Orca Media Group has officially launched iwasthere.luxury, the Maldives' first international luxury media platform, at its inaugural brand event held on 22 June 2026 at Barceló Nasandhura Malé.

The event brought together travel trade professionals, hospitality leaders, and industry stakeholders to celebrate the official launch of a new platform designed to connect discerning travellers, exceptional destinations, and the world's leading private luxury travel community.

Based in the Maldives, iwasthere.luxury orchestrates global private luxury travel experiences across the world's most breathtaking horizons. The platform connects discerning travellers with destinations and sanctuaries recognised for excellence in Villas & Residences, Dining & Culinary Arts, Wellness & Spa, and Meaningful Experiences, curating journeys shaped by extraordinary settings, refined hospitality, and deeply personal connection.

These are the places that evoke a quiet, knowing affirmation: "I was there."

The inaugural brand event also introduced the complete iwasthere.luxury portfolio. Guests were introduced to:

●     I Was There, the signature invitation-only experiential networking event for the private luxury travel community

●     Circle of Luxury, a prestigious recognition celebrating excellence in Villas & Residences, Dining & Culinary Arts, Wellness & Spa, and Meaningful Experiences

●     The Full Circle, the flagship 360-degree print and multimedia coverage series for select destinations and sanctuaries, with attendees receiving the inaugural print edition during the event

●     Concierge, the dedicated portal designed to manage profiles, partnerships, event participation, and Circle of Luxury nominations.

A key highlight of the evening was the official reveal of Circle of Luxury, alongside the unveiling of the inaugural print edition of The Full Circle, marking the introduction of two defining pillars of the iwasthere.luxury brand.

Attention now turns to I Was There 2026, hosted at Finolhu, A Seaside Collection Resort and .Here – Baa Atoll Maldives across 24–25 August 2026. The invitation-only event brings together the global private luxury travel community, where connections are formed through Maldivian culture-driven experiences. Owners, directors, and senior executives from the global private luxury travel trade community come together in a setting designed not simply for meetings, but for meaningful exchange.

Registrations for I Was There 2026 are now open and will remain open until 15 July 2026.

Destinations and luxury travel designers may now register through Concierge at concierge.iwasthere.luxury to secure their place at the event.