Latest Maldives News, Resort Openings & Travel Guides

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts proudly announces that three of its standout properties—Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, RAAYA by Atmosphere, and VARU by Atmosphere—have been recognised by Tripadvisor as part of the top 10% of hotels worldwide, based on exceptional guest reviews and ratings over the past year. This builds on a strong legacy of Travellers’ Choice Awards, with Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives consistently recognised over the years, RAAYA by Atmosphere marking its second consecutive win, and VARU by Atmosphere extending its streak of consecutive awards since 2021.This prestigious recognition highlights the brand’s continued commitment to delivering elevated, guest-centric experiences rooted in authentic Maldivian hospitality, thoughtful design, and curated holiday plans and offerings.The accolade reflects consistent positive feedback from travelers across the globe, celebrating everything from personalized service and culinary excellence to immersive island experiences. Each of the three awarded resorts offers a distinct identity while maintaining the brand’s positioning, “A New Experience Awaits.”Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives offers a vibrant island escape defined by spacious villas, lush natural surroundings, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Known for its seamless Kanifushi Plan™, the resort delivers exceptional dining, engaging experiences, and warm, intuitive service that consistently resonates with guests seeking both comfort and adventure in the Maldives.RAAYA by Atmosphere offers guests a luxurious world shaped by nature and imagination in Raa Atoll. The resort invites travellers to drift across crystal lagoons and enjoy a premium all-inclusive island escape, where every detail is thoughtfully taken care of. Surrounded by nature and architectural elegance, RAAYA by Atmosphere provides immersive experiences designed for couples, families and friends alike.VARU by Atmosphere is celebrated for its refined elegance and effortless experience, located just a short transfer from the airport. Combining modern architecture with authentic Maldivian warmth, the resort delivers personalized service, diverse dining options, and a tranquil yet sophisticated setting that continues to earn high praise from guests worldwide.Building on this achievement, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its portfolio across the Maldives and beyond, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and authentic guest engagement.

Appointment of Madura Liyanaguruge as Bar Manager at Joy Island Maldives by Cocoon CollectionThe Cocoon Collection is making an announcement on the appointment of Madura Arundaka Liyanaguruge as Bar Manager at the Joy Island Maldives, from July 2026. As Bar Manager, Liyanaguruge’s role will involve overseeing the bar operations at the resort. Liyanaguruge will ensure that there is an excellent delivery of services at the bars.Liyanaguruge has been serving as Assistant Bar Manager at Cocoon Collection Maldives since 2025. The reason behind his appointment to the well-deserved position lies in his commitment and leadership qualities. Before working for Joy Island Maldives, he worked as Assistant Beverage Manager at Villa Haven Maldives. He has also previously held the positions of Bar Supervisor at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo and at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, both located in Maldives and Israel. In addition, he worked as a bartender at One&Only Reethi Rah and Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas after he began his hospitality career at Kanuhura Maldives.Liyanaguruge has extensive experience of working in a number of famous luxury resorts which will make him proficient in bar operations, beverage management, and guest services and will help him to manage a team effectively.Joy Island Maldives is a luxury all inclusive island resort, located in North Male Atoll, only 40 minutes by speedboat away from Velana International Airport. This resort comprises of 151 villas and suites, including 91 beach villas and 60 overwater villas. The resort offers different accommodation types such as beach villa, lagoon villa, family villa, private pool suite and two bedroom residence.There are numerous culinary delights for guests at Joy Island’s restaurants and the renowned Rainbow Bar. The Market provides international buffet meals with live cooking, Il Basilico provides authentic Italian fare and wood-fired pizzas, and the Palm Beach restaurant serves dishes with beachfront setting along with sea food and grilled food items. Situated next to the main swimming pool of the resort, Rainbow Bar is the right place to have drinks, including cocktails and fine wines.In his new position, Liyanaguruge will work towards further enhancing the beverage menu at Joy Island Maldives.

