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.

unveiling soon | Renaissance by JW Marriott at Gaakoshibee

Photo: Concept designs by Veritas Architects for Renaissance Maldives Gaakoshibee Resort & Spa

Renaissance Maldives Gaakoshibee Resort & Spa in Shaviyani Atoll will be the first resort by JW Marriott in the Maldives, located 55 minutes by seaplane from the Malé International Airport. This five-star 100 villa resort is currently in development and is expected to welcome guests later this year. Like other islands in the Maldives, Gaakoshibee boasts untouched dense foliage, pristine white sand and a vast a turquoise lagoon the size of the island with rare underwater beauty and abundance of psychedelic colored marine life.

Photo: Layout of the Beach Villa at Renaissance Maldives Gaakoshibee Resort & Spa

The resort will offer spacious beach and over-water villas that encompass private gardens, indoor/outdoor five-fixture bathroom, outdoor shower, over sized bathtub and direct access to the beach or lagoon. Beach Villas will include a private cabana within the garden and the water villas include a large daybed on the private sundeck. All villas will include their own private plunge pool.

Guests will have a choice of five food and beverage outlets; an all-day restaurant, Mediterranean specialty restaurant with bar, Beach Bar and Grill with a sunset bar and an underground wine cellar. The Garden Spa will offer eight treatment rooms, four of which will be located over water with breathtaking views. Other facilities that the resort will offer include beauty/barber shop; a health and fitness center; a discovery center; a library; an Olympic sized lap pool, a lagoon pool and a kid’s pool; a water sports center; a diving center; a kid’s club and a recreation pavilion.

Marriott International is a leading lodging company with more than 2900 lodging properties around the world. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Mariott, JW Marriot, The Ritze-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names.

Areca Nuts | the Chew of Maldives

A slice of Areca nut

Areca nuts, often erroneously referred as the betel nuts are widely used as a mint after meals and holds a distinct history in Maldives.

According to historians and travelers like François Pyrard de Laval, areca nuts were deeply embedded into the Maldivian culture. The early Maldivians used a girdle on their waist in which they kept a good supply of areca nuts and it was customary that when they meet each other on the road, may it be a friend or stranger to offer his own betel nuts. It was also bestowed as a royal gift and offered to the person who proposes for marriage as a gift of approval.

Such traditions have changed over time but the areca nut continues to dominate the ‘chewing culture’ in the Maldives. It is now offered in almost all cafés, restaurants and shops in Maldives, in different forms with fixings like betel leaf, cloves and lime. Some modern innovations of the areca nut includes the ‘Kill’ a finely ground mixture of areca nuts, betel leaves, cardamon, sugar and cloves. Another form is ‘Supari’ a sweet flavored betel nut chunks in small sachets imported from India.

When consumed in small amounts, betel nuts can have health benefits such as prevention from tooth decay, digestive problems and healing of skin. It also helps remove strong food odors and prevent from bad breathes. Resorts like Alila Villas Hadahaa offers you to experience the areca nut after meals.

Unwind® | Top Ten Water Sports You Should Try in the Maldives

Here are our top ten water thrills to keep you energized, exhilarated and asking for more!

Photo: Kite surfing at Hilton Iru fushi Resort & Spa

#1 Kitesurfing: Why do we love it? It is a zero-carbon water sport, which doesn’t burn any fuel but totally gives you an exhilarating workout flirting with nature, and challenging the winds and the waves with your slick moves!
#2 Wake-boarding
#3 Knee-boarding
#4 Seabob
#5 Fun Tubing
#6 Wind surfing
#7 Jet Skiing
#8 Para Sailing
#9 Catamaran Sailing
#10 Banana Boat Riding
What’s top on your list?

unwind® | Maldivian Nakaiy

Photo: Meade RCX400 telescope at Ever Soneva So Celestial Observatory

Maldivians had been in harmony with nature ever since Maldives bore its first residents to the present generation. In the past Maldivian were very much in-tune with nature and embed this into travel, culture and lifestyle. Sailors and navigators traveled based on constellation of stars which was passed down from our forefathers who adopted ‘Nakaiy’ system. This was originally a system used in astrology by the neighboring Indians and later adapted as part of the calendar system used in the Maldives.

‘Nakaiy’ meaning constellation of stars was referred to the twenty-eight lunar divisions of stars, each Nakaiy is named after a particular star. Maldives, being unable to see the 28th star implemented the calendar on 27 Nakaiys. This system is still being used to determine dry and the wet seasons in Maldives which helps to organize events such as fishing, agriculture, leisure activities such as kite flying, surfing and snorkeling; clearly showing the correlation between Maldivians with nature.

