DOTWNEWS MAY 2021 ISSUE

May 2021

the perfect fit

Why personalisation and privacy are 2021’s ultimate luxuries

beyond horizons Deep dive into hidden Asia with Capella’s Culturists

on the

lookout 10 awe-inspiring adventures for little explorers

ARBITER OF STYLE

Dubai’s million-dirham sartorial staycation

san miguel de allende Riding high in Mexico’s most colourful city

new beginnings The Maldives’ newest collection of luxury islands

EXCLUSIVE TIMEPIECES

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EXQUISITE JEWELS

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UNIQUE ESCAPES

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LUXURY CARS

Ss Pp Ee N nD d Ii T t O oU uT t O o Ff T tH h Ii Ss W wO oR r Ll D d

10:18AM

The moment you uncovered the secret of Maldives.

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, your gateway to uncovering unrivaled Maldives moments.

What is locally known as the secret water island is your exquisite personal hideaway in the Maldives. Soak in the waters of the Indian Ocean and discover the rich marine life surrounding our paradise. Bask under the sun and take long walks on our powdery white beach while enjoying tropical vibes nurtured by dense nature.

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Ss Pp Ee N nD d Ii T t O oU uT t O o Ff T tH h Ii Ss W wO oR r Ll D d

Get FREE upgrade to Water Sunrise Villa when you book Beach Sunrise Villa for stays until September 2021.

Book at fairmont.com/maldives

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spend it out of this world

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spend it out of this world

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spend it out of this world

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spend it out of this world

EVERY SUMMER HAS A

Story

WHAT’S YOURS?

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spend it out of this world

LIVE YOUR STORY WITH US Some dreams live forever with us, some adventures bring us closer together, some moments enrich our souls and some experiences revive our senses.

From breathtaking beaches to vibrant city escapes, there is a lot to love about summer at Rotana. Live your story with us and book your stay at any Rotana hotel or resort with 20% off rooms, a complimentary extra bed and many more benefits.

Book now via rotana.com

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contents

BY LAND. BY SEA . BY SOUL.

A TALE OF TWO ISLANDS Nestled in the South Ari Atoll and set over two idyllic islands overflowing with endless possibilities, the curious traveler can find adventure and relaxation in perfect harmony.

As you set foot on to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, your soul and senses will be ignited with curiosity. Immerse yourself in local culture and embrace the charm of island life, as you discover a paradise like no other.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, South Ari Atoll, 20077, Republic of Maldives | Phone +960 668 0629 | ConradMaldives.com

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Contents

contents

May 2021

In the news 18 Europe

Summer of love in Ibiza; I Prefer Loves’ luxury collaboration; Hotel Du Cap-Eden Roc introduces Villa Sainte-Anne

20 Middle East & Africa Elevate your expectations at Singita Sasakwa Lodge; Arty inspiration on the banks of Dubai Creek; Experience Palm Jumeirah like never before

22 Asia & Oceania

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Uncover hidden Asia with Capella; Luxury reborn on the Mornington Peninsula; New beginnings in the Maldives with Fari Islands

24 Americas Black Tomato launches story-inspired itineraries; Brave new world Antarctica; Why privacy and personalisation are the ultimate luxury; Arrive in style with Wheels Up

26 Debut Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts

28 Gourmet News Michelin’s star lands in Malta; The sky’s the limit at Address Beach Resort; A luxury desert dining experience with Arabian Adventures; Let’s eat Greek with Myrra by Opa; ROKA comes to Riyadh

30 Restaurant Review A round of applause for Clap, Dubai’s classic-meets-quirky, multi-sensory restaurant

32 Chef Spotlight W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island’s Exec Chef on an open-minded approach to cooking, doner kebabs and Anthony Bourdain

destinations 36 36 Bucket List With The Kids Escape on a bucket-list adventure with your kids this summer – from snorkelling with sharks to spotting lions and leopards

42 San Miguel de Allende Revolutionary history, mezcal tasting and riding high Mexico’s most colourful city

50 Escapes The dreamiest hotels around the world and the best offers to tempt you there, from Lake Como to the Maldives

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hotels 58 Arabian Journeys

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Short-haul itineraries for Eid Al Fitr and beyond, with exotic island stays in Dubai to cultural escapes in the capital

62 No Adults Allowed The luxury travel intel all the cool kids are talking about, from motherdaughter Eid Al Fitr fashion to one of the coolest, family-friendly stays in the Maldives

spend it 66 Jewels

Black gold and rose-tinted jewels for spring, make for a contrasting approach to accessorising

68 Watches Muted shades of pinks and blues capture a moment in with precision and grace

70 Cars A family staycation and test-driving the Infiniti Qx80, from the city roads of Dubai to the Rub’ Al Khali dunes of the Empty Quarter

76 A Sartorial Stay An unique million-dirham suite staycation that brings together two arbiters of style

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news

hot events , new hotels and global jet - setters

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meet me in montenegro W i t h t rave l a d i s t i n c t possibility for many this summer, the question is, where to go and where to stay? An old-favourite or dip your toe into somewhere new? One&Only Portonovi in Boka Bay, Montenegro – a private, waterfront palace in that feels like a fairy-tale – is just one of several exciting new openings this month.

