#9. Organic Garden at Soneva Gili
Romance under the gazebo set within Soneva Gili’s bountiful natural splendor and harmony in the serene organic garden. Choose your favorite elements from the specially tailored organic menu prepared by the gourmet chefs on the island.





#10. Grand Beach Pavilion at Waldorf=Astoria, Beach House
Convert your Villa into a romantic rendezvous with twinkling candles, rose petals, champagne on ice and a dinner for two under the enchanting Maldivian skies.

unveiling soon | Six Senses Latitude Laamu

Photo: The Water Suite at Latitude Laamu

Hailing from the eco-friendly Six Senses group of resorts comes the ‘Latitude Laamu’, an elegantly designed retreat located on the island of Olhuveli in Laamu Atoll. This resort will feature 100 luxurious Beach Villas, Water Villas and Water Villa Suites with an unparalleled level of privacy, comfort and luxury. Don’t let the simple rustic exterior of these villas fool you; ultra-cool features like the all-glass sunken ocean view bathtubs, panoramic viewing and dining platforms to the lagoon water-slides makes these retreats paradisaical!

Their naturalistic concepts extends to the Six Sense Spa, with five secluded treatment rooms and two discreetly placed cocoon like Nests’ shrouded within the islands tropical vegetation for natural nurturing. This is complimented with fresh and organic Spa products and a Spa Juice Bar to relieve your mind, soothe your body and quench your soul.

Dining facilities here are so exuberant and otherworldly! Longitude offers creative menus and buffets; Organic Restaurant offers just that - ‘organic food’ with options of a la carte dishes; Ice is for those with a sweet tooth with 40 different flavored ice creams, cocoa kitchen and a crepes bar; Beans and Leaves is for tea and coffee aficionados, and Chill Lounge & Bar is the place to sip cocktails and watch the dazzling sunsets and sunrises. Lastly ‘Altitude’ is an extraordinary glass tower rising from the ocean stocked with a range of delicious wines, fresh Meats and Cheeses and the coolest table to dine on within the Atoll!

Leisure elements include a well-equipped Dive center, pool and gymnasium, excursions to local islands, and an array of water sports to select from. The Guest Library entails a wide selection of books, music and movies available on sophisticated handheld devices to watch, listen or read anytime and anywhere.

There are many more surprises for you to discover within this Utopian island. So mark your calendars for this summer’s most anticipated grand opening in August.


Six Senses currently owns two world-renowned award-winning resorts – Soneva Gili and Soneva Fushi. Both resorts are highly regarded for their eco-friendly social initiatives such as their eco-seasons’ package which brings travelers behind the scene to volunteer and learn about Soneva's environmental and social projects in exchange for free nights.

Surf’s Up at Sultans!

Photo via Four Seasons Explorer: Surf's Up at Sultans

As the surfing season kicked in end of last month, surfers from around the world continues to flock to the Maldives. In addition to “Cokes”, “Sultans” is a popular surf spot preferred by the locals as well as visitors for its consistent waves which never close out, even on the biggest swells. The rides are 91-137 metres. Sultans is for professional surfers, best surfed with shortboards with North or North East-North West wind conditions.

Sultans surf point is located near the uninhabited island called Thamburudhoo on the eastern reef of North Malé Atoll. Resorts like Sheraton Maldives Fullmoon Resort & Spa, Meeru Island Resort and Chaaya Dhonveli Beach Resort are located nearby. However, if you are with a group of friends and looking for an exciting challenge, it’s best to hire an all-inclusive safari boat such as the Cobia for less than $8400 a week* (for 12 passengers), and cruise to different surf points within the Maldives. If you fancy something luxurious, Four Seasons Explorer offers private charter cruises with “Surfer Improvement Clinic” accompanied with a Tropicsurf Instructor and high-tech video instructions for beginners to professionals to ace the waves in the Maldives.

Why not make the most this season!

