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.

Europe Faces Travel Chaos as Heavy Snow Disrupts Transport

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 8, 2026

Europe is facing renewed travel disruption as a worsening cold snap brings heavy snowfall across large parts of the continent, leading to widespread flight cancellations, train delays, and road closures. Authorities in several countries have urged residents to stay home as blizzard conditions are expected to intensify in the coming days.

In the Netherlands, officials advised people to avoid travel wherever possible, with a fresh snowstorm forecast to arrive overnight. Dutch airline KLM confirmed it had proactively cancelled 600 flights on Wednesday to avoid last-minute disruptions that could leave passengers stranded at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The airline had already cancelled 400 flights the previous day and asked affected travellers to stay away from the airport to prevent overcrowding.

“We haven’t experienced such extreme weather conditions in years,” said KLM spokesperson Anoesjka Aspeslagh. The airline said it is offering alternative flights where possible but remains overwhelmed by passenger inquiries.

In France, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said airlines had been ordered to cancel at least 40 per cent of flights at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, with around a quarter of flights cancelled at Orly Airport. He added that public transport services across the Paris region were also likely to be disrupted due to snowfall.

Rail services across the Netherlands were further impacted after an IT outage led to the suspension of all domestic trains early Tuesday. Although partial services resumed later in the day, disruptions continued around Amsterdam. High-speed Eurostar services between Amsterdam and Paris were either cancelled or delayed.

The severe weather has already led to fatalities and major road incidents. French broadcaster BFMTV reported that at least five people were killed in weather-related accidents across France. Traffic congestion in the Paris region reached a record 1,000 kilometres on Monday evening.

Elsewhere in Europe, Germany experienced temperatures dropping well below minus 10 degrees Celsius in southern and eastern regions, with much of the country blanketed in snow. In the UK, the Meteorological Office warned that winter weather hazards could persist throughout the week, with temperatures falling to minus 12.5 degrees Celsius in parts of eastern England, marking the coldest night of the season so far.

Heavy snow and rainfall have also disrupted daily life across the Western Balkans, leading to road closures, power outages, and flooding rivers. In Bosnia, a woman died in Sarajevo after a tree collapsed under the weight of wet snow.

With further snowfall expected, authorities across Europe continue to advise caution, urging travellers to monitor updates closely and limit movement to essential travel only.

Ras Al Khaimah Sets New Guinness World Record with Spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 6, 2026

Ras Al Khaimah ushered in the New Year with a spectacular 15-minute drone and fireworks display, setting a new Guinness World Records title for the Largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotors or drones. The grand celebration once again positioned the emirate as a global leader in large-scale, emotionally engaging New Year’s Eve experiences.

The highlight of the evening was an awe-inspiring drone performance that turned the night sky into a living canvas. At the centre of the display was a majestic phoenix, a powerful symbol of renewal, optimism, and rebirth, reflecting Ras Al Khaimah’s own journey of transformation and its ambition to continuously reimagine the future.

The record-breaking spectacle was brought to life by 2,300 drones, including 1,000 advanced pyro drones that dramatically illuminated the phoenix’s wings as it soared above Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront. The visual story continued with another striking formation titled ‘The Welcome’, depicting a human figure rising from the sea with open arms, symbolising the emirate’s warmth, openness, and spirit of hospitality.

Following the drone show, a precisely synchronised fireworks countdown to midnight lit up a six-kilometre stretch of coastline from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. Hundreds of fireworks erupted in choreographed waves, creating a stunning display of colour, sound, and light along the shoreline.

Thousands of spectators gathered across beachfront resorts and at the New Year’s Eve Festival, enjoying live stage performances and vibrant celebrations throughout the night. Earlier in the evening, families and residents also witnessed a special fireworks display at Corniche Al Qawasim, making the festivities inclusive for all age groups.

Commenting on the achievement, Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “New Year’s Eve in Ras Al Khaimah is about bringing people together. With this year’s show, we wanted to create a celebration that could be shared by our entire community and everyone visiting Ras Al Khaimah at this special time. While achieving a new Guinness World Records title is great, what truly matters are the memories created for those who celebrated with us. 2025 was a year of significant progress for Ras Al Khaimah, and tonight was about celebrating that and welcoming the new year with optimism and excitement for what is to come.”

With this latest Guinness World Records achievement, Ras Al Khaimah continues to build its legacy of record-breaking celebrations, strengthening its position as one of the world’s most innovative and memorable destinations for New Year’s Eve festivities.

Shangri-La Signs Luxury Resort in Bodrum, Expanding Presence in the Mediterranean

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 6, 2026

Shangri-La Group has announced the signing of a luxury resort in Bodrum, Turkey, further strengthening its presence in the European and Mediterranean leisure markets. The group has entered into an agreement with United Bodrum Turizm AS to manage the property, marking Shangri-La’s second hotel in Turkey.

The signing ceremony took place at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, and was attended by senior leadership from both organisations. The new resort will be located in Yalıkavak, an exclusive enclave on the northwest end of the Bodrum Peninsula, close to the internationally renowned Yalıkavak Marina.

Shangri-La Bodrum will feature 70 guest rooms and 10 private villas, along with a private beach and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Designed to blend Shangri-La’s timeless Asian hospitality with contemporary elegance, the resort will be complemented by Bodrum’s natural beauty, cosmopolitan culture, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Commenting on the development, Chee Wui Chua, Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer of Shangri-La Group, said, “Bodrum’s spectacular natural setting, international appeal, and rising recognition as a global luxury hub make it an exceptional addition to our portfolio. We are delighted to bring Shangri-La’s timeless hospitality and contemporary sophistication to this remarkable corner of the world.”

Gungor Cepni, Chairman of United Bodrum Turizm AS, added, “We are proud to collaborate with Shangri-La Group on a project that will redefine luxury hospitality in Bodrum. This resort will set a new benchmark for refined living and elevate Bodrum’s global standing as a destination of distinction.”

Building on the success of Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, the new Bodrum resort reflects the group’s vision to expand its luxury portfolio across Europe and the Middle East, offering elevated design, bespoke experiences, and world-class service in one of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after destinations.

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

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Europe Faces Travel Chaos as Heavy Snow Disrupts Transport

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Ras Al Khaimah Sets New Guinness World Record with Spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebration

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Shangri-La Signs Luxury Resort in Bodrum, Expanding Presence in the Mediterranean

Most Read In News