Double Nomination for Grand Park Kodhipparu at World Travel Awards 2026With yet another achievement in its kitty of various other accolades received from around the world, Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has made it on to the list of two nominations received by it in 2026 World Travel Awards. The luxurious resort of the island has been nominated under the categories of Maldives' Leading Boutique Resort and Indian Ocean's Leading Villa Resort. This makes the resort one of the finest hospitality destinations in the Indian Ocean. Among the many prestigious awards in the travel industry, the World Travel Awards is known to be one of the most prestigious ones. The two nominations are an affirmation of the continuous efforts of the dedicated team at Grand Park Kodhipparu during the last nine years of its journey.Sited on North Male Atoll and accessible via a twenty-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu marries a modern aesthetic with the warmth of traditional Maldivian hospitality through an award-winning house reef as well as a series of customized guest experiences that keep attracting travelers from all corners of the globe. According to Raffaele Solferino, who is the General Manager of the resort, the nominations were as a result of the hard work done by the people at the resort."We are grateful for these nominations, as they prove how much dedication, professionalism and passion our team members have been displaying every single day. And the thing is, hospitality is always about people and this award should go to all those who have contributed to the guest experience from day one of our operation nine years ago," he added.This comes in the wake of a successful year at the resort as it has won other awards including the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026.Grand Park Kodhipparu forms part of the Park Hotel Group which is based in Singapore and continues to promote the tourism industry in Maldives through sustainable practices, quality guest experiences and development of local hospitality talents.Travel professionals and guests are encouraged to vote for the Grand Park Kodhipparu for the 2026 World Travel Awards.

LUX* South Ari Atoll receives three awards at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026The luxury island destination of LUX* South Ari Atoll, located in the Maldives, part of the renowned global hospitality company The Lux Collective, has received the prestigious award in three categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. These include the best family resort, the best resort pool, and the best house reef. This is another confirmation of the leading position among the luxury islands of the Maldives, appreciated for its guest services, high-quality facilities and beautiful natural environment. This annual award is awarded by the prestigious magazine Travel + Leisure for the best hotels, resorts, destinations, and travel experience of the region, as chosen by the readers of the publication.LUX* South Ari Atoll is located in the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, which is the only place on Earth for the year-round aggregation of whale sharks. It is a unique example of modern island luxury resort, which combines impeccable hospitality, exciting experiences and close connection with nature. The awards honor the rich tapestry of experiences that the resort offers, from carefully planned family-oriented experiences and two large swimming pools with views on the Indian Ocean to direct access to the resort's house reef with its amazing marine life in one of the most amazing underwater worlds.Spreading on a two-kilometre-long island, LUX* South Ari Atoll provides 192 beach and overwater villas and pavilions designed specifically for couples, families and multi-generation travelers. Recently opened at LUX*, the resort's new accommodation option, Temptation Beach Pool Villa provides spacious indoor and outdoor areas, a private pool and access to the beach. LUX* offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as the PLAY kids' club, teens programme, island treasure hunts, creative workshops and marine-related activities. Guests are also offered 40 complimentary activities per stay, which cover a wide variety of leisure, wellness, sports and discovery options.There are eight restaurants and five bars at the resort, providing a wide choice of dining concepts, starting from Italian and Japanese cuisine, ending up with Indian Ocean flavors and international menu. As an eco-luxury resort with its emphasis on sustainability and guided snorkeling and diving activities, whale shark experiences and LUX* Extraordinary Experiences, which include Swimming with Whale Sharks Maldives, can provide guests at the resort with the opportunity for unique whale shark sightings throughout the year and exploration of one of the most interesting marine environments in the Maldives.John Rogers, General Manager of LUX* South Ari Atoll, said: “It is an honor for us to have been voted once again in three different categories by the readers of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia. This is a testimony to the passion and dedication that our team has towards offering unique and extraordinary experiences to our guests.”These awards add to the reputation of LUX* South Ari Atoll, the best luxury island resort in the Maldives, with unique hospitality and guest experience.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Reimagining Luxury Through Multi-Generational HolidaysWith people looking for memorable experiences in their travels, multi-generational holidays and private getaways are among the most rapidly developing trends in luxury travel at the moment. Addressing the change, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, a Hyatt resort, provides luxurious but at the same time comfortable and private two-bedroom villas that offer the perfect place for family and friends to have a break surrounded by the stunning nature of Maldives.Private Spaces for Multi-Generations in MaldivesWhereas Maldives used to be considered one of the most popular destinations for romantics in the past, luxury travelers are nowadays inclined towards spending holidays together and having an amazing experience. