Latest Maldives News, Resort Openings & Travel Guides

Eco-Friendly Luxury at Coco Collection ResortsA Maldivian company-owned brand, the Coco Collection, invites its guests to be more conscious of what they do when staying in its two resorts Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.  Each element of the resorts' infrastructure is created with the purpose of conveying a deep reverence for nature and being guided by the philosophy of "Coco Cares." Every aspect of the resorts is made to create an eco-friendly experience from enjoying nature-based activities to having meals based on local products. All elements are aimed at creating the feeling of naturalness of the Maldives. It is crucial for Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort because the establishment of the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is one of the first veterinary-based centres of this kind in the Maldives, working together with the Olive Ridley Project, was conducted. In other words, the resort, being the founder of such a centre, promotes marine conservation and helps turtles heal, go back to their habitat and learn about the importance of this process. As for the results achieved during this period, it should be noted that 152 turtles have been treated with the rehabilitation success of 60%. Besides, there is an ongoing seagrass conservation which is important both from environmental and biological perspectives.The next point related to the issue of sustainable development is low waste generation by the resort along with sustainable production, when it is managed properly to make it comfortable and satisfying but environmentally-friendly. Moreover, this process becomes even more interesting due to the fact that the Coco Farm allows tasting fresh vegetables and herbs. The concept of Coco Bodu Hithi remains the same when it comes to luxury that is not only sustainable but highly innovative. This resort features its bars in a manner that supports the idea of sustainable luxury. There are eco-conscious cocktails created by the bar specialists using local organic fruits and vegetables available in the area. In addition, the resort introduced such a cocktail bar during one of the Earth Day celebrations, which means that the concept of sustainable luxury is implemented here innovatively, while it includes taste, design, and sustainability at the same time. It is important to understand that Coco Bodu Hithi takes sustainability very seriously when it comes to its operations. Everything from the use of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation follows this concept.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives strengthens recycling collaboration with Secure BagHoliday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives recently finished its first quarter of waste collection for the year, in collaboration with Secure Bag Maldives, as part of its sustainability initiatives. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives reported that the recent weight-in and collection were indicative of the success of its collaboration, which began back in August last year. The project aims to recover, process, and reuse the discarded material as raw material in the production of new products.Secure Bag Maldives has been running operations based on the principles of recycling, upcycling, and resale using sustainable lifecycle management solutions.According to Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, the Secure Bag, as well as the resort’s team, agreed that the majority of the resources had some kind of residual value after their first usage. According to her, the resources that would otherwise be thrown away could be converted into sustainable products by using recycling methods. According to Sharon Garrett, although earning money from waste sounds strange, this concept is common worldwide and represents a change in resource management. She explained that it was encouraging for the resort to witness the concept gaining momentum in the Maldives. As part of the agreement, the resort claimed that it was capable of recycling a wide variety of materials, including metal, compacted paper, batteries, motors, crushed glass, aluminum cans, air conditioning parts, lubricating oils, and cooking oil.According to Garrett, she and the sustainability officer at the resort, Krisel, felt optimistic about the amount of waste being recycled away from landfills. During the last three months, the resort has recycled iron scrap weighing 3.7 tonnes, motor and compressor components weighing 1.4 tonnes, aluminum cans weighing 544 kilograms, air-conditioner components weighing 565 kilograms, and lubricants and cooking oils totaling 3,200 liters. The resort stated that such an initiative would enable them to cut down their environmental footprint and contribute to the concept of a circular economy where there is reuse and added value.

