Latest Maldives News, Resort Openings & Travel Guides

Dhiraagu launches Ramadan donation campaigns through DhiraaguPayDhiraagu has launched two Ramadan-themed donation campaigns through DhiraaguPay, giving customers the opportunity to contribute to communities in need during the holy month of Ramadan.The two campaigns, Donate a Meal and Donate to a Family, give customers the opportunity to donate directly through the DhiraaguPay platform.As part of the Donate a Meal campaign, Dhiraagu has partnered with Mission for Migrant Workers Maldives to help distribute meal packs to migrant workers in the surrounding areas of mosques in the Greater Malé Region. To mark the beginning of the campaign, Dhiraagu has donated 1,000 meal packs and given customers the opportunity to donate more meals at MVR 60 per meal pack through DhiraaguPay.The Donate to a Family campaign is being conducted in partnership with Mom’s Aid, supporting the organization’s Ramadan Aid initiative for families in need across the Maldives. Dhiraagu is providing care baskets filled with necessary food items to 100 families, especially single mothers and families with children who have disabilities. The value of each care basket is MVR 1,200, and customers can donate any amount of their choice to support the cause.Customers can contribute by choosing their preferred cause from the service tabs featured in DhiraaguPay, and all donations will be directly channeled to the supporting NGOs. In line with the Ramadan spirit, Dhiraagu aims to make charitable contributions easy and accessible, bringing customers and communities together in acts of kindness, compassion, and support during the holy month of Ramadan.

Meyyafushi Maldives Opens Its Doors, Redefining the Luxury All-Inclusive ExperienceMeyyafushi Maldives is pleased to announce that it has opened its doors to guests, marking the beginning of a new era in luxury all-inclusive experiences in the Maldives. The five-star resort, situated on a beautiful natural island in Lhaviyani Atoll and close to world-famous dive sites, opened its doors to the first guests on 1st November 2025. Conceptualized as an eco-sensitive retreat, Meyyafushi combines luxurious sophistication with a deep sense of connection—to nature, wellness, and unforgettable experiences.Accessible in just a 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, the resort boasts 94 luxurious villas and suites with private pools. Meyyafushi Maldives achieves a perfect harmony between peaceful seclusion and thrilling adventure, offering experiences that are simply unmatched in the Maldives. These include the interactive underwater restaurant Bubble, the overwater padel tennis court, the mini bowling alley, and the adults-only Sky Bar & Sunken Lounge topped with a breathtaking glass-bottom infinity pool.Wellness is at the heart of the island experience. The overwater Veyoge Spa is a deeply rejuvenating retreat featuring aerial yoga, holistic body treatments, and therapies rooted in ancient Maldivian healing traditions. Guests can also indulge in a 24-hour. Eating at Meyyafushi is meant to be a culinary journey around the world and through different environments. Breakfasts start at Fili, the all-day dining restaurant, which offers a huge breakfast spread with international twists. Thaana offers sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine, while Alif takes guests on a culinary journey through modern Asian cuisine. Hatharu Dhan, which translates to “24 hours” in Dhivehi, is a casual eatery offering specialty coffee, iced lattes, and snacks in a laid-back jungle environment that operates 24/7.For guests who enjoy dramatic dining experiences, Sukun offers interactive Teppanyaki dining, while Bubble offers gourmet dining with the added thrill of dining in an underwater setting. Wine connoisseurs can retreat to Raa, a cozy wine cellar offering carefully selected wine options. As the sun goes down, the island comes alive at Baa, the resort’s lively main bar, Raagu for sunset cocktails, and the Sky Bar & Sunken Lounge, an exclusive adults-only bar that offers a luxurious rooftop experience with breathtaking views. In-villa dining is also available for guests who wish to enjoy world-class cuisine in the privacy of their own villas.Design is a key element of the resort’s identity. The resort’s sculptural architecture, dramatic dining concepts, and custom-designed interior.The villas themselves range from 185 to 610 square metres and are designed with understated elegance in mind. High ceilings, warm natural textures, soft golden accents, and carefully curated interiors create an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and inviting. Seamless indoor-outdoor living and generous layouts offer privacy without isolation, while personalised butler service ensures discreet, intuitive care throughout each stay. Meyyafushi was created to deliver experiences guests simply won’t find anywhere else in the Maldives,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager. “From the architecture to the facilities, every detail has been designed to feel distinctive and visually memorable, while maintaining the warmth and exceptional service our guests expect.”Meyyafushi is the sister resort to the award-winning Fushifaru Maldives, building upon the same operational expertise and guest-focused philosophy that has earned international recognition. While introducing a bold, design-forward identity of its own, Meyyafushi continues a legacy of Maldivian hospitality rooted in quality, innovation, and meaningful guest experiences. Beyond its luxury offering, the resort remains guided by its BeKind values—embracing eco-conscious practices, community engagement, and thoughtful hospitality. These principles are seamlessly woven into daily operations, ensuring that indulgence and responsibility exist in harmony.