Time to start circling your favourites...

18 NEWS Luxe travel updates from around the world 26 DEBUT Our pick of the best new hotels 28 GOURMET Culinary updates, from near and far 30 CULINARY REVIEW Classic-meets-quirky at

multi-sensory new Japanese eaterie, Clap 32 CULINARY REVIEW Up close and personal with

W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island’s Exec Chef, Tobias Taubner

News middle east & africa

Elevate your expectations at Singita Sasakwa Lodge There are only a handful of swimming pools in the world that command views as breath-taking as those from the infinity-edge pool at Singita Sasakwa Lodge, an elegant Edwardian manor house perched on a bluff overlooking some of the most spectacular landscape in Tanzania. Below, Singita Grumeti Reserve unfurls in all its glory; a privately managed, 350,000-acre offshoot of the Serengeti National Park, where an abundance of protected wildlife roams freely across the plains.

Following a design refresh courtesy of South African interior and architectural studio Cécile & Boyd, the elegant lodge is more tempting than ever for safari-bound travellers.

The lodge’s nine cottages and one standalone villa have been enhanced with new wraparound verandas and courtyards that provide extra outdoor space in which to soak up the scenery, while private plunge pools offer respite after days spent exploring the bush and looking out for game with guides.

Inside, the one- to four-bedroom cottages have been adorned with local antiques and vintage treasures that anchor the lodge in its East African setting, while Europeanstyle period furnishings – wooden parquet flooring, French doors, clawfoot bathtubs and roaring fireplaces – and contemporary touches charmingly blend old-world luxury and modern creature comforts.

At the main lodge, a new interactive kitchen offers ringside seats to the culinary action, or guests can choose to take lunch al fresco on the lawns or enjoy a candle-lit dinner under the stars with expertly paired wines, in preparation for another day in paradise. www.singita.com

Arty inspiration on the banks of Dubai Creek

Ever since it opened in 2012, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel has carved out a niche as an artistic hub in the heart of the city. Home to one of the largest art collections in town, the elegant interiors are adorned with 482 specially commissioned artworks created by 51 artists from across the Middle East, providing guests with an intimate connection to the culture and heritage of the region.

This spring, the hotel has launched an Artist in Residence programme to help foster emerging talent, offering dedicated spaces for up-and-coming artists to create work inspired by Dubai. The programme begins with German contemporary artist Sabrina Pohl, who weaves imagery and inspiration from her travels in Egypt and Italy into her abstract works.

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After a two-month residency that started in April, Pohl will exhibit her work at the hotel for two weeks from June 1. Other artists will be announced in due course. The exhibition of Pohl’s work will be the latest artistic collaboration on display at the hotel.

Previously, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel commissioned sculptor Tom Price to create a collection of 88 red Meltdown Bowls, made from melted red rope, which are dotted around the property, and has collaborated with some of the world’s most prestigious design and furniture houses – including Milan-based Sawaya Moroni, Germany’s Walter Knoll and Se London – to create custom furniture throughout. www.jumeirah.com

News middle east & africa

Experience Palm Jumeirah like never before Dubai is no stranger to tall buildings or sky-high observation decks, but The View at The Palm Tower promises a completely new way to experience Palm Jumeirah, the vast man-made island that juts out into the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Designed by multi-national architectural firm Gensler, the 52nd floor observation deck marks the crown of The Palm Tower, offering visitors unbelievable 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline. A 120-sqm VIP lounge, which has its own outdoor terrace, can be privately booked for celebrations or corporate events, and since The View is open until 11pm weekdays and midnight from Thursday to Saturday, visitors will be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery day and night. One floor

down, Level 51 will soon be home to the first Middle East outpost of SushiSamba, the Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian restaurant w i t h b ra n c h e s i n L o n d o n , Amsterdam and Las Vegas.

