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® 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.

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!

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.

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.