Fari Islands Festival to bring back Patina Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives for 3 days of art, wellness, and cuisineThe Fari Islands Festival is all set to make a comeback from 13th to 15th August 2026, bringing together Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for a three-day extravaganza of art, wellness, cuisine, and more at the Fari Islands.After the success of its first edition in September 2025, the festival will be back to turn the two resorts into a common ground for artistic expression, culinary exploration, and holistic experiences. The festival is designed as an immersive experience instead of a typical event, encouraging guests to pause, connect, and experience the islands through a series of curated moments that are defined by place, people, and artistic interactions.Born out of the philosophy of The Home of Island Artistry, Fari Islands is a vision of a world where luxury and nature, craftsmanship and community, come together in perfect harmony. This spirit is also reflected in the 2026 festival, where cultural curiosity, environmental awareness, and mindful wellness come together in a celebration of creativity in all its forms.Championed by its hallmark slogan, “One Festival, Every Sense,” the Fari Islands Festival is presented through five interwoven pillars: Culinary Exploration, Creative Artistry, Body, Mind & Soul, Sonic Immersion, and Nature Amplified. Each pillar contributes to a journey that engages visitors through their sense of taste, sound, movement, dialogue, and connection with nature.The 2025 festival marked the first iteration of the event, which set the tone and ambition for the festival, with poetry and spoken word sessions, live music performances, culinary experiences led by chefs, wellness activities, and guided explorations of the marine environment. Artists, chefs, and collaborators from all walks of life brought the spaces of the islands to life, with a seamless transition from day to night.Based on this, the 2026 festival will continue to emphasize flow over rigid programming. Attendees can look forward to a mix of programmed and free-flow exploration, with activities being progressively revealed in a variety of environments and at different times of day. This allows attendees to freely move between participation, observation, and discovery, and in doing so, cultivate a sense of personal connection to the experience.Among the many attractions of the festival will be the closing celebration at Fari Marina Village, where the closing night of the festival combines flavor, sound, and community. The marina will feature a curated assembly of culinary offerings from both resorts, as well as local vendors and pop-up concepts, accompanied by live music that will carry through the night as attendees move between kitchens, conversations, and community tables.

