Latest Maldives News, Resort Openings & Travel Guides
Stay informed with firsthand island dispatches, newly opened resorts, seaplane regulations, marine biology updates, and seasonal travel advice.
Editorial
Maldives resort SAii Lagoon receives Green Globe Certification
SAii Lagoon Maldives - Curio Collection by Hilton, an accessible luxury retreat close to Male, has just received Green Globe Certification, a designation given to hotels and resorts that exhibit a strong commitment to sustainable practises and environmental conservation.This innovative new resort and venue, which is only 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, offers 198 roomy guest rooms, beach villas, and overwater villas delivering distinctive experiences that pique individual curiosity and promise heart-made memories. The resort's generous interiors and outdoor spaces, individualised amenities, and genuine service culture create an inspired playful vacation retreat, making it ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends seeking an inspiring escape.The dedication to sustainability at SAii Lagoon Maldives is what makes it unique. The resort has to fulfil a number of strict criteria on resource management, environmental preservation, and social responsibility in order to receive Green Globe Certification.Utilizing renewable energy is one of the primary ways the resort has proven its dedication to sustainability. The resort has installed a lot of solar panels, which supply the majority of the energy requirements for the resort. The resort has also implemented a number of energy-saving practises that further lessen its carbon impact, like the adoption of LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances.Additionally, SAii Lagoon Maldives has made a significant effort to conserve water. Low-flow showerheads and the recycling of greywater for irrigation are just two of the water-saving strategies the resort has put in place.A luxurious resort that is dedicated to sustainability and environmental preservation is SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton. The resort's receipt of Green Globe Certification is evidence of its commitment to these ideals.The CROSSROADS Event Hall, which is directly accessible from SAii Lagoon Maldives through a footbridge, will be housed in The Marina @ CROSSROADS as well. This cutting-edge facility, the first dedicated conference centre in the Maldives, will offer alternatives for all business needs, whether large-scale corporate gatherings or creative team-building holidays.
Editorial
Amazing Maldives Milaidhoo love story 2023
Milaidhoo Island in the Maldives is celebrating the month of love in February by launching unique packages for couples looking to make their weddings, honeymoons, or babymoons unforgettable.Visitors may create their own amazing love tale, with each encounter being customised for their individual preferences and include special touches to make the moments even more memorable.The chapter opens with a special feature from the Serenity spa: Couples Connect, a brand-new service from ila, an all-natural skincare company with substance and spirit. This sensual love story, intended for couples, fosters reconnection on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level while calming the nervous system. The heart, sacral, and crown chakras are the main areas of concentration of the therapy, which aims to bring the lovers closer together. Three wonderful oils—rose, orange flower, and jasmine oil—are used to support it. With the chakra healing heated oil decanted over the third eye, couples can unite in a magnificent union of body, mind, and soul.A Himalayan salt body scrub, a blissful Kundalini back massage, an Ananda facial, and warm oil pouring through the third eye chakra into hair are all included in the 120-minute Couples Connect spa experience.Couples can also enjoy a romantic evening at the boutique barefoot luxury island resort. Diners can enjoy their meals in front of the picture-perfect beach and the delicate views of the Maldivian waters. The meal, which features a five-course set menu, may be customised to each guest's preferences. The island hosts will assist in creating a romantic anecdote for the occasion, whether one is hoping to remember their love with a spectacular feast or surprise their lover with a sumptuous meal.Milaidhoo offers an adventurous vacation to a neighbouring sandbank for travellers looking for romance. While cruising around the seas, couples can watch the sun set over the endless blues. Milaidhoo promises a special love tale to remember with a sunset cruise on a sumptuous yacht, a thoughtfully prepared meal, and many other individualised features.Additionally, visitors might plan a surprise proposal in their private villa. A champagne and chocolate gift basket can be delivered to the guests' villa upon request. The stories of love don't end here. Any romantic getaway notion can come to life at Milaidhoo, an island resort, and any story can be brought to life with the help of the Milaidhoo family's imagination.Couples 120 minutes Each couple's connection experienceRomantic getaway: supper on a sandbar, a sunset boat, and a few surprisesRomantic beachside dinner with a five-course set meal as the first courseSurprise gift basket of chocolate and champagne
Editorial
In the Maldives Oaga Art Resort makes its debut in 2023
Oaga Art Resort, an all-inclusive resort in the Maldives close to Male, officially opened to the public in 2023. Oaga is a modern company led by a Maldivian team, and its core idea is the idea of organic community growth. The Maldive Islands' collective tale is elevated by the art resort, which embraces the tranquillity provided by the surrounding sun, sand, and beaches while providing a platform specifically designed to support local artisans and craftspeople. Oaga Art Resort reinvents the Maldivian experience by fusing the traditional with the modern in a way that has never been done before.The resort's new year's celebration in 2023 showed how traditional methods of the ancestors were replaced by the modern street style that Oaga represents. In addition to asking everyone to participate in this novel concept, where there is certain to be at least one event that would appeal to everyone, they also celebrated the formal launch of their homegrown brand to the globe.
