Seb’s Farm: Redefining Island Dining at RAAYA by Atmosphere

Seb’s Farm: Redefining Island Dining at RAAYA by Atmosphere

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 7, 2025

RAAYA by Atmosphere has introduced a new gem to its culinary offerings: Seb’s Farm, a farm-to-table restaurant that celebrates sustainability, local flavors, and unforgettable island experiences. Nestled in the heart of Raaya Island, this innovative dining venue combines fresh, organic produce with a stunning alfresco ambiance, redefining island dining for its guests.

At Seb’s Farm, every detail is thoughtfully crafted. Picture dining under the Maldivian stars, with rustic wooden tables adorned with fresh blooms and seasonal produce. The gentle ocean breeze sets the mood for a menu brimming with local flavors and sustainable practices.

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The farm itself is a marvel, housing vegetables, fruits, fragrant herbs, a hydroponic garden, and a poultry farm. Dishes are created using ingredients grown on-site or sourced from local fishermen. The Seb’s Farm Signature Menu offers Maldivian-inspired delicacies like RAAYA Fish Soup, infused with curry leaves and Maldivian chili, and Kanamadhu Chocolate Fudge, a decadent almond cake paired with coconut ice cream. Refreshments include creative cocktails such as Seb’s Florals with cucumber and lime, and Raa Gin infused with passionfruit and strawberry.

Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, describes Seb’s Farm as more than a dining venue. “In today’s fast-paced world, people yearn for meaningful connections. Seb’s Farm offers a chance to reconnect with nature through gardening sessions, culinary masterclasses, and farm tours. It’s an experience designed to uplift the spirit.”

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The farm’s sustainable ethos extends beyond the plate. Food waste is transformed into compost for the farm and nearby islands, while rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and zero-waste kitchen practices further underscore RAAYA’s commitment to the environment.

Located just a 45-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, RAAYA by Atmosphere is a five-star resort featuring 167 beach and overwater villas. With six diverse dining options, the resort blends local Maldivian traditions with global flavors, offering activities ranging from water sports and diving to stargazing and wellness at the signature ELE|NA Ayur spa.

Seb’s Farm is a testament to RAAYA by Atmosphere’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and unforgettable guest experiences, redefining what it means to dine on a Maldivian island.


Dubai International Airport Prepares for 3.6 Million Passengers During Back-to-School Travel Peak

Dubai International Airport Prepares for 3.6 Million Passengers During Back-to-School Travel Peak

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 17, 2025

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is preparing for one of the busiest travel periods of the year as families return from summer holidays and students travel for the new academic year. Between 13 and 25 August 2025, DXB is expected to handle over 3.6 million passengers, with daily averages around 280,000. Passenger numbers are forecast to peak on Friday, 15 August, with traffic exceeding 290,000.

This seasonal surge follows a strong first half of 2025 for Dubai’s tourism and aviation sectors. The city welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors, a 6% year-on-year increase, while DXB recorded over 46 million passengers, reaffirming its position as the world’s busiest international airport.

To ensure a smooth experience, Dubai Airports is coordinating with its oneDXB community including airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to manage crowd flow, expedite passenger processing, and enhance guest services.

Passengers are encouraged to use Smart Gates for passport control if traveling with children aged 12 and above and to keep passports, boarding passes, and visas ready for inspection. DXB offers a variety of amenities, including lounges, dining outlets, retail stores, and duty-free shopping, as well as direct access to the Dubai Metro from Terminals 1 and 3. Alternative transport options such as Uber, Careem, RTA taxis, and car rentals are also available.

Enhanced services are available for People of Determination, including marked accessibility routes, discreet assistance for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyards, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.

With coordinated efforts across stakeholders, DXB aims to maintain high service quality and ensure passengers enjoy a seamless start or end to their journeys during this busy travel period.


