FIYA Magazine Issue 11

Explore captivating culinary experiences

from exquisite fine dining to feet-in-the sand candlelit dinners enveloped by the Indian Ocean. Our acclaimed chefs cater to your every wish with bespoke attention to detail. Immerse yourself amidst nature’s wonder and be inspired by our authentic Maldivian experiences.

Editor’s Note

While the pandemic compelled many of us around the world to stay closer to home, it looks like the trend is slowly fading away, we are back in the sky, once again optimistic and looking for unique holiday destinations.

Regardless of the pandemic, a few things will remain unchanged, including our search for authentic experiences. In this issue, we will be getting into the Maldivian authentic experience as we take readers through 11 unique Maldivian flavours waiting to be discovered. From the list of choices, I would definitely choose the first one. Let us know what you think!

Moving forward, in this issue we will be taking a glimpse into inspiring stories such as the “Neyvaa” free diving event that

received a Guinness World Record and the story behind the success of Oevaali, a local lifestyle business run by two sisters Raya & Raniya. And also the life of a well-known Maldivian food and beverage manager.

Additionally, the experience of becoming a female pilot in the Maldives. And of course, we could not resist talking about the delectable range of products offered by Villa Mart!

Villa Group has enjoyed much success this year. The airline was recently rebranded from Flyme to Villa Air, unveiling a new livery that incorporates a modern touch to the airline. The company also celebrated 11 years of service to the airline industry and we are pleased to share with you some highlights of the Villa dream in this issue.

Team

MANAGING EDITORS

M, AREEF

EDITORS

M, AREEF RAYYA ALI

PRODUCTION TEAM

RAYYA ALI

MATHEEN FAIZ BAASH ASHRAF

PHOTO CREDITS

M.A.D IG @MALDIVESADAGENCY

VILLA NAUTICA PARADISE ISLAND

VILLA PARK SUN ISLAND

MAAMIGILI AIRPORT YOU & ME MALDIVES

COCOON MALDIVES

OAGA ART RESORT

CROSSROADS

VILLA MART

ADVERTISING - MALDIVES

AHMED LAHUZAM REXY CROOS

SPECIAL THANKS TO

SONEVA RESORTS & RESIDENCES

CROSSROADS MALDIVES

VILLA GROUP

KAANI HOTELS

FIYAVALHU MALDIVES

REETHI BEACH RESORT

OEVAALI ART SHOP

PHOTOGRAPHY

IM STUDIO

M.A.D IG @MALDIVESADAGENCY

BY

MALDIVES AD AGENCY

Welcome

It gives me a great pleasure to welcome you to this edition of Fiya magazine after an extended break. For the past few years the world has gone through many hardships which has transformed the way we look at life itself. Maldives remains a haven for everyone around the world to come and take a break from our chaotic lives. For Villa Air, it is our privilege to be part of your journey. Welcome back to the sunny skies of the Maldives!

The biggest motivation for the success of Villa Air has been our employees and customers. Our passion to deliver a seamless service to you, our valuable customers, had remained at the forefront of our thoughts throughout the past three years. This drive has allowed us to have a

successful restart of operations and achieve successively better results from one year to the next leading up to this moment in time to let you enjoy yet another wonderful Villa Air experience in the Maldives.

This edition of Fiya focuses on a broad range of topics which I am confident will capture your interest. One of the more unique topics will be the article sharing some insight into the Villa Air team on the occasion of our 11th year of service. As an airline, Villa Air will remain steadfast in our service to our customers and we look forward to even better experiences for the years to come.

Enjoy your flight with Villa Air and have a pleasant stay in the Maldives.

CROSSROADS Maldives

WHAT ITS LIKE TAKING A DAY TRIP TO THE CROSSROADS MALDIVES

There are a lot of options for short getaways near the capital city of the Maldives, but nothing can beat the experiences you can get from the Crossroads Maldives.

A 15-minute speedboat journey from Male’ City, there isn’t a dull moment on this island, with the concept of the island created around the travellers, traders, and explorers who brought the Maldives its rich past and culture.

HOW TO GET THERE

While many people spend months or years planning and booking their trip to the Maldives, Crossroads Maldives is both easy to arrange and incredibly accessible due to its close proximity to Velana International Airport. Whether you’re seeking a hasslefree visit to the Maldives or you’re trapped on a long layover, Crossroads Maldives is the ideal destination - booking is simple via the CROSSROADS Maldives App or a quick phone call!

THE MARINA @ CROSSROADS

Crossroads Maldives is also ideal for locals searching for a weekend getaway, as it provides everything from short-day visits to long stays. The Marina area is fully accessible for Maldivians, and as one of the only resorts with local costs for round-trip tickets, the pool area has become a huge hit on weekends as a site for both families and friend groups to wind down from the long week and enjoy some peace and music.