* Rates are subject to change without any prior notice. The rate is quoted for charter of Cobia inclusive of fullboard meals, government bedtax and service charge for a maximum of 12 passengers.

unwind® | travel tip

Photo: Conrad Maldives Rangali Resort offers iPod docking systems in the villas

You are about to embark on your much awaited vacation to the Maldives, but wondering if you need to pack a separate luggage with all your favorite gadgets, like your blackberry, iPod, laptop, cameras and other electronic gadgets that you don't want to part with? And also wondering if the electric current voltage would work with your appliances in the Maldives? The Maldives mostly uses the British 3-pin system with 110 or 220 volts, depending where you stay. If you do bring along your equipment, we do recommend to-use a power adapter to avoid any damages to your equipment. Power-converters are readily available in electronic shops and most airport duty free venues.

It is a given that most of the Maldivian resorts are equipped with comfort and basic appliances such as hair dryers, iron, DVD players and such basic electronic appliances. Ultra-chic resorts like the W Retreat & Spa – Maldives understands that today’s hi-tech travelers’ need for swanky gadgets and hence offers iMacs at W Lounge and iPods loaded with your favorite playlists while resorts like the Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa offers 2 iPods per villa with iPod docking systems and Four Seasons Resorts Maldives offers Wii consoles; keeping you well-equipped and entertained even during your holiday. Plus consider it one less item to slip into your luggage!

The Kandu, an Extraordinary Restaurant

Kanuhuras’ Kandu' Grill Restaurant offers light grilled lunches or luxury picnic hampers to enjoy in the sun. 'Kandu' in the local language means the deep blue ocean. What makes Kandu restaurant extraordinary is that it is located on Jehunuhura, a private Robinson Crusoe island located just minutes away by boat from Kanuhura resort!

This unique restaurant offers you comfortable seating by the beach to lounge, and indulge in the peaceful and calm turquoise lagoon, while being catered with the freshest and finest grilled cuisines. The fish served at this restaurant are fresh catch from the local fishermen, giving you an opportunity to experience the very best in the Maldives.

It is open noon till late afternoon, and when the sun dips the horizon, it turns into a desirable location to host private parties, delectable dinners or even romantic interludes for couples under the Maldivian starry skies. Jehunuhura - a whole island of possibilities!

unwind® top ten | the sweetest suites

This time, we have picked out the ultimate luxury seclusion's which are largest in size! It then begs the question, ‘is bigger and bigger, better and better’? You be the judge!

1. Soneva Fushi by Six Senses: Jungle Reserve Villa Size: 1710 m²

The name says it all! The Jungle Reserve offers the ultimate escape for nature lovers, discreetly enveloped within the lush tropical vegetation. This rustic-style retreat features a master bedroom with luxurious open-air private garden bathroom, large living space, dining room and an in-villa wine cellar. A footbridge leads to the Spa Villa with a sitting room, steam room, a massage pavilion and a personal gym located in the adjacent pavilion. Choose to swim between the free form private seawater pool which wraps around the Villa or the ocean just steps away. A walkway from the villa leads to the Tree house situated 2.5 meters above the ground level with sleeping area, a toilet and a water slide into the pool.

2. Soneva Gili by Six Senses: Private Reserve [Villa Size: 1400 m²]

There surely is no other like the Private Reserve at Soneva Gili by Six Senses, parched above the turquoise lagoon on stilts, the Private Reserve is accessible only by boat! This private sanctuary is made u p of five separate buildings featuring two master suites, a private indoor and outdoor relaxation area, sundecks, guest room with en-suite bathroom, a spa and indoor relaxation area. There is a large central open plan living area featuring a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, a well stocked wine cellar and a water slide into the ocean.

3. Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru: Two Bed Room Royal Beach [Villa Villa Size: 1200 m²]

Live like royalty in this beautifully crafted native styled Villa combined with the Four Seasons’ incomparable unparalleled service. This Villa features two bedrooms, a living area and dining pavilion with kitchenette, a butler’s room and a separate guest pavilion. The outdoor area includes a 20-metre lap pool, private beach, beach-side Bale (a traditional thatched hut), private massage area and a spacious sundeck. You want additional space to accommodate your friends or extended family? You have the option to join an additional Beach Villa to the two-bedroom Royal Beach Villa!


4. Soneva Fushi by Six Senses: The Retreat [Villa Size:1109 m²]
Bi-level retreat, featuring 2 bedroom beach front villas with private seawater pool, kitchen, dining pavilion, Spa Suite with steam room, gym and relaxation area.

