Latest Maldives News, Resort Openings & Travel Guides
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EditorialSheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Shines Bright with Five-Day Diwali Celebrations
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa welcomes visitors to enjoy the enchantment of Diwali in heaven for five celebration-filled days combining vibrant Indian culture and Maldivian natural beauty. Between October 16th and 20th, 2025, the resort will shine with light, sounds, and colors to create a memorable holiday with couples, families, and friends.The celebration begins on October 16 with detailed henna designs, pulsating DJ beats on Kakuni Beach, breathtaking Bollywood dance instruction. With sunset, the celebration is followed by relaxing chill sunset mood, a mesmerizing LED light display, kids' disco night, and the electric resonance of an outdoor evening live Bollywood band.Day after day unfolds as a colorful mosaic of culture, health, and art. Guests may begin mornings with peaceful sunrise stretches, discover old-world elegance at the Sari and Kurta Style Corner, or treat themselves to creativity with rangoli designs, diya painting, tote bag block-printing, and lantern creation. Kids will enjoy family activities ranging from glow paint parties and balloon games to fun discos designed to entertain fun for little kids late into the evening. Evenings turn into a light and music fest. Guests can dance to sun-down saxophone melodies, tap their feet to the rhythm of Maldivian Boduberu drums, and watch in awe as fire dance performances are choreographed to island scripts. On offer from October 16 to 19 is an upscale dining option at Masala Hut with a free-flow vegetarian and non-vegetarian festival of the authentic flavors of India — a spicy, warm, celebratory delight.The festivities peak on October 19 at the magical Floating Lantern Wishes Ceremony. While floating lanterns travel across the pool, couples and families enjoy a moment of communal hope, togetherness, and illumination, representing the true spirit of Diwali.The Grand Seaside Feast & Grill Night at Anchorage Beach on October 20 marks the end of the festivities.On the Indian Ocean horizon, visitors treat themselves to a sumptuous spread of Indian cuisine and Western delights, fresh sea food straight off the boats, and grill-fresh delicacies sizzling at the resort's outdoor kitchen. The night is complemented by the nostalgic sounds of a live triad band, the Rangoli Lighting Ceremony, the edge-of-the-seat Diwali Dhamaka Show, and a grand finale of live Bollywood music that propels the celebratory night far into the night. To add some spice to celebrations, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites visitors to indulge in its Full Board Package. Its value package features buffet breakfast every day at Feast Restaurant, three-course à la carte lunch at one of four featured restaurants, and à la carte or buffet dinner, along with a USD 45 per adult per night food credit at Sea Salt and Baan Thai.Kids aged under 11 years dine for free when traveling with parents. Guests also get shared speedboat airport transfer from Velana International Airport, free use of sports and wellness facilities, and 15% off on chosen treatments at Shine Spa for Sheraton. This Diwali, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is offering a celebration of light, flavor, and joy amidst one of the world's most stunning island scenes.
EditorialExperience a Cultural Retreat: German Traditions in Kuramathi Maldives
Kuramathi Maldives is set to bring a taste of Bavarian tradition to paradise this October. To celebrate the globally-renowned Oktoberfest, the resort will hold its own folk festival between 4 and 7 October 2025. Four unforgettable nights at the Dhoni Bar, from sunset till late, of happy music, sumptuous Bavarian-themed cuisine, and cool drinks await guests.The highpoint of the event will be a special performance by the Biegel siblings, a gifted trio of musicians from Upper Bavaria. Regina, Rupert, and Ludwig Biegel will treat guests to original Bavarian folk music, featuring instruments like the accordion and tuba, as well as their characteristic polyphonic singing. With more than 15 years of experience in Bavarian music, the Biegel siblings add a special and lively note to every performance.Kuramathi visitors will be able to try a selection of beers, draught and bottled, including a genuine German brew complemented by German-Bavarian delicacies. The union provides the quintessential flavor of tradition, embracing the distinctive essence of the experience.Visitors can live Bavarian traditions on a breathtaking tropical island, creating a memorable and special celebration.
