IHG Hotels & Resorts debuts Vignette Collection in Maldives
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened Noku Maldives, marking the debut of its Vignette Collection brand in the Maldives. The property joins the company’s fast-growing portfolio of distinctive luxury and lifestyle hotels.
Located in Noonu Atoll, Noku Maldives features 50 private beach and overwater villas, many equipped with pools. The property combines contemporary design with natural island materials, set against powder-soft sands and turquoise lagoons.
“We are thrilled to introduce Noku Maldives now as part of IHG’s Vignette Collection – a brand that celebrates individuality and authentic connection. Over the past year, our team has been refining every touchpoint of the guest journey – from refreshed culinary concepts and immersive experiences to new signature rituals – to ensure our guests continue to experience the heartfelt Maldivian warmth that defines the resort experience.”
Hussain Shahid, General Manager, Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection
The resort offers several dining venues showcasing regional cuisine. Palms Restaurant and Bar provides beachfront dining with fire-grilled dishes and ocean views, while Thari blends flavours from the Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka in a poolside setting. Private dining options include under-the-stars experiences, castaway picnics on sandbanks, villa deck dinners, and floating breakfasts.
Noku Spa operates within a garden sanctuary, offering treatments inspired by Maldivian healing traditions using natural ingredients such as coconut oil and local botanicals.
The Vignette Collection brand distinguishes itself through two key elements: Memorable Rituals and A Means For Good initiatives. At Noku Maldives, the signature ritual is Island Echoes, a bonfire storytelling experience at dusk where guests gather barefoot to hear legends of seafarers and island spirits.
The resort’s Means For Good initiatives include a weekly Fisherman’s Visit, where a local fisherman shares his catch to support nearby schools and women’s committees. The property also partners with local NGOs on coral regeneration and sea turtle rescue projects, allowing guests to adopt coral fragments and contribute to reef preservation.
Since launching in 2021, Vignette Collection has become one of IHG’s fastest-growing luxury and lifestyle brands. The portfolio currently includes 19 open hotels with 34 properties in the pipeline, expanding across key markets including Japan and China.
Room rates at Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection start from USD 613 per night plus taxes, including breakfast. The property is now accepting reservations at https://www.ihg.com/vignettecollection/hotels/us/en/noonu-atoll/mlevi/hoteldetail
Hennessy Artistry 2025 Music Festival Turns Music into Movement
Global cognac brand Hennessy is set to transform its annual Hennessy Artistry event into a full-scale music festival this year, bringing international acts Showtek and Tyson Yoshi to Malaysian audiences for what promises to be an east-meets-west musical showcase.
The event, scheduled for 15 November 2025 at The Arch Galeries, Kuala Lumpur, marks a significant expansion of the Hennessy Artistry platform, which has been delivering world-class musical experiences to Malaysian audiences for over a decade. This year’s festival will debut at the city’s newest lifestyle destination, which is opening its doors for the first time with Hennessy Artistry 2025 as its inaugural event.
Dutch DJ-producer duo Showtek, comprising brothers Wouter and Sjoerd Janssen, will headline the festival with their signature high-energy electronic sound. The EDM powerhouse has achieved international recognition with chart-topping collaborations, including “Bad” with David Guetta and their hit single “Booyah”. Their latest releases, the 360 YELLOW and 360 BLUE albums, continue to showcase their genre-defying approach to electronic music production.
Joining them is Tyson Yoshi, Hong Kong’s rising R&B artist and lyricist, who returns to Malaysia following popular demand. Known for his emotionally resonant and genre-blending style, Tyson Yoshi will perform fan favourites including “Christy” and “你不會一輩子的愛上我”, bringing his distinctive contemporary Asian sound to the festival stage.
The headline acts will be supported by a lineup of Southeast Asian talent, including Dato’ Maw, Yaung, BLINK, and TChuno, creating a diverse musical programme that spans electronic, R&B, and regional genres.
The festival promises to deliver more than just performances, with The Arch Galeries being transformed into an immersive environment featuring tech-driven visual installations, interactive digital art zones, and an exclusive Hennessy x HdPc streetwear collaboration. Signature Hennessy cocktails will complement the multi-sensory experience throughout the venue.
“Over the years, Hennessy Artistry has raised the bar for how Malaysians experience music. This year at The Arch Galeries, KL, we’re elevating that tradition with even bolder experiences designed to immerse, inspire and energise Malaysians like never before. Hennessy Artistry 2025 isn’t simply about witnessing performances, it’s truly an experience Made for Music where we bring together dynamic fusion of global most-wanted talents, immersive experiences, and creativity excellence, all under one roof — unified by the timeless spirit of Hennessy.”
Laura Drozdowski Lot, Marketing Director of Moët Hennessy Southeast Asia
Music enthusiasts can secure general admission invitations by purchasing Hennessy products at participating entertainment outlets nationwide until 10 November 2025. One bottle of Hennessy V.S.O.P provides one general admission invite, while one bottle of Hennessy X.O includes two general admission invites.
The festivities will extend beyond the main event, with official after-parties scheduled at several of Kuala Lumpur’s premier nightlife venues, including 404 Club Not Found KL, Boomshake KL, ING Live KL, Spark Club KL, and The Vault KL.
The Arch Galeries spans over 600,000 square feet in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and is positioned as a premier lifestyle destination combining gastronomy, technology, and event spaces.
Admission to the event is restricted to non-Muslim individuals aged 21 and above. For more information, head over to https://www.facebook.com/HennessyMalaysia
Ed: I have many fond memories from Hennessy Artistry parties dating back to the very first one in 2008. I even brought my FHM Girl Next Door finalists over for some of the parties in 2009 and 2010. After I left traditional media and started my own digital and social media marketing agency MHB Digital (shameless plug: http://mhb-digital.com), we continued to attend nearly every single Hennessy Artistry, even the ones in Penang (thank you Hennessy for bringing us there!).
The Hennessy Artistry HALO (signature event that capped off the smaller Hennessy Artistry events that calendar year) was always the highlight of the year, as it was a spectacular blend of East and West music, together with one of the world’s leading cognacs. Over the years, the event has been tweaked to suit the changing times, but one thing is for sure – it remains one of the premier events of the year for those who appreciate good music and quality cognac!
Visuals courtesy of respective brands and the author’s own
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