The 240-metre-high observation deck is accessed through neighbouring Nakheel Mall, the retail and entertainment complex that anchors the trunk of the Palm to the fronds that splay out from its centre. Level two is home to The View Exhibition, which charts the history and growth of Palm Jumeirah from its conception 20 years ago to its (almost) completion today, as well as interactive aquarium tunnels and a gift shop. Tickets start from AED 100 (approx. US $27) for adults and AED 69 ($18.80) for kids. www.theviewpalm.ae

Capture the moment at the One&Only Royal Mirage With 65 acres of lush gardens to explore, a spectacular beachfront setting and Arabesque architectural details that reflect the heritage of the region, One&Only Royal Mirage offers an abundance of photo opportunities for aspiring shutterbugs.

The resort has partnered with high-end camera brand Leica to create a special package that includes a Leica C digital camera, along with a guide to the bucolic hotel’s most photogenic spots and viewpoints.

The ‘Love Through the Lens’ package includes three nights in a suite at the resort’s Residence & Spa wing, a Leica C camera to keep, daily breakfast in the Dining Room, afternoon tea at The Library and a dinner for two at Moroccan restaurant Tagine, as well as an Oriental Hamman Ritual for two at One&Only Spa. Serious enthusiasts can arrange a personalised visit to the Leica store in The Dubai Mall for a two-hour, hands-on masterclass for the stylish compact camera, before returning to the hotel to put their new skills into action. Available until the end of May; from AED 3,850 (US $1,048) per night. www.oneandonlyresorts.com

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News debut

Debut May

Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts here’s our pick of the world’s most luxurious new launches

SLS DUBAI HOTEL & RESIDENCES

Dubai, UAE

Whimsy and opulence combine at SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, the first outpost of the über-cool, US-born lifestyle brand this side of the Atlantic. Set in a soaring 75-storey tower in Downtown Dubai, designed by Beijingbased architectural firm Aedas, the hotel is home to an eclectic collection of 254 rooms and suites designed

by UAE-based interior studio Bishop Design – each in a delicate palette of lilac and violet with rose gold accents, contemporary artwork and panoramic balconies – as well as 371 private residences and 321 hotel apartments. The landmark tower is crowned with the aptly named Privilege, a rooftop lounge that’s home to two of the highest infinity pools in the Middle East, serving light bites and cocktails throughout the day and night. On arrival, guests are transported from ground level to the giddy heights of the 71st floor, where a magnificent Sky Lobby affords stunning views of the Dubai skyline. If you didn’t have time to grab a coffee at EllaMia on the ground floor, you can take a pew here and soak it all in with an aperitif, before taking a seat at one of the hotel’s restaurants: Tuscany-inspired steakhouse Carna by Dario Cecchini, Italian eatery Fi’lia, run entirely by female staff, or 12 Chairs, an ultra-exclusive caviar bar reserved for just 12 guests. www.sbe.com

MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ MADRID

Madrid, Spain

When it first opened in 1910, Hotel Ritz Madrid was the only luxury hotel in the Spanish capital, a Belle Époque beauty that became the de facto home from home for dignitaries, royals and celebrities. Just over a century later, the hotel has reopened after a six-year renovation as Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, with its sights set on becoming, once again, the leading hotel in the city. Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz has overseen the interior remodelling of the historic property, which now features 153 guestrooms and suites, five restaurants and bars and the Fitness & Wellness spa, created in partnership with Spanish wellness firm The Beauty Concept. Guestrooms have been reimagined by French design duo Gilles & Boissier, who have balanced original architectural features and antique furniture with contemporary elements. One of the hotel’s iconic turrets is home to The Royal Suite, onetime favourite of regular guest Yves Saint Laurent, which is now adorned with an enviable art collection. Michelinstar chef Quique Dacosta has overseen the creation of five restaurants and bars, including the signature Quique Dacosta restaurant and a Champagne Bar, the perfect spot to toast the rebirth of this Spanish icon. www.mandarinoriental.com

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News debut

ONE&ONLY PORTONOVI

Boka Bay, Montenegro

Montenegro’s Boka Bay is the stuff of fairy tales, a shimmering expanse of Adriatic coast surrounded by green-carpeted mountains, medieval castles and centuries-old churches. Now home to the first One&Only resort in Europe, a waterfront palace set in 60 acres of manicured gardens with colonnaded walkways, inviting pools and terracotta rooftops. Chief among the 113 guestrooms and suites is Suite One, a presidential abode for two, with outdoor dining area, a wine cellar for 268 bottles and mountain views. Families will be enchanted by the expansive Villa One and Villa Two: a pair of three- and two-bedroom villas with private gardens, swimming and hydrotherapy pools and sunset-view terraces with outdoor fireplaces. Well-heeled visitors can invest in their own One&Only Private Home: 10 three- or four-bedroom villas with swimming pool, Venetian-style courtyard and private beach with jetty, and there’s space to moor the superyacht at the neighbouring 238-berth D-Marin Portonovi Marina. Wellness is front and centre at Chenot Espace, while for decadent pleasures, Sabia by Giorgio Locatelli promises healthy Italian cuisine with a focus on seafood. www.oneandonlyresorts.com