EditorialJW Marriott Maldives Hosts Rhône Wine Dinner with Stéphane Vedeau
This October, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa will play host to "The Rhône in Residence: An Exclusive Wine Dinner with Stéphane Vedeau," a gastronomic milestone dinner held on October 13, 2025. The dinner invites food and wine aficionados to an unforgettable five-course gastronomic journey personally guided by the celebrated French winemaker. The resort's beautiful Wine Room, a warm retreat inside the Aailaa restaurant, will provide the perfect setting for this unforgettable evening. Stéphane Vedeau's journey is a creative expression of location, driven by a passion for winemaking.Beginning in the ancient vineyards of Languedoc, his talent for producing outstanding wines soon gained international acclaim, taking the coveted "Wine of the Year" at the International Wine Challenge twice. He then concentrated on the Rhône Valley, planting La Ferme du Mont in the south and J. Boutin in the north. Vedeau's plan of opting for high-altitude parcels to gain unprecedented freshness and balance has been his trademark. Acclaimed critic Robert Parker described him as "a seriously talented winemaker rapidly becoming a star of the Southern Rhône," a testament to his innovative and soulful style. The exclusive dinner will be served at the Wine Room of the resort, which has over 1,620 bottles and 300 of the finest hand-picked labels from the Old and the New Worlds.The visitors will enjoy a five-course dining experience whose each course has been especially designed to complement Vedeau's courses. The wine list for the evening will feature an impressive choice, including La Ferme du Mont Côtes-du-Rhône "Première côte," Les Vedias Crozes-Hermitage, Gigondas Jugunda, the white Côtes-du-Rhône "La Truffière," and the outstanding Lusis Condri Viognier. In response to the event, Mohit Dembla, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, stated, "The resort is pleased to welcome a winemaker of the stature of Stéphane Vedeau to our island paradise.".This collaboration is a reflection of our commitment to delivering thoughtfully crafted experiences that nourish passions and inspire guests. Getting to host this unique dinner in the Wine Room provides the perfect venue to showcase his creativity. It is an opportunity to indulge in exceptional wines while bonding with the passion behind them, crafting an invaluable experience that embodies the JW Marriott brand. Throughout the night, Stéphane Vedeau will personally guide guests through the tasting, unveiling each bottle's unique history and philosophy.. The dinner is not just a night's meal; it's an immersive odyssey into the spirit of the Rhône Valley guided by one of its most vibrant characters, set against the unparalled setting of the Maldives.Concealed within the serene Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a multigenerational getaway where creativity, comfort, and exceptional service combine in sublime harmony. From skillfully curated experiences to thoughtful touches throughout, every stay is carefully crafted to create connection and build lifelong memories.
EditorialWorld Wellness Weekend: St. Regis Maldives Retreat
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort celebrates World Wellness Weekend with a thoughtfully planned three-day experience around movement, awareness, and wellness. From morning yoga and chakra meditations to sophisticated practices such as Anti-Gravity Yoga and pool cycling, the experience embodies the resort's philosophy around balance, energy, and tranquility.Day One | Friday, September 19, 2025The weekend started with Morning Yoga and Meditation at serene Yoga Sala, where the guests were treated to Surya Namaskar to awaken the body and unchain the mind. This was preceded by a TRX session to build strength and endurance. Early afternoon had an Ayurvedic workshop, Balancing Your Doshas, where the guests were taught the ancient practice of balancing body, mind, and nature. Afternoon was condensed with a Beach Boot Camp, followed by a peaceful, meditative Chakra Yoga class focused on opening Vishuddha—the creativity and cleansing throat chakra.Day Two | Saturday, September 20, 2025Morning began at dawn with yoga and meditation, giving a solid grounding to the day. Subsequently, guests enjoyed a high-intensity Kickboxing class designed to build body awareness and stamina. Mid-day launched Anti-Gravity Yoga, a fantasy but strongly rejuvenating physical activity of combined ancient Indian asanas and suspended hammocks. The Iridium Spa featured The Art of Massage Techniques Workshop to pamper oneself in healing touch after with exact core strengthening via Mat Pilates. Chakra Yoga in the memory of Indian third eye chakra Ajna placed participants in attuned awareness and wisdom to bring the day to a close. Day Three | Sunday, September 21, 2025The final day welcomed guests to morning meditation following an interactive BR Skin Instant Workshop at Iridium Spa, whereby the interface of inner and outer well-being was addressed.A refreshing Pool Bike Fitness in the swimming pool allowed for a challenging water fitness training, followed by a watchful Tennis Clinic to hone vigilant awareness and flow further. Afternoon sessions involved Jumping Fitness on mini trampolines for better cardiovascular well-being through joyful movement, with the last Chakra Yoga being a tribute to Sahasrara—crown chakra—symbolizing wholeness, awareness, and inner happiness. World Wellness Weekend from 19–21 September 2025 at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a celebration of energy, awareness, and rejuvenation—inviting guests to reconnect with themselves in the island's most stunning paradise.
