Lifestyle and Adventure

The Maldives edition – a Q&A with Joali general manager...

6th April 2021

Banyan Tree’s Renyung Ho on sustainability in the resort...

4th April 2021

We're living in a world where every industry has a part to play and a responsibility to uphold when it comes to preserving our environment as well as our social impact, the hotel industry being one of the largest players on this subject matter. Banyan Tree is known to spearhead the sustainability movement and support humanitarian initiatives quite strongly. Could you tell us a bit more about how Banyan Tree embodies these values, the steps taken to achieve this and what the future holds for Banyan Tree and even for yourself. What would you like to see happen in the next few years? Banyan Tree’s story is one of transformation, an idea that defines not only the journey of Banyan Tree as a company from our beginnings 26 years ago, but also our own values and beliefs. To put it simply, we believe that travel can be transformative – for the environment, and for people. This is reflected in our corporate ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People”. We apply this in the way we blend nature into the design of our properties, and how our experiences and programmes enable guests to connect with themselves, their loved ones, and the wider community. Besides environmental impact, we also design, build and hire with consideration of our impact on local communities.

Review of The Maldives Edition: Luxury at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

3rd April 2021

Depending on your travel preferences, these resorts that we’ve hand-picked offer you the best there is in comfort, hospitality and luxury appeal whilst being absolutely stringent on health and safety measures during these strange times. 

Review of Timeless luxury at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

3rd April 2021

Depending on your travel preferences, these resorts that we’ve hand-picked offer you the best there is in comfort, hospitality and luxury appeal whilst being absolutely stringent on health and safety measures during these strange times.  You’ll be surprised to know that Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru was the first international resort that opened in the Maldives in 1995. This gem of a paradise is unique in its own right and is the ideal resort if what you’re looking for is originality, preservation of lush flora and fauna and of course in keeping with the Banyan Tree spirit which is a focus on the senses, body and mind.  From Male Airport, Banyan Tree offers its own private transfer by speedboat to its island on the North Malé Atoll, which takes about 20 minutes to reach. Upon arrival at the jetty one is mesmerized by the long boardwalk and absolutely beautiful tropical trees that line the resort welcoming its guests.

Review of The Maldives Edition - Barefoot Luxury at Finolhu Resort

2nd April 2021

Depending on your travel preferences, these resorts that we've hand-picked offer you the best there is in comfort, hospitality and luxury appeal whilst being absolutely stringent on health and safety measures during these strange times.

Review of The Maldives edition – barefoot luxury at Finolhu resort

2nd April 2021

Depending on your travel preferences, these resorts that we've hand-picked offer you the best there is in comfort, hospitality and luxury appeal whilst being absolutely stringent on health and safety measures during these strange times. If there’s one way to sum up Finolhu it has to be that it is the epitome of a truly family-friendly luxury resort where parents can finally take a breather and children can roam free all the while taking in the extraordinary blue waters that the Baa Atoll has to offer. For honeymooners, the absolute ideal destination to get lost in and fall in love with. With so many resorts to choose from, Finolhu has to be at the top of your list whether coming as a newlywed, couple or as a family. This is a resort that welcomes anyone wanting and needing that freedom to relax and enjoy as they please whilst being taken care of with such friendliness and sheer hospitality, it almost feels natural. A 100% care-free and worry-free holiday resort bundle exceeding one's expectations, tied up with a big red bow is how we like to think of Finolhu, which in Dhivehi means sandbank.

Esin Gural Argat, the Entrepreneur Behind Joali Maldives

11th March 2021

After working for her family business, Esin began searching for the perfect island in the Maldives to start a beautiful art-focused resort, and thus her five star resort JOALI was born. JOALI’s concept clearly emanates both the female touch and the incredible nature by which it is surrounded. The Sybarite speaks to Esin about JOALI and her dedication to sustainability, her focus on female empowerment and what we can hope to see from her in the future. 

Melissa Perlman, founder of wellness retreat Amansala...

11th March 2021

When she took the plunge and moved to Tulum, she followed her dream to open her own beachfront resort, and hasn’t looked back since. The Sybarite speaks to Melissa about her extraordinary story, the success of Amansala, how Covid has affected her business and what she is hoping to do post-pandemic.

Esin Gural argat, the female entrepreneur behind Joali...

4th March 2021

After working for her family business, Esin began searching for the perfect island in the Maldives to start a beautiful art-focused resort, and thus her five star resort JOALI was born. JOALI’s concept clearly emanates both the female touch and the incredible nature by which it is surrounded. The Sybarite speaks to Esin about JOALI and her dedication to sustainability, her focus on female empowerment and what we can hope to see from her in the future.  You're a true business woman that comes from a family of glassware makers and it's fascinating to see how you've managed to turn JOALI into a truly beautiful and mesmerizing destination, unlike the rest. How did you go about finding this piece of island and what was your vision for it? How much of your own personality and style is reflected in JOALI?

Featuring Your questions answered – the Nautilus travel guide for a...

14th January 2021

Meanwhile we're sharing some answers to questions on how the resort are working together to navigate a worthwhile holiday safely, so that ultimately you worry less and enjoy far more than you would imagine. Don't forget to check out The Nautilus Sybarite offer. Part of the beauty and magic of The Nautilus Maldives is the Island's unparalleled location; set on its very own unspoiled and pristine white-sand Island and adorned with verdant endemic flora in the UNESCO Biosphere of the Baa Atoll. Boasting exclusivity and absolute privacy, the location of The Nautilus allows guests a greater sense of space and freedom - there are no crowded places in this staggeringly beautiful slice of paradise. The private location also means that there is strict control of the entry of personnel into the Island which is not accessible to just anyone, and because of capacity, is kept low, which helps to lessen overall risk.

The Sybarite speaks to SHA Wellness's VP Alejandro Bataller

28th October 2020

The inspiration behind SHA Wellness Clinic came when my father, Founder of SHA - Alfredo Bataller Parietti, was dealing with his own critical health issues. He was lucky enough to see a doctor who had a great understanding of nutrition and natural therapies, who enabled him to regain his health. Since then, the need and commitment to share it with as many people as possible arose, creating an establishment that combined the most effective and proven natural therapies with highly therapeutic nutrition, without neglecting the latest advances in Western medicine, especially with respect to preventive medicine, genetics, and anti-aging.

Featuring Sha Wellness health and safety precautions

14th October 2020

However, pioneers such as SHA Wellness, have made it their ultimate promise, that they will look after your wellness coming in and coming out of their unique location in Alicante, Spain.  With their new Immune System Boost program, restoring your wellness for the long term is at the core of what SHA Wellness does. By using the knowledge and experience of their medical team, they apply the most exacting standards and offer the highest medical hygiene guaranteed to keep both guests and teams healthy and safe while at the facilities. While keeping to these precautions, the SHA Wellness team ensures that the SHA experience is in no way compromised.  SHA Wellness have introduced their series of 10 important measures to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. These include a medical check up on arrival, the use of the newly built SHA App, extensive disinfection and constant check ups for the staff. Guests will have a private airport transfer and luggage will be disinfected upon arrival.