This multi-island leisure destination has everything you could want on a short getaway– a little bit of culture, a variety of food choices, multiple locations for shopping, and an endless amount of entertainment. The heart of the Crossroads for many is the Marina, which acts as the

main hub of the island. Loved by tourists and locals alike, the Marina is a lively area which provides a variety of unique experiences from drinks and dining to shopping and leisure.

With a wide variety of food options ranging from Indian and Mediterranean to local Maldivian cuisine all available in one location, the Marina is the ideal spot whether you’re a foodie or simply want to sample the different flavours of cuisinessuch as Maldivian cuisine, which may be difficult to find in other countries.

If you’re not charmed by the wonderful flavours of many countries, the marina’s colourful yet elegant design is guaranteed to

win you over. The marina area’s breathtaking and colourful architecture seamlessly blends the elegant chic of a European Riviera town with the magical, tropical ambience of the Indian Ocean, making it a picture-perfect location to catch the beautiful sunsets of the Maldives or even get the perfect Instagramworthy picture for your feed!

LOCAL ARTISTS AND THEIR ART

Crossroads Maldives is one of the only resorts that provide a wide platform for local artists to showcase their work. Crossroads Maldives not only has at least one piece of art from a local artist in each room, but it also has the longest mural painting by Ahmed Shaffan (@Shaffoceans), a well-known local artist. Additionally, items from the Island Bazaar are available at the Rock Spa At Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, which is well known for its unique Rhythm & Motion treatment, which mixes the rhythm of music into your tranquil massage trip.

If you like performance art, Hard Rock Cafe is a great place to have a drink and listen to some live music. With one of the largest stages in the Maldives, live music is performed every day of the week. If you visit Hard Rock on a Thursday or a Sunday you may also see some good local musicians performing. With its bright interior and outdoor seating, this beachfront restaurant is the ideal venue to enjoy some good music, whether you’re celebrating or simply a music enthusiast!

UPBEAT OR RELAXED, THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Crossroads Maldives has it all, whether you’re looking for a lively, upbeat atmosphere with amazing music or to wind down and relax with gorgeous vistas.

With its live music and plethora of entertaining activities, the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives brings all the fun vibes to the island. Hard Rock takes a new approach to entertainment, offering some exciting and intriguing activities such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, selfdefence classes, boxing courses, and aerial art classes. With the entire concept centred on music and fun, music can be found all across this island, beginning with the signature The Sound of Your Stay® that follows you around your room.

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton is the ideal holiday spot for a more relaxing ambience, especially if you’re a fan of the Hilton brand. Saii Lagoon Maldives boasts suites with the most peaceful décor overlooking the gorgeous beaches of the Maldives, curated to give guests the perfect balance of culinary and lifestyle trends with an experience that genuinely sticks to your soul.

11 Years: In Pictures

TASTES, ONLY IN MALDIVES

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BAIY & GARUDHIYA

Want to eat like a local? Then you should definitely try out baiy and garudhiya or rice with tuna broth.

Served in almost every single Maldivian household, this is one of the most commonly served dishes for both lunch and dinner alike.

Garudhiya is either cooked to have mild flavours by simply cooking tuna cubes in salted water with pandan and curry leaves or for a more aromatic and flavourful broth dried up chillis, diced onions and bilimbi can be added.

The simplicity of the dish allows you to add any condiment you want to create a unique rice plate. Some of the most popular local condiments to have with this dish are fried moringa leaves, lime wedges, pickled vegetables, Maldivian chilli paste and some additional onion.

With this combination, every mouthful will have you craving more as the spicy, umami, earthy and absolutely mouth-watering flavours are blended together to create a taste that can only be experienced by eating the dish.

Even though baiy garudhiya is a famous Maldivian dish, it cannot be found in every restaurant in the Maldives.

Usually cooked in local households, this dish can be found in local restaurants known as ‘hotaa/ sai hotaa’ such as ‘Magukolhu Hotaa’ or any other restaurants that serve Maldivian cuisine.

02| OF 11 TASTES ONLY IN MALDIVES RIHAAKURU

When considering the vast breadth of Maldivian cuisine, there is one single component that genuinely stands out as the definitive ‘Maldivian taste’, and that is ‘Rihaakuru’ or Maldivian fishpaste. While Rihaakuru itself might come off as a strong flavour to many, simply adding in some fresh lime juice, chopped-up chillis, and onion mellows down the strong flavours of rihaakuru and brings out a pleasant spicy, tangy, and sour flavour that goes well with many dishes.

This paste can be enjoyed with roshi (Maldivian flat-bread), a hot plate of rice or even some raw mango wedges.

At breakfast, lunch, or supper, there is always a dish that needs a little bit of rihaakuru to bring out the ideal flavour combination for any time of the day.

Sliding Into Your Dream Vacation

When you visit the Maldives, you are always looking for something new—and this new addition at You & Me Maldives will not disappoint.