Editorial
What's New, Exciting, and Fun This Month in Kandima
The Kandima Maldives K'Krew wishes you a happy new year! Another fantastic chapter has just begun!The staff at the resort wishes you a year full of extraordinary experiences with people who share your interests!Stay More Time: For stays from 11 January 2023 to 23 December 2023, a 55% discount is available.K offers more value for your money! Check out our 6-night stay specials to save money on an unforgettable vacation because we know you'd like to stay longer.
Editorial
Anantara Kihavah in the Maldives offers couples an over-water pool villa getaway
With a magnificent water villa with pool in Maldives and an amazing lunch at our award-winning underwater restaurant, SEA, where gourmet food is served against the stunning backdrop of colourful marine life swimming past, set sail for a luxurious Maldives resort in the Baa Atoll. Enjoy dinner at our speciality restaurants, which feature live cooking stations for breakfast every day. A few feet from your villa, snorkel the sparkling depths of the Maldives' best house reef.Our Over water villas in Maldives Escape is the ultimate escape for couples looking to live out their tropical island dreams this summer with its combination of luxury retreat, great food, picture-postcard beauty, and uniquely Maldivian experiences.Package contains:Three or more nights in a luxurious Daily international a la carte gourmet breakfast at Over Water Pool VillaLunch only once at our renowned SEA underwater restaurantEvery evening, a complimentary dinner is served at one of three speciality restaurants.Villas at Anantara Kihavah in the Maldives:80 beachfront and above-water pool homes and suitesA private island in a UNESCO Biosphere ReserveAward-winning underwater diningThe only overwater observatory in the MaldivesGeneral Conditions:Requires a minimum of three straight nights.This deal is dependent on supply.The aforementioned pricing is subject to a 12% Goods and Services Tax (GST), a 10% service charge, and a per person per night green tax. Prices are subject to a 10% service charge, a 16% goods and services tax (GST), and a per person per night green tax for travel beginning on January 1, 2023.For all reservations made after October 15, 2022, a fuel cost of net per villa per night will be added to the above rate.Based on recent currency exchange data, the rates given above were calculated. Your confirmation will be charged at the rate listed in the official hotel currency at check-out.Rates are subject to seasonal variations, cancellation policies, and availability changes without prior notice.Flight information must be submitted 72 hours before arrival in order to schedule and confirm seaplane transfers.The aforementioned perks cannot be combined with any other offers, nor can they be traded for goods, services, money, or other benefits.