New Opening: Melia Whale Lagoon MaldivesMelia Whale Lagoon Maldives has opened, representing Melia Hotels & Resorts' growing presence around the world in the Indian Ocean. The opening comes on the heels of Melia's decision to expand its operations in the Asia-Pacific region and represents yet another significant addition to Melia's portfolio of hotels.Melia Whale Lagoon is located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, offering a combination of convenience and immersion into nature for guests. Close to the renowned South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), Melia Whale Lagoon provides direct access to one of the most miraculous marine environments on the planet. With the region being globally known for its year-round whale shark and manta ray viewing opportunities, the area has become a highly attractive destination for divers, snorkellers, and ocean adventurers.Gabriel Escarrer, the Chairman and CEO of Melia Hotels International, stated, "Melia Whale Lagoon Maldives is the perfect extension of our vision of growing our operations in those places that represent the best in the world, and the opening of this resort is a clear example of Melia's dedication to offering unforgettable experiences in beautiful places with the exceptional quality of service that our hotels are known for."There are a total of 100 luxurious oceanfront villas available for your enjoyment—all ideally situated to provide both contemporary elegance along with the natural beauty of the island. Guests will have their choice of an overwater villa that sits above the breathtaking turquoise lagoons; a beach villa located along the white, powder-like floor of the beach; or one of three sunset suites which include unique patio spaces featuring private plunge pools for more privacy and exclusivity. Each villa is defined by clean lines, soothing colors, and panoramic views of the ocean—allowing guests to experience a seamless transition from the comfort of being inside to the beautiful surroundings of the tropical landscape.Four unique restaurants & bars highlight the culinary experiences of the all-inclusive resorts concept. Guests can enjoy various types of cuisine, including local fare sourced right from our kitchen, when dining in one of our four unique restaurants & bars. They can also take advantage of two beautiful beachfront restaurants/bars where they can enjoy lunch while relaxing on the beach and cocktails at sunset overlooking the lagoon—always in a relaxed, yet refined, environment.Wellness and relaxation are equally prominent components of our resort. We offer guests a dedicated full-service spa that offers holistic treatments based on both Asian and European philosophies, along with two beautiful infinity pools surrounded by stunning ocean views. Fitness centers and water sports programs offer many other active leisure activities for those guests interested in rejuvenating and adventurous experiences.This resort has something to do and see for everyone in the family, from the smallest to the parents and grandparents! There will be live music, outdoor movies and cooking classes that will provide each guest an opportunity to socialize together. For younger members of your family, we will have designated activities and areas suited just for them. Thus making Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives a great place for families, as well as couples!With its location on the ocean, vast selection of villas and package amenities that include everything you need to enjoy your time at the Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives, Meliá has established itself as one of the most sought after luxury resorts in the Maldives. The opening of this luxury resort shows Meliá’s long-term goal of establishing itself as one of the premier brands in hospitality within the Maldives by ensuring all guests are able to enjoy a perfect balance between natural beauty, comfort and exceptional experiences at one of the most amazing islands on earth!

JEN Maldives by Shangri-La Celebrates Ramadan with Special Iftar at Lime RestaurantDuring this time of Ramadan, JEN Maldives Majeedhee by Shangri- La is committing itself to the holy month through a variety of  courteously curated Iftar  gloamings at Lime Restaurant. Guests will gather for a reflection of goodwill, love and togetherness during these  gloamings. Ramadan is a time for celebrating our family,  musketeers, community and strengthening our  connections. JEN Maldives has prepared an Iftar that goes beyond food; it has been designed with the intention of creating an atmosphere that welcomes us to  recognize our traditions, share meaningful  exchanges and  produce participated moments around the table. The Iftar experience is set in one of Malé's most prestigious  hospices located in the heart of Malé. The warm but contemporary atmosphere offers a comfortable  terrain for both large groups( families breaking  presto) and small intimate groups(  musketeers meeting after work). The Iftar spread includes a  veritably different range of dishes that have been precisely  drafted for their guests as well as interactive live  cuisine stations and  multitudinous sweet  delectables using traditional Ramadan flavours but with a twist of  ultramodern  cuisine styles. As a premise of the  hostel’s commitment to hospitality, the Iftar experience is created by the overall attention to detail of the culinary and service  brigades in delivering a refined experience that's both authentic( quality) and  harmonious( authenticity) throughout Ramadan to  give an understated  fineness and warmth.The flexible venue can be used for any type of event including private parties or casual events. Therefore, the venue is ideal for both corporate iftars and family reunions/social celebrations. The Ramadan programme has been designed such that every aspect ensures that guests feel comfortable and at home while experiencing a unique iftar in the capital city. Throughout the month of Ramadan guests, citizens of and visitors to the Maldives are invited to join at Lime Restaurant to share in evening meals filled with food, abundance and connection — thus honoring what the Ramadan season is really about.