There is a moment that almost every first-time Maldives traveller does not expect. You land at Male International Airport, clear immigration, collect your bags and then someone tells you that your seaplane left an hour ago and will not fly again until tomorrow morning.It happens more than the resorts like to admit. A late flight from Dubai, a delay out of Singapore, an arrival time that nobody thought to cross-reference with the seaplane schedule. One night in a Male hotel, one missed day at a resort that cost a significant amount of money, one start to a holiday that nobody planned.Velana International Airport IATA code MLE  is the only international airport in the Maldives. Every visitor passes through it. Understanding how it actually works is not optional preparation. For a trip this significant, it is essential.What Kind of Airport This IsVelana International Airport sits on Hulhule Island in North Male Atoll a separate island from Male city, two kilometres across the water. It handles everything that moves in and out of the Maldives by air: international arrivals, international departures, domestic fixed-wing flights to the regional atolls, and seaplane transfers to dozens of resort islands across the central and northern parts of the country.Three terminals operate from the same island. They are not the same building. After landing and clearing immigration in the international terminal, guests heading to a seaplane-access resort walk or transfer to the seaplane terminal. Guests connecting to a domestic flight head to the domestic terminal. Knowing which one applies to the booked resort and where it is relative to arrivals is the first practical thing to understand before landing.IATA Code: MLE Location: Hulhule Island, North Male Atoll From Male city: 10-minute ferry or speedboat From Hulhumale: connected by road via Sinamale BridgeThe International Terminal ArrivalsLanding at Velana is straightforward for most nationalities. The immigration card distributed on the aircraft should be completed before landing having it done saves time in the queue. Visas on arrival are granted free of charge to most nationalities for stays up to 30 days. No advance application is required.Immigration during normal arrival volumes is generally efficient most travellers clear within 20 to 40 minutes of landing. During peak season December through April simultaneous arrivals from multiple long-haul flights can extend that to an hour. Building this into transfer planning is sensible.After baggage reclaim and customs, guests exit into the arrivals hall where resort transfer representatives meet them with name boards. If a resort representative is not immediately visible, the information desks inside the hall provide assistance.Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic. This requirement applies regardless of nationality.The Seaplane Terminal The Most Important Part of This AirportThe seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport is operated by Trans Maldivian Airways the world's largest commercial seaplane operator and it is the departure point for transfers to resort islands across the central and northern atolls of the Maldives.For most resort guests, this terminal is where the critical decision plays out.Seaplanes operate only in daylight. The transfer window is broadly 6am to 5:30pm daily, varying slightly with seasonal light conditions. International flights arriving after approximately 3pm carry a genuine risk of missing the last seaplane departure of the day. This is not an edge case it is a consistent reality that catches underprepared travellers regularly.The solution is simple but requires advance planning: confirm whether the chosen resort requires a seaplane, check the international arrival time against the seaplane window, and if there is any doubt about making the connection, book a night in Hulhumale or Male and take the first seaplane the following morning. The cost of a planned overnight is significantly less than the cost of an unplanned one both financially and in terms of the experience.The seaplane terminal waiting lounge has comfortable seating, refreshments, and a viewing area overlooking the seaplane apron. For most guests, the wait here is between 30 minutes and two hours before departure. The seaplane journey itself 15 to 45 minutes depending on the destination atoll is consistently described by first-time visitors as one of the best parts of the whole trip. The view of the atolls from low altitude, the turquoise against the dark blue of the deep ocean, the tiny islands below it sets the tone for what follows in a way that no speedboat transfer quite matches.Luggage restrictions apply. Seaplane transfers have weight and size limits typically around 20kg of soft baggage per person. Hard-shell cases create problems on seaplanes. Packing in soft bags and staying within the weight limit avoids delays and potential additional charges on arrival day.The Domestic Terminal - For Distant Atoll ResortsGuests travelling to resorts in the northern and southern atolls Haa Dhaalu, Raa, Noonu, Laamu, Gaafu Alifu, Addu, and others connect via the domestic terminal to fixed-wing flights operated by Maldivian Airlines and Island Aviation Services.The domestic flight is followed by a speedboat transfer from the regional airport to the final island destination. This transfer type avoids the seaplane's daylight restriction for the main leg of the journey, though domestic flight schedules have their own timing requirements.When connecting from an international arrival to a domestic departure, allow a minimum of two to three hours between landing and the domestic flight. This is not excessive it reflects the realistic time needed to clear immigration, collect baggage, transfer between terminals, and check in for the domestic leg.Airlines Flying Into Male International AirportVelana International Airport is served by a strong network of international carriers connecting the Maldives to major hubs across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.Emirates operates multiple daily flights from Dubai  one of the most commonly used routing points for travellers from Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The frequency and connection options from Dubai make Emirates