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives meets the expectations of travelers through its Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas and Boduge Residence. The Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa takes up 265 square metres of living space on the pristine white sandy beach of the island. It consists of one king bedroom, one twin bedroom, comfortable living and dining space, a bathroom with separate bathtub and shower, and a private garden complete with a swimming pool and sun deck. Each visit here is complemented with the service of a personal villa host to make your holiday perfect and stress-free.Boduge Residence: A Private Retreat for Your Special EventIf you need some place for celebrating your special event or taking your family on vacation, the Boduge Residence provides the most private accommodation at the resort. It covers an area of 395 square metres (4,251 sq ft) including 235 square metres (2,530 sq ft) of stylish interior living space with a master suite with king bed, twin bedroom, service room with twin beds, living and dining areas, kitchenette, maid's room, amenities, and villa host services.In addition, this residence features a magnificent 160-square-metre (1,722 sq ft) outdoor area with such amenities as a 45-square-metre private pool, large sun deck, open-air dining area, wooden swing and BBQ area at the poolside. This configuration makes the perfect choice for having your family dinners, celebrations of important events and spending quiet time with your family on the peaceful island. The Boduge Residence can be combined with the neighbouring villa, offering a spacious three-bedroom accommodation, providing all privacy and peace that are characteristic of the Alila experience.Luxury with Thought"More and more, luxury is about the quality of time spent with those who matter," said Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives."The two-bedroom suites have been created to allow families and groups to spend quality time together while being able to immerse themselves into the tranquillity and simplicity of our island. This is how Alila's concept of thoughtful luxury materializes."Nature-Inspired ArchitectureAlila Kothaifaru Maldives boasts 81 private pool villas, which include 41 Beach Pool Villas, 36 Overwater Pool Villas, three Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas, and an exclusive Boduge Residence, all of which are designed to blend contemporary architecture with their natural environment. Architectural design of the resort is made by Studiogoto, Singapore, including natural lines and natural materials as well as spacious areas that remove the border between inside and outside spaces. Positioning of each villa has been designed carefully to preserve the untouched nature of the island.Experiences for People of All Age GroupsLocated right in the heart of the bustling Raa Atoll, the resort offers guests amazing experiences of snorkeling and diving along with some excellent wellness experiences at Spa Alila.The families can spend quality time with their children having fun with padel tennis court, outdoor games area and Play Alila programme offering many interesting activities for kids.Exploring the colorful coral reefs, learning about local traditions, and having a relaxing time during signature Shack Sundowner on a private sandbank - all experiences at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives are created to bring closer together the nature, the destination, and most of all, people to one another.

A unique green turtle visits the beach of Niva Kuramathi five times to lay eggsFrom May 2026, a particular female green turtle has visited the shores of Niva Kuramathi beach five times, that is on May 8, 18, 29 and June 9 and 20, for the purpose of laying eggs. The Kuramathi Island Maldives is not a usual site for the nesting of turtles. Each visit and each nest becomes an occasion to be noted for turtles. A nesting turtle drags itself to the beach to dig a hole in the sand for depositing about 100 eggs into it. It covers the eggs with sand to conceal them from any predators by making the surface even again. Finally, it slowly moves to the ocean water.This laborious process is normally undertaken in the dark of night. Green sea turtles can weigh between 150 and 250 kilograms with heart-shaped shells reaching lengths of 140 centimeters. In water, their paddle-shaped flippers move through the currents. All the nests in Niva Kuramathi have been marked and protected in order to ensure their success. On the 7th of July, the first turtles came into the world and managed to reach the sea. The digging of the nest took place 59 days after the start of the incubation period. The nest consisted of 107 eggs and resulted in 59 baby turtles making it to the sea. 46 infertile eggs and two fertilized ones were not hatched. This is a fantastic hatching rate concerning the fertile eggs. The excavation of the nest took place on permission from the Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA).All along, the guests have had a chance to observe the process of nesting and hatching. They see the island’s fauna in action in all its glory, not just as an uncommon attraction.  "We are delighted that our island was chosen by a green turtle for her nest," commented Tom Osborne, the Sustainability Manager at Niva Kuramathi. "This island is not among common nesting areas of turtles, so five nests here are very special indeed."