Map out the stars or simply star gaze at ‘Ever Soneva So Celestial’ observatory set within the organic garden at Soneva Fushi and discover the divinely heavens above from paradise.

unwind® | Superb-Sundays

Switch off your television and tune into something much better...

The Apprentice at Four Seasons

Photo: Exceptional service at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

The Apprenticeship Program at Four Seasons Maldives is a training scheme designed for young Maldivians with little or no knowledge in this discipline to enter the hotel business and make this exciting industry their career. The program offers theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to successfully perform in a competitive working environment. Through a combination of intensive practical on-the-job training and weekly classroom sessions including language training, this program have build up solid professionals in the Maldivian work-force since its inception in 2002. The classroom materials are taught by senior hotel managers with years of international hospitality industry experience in the fields of lodging, food & beverage, housekeeping, dive and marine. Character building which involves personal commitment and maturity is one of the pre-requisites for the successful completion of the Apprenticeship. Each participating apprentice is assigned a mentor and a buddy for moral support, encouragement and counseling.

unwind® applauds companies such as the Four Seasons who act socially and environmentally responsible within the Maldivian communities. Four Seasons currently owns two properties in the Maldives, Kuda Huraa is located in North Malé Atoll and second property is in Baa Atoll set on the pristine island of Landaa Giraavaru. Both resorts are constantly recognized by their guests and international hoteliers alike for their excellence in service.

unwind® | travel tip

Photo: Scenic aerial view of Huvafen Fushi from a seaplane

The geographic distribution of the magnificent Maldivian islands offers you an exciting array of transfer options from the airport to your escape destination. Depending on the location of your resort, you may either need to take a speedboat, yacht, seaplane or a domestic flight from the airport, all conveniently arranged by the resort for you prior to your arrival.

If you are headed to the Soneva Gili or Chaaya Dhonveli Resort, you would be taking a quick speedboat ride from the airport. Resorts like Kanhuhura and Conrad Rangali Island Resort & Spa are accessed via seaplanes, which travels only during the daylight hours between 6 am and 5 pm. If your international flight arrives at night, accommodation would be arranged for you at a hotel or resort close by the airport for the night.

If you are traveling to the Waldorf=Astoria Beach House or theShangri-La Vilingili Resort & Spa - Maldives, you would be boarding a domestic flight en route to your island destination. Domestic flights and seaplane transfers allows a certain checked-in baggage and carry-on limit with any excess kilos being charged to you.

Therefore, we always do advice our fabulous unwind® travelers to check the mode of your transfer type at the time of your reservation to prepare yourself prior to your arrival. Happy travels!

LIME Spa | A World's First

Photo: Underwater Therapy Room at LIME Spa

Renowned for being the world’s first underwater Spa; LIME at Huvafen Fushi is an experience on its own. With the motto "Give us your sore, your tired, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free so that we may rub, soothe, soak, heal, treat, pamper and otherwise restore to a blissful state" assures you a pampering like no other. Its ethereal and unique architecture leading you to the world underwater, with an array of astounding diversity of corals, rainbow colored fish and schools of manta rays, an experience therapeutic in itself!

Revive your body and soul through rejuvenating treatments and rituals such as massages, body exotics, yoga, fitness programs and treatments tailored to your desires. Perfect your experience with the composed Lime’s signature underwater massage “Unite Me-Crystal” ritual in the unique underwater treatment room combining local products such as coconuts, lime, minerals adding a Maldivian essence and feel your body slip into heaven. Lime also features six over water treatment rooms with glass floors to view soothing waters below and facilities like salt water floatation pool, steam room, sauna to enhance your extra ordinary spa experience and rediscover yourself.

unveiling soon | Viceroy Maldives to Debute Ultra-Luxury Resort in December 2010

Photo: Beach View from Viceroy Maldives at Vagaru Island

Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala) has partnered with Maldives-based, luxury hotel developer, EoN Resorts (EoN), to develop an exclusive ultra luxury resort in the Maldives. The hotel will be operated by Viceroy Hotels & Resorts (VHR) and will be the first property that Viceroy operates outside of the Americas.

Viceroy Maldives is set on the pristine island of Vagaru, located in the Shaviyani Atoll, featuring 61 luxury villas, both over the crystalline water and on the beach. These rooms will be among the largest Villas in a Maldivian resort boasting from 1,345 to 3,300 square feet of indoor space, generous outdoor private areas, including private plunge pools. The resort is currently in construction and is due to open in December 2010, just in time for the festive season.

Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality (MREH) is a leading business development and investment Company based in Abu Dhabi and owns 50% of luxury hotel operator Viceroy Hotel Group. This group has been actively driving its expansion into key gateway cities and leading destinations around the world. The development of Viceroy Maldives supports this growth strategy.

