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.

TIA Wellness Resort Unveils Festive Wellness Experiences for a Calm Start to 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 25, 2025

TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang is embracing the festive season with a thoughtful blend of wellbeing experiences, creative workshops, and nourishing dining menus that encourage guests to step into 2026 with clarity, calmness, and a refreshed mindset.

Throughout the festive month, guests can enjoy a Christmas-inspired afternoon tea featuring classic flavours such as eggnog cupcakes, Christmas scones served with orange and strawberry jam, turkey sandwiches with cranberries and pickled red cabbage, and a selection of sweet treats. The experience is paired with champagne or Ronnefeldt tea, offering a warm and elegant way to celebrate the holiday spirit.

Adding to the festive cheer, the resort has introduced a limited-time beverage menu with comforting creations including cinnamon-spiced mulled wine in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, as well as a creamy eggnog cocktail. Guests can also choose from an expanded range of organic and biodynamic champagnes and a wider selection of zero-alcohol wines.

The celebrations continue with a special Christmas Eve feast, ‘Ray of Christmas,’ featuring a six-course menu with live piano music. The menu includes dishes such as scallops and prawns with potato gratin, porcini and chestnut soup, turkey roast with traditional stuffing, and black Angus beef tenderloin with cider-glazed sweet potatoes. A complete plant-based menu is also available, thoughtfully designed with alternatives like a seitan and tofu roast and cauliflower fillets. Both menus end with a festive dessert buffet filled with seasonal delights. Guests may choose from alcoholic or non-alcoholic pairings featuring wines from countries such as Spain, Italy, France, New Zealand, and Australia.

To welcome the new year with intention, the resort hosts a ‘Creative Collage Vision for the New Year’ workshop, encouraging guests to channel creativity and set meaningful goals. Following this is the ‘Release & Renew Fire Ceremony,’ a reflective ritual in the wellness garden where participants let go of what no longer serves them.

The New Year’s Eve dining experience features a six-course menu with an option of organic or zero-alcohol wine pairing. The culinary journey includes dishes like broiled lobster tail with garlic butter and wagyu filet mignon with peri peri and chimichurri. The plant-based menu showcases creative alternatives such as broiled artichoke and beet filet. A dessert buffet adds a celebratory finish to the evening.

The new year begins with an ‘Awaken the Light Yoga and Intention Setting’ session at sunrise on the beach, followed by journaling to help guests begin 2026 with clarity and purpose.

For those seeking a deeper wellness experience, TIA offers Wellness Inclusive stays, which include all-day breakfast, two wellness treatments per person per night, and access to the resort’s daily wellness activities. Guests looking for an enhanced journey can choose the Retreat Inclusive package, which adds one advanced retreat therapy per night, such as sound healing, reiki, or detox hydrotherapy and a plant-based meal plan, along with access to group sessions including yoga, breathwork, creativity workshops, and HIIT.

TIA Wellness Resort’s festive offerings blend nourishment, mindfulness, and celebration, encouraging guests to embrace the season with intention and step into the new year feeling refreshed and inspired.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport Unveils New VVIP Terminal and Hangars

By Hariharan U

Published on November 25, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has announced plans for a new VVIP terminal and private jet hangars, developed in partnership with Falcon Executive Aviation, part of Alex Group Investment. The project aims to boost the Emirate’s standing as a global entertainment and tourism hub, creating a premium gateway for high-profile travellers visiting the Northern Emirates.

The airport has signed an agreement with Falcon Executive Aviation to build and operate a dedicated Fixed Base Operation facility. The development includes a 1,500 sq m luxury terminal, an 8,000 sq m multi-purpose hangar and 9,000 sq m of apron and parking space. Its location, just 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah’s beachfront resorts and the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort adds strong appeal for private aviation guests seeking exclusive access and comfort.

Eng. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RAK International Airport, said, “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s continued emergence as a global destination. The development of this world-class facility strengthens our aviation infrastructure and enhances the Emirate’s ability to welcome high-value visitors, investors and partners from around the world. It underscores our ambition to expand our international reach while ensuring that every traveler’s first impression of Ras Al Khaimah reflects the quality, sophistication and hospitality for which we are known.
“This launch also plays a vital role in driving the sustainable growth of our tourism sector. By integrating advanced technologies, adopting environmentally responsible design principles and supporting new forms of future mobility, we are building an ecosystem that aligns with our long-term development objectives. As we continue to diversify our economy and elevate our global standing, this project represents a forward-looking investment in the prosperity and resilience of Ras Al Khaimah.”

Mr. Sultan Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene, Founder & Chairman of Alex Group Investment, added, “Alex Group Investment expansion into Ras Al Khaimah marks a significant step in our long-term vision to elevate private aviation services across the UAE. This facility has been designed to match the growth and ambition of the Northern Emirates, combining luxury, operational capability and advanced sustainability standards. It reflects the hard work of our teams and our commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure to support the next chapter of aviation in the region. This development also complements our existing services at Dubai Al Maktoum VIP Terminal, further strengthening Alex Group Investment presence across the country.”

The VVIP terminal will feature a Royal lounge, four VVIP lounges and premium hospitality areas tailored for discreet and high-profile travellers. The airside set-up will include a helipad, spacious aircraft parking and dedicated areas for new vertical mobility technologies.