PADI Women’s Dive Day celebrated at Coco Bodu Hiti with reef clean-up diveAs part of the celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day that takes place on 18 July 2026, Coco Bodu Hithi welcomes certified women divers for a morning underwater, bringing together marine conservation and pleasure of discovering the ocean in one of the richest natural environments of the Maldives. Following the theme of this year’s event “Celebrate Community. Create Change.”, the Women of the Ocean Reef Clean-Up Dive event at the resort gives a chance to unite by the common love for the underwater world, while at the same time giving back to the environment. Organised specifically for the women divers, the reef clean-up dive will allow exploring the house reef of Coco Bodu Hithi while cleaning the coral reefs from debris.The event takes place at Coco Dive, the resort’s PADI-certified dive center, where guests are invited to enjoy diving adventures in the beautiful underwater world of the Maldives. The experienced multilingual instructors of the dive center offer safe and unique underwater experiences for everyone who wants to start or continue the journey of discovering the Maldivian cuisine oceans. Within just a few minutes’ distance from the resort, divers have access to some of the most well-known dive spots, known for their vibrant corals and colorful marine life, such as hawksbill turtles, white-tip and grey reef sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, Napoleon fish, schools of blue-striped snappers, batfish, and fusiliers.  Guests who want to experience their marine adventures can complete their certification even before coming to the resort via PADI eLearning, giving them more time to explore the Maldivian waters upon arrival at Coco Bodu Hithi.“At Coco Bodu Hithi, we believe that every dive gives us the opportunity to establish stronger relationships with the ocean,” says Jinn Hui, Dive Base Leader at Coco Bodu Hithi.  “PADI Women’s Dive Day acknowledges the ever-growing number of female divers and reminds us that even simple steps like debris removal can make a big difference for the reefs.” This event will be conducted by the resort at the single-dive rate of the resort and provides participants with a personalized certificate and a free-of-charge dive video. With its true Maldivian soul, Coco Bodu Hithi keeps providing guests with experiences allowing them to get even closer to nature and appreciate the beauty of the Maldives.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives announces the release of the highly anticipated Plant to Plate: Vegan Recipes from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, a brand new cookbook created by Executive Chef Harinath Govindaraj. Set for publication in October 2026 by St James's House, the beautifully crafted coffee table book celebrates the 20-year anniversary of the talented chef and marks his unique take on plant-based cooking. The newly published book will be available for purchase through the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives website and on the island itself, starting preorders very soon. Plant to Plate offers guests and food lovers everywhere to bring Gili back to their kitchens by using the recipes presented in it.More than just a cookbook, Plant to Plate represents the philosophy of Chef Hari when it comes to food and inspires the reader to use fresh, natural ingredients and herbs to cook wholesome, nourishing dishes. In the book, readers can find more than 60 recipes ranging from breakfasts to starters, soups, salads, main courses, desserts and signature beverages.Featuring more than 60 recipes spanning breakfasts, starters, soups, salads, mains, desserts and signature drinks, the collection showcases Chef Hari’s wellness-led approach to food. Highlights include Rainbow Root Ceviche, Gili Garden Green Gazpacho, Teriyaki Tofu Steak with Coriander Sticky Rice, Pan-Seared Radish Scallops, Roasted Green Cauliflower with Zesty Couscous and Caramel Pistachio Silk Cheesecake, alongside treasured family recipes inspired by his South Indian heritage.“Plant to Plate is about making beautiful, wholesome food accessible to everyone,” says Chef Hari Govindaraj. “The recipes are designed to be practical, flexible and easy to recreate at home using fresh, seasonal ingredients. I want readers to feel confident in the kitchen and to understand that some of the most memorable dishes come from the simplest ingredients.”A much-loved figure at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, Chef Hari has spent the past two decades helping shape the resort’s culinary identity. Born in southern India, his passion for cooking began at an early age and has evolved into a distinctive style centred around sustainability, wellness and plant-based dining. Today, he oversees the island’s flourishing organic garden, growing herbs, fruits and vegetables used throughout the resort’s restaurants and menus.Through the entire course of the book, Chef Hari breaks many barriers of perception when it comes to vegan cooking, using radishes to create scallops, creating tasty steaks from tofu, turning root vegetables into ceviches. These innovative recipes are proof that vegan cooking can be equally creative