New Hurawalhi island resort’s Duniye Spa

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There are few things in the world more luxurious than being pampered in paradise. This December, the opening of the new Maldivian island, Hurawalhi, takes this one step further with its Duniye Spa. A perfect fusion of the natural and the decadent, the Duniye Spa exclusively uses chemical-free, organic, high-quality ingredients and locally-produced coconut oil whilst providing a service only capable of a luxury private island.

‘Duniye’, which means ‘universe’ represents the spa’s philosophy: a universal approach to wellness, with treatments inspired by ancient and modern cultures from around the globe. The spa villa sits over the ocean, offering a feeling of total immersion into serenity and nature. The spa is strongly influenced by the many healing traditions of Asia and Africa, complemented by The HealingEarth™ and PURE™ product lines which elevate the senses in both solo and couple treatments.  

HealingEarth™ is an African brand with each product lovingly created to harness the restorative powers of Africa’s rich natural resources. Developed by leading cosmetic scientists, all HealingEarth™ ingredients are carefully selected and meticulously researched, ensuring a pure product which connects users to the healing powers of Mother Earth. All HealingEarth™ products are free from synthetic fragrances, colourants, petro-chemicals, DEA, preservatives and parabens.  

For the ultimate in indulgence, the Maldivian Island Paradise Ritual is the one to try. This 120-minute treatment pampers from top to toe, leaving skin hydrated and hair nourished, thanks to the local 100% virgin coconut oil. It begins with a freshly ground Coconut-Vanilla Body Polish which sloughs off dry skin, revealing healthy skin beneath. A coconut hair mask is then applied, whilst the skilful therapist provides an Indian head massage using rosemary-infused coconut oil. The oil is then left to penetrate the hair, deeply conditioning it in the process, while you lie back and enjoy either a Balinese or Muscle Ease massage with coconut oil.  

All treatments are available for both solo or couple sessions and, along with the large selection of body wraps and beauty treatments, makes Hurawalhi’s Duniye Spa perfect for a luxury getaway and most of all, a much-needed rest.

Meet Hurawalhi Bars Manager — Lalith Payu

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The opening of a new property is the pinnacle of any hospitality manager’s career. The excitement of new concepts and the bond that forms among team members with the coming together of a new resort is a magical experience. Hurawalhi Maldives is no exception: its 5-star character combined with the beauty of the island is a major draw not only for guests but also for the people who will soon call it ‘home’.

The recruitment is underway and in addition to a number of new faces, we are thrilled that Hurawalhi guests will be taken care of by quite a few team members who developed their expertise at the sister resorts Kuredu and Komandoo. One such individual is Lalith Payu who has been entrusted the Bars Manager role. His dedication to delighting patrons ensured he was one of the first talents to be selected for the opening of Hurawalhi Maldives. Lalith’s eye for detail and his charming social graces, paired with the luxury surroundings of Hurawalhi, is a winning cocktail in itself.

Lalith’s experience has seen him work at the 5-star Mövenpick Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, the Wateredge Inn in the UK and several other properties; yet although Lalith’s heart is scattered around various places of the world, it is the Lhaviyani Atoll where he is happiest. Having said that, it is our pleasure that we can help him climb the career ladder and introduce his talents and joyful character to Hurawalhi guests.

Lalith will showcase his talents as a master mixologist in Coco Bar, Aquarium Bar and the Champagne Pavilion – three very different venues with equally stunning oceanfront vistas, charm and intimate ambience. He will also oversee the beverage service in Canneli and 5.8 Undersea Restaurants.

On behalf of the whole Hurawalhi team, we say welcome Lalith and a heartfelt congratulation!

Hurawalhi — Maldives without limits

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With more than 1200 resorts to choose from in an area already world-renowned for its beauty – a new opening ought to be nothing short of spectacular to be worthy of interest. Hurawalhi in the Maldives is unparalleled, extraordinary and utterly original.  Environmentally innovative, a breath-taking underwater restaurant, a tropical Champagne Pavilion, stylish villas and an over 18s-only policy and with no other resorts as far as the eye can see – Hurawalhi offers its own take on Paradise.

This is the Maldives redefined; a truly unique five-star resort experience, nestled amongst the spectacular coral reefs of Lhaviyani Atoll, opening in October 2016.    