Editorial
The Best Liveaboard Diving Spots for 2023: Securing the Best Locations Early
Well, another adventurous year has come to a conclusion, and we hope yours was filled with amazing dive excursions at captivating locations. And, as it is with most wonderful trips, as soon as we return home and life resumes as usual, we are itching to embark on yet another one, am I right? Examine the months to come below:FebruaryIn particular for shark fans, liveaboard diving in February offers distinct highlights all over the world. The Bahamas is regarded as one of the top nations for shark diving in the Caribbean. The entire archipelago of 700 islands is a shark sanctuary, and it is strictly forbidden to fish for sharks there. Great shark diving possibilities and shark research and conservation facilities can be found as a result. Thailand is a fantastic option for February scuba diving in the Indo-Pacific. The Andaman Sea, an underwater wonder surrounded by Thailand and Myanmar and home to numerous national parks with secluded archipelagos, jungle islands, and vivid reefs, is where you can see whale sharks. And for those seeking a diving trip in February that includes coral, biodiversity, and a variety of from macro to large pelagics, Raja Ampat and Komodo in Indonesia are the perennial favourites.AprilThe ocean is a big, beautiful, and frequently unpredictably area. Some places, like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, are wonderful all year round for scuba diving. There are specific periods of the year and seasons for other dive hotspots that you should arrange your dive vacation around. April is the final month in the Maldives before the start of the wet season. Whale shark encounters are best in Belize. Despite the fact that you'll be underwater for the most of the trip, the Red Sea is not yet unbearably hot.
Editorial
Create Art from Your Photograph at COMO Maalifushi alongside Henley Spiers and Jade Hoksbergen, two underwater photographers
The award-winning underwater photographers Henley Spiers and Jade Hoksbergen invite you to explore a brand-new world under the waters with them at the ultra-luxurious Maldives resort COMO Maalifushi.From April 17 to April 30, 2023, this well-known artistic pair will be staying at COMO Maalifushi, where they'll be hosting a number of fascinating events."We are ecstatic to visit one of our favourite sites once again. To produce pictures that accurately captures the beauty of COMO Maalifushi, our primary focus will be on exploring new settings and chance encounters.Transform your image into fine art, learn the underwater photography trade from some of the greatest in the business, or leave with stunning self-portraits. Additionally, Spiers and Hoksbergen will be accessible to socialise with the resort staff during weekly cocktails.
Editorial
Searching for Vivid and Economical Travel Choices? Visit Maldives!
For travellers, sustainability is now a must, not just a nice-to-have. When considering future travel, more than half of passengers think they will be more motivated to choose environmentally friendly options.Travelers today seem to be more concerned with sustainability than ever. Maldives is the ideal destination for people seeking a green holiday experience that respects Mother Nature. The unspoiled flora and fauna over and beneath the crystal-clear waters of the best beach resort in the world are frequently lauded. And it only makes sense that the island nation encourages its visitors to protect the environment given the abundance of fish life and marine reserves with a "no-take" concept.The Maldives has made significant efforts to provide guests with environmentally conscious travel options to pristine islands that also promote visitor education. Here are a few immersive experiences that put eco-tourism in the Maldives at the forefront, in addition to relaxing at the island's opulent resorts.
Editorial
The Nautilus Maldives offers a customised and integrated mindfulness Luxury Spa experience
Physical and mental health are still front of mind for everyone, in large part because of what the lockdowns showed us about how much healthy diet, a good mood, and exercise can improve our daily lives. - Marie Claire, UK, Health & Wellness Trends 2023.A conscious and balanced lifestyle that is in line with the value of living well has been consistently emphasised at the forefront of the health and wellness industry while we are all transitioning to the post-lockdown age. As we leave behind the tension and anxiety of uncertainty we experienced over the previous two years, the year 2023 encourages continued concentration on physical and mental welfare.Every living minute of our lives should be lived with mindfulness, which is the practise of being conscious of one's mind, body, spirit, and environment. We start to appreciate a slower pace of life, live a healthier lifestyle, welcome complete relaxation, and learn to be more creative and protective with our free time as we become more conscious of the effects of our thoughts and actions.Based on their lifestyle and eating habits, each person has a certain set of requirements that improves their overall wellbeing. The Nautilus offers a variety of mindfulness exercises and experiences, some of which can be entirely customised to meet your specific needs. Start your spa journey at Solasta Spa to maintain your physical and emotional well-being with spa services aimed at lowering your stress levels, promoting relaxation, fostering personalised connections, and enhancing rejuvenation to support better sleep.