EditorialThe Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort Inspires Guests With Curated World Wellness Weekend Programs
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort announces a remarkable lineup of complimentary and signature wellness activities to mark World Wellness Weekend, held in the third week of September 2025. Visitors are invited to refresh, mobilize, and bond within the breathtaking nature splendor of the Maldives, under the steering of Westin's Pillars of Well-Being — Feel Well, Eat Well, Sleep Well, Move Well, and Play Well.The journey starts on Friday, 19th September with a refreshing game of water volleyball, where camaraderie welcomes the Maldivian sun with a healthy splash of vitality. Throughout day and night, the ancient yogic sleep, Yoga Nidra, leads visitors to a rejuvenating state of conscious relaxation, deep healing, and restoration.Saturday, September 20, is when the festivities continue with a sensorial activity, Craft Your Glow, where revelers create their own personal body scrubs using natural elements and tropical flora. They also have the opportunity to learn the art of self-love and renewal while creating a keepsake that they can bring home. Westin gets you active with runWestin, a refreshing sunset beach run that soaks up the play of movement.The weekend concludes on Sunday, September 21, with Sunrise Yoga in the Yoga Pavilion. At the dawn of the island awakening, gentle flow aligns breath and body for balanced beginning to the day. The hands-on care of the afternoon comes in the form of a Massage Workshop with instructed techniques for releasing tension along the head, neck, and shoulders — perfect for couples to learn together or anyone who wants to take wellness further beyond the island.Located in the Baa Atoll, the Maldives' first and only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort infuses its wellness philosophy into all its experiences, inviting guests to move with pleasure, sleep better, and dine mindfully. World Wellness Weekend is not a plan — it's an invitation to party, where each sunrise is part of an experience of a lifetime.For a visitor looking for a Maldives resort vacation, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has an "Earn, Eat, Enjoy" package for two adults and two children's breakfast, a USD 70 resort credit, and other free island recharging activities to enhance the island experience.
Editorial7th Carrom World Cup 2025 to Shine at Barceló Nasandhura Malé
Barceló Nasandhura Malé is happy to sponsor the 7th Carrom World Cup from 1st to 7th December 2025 as the official host partner.The event is likely to host around 200 participants from over 20 countries, it being a landmark tournament for the international Carrom calendar.Barceló Nasandhura, in its role as host partner, will provide accommodation, restaurant, and event space for the matches and allied activities of the tournament to provide a seamless experience to all participants. Located in the city center with modern facilities, it is an ideal location to host an event like this.The formal signing ceremony was held at Barceló Nasandhura Malé and witnessed by Hussain Raushaan, General Secretary of the Carrom Association of Maldives and Enric Reina, the Deputy General Manager of Barceló Nasandhura Malé on behalf of the institutions.The 7th Carrom World Cup promises thrilling competition and cross-cultural exchange, and Barceló Nasandhura making the event a successful memory to cherish.
EditorialOcean Bliss Awaits: World Wellness Weekend Escape at Angsana Velavaru
In celebration of World Wellness Weekend, Angsana Velavaru invites travelers to indulge in a variety of holistic activities to nurture body and spirit amidst the dramatic landscape of the Maldives. Complimentary wellness activities are available at the resort on September 19-21 with the resort's resident yoga master, exchanging moments of balance, energy, and renewal.Each morning, guests can wake up to wake-up aqua aerobics sessions in the Kuredhi Pool with gentle resistance to water's rhythm to awaken the senses. For September 20 evening, sunset is followed by a yoga session that leads guests through a series that synchronizes movements and breathing as the sun dips into the horizon. The celebrations peak on the 21st of September with beach sunrise yoga, a serene practice of ashtanga and pranayama coordinated while the sun breaks over the island to heat it up. Apart from the special weekend, Angsana Velavaru also features an integrated variety of wellness activities as per its structure of balance and rejuvenation. At the award-winning Angsana Spa, expert therapists draw on ancient Asian rituals to create treatments that rebalance and restore energy. The amenities encompass body polishes, rejuvenating facials, and holistic massage therapies supplemented by nature elements. Other facilities include experiential wellness rituals and personalized journeys that sustain physical energy and inner peace.With its turquoise lagoon to the South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru delivers a well-being lifestyle infused with island way- whether in mindful movement, healing therapies or even the relaxed pace of island life.