5. Shangri-La Vilingili Resort & Spa, Maldives: Villa Laalu [Villa Size: 957 m²]
Two high-ceilinged bedrooms, an extensive garden, a private plunge pool , living room and an al-fresco dining pavilion.

6. Huvafen Fushi by Per Aquum: Beach Pavilion with Private Pool [Villa Size: 800 m²]
This avant-garde Villa offers a master bedroom on the upper floor with views to the infinity pool through the glass floors, open air shower and oversized bathtub and a spacious living area with all the latest techno-gadgets and fully stocked DVDs library.

7. Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru: Two Bedroom Land & Ocean Suite [Villa Size: 680 m²]
This villa offers a land-based pavilion with living area, kitchenette and dining area and a butler's room. An extended walkway connects to the two over water bedrooms, plunge pool, gazebo and direct access to the sea.

8. Soneva Fushi by Six Senses: Two Bedroom Crusoe Suite with Pool [Villa Size: 649 m²]
Two bedroom duplex, with a bedroom upstairs and downstairs, an open air garden bathroom with water feature, private seawater pool and a spa suite.

9. Beach House Maldives, Waldorf=Astoria Collection. Grand Beach Pavilion [Villa Size: 600 m²]
Two bedroomed luxury villa with dining room,, separate dressing area, two open-air bathrooms, sauna, steam room, massage treatment room, jacuzzi, a swimming pool and a state of the art entertainment center.

10. Soneva Fushi by Six Senses: Villa Suite & Tree House Total area [Villa Size: 594 m²]
A beachfront villa with a luxurious garden bathroom, in-villa wine cellar, private sea water pool and a tree house.

unwind® eco tip | Environmental Education for Kids

Photo: Four Seasons staff teaching coconut leaf based arts and crafts at the Kuda Velaa Club

In order to create an eco-conscious generation for a greener future, we need to educate and create environmental awareness among children from a young age.

There are plenty of eco-educational activities and games for children to have fun while learning such as making art & crafts using recycled materials, beach games or even snorkeling. Drop a few Eco tips along the way as you go on with your daily lives. Shopping can be turned into an interesting search for eco friendly labels and products, also the best time to provide awareness about animal products such as turtle shells, leather and fur.

If you are setting out for a vacation, look for eco-friendly resorts offering such activities for children. The Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru lets the children snorkel and explore nemo’s home with a marine biologist, making it fun to learn about marine life while the Shangri-La Vilingili Resort & Spa offers nature trails to discover the island's indigenous flora and fauna. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also offers the opportunity of spotting colorful fish on a snorkeling trip or going exploring for dolphins. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also offers the opportunity to spot colorful fish during snorkeling trips or exploring the life of dolphins.

Why not Woo Your Mom This Mothers’ Day?

Photo: Water Ritual at the Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Having trouble coming up with a Mothers’ day gift that would top last years’? Let us give you a nudge to get your creative juices flowing. As you know, what most grandmothers, mothers and mothers-to-be need is the gift of time; whether it is with the family, friends or simply by herself.

This year, why not treat her to an escape in the Maldives, whether it is with the family or by herself; and we’ll ensure she is treated like a queen, from breakfast in bed with flowers to pampering her at the spa, an afternoon of daydreaming and siestas under the cooling coconut palms with the cerulean blue waves serenading .

If you plan on a Mothers’ day family getaway, we recommend to you the Royal Beach Villa at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru or the Grand Beach Villa at Kanuhura which accommodate the whole family. Both these resorts offer babysitting services as well as kids clubs with entertaining educational children’s programs allowing moms to slip away for a day of pampering at the Spa or master her favorite dish from the islands’ expert chefs.

Hoping to treat your grandmother or mother for some alone time? Book her in a Pool Villa with all the comforts at Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa and delight her to an “indulgence of time”, a signature CHI spa treatment that is guaranteed to soothe her. The islands of Addu is only a few minutes away; where she can explore, share and connect experiences with Maldivian mothers while sipping afternoon tea.

If she prefers simplistic pleasures of life, Sheraton Maldives Fullmoon Resort & Spa or Waldorf=Astoria - Beach House offers a quiet sanctuary sculptured to her personal preferences and unique epicurean delights to experiment.