and tasty, as well as more conventional recipes.Rodrigo Buanafina, General Manager of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives said: "Chef Hari has developed the culinary identity of Gili Lankanfushi for twenty years, captivating the guests with his creativity, passion for sustainability, and unparalleled talent in creating magical culinary masterpieces from basic ingredients. This Plant to Plate cookbook is the most beautiful tribute to his unbelievable journey together with the island and an excellent opportunity for the guests to take a little bit of Gili home with themselves."Katie Nicholl, international broadcaster and author of the book, said: "As soon as I visited Gili Lankanfushi, I was captivated not only with the beauty of the island itself but also with the food prepared by Chef Hari. As a vegetarian, I was captivated with the creativity and originality of his dishes. With beautiful photos by world-renowned photographer Mel Yates, Plant to Plate combines evocative photos of island life with simple recipes suitable for delicious and healthy cooking. This book becomes not only an excellent guide for healthy food lovers but also a visual feast for the eye."

Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is a finalist for the Eco-Spa of the Year awardMandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa in the Meemu Atoll, Maldives has been chosen to be a finalist for the award Eco-Spa of the Year at the Destination Deluxe Awards 2026 because of its responsible approach towards sustainability and wellness in one of the most remarkable islands of the world. As the awareness of guests about their impact on nature during travels grows, sustainability becomes an integral part of the wellness travel experience. All over the world, people are looking for destinations that offer them relaxation and rejuvenation along with caring about the environment and local community. It makes hospitality industry rethink luxury from a more responsible angle.Destination Deluxe Awards aim to celebrate excellence in the global wellness and hospitality industry recognizing destinations, spas, clinics, programmes and treatments which inspire by innovative and responsible approaches. The category Eco-Spa of the Year awards those who combine the environmental responsibility into their wellness concept and offer an authentic, unforgettable and integrated experience.Nature-Inspired WellnessNestled amidst the blue waters of Meemu Atoll, Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is a place where all treatments are guided by the pace of the island and inspiration drawn from the healing traditions of Bali. All treatments aim to give visitors a moment to pause, get back in touch with their inner selves, and enjoy the peace of one of the most remarkable natural settings on earth.The commitment to sustainability becomes a part of the guest experience via attempts to minimize the environmental impact of the spa through using only natural/organic products whenever possible, among other efforts. Instead of being seen as an individual initiative, the concept of sustainability becomes a way of life, implying that Mandara Spa treats the island environment in a responsible way and still provides guests with friendly and personalized service.The Recognition We ShareGetting the status of the finalist of Eco-Spa of the Year Award became a proud achievement for Mandara Spa and for the people who work for the brand and give unique experience to its guests. Every treatment is performed by the therapists with their experienced hands while the resort teams provide a comfortable atmosphere every single day. This is also the confirmation of the belief of the guests and partners in the process of brand development and in Mandara Spa. It is the belief of them which helped Mandara Spa to develop continuously based on the traditional approach in Asia from 1996 until now.Deluxe Destination 2026 Mandara SpaIn addition to being named an Eco-Spa of the Year finalist, Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is one of the finalists of the People’s Choice Award, Spas, Clinics, Programmes & Treatments category. We would like to invite our guests, partners, friends, and the whole wellness industry to celebrate the nomination with us by voting for the hardworking team who brought this great result for the spa.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru join hands for Plastic free July with conservation driveDuring July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru reiterates their pledge to protect the Maldives through a month of conservation activities which motivate tourists to protect the oceans as stewards.Plastic Free July: Protecting the Maldives' Blue HeartAccording to the UNDP report, each year, the Maldives produces more than 43,000 tonnes of plastic waste which equals 215 blue whales or 120 tons daily. For a country whose future is dependent on its oceans, plastic reduction is necessary in order to protect marine biodiversity and to preserve the natural beauty of the Maldives. In July, tourists are encouraged to join weekly activities including Sunset Island Beach Clean & Reef Clean by our Marine Lab where they will help to remove plastic from the beaches