Many might have thought they did not need this addition until they experienced it for themselves. While any overwater villa in the Maldives would be a dream come true for many, the true experience of a villa is incomplete without a water slide.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind, a villa on its own might give you the sense of a calm island getaway with a picturesque view. Add a waterslide into that villa and you have your very own version of a waterpark, right in your dream destination!

With this new feature, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of taking a walk or climbing down a flight of stairs to get to the beach. As the waterslide is attached to the terrace of the villa, guests can easily just slide right off their dream villa into the crystal clear waters of the Maldives– adding a fun treat to a dream vacation in the Maldives.

You & Me Maldives is all about love, making this resort the perfect spot for lovebirds looking for a romantic getaway. Located just 30 minutes away from the capital city Male’ by seaplane, You & Me Maldives not only features beautiful white sandy beaches but also homes one of the only underwater restaurants found in the Maldives.

Hassan Shareef (Chilli) is a highly skilled and innovative Food & Beverage Manager at Sun Island Resort & Spa Maldives.

He has been part of the Villa Hotels & Resorts Company since 2019 and counts his appointments with the company as one of the most remarkable achievements of his hospitality career so far.

His proven track record for exceptional attention to detail and personalized service sets him apart and is a testament to his amazing guest feedback. When talking about his

experience in wedding and special event setups for Sun Island Resort & Spa, Hassan highlights that one of the most rewarding parts is seeing the finished result come together and the happy guests sharing once-in-a-lifetime moments in paradise following his detailed preparation and organisation in advance.

Interview

During your career with Villa Hotels & Resorts, what do you consider as your most remarkable achievement so far?

I joined the Villa Hotels & Resorts team on the 16th of June 2019. I would say, the most remarkable achievement during my career journey so far is the opportunity to perform as the Food & Beverage Manager at Sun Island Resort & Spa, one of the most iconic and largest resorts in the Maldives. It is a pleasure to hold this role and I am proud of the passionate team that supports me in this role.

What do you enjoy the most about your current role as F&B Manager and what are the challenges that you face?

Working on such a large-scale operation with a multicultural and multi-skilled team is just fantastic. The team aspect of this job is something that greatly appeals to me. I find that I end up learning a lot about what I am capable of when working in synch with other team members. F&B operation, customer service, and working with a motivated team is in my blood. I thrive working in a busy atmosphere and being surrounded by my hard-working team

Can you give us an insight into the wedding setups and special events that you organize at the resort?

Whether organizing an intimate beach dinner for a couple or a large-scale beach set up with over 100 guests attending, special event planning is a huge task and I take great pride in executing every aspect with exceptional detail. Every event no matter how simple or complex requires detailed planning and organization in advance.

Throughout all of our special events at Sun Island Resort & Spa, we identify the key areas where we can create a memorable experience for the guests while tailoring a bespoke service to suit their dream wedding ceremony or special event in order to bring a guests’ dreams to life. We understand the importance of personalized service and unique experiences to create those once-in-a-lifetime moments that guests wish to cherish from their Maldives vacation.

What is your most enjoyable part about arranging the weddings and special events at Sun Island Resort & Spa?

Understanding the mission, purpose, and value of our guests is the most enjoyable part of arranging weddings and special events at Sun Island Resort & Spa. Every successful event has a primary purpose or mission, accompanied by certain goals and objectives, which are the measurements of our success. I enjoy getting the opportunity to meet people from all over the world at my job. I find it amazing to learn from all of our guests and gain insights into their culture and experiences.

Can you tell us about your career goals and future plans both at Sun Island Resort & Spa and your personal developments?

I am fascinated by the trends in the hospitality industry and aspire to gain a solid background working at top resorts in the Maldives and overseas. The prospect of working for a 100% locally owned hotel chain is very appealing to me. My goal for many years was to become an F&B Manager and I have now achieved that. Now as I look forward, I wish to build and manage a larger team and advance further as a true leader. I have found that I really enjoy mentoring and leading a team. I feel this aspiration would provide me with a new challenge and bring out the best of my abilities at the same time. I am always striving to improve even in day-today operations. I am inspired to keep growing and developing and look forward to what the future holds.

What would you inform to guests planning their dream wedding ceremony at Sun Island Resort & Spa?

We are thrilled when we receive any request from guests travelling to Sun Island Resort & Spa. We have a diverse range of styles set up for a beach wedding ceremony. Guests can explore endless possibilities and freedom at Sun Island Resort & Spa. The private white sandy beach fringed by turquoise waters and swaying lush palm trees is an idyllic backdrop for exchanging vows.

The Maldives is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world, making it a magical location for a destination wedding. Most beach weddings will not only have the ceremony on the beach, but also the

reception, complete with flowers, music, and excellent food.

Villa Hotels & Resorts strive to lead in exceptional and personalized service, with curated experiences designed to cater to every dream detail. We encourage our guests who plan a wedding ceremony at the resort to immerse themselves in romantic once-in-a-lifetime experiences and treasure unforgettable moments together as they embark on the journey of a lifetime together. Whatever their special event, we’ll make it exquisite.