Abu Dhabi Airports Reports 13% Passenger Growth in H1 2025

Abu Dhabi Airports Reports 13% Passenger Growth in H1 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 16, 2025

 Abu Dhabi Airports has reported a 13.1 per cent increase in passenger traffic for the first half of 2025, welcoming 15.8 million travellers across its five-airport network. This growth marks the 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit passenger traffic expansion, reflecting the airport group’s pivotal role in economic growth and global connectivity.

Zayed International Airport (AUH) led the surge, handling 15.5 million passengers, up 13.2 per cent year-on-year. Total aircraft movements across the network reached 133,533, a 9.2 per cent increase, with AUH registering 93,858 movements, up 11.4 per cent.

Route expansion has been central to the growth strategy, with 16 new destinations added in H1 2025. Highlights include China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai service, Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights, Fly Cham’s Damascus route, and IndiGo’s new connections from Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Visakhapatnam, strengthening AUH as the airline’s most connected UAE hub.

Cargo volumes also rose 4.8 per cent, reaching 344,795 tonnes, supported by a joint venture with JD Property for a 70,000 sqm advanced logistics facility, catering to growing east-west e-commerce demand.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The first six months posed operational challenges, yet our results demonstrate the resilience of our network and collaborative partnerships. Delivering positive growth for 17 consecutive quarters reflects our operational agility and commitment to an exceptional aviation experience.”

Other milestones included:

  • Completion of rehabilitation works at Sir Bani Yas Airport

  • AUH receiving the 3 Pearl Estidama rating for construction

  • Recognition as Best Airport at Arrivals Globally at the ACI ASQ Awards for the third consecutive year

  • Collaboration with Bombardier at Al Bateen Executive Airport for a dedicated MRO facility

  • Partnership with TAQA Distribution to explore next-generation utility technologies across airports

With sustained passenger growth, strategic infrastructure projects, and global partnerships, Abu Dhabi Airports continues to strengthen its position as a leading aviation hub, supporting the UAE’s broader economic diversification agenda.


Laguna Lang Co Launches Summer “Stay & Play” Golf & Lifestyle Packages

Laguna Lang Co Launches Summer “Stay & Play” Golf & Lifestyle Packages

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 13, 2025

Laguna Lang Co, Vietnam’s premier integrated resort, is inviting travellers to enjoy the summer with enticing Stay & Play packages that combine world-class golf, luxury accommodation, and exclusive lifestyle experiences.

At the core of these offers is the stunning Sir Nick Faldo Signature golf course, an 18-hole championship layout ranked among Asia’s best. This scenic course winds through jungle-covered mountains, rice paddies, lagoons, and oceanfront dunes, providing a rewarding challenge for golfers of all levels.

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Guests can choose from two tailored golf holiday packages, available at either Angsana Lang Co or Banyan Tree Lang Co:

  • The 3-night package starts at USD 1,325 at Angsana and USD 2,360 at Banyan Tree. It includes two rounds of golf, spa treatments, daily breakfast, a set dinner, airport transfers, and access to resort activities.

  • The 7-night package begins at USD 4,427 at Angsana and USD 6,825 at Banyan Tree, offering four rounds of golf, five dining experiences, a local discovery tour, and additional indulgences.

Guests at Banyan Tree Lang Co, known for its all-pool-villa accommodations, enjoy extras such as a dedicated villa host, private in-villa check-in, daily afternoon tea, and nightly turndown gifts. Meanwhile, Angsana Lang Co provides stylish rooms, wellness offerings, and family-friendly amenities just steps from the beach.

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“This is one of the best value luxury golf and lifestyle packages in Asia,” said Gavin Herholdt, Managing Director of Laguna Lang Co. “Whether for a romantic getaway or a group golf trip, our packages offer championship golf, exceptional service, and unforgettable natural beauty.”

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Herholdt added, “Our integrated resort means guests can enjoy luxury beachfront villas, Faldo-designed golf, award-winning spa and dining, plus Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, all without leaving the property.”

The packages are open for booking now for stays through March 31, 2027, with a minimum of two guests per booking. Availability is subject to seasonal surcharges.

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