Viceroy Hotel Group delivers luxury lifestyle experiences that marry provocative design and intuitive service in sought-after locations. Managing hotels under third-party agreements, Viceroy Hotel Group operates two luxury brands, Viceroy Hotels & Resorts and The Tides.

unwind® eco-tip | Eco-Souvenirs

Photo: Souvenir Shop at Vilu Reef

If buying a souvenir for the trip home for your loved ones is a must-do and you are concerned about the environment, go eco-souvenir shopping. From ornaments to home decorators, your choices are endless.

Seeking sustainable souvenirs such as locally produced food items like vacuumed fish products, crafts such as lacquered vases, thundukunaa or jewelry made by local artisans and goods that support local green organizations are a way of helping local communities as well. Choose a souvenir that you consider is worth the expense and that the recipient would be able to make good use of and treasure forever. Try to reduce your purchases that may contribute to waste of money or landfills. Avoid any wildlife product made using any part of an animal such as tortoise shells, shark teeth or leather since these types of souvenirs have a huge impact on the environment. Make a list and enjoy a happy eco-souvenir shopping!

Huvafen Fushi Presents DJ Poet Name Life

Photo: DJ Poet Name Life

The month of Music fiesta continues in the Maldives. The latest announcement comes from Huvafen Fushi premiering Black Eyed Peas’ DJ, Poet Name Life for a one night performance on April 17th, just days before his appearance on American Idol and the start of Black Eyed Peas “The E.N.D. world tour.”

DJ Poet Name Life is the co-producer for Blacked Eyed Peas’ recent chart-topping hit ‘boom boom pow’ which continues to hold as the number one dance album on iTunes. This award winning DJ has worked with other mega stars like Justin Timberlake, Travis Barker, Will I.am. and Daniel Bedingfield.

So don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Los Angeles newest music elite at Huvafen Fushi. Other music happenings in April include the appearance of Boney M, Asward and Bubba Sparxxx on April 14 and Akon on April 23rd. Let's not forget W's resident DJ Monica Soldan spinning beats at 15BELOW till May 31st.

The Maldivian Mango

Photo: Green and Yellows by D.R/Flickr.

"Dhivehi Anbu" or Maldivian Mango is a juicy favorite among the locals and tourists alike! Maldivian mango season arrives twice a year, with most of the supplies coming from Fuah Mulak, Laamu Atoll and Addu Atoll. Last March was one of the best mango seasons with record amounts of mangoes distributed within the atolls. If you happen to stay at Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa during the Mango season, hop on the ferry to the Addu islands and explore the trail of local organically grown mango trees loaded with green and yellow mangoes! Resorts like Alila Villas Hadahaa celebrates the mango season by treating their guests to the taste of this tropical fruit.

Maldivian Mangoes are distinctly unique compared to its cousins worldwide. It is oblong in shape and smaller in size. The younger mangoes are green in color and are quite bitter; and when the mangoes ripen it turns bright yellow giving off an angelic aroma providing the most sweet and succulent flesh when peeled.

Although Mango is mostly prepared for sweets like mango juice or ice cream; in the Maldives, traditionally it is also cooked in spicy coconut sauce (Anbu Riha) or pickled (Anbu Assaara) to use as a side dish to flavor entrées . During picnics, Maldivian youths like to create “Anbu Majaa” a sour treat made from green mangoes to eat after a quick swim in the ocean. This super-fruit contains Vitamins A and C, and provides a high source of dietary fiber. What else is Mangoes good for? A recent study shows that mango is effective in preventing certain types of cancer! Why not treat yourself to a sweet and healthy treat with a retreat in the Maldives?

unwind® | Month of Mega International Music Fiesta

Photo: Boney M during late 1970's tour

The disco era fans can see the legendary Boney M along with world-famous raggae band Asward and American rapper Bubba Sparxxx live in concert at the "mega international music fiesta" on April 14 to be held at the National Stadium. The announcement comes just days after Akon announced he will also be appearing in the Maldives at a separate gig, on April 23.

Boney M are best known for their international chart toppers in the 70's like "Rasputin", "Daddy Cool", Sunny" and "Brown Girl in the Ring." Asward have released 21 albums with smash hits like "Don't Turn Around" and "Shine."

The event is organized by Pro Maldives Pvt Ltd in association with Rokomaestro Inc USA. The tickets are priced at USD $25 and $50 with part of the ticket sales to be contributed to youth development projects in the Maldives. Why not head over to the Maldives this April for the perfect island getaway combined with music concert of your choice!