Top Picks

MUST VISIT SPOTS FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE MALDIVES

OAGA ART RESORT, MALDIVES

This homegrown, authentic Maldivian, open-communitybased, brand new five-star beach resort officially opened this new year 2023, and is definitely the best place to get in touch with your inner creative selves! Whether you are celebrating your honeymoon, anniversary or planning a family holiday, Oaga offers that ideal moment, that irreplaceable feeling of authenticity and belonging which can only be experienced once on the island.

Your journey starts at Velana International Airport with a complimentary 45-minute speedboat transfer. Oaga Art Resort redefines ‘all-inclusive’ to a whole new level, with inclusions such as creative expression (art classes), take notes (music) experiences, thashi-bari In-Villa dining to floating meal, choices of motorised and non-motorised water-sports and many more.

Along with the natural beauty of the surrounding tropics, sand and sea, Oaga Art Resort offers small doses of artistic and learning experiences of Maldivian history and culture. The island boasts of the largest handpainted mural pool, the largest art collection from local artists and Maldivian folk-lore inspired architecture with a contemporary twist that perfectly complement your ultimate Maldivian getaway.

From the very first moment you step foot on the island, you are greeted with a unique ‘Aanlheoa’ tune (meaning welcome in ancient Dhivehi). With 60 villas for beach or overwater options, 4 dining venues including a never seen before in the Maldives theatrical dining speciality restaurant and a spa inspired by Maldivian traditional healing, it is evident that Oaga Art Resort has a lot of heart, setting itself apart in the tourism industry of the Maldives.

KAANI HOTELS

If you’re looking to book a trip to the Maldives, one thing you may discover is the hefty price one has to pay to enjoy all the beauty this country has to offer. What many don’t realise is, you do not have to pay thousands of dollars to explore the beauty of this country, vacationing in the Maldives on a budget is actually easier than you think!

Kaani Hotels brings visitors luxury on a budget – two words you never thought you would hear in one sentence? With Kaani, you get all the advantages of enjoying beautifully curated, luxurious stays without having to break the bank for it. In order to truly discover the best of what Kaani has to offer, pack your bags and take a short 30-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport to the beautiful island of Maafushi.

Five stunning Kaani hotels outlets can be found on this nearby island, offering visitors the most luxurious accommodations with sea views and access to some of the island’s greatest cuisine. Like any luxury resort, Kaani Hotels offers fun-filled activities, themed nights for guests to enjoy, and thrilling excursions to places like sandbanks and island hopping, but at more affordable prices.

While it surely is hard to imagine exploring the Maldives on a budget, Kaani Hotels has turned this dream into a reality, bringing you the best of the Maldives – on a budget.

When you think about the perfect tropical getaway in the Maldives, a peaceful retreat in the middle of the crystal clear oceans filled with lush greenery are definitely at the top of the list of things to look for, and Paradise Island brings you the perfect combination of all three.

Paradise Island is not only well-renowned for its natural beauty but also takes measures to preserve and protect the island, leading to the resort being certified for a Green Key award. This prestigious eco-label award represents the resort’s commitment to a sustainable way of life and passion for preserving the Maldives’ fragile environment. This eco-friendly approach of the resort makes it more appealing for travellers who

wish to immerse themselves in the Maldives’ natural beauty while being conscious of its environmental impact.

Paradise Island has implemented a sustainability policy and concrete plan with objectives and annual actions formulated for continuous improvements in environmental management, social and cultural commitments, and health and safety issues. In addition, the resort has developed strategies to keep the island’s unique surroundings untouched for the future.

The installation of an advanced solar panel system by Swimsol Maldives aids the resort’s clean, renewable energy production. Moreover, Paradise Island continually

monitors energy and water usage and has devised innovative initiatives to minimize usage to reduce the resort’s carbon footprint. The resort encourages travellers to actively involve in beach clean-up activities and coral reef restoration programs.

Suppose you wish to be part of a sustainable future and help the planet by adopting eco-friendly practices. In that case, Paradise Island stands out as a resort offering an immersive adventure and inspiring a deeper connection with the Maldives’ nature during your vacation.

PARADISE ISLAND RESORT & SPA

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THELULI ALA

While the world might just be discovering snacks such as taro chips, ‘theluli ala’ as locals know it has been around in the Maldives for a long time. Theluli Ala is a local delicacy that is enjoyed at tea time, for any form of celebration or even gifted to people after a trip from the islands.

Anyone searching for a snack that is not excessively sweet would love theluli ala as it takes on a slightly sweet and nutty flavour with a hint of earthiness to them.

Theluli ala can be quite addictive because if you enjoy eating taro chips, you will soon find yourself craving them more than any other snack!

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THELULI BAMBUKEYO

Whether it is boiled or caramelised, the taste of breadfruit is something you can never bore of. If you are new to this fruit, you may want to try it in its simplest form: Theluli Bambukeyo (breadfruit chips) is made with the fleshy pulp of the Bambukeyo while it’s half-ripe or green in colour.