Designed to international standards, the facility will offer the Falcon Signature Experience with strong emphasis on privacy, smooth processes and personalised service. The hangar will support a wide range of private jets, including long-range aircraft, with maintenance and operational capabilities built to global benchmarks.

Sustainability plays a major role in the project. The terminal and hangars are being planned for LEED Gold certification, with features such as solar-powered systems to offset 35% of energy use, fully electric ground support equipment and the ability to handle sustainable aviation fuel, all contributing to a net-zero operational goal.

This investment strengthens Ras Al Khaimah’s aviation infrastructure and supports the Emirate’s growing tourism potential. With one third of the world’s population just four hours away by air, the new development is expected to bring long-term economic benefits and position the Emirate as a rising luxury travel hub.

TransFuture Aviation Showcases Urban Air Mobility Vision at Dubai Airshow 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 24, 2025

TransFuture Aviation presented its bold vision for the future of urban air mobility at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Led by CEO Bai Zhiliang, one of China’s early eVTOL pioneers, the company showcased its Honghu fully tilt-rotor eVTOL and outlined a global roadmap that positions it strongly within the emerging low-altitude economy.

Founded with a mission to redefine personal and regional air travel, TransFuture Aviation has built a strong reputation in the fully tilt-rotor eVTOL space. Under Bai’s leadership, the company brings together experienced aviation experts from leading institutions and organisations. During the presentation, Bai noted that “the eVTOL era is not just approaching, it is being built today. More than mere witnesses, we are its architects.”

Supporting him is Zhang Wei, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, who also directs the MIIT Key Laboratory and oversees the company’s R&D operations. The wider team includes specialists with backgrounds in major aviation research centres, including the National Key Laboratory of Aircraft Configuration Design, AVIC, and Honeywell. Together, their combined experience strengthens the company’s capabilities in flight control, propulsion systems, safety technologies, and airworthiness.

The presentation also highlighted aviation’s evolution, from the Wright Flyer of 1903 to modern electric vertical takeoff technologies. TransFuture drew comparisons with milestones such as the Cornu helicopter, the Douglas DC-3, and the V-22 Osprey. Bai shared that “each chapter in aviation history, CTOL, jet, helicopter, and now eVTOL, represents humanity’s pursuit of efficiency, safety, and freedom in the air.”

After years of testing multiple configurations, TransFuture concluded that the fully tilt-rotor model offered the best balance of efficiency, safety, and performance. Their research into Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP), which began in 2017, helped enhance redundancy, reduce mechanical complexity, and improve safety. According to Bai, DEP “fundamentally redefines aircraft architecture, enabling safer vertical flight and smoother transition to cruise, while offering unprecedented control authority.”

The company also uses advanced aerodynamic tools, including Lattice Boltzmann simulations, along with biomimicry inspired by bird flight to improve efficiency and stability. This research led to the creation of the Honghu eVTOL, which completed its maiden full-scale flight in December 2024 in Changsha. It became the world’s second fully tilt-rotor eVTOL engineering prototype and the first of its kind in China.

A major milestone followed in September 2025, when the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) officially accepted the Type Certification application for the Honghu eVTOL. This achievement sets a new benchmark for China’s eVTOL sector and strengthens the company’s regulatory foundation for future development.

Since 2023, TransFuture Aviation has completed four rounds of financing, raising several hundred million RMB. This support reflects strong investor confidence in the company’s DEP systems, intelligent flight control algorithms, and overall technological progress.

TransFuture also highlighted Dubai as a key region for early eVTOL adoption due to its supportive regulatory landscape and focus on innovation. The company shared mobility scenarios showing how eVTOLs can significantly reduce travel time in the region. For example, trips like Ajman to Dubai could reduce from 35 minutes by road to just 10 minutes by eVTOL.

The company also presented a case study on aerial tourism over Palm Jumeirah, where current helicopter services earn about AED 200 million annually. With eVTOL integration, TransFuture projects passenger numbers could rise to more than one million a year, potentially generating AED 2 billion. This growth could support local tourism, job creation, and new mobility infrastructure.

Bai described Dubai’s potential future as “a showcase of safe, serene, and swift aerial mobility,” offering both convenience and sustainability for residents and visitors.

TransFuture ended the presentation with an invitation for international collaboration, emphasising that the eVTOL revolution requires shared effort. Bai shared that “the eVTOL revolution is a global endeavor,” highlighting the company’s goal to help shape the next decade of advanced air mobility.

During the Airshow, Bai also met Joby Aviation Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt, who appreciated TransFuture’s achievements in fully tilt-rotor technology. Bai also held a technical discussion with MIT’s Professor Jordan Karatzas, touching on the strengths of tilt-rotor and STOL architectures, further reinforcing the value of global cooperation in next-generation aviation research.

TransFuture aims to play a major role in the growing low-altitude economy, contributing to areas such as passenger transport, logistics, and emergency services. With its strong technical foundation, global partnerships, and sustainable approach, the company continues to push forward the future of air mobility.

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

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TIA Wellness Resort Unveils Festive Wellness Experiences for a Calm Start to 2026

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TransFuture Aviation Showcases Urban Air Mobility Vision at Dubai Airshow 2025

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