ALILA HINU BAY RESORT

Mirbat, Oman

Head in any direction from the Omani capital and you’ll find vast swathes of wilderness untouched by human hands, a rugged landscape of mountains and deserts flanked by the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. At the southern tip of the Sultanate is Dhofar, a patchwork of green hillsides, rocky desert and pristine natural environments, where Alila Hotels & Resorts is set to open its second Omani outpost this month. Set on 45 hectares of beachfront on the outskirts of Mirbat, Alila Hinu Bay Resort is home to 112 rooms, suites and villas that blend a modern, minimal aesthetic with traditional Arabian design, featuring clean architectural lines framing spectacular views of the wild terrain. Local touches abound, from the Omani archway corridors and traditional majlis to the ancient falaj water features leading to Spa Alila, where all-natural products are used in indulgent therapies. An on-site garden will grow fresh, seasonal produce used in The Orchard and Sea Salt restaurants, which promise farm-to-table dining accompanied by sublime views. Surrounded by nature, guests will have access to plentiful local experiences, from excursions into the Dhofar Mountains and the spectacular greenery around Wadi Darbat during the monsoon season, to tours of the natural reserves, ancient tombs, caves and waterfalls that make this region unique. www.alilahotels.com

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d e s t i n at i o n s f a m i ly t r av e l

bucket

list

WITH THE kids

Escape on a family adventure-of-a-lifetime this summer, with a holiday that will see you and the kids snorkelling with sharks in the Indian Ocean to spotting lions, leopards and elephants in South Africa

FOR A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Few things will beat seeing the look of awe on your child’s face when they spot an elephant or lion for the first time. That sense of wonder and awe are at the heart of a stay at Phinda Mountain Lodge, an &Beyond property in the lush Zululand region of Northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, where family time is maximised at every turn. Three family cottages (sleeping five), and a family suite (sleeping eight) allow families to spread out in secluded and safe luxury, and there’s a games-packed kids’ lounge, as well as an infinity pool for them to dip in and out of. The lodge’s WILDchild programme is solely dedicated to bringing alive the magic of Africa for little explorers, gifting each a backpack filled with goodies, and taking them on adventures that include bug collecting, frog safaris, nature walks, animal tracking and cooking. Depending on the their age, children can join in on a family safari too, spotting the big five, before spending the night swapping tales under the stars. www.andbeyond.com

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PHOTOS: xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx

Riding high in

Mexico’s most colourful city

From revolutionary history and boldly painted churches to mezcal tastings and a host of new luxury hotels, San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most intriguing cities Words: Graeme Green

h o t e l s s tay c at i o n s

from city to sea Heralded as one of Dubai’s most elegant ‘inner city’ hotels, Conrad Dubai is blessed with the perfect location, easily linking guests to the airport, Downtown Dubai, the beach and the artistic side of the city at D3, DIFC or Al Serkal Avenue.

This Eid, guests can book an elegant Deluxe Room for just Dhs716, with breakfast, and dinner thrown in too, either at Mediterranean restaurant Ballaro, Korean eaterie Kimpo, or Bliss 6 for a more relaxed al fresco affair. With 30 per cent off spa treatments, and 20 per cent off across all outlets, and a free shuttle to La Mer and 25 per cent discount on sunbeds, this is city-cum-sea living at its best. www.hilton.com

arabian Journeys Take yourself off somewhere special this Eid Al Fitr or spirit away for spring, with exotic island stays in Dubai to cultural escapes in the capital the best of all worlds With four properties in the heart of Jeddah, The Ascott Limited brand offers guests diversity in their bed-down choices. This month, Ascott Tahlia Jeddah, Ascott Sari Jeddah and Spectrums Residence Jeddah are also gifting guests 25 per cent off with the ‘Escape in Style’ promotion, allowing you to indulge and explore Jeddah whilst staying a little lighter in the pocket. The offer includes breakfast and daily housekeeping, which promises a thorough disinfection of the room. Question is, which one to stay in? Ascott Tahlia Jeddah offers myriad choice, with one-, two-, three-bed apartments and penthouses, each with sprawling views over the city and/ or the Red Sea. To conjure up the notion of European travel, Ascott Sari Jeddah takes inspiration from Paris’ beautiful boutique hotels and is plumped perfectly on Sari Street, in the city’s throbbing commercial district, ideal for those wanting to experience all Jeddah has to offer. Oh, and there’s also gorgeous pool for summer evening dips. And then, for those travelling with families, Spectrums Residence Jeddah is an easy option, thanks to its Children’s Playroom, filled with innovative and educational toys. www.the-ascott.com