the most versatile single-carrier option for reaching the Maldives from most parts of the world.Qatar Airways connects through Doha with similarly strong frequency and extensive onward connections. For travellers from European cities with good Qatar Airways service, Doha is often the most direct routing to Male.Singapore Airlines and Scoot connect from Singapore the preferred hub for travellers from Australia, Southeast Asia, and parts of East Asia. Singapore to Male is a four-hour flight and Singapore Changi is one of the most efficient transit airports in the world, making this routing particularly smooth.Sri Lankan Airlines connects through Colombo the closest major city to the Maldives at under two hours flying time. For travellers from South Asia specifically, Colombo offers the most frequent and most affordable connections to Male.Turkish Airlines connects from Istanbul, providing access from across Europe, Central Asia, and Africa for travellers who route through a Turkish Airlines hub.IndiGo and Air India operate direct flights from multiple Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai making the Maldives more directly accessible from India than almost any other major international destination.Getting From Male Airport to Your ResortThe transfer method from Velana International Airport to the final resort or island destination near male airports is determined entirely by the location of that destination. There is no single answer and understanding which applies to a specific booking is one of the more important pre-trip planning steps.Speedboat connects the airport to resorts in North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll. Journeys range from 10 minutes for the closest properties to around 45 minutes for those further into the atoll. Speedboats operate at any hour. There are no luggage restrictions. Transfer costs are a fraction of seaplane prices. Resorts accessible by speedboat Baros, Velassaru, Kurumba, Gili Lankanfushi, One & Only Reethi Rah, Anantara Veli are available to arriving guests regardless of what time the international flight lands.Seaplane connects the airport to resorts across the central atolls Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, Noonu Atoll, and others. The flight is 15 to 45 minutes and operates only in daylight. International arrival timing must be coordinated with the seaplane window. Transfer costs are higher than speedboat typically several hundred dollars per person round trip depending on the destination.Domestic flight plus speedboat connects the airport to the most distant resorts and local islands in the northern and southern atolls. The domestic flight from Velana to a regional airport is followed by a speedboat from that airport to the final destination. This is the most time-consuming transfer type but covers parts of the Maldives that neither seaplane nor speedboat from Male can reach directly.Getting Between the Airport and Male or HulhumaleFerry to Male - A public ferry runs between the airport jetty and Male throughout the day and early evening. Crossing time is approximately 10 minutes. Cost is minimal. Ferries stop running late at night, at which point speedboat taxis from the airport are the practical alternative.Speedboat taxi - Available 24 hours from the airport arrival area to Male and Hulhumale. Journey time under 10 minutes. Fares are fixed and displayed at the taxi desks in the arrivals hall.Road to Hulhumale - The Sinamale Bridge connects Hulhule Island to Hulhumale by road. Taxis from the airport can reach Hulhumale directly without a boat crossing practical for travellers with significant luggage.Airport FacilitiesDuty free is available in both the arrivals and departures sections of the international terminal perfumes, spirits, tobacco, electronics, cosmetics, and Maldivian crafts and souvenirs.Dining and coffee in the departures lounge and seaplane terminal waiting area covers cafes, fast food, and sit-down restaurants. The quality is adequate for an airport sufficient for a full meal or a long transit wait.Currency exchange and ATMs operate inside the terminal. US dollars are the most practical foreign currency for the Maldives accepted across the tourism sector and easier to use than Rufiyaa in a resort context. Rufiyaa is useful for ferry fares and local island purchases.Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal buildings and in the seaplane terminal lounge. Reliable enough for messaging, email, and video calls during transit waits.Luggage storage is available for travellers who need to store bags during a transit period or overnight stay in the area.Overnight Options Near the AirportHulhumale is the most practical overnight base for travellers dealing with late arrivals before a seaplane departure. Modern, clean, and connected to the airport by road, it has a growing selection of hotels at mid-range price points. The morning connection to the airport is straightforward and quick 10 minutes by road across the bridge.Male city is a 10-minute ferry across the water. It offers a wider range of accommodation and restaurants, and the old town the Friday Mosque, the fish market, the waterfront is worth a few hours for any traveller curious about the real Maldives beyond the resort islands. For a planned overnight rather than a forced one, Male is genuinely interesting.On the airport island itself Hulhule a small number of hotels operate for travellers who want the minimum possible distance between the bed and the departure gate.Departure From Male AirportCheck-in opens two to three hours before international departure. The process check-in, baggage drop, security, immigration, departures lounge follows the standard international format. The departures lounge has duty-free, dining, and comfortable seating.The practical note for resort guests: the seaplane or speedboat back to Male from the resort must be timed with enough buffer before the international departure. Seaplanes run on schedules that are weather-dependent, and delays while uncommon do happen. Most resorts build appropriate buffer into the return transfer arrangement. Guests should confirm the planned departure time from the island and cross-reference it against the international flight time when arranging the return journey.