EditorialHalloween Night of Horrors at Canareef Island
This Halloween 31st of October 2025, Canareef Resort Maldives becomes a Haunted Island for an unforgettable Halloween experience like no other. With creepy shipwrecks and ghostly palm trees, guests are invited to be swept away in a night of bone-chilling fun, island beats, and ghoulish feasting.The night starts with a Halloween-themed buffet at Kilhi Restaurant from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, where they can feast on a specially prepared selection of spooky culinary dishes—from "Witch's Cauldron Soup" to "Graveyard Platters" and tropical surprises such as "Cursed Coconut Cream." Wine and beer will flow freely as the live in-house band plays in the background amidst a setting of cobwebs, skeletons, and pirate ghosts.With growing darkness, the celebration carries on at Dhoni Beach between 9:00 pm to 1:00 am with our spine-tingling Dine, Drink & Dance night. The guests can relish innovative cocktails like the Zombie Lagoon and Haunted Rum Punch, while dancing to the tunes of DJ in the light of jellyfish lanterns and wispy fog effects.There'll be fire dancing, ghost skits, and even a Thriller dance show, plenty of scares and thrills to be had. Dress-up is encouraged, with a Best Halloween Costume contest making it all the more enjoyable. Kids aren't left out, pumpkin (or coconut!) carving and glow-face painting will make this an enchanting night for all.With creepy sound effects, Halloween-themed photo booths, and hands-on Halloween activities such as mummy wrapping and broomstick relays, Halloween Night at Canareef will be spooky and spectacular—a one-of-a-kind island Halloween party under the stars.So, put on your costume and join us this Halloween as we bring to life the myths of haunted seas and ghostly sailors at Canareef Resort Maldives.
EditorialOaga Art Resort Introduces Foo as the 2025-26 Festive Curator
This holiday season, Oaga Art Resort invites visitors to enter a living comic book, narrated in the voice of Foo, the island's spiritual curator and ageless soul.A Simple Story, As Seen Through Foo's EyesFoo is Oaga's invisible co-creator, integrating himself into art, food, performances, and tales. Foo does not occupy the spotlight. Rather, he makes room for awe, curiosity, and connection.This year, Foo shares the Maldives because he has sensed and recalled it for centuries, recreated in the rich, vibrant eye of a living cartoon. From the island-nourishing women to the artists who recall the feeling of sound, it is a tale of individuality through tradition.A Celebration Grounded in Maldivian SpiritVisitors can look forward to an unforgettable combination of culture, imagination, and happy discovery:100% Maldivian line-up of performers performs on stage, crafting music that's authentic and heartfelt, and gathering a party of rhythm and heritage - celebrating homegrown talent, creativity, and authenticity.The centerpiece of celebratory eating is the local flavors, served from a special local 'Voyage Around Maldives' cart with meals lovingly homemade by cooking talent sourced from the atolls and islands.Kasabu gethun, roanu veshun, thundu kunaa, fangi viyun, and liyelaa jehun cultural workshops, designed in collaboration with Kiyavahi.Surprise comic strips, flash performances that infuse magic into every day.A plant-based Christmas tree made from island plants and vines, the celebration of sustainability and the essence of making for the island, by the island.Multi-skilled resident artists Jaime Brown and Karim Jabbari are back for their third appearance to lead arts workshops and creative masterclasses.A Change of Heart, Not BeatOaga's holiday season is still an unforgettable experience, just repackaged with Maldivian heart.In addition to the key festive must-haves, visitors at Oaga over the season can enjoy a variety of new and thrilling experiences:Samaasaa new production; The First Coconuts: a new theatre dining show where food and performance combine to bring Maldivian myth to life launches in October 2025 and open to guests to visit during stay over festive period.Veyoge Gallery Villa Show 25–26 – Maldives: A Simple Story: 15 artists interpret Veyoge Gallery Villas as private gallery venues, one villa per artist featuring original pieces describing Maldivian life, traditions, and culture. The upcoming exhibition will open in November 2025.A long-stay benefit from the new Sobi à la carte menu: Stay 7 nights and receive free dining at Sobi à la carte throughout your stay.Step into The StorySeen through Foo's eyes, even the familiar is novel. This year, Oaga Art Resort welcomes visitors not only to celebrate, but to become part of a living, ageless Maldivian tale that is poetic, whimsical, and irrepressibly alive.