Thinly sliced and deep fried into a golden colour, the taste and texture of theluli bambukeyo also take on a similar flavour profile to potato chips. Slightly starchy and sweet, these chips do not require any addition of salt or seasoning as the delicate taste is enjoyable on its own.

For those looking for a dish that sparks joy both hot and cold, saagu bondibaiy (sago pudding) is the perfect local treat to have.

Saagu bondibaiy can be cooked to two different consistencies as well. Some like it more watered down which tastes much better when it is cooled down while others add Milo powder into it, making a boba-like drink. Cooked into a thicker, pudding-like consistency is, however, more common in the Maldives – scoop a few spoonfuls into a bowl, add condensed milk to your liking and you will get a simple yet delectable sweet treat!

Glow In The Dark Beaches

Everyone has the Maldives on their list of holiday destinations that they need to visit at least once in their life. However, if you’re still wondering why a visit to the Maldives should be on your bucket list, the fascination around the glowing beaches of the Maldives should be on top of the list!

If you thought that the beaches in the Maldives could not get any better than the Instagram-worthy destinations they are, even one picture of the glowing beaches in the Maldives will prove you wrong. While it is hard to predict the exact months when this phenomenon occurs, lucky ones get a glimpse of the true beauty of a shimmering beach at night time.

During this phenomenon bioluminescent planktons locally known as ‘redhan’ glow up the beaches in bright blue colours. These planktons make it feel like stars from the night sky flew down to the Earth as they sparkle at your feet.

There are only a handful of beauties that make you question your eyes, and these glowing beaches are definitely one of them. No matter how long you watch the shimmering colours and run along shores enjoying the blinking lights, it’s truly something one cannot bore of. While we’re used to seeing such colours in pictures, seeing something so vibrant in real life is a feeling that is hard to describe as some beauties need to be experienced. The true beauty of these planktons comes out when they’re agitated by crashing waves or footsteps, as this turns the planktons into a bright turquoise.

On a starry night, it’s hard to tell the difference between the glowing beaches and the star-studded sky. This addition to the natural beauty of the country is the perfect photo moment to capture the true beauty of a vacation in the Maldives!

My Experience With Villa Air

My name is Mauroof Mohamed and as the Director of Human Resources to Dusit Thani Maldives, I am a frequent flyer of Villa Air and I have been interacting and working with Villa Air and its staff since 2018.

I personally believe that it’s not just the destination, it’s the entire journey that matters and Villa Air has proved to be the best with their enhanced travel convenience. Starting from the ground crew, my sincere appreciation to the efficient pilots and amazing cabin crew for providing top-notch service.

I highly recommend Villa Air as they offer the best value in terms of flights, reliable service with consistent safety and hygiene protocols in the Maldives.

My experience with Villa Air has always been pleasant and I commend the Villa Air team for maintaining its standards over the years.

Neyvaa 2

VILLA HOTELS AND RESORTS DELIGHTED TO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN “NEYVAA 2” FREE DIVING GUINNESS WORLD RECORD EVENT

‘Neyvaa 2’ officially received a Guinness World Record on 1st October 2022 for the most people simultaneously performing static apnea from all over the Maldives.

The event commemorating the Golden Year of the Maldives tourism industry saw 455 people taking part, where 79 participants were from Villa Hotels & Resorts.

“Sun Island Resort and Spa’s team were immensely thrilled to participate in this event. Twenty-five dedicated and passionate members of our team underwent rigorous and continuous training to make this historic world record happen.

Sun Island Resort also played a significant role in training participants in the months leading up to the event. I wish to thank Free Diving instructors, along with diveOceanus at Sun Island Resort, who trained the participants from Sun Island Resort.”

Static apnea is a freediving discipline in which a person holds their breath underwater for as long as possible while floating on the water’s surface. Apnea has an ancient heritage in the Maldives Islands. For thousands of years, freediving was used to gather food and other resources, such as pearls, sponges, and corals, from beneath the waves.

Long before scuba diving, free divers were challenging their ability to dive deeper to obtain treasures from the ocean depths. Permitting a deep connection to the ocean, many Maldivians learned the techniques of freediving from a young age growing up on the islands. Today, freediving is about depth, duration, technique and mindset, health, wellbeing, learning, and challenging the body.

As the pioneering freediving instructor and PADI freediving professional training centre in the Maldives, Freedive Maldives in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, organized the event to raise awareness of the impact of climate change. The event also promotes the Maldives as a prevalent destination for adventurous sports.

“Neyvaa”, which translates to “breathe” in the local Dhivehi language, embodies a new breath towards raising awareness on the importance of preserving the Maldives environment and supporting environmental sustainability.

“The Neyvaa event has taught us that we are not limited; by putting in the training and effort, we can achieve anything and etch our names in the history books. It also showed us that motivating and training others to unlock their potential is key to developing a successful team.”