Celebrating excellence driven by guests at COLOURS OF OBLU and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts in the MaldivesAtmosphere Core would like to congratulate their five resorts in the Maldives – VARU by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO – for being awarded the distinguished British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award 2025. The award recognizes consistent levels of customer satisfaction amongst hotels with excellent services, facilities, and holiday experiences. Available to only 8% of the world’s hotels, the award is an indication of the brand strength in their wide range of holiday offerings, including holiday plans and adult-only getaways to immersive island vacations inspired by nature.Through Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, the resorts VARU by Atmosphere and Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives keep pushing the boundaries when it comes to hospitality. The VARU by Atmosphere resort provides the guest with an up-to-date island getaway that includes everything from start to finish, with added bonus of Maldivian hospitality. The other resort from the same group, Atmosphere Kanifushi, is famous for its large grounds and lush tropical environment, where a lot of experiences can be offered to both families and couples. From the COLOURS OF OBLU resort collection, the properties OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO offer unique island getaways. OBLU SELECT Sangeli is a modern design resort located in an elegant environment. OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a romantic resort dedicated only to couples and their enjoyment together. OBLU NATURE Helengeli offers amazing marine life, house reef and all kinds of water activities.We are immensely honored to be the recipient of the British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for various resorts under our management. This award, based on actual guest feedback, is an indication of the efforts of our passionate teams that always strive to give their best and exceed expectations when it comes to creating memorable experiences for guests,” stated Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core. The award marks Atmosphere Core’s continuing role as one of the premier hospitality brands in the Maldives, built upon guest-first service, innovation, and genuine island experiences.

Anantara Veli Maldives Resort wins British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for 2025The British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for 2025 has been awarded to the Anantara Veli Maldives Resort. The award acknowledges the level of guest service, facilities provided, and guest experience based on the reviews of genuine customers. The award is given based on regular good reviews, rather than an occasional outstanding one. In the case of Anantara Veli, it relates to their attentiveness and personalisation. They have received five stars out of five from guest reviews, which is quite rare.The resort is about 30 minutes away by speedboat from Velana International Airport. It is an adults-only resort that provides various villas both overwater and beachfront. Their villas blend the features of traditional Maldivian architecture and modern facilities. The award is indicative of how the management of the hotel strives to maintain consistency and offer personalization to its customers, according to Jason Kruse, who is the General Manager of Anantara Veli Maldives Resort.According to Mark Hall, the Head of Product and Sourcing of British Airways Holidays, this is indeed an important time for the brand, which is celebrating 70 years of operations and ten years of their Customer Excellence Award. According to the award criteria, based on independent reviews amounting to more than 100,000, only a selected few hotels are recognized. In addition, it should be noted that the demand for holiday experiences where comfort is balanced with a unique atmosphere continues. For this reason, the Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is still a part of the traditional range of holiday destinations offered by the Maldives to adults.

The Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences have received great acclaim at the Experientialist Awards 2026, winning one of two awards in the category “Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel”. Such an award becomes an important landmark in the development of the hotel, especially after last year’s “Highly Commended” nomination in the same category. The Experientialist® Awards, hosted by the OutThere organisation, recognises people and companies that revolutionise the world of travel through their innovative achievements. The awards put special focus on inclusiveness, individuality, and guests’ experience, showing the best examples of luxury and travel that transcend traditional boundaries.The category “Inclusive Travel” rewards those who create opportunities for people of all backgrounds and preferences to travel. It evaluates the inclusivity not only of facilities but also the overall travel experience. Here at Amilla Maldives, inclusivity does not simply get treated as an afterthought, and it is embedded in our approach from the very beginning until the time a guest leaves the resort. When booking stays here, guests receive personalized attention from our team members as we make it our point to know what each client may need during their stay at the resort.Our efforts here are driven by the Inclusiveness philosophy we have at Amilla Maldives Resort & Villas, known under the banner of "In Harmony with Purpose". Guests here will enjoy thoughtful designs of accessible villas, convenient and carefully planned walking paths, and a diverse range of adapted activities, including swimming in the sea, snorkelling in our lagoons, as well as attending various wellness sessions. As one of the IncluCare verified resorts, we take our work seriously. We constantly gather feedback from our guests to improve upon our offerings. We collaborate with industry experts in the field to make sure we always have something new to offer to our guests.When it comes to the recognition, Morgan Martinello revealed that this award is based on the success achieved last year. It is thanks to the continuous work that goes into creating an inclusive atmosphere, where each and every visitor can feel comfortable. Being recognized once again by OutThere only enhances the reputation of Amilla Maldives as a progressive resort. It goes beyond being another award and turns out to be one of the steps towards making luxury travel more accessible and enjoyable.