EditorialROBINSON NOONU Unveils Exciting New Summer Adventures and Events
ROBINSON NOONU, the Maldives' liveliest resort, is revolutionizing the guest experience this summer with a vibrant fusion of foodie heaven, family escapades, wellness innovations, and unforgettable entertainment. Renowned for its "wow moments" that extend long after check-out, the resort has launched an enticing program to enrich every kind of traveler.Culinary & Music ExperiencesROBINSON NOONU guests experience a rich array of gastronomic highlights, completed by weekly live shows of international artists and DJs. Those authentic performances bring a musically diverse and engaging ambiance that enriches each meal and entertainment moment.Family Fun & Splash AdventuresThis summer, parents are in for a thrill with the Weekly Splash Action at the newly refurbished water sports jetty. A ten-metre-long air cushion (Blob) lies in wait for adventurous souls. As the General Manager himself takes the plunge, thrill ensues as visitors are blasted high up into the air before splashing into the blue lagoon.Sports & Wellness InnovationsROBINSON NOONU is also pioneering new trends in active vacation. Holidaymakers can now indulge in the resort's freshly opened padel tennis court, offering an increasingly popular sport to its range. A second innovation is 'YinSurf' on the Strobel & Walter Balance Board – an innovative blend of yoga, meditation, and whole-body training aimed at revitalizing body and mind equally.Signature Events Every Two WeeksEvery Two weeks, ROBINSON NOONU becomes a fantasist living space with participative themed events:Jungle Party – a romantically wild bash in a driftwood-inspired setting.Underwater Party – featuring a massive inflatable octopus and 360° underwater effects.Sundowner Beach Party – toasting barefoot, golden-hour sojourns on the beach.White Party – a chic night where the pool deck is a radiant sea of inflatables.BOHO Festival Show – a new attraction for this year, where earthy tones blend with teepees and dream catchers and elegance.Pink Pool Party – the bright and bubbly celebration of flamingos, music, and hues.Special Feature: "This is NOONU" Week (22–29 September)The season's highlight event is the "This is NOONU" Special Week. Between 22 and 29 September, eight international artists, Well Fit experts, guest DJs, and special events will welcome guests to the resort. They can expect luxurious experiences like the Suite Party and an ultra-special edition of the Pink Pool Party, which will bring lasting memories and a thrilling atmosphere.Where Summer Dreams Come TrueWith its own special mix of adventure, health, culinary flair, and fun, ROBINSON NOONU has become the resort where summer fantasies come alive. From soaring on the Blob to dancing barefoot on a moonlit night, each of our guests departs with a lifetime of memories.
EditorialCelebrate Manta Month at Kandooma Island This September 2025
In celebration of the success of last year's campaign, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is delighted to once again host Manta Month this September. This now-annual event welcomes guests of all ages to bond with the ocean and contribute to marine protection through fun, family-oriented activities spotlighting the awe-inspiring manta ray.During the course of the month, guests can take guided tours to established manta hotspots where the resort's veteran team imparts interesting manta behaviour and conservation facts. Awareness sessions with the inspiring tale of a manta rescued off the island give a poignant reminder of the resort's continued initiatives to protect marine life. Children can be involved in manta-inspired arts and crafts and beach activities, while the whole community is encouraged to participate in a reef and island clean-up, creating dynamic manta sculptures from the collected rubbish. Proceeds from the sale of manta pendants offered for sale at the Resort's retail boutique will go to support The Manta Trust, further contributing to the resort's efforts to assist manta research and conservation. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is at the doorstep to ten of the Maldives' best dive sites, and guests and the staff alike care about the health of the ocean and all who live within it.The hotel harmonizes its activities with IHG's purpose, 'True Hospitality for Good,' by way of its sustainability program, Journey to Tomorrow. It aligns itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and shows commitment to the preservation of the natural environment for the long term. “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.