- Hussain Saanim, Dive Manager, Paradise Island Resort

An adventure awaits you {extra}ordinary

Reethi Beach boasts over 20 years of hospitality in the Maldives, located in the idyllic Baa Atoll, the only UNESCO biosphere in the Maldivian archipelago. The island is a pioneer in the atoll for sustainable tourism and has recently been awarded the Green Globe Certification, demonstrating the long-term environmental commitments of the resort. It offers a wide array of timeless experiences, from swimming in the infamous Hanifaru Bay to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants that resides within the turquoise blue waters, which promises true escapism. Our adventurous connoisseurs seek Reethi Beach Resort, not merely for its aura of a paradise island, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence here at our property. Reethi Beach Resort serves as a venerated oasis for travelers, guests and families alike.

06| OF 11 TASTES ONLY IN MALDIVES

KASHIKEYO FANI

Kashikeyo (screwpine fruit) is yet another component found in traditional Maldivian food that many people might be unfamiliar with. kashikeyo is not only a pretty fruit to look at, but due to its distinctive mildly sweet tropical flavours is extremely unique and cannot be compared to the flavours of any other fruit.

While it is hard to describe the exact flavours of kashikeyo-fani, tropical and exotic might be the most fitting words as this fruit tastes exactly like the best flavours from a goodsummer holiday spent in the Maldives!

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RUKU RAA

If you want to try an authentic Maldivian drink while visiting the Maldives, ‘Ruku Raa’ or coconut palm toddy is the way to go. Typically collected early in the morning using a Raa Ban’dhi, the Raaveriya (toddy tapper) collects the sap extracted by cutting the tip of the coconut palm blossoms and using the Raa Ban’dhi to collect the fluid that is left to ferment, usually overnight, producing a sweet and fresh drink locally called ruku-raa or raa for short.

Depending on the level of fermentation, raa can go from having a fizzy vinegary taste that any kombucha lover would immediately fall in love with, but with less fermentation raa is a sweet coconut-flavoured drink that is perfect to have on a hot sunny day.

08| OF 11 TASTES ONLY IN MALDIVES

MAS-RIHA 10| OF 11 TASTES ONLY IN MALDIVES

While most people think of India when the word curry is mentioned, it’s hard to imagine a more exotic dish than tuna curry from the Maldives. While the influence of curry from the Maldives surely comes from India, it has been adapted by the Maldivians to their own taste.

Locally known as Kulhi Boakibaa, this local delicacy is no ordinary ‘fishcake’ as this dish is solely available in the Maldives. This dish incorporates all of the Maldivian favourites to create the perfect combination of spicy and savoury with a hint of tanginess.

There is only one thing you can do to make your boakiba taste even better, and that is to have it with a cup of steaming hot sai (black tea). This is the ultimate tea-time combination for anyone looking to experience the truly authentic tastes of the Maldives as the sweet flavours of sai bring out the savoury flavours of boakiba that will truly tingle your tastebuds and take you to food heaven!

If you ever find yourself in the tropical islands of the Maldives, you must try a local sweet delight. The clear winner in this category is ‘Addu Bondi,’ also known as ‘Addu Bendi’. With its caramelized coco-nutty flavours, one bite of this dessert will transport you to sugary tropical euphoria. Typically served with tea, the perfect way to enjoy Addu Bendi is alongside some ‘Valho-mas’ (Maldivian smoked tuna) or alongside some famous Maldivian snacks such as Kulhi Kaajaa or Kudhi Gulha (deep-fried local snacks).

11 years: Meet First Officer Hawwako

I took a two-year gap after finishing my A-levels and worked briefly before applying for a government grant to pursue my ambition of becoming a pilot. Fortunately, I got a scholarship that was partially funding my education, so I took a chance on myself and went ahead with my studies. I did have to take a break throughout my training due to financial circumstances, however, after three years I completed my training and even got my seaplane rating in order to ensure job security in the Maldives.

After completing my studies, I first got the opportunity to join TMA, as an administrative officer in their Training Department under Captain Jiffry’s supervision, and started flying after about six months of working at the job.

How has your career developed over the years?

Initially, I took a job at Villa Air doing compliance work along with flying under the supervision of Captain Ihusan. Within six months I got my ATR rating, I was flying and doing the compliance work which opened my eyes to the field– apart from just flying it really showed me the 3D picture of what was happening behind the scene. After about two and half years I was ready for my upgrade training to become a Captain. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic followed by my maternity leave, I was on a long break and I am finally ready to continue flying. I am currently waiting to continue my upgrade training which got delayed during this period, so initially, I will be flying as a senior first officer.

My ultimate goal is to work in aviation management while flying, and right now I am studying for a bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Villa College I have completed year one of the course, and I intend to continue my studies while flying for Villa Air. It’s going to be quite challenging to continue flying, and continue the degree program while being new to motherhood, however, I am ready to face the challenge, and I really appreciate the support I receive from the management, as well as family and friends.

