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‘Aragu’ at Velaa Private Island Among the Best Restaurants in Asia

Aragu, best in asia
‘Aragu’ made it to the Best Restaurants in Asia – Becoming the first and only restaurant in the Maldives to make it to the list.

A jewel in the Indian Ocean, ‘Aragu’ made it to the Best Restaurants in Asia – Becoming the first and only restaurant in the Maldives to make it to the list. With this achievement, the signature restaurant of Velaa Private Island once again proved its standing as one of the most distinguished fine-dining venues in the Maldives.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants unveiled the restaurants in Asia that were voted between 51st and 100th in the latest edition. According to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, the 51-100 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 aims to shine a light on a wider array of establishments across the region that will inspire food lovers as they consider their future dining and travel plans.

It’s a great honor to share that Aragu signature restaurant has made it into Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Making it the first and only restaurant in The Maldives to make the list!

A statement by Velaa Private Island.

In 2020, Luxury Lifestyle Awards recognized the restaurant among the Top 12 Best Luxury Restaurants in the Maldives as well.

The signature restaurant of Velaa Private Island serves cuisine that unites the East and the West with wines imported from the very best. With a twist on Modern European Cuisine and as one of the best restaurant’s in Asia, Aragu takes its gourmet experience to a new level.

Image: Velaa Private Island

The restaurant combines a passion for culinary art with awareness and sustainability. Furthermore, chef Gaushan de Silva creates an innovative twist on the evergreens of the old continent with carefully chosen flavours alongside organic produce from around the world to underline authenticity.

Other dining venues at Velaa Private Island include:

  • Tavaru, Teppanyaki and Wine Cellar: Tavaru’s menu celebrates Teppanyaki grill cuisine and creative sharing dishes in a modern light.
  • Athiri, Main Restaurant: Athiri consists of a team of chefs from 14 nations. Using the finest imported and local ingredients, Athiri serves a global menu of authentic and homestyle food
  • Avi, Pool Bar and Lounge Space: With its own mixologist and also live DJ, Avi is a casual pool bar by day and a vibrant cocktail bar by night.

The Velaa Private Island is located 200 kilometres north of Velana International Airport. The resort features 48 villas, of which 18 are built overwater. Moreover, one of the villas at the resort is only accessible by boat for pure complete isolation.

Feature image by Velaa Private Island
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Latest

Kuda Villingili Resort Welcomes India’s Aqua Fitness Expert Rajni Maker for Global Wellness Day 2025

Aqua Fitness Expert

From June 14 to 18, 2025, the luxury resort in the Maldives, Kuda Villingili will host an exclusive wellness program celebrating Global Wellness Day, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves, nature, and community through the transformative power of water. Rajni Maker, a trailblazer in India’s aqua fitness scene known for her innovative and inclusive water-based workouts, will lead the five-day event.

Aqua fitness expert Rajni Maker brings over 16 years of experience in Pilates, mindful movement, and water-based training to the Maldives, where she will lead guests through a fun and energizing mix of low-impact exercises suited for all fitness levels. Her signature programs, including Aqua Tabata, Kickboxing, Circuits, Pilates, Aerobics, and Zumba, blend science with flow to deliver joyful, joint-friendly workouts that boost overall vitality. Recognized by NATCOM and ATNI for her contributions to the field, Rajni also holds an Aqua Specialisation from the Federation of International Sports Aerobics and Fitness in Singapore.

She shared her excitement about the upcoming program

“I am thrilled to bring my expertise to Kuda Villingili. The resort’s serene setting and expansive aquatic spaces offer the ideal canvas for meaningful, water-based wellness experiences. My goal is to help every participant reconnect with their body and mind, while also leaving them with simple, sustainable practices they can continue at home—whether they are just beginning their wellness journey or are seasoned fitness enthusiasts.”

Wellness Experiences Set in Paradise

Kuda Villingili Resort already welcomes wellness lovers with a variety of experiences that promote balance, vitality, and inner peace. Its private island spa features eight treatment villas specializing in holistic therapies with organic, island-inspired ingredients. On top of that, guests who prefer active pursuits will find the Maldives’ largest pool, a cutting-edge gym overlooking the ocean, and a jungle yoga pavilion perfectly positioned for sunrise and sunset practice.

Now, with Global Wellness Day approaching, the resort has pulled together an experience that goes beyond the usual. Throughout the five days, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated lineup of activities designed to nourish both body and soul:

  • Start with a guided nature walk through the island’s lush landscape, ending with a mindful beachside body scrub using traditional Maldivian ingredients.
  • Then, wake up your core with sunrise Pilates sessions using the Magic Circle, focusing on strength and flexibility.
  • After that, join Rajni for high-intensity aqua kickboxing classes—a joint-friendly but seriously energizing cardio workout.
  • Families can also get moving together during fun and active beach HIIT sessions.
  • For something playful, join a friendly padel tennis match and compete for wellness-themed prizes.
  • Later, tap into your creative side with a nature-inspired painting session.
  • And finally, take time for yourself with a one-on-one wellness consultation with one of the resort’s expert practitioners.

As the schedule flows from movement to mindfulness, the entire program ties beautifully into this year’s Global Wellness Day theme, #ReconnectMagenta. It’s all about slowing down, recharging, and reconnecting, whether that means bonding with loved ones, finding inner calm, or just being present in nature.

About Rajni Maker and Flow & Fit

Rajni Maker is more than just an aqua fitness expert, she’s reshaped the way people in India experience movement in water. Her Flow & Fit program brings her vision of fitness to life: fluid, empowering, and deeply restorative. Not to mention, she blends elements of yoga, functional training, and rehab into every session, creating something that feels both powerful and healing.

With certifications from respected institutions like ACSM, the Pilates Institute of America, and the Evidence-Based Fitness Academy, Rajni backs her passion with real knowledge. What makes her stand out, though, is how she turns fitness into something fun, approachable, and doable—whether you’re brand new or a long-time wellness enthusiast.

You can check out the brochure here

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