Dhiraagu Blends Connectivity and Community in Ramadan CampaignOn Tuesday, Dhiraagu launched its Ramadan marketing campaign to the public by announcing a new series of special offers for customers and community initiatives intended to enhance family ties and strengthen community bonds.Hassan stated, “The theme for this year’s Ramadan – ‘Ailee Gulhun’ – is centered around family connections. It is a reminder that while we may not be together physically, we are still connected to our loved ones emotionally through the shared experiences of family life. By emphasizing how we can connect with family and maintain these connections no matter how far apart we are, we are making an effort to create an atmosphere of family and support the spirit of Ramadan through a series of exciting offers and activities In Maldives. All customers with whom we work will have a blessed and peaceful Ramadan season!Dhiraagu's exclusive Ramadan offers have been introduced to promote greater digital connectivity and engagement with customers by having several different types of promotions available:Unlimited FREE Calls or Data daily during HaarudhanAll customers can use one hour of data or voice calls at no cost, every day, from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM.Upgrade to Limitehneh for 2 months FREEAll customers who upgrade their package will receive higher internet speeds at the same cost for a period of 2 months.Salhi Aailaa Family PlanCustomers can share a combined amount of 30GB with their family under one family plan and have visibility of the usage of each family member.Gift a Foodies VoucherCustomers can send a Foodies voucher quickly and easily to any family members who reside a distance away by using the cApp.During the holy month of Ramadan, Dhiraagu has confirmed that it will continue its Gudi Fest and Thashibari Movement initiatives; both of these initiatives are aimed at creating a sense of community through engagement with each other. Additionally, they have an exclusive launch of an original short film by some of the Maldives' best-known performers, which focuses on family ties. This film will be released to the public on the first day of Ramadan.Through this year's campaign, Dhiraagu will continue to provide innovative, connectivity and community support while providing meaningful and valued experiences for their customers during the holy month.

Nobu Hospitality to debut first hotel in the MaldivesNobu Hospitality  announced it's going to open its first resort in Maldives; this is a big achievement for the luxury brand known throughout the world. The property will be located on Munyafushi, a private island located at Laamu Atoll and will be erected in collaboration with Sarat International. Nobu Hotel, places & Restaurant Maldives will include an exclusive( and limited) collection of 56 estates 26 one and two bedroom beachfront estates, and 30 one and two bedroom overwater estates. Every  manor house will carry through Nobu’s hand Japanese- inspired design  philosophy, with architecture that emphasises clean lines, construction  paraphernalia that are natural, and a palette of calming colours, creating a visually  indefectible connection with the tropical terrain and stunning ocean views. The main dining experience at the resort will be the Nobu café. The  café  will be located on a private island near the resort, and will have a bar and  lounge area, and will serve Chef Nobu’s award- winning Japanese- Peruvian  cuisine, making for a unique dining experience in an extraordinary setting. In addition to the Nobu Restaurant and other resort amenities, including a new, full- service  spa, state- of- the- art fitness centre,  fully- equipped dive centre, tennis courts, function/ event space and main pool, the resort will give a wide variety of options for both rest and life  travelers.The new resort will have 10 Nobu Island Estate places, which correspond of separate islands  rigged  with  various bedrooms and bathrooms,  pavilion- style areas for living/ dining, private beaches, and access to continued ocean views.  owners will also admit exclusive access to their own yacht as well as use all other resort amenities. According to Nobu Hospitality, this development is the launch of furnishing an island experience that rises above traditional luxury resorts. Their thing is to produce a destination where fine design and exceptional dining live within the stunning natural beauty of the Maldives. Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality said," The Maldives have always been a focus area for our distinctive hospitality resorts, ” and “ We would like to produce a ‘ New Standard’ in this coming generation of  hotel developments within the Maldives. ” This  announcement coincided with the opening of Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Roma, which continues to increase Nobu's global presence by adding further than 40  taverns worldwide, making it one of the largest luxury  hotel brands on the earth.

dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives introduces Feydhoo Hall to expand MICE offeringsDusit International is pleased to announce the launch of its newest event venue at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives called Feydhoo Hall, adding a notable addition to their event and function space and therefore, broadening the MICE capabilities at this world-class resort in the Maldives.Feydhoo Hall has been built with three attributes in mind - scale, modularity and creative flexibility. Therefore, it provides a significant step-up in achieving the goal of positioning the Maldives as a highly competitive destination for conferences, weddings, and large-format social events.An Innovative Event SpaceOne of the main features of the new facility is its main hall, a contemporary purpose-built space measuring 390 sq. m. (4,225 sq. ft.) that can accommodate numerous event formats, such as:Up to 300 guests using theatre-style seating.Up to 240 guests dining in a banquet format.Up to 200 guests at cocktail receptions; andUp to 144 guests in a cluster round-table configuration.In addition, Feydhoo Hall includes various event areas that allow even greater flexibility and flow in the meeting or event experience:Veranda Terrace (110 sq. m. or 1,184 sq. ft.) - an ideal location for welcome receptions and breakout sessions; can hold up to 100 guests for cocktail-style events.Lawn Space (1,000 sq. m. or 10,764 sq. ft.) - a perfect venue for large-format outdoor celebrations, weddings, and open-air events; can accommodate up to 400 guests for cocktail functions and 350 guests for dining functions.55 sqm Meeting Room (Ekugai) – Designed for meetings with executives or smaller groups, theatre/dining layout holds an estimated 30 people, cluster round layout 24.These two indoor/outdoor event venues can be combined creating a seamless pathway creating a unique blend between business-like function and the island's tropical environment.Flexible Meeting Package OptionsWith the dusitD2 brand having a lifestyle focus, Feydhoo Hall has taken an innovative approach to hosting meetings or events focusing on productivity and creativity in an inspiring tropical island environment.The venue offers structured flexible meeting packages tailored to different types of events.Half Day Meeting Package (4 hours) – Best suited for executive meetings, focused training workshops or strategy sessions.Full Day Meeting Package (8 hours) – Designed to host your conference or full day immersive workshop event as well as large corporate events.Those package options provide event planners with options they can use to put together a successful and well-orchestrated event whether it be an intimate setting or a large scale event.Island Accessibility StrategySituated just 7 minutes from Velana International Airport by high speed boat, our resort offers visitors unparalleled access combined with the dynamic lifestyle experience of a tropical island getaway. The unique combination of convenience and escape makes this resort an ideal choice for hosting any type of international meeting, creative retreat or luxury celebration.With the addition of Feydhoo Hall to its amenities, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives will further enhance its reputation as a flexible destination that caters not only to leisure travellers but also to worldwide MICE Event Organisers (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), Wedding Planning Professionals and other social event organisers looking for a unique venue in the Maldives.