The start of captain Hawwa’s Journey

My name is Hawwa Thaufeeq. I have been working in this industry since 2014 and joined Villa Air in 2016.

Some airlines have a very hectic schedule, but with Villa Air, we get our roster one month in advance, so we can see on the calendar our off days, training days and days when we have to fly or if we need to do a medical. So, on days when I have to fly, I check what time duty or flight time is, and arrive at the airport 45 minutes before the flight time to be on duty. How many flights you have that day can vary. Normally we have 3-5 flights a day.

When it comes to Villa Air, we currently only fly to two destinations - Maamigili and Dharavandhoo, so we do flights between these two destinations. Our schedule is dependent on the roster published by the airline for us, and in a week we might have four or five days scheduled for us to fly. In comparison to other airlines, I would say that working as a pilot and getting off time is fairly straightforward at Villa Air. Regardless of whatever airline you fly for or which trips you have, rest is essential in a pilot’s life to avoid fatigue because there isn’t enough coffee in the world to help with that!

When it comes to piloting, I feel it is rather male-dominated, and I think this is because many people believe that flying an aeroplane requires a lot of muscle power. A lot of young girls who are interested in pursuing the field have asked me if they need a certain physique to become a pilot, but I always tell them if they can drive a bike, they can definitely fly an aircraft.

I believe that having that kind of perception about piloting is one of the reasons why many girls are not interested in pursuing a career in that profession.

And I think we are now seeing an increase in female pilots, owing to social media empowerment, which allows them to see what the profession is like and dispels the myth that you need muscles to carry the plane. So I believe that the narrative surrounding flying as a male-dominated sector is evolving, with the idea that if the guy can do it, so can the women.

What’s the life of a pilot like?

Why do you think the piloting industry or the aviation industry is so male dominated?

What are some changes you would like to see within the Maldivian aviation industry?

When it comes to the Maldives’ aviation industry, one thing I would want to see is more female pilots. The experiences I’ve had where I’ve worked have been really positive, but I’d like to see more girls actively working in the sector.

I would also like to see more male cabin crews as well as people respecting cabin crews for the work they perform rather than viewing them as someone who is only there to serve them.

Another thing I’d like to say about the industry is that I’d like to see airlines assist struggling student pilots by providing scholarships so that students who are passionate about piloting can pursue their aspirations.

“ I want to tell future female pilots that you don’t have to be physically strong to fly an aircraft, if you pass your medicals you should really go for it! ”

Villa Mart

Villa Trading Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the Villa Group Companies, was founded in January 2021 as a general trading firm involved in wholesale and retail operations.

Villa Mart is a retail firm founded in March 2021 by Villa Trading Pvt. Ltd with the goal of delivering high-quality consumer items at reasonable costs. As of November 2022, there are four major outlets of Villa Mart, operated in the Greater Male’ Area with three outlets in Male’ City and one in Hulhumale’. Villa Mart currently carries eight exclusive brands in their stores, including Almarai, Eti, Rostaa, Bob’s Red Mill, Pfanner, Tony’s Chocolonely, Gardens, and Plein Soleil.

Villa Mart carries a wide variety of fresh and long-lasting dairy and milk products ranging from cheese and butter to evaporated milk, full cream, low fat and powdered milk from Villa’s exclusive brand Almarai. In addition to this, Villa mart also carries Almarai juices which are 100% fresh with a variety of flavours to choose from including the widely popular mango juice with grapes.

In the snack section of Villa Mart, Turkey’s famous ETI brand can be found. Enjoyed and loved by all generations, Villa Mart carries ETI products ranging from biscuits, chocolates & chocolate products, wafers, crackers, cake & pie, healthy & digestive products, breakfast products, frozen products, chilled snacks and baby products as well.

When it comes to gluten-free, organic, non-GMO and whole-grain foods, Bob’s Red Mill Natural foods is the perfect brand of choice. With the mission to create “Good Food with Great Heart”, the company proudly offers a large line of Non-GMO project verified and USDA Organic products, and a multitude of products from Bob’s Red Mill including baking essentials, whole grains, hot cereals, grab-and-go, snack and more can now be found in Villa Mart!

For your daily fix of dried fruits to boost and supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals while also increasing your metabolism, Villa Mart’s selection of Rostaa products such as cashews, almonds, pistachios, blueberries, dates, figs and apricots will provide you with a wide range of sweet and savoury dried fruits to choose from.

In the dessert aisle of Villa Mart, Tony’s Chocolonely chocolates in both 50g and 180g can be found. Providing a broad selection of flavours ranging from dark, hazelnut milk, to caramel and honey chocolates, this brand is 100% slave-free chocolatier; meaning they are against slavery and child labour involved in harvesting cocoa in African countries.