ELE|NA Elements of Nature at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI Celebrated as Best Spa Resort for 2026 Global Spa AwardsELE|NA Elements of Nature at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is awarded as the Best Spa Resort of the year at the 2026 Global Spa Awards organised by The Luxury Spa Edit. It signifies that the resort takes great pride in offering high-quality services for wellness and spas. Global Spa Awards, considered one of the best awards in the field of wellness, acknowledge the excellence of spas, wellness resorts, clinics, and brands of the spas all over the world. Candidates are chosen after being evaluated by industry experts while winners are decided based on a global online vote.Located within the beautiful surroundings of Maldives, ELE|NA Elements of Nature has wellness ideology comprising the use of ancient means of healing combined with the contemporary methods of therapy and senses experience. Wellness Your Way™ is the most important element of this philosophy, meaning the customization process where guests have the liberty of creating a tailor-made wellness program according to their preferences. The wellness program can be facilitated at various different facilities present in the spa. There are numerous features offered by the spa, including Vihaara that is an alchemical garden having sustainable features and giving guests the chance to heal themselves using herbal and plant rituals. There is also a Zen Garden along with a meditation area in the spa.Some of the signature treatments that make the spa special include OceanFlow Therapy, energy healing session, and the Visiting Practitioner Program. The overwater treatment rooms are also part of what makes this place unique in facilitating wellness among visitors. However, according to Heidi Grimwood, the core idea behind the concept of Wellness Your Way™ has never been forgotten. Indeed, the recognition not only highlights the efforts made by the ELE|NA team to create individualized experiences for each of their guests but also confirms the mission that the brand tries to achieve.

Six Senses Laamu Wins Recognition on TIME’s List of the World’s Greatest Places 2026The Six Senses Laamu Resort in the Maldives is one of the distinguished resorts selected by TIME Magazine on its annual World’s Greatest Places of 2026 list. TIME Magazine considers such places which exhibit innovation, unique experience, and significant influence on the global landscape. The award highlights the resort's sustainability and environmental protection efforts made in the Maldives, as per Marteyne van Well. The resort has been praised in the magazine due to its constant environmental protection efforts. A special feature of the sustainability initiatives of the resort includes the Sea Hub for Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL). This marine research centre combines science and guests. Furthermore, the resort runs an initiative named the Maldives Underwater Restaurants Initiative (MUI). It collaborates with non-governmental organizations in reef and marine protection. After the 2024 event of coral bleaching, researchers at the resort have released nearly three million coral larvae in damaged reefs. The resort conducts coral cloning programs.The resort is also collaborating with some of the top conservation organizations, such as Manta Trust, where more than 150 manta rays have been discovered in the area and an innovative first-ever underwater contactless ultrasound scanner has been designed to study pregnant mantas. The resort also collaborates with Olive Ridley Project to ensure that sea turtles are effectively protected. Seagrass habitats are also being studied in the area, and some unknown species have been identified while highlighting the importance of these habitats as nurseries for reef fish. The guests can actively get involved in such endeavors by visiting SHELL, participating in conservation programs, learning about marine biology through diving and obtaining manta rays and reef certification.  SIX SENSES LAAMU offers luxurious accommodation in the form of sustainably designed overwater and beach villas and still remains the only five-star resort in Laamu Atoll.