as well as learn about the significance of protecting coastal and reef ecosystems. Another activity includes the cooperation between the hotel and a local sustainable NGO which will demonstrate tourists about the ways to make discarded plastic into art pieces, jewelry, and other products.Shark Awareness Day: Significance of SharksIn addition to the above mentioned activities, there is another important activity in the program of 14 July. This is the Shark Awareness Day in collaboration with Miyaru which is the biggest shark research and conservation organization of the Maldives. Despite their menacing reputation, sharks are among the most significant guardians of the sea. The function of maintaining fish population by natural way plays an important role in ensuring sustainability and balance of the coral reef ecosystems. Moreover, an abundance of sharks in the sea is a sign of healthy marine environment which ensures not only food chain balance but also thriving fisheries and biodiversity.Guests will have an opportunity to learn some fascinating facts about sharks of the Maldives and the issues faced by them during information sessions with marine biologists from Miyaru.Day of Mangrove Conservation: 26 JulyIn addition to Plastic Free July campaign, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru will also be celebrating the International Day of Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 26 July via an event aimed at planting and cleaning up mangroves in collaboration with Huraa Council.Mangroves are one of the most valuable natural ecosystems in Maldives that act as nursery for marine creatures, protect shorelines from erosion, purify water and build resilience against climate change. Along with reef conservation and plastic reduction, the project emphasizes the significance of protecting all parts of marine ecosystem - from shoreline to reef. Not only a month-long project, Plastic Free July shows how much dedication is invested by Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru to preserving the rich marine legacy of Maldives.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma to be renamed Kandooma Maldives under HPL Hotels & ResortsAn exciting new era is on the cards for a famous resort of Maldives when the management agreement between Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) comes to an end on 30 September 2026. The Maldives will start a new era on 1 October 2026 under the management of HPL Hotels & Resorts, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hotel Properties Limited (HPL). This event is very significant in the history of the resort, which is going to become the 13th property in the portfolio of HPL Hotels & Resorts and the second resort in Maldives owned by HPL after Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.Since the last time when the resort had the name Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, much time has passed. However, this is the new era of development for HPL in respect to the evolution of the resort's image, guests' experience, and positioning on the market while retaining the uniqueness of the island resort of Kandooma. With this end in mind, the implementation of Kandooma Next Chapter, an intricate development program intended to deliver novel villas and facilities to Kandooma Island, has been planned.In particular, the development of the resort will be gradual and it will allow guests to benefit from the tranquil holiday provided by the resort that makes the island so special. Specifically, the manager who will be responsible for managing the process and developing the resort will be Andrew Drummond, the former General Manager whose relation to the island is well-established."Kandooma has always had its unique personality and good reputation. All the changes that have recently taken place were done taking into account all the qualities of the resort in order to improve its characteristics," said Andrew Drummond.It is necessary that the well-being of the guests is the topmost priority of the management.“The improvement program is designed according to the guest experience. The work will be carried out in different stages, while making plans according to the resort operations, zones and guest areas so that holiday experiences are always enjoyable and uninterrupted.”“We can assure you that the warm welcome, genuine services, and unique experiences that made Kandooma special will continue.” he explained.In terms of the renovation plan, the resort will go from 154 villas to 146 villas and therefore create more space for better accommodations and guest experience. As far as information about the new brand experience will come out in the coming months, the new brand of Kandooma Maldives will take inspiration from its natural environment, social environment, and oceanic lifestyle.“Kandooma has established itself as one of the Maldives’ top resorts for families, surfing, and diving, and that heritage will remain at the core of the brand,” said Drummond. The resort will run throughout the process of change and receive the guests as usual. More information about the Kandooma Maldives brand, new experience, and improvements will be announced before its official launch on 1 October 2026.