Feeling like Jam for breakfast? Gardens Jam is an organic brand with a variety of unique fruity flavours including apple, strawberry, apricot, cherry, orange, and peach, all of which are available at Villa Mart in both 250g and 500g.

Lastly, Plein Soleil offers not only a diversified range of quality food products, but over a decade of excellence in food production as well. With products ranging from frozen or fresh fruits and vegetables to dairy, frozen appetizers, cooking oils, as well as condiments, Plein Soleil’s goods taste fresh all year round; the vegetables are picked at the pinnacle of perfection and frozen or canned promptly to lock the nutrients in.

With Plein Soleil products now available exclusively at Villa Mart, you can now enjoy your favourite food at home, or please any crowd thanks to their quick and delicious appetizers!

To go along with this, Pfanner’s fruit juice and iced tea is the perfect choice. Widely appreciated around the world, offering one of the largest ranges of fruit juices, nectars and iced teas made from the best local and exotic fruits, both tangy and sweet.

In addition to providing refreshments and the most flavourful tastes, Pfanner places a great deal of importance on sustainability making most of Pfanner’s ice teas Rainforest Alliance certified. Products bearing this seal of approval contain 100% tea from Rainforest AllianceCertified farms.

Oevaali Art Shop

How it all started

Having found themselves living together in Singapore after many years, the sisters reconnected with their love for art. From this, combined with being away from home, began a small collection of art pieces paying tribute to the oceanic wonders of Maldives. Countless kitchen table meetings later, along with art and design work completely taking over their apartment, www.oevaaliartshop.com was finally launched as an online store, with worldwide delivery.

From being simply an idea between sisters in 2015, all four Partners now have completely transitioned into this venture, with fully operational eCommerce and Retail outlets and worldwide delivery to serve our individual local and international customers; a wonderful all-Maldivian full-time team supporting daily operations; and strong brand presence all around the archipelago, starting with a vibrant portfolio of over 80 corporate clients engaging our services for bespoke merchandise, or as resort boutique stockists.

Founded in 2015, Oevaali Art Shop began as a simple idea between Maldivian sisters Raniya & Raya Mansoor, and started up as a Partnership with Imma Rasheed and Ali Ajikko.

Oevaali Art Shop started with Fine Art, and that remains at the centre of our model. Art for Interiors is one of our key products/ services; along with a selection of art pieces that can be directly purchased at our shop. This then inspires and guides the rest of our product lines and design.

We hope to continue to create more art and design for our customers and enrich the shared appreciation of our islands, our stories, our nature, our people and this beautiful coastal lifestyle.

What makes the Oevaali brand so unique?

We are passionate Maldivian artists and designers, and our primary focus is creating with purpose and heart. All of our products are designed inhouse; our goal in this industry is to design a life we love, aligned with Maldivian identity and heritage, with excellence at the forefront as a market leader and trusted partner for art, design, retail and bespoke services in the Maldives.

Purchase Oevaali Products from:

In-store - Oevaali Art Shop, Sosun Magu, Male’ Our website and online store: www.oevaaliartshop.com (we ship world-wide)

Instagram: @oevaaliartshop

Facebook: @oevaaliartshop

The process behind the art

11 years: Why Villa Air

“ For the past eleven years I have had the privilege of partly contributing and seeing first-hand, the positive impact of Villa Group on entire communities. Having a grand vision, the will and perseverance to make it a reality, while at the same time contributing immensely to the betterment of the Maldivian community are the most attractive attributes of Villa Group.”

- Adam Fainan Waheed

“

From the start, I worked for Villa Air and I love the work environment and the management here at Villa Air. ”

- Farish Faisal

“Something I greatly appreciate about Villa Air is the great opportunities provided along with the work inspiration I get from working alongside several talented individuals, on a daily basis.”

“ Villa Air has a fun working environment and as a single mom, I greatly appreciate the flexible working hours at this company! ”

- Mausooma Abdulla

- Moosa Saasan Rasheed

“Working in Villa Air for the past decade has been a passion. This is one of the best working environment that helped me to build a better career. “

- Hassan Inash

Day Visit

11 TASTES ONLY IN MALDIVES

MASHUNI & ROSHI

Every country has their go-to breakfast that is simple, quick and easy to make. When it comes to the Maldives, the most authentic go-to breakfast is definitely mashuni (tuna salad) with roshi (plain roti). While tuna salad might be the easiest way to describe mashuni to anyone who does not know Dhivehi, it is an extreme understatement as the outstanding flavours of this simple dish is exactly why it is so popular among locals and tourists alike.

Prepared by simply mixing in some

chopped onions, lime juice, chillis, and grated coconut into some canned or smoked tuna, each of the simple condiments in this dish works together to create the most delectable flavours.

If you end up getting some mashuni on your visit to the Maldives, asking for a side of additional chopped chillis and onion, lemon wedges and some hot sai (black tea) would make for the perfect way to start your day in the beautiful islands of the Maldives.