Atmosphere Hotels Presents Glenelly Estate Wine Events in Maldives

Atmosphere Hotels Presents Glenelly Estate Wine Events in Maldives

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 14, 2024

Journey from the stunning shores of Atmosphere Kanifushi and VARU by Atmosphere to vineyards in Stellenbosch through authentic wine interludes this August 2024.

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, an international hospitality brand within Atmosphere Core, is proud to present a series of enriching winemaker experiences with Glenelly Estate at its two private islands, Atmosphere Kanifushi and VARU by Atmosphere. These events will take place at Atmosphere Kanifushi from 25th to 27th August and at VARU by Atmosphere from 29th to 31st August 2024. In-house guests will be invited to sophisticated wine pairing dinners and lively beachside soirées, included within the generous Holiday Plans, Kanifushi Plan™ and VARU Plan™. Lia Poveda, Lady May’s closest confidant and in charge of Glenelly Estate’s global presence, will personally host these events.

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Nicolas Laguette, the Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, commented, "Against all odds, we’re slowly putting the Maldives on the global wine map. Travelers from around the world visit us not just for our heavenly beaches and coral lagoons, but also for our authentic terroir wines and experiences with multi-generational winemakers. 2024 marks the return of Glenelly Estate with us in the Maldives, having already hosted events at VARU by Atmosphere in September of 2023. This year, we explored the core identities of our various wine partners to find similarities with our hospitality brands. Glenelly Estate, led by Lady May, embodies a commitment to innovation while preserving traditional savoir-faire, which aligns with the values of both Glenelly Estate and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts."

Lia Poveda will not only enchant guests but also collaborate with the award-winning culinary teams at Atmosphere Kanifushi and VARU by Atmosphere. She will conduct workshops and blind tastings to empower colleagues to confidently guide all guests, whether they are connoisseurs or simply wine curious.

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Atmosphere Core has been cultivating a unique wine culture driven by Authenticity and the Joy of Giving. Launched in 2021 with the ultra-luxe brand THE OZEN COLLECTION, the program expanded in 2023 to include lifestyle brands COLOURS OF OBLU and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, forming partnerships with vibrant wineries like Glenelly Estate (Stellenbosch) and Bodegas Martín Códax (Rías Baixas).

Glenelly Estate, established in 2003 by the renowned Bordeaux winemaker Madame May de Lencquesaing, affectionately known as Lady May, has a clear vision of producing vintages characterized by elegance and exceptional aging potential. The world-class estate is situated on the picturesque southern slopes of Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Glenelly Estate wines are exclusively available at Atmosphere Core resorts in the Maldives.

About Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts:

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts curates distinctive spatial experiences inspired by local culture, offering every guest the opportunity to stay immersed in a delightful environment. Promising 'A New Experience Awaits' at every destination, the brand portfolio includes Atmosphere Kanifushi, VARU by Atmosphere, and RAAYA by Atmosphere in the Maldives, and seven upcoming properties in India: SADAR MANZIL HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE BHOPAL (Q4 2024), STILLWOOD RETREAT A SIGNATURE ATMOSPHERE COORG (Q4 2024), AVONGROVE TEA GARDENS BY ATMOSPHERE MIRIK DARJEELING WEST BENGAL (Q1 2025), ATMOSPHERE LAKEVIEW KOLKATA (Q2 2026), ALLITA AN ATMOSPHERE EXPERIENCE KURSEONG DARJEELING HILLS (Q4 2026), ATMOSPHERE BHUBANESWAR (Q4 2026), and VARSĀ ELEMENTS OF NATURE BY ATMOSPHERE KANNUR (Q4 2027).

About Atmosphere Core:

Atmosphere Core is a dynamic international hospitality company with three distinctive lifestyle brands: THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. The company operates nine resorts in the Maldives and has a strong pipeline of new properties, including one resort in the Maldives, one in Sri Lanka, and ten hotels and resorts across India, all set to open within the next three years. Each Atmosphere Core property offers an authentic sense of place, inspiring service styles, and the freshest cuisine, lending a unique flavor to every experience.

Atmosphere Core Website: ATMOSPHERE

Brand Websites: THE OZEN COLLECTION / COLOURS OF OBLU


Ras Al Khaimah Emerges as One of the Fastest-Growing Real Estate Markets in the Region

Ras Al Khaimah Emerges as One of the Fastest-Growing Real Estate Markets in the Region

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly cementing its position as one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing real estate markets in the United Arab Emirates. Driven by the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirate is undergoing a remarkable transformation anchored in sustainability, community well-being and smart urban planning.

In the last three years, property sales and prices in the Emirate have surged, propelled by major hospitality, residential and commercial developments. With the population expected to rise from 0.4 million to 0.65 million by 2030, demand for an estimated 45,000 additional homes is on the horizon. This growth has attracted both global developers such as Emaar, Aldar and Ellington and local leaders including Marjan, Al Hamra and RAK Properties.

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Al Marjan Island has emerged as a flagship destination in this transformation. Under the leadership of CEO Eng. Abdullah Al Abdooli, it is welcoming iconic luxury brands including Wynn, JW Marriott, Nobu, Missoni and The Address. Further expanding Ras Al Khaimah’s commercial ecosystem, Marjan is developing RAK Central, set to become one of the Northern Emirates’ largest business districts, with Grade-A offices and sustainable infrastructure.