Just a 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé, here are a distinctive collection of superbly designed, exclusive and supremely spacious villas strung across the glittering lagoon – perfectly positioned, so that all guests can enjoy either sunrise or sunset panoramas. And with dining options that include on the beach, over the water, and even under the water, the philosophy here is that nothing is impossible.  

Offering 90 Villas including 60 Ocean Villas and 30 Beach Villas, Hurawalhi is a sanctuary of serenity for grown-ups who are seeking luxury and innovation. The residences are stylishly and beautifully conceived featuring soothing décor, sumptuous linens on king size beds, bleached wooden floors, and private terraces with panoramic views.   

With a strong environmental focus, Hurawalhi gives back to the Maldives as much as it gets. Using solar panels, its own water bottling plant, energy saving solutions, hot water recovery and an in-house marine biologist, Hurawalhi’s eco credentials are the finest in the Maldives.  

In addition, Hurawalhi is collaborating with WiseOceans, the marine conservation and education specialists. WiseOceans are teaming up with the resort’s own in-house 5* PADI instructors in order to provide educational guided dives and snorkelling through the spectacular nearby reefs and shipwrecks. The island is a nesting site for green turtles and WiseOceans are tasked with preserving this natural habitat as well as educating visitors on these beautiful and endangered creatures.  

The scene-stealer is the underwater restaurant, named 5.8 and will send senses soaring in this unparalleled setting, located 5.8 meters beneath the sea.  Each dish blends the best ingredients with innovation and style, resulting in a showcase of imaginative modern cuisine, combined with an incredible location, wine and service. Surrounded by out of this world marine views, the minimalist-designed restaurant keeps the focus outside; and rates high on romance – every table is set for just two. The menu concept is a multi-course tasting extravaganza also available with wine pairing options narrated by the sommelier.  

Coming up for air, above the water, the Aquarium restaurant offers staggering sea views by day and a romantic flicker of candlelight by night.  Serving a contemporary menu with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, organic and artisanal, a Teppanyaki grill, there is an emphasis on the freshest of local seafood and the finest quality of prime beef with delectable sushi, sashimi and tempura all prepared by a personal, highly skilled chef.  

Canneli is a third option for dining, serving international cuisine prepared to the highest standards whilst overlooking the tranquil Indian Ocean. Private beach dining al fresco under the stars is also encouraged, allowing guests to create once-in-a-lifetime memories in a romantic setting second to none, enjoying signature lobster and wagyu beef created by a personal chef. The seductively lit bar is directly on the beach with al fresco decking overlooking a glimmering pool and lagoon, and includes a comprehensive shisha selection.  

For activity seekers there is tennis, badminton and beach volleyball, with a sports fishing boat for deep-sea fishing.   There is incredible diving on offer including guided diving and snorkelling boat trips and a complete PADI 5* training centre. There are jet skis available as well as paragliding, water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaks and catamarans.  

Hurawalhi’s blissful Duniye Spa brings visitors closer to nature overlooking the vibrant turquoise water. Duniye means “universe” and the name represents its philosophy: a universal approach to wellness, with treatments inspired by ancient and modern expertise from around the globe. A strong influence from the healing traditions of Asia and Africa can be seen in the spa’s repertoire, including the use of local ingredients and treatments inspired from traditional cultures. Channeling wholeness, simplicity, purity and quality, the spa uses only the highest quality chemical free, organic compound products from ‘Healing Earth™ – they are all free from petrochemicals, synthetics, colourants, DEA, preservatives and parabens.  

Indeed, there are countless reasons to visit the Maldives: dazzling white sands, cyan-blue seas, spectacular underwater life, and incredible sunsets. The opening of the extraordinary Hurawalhi ensures that this destination will remain unmissable in the years to come.

What’s exceptional:

  • 60% of the resort runs on sustainable solar energy with the majority of the villas being powered by solar panels. No Plastic Bottles – the resort has its own water bottling plant and sustainable energy throughout
  •      Best Diving in the Maldives with nearby Manta Rays, Nurse Sharks and world-class dive sites
  •      Largest and deepest underwater restaurant – 5.8 metres under the sea
  •      Adults-Only sanctuary on pure white sand on a crystal blue sea
  •      Duniye Spa uses only organic, preservative and chemical free products