Are you looking to woo your mother-to-be and celebrate the diva she is? Check-in to the Seascape Escape at the ultra-chic W Retreat & Spa – Maldives and make her feel absolutely sexy. Book her a “drift away” treatment or let her paint her dreams on a canvas at the Away Spa Pavilion. Then, surprise her to a W-style baby-shower with all her girlfriends, a BBQ and virgin coladas on your private deck.

Can you picture her bliss, now? However you may decide to say you love her, she will love you for your thoughtfulness.

Nuts for Coconuts | Toddy - The Local Brew

Photo: 'Raa Badhi', Traditionally made Maldivian Toddy Containers

Toddy is the sap of the coconut palm extracted from the flower buds by toddy tappers. Toddy tapping or ‘raa verikan’ goes a long way into the Maldivian history and it used to be a remarkable occupation passed from father to son.

Toddy tappers cut the end of the inflorescence when it is ready to ripen and hangs a collecting pot specially made from coconut shells called ‘Gudi’ and is left to fill overnight. The toddy is then collected following day and transferred into a coconut container called ‘Raa badhi.’ Sweetness differs according to the time of collection with the evening toddy being the sweetest. The collected toddy is then sold by the glass in the fresh form, a tasty sweet drink despite its pungent odor.

Maldivians use toddy in different ways. It is heated to make ‘Dhiyaa Hakuru’ a golden honey-like-liquid similar to Maple Syrup which Maldivians enjoy eating with rice, coconut crepes and also acts as a main ingredient in sweet cakes, desserts and snacks. This syrup is further cooked under low-heat with a pinch of sugar and a particular form of coral for an extended period which then turns into a creamy-white paste called “Karu Hakuru.” This is used as a breadfruit chips dip or spread on thin coconut bread.

In the olden days, these syrups were a staple in the households and were also relished by sailors and fishermen as their diet onboard for distant journeys as these toddy products lasted several months without refrigeration or preservatives.

Toddy is also fermented and turned to toddy vinegar which has a strong acidic flavor with a hint of coconut taste. This vinegar is used in flavoring other food products and as a preservative to make local pickles or ‘assara’.

Today, Toddy and toddy products are very rare but it is still available infrequently throughout the Maldivian Islands. With modernization, the art of toddy tapping is almost lost. The government has recently stepped in and has introduced ‘toddy tapping’ courses in the atolls in order to revive this fading Maldivian tradition.

If you happen to tour Malé, the capital island, stop by the local market to find these 'Dhiyaa Hakuru' and 'Karu Hakuru' among other local food products.

Condé Nast Publishes Hot and Gold Lists 2010

Photo: Crusoe Residence at Soneva Gili by Six Senses and Spa

The much awaited Condé Nast 16th Annual Gold List and 13th Annual Hot List 2010 were released last week. The luxury Gold List is one of the most comprehensive and ultimate guide to the world’s finest properties and cruise lines, compiled from a survey of 25,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers. The hot list is considered the bible of ‘cool hotels & resorts’ that is buzz-worthy.

Soneva Gili by Six Senses and One&Only Reethi Rah secured spots on the ‘Gold List 2010’ for their glamorous but natural design-consciousness. Both these prestigious resorts have frequently appeared on the Condé Nast Gold list in previous years. Shangri-La Vilingili Resort and Spa took a well deserved spot on the ‘Hot List 2010’ under Asia & Australasia. Located Southernmost tip of the Maldives amidst the lush tropical greens, Shangri-La Vilingili Resort and Spa will soon be celebrating its first year in operation by rolling out special offers the upcoming months. Halaveli by Constance Group also took a spot on the Hot List.

In ‘Readers’ Spa Awards’ category, three Maldivian resort Spas secured spots among World’s top 25 Spas. The COMO Shambhala Retreat at Cocoa Island received a third place, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru took fourteenth place and The Spa by ESPA at One&Only Reethi Rah took nineteenth spot.

Condé Nast Traveler is a highly regarded American luxury travel Magazine published by Condé Nast publications. We invite you to explore the Gold and Hot lists 2010.

unwind® | travel tip

Photo: Four Seasons Explorer cruises to remote dive and surf locations accompanied with its unprecedented Four Seasons excellence

Wondering when is the best season to visit the Maldives? Well, it all depends on your preferences. If you are seeking plenty of sunshine and blue skies, we recommend you to visit the Maldives between December and April, which is considered the dry season. Tourist arrivals are usually high and resorts are fully booked despite the higher rates in this season; especially due to the festive celebrations like Christmas and New Year in December.