Al Hamra, led by CEO Benoy Kurien, continues to shape community living with Al Hamra Village’s 4,000+ homes, golf course and vibrant community. The group is also spearheading projects such as Waldorf Astoria Residences, Falcon Island, Al Hamra Waterfront and Manar Mall, the Emirate’s most popular retail hub.

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RAK Properties, through its landmark Mina development, is redefining the Emirate’s shoreline. Already hosting world-class resorts like Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah and InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah, it is gearing up to welcome Nikki Beach, Staybridge Suites and a Four Seasons. Commenting on this momentum, Chairman Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi said, “We are creating a vibrant, sustainable environment that is attracting global investment while maintaining the unique culture and natural heritage of our Emirate.” CEO Sameh Muhtadi added, “We are witnessing unprecedented global interest and this momentum will only continue.”

Supporting this real estate boom is Ras Al Khaimah’s strong infrastructure: eight hospitals including RAK Hospital, a modern education ecosystem, and its ranking among the world’s safest places. Tourism further strengthens the Emirate’s appeal, with 1.28 million visitors in 2024 enjoying attractions like Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline and the UAE’s highest-altitude restaurant, 1484 by Puro.

At the heart of it all lies Ras Al Khaimah’s 2030 Vision, a people-first development strategy focused on sustainability, inclusivity and global competitiveness. With its rising skyline, thriving communities and investor-friendly ecosystem, the Emirate is emerging as a benchmark for urban growth, lifestyle innovation and long-term prosperity.


New Zealand Shifts All Student Visa Applications to Upgraded Online Platform

New Zealand Shifts All Student Visa Applications to Upgraded Online Platform

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 19, 2025

Applying for a student visa to New Zealand will now look different, with the country introducing a fully digital process. Starting today, all international student visa applications will be processed through Immigration New Zealand’s upgraded online platform, ADEPT. The move is aimed at reducing paperwork, expediting decisions, and making the process simpler and more efficient for applicants worldwide.

From August 18, applications for English Language Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, Fee Paying Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa, New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa, and Foreign Government Supported Student Visa are automatically being directed to the new ADEPT form. Any applications submitted through the old system on or before August 17 will continue to be processed, while draft applications must be submitted by September 17. After this date, all draft applications will be deleted.

Immigration New Zealand confirmed that from September 18, paper applications will no longer be accepted for student visa categories, marking a complete shift to online processing. This change is part of a broader seven-year programme designed to transition all visa categories to a single digital platform. Visitor Visas, Accredited Employer Work Visas, and Permanent Resident Visas have already been on the ADEPT system since 2021.

In its official statement, Immigration New Zealand said, “Customers and staff are at the heart of the Our Future Services programme. We are aiming to deliver a simpler, faster, and more user-friendly visa application process to reduce waiting times, provide clear communication on application status, and increase self-service capabilities so everyone feels more informed and better supported.”

The immigration agency has also advised applicants to apply at least three months before their intended travel date, as this remains a peak period for student visa processing. Family-related visa products linked to student visas will also be shifted to the new system over the coming year as part of the phased rollout.

This digital transformation marks an important milestone for international students aspiring to study in New Zealand, providing a streamlined and modern approach to visa processing.


Red Dot Representations Partners with Unique Lanka Travels to Elevate Sri Lankan Tourism

Red Dot Representations Partners with Unique Lanka Travels to Elevate Sri Lankan Tourism

By Hariharan U

Published on August 19, 2025

India’s leading destination representation firm, Red Dot Representations, has joined hands with Unique Lanka Travels, a top travel solutions provider from Sri Lanka, to expand the island nation’s global reach and redefine the way travellers experience it.

The collaboration marks an important milestone in showcasing Sri Lanka’s beauty, culture, and diversity to a wider international audience. With Red Dot’s expertise in bespoke sales and marketing strategies, Unique Lanka Travels will gain the kind of exposure and two-way communication usually reserved for larger travel companies. This means travellers can look forward to extraordinary, customised experiences crafted with precision and care.

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Highlighting Sri Lanka’s appeal, Charith De Alwis, CEO of Unique Lanka Travels, shared,"Sri Lanka is a captivating paradise for high-end Indian travellers seeking luxury, adventure, and cultural richness. Offering pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, and vibrant heritage sites, Sri Lanka is perfect for indulgent stays at world-class resorts and thrilling outdoor adventures. At Unique Lanka Travels, our team is dedicated to customizing your experience and ensuring a seamless, pampered journey. We are excited to collaborate with Red.dot representation, a market expert, to grow together and bring exclusive Sri Lankan adventures to discerning travellers. Make Sri Lanka a must-visit destination on your bucket list!"

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Echoing the sentiment, Prabhakar Kamat, Business Head at Red Dot Representations, said,"We are excited to represent Unique Lanka Travels, as their focus on authenticity and quality brings values that align perfectly with ours. Our onus as a team will be to engage on a platform that represents Sri Lanka as a must-see destination through one-of-a-kind sales and marketing initiatives to today’s traveler."

With this partnership, both companies are set to enhance Sri Lanka’s presence in key markets, engage closely with trade partners, and set new benchmarks in experiential travel. The collaboration ultimately aims to enrich the journeys of global travellers, making Sri Lanka a must-visit destination for those seeking both luxury and authenticity

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