MATI elects new executive board for 2026–2029 term On February 15th, 2026, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) held its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Kurumba Maldives. At this meeting, MATI held elections for their Executive Board for the term of 2026-2029. During the AGM, 112 members and other key stakeholders from throughout the tourism industry came together to mark an important milestone in the governance of MATI. Members also reviewed and approved minutes of the previous AGM, endorsed MATI's 2025 Annual Report and Financial Statements, appointed auditors, and approved a budget for 2026. The membership elected a 19-member MATI Executive Board to oversee MATI's initiatives for the next three years. Hussain Afeef of KASA Holdings Pvt Ltd was elected as Chairman. Salah Shihab of Voyages Maldives Pvt Ltd and Ahmed Nazeer of Crown Company Pvt Ltd were elected as Vice-Chairmen. The Board of Directors for the 2026- 2029 period consists of • Ahmed Siyam Mohamed — CEO of Sun Siyam Resorts Pvt Ltd. • Amila Handunwala — Regional Vice President, Marriott International APEC. • Ibrahim Farhad — CEO of Dream Islands Development 2 Pvt Ltd. • Ibrahim Noordeen Director of Kasa effects Pvt Ltd. • Ibrahim Shareef — Managing Director of Maldives airfields Company Limited( MACL). • Ibrahim Siyad Qasim — CEO of Villa hospices and Resorts Pvt Ltd. • Ismail Siyan Qasim Director of Villa hospices and Resorts Pvt Ltd. • Mark Eletr — Managing Director of Leisure leaves Pvt Ltd. • Salil Panigrahi Director of Atmosphere Core Pvt Ltd. • Sanjay Maniku — Managing Director of Universal Enterprises Ltd. • Sarah Moosa — Managing Director of Crown and Champa Resorts Pvt Ltd. • Visha Mahir — Managing Director of Universal Enterprises Ltd. • Zulaikha Manik Director of Sun Siyam Resorts Pvt Ltd. There was also a donation made by the Ministry of Tourism & Environment regarding the nonsupervisory precedences and Action Plan for the coming three times( 2026 & further). There was also a review of the Tourism Sector’s performance during the time 2025. Also, an Open Forum gave an occasion for the members to express their studies about the assiduity, including major challenges that face or are likely to face the assiduity over the coming many times and openings available to the assiduity. During the check of the AGM, the new Secretary- General talked about the necessity for lesser collaboration, further unified regulation and better programs to give sustainability, growth and resiliency within Maldivian Tourism

Hussain Afeef named chairman of Maldives Association of Tourism IndustryAfter serving as a long-standing member of the board at Maldivian Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Mr Hussain Afeef has been appointed to fill the vacancy for the Chairman of MATI following the death of the previous holder of this position, Mr MU Maniku.The decision to appoint Mr. Afeef was made at the 36th Annual General Meeting of MATI that took place on Sunday at Kurumba Maldives. As well as being a previous Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee of MATI's Board of Directors and having worked in the Tourism industry for over 20 years, he brings a wealth of experience with him.MATI is now able to say it is back on track with regards to representing and continuing the advocacy efforts for tourism in the Maldives.

February sees third daily arrivals record for Maldives tourism; 11,136 on February 14On 14 February 2022, a record-breaking number of tourists arrived in the Maldives (11,136), which has marked three individual daily records within a single month.The data released by the Ministry of Tourism shows that the previous high point was on the 1st of February (10,253) and again on the 8th of February (10,462) - indicating that there is continued momentum being experienced within the Maldives tourist market.As of Mid February 2022, there have been 349,990 tourist arrivals into the Maldives - a 7.62% increase year on year. The Maldives is currently seeing an average of over 7,777 tourist arrivals every day. China is still the largest contributor of tourists to the Maldives, contributing 49,704 of the total (14.2%) followed by Russia (40,141), and Italy (34,320). UK (32,563), Germany (21,558), India (19,920), France (11,998), USA (9,524), Poland (8,960), and Austria (7,348) represent other significant source markets for visitors to the Maldives. Resorts continue to dominate accommodation preferences (68.1%), while guesthouses account for 26.9% of total stays, hotels/guesthouses account for 2.8% of total stays, and liveaboards account for 2.1% of total stays.The Maldivian Government has set a target of receiving 2.5 million tourists into the Maldives this year and continues to benefit from the strong performance at the start of the year 2026.