The months between May and November are warm, but generally cloudy, humid and you can usually expect scattered showers. This is the low season and retreat rates are generally lower as well with plenty of special offers for you to choose from; like the"Suite Deals" by Taj Exotica and "Escapes for two" by Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi.

Surfers flock the waves during these months as it creates greats swells. The months April and November are considered transition months and are best for divers due to the water clarity with a better chance of spotting mantra rays and whale sharks. So, instead of asking 'when', ask 'what' you wish to do in the Maldives. Happy travels!

maldivian arts | bodu beru

Photo: A couple enjoying a bodu beru performance at Hilton Iru Fushi Resort & Spa

Bodu Beru meaning ‘Big Drum’ which usually takes place during special occasions is one of the most popular forms of traditional folk music in the Maldives and is enjoyed by all ages.

A bodu beru group consists of a lead singer along with a group of up to 15 people singing in chorus. The drums are traditionally made from hollowed coconut wood, goatskin enclosure on each side and are mostly beaten with bare hands. The most interesting point of Bodu Beru is its blood-pumping ascending tempo along with the lyrics that have no definite meaning. At present times meaningful songs in Dhivehi language is also used. Bodu Beru dates back to as early as the twelfth century, even before the Maldivians converted to Islam. “Baburu lava”, a form of bodu beru chant hints that this tradition may have been originated in East Africa and had been passed through generations by our forefathers, as is our responsibility to pass this artistic Maldivian tradition to the future generations.

Bodu Beru is also a common sight seen in the resorts such as Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Vilu Reef Resort and Kanuhuraa Island Resort especially in wedding ceremonies or cultural performances where guests are invited to part in this thrilling performances.

We invite you to listen to some of the famous traditional bodu songs here.

unwind® eco tip | Bask in Natural Lights

Photo: Water Villas at Waldorf Astoria at Beach House Manafaru features floor-to-ceiling glass windows providing a panoramic view and lighting up the room during day time.

One simple step to help the environment is through energy conservation during your escape. Turn off the lights when it is not in use especially during day time. Try and make use of the wonderful natural lighting as much as possible by keeping the windows open and drawing the curtains to allow sunlight into the room. This way, you would be able to get fresh air and enjoy the view on the horizon at the same time. Sunlight is the most efficient renewable energy available and Maldives have sunny weather throughout the year which helps to reduce the consumption of fossil-fuels and the harmful emissions. At night, opt for a candle lit dinner outside your private deck or on the beach under the amorous starry sky.

Decrease energy consumption and carbon emissions by opting non-motorized water sports such as Kite Surfing, Snorkeling or Kayaking. Select resorts such Alila Villas Hadahaa and Resorts by Six Senses which utilize energy conservation methods.

Fortieth Anniversary of Earth Day

Photo: Alila Villas Hadahaa - the first green globe certified resort in the Maldives

Earth day was established in 1970 to create awareness of the Earth’s delicate environment and develop a sustainable environment for the future generations. Today over 190 countries and 1 billion people participate in events on April 22. Many extend it to an entire week with dedicated activities focused on environmental issues.

Organizations such as the CNN International will premier two environmental programs, “The Special Debate for Earth’s Frontiers: The future of energy” and “Green Light for Business” focusing on the impact of businesses on the natural world. The Special debate: for Earth’s Frontiers will feature a panel of experts such as the President of Maldives, winner of 09 Anna Lindh Prize dubbed Time Magazines’ Hero of the Environment, Mohamed Nasheed; Academy Award winning director James Cameron; Chinese Director of Climate group Changhua Wu and Chairman & CEO of PUMA, Jochen Zeitz.

Maldives being a low-lying nation, it is threatened to become extinct under the rising seas due the effects of climate change. This beautiful island chain has now become a voice to other such nations and continues to bring a global light into this issue from hosting the ‘under water cabinet meeting’ last year to vowing to become the first carbon neutral nation by 2020. This year, activities such as Plankton Presentations and Reef Clean ups will be held in the local islands as well as resorts.

We invite you to peruse through earthday.org to view earth day events near you.