30% Discount Offered at Maldives' Grand Park Kodhipparu in Villas for 2026While holidaymakers throughout the globe continue looking for peace of mind while making arrangements for vacation trips, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, which is a popular boutique island resort situated in North Male Atoll, has announced an offer named Spring Savings: Kodhipparu Escapes. This offer provides tourists with amazing discounts and opportunities to tour one of the top destinations in the world. This offer will remain valid from 4th April 2026 to 12th April 2026 and will offer 30% discount in all villas and 15% discount in the food service till 31st October 2026.Traveling to Maldives Made ConvenientIn this increasingly uncertain world, travelers are trying their level best to travel to such places where they can find easy access. One of the best places that offer easy accessibility today is Maldives due to its flights connectivity from major cities in Europe and Asia. Visitors at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives will have a hassle-free check-in experience with the 20-minute speedboat service provided by the resort directly from the airport, which means no other connecting flight arrangements are needed. The convenience along with the positive reviews received from guests have contributed to making Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives a preferred destination with a high 9/10 rating from satisfied guests.Booking now to experience the best in the MaldivesUnder the Spring Savings offer, visitors will be able to book their next holiday experience and enjoy an array of unique experiences planned during the season:May – Lunar Theme Island ExperienceVisit the resort and experience unique island tours that will make guests feel closer to nature and relax on the island while enjoying a moon-inspired adventure.June – Ninth Anniversary CelebrationsCelebrate nine successful years of the resort with special dinners and exciting experiences planned to commemorate the spirit of the occasion.July to September – Summer Lagoon LifeThis rapidly growing vacation season includes:Shark, turtle, and sting ray encounters at the colorful house reefTravel without crowds when compared to popular destinations around the worldLagoons which provide calm waters for snorkeling and other water activitiesPrivate island villas vibe that revolves around space, privacy, and restConnected Island Luxury ExperienceThe very essence of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is the Connected Island Luxury experience offered by the hotel which revolves around traveling in a way that is meaningful and immersive:Connection with oneself through wellness and mindful livingConnection with other people through shared experienceConnection with nature through the beautiful surroundingsVacationers can enhance their experience by selecting from personalized options known as Connect Experiences which merge spa sessions and adventures on water into one experience.Special Offer Valid Until October 2026With flexible travel possibilities, this offer, designed to look ahead, offers customers an opportunity not only to save money but also enjoy flexibility, booking their travel dates in advance until October 2026.

The Machchafushi Universe: A Vivid Universe Above and UnderwaterSitting within the South Ari Atoll, the Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa by Centara Collection is not just a destination but a living ecosystem. On the island of Machchafushi, nature takes on its full glory due to the currents of the ocean, coral reefs maldives that thrive here, the local tropical bird life, and the way the rhythm of life of the locals interacts with the environment. Thus, every feature and aspect of nature here combines into one coherent and vivid Machchafushi Universe. The underwater world is very rich and varied. It starts right at the shore with the award-winning house reef where a unique combination of hard and soft corals makes the underwater landscape incredibly diverse. Among them are Blue-tip Acropora corals and the unique Maze Corals. Here, sea fans are found to provide shade and refuge to small fish, seahorses, and crustaceans. The abundance of marine wildlife includes parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, reef sharks, stingrays, manta rays, turtles, as well as the legendary whale sharks.The experience can be further enriched by the presence of Kudhi Maa Shipwreck that used to be a Japanese cargo ship but has been converted into an exciting living ecosystem. With such aquatic creatures as lionfish, batfish, glassfish, and groupers residing there, the place serves as a perfect destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The heart of the whole system resides within the corals that provide the necessary structure for a reef, besides playing an important part in its development and sustainability. There are branching corals that look like trees in water, and the growth of massive corals takes millions of years.Beyond the water, the island offers yet another landscape of natural beauty. Coconut palms that stretch towards the sky, the lush tropical vegetation, and the coastal plants make up the perfect home to several kinds of birds. The morning comes with birds singing around in trees and gentle breezes carrying all the essence of the island's natural charm. One may often observe grey herons at the shore, while white-breasted water hens will be wandering in the shrubbery. Asian koels will be heard in the air, and elegant terns will fly over the lagoon. The bright parrots, such as blue and gold macaw and ringneck parrot, can also be found on the island. One of the special features of the island is an ancient tree – a banyan tree called the Ummeedhu Tree or Wish Fulfillment Tree, which has been around for more than two hundred years. Those who visit the island are offered a chance to participate in the Sacred Thread Ceremony and tie golden leaves to the branches of the tree. As quoted from the management of the resort, “every ripple in the water, every whisper in the palm trees, and every motion in the corals have their stories to tell.” Machchafushi is not only a resort but a voyage to a universe of living things, where nature takes charge, creating memories along the way. By means of sustainable practices and conservation programs, the resort aims at preserving this world for eternity. Not only is it a journey through the Machchafushi Universe; it is also a devotion to it.

