unwind® news | Slow Life Cooking ‘Thari’!

Photo: Chef at Over-water restaurant at Soneva Gili

Six Senses is initiating The Slow Life Cooking ‘Thari’ gastronomic events featuring world renowned food connoisseurs.

The event premieres on March 23rd, with Chef Atul Kochhar, who was the first Indian Chef to earn the Michelin Star. Soneva guests can enjoy his titillating five-course gourmet cuisine on the beach and an opportunity sip cocktails at sunset with him on Soneva Gili's exclusive One Palm Island. The resort’s Resident Chef, Sanjeewa Ranasinghe plans to challenge Chef Kochhar to invent a zero carbon Slow Life menu for guests by using fresh local products like herbs from Soneva's organic gardens.

These mouth-watering events will continue throughout the year with the Australian Chef, Author and gastronomic traveler, Christine Manfield planned to visit in April. American Actress turned Sushi Chef Tracy Griffith, will also join later in the year to launch her latest product ‘Sushi American Style’.

SLOW LIFE stands for Soneva's philosophy - "Sustainable, Local, Organic and Wholesome - Learning, Inspiring, Fun Experiences" and "Thari" is Maldivian for star.

Rush your escape reservations to experience these exciting gourmet adventures with renowned Chefs from around the globe; and you as guests, be the judge of these exquisite cuisines!

The Japanese Way of Tea

Photo: Japanese Tea Ceremony at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a form of freeing your body and soul from the stress and daily chaos. Cha-no-yu (literally meaning hot water for tea) is not just a sophisticated ritual, but an experience in which you learn elegance, serenity, and courtesy towards yourself and others.

Discover the Principles of the Tea Ceremony:
Harmony (wa): Become one with nature and spirituality.
Respects (kei): Experience the mutual respect to each other within the tea ceremony which is alluring and cherishing.
Purity (sei): Free yourself from thoughts and the physical world.
Serenity (jaku): Relish in serenity and relax yourself.

Immerse yourself in the graceful traditional Japanese culture during your escape to the Maldives by choosing Ryokan Style Villas at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. Your experience includes Ryokan style accommodations with Japanese hostess and traditional Japanese meal - "Kaiseki" experience it in retreat or at the Japanese restaurant. But the highlight is the authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony with tea and Japanese confectionery at the genuine Japanese Teahouse - an experience by itself!

The Precious Red Coral Share

Photo: Jewelry from Red Coral

Red coral have been a substance of extreme intrigue over the centuries! Starting from the Greek mythology which relates that seaweed turned red by the blood of Medusa; the Gauls used it as ornaments for their weapons; Romans believed it cured wounds and was also regarded as good luck charm. Currently, Precious Coral mostly associated with luxury and elegant jewelry, and it is one of the two officially recognized organic gemstones; the other is the pearl.

Here is a fascinating 2 minutes feature by Al Jazeera discussing the move towards a new regulation on export of Red Coral by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the threats it is causing the local red coral artisans in Italy. Click here to view the video.

Export of black or red coral products are prohibited in the Maldives. NGO's and resorts like the Banyan Tree and Four Seasons are striving towards increasing coral growth through coral planting and "reef ball project" that encourage the growth of live and healthy coral.

If consumer's pressure to reduce the exploitation of such coral products, corals will have a better chance at surviving the threats faced by climate change. Sign the Coral Pledge today!

unwind® news | RAF Veterans to Re-Visit Addu Gan

Photo: The RAF Crest

Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) has announced that 58 Royal Air Force (RAF) veterans who were stationed in Gan during the World War II is to re-visit the Maldives on March 22, 2010. In order to celebrate their return - the Island Aviation, Cosmos Monarch, Kaimoo and MTPB have organized several events. They will be officially welcomed at the airport on arrival. Some of these officers have had visited the Maldives on vacation since the base was closed.

The Maldives became a British Protectorate in 1941 with self-governing power in the hands of the Maldivian Monarchs and re-gained its independence on July 26, 1965; however, the British continued to maintain their air base in Gan at Addu Atoll until 1976. Following the handover, the air strip was recently developed as an airport and currently known as the Gan International Airport.

The reminiscent of the British base still remains intact in Gan and is a unique attraction for the locals as well as tourists staying at the Equator Village and Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives.

unwind® did you know | World's Most Beautiful Currency

Photo: A 50 Rufiyaa note - one of the most beautiful currencies in the World

The Maldivian currency - "Rufiyaa" is ranked second among the most beautiful bank notes in the world and is referred as a 'true beauty' as per an article published by CNBC. Apart from the intricate designs, it portrays the livelihood of the nation - fishing and coconuts. Even though Tourism has become the main economic support in the recent years, eco-friendly fishing continues to contribute to the GDP and coconuts dominate the flavorful Maldivian cuisines. The cowrie shell shown as a part of the decorative border along the bottom were the world's first international commodity currency and the Maldive islands were the primary supplier!

unwind® news | Honeymoon Tester Wanted

Photo: unwind on a hammock at Hilton Iru fushi Resort & Spa

Can you sip champagne while lying on a hammock slung between palm trees on a white sandy beach with the waves singing romantic lullaby's to you and partner? If so, you might be able to handle this 'horrendous' assignment!

Irish Times have teamed up with the Runaway Bride & Groom in search for the ultimate venue for destination wedding and most romantic honeymoon getaway in the world. This role involves traveling around the globe, staying for free in the most exotic locations on earth for a period of 6 months and receive a compensation of only €20,000.00.

Want the job? Why not apply?

unwind® eco-tip | Two for One

Soneva Fushi guests riding bicycles.

If possible, walk or use a bicycle. It not only helps the planet, but keeps you in shape as well!

Buy and eat locally grown and locally processed foods wherever possible, rather than food products shipped from long distances, which use more energy (fossil fuels for transport and generally more packaging). Natural foods are not only environment friendly but health friendly too!

Resorts like Soneva Fushi lend you bicycles to ride the many island trails and encourages walking or jogging. Did you know that most of the fresh fruits, salads herbs and mushrooms are supplied to the Soneva Kitchen from two large Garden areas at the resort? Think environment, think healthy.