The Cocoon Collection appoints Mamdhouh Mohamed as Senior Director of Sales – MaldivesThe Cocoon Collection is excited to announce the appointment of Mamdhouh Mohamed as Senior Director of Sales - Maldives, enhancing its leadership of the luxury resort market.Mamdhouh brings an extensive background of sales experience in the Maldives resort industry and a wealth of knowledge around developing sales strategies that focus on destinations. In his new role with The Cocoon Collection, Mamdhouh will lead sales strategy and business development across the Company's Maldives portfolio, with an emphasis on establishing stronger global partnerships, key accounts and creating a solid foundation for future growth in our source markets.Jay Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer of The Cocoon Collection stated "This appointment represents continued dedication to long-term growth and development of our management team"."We are very happy to welcome Mamdhouh into The Cocoon Collection". "His deep experience, significant connections to the industry and proven success within luxury hospitality sales will be a tremendous benefit to the Leadership Team and we are excited about all that he will provide to our established vision for sales and future success."Mamdhouh has an  emotional history in the Maldives  hostel business. Most  lately, he has held marketing and leadership positions for  numerous luxurious resorts within the Maldives, including his most recent position as Director of Deals at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, during which he directed destination deals conditioning from  colorful  transnational  requests around the world.   Mamdhouh’s professional experience is associated with luxury resort brands and  request- grounded selling strategies aimed at driving  profit, engaging  mates and  situating a company’s brand to  produce a unique experience for guests.   On his appointment, Mamdhouh stated that he's looking forward to being part of The Cocoon Collection during this  period of expansion.  " I’m proud to have the  occasion to join The Cocoon Collection during this  instigative period. The Maldives continue to rank among the world’s most exclusive luxury  trip destinations, and I'm eager to work with both our  brigades and others to enhance our destination immolations and  produce exceptional  gests  for our guests," he said.   Mamdhouh will  concentrate on  adding  and maintaining the Group’s  request position in the Maldives, developing  connections with business  mates and  enforcing  fresh innovative deals programs that calculate on data- driven information to support The Cocoon Collection’s advanced growth  pretensions in the Maldives.   The Cocoon Collection is responsible for operating a collection of theoretical  upmarket  islet resort  parcels located throughout the Indian Ocean. The Cocoon Collection has an emphasis on developing a significant  quantum of  hostel  lodgment  in confluence with superior  situations of  particular service and guest  gests.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon wins HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon won a HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026 which has been awarded for 2 times in a row. This award is  substantiation of the  hostel's character as a favourite with  transnational excursionists.  The HolidayCheck Gold Award is awarded only to  hospices  entering the Holiday Check Award 5 times since 2019. There are only 10 winners each region as  similar there's great  substantiation of the  hostel achieving constant outstanding guest satisfaction and loftiest recommendations.  Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is located in North Ari Atoll and the  hostel is  veritably  notorious for having an amazing house reef and a lot of marine biodiversity. The  hostel has easy access to over 50 dive  spots and the capability to dive 24 hours a day making it a top destination for passionate AND  educated divers. The outstanding reef ecosystem of the  hostel has made the  hostel  notorious with Lonely Planet and is known as one of the stylish places to dive in the Maldives. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has a beautiful 25-  nanosecond seaplane transfer or a 90-  nanosecond motorboat transfer from Malé  furnishing the ultimate combination of ease of access and a great  islet experience. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is also well known for its warm and friendly family atmosphere  furnishing a nice balance of  exertion and relaxation in a compact and naturally scenic  terrain.Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, commented that this achievement reflects the team's continued dedication to providing excellent customer service. He goes on to say that "The receipt of the HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026 for the second time in a row is a tremendous accomplishment for Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. It is a testament to the teams hard work and the ongoing faith from our guests. We have built sustained high recommendation rates over the past several years through providing exceptional service, being environmentally responsible and providing memorable experiences based around our house reef and diving options."