EditorialExperience Luxury at The Atollia by Centara
Both more than just a location, a place you can truly experience when you visit. On one island, two entirely different worlds come to life, two unique atmospheres that blend naturally and work together. Supported by a vast lagoon, the Centara Grand Lagoon Resort Maldives offers a serene and family-friendly environment, while the Centara Mirage Lagoon Resort Maldives provides a more lively and family-focused setting. These two resorts are located on the same island, each with its own unique character. The Centara Grand Lagoon Resort Maldives is a luxurious private resort that combines sophisticated Thai hospitality with traditional Maldivian culture.Its wide beachfront and over-water villas are beautifully designed with soft pastel colors, offering uninterrupted views of the sparkling sea and private stretches of soft sand.Visitors are surrounded by a calm and peaceful setting, with excellent dining options and personalized wellness programs that go beyond the usual.Above the lagoon, the Centara Mirage Lagoon Resort has a more vibrant and colorful feel.Inspired by the grandeur of the ocean, the resort is thoughtfully designed for families to spend quality time together.At its center is a large water complex featuring lagoon pools, exciting water slides, and the longest lazy river in the Maldives. Family rooms include bunk beds, and there are numerous facilities and activities aimed at children and teenagers, including a Kids’ Club, water play areas, and a Games Room, ensuring younger guests have a lot of fun. For adults and younger guests alike, several dining spots and spa areas offer experiences that are exciting for all ages. One of The Atollia Destination Plan elements is offering guests access to more than ten different dining locations across both resorts, providing a wide range of culinary experiences. From elevated overwater restaurants to colorful beachside grills, each restaurant has its own unique identity, celebrating Thai, Italian, Mediterranean, and pan-Asian cuisine using traditional and innovative techniques. Together, they create The Atollia as a place that is rich in flavor, community-oriented, and culturally vibrant.This strong emphasis on experience naturally leads to a focus on wellness.Guests have full access to holistic retreat facilities at both properties, each offering its own unique approach and style. The Spa Cenvaree Retreat at Centara Grand Lagoon is a place of calm and tranquility, providing Thai and Ayurvedic therapies with gentle care. Here, wellness is achieved through retreat-based programs, guided ceremonies, and deeply personalized healing sessions.At Centara Mirage Lagoon, traditional artistry is reimagined in treatments at the Spa Cenvaree, while the playful Candy Spa offers younger guests a fun and interactive way to explore wellness.Together, these two places offer a dual experience, centered around heritage but tailored to each generation.The Atollia is a place where solitude and community live in harmony with the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean.There, peace, community, and discovery are not just themes—they are the rhythm of everyday life. Children, parents, and grandparents are all welcome, invited to stay, learn, and experience the meaning of peace and adventure.From luxurious spa treatments inspired by ancient cultures to imaginative candy-themed therapies, The Atollia combines purpose with beautiful harmony.Wellness is not just an extra—it is a philosophy here. Dining is not just about eating—it is an immersive experience through a variety of ten different venues, offering a journey through cuisine, wine, and settings. Experiences are not passive; they are rich, tailored, and evolve as the person grows.In a country known for its beauty and luxury, The Atollia stands out not as a single resort, but as a complete destination for those who are looking for something truly unique.Whether you're an adventurer, a food lover, a wellness seeker, or part of a multigenerational family, this is the Maldives, reimagined, redefined, and full of endless potential.