Milaidhoo Maldives earns Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badgeMilaidhoo Maldives has announced that it has been awarded the 2026 VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality badge with Forbes Travel Guide, a recognition that celebrates hotels and resorts committed to making a meaningful, measurable difference through responsible tourism.For an island with just 50 villas nestled within the breathtaking UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, this recognition is especially significant. It reflects a philosophy that has always been at the heart of Milaidhoo: that the most memorable luxury experiences are created by caring deeply, for guests, for people, for culture and for the extraordinary natural environment that surrounds the private boutique island.From protecting the thriving coral reefs and supporting local communities to showcasing authentic Maldivian traditions through cuisine, storytelling and personalised experiences, responsibility has never been a separate initiative at Milaidhoo Maldives. It is simply the way hospitality is practiced every single day.“We have always believed that luxury should leave guests inspired, not destinations compromised,” said the General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, Paul van Frank. “Receiving the VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality badge with Forbes Travel Guide is a wonderful recognition of the passion our team, the Milaidhoo Family, brings to every experience and every decision. We are proud that our small island continues to prove that thoughtful hospitality can create a lasting positive impact.”Milaidhoo has never aspired to be the biggest resort in the Maldives. Instead, it has quietly earned a reputation as one of its most cherished boutique escapes, where every guest is known by name, every experience is thoughtfully crafted to create the unique Milaidhoo Moments and every stay reflects the warmth of genuine Maldivian hospitality.As travellers increasingly seek destinations that combine exceptional service with authentic purpose, Milaidhoo continues to demonstrate that luxury and responsibility are not competing ideals, they are inseparable.This latest recognition is more than another accolade. It is a celebration of the people behind the island, the community that inspires it and a vision of hospitality where every thoughtful choice contributes to a more sustainable future.Sometimes, the smallest islands make the biggest impression.

Dusit Thani Maldives Unveils Fresh Look at Its Entire Resort to Enhance Guest StayThe Dusit Thani Maldives is undergoing transformation as the resort introduces new villas, new brand imagery, Dusit 3.0 website upgrade, and other guest/partner materials upgrades to ensure that guests have a seamless experience at the resort. The refresh will enhance the guest experience in keeping with the essence of the resort which combines luxury, nature, and Thai hospitality.The Dusit Thani Maldives resort is located on the Mudhdhoo Island in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll and is known for its luxurious tropical environment, energetic 360 degrees house reef, large size of the accommodation, and peaceful island ambience. Dusit Villa Refresh is categorized into different types of accommodation, including Overwater Pool Villas, Overwater Pavilions, Beach Residences, Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas, Beachfront Pool Villas, and Beach Plunge Pool Villas. In the renovated villas, the interiors will have fresh, modern looks yet will retain the same spaciousness, privacy, and tropical feel that is liked by our guests."This renovation is a significant milestone for Dusit Thani Maldives," commented Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Maldives. "Our resort has always been known for its amazing surroundings, spacious villas and Thai inspired hospitality. These renovations help us maintain the good things that we have had all along and improve them to offer a better experience to our guests."As part of Dusit Villa Refresh, the resort has launched its new photography collection that highlights the newly renovated rooms, dining experiences, island living and natural beauty of the island of Mudhdhoo Island. In addition, guests have the opportunity to go through a better digital journey with the launch of our new Dusit 3.0 website that offers easy access to explore the resort and its experiences.“This is not about change of identity for us,” Ripoche further said. “This is about showcasing a new side of Dusit Thani Maldives which has been done in such a way that all changes starting from villas and visual identity, website and guest material – everything is meant to enrich the guest experience before during and after the stay here.”Future plans for this resort include enhancements of its dining facilities which are a part of the strategy for providing a better guest experience at the resort.Dusit Thani Maldives resort is conveniently accessible through Malé by seaplane or a domestic flight and speed boat journey. It offers an impressive mix of luxury, wellness and adventure. The guests are provided with the opportunity to dive from the resort’s vibrant house reef, explore the marine biodiversity of Baa Atoll Maldives, treat themselves to holistic treatment at Devarana Wellness and take advantage of the island experience programs. With its latest enhancements, Dusit Thani Maldives reinforces its reputation as one of the Maldives’ premier luxury island resorts, providing returning guests with an elevated stay while introducing first-time visitors to a refreshed and sophisticated island retreat.

