Seb’s Farm at RAAYA: A Sustainable Dining Experience

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.

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.”

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.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals to South Korea Rise 17 Percent, Near Record High for the Year

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 2, 2026

South Korea witnessed a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals, reflecting the continued recovery of its tourism sector to pre-pandemic levels. Official data released by the Korea Tourism Organization showed that international visitor numbers rose sharply, marking one of the strongest months for inbound travel in recent years.

Approximately 1.6 million foreign tourists visited the country during the month, representing a year-on-year growth of over 17 percent. The figure also exceeded visitor levels recorded during the same period before the pandemic, highlighting South Korea’s growing appeal as a global travel destination.

China continued to remain the largest source market for inbound tourism, followed closely by Japan. Other major contributors included Taiwan, the United States and the Philippines. While arrivals from China recovered to nearly three-quarters of pre-pandemic levels, visitor numbers from Japan showed particularly strong momentum, recording a sharp surge compared to earlier benchmarks.

Cumulatively, foreign tourist arrivals during the year reached over 17 million, registering double-digit growth compared to the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic totals. Chinese visitors accounted for nearly one-third of the total arrivals, underlining the importance of the market to South Korea’s tourism ecosystem.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has projected that total foreign tourist arrivals for the year will reach a new all-time high, moving close to the symbolic 20 million mark. If achieved, this would surpass the previous record set before the pandemic and reinforce South Korea’s position as one of Asia’s fastest-recovering tourism markets.

World Welcomes 2026 as New Zealand Leads with Spectacular Fireworks

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 1, 2026

Countries across the South Pacific were the first to welcome 2026, with New Zealand leading global celebrations as Auckland marked the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display. The show was launched from the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the country, even as rainy weather swept across parts of the city.

Auckland, home to nearly 1.7 million people, entered the New Year well ahead of major global cities, celebrating almost 18 hours before festivities begin in New York’s Times Square. Despite the wet conditions, the celebrations reflected the city’s vibrant spirit and enthusiasm to usher in the new year.

The island of Kiritimati, part of the Pacific nation of Kiribati, became the very first place in the world to welcome 2026. Located in the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii and north-east of Australia, Kiribati spans a vast region of coral atolls and is known for its unique geographical position on the global time map.

Several Asian nations, including Japan and South Korea, followed with New Year celebrations later in the day, joined by Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan. While many cities marked the occasion with festive events, Hong Kong opted for a subdued approach this year.

Instead of its usual large-scale fireworks display, Hong Kong organised a light show and limited musical performances as a mark of respect following a recent tragic apartment fire in the city. The decision reflected a more sensitive and thoughtful way of welcoming the New Year.

As 2026 unfolds across time zones, celebrations around the world continue to reflect a mix of joy, remembrance and hope, bringing people together in anticipation of a positive year ahead.

From Action to Leisure: Discovering Kenya’s Coastal Moods

By Hari Haran

Published on December 30, 2025

Kenya’s coastline is often described in broad strokes, white sand, warm waters, and Swahili culture. All of this is true. Yet, viewing the entire coast through a single beach narrative does not do it justice. Stretching along the Indian Ocean, Kenya’s shoreline unfolds as a series of distinct experiences, each shaped by its own rhythm, landscape, and history.

From refined resort towns and reef-lined lagoons to bustling port cities and car-free heritage islands, every coastal stop answers a different traveller’s question. The Kenyan coast is less about ticking beaches off a list and more about choosing the pace, mood, and experience that suits you best.

Diani Beach reflects Kenya’s most polished coastal escape, with luxury resorts, private villas, and curated experiences that blend comfort with nature. Watamu offers a quieter rhythm, defined by coral reefs, marine parks, and conservation-led exploration. Lamu slows life down entirely, revealing centuries of Swahili heritage through its lanes, architecture, and traditions. Mombasa, the cultural heart of the coast, layers history, street life, food, and trade into a vibrant urban experience.

Kenya’s coastline is not about finding the best beach, but about choosing the right experience. From leisure and luxury to heritage and everyday culture, the coast reveals many faces of the Indian Ocean. For travellers willing to explore beyond the obvious, it offers stories, contrasts, and a sense of place that stays long after the journey ends.

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

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Foreign Tourist Arrivals to South Korea Rise 17 Percent, Near Record High for the Year

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World Welcomes 2026 as New Zealand Leads with Spectacular Fireworks

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From Action to Leisure: Discovering Kenya’s Coastal Moods

Most Read In News