Editorial
Plan a Romantic Getaway Without Stress: Experience the Romance of the Tropics at Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives
One of the top all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives, Atmosphere Kanifushi, presents its fantastic deal for couples on the night of Valentine's Day. To receive a 20% discount on the Kanifushi Plan all-inclusive offerings, book by January 28th, 2023.With the Kanifushi Plan All-Inclusive Offerings, make a reservation before January 28th, 2023, and save 20%.Pamper a special someone with a romantic getaway to the idyllic tropical Maldives. With your special someone by your side, explore Atmosphere Kanifushi's alluring beauty while taking advantage of the vacation package's abundant amenities. ensuring an enjoyable and hassle-free tropical beach vacation.HIGHLIGHTS20% OFF with the Kanifushi Plan's All-Inclusive OfferingsGRAPHICS & CONDITIONSBook by January 28, 20234 nights minimum stayTravel between February 1 and February 28, 2023All types of villasAn multinational hospitality company with a lot of energy and rapid expansion is Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. The company now runs six resorts in the Maldives and plans to open more locations in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. The unique portfolio of AH&R includes the brands THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and BY ATMOSPHERE, each of which offers a wide range of experiences.
Editorial
Launching direct transfers from Hulhumale is CROSSROADS Maldives
The first fully integrated leisure destination in the Maldives, CROSSROADS Maldives, a particular location close to Male, has announced the launch of direct transfers from Hulhumale to CROSSROADS Maldives, effective 10th January. As part of their dedication to delivering exceptional service and hospitality, CROSSROADS is making this change to make it more convenient for their valued customers.According to the revised ferry timetable, there will be five transfers each day between Male' and CROSSROADS Maldives from Sundays through Thursdays, with the earliest transfer leaving Male' at 10:45 am. There will be eight transfers each day between Male' CROSSROADS Maldives from Thursday through Saturday, with the earliest departure leaving at 10:45 am and the latest return transfer leaving at 23:45 pm. A single transfer will also run from Thursday through Saturday, leaving from Hulhumale' at 11:30 am and returning at 17:30 pm.Lakudi Jetty 1 & 2 in Hulhumale' will be the departure point for CROSSROADS Maldives, while Boduthakurufaanu Magu in Male' will be the departure point for the new Ticketing Lounge created in partnership with Art Gallery Malé. For visitors with reservations or those seeking to make a booking upon arrival, the CROSSROADS Maldives Ticketing Lounge offers a warm setting. The lounge showcases pieces of art from the Art Gallery Malé and provides amenities and services to make guests' experiences unique. It is intended to introduce visitors to the CROSSROADS Maldives' renowned hospitality and promote rest before their departure.Visit www.crossroadsmaldives.com for more information on the company's wide range of distinctive experiences. Call 6651200 or text "TICKETS" to 7307000 from WhatsApp or Viber for further details.The first top-tier, multi-island leisure destination of luxury resorts in the country, CROSSROADS Maldives, is celebrating its third anniversary. It is located in the South Malé Atoll, 15 minutes from Velana International Airport.The Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives - Curio Collection by Hilton® lifestyle resorts, both of which have direct access to the extensive facilities at The Marina @ CROSSROADS, an 800-metre lifestyle area and beach walk with retail, entertainment, and dining outlets, are part of the CROSSROADS Maldives, which opened its doors to visitors in September 2019.In addition to the Junior Beach Club and Camp, the CROSSROADS Event Hall, Maldives Discovery Centre, and Marine Discovery Centre—the project's environmental and educational hub—the facilities also include a 30-berth dock with top-notch amenities and upscale concierge services.With the signing of a hotel management agreement to bring SO/ Hotels & Resorts, Accor's rebellious luxury lifestyle brand, to this idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago, S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the flagship hospitality arm of Thailand's Singha Estate PCL, continues to expand its footprint and redefine the tourism and hospitality industry in the Maldives. As the third resort at CROSSROADS, SO/ Maldives will take centre stage in 2023.CROSSROADS Maldives is the latest chapter in the history of one of the most incredible places on earth. It was created using legends from the past and created to inspire the present. The only "one-stop, non-stop" lifestyle destination in the archipelago welcomes daring travellers from all over the world to meet and explore a treasure trove of legendary oceanfront resorts, opulent lifestyle shops, and endless entertainment options, as well as the breathtaking natural, cultural, and nautical attractions that have drawn maritime visitors to the Maldives for centuries. Maldives is a crossroads of civilizations.