Fara Williams Football Sessions at JOALI Maldives & JOALI BEINGJOALI has partnered with Fara Williams, former English footballer and current national hero, who will be visiting JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING this April to conduct various football activities that have been planned for the enjoyment of their guests as well as locals. Famed as one of the finest players in the English female football scene, Williams has managed to secure no less than 172 caps during her successful career, playing for several clubs including Chelsea and Charlton Athletic. Amongst Williams' major achievements are captaincies of Everton which helped win the Premier League Cup in 2008 and the FA Women's Cup in 2010.Under the ambit of this unique project, Fara Williams is going to conduct a football workshop on 11 April 2026 at Dhuvaafaru Island, which will be specifically focused on girls' football development in the Maldives. Furthermore, guests at both resorts can participate in private football classes hosted by Williams. They will be held on 13th April at JOALI Maldives and on 17th April at JOALI BEING, providing children and their families with a rare chance to develop their skills with the help of one of the most influential figures in the sport.Those who want to experience luxury along with something different may book Water Villas with Pool at JOALI Hotel Maldives, with prices starting from USD 3,256 per night for two people on a bed and breakfast basis. Ocean Pool Villas are available at JOALI BEING, with prices starting from USD 3,162 per night for two people on a bed and breakfast basis.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives as a Destination for Couples and HoneymoonersSituated at The Atollia by Centara Hotels and Resorts which is just a speed boat trip away from Malé Island, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives stands out as an island destination which will provide a perfect holiday spot for couples and honeymooners in search of exclusivity and intimacy as well as ultimate experience. Providing spectacular views of the lagoons, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives guarantees guests a completely private getaway where they can have all their moments of pleasure. With all facilities designed to ensure togetherness, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives comprises beautiful beach and over water villas that will provide you with enough privacy and space. Large terraces with a pool or Jacuzzi surrounded by crystal clear lagoon view will serve as an excellent place where you can relax and enjoy your stay with your partner.For newlyweds, each day spent at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives becomes an opportunity for deeper bonding. Experiences such as private dinners overlooking the sea, sunset cruises over endless horizons, and moments of romance created just for you become the source of unforgettable memories. Culinary adventures will make your honeymoon special as well, since there are five different restaurants serving both international cuisines, teppanyaki, and tandoor grills, Asian dishes, as well as modern Mediterranean cuisine. Various meal packages may be chosen by you, and depending on what you have decided on, the couples have the opportunity to indulge into culinary experiences at their adjacent underwater themed sister resort, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. Wellness and discovery of new things play a major role in the honeymoon at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives. One may opt for holistic wellness experiences offered at SPA Cenvaree Retreat based on traditional Thai healing practices or go diving and surfing along with one’s significant other.Aside from being a place where honeymooners can escape to, the resort presents an ideal venue for couples regardless of their age group. Weddings and renewal of vows take place amid the azure blue waters and under the warm rays of sunlight, resulting in intimate moments that hold special significance for both parties involved. Under the guidance of Thai-based hospitality, everything provided here will be done with care and attention, giving tourists the opportunity to blend in seamlessly with the natural environment.In other words, the Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives provides the perfect venue for any occasion and event, making it easy for tourists to create everlasting memories while staying here.