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h o t e l s s tay c at i o n s

an urban oasis For those not quite ready to jump on a plane yet, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort provides all you need for a summer adventure without packing your passport. Offering a beach escape in the city, the sprawling tree-flanked property offers a touch of Thailand, with its design, thoughtful service and beautiful wooden over-water villas (the only over-water villas in the UAE). Take advantage of this tropical enclave with its Exclusive Summer Villa offer, that gives guests 30 per cent off in a beach or over-water villa, with complimentary breakfast. When it’s time to explore, you’ll find seven restaurants (Mekong is an insider favourite), the colourful Tuk Tuk Kid’s Club for little people, a lagoon, watersports, boat cruises and Anantara Spa for you... Time to relax. www.anantara.com

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spend it unique e x periences and sophisticated essentials

68 the mechanics of power Inspired by watchmaking’s past and the possibility of moving musical timekeeping into the future, Ulysse Nardin’s Blast Hourstriker has found a new way to make sound. An innovative new striking watch that breaks barriers in sound technology, this 45mm, rose gold timepiece, wants the wearer to hear sound again, not read it. Strike out.

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Black gold and rose-tinted jewels for spring Muted shades of pinks and blues capture a moment in time with precision and grace Test-driving the Infiniti QX80, from city roads to the Rub’ Al Khali dunes A million-dirham suite-cum-suit staycation in Dubai

desert

warrior

A family road trip, that takes Emily Baxter-Priest from urban highway to the Rub’ Al Khali desert’s undulating roads, is the perfect excuse to test the mettle of the Infiniti QX80

spend it motoring

spend it out of this world

a saRtorial staycation Two stalwarts of style collaborate to present a million-dirham suite offer that will see you stay in the lap of luxury whilst dressed in the GCC’s most expensive suit THIS MONTH BRINGS TOGETHER two arbiters of style – ME Dubai, the only hotel in the Middle East to be designed inside and out by Dame Zaha Hadid, and bespoke British tailor, Ascots & Chapels – to launch an ultra-exclusive million dirham ‘style and staycation’ package designed for the region’s aesthetes. This lavish offer includes an interactive tailoring experience with a skilled master tailor, where guests will receive a made-to-measure three-piece Ascots & Chapels suit, made from 16.5 Micron Superfine 180s Tasmanian Merino wool woven with 24k gold thread, that will take around 200 man hours to hand stitch. The guest will then experience a ‘super VVIP status’ stay at ME Dubai, revolving around an extravagant, no expenses spared, seven-

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night stay in the hotel’s two-bedroom Suite ME. Here, you can enjoy daily spa treatments, and eat and drink wherever you like across the hotel’s F&B concepts, alongside seven days of vintage Dom Perignon Oenotheque and a curated dinner by award-winning chef James KnightPacheco, featuring Iranian Beluga Caviar prepared 12 ways. If that wasn’t enough, guests can choose from seven hyper cars to drive during their staycation, including a Lamborghini and Aston Martin, and they’ll be gifted a Dhs50,000 voucher to spend at the city’s most elite venues, including Zuma and La Petite Maison, as well as a collector’s watch from Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons worth Dhs350,000. When will you book your stay, is the million dollar question... www.mebymelia.com

spend it out of this world

A TIMELESS ISLAND E S CAPAD E

Escape to Vakkaru Maldives, an awardwinning luxury island where exquisite dining experiences await, along with rejuvenating spa, engaging activities for little islanders, exhilarating ocean adventure as well as best-in-class tennis coaching. This year, to celebrate 10 years of Baa Atoll’s designation as the country’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a yearlong 50 Shades of Blue programme is designed to pay tribute to the wonders of our mesmerising marine home as never before.

Plan ahead and book your Ramadan and Eid getaway with us. Enjoy exceptional benefits up to 30% discount on room, daily breakfast and dinner, complimentary floating breakfast or shisha with our Special Offer* for a minimum stay of four nights.

Let the timeless allure of Maldives welcome you as you immerse yourself in our timeless sanctuary.

@vakkarumaldives reservations@vakkarumaldives.com vakkarumaldives.com * To redeem our special offer, please use VAKKARU DOTW as your booking reference code

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