Editorial
Exclusive Dinner with Michelin-Star Chef and Renowned Banfi Winery to be Hosted by Vakkaru Maldives
Vakkaru Maldives is thrilled to collaborate with the renowned Banfi winery, Michelin-starred Chef Domenico Francone, and Di-vine Cellars Maldives to bring a taste of Tuscany to the idyllic island paradise this January with an ultra-exclusive wine supper on January 22, 2023.Chef Domenico will prepare a five-course meal with the best of Italian flavours for the one-night-only supper at Isoletta beach, which will be matched with carefully chosen wines from the Banfi range.John and Harry Mariani, two Italian-American brothers, launched Banfi in 1978. Through four major pillars that have shaped the company's history and contributed to its success over the past 40 years, pioneering, research, innovation, and sustainability, Banfi has developed a successful and noteworthy history. Of the brand's Italian wineries, The Banfi is likely the most well-known. It produces exceptional Brunello, Rosso, and Super Tuscan wines and is situated in Tuscany, one of the most renowned wine-producing regions in the world, just outside the hilltop village of Montalcino. Additionally, Banfi manages other vineyards in Piedmont and Tuscany that produce a range of red, white, and rose wines.The magnificent Castello Poggio Alle Mura, a walled and turreted castle from the 13th century, serves as the focal point of their vast vineyards in Tuscany. It has a hotel, a glass museum, an enoteca, and two restaurants, including La Sala dei Grappoli, which holds a Michelin star and is run by Chef Domenico Francone.Chef Domenico Francone, a native of Puglia, was up in a household with a long culinary history. He obtained experience in a number of prominent Italian and foreign restaurants after graduating from the IPSAR Antonio Turi in Matera, including at German super chef Heinz Beck's starred restaurant Apsleys in London. He received an offer to become the executive chef of Castello Banfi's other restaurant, La Taverna, upon his return to Italy. He then oversaw the opening of La Sala dei Grappoli, a restaurant that in 2020 received its first Michelin Star for providing a seasonal menu of classic Tuscan dishes with a contemporary touch.
Editorial
Launched in the Maldives is Projekt Delfin, a new integrated tourism development.
Atoll Estates Holding, a company with an office in Abu Dhabi, has announced the opening of Projekt Delfin, a brand-new integrated tourism project in the Maldives.It is anticipated that the multigenerational destination will welcome visitors in 2025. The multi-million dollar project is being created by some of the best architects and designers in the world who have a presence in the Middle East.The development will be net-carbon neutral without sacrificing guest comfort, boosting their whole experience, according to co-founders Dmitry Bourtov and Amit Majumder. They also used efficient buildings, recycled materials, and renewable energy.Prime Atoll Maldives Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary business of Atoll Estates in the Maldives, was established specifically for the project's development and management. "The project's core value is sustainability, and every facet of an ESG investment portfolio is taken into account. It seeks to provide more than what is currently required, according to the co-founders.A large lagoon in the South Male Atoll, 40 minutes by boat from the Male International Airport, is the location for Projekt Delfin. There are a few small islands and sandbanks on the site, which is 5 km long and 1.35 km wide.To have a minimal impact on the lagoon environment, the site will be reclaimed with deep sea sand for the construction of the resorts. Other projects are planned to lessen the impact of the reclamation. The development will add roughly 50 hectares of mature trees and bushes to the area's greenery once it is finished.After the land reclamation, a comprehensive coral rejuvenation programme will start. The construction will be spread across several islands, with overwater walkways connecting each resort at a minimum of 500 metres apart.The possibility to create a distinctive, sustainable, and exclusive resort in the Maldives' high-profit tourist sector is rare, according to Bourtov and Majumder.In addition to Russia, India, and Germany, the UAE has consistently been among the top 5 nations from which citizens visited the picturesque island nation, according to statistics from the Maldives' Ministry of Tourism for 2021. The Maldives is committed to diversifying its portfolio for future economic growth by promoting investments in specific areas. The country has an increasingly resilient economy that has been growing consistently at an average rate of 7% yearly over the past 20 years.