The Resort at Kandooma, Maldives has created a month of romantic celebrations by extending it's Valentine's offer A couple's Valentine’s celebration is not limited to just one day anymore! In 2026 couples are looking for ways to create experiences with each other rather than giving each other presents i.e. arranging flowers and/or dinner reservations. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, Maldives has embraced this trend by providing guests with a digital voucher to celebrate the love between couples with an exciting getaway in an island paradise, which will also be the best gift of time spent together in paradise. At the centre of this seasonal offering is the Island Romance Package which has been specifically designed to create an easy and memorable couples retreat that will last a lifetime! The Island Romance Package includes villa accommodation, and daily dining for two persons in Kandooma Café the resorts' international buffet dining. As soon as a couple arrives they will have special in-villa amenities waiting for them, to ensure that they have an amazing romantic escape! The total experience includes so much more than just a place to stay; there are many memorable and intimate moments that have been included in the package. Couples can enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, have breakfast in bed and have dinner at a private beachfront location under the stars, all designed to provide a sense of privacy, and indulgence as well as create the feeling of having a tropical getaway. For those who may enjoy something a little more adventurous, the package includes scuba diving for those who have their certification which adds another level of excitement to celebrating their relationship. Island Romance packages start at $548 US per villa, per night for two people, subject to a minimum stay of three (3) nights. Rates vary based on the time of travel as well as the category of villa booked. As per Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing/Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, many guests have opted for flexible gift options. Some guests prefer to buy a gift certificate in dollar amounts that can be applied towards a future booking and others prefer that the stay be booked in advance, then they use the certificates for things like wedding cakes, flowers, and/or photo packages to enhance their experience. Romance is alive and well at Kandooma throughout the month of February! From 1st – 28th February, couples can take advantage of many chances to escape to our beautiful Kandooma Paradise and reconnect with the Month of Love celebrations. We celebrate love and romance during our Month of Love," said Garrett, as well as our gift vouchers are an easy way for you to give a special gift to your loved one. And even if their individual travel plans are not until a later date, this is an opportunity for you to share that experience together. Welcome to your own little slice of paradise in the South Male Atoll. The Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is located just 45 minutes away from Velana International Airport on a fast boat. Enjoy powder white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and some of the world's best diving and surfing. Kandooma also caters to families, with our Kandoo Kids' Club and a wide variety of activities available for children, as well as six different dining options and The Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala. When you combine these elements with romance and relaxation, you truly have a little island paradise!

Visit Maldives and DERTOUR Deutschland Partner to Drive German Tourism GrowthThe Visit Maldives Corporation and DERTOUR Deutschland have entered into a strategic collaboration that aims to increase the number of visitors from Germany to the Maldives and to enhance the Maldives’ presence in the European travel market.The signing took place on February 10, 2026 during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s official trip to Berlin. Ibrahim Shiuree, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, signed for the destination marketing agency; Jörn Krausser, the Director for the Indian Ocean and Asia for DERTOUR Deutschland, was the signatory for his company.The two partners have committed to executing major destination marketing programs that seek first to generate 100,000 German tourist arrivals. In the longer term, they have a collective goal of exceeding 200,000 German tourists next year, thereby creating Germany as one of the major sources of European visitors to the Maldives.Both parties plan to work together on joint marketing campaigns, targeted marketing campaigns, and trade engagement programs that take into account German consumer preferences and seasonal travel habits. In addition to these cooperative efforts between both partnering parties, all activities will be developed using the key distribution channels selected to maximize both reach and conversion in Germany.The cornerstone of the partnership is the basic exchange between both parties of tourism data and intelligence related to market activity and traveller behaviour. DERTOUR Deutschland will share its wealth of experience in the German market with its partner to assist in the design of a data-driven marketing strategy for each destination represented by both partners. Additionally, both partners have agreed to share performance information and analytic reports to support the development of the project and in accordance with applicable data confidentiality and legal requirements.The MoU also outlines both partners will cooperate to support each other in connection with any and all mutually agreed-upon trade shows, sales programs, and other promotional opportunities undertaken by either party in order to increase both of their respective customer bases; enhance their relationships with travel agents in the German market; and create more accurate measurement of the number of travellers from Germany. The agreement recognizes DERTOUR Deutschland's long-term activities related to the resort investment and brand appearance of ANANEA Resorts within the Maldives and the Group's continued commitment to positioning itself as a top-quality long-haul leisure travel destination.DerTour, ITS, and Meiers Weltreisen are just a few of the well-established tour operator brands that are part of the overall DERTOUR Group, which is the travel/tourism division of the REWE Group. The immediate DERTOUR Group includes a diverse array of tour operators, travel agencies, and destination management services operating across a number of different global markets.Through this partnership with DERTOUR Deutschland, Visit Maldives Corporation continues to develop and establish close relationships with its most important tour operators in priority markets. By further enhancing collaboration with the travel trade in Germany, Visit Maldives Corporation expects to gain additional exposure, increase its market penetration, and achieve long-term sustainable growth from Germany as well as other European markets.