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!