Editorial
Families at Cocoon Maldives gather at the recently renovated The Kids Village
Family-friendly entertainment After a thorough restoration, the kids club at the Cocoon Maldives resort, Kids Village, has reopened. The facility, which is on the island's west coast, provides a unique concept for kids vacationing at the island resort.An indoor playground with an interactive learning space and a movie theatre have been added to the new Kids Village. Furthermore, there is a sizable outdoor playground with a ping-pong table and a kiddie pool for some splashy fun. It is a free facility for children ages 3 to 12 and is open from 10 am to 6 pm. For infants and toddlers, there is also a babysitting service offered.Children will be taken to the Kids Village for a fun day of learning and exploring new things, including a Kids Pool Party, Mini Olympic, Scavenger Hunt, and Treasure Hunt. A cookery workshop doubles the excitement of snack time. All day long, the kids' club staff will keep the young visitors engaged and inspired.Since this is a family-friendly resort, guests will have the chance to relax while the kids spend their own personal time taking part in instructive and amusing activities. Various programmes will be set up for adults, kids, and families for seasonal celebrations including Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.
Editorial
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Paradise at Kuda Villingili
Kuda Villingili, an exclusive luxury private island resort in the Maldives that enjoys a reputation for its effortless, seamless balance between serenity and unique experiences, promises to welcome the Lunar New Year 2025 with a momentous celebration theme: The Charm and Wisdom of the Year of the Snake. This unique event will welcome guests to a memorable journey of cultural discovery and festive joy, complementing the resort's ethos of timeless serenity. The Year of the Snake is of particular significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing intelligence, grace, and the power of intuition. To celebrate this zodiac year in grand style, Kuda Villingili invites guests to a spectacular celebration filled with vibrant cultural experiences. Immerse yourself in the magic of mesmerizing Lion and Dragon Dances, the electrifying beats of Chinese Drummers, and the elegance of Traditional Chinese Dance. Enjoy playful and festive mascot appearances and express your creativity with entertaining snake-themed art workshops, designed to delight guests of all ages. Food and drink will take pride of place with an exclusive buffet dinner on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, prepared by the resort's skilled chefs, which includes auspicious dishes like dumplings, whole fish, and tangyuan. This Lunar New Year, enjoy a savory hot pot lunch at East Restaurant with your loved ones, including all of your preferred sides and broth choices.Share stories and reflect on the year gone by, then create fresh family aspirations and dreams for the year of the snake! Get the family together and enjoy Mar-Umi or savor the culinary art of Teppanyaki with our talented chefs performing an art show while you watch in wonder as fresh dishes are prepared before your eyes. You will certainly enjoy the magic and have some fantastic times around the Teppanyaki table, where everyone shares laughs. Kickstart your New Year by exploring the Kaafu Atoll on an exciting trip. Watch playful dolphins swim by the Indian Ocean side while on a sunset sail in a traditional Maldivian dhoni or try your hand at traditional line fishing under the bright setting sun. Enjoy the thrill of water activities in our enchanting lagoon, such as jet ski tours and Seabob underwater exploration, adding a touch of adventure to your holiday. Alternatively, visit our dive center to pick up a new hobby or enhance your diving skills while exploring over 50 breathtaking dive sites around Kaafu Atoll, where you’ll have close encounters with sea turtles and vibrant reef fish. Kuda Fiyo Kids Club will also be filled with laughter and joy, offering a variety of thoughtfully curated activities designed for young guests to fully embrace the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year. This promises to be an immersive experience that blends the warmth of Chinese traditions with the unparalleled luxury of Kuda Villingili, offering an unforgettable start to the lunar year. Kuda Villingili invites guests to embark on an unforgettable journey, celebrating the Year of the Snake in style, and welcoming a new year filled with beauty and harmony.