EditorialFrom Garden to Gourmet: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Revives Its Signature Spice Garden Experience
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is delighted to announce the unveiling of its newly refurbished Spice Garden, an inspiring reflection of sustainability, sensorial exploration, and culinary innovation. Under the loving care of in-house horticulturalist Zabih and culinary guidance of Executive Chef Frank, this verdant paradise has been the heart's pulse of the resort's garden-to-table concept, inspiring directly the upgrade of the guest dining experience, most notably the newly elevated Lazy Lunch menu.Found on the resort grounds, the Spice Garden is now a lively center of organic spices, herbs, and edible flowers that now end up on the plate within hours of their growth. This newly cultivated home produce has transformed the culinary reality at Alila Kothaifaru, particularly in the Lazy Lunch menu, where seasonal variety and true flavors now dominate.Our new Spice Garden menu has allowed us to incorporate even more locally sourced produce into the Lazy Lunch," explains Executive Chef Frank. "Using fresh-picked herbs and produce maximises flavour, boosts nutritional value, and brings the garden-to-table concept to life. And it provides our chefs with the freedom to create menus according to the seasons, always serving up something new and interesting.".To further bring our guests along this philosophy, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has added a free activity for our guests—the Spice Garden Walk, guided by Maldivian horticulturist Zabih, whose passion and commitment have made the garden an outdoor classroom and scented haven. Guests are encouraged to touch, smell, and taste some of the spices and herbs of the tropics as they learn about their source, applications, and influence on the immediate environment."Reconnecting with nature is what Spice Garden is all about," explains Zabih. "By appealing to the senses, we want to create deep and lingering impressions that enhance each visitor's enjoyment of what they eat and the world around them."Whereas the tour and Lazy Lunch are distinct activities, both complement one another in terms of providing an all-around experience, from understanding how ingredients are cultivated to enjoying their taste in well-prepared meals. The garden remains a source of inspiration for seasonal food, highlighting the resort's focus on sustainability, health, and locally sourced ingredients.General Manager Thomas continues, "At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, we're not just about creating memorable experiences, but meaningful ones. The Spice Garden is our dedication to sustainability and cultural exchange, and a means of tracing the journey from garden to plate and presenting that experience to our guests in an immersive format. It's these considerate details that make a stay with us feel intimate, elevated, and wonderfully distinctive."Whether strolling the scented pathways of the garden or enjoying a sun-filled lunchfull of just-picked goodness, visitors are encouraged to revel in the intersection of food, landscape, and place—the point being every bite is a toast to island abundance.
EditorialNova Maldives Welcomes Back Soulful Solo Traveller Month This September
This September, Nova Maldives invites solo travelers to discover themselves and each other once again with the second edition of its Solo Traveller Month — a month-long celebration of solo travel adventures and self-wellness. Having successfully celebrated its first Solo Traveller Month last year, the island resort now introduces a refreshing week-long Flow Retreat this September designed especially for inquisitive minds, creative heart, and souls who find significance in silence.Emerging from Nova's community living philosophy that welcomes everyone, the retreat offers something special in the Maldives: space to be with yourself without solitude, and the freedom to go at your own pace in an area designed for discovering, presence, and belonging.A Global Movement RisesThe 2024 Forbes Travel Trends Report saw that 76% of Gen Z and Millennials are booking solo travel for 2024 — fueled by the growing desire for travel that is travel for wellness, meaning, and mindful experiences. This growing trend for slow, deliberate travel aligns perfectly with Nova's mission to give travelers mindful experiences.Welcome to the Flow Retreat: 15–21 September 2025At the heart of Solo Traveller Month is the Flow Retreat — a weeklong personalized wellness experience led by Nova's resident yogi and visiting practitioner, Yasmina Cherquaoui. A leading global wellness facilitator, Yasmina brings a soul-ful, earthy energy to the retreat, incorporating yoga, breathwork, meditation, and creative healing practices.Each day begins with a complimentary sunrise class to gently awaken the body and root the mind — from somatic movement and reiki to mindful manifesting and yin aromatherapy. At sunset, guests are invited to join deep, energy-transcending sunset activities like cacao ceremonies, ecstatic dance, sound healing, and a silent disco amidst island stars. Two wellness talks — a talk on healthy eating and a talk on yoga philosophy — will also be offered, along with optional 1:1 private lessons for those interested in extending their own