Eri Maldives concentrates on House Reef Diving and Marine EncountersEri Maldives located in the North Male Atoll provides tourists with an amazing experience where they are allowed to indulge in an exciting underwater expedition thanks to its lively and easily accessible house reef for new and experienced divers. The house reef is one of the important attractions provided by Eri Maldives which offers many opportunities to explore the underwater environment while staying at the resort. There are four entrances from which visitors can access the house reef and one of the entry points is from the shore. This makes the area appropriate for novice snorkelers and experienced divers who want to explore the underwater world.The marine organisms found within the house reef are many and dynamic creating ever-changing underwater environments. Some of the marine species that visitors are likely to encounter include white tip reef shark, black tip reef shark, nurse shark, hawksbill turtle, mobula ray, spotted eagle ray, and large numbers of reef fish. By exploring the house reef regularly, visitors will be able to see how the marine organisms live in their natural environment. The presence of sea turtles also makes Eri Maldives have memorable experiences. According to the resort's staff members, there are about fourteen turtles inhabiting the reef. They can be easily distinguished from each other because of patterns on their bodies. Therefore, it becomes possible to form a database, where several sea turtles are listed. Some of them are named as Rosie, Cara, and Anna. It is exciting to find these turtles once again since returning guests can recognize them because of the previous experience. The staff members encourage clients to find new turtles and give them names.Encountering manta rays at cleaning stations is another great thing in Eri Maldives. They can be seen at Bodu Hithi Thila, situated in the Maldivian archipelago. It will take an hour to swim from Eri Maldives to this place. Cleaning stations normally operate under favorable conditions regarding the current of the ocean. This way, during the period between December and April, manta rays come here to feed on planktons. It is difficult to forget to see such magnificent creatures during the diving. Last but not least is nocturnal swimming. It provides unique opportunities to discover the other side of marine life, since manyExploration of the marine world is still one of the key priorities of a visit to Eri Maldives. The hotel offers various types of diving trips that promote interaction with the undersea world again and again. In addition to marine activities, it is worth mentioning comfortable accommodation services such as studios and beach villas. Moreover, the visitors of the island can use full board packages offered during the reservation.

Michal Zemlicka Joins One&Only Reethi Rah as EAM – Food & BeveragesOne&Only Reethi Rah has announced that Michal Zemlicka has been appointed as the new Executive Assistant Manager of Food and Beverages. The resort has undertaken extensive research on how to increase the operational skills of the resort. In his role as the Executive Assistant Manager of Food and Beverages, he will offer his consulting services to the resort management and the owners to develop concepts, strategies, and maximize profits in food and beverages services. The resort hired him as the Director of Food and Beverages in November 2023. With his visionary leadership qualities, the resort has been able to make various accomplishments in food and beverages services in terms of developing staff members and offering quality food and beverage services to customers.He was an instrumental part of the creation and re-opening of TAPASAKE, the resort’s overwater Japanese Mediterranean restaurant. His efforts have been critical towards enhancing the operational performance and overall customer experience of the resort’s various dining venues while positioning seasonal and festive programs like Easter among others. He has been successful in his efforts of ensuring that the resort achieves its brand standard objectives including those relating to Leading Quality Assurance (LQA). With over a decade of hospitality industry experience, Zemlicka has previously held senior positions in Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa and Furaveri Maldives besides being active in hospitality markets such as Bali, Dubai, Australia, and Slovakia.This appointment underscores the resort’s policy towards nurturing homegrown talents and improving its food and beverages department in light of stiff competition within the luxury hotel market. One&Only Reethi Rah occupies a total of 44 hectares of land and boasts of 118 villas. The resort provides a choice of dining places which include Botanica specializing in garden based cuisine and a host of other restaurants/bars serving diverse international cuisines.

Introducing the 'Secret Garden' Concept at Kuredhivaru Resort & SpaThe Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa comes up with an innovative concept called the 'Secret Garden'. This is a very unique concept as it promises guests a unique dining experience. The idea behind this concept is that the guests would want a dining experience that is not only unique but memorable as well. Situated at one corner of the resort, the 'Secret Garden' offers everything that will make visitors have a memorable stay at this unique place. From drapes to candles and plants, the ambience of this place is made very intimate for having a unique dinner experience.At the core of this experience is a menu consisting of seven courses that is designed to ensure that the experience is balanced and enjoyable for the guests. Each of the seven courses is served in style, with live cooking sessions adding some theatre and interactivity to the process. Meanwhile, the whole experience takes place without being disturbed by anything, as the attention to detail from the staff is both subtle and noticeable. There are two options available for the guest's experience: the Romantic Escape or the Ultimate Romance Experience. While the first option will only include dinner with an elegant setting, the second one will also have the guests be offered champagne upon arrival, a private movie session in the open air, breakfast at the villa the following morning, and bed decoration.In addition, this concept opens up avenues for personalization of flower arrangements, messages, and other decorative touches, enabling one to tailor the evening to suit their own unique celebration, which could range from something as simple as birthday celebrations, to romantic proposal evenings, and even spending intimate time with loved ones. The Secret Garden at Kuredhivaru illustrates the openness of Kuredhivaru to experiment with various types of services offered beyond the ordinary. The idea seems to reflect the philosophy of Kuredhivaru in relation to hospitality and delivery of its services in general.