practice.These periods of reflection and letting-go create the opportunity for guests to be slowed, to meditate, and become attuned with their inner realm. Seeking clarity, emotional expression, or centering, the holistic nature of the retreat lends itself to a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation that can last far longer than a vacation on the island — not only resting, but laying down the foundation for long-term change.Participation is customizable, which means guests can dip as little or as much as they prefer. If they're seeking a highly immersive wellness experience or simply wish to dip into a few expertly curated sessions, the programme is flexible and intuitive enough to permit each guest to shape their stay in a manner that feels most rejuvenating to them.Increase Your Experience: Inner Renewal Add-onsFor single travelers looking to enrich their schedule beyond the core Flow Retreat program, Nova offers a range of wellness-promoting add-ons that enable discovery and inner connection. Nova's new Wellness Diving Offering invites meditative underwater explorations. With buoyancy workshops, underwater yoga, and guided dives at Nova's PADI-certified dive centre, travelers can find a place of inner calm in the womb of the ocean.Meanwhile, serene EsKape Spa invites visitors to sample individually tailored treatments derived from Maldivian herbs and sea products, all enjoyed against dramatic ocean views. Together, these are the ideal addition to an independent journey that is as refreshing as it is thrilling.A Place to Travel Slowly, TogetherWith integral activities like Inner child healing, heart opening yoga, guided nature walks, true integration into the local Maldivian culture and music life, and communal eating at Soul Kitchen and Flames, Solo Traveller Month offers a welcome to travelers to dive into personal evolution and communal connection through the transformative power of travel. The Flow Retreat is an expertly crafted programme for solo travelers, but never alone.
EditorialChef Jolly Curates a Flavourful Journey at The St. Regis Maldives
Over the glistering turquoise ocean of the Dhaalu Atoll, a truly exclusive culinary experience awaits with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort drinking back the famed Cook Surjan Singh, affectionately known as Chef Jolly, for two months of pop- up hearthstone betweenmid-October tomid-December 2025. This warm Indian culinary experience is celebrating the gleeful vacation of Diwali as well, with inheritance and modern basics combined in a memorable islet setting. One of the most recognizable television faces of MasterChef India, Chef Jolly is well over 30 times endured in the food assiduity. Famous for his imagination of blending royal Indian heritage with comfort food of diurnal life, he presents a racy menu from his experience, culinary heritage, and rich diversity of the Indian key. Guests will be served outstanding dishes similar as Lamb Ghee rally in Malabar Bread Tacos, Cafreal Tiger Prawns, and his namesake Adulation funk. Each will be accompanied by scented biryanis, hand- made viands, heated spice, and manual chutneys all garnished pleasingly to elicit memory and disquisition. A bespoke blend list lends further uproariousness to the experience, with Indian- invested amalgamations similar as The Great Indian and Imli Margarita, alongside courteously named wines and low- ABV amalgamations. " Food is memory. It's emotion. It's a trip," says Chef Jolly." To partake the sprightliness and soul of Indian cookery at The St. Regis Maldives is a honor. Each dish has a story, one of tradition, reinvention, and joy." As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members have an event to bid for a unique Marriott Bonvoir Moments understanding. The celebratory vacation package includes five- night binary- share accommodation in an Overwater Villa with Pool from 19 to 24 October, with diurnal Alba breakfast, a private six- course wine- paired regale by Chef Jolly himself, and a especially chosen heartiness experience of a hand massage and the fabulous Blue Hole hydrotherapy experience at Iridium Spa. Round- trip seaplane transfers from Malé International Airport are also a possibility, furnishing an unbroken luxury experience from appearance to departure. Located on its own islet, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a resort that epitomizes barefoot luxury and understated glamour. Its dramatics armature, a refined mixtures of tropical euphemism and original alleviation — melted into the natural beauty of the island. The resort features 77 sharp estates, all with ocean-wide or lush jungle lookouts, and with substantiated St. Regis Butler Service. From restorative treatments at the largely awarded Iridium Gym to yacht excursions on the resort's own Azimut Flybridge, the guest experience is designed to the finest detail for utmost indulgence and relaxation. This pop-up day is further than a mess, it's an experience that celebrates artificer, heritage and the irreplaceable substance of food liar. It's where India's dateless traditions of hospitality meet the barefoot luxury of the Maldives. Members can now bid for a Curated Culinary Experience with Cook Jolly and a five- night stay in at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort from now until August 25 on Marriott Bonvoy Moments.