Vakkaru Maldives to welcome renowned Danish Chef Jesper KochFrom 16 to 28 July 2026, the Vakkaru Maldives is expected to welcome renowned Danish Chef Jesper Koch in what will be the start of a partnership that will extend into the latter part of this year with a more elaborate culinary program. One of Denmark's most respected culinary figures, Chef Jesper has over three decades worth of experience in both hospitality and gastronomy as well as entrepreneurship.As part of his July stay at the Vakkaru Maldives, Chef Jesper will collaborate with the culinary and service team in a series of training and workshops, ahead of a more elaborate culinary program later on this year. The programme includes training sessions in the kitchen, service classes, coffee & hospitality classes as well as collaborative sessions with the chefs at Vakkaru. From these interactions, Chef Jesper will be able to share his wealth of knowledge and experience as he possesses many years’ worth of experience in running restaurants, as an entrepreneur, mentor as well as judge in many prestigious culinary competitions.Although the main objective of this collaboration is team development and exchange of culinary skills and knowledge, visitors to the Vakkaru Maldives hotel during this time will also get a chance to experience some of the things that are about to happen. Guest cooking classes will be conducted on 22nd and 25th July by Chef Jesper while a management cocktail reception will also give a chance to celebrate this collaboration. In preparation for this visit, Chef Jesper Koch had something to say about the collaboration, “Vakkaru Maldives is a unique combination of exquisite gastronomy, authenticity and great hospitality. I am looking forward to enjoying the natural beauty of the Baa Atoll Maldives and collaborating with the creative culinary team to inspire each other using Nordic tradition. I am excited about this collaboration and meeting the guests.”Speaking about the new partnership, Teddy Susanto Wiryawan, the General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives said: “At Vakkaru Maldives, we feel that great dining starts with curiosity, knowledge and passion for hospitality. The visit of Chef Jesper will allow our staff to interact with one of the best chefs of Scandinavia and give our guests the chance to learn about his unique cuisine in advance. It is the start of an in-depth collaboration, and we are looking forward to welcoming him once again.” Recognized for his commitment to using high quality ingredients as well as his unique interpretation of the Danish culinary traditions, Chef Jesper became one of the most recognized chefs in Scandinavia. Having worked in the restaurants, which were awarded Michelin stars, he was elected Danish Chef of the Year and competed in the Bocuse d'Or contest representing Denmark, received Honorary Diploma of the Danish Gastronomic Academy and was elected “Chef’s Chef” by the Danish Gastronomy Foundation. Also, he is known as one of the judges in the Danish version of MasterChef TV show.

Every family journey shaped by Play: The Award-Winning Story of Krakengiri Kids' Club at Hilton Maldives AmingiriAt any resort, the children's club seems to be nothing more than just another piece of the guest experience. To families, however, it makes up for the whole vacation. It determines how easily kids adjust to a new setting, how secure parents feel in leaving their kids in someone else's hands, and ultimately, if they decide to come back next time. At Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, Krakengiri Kids' Club takes up this task with the help of teamwork, patience and an individual approach that recognizes that each child and each family are unique. The devotion to providing a special experience resulted in Support Team of the Year award won by Krakengiri Kids' Club at Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026.To Gesta Pattiasina, Manager of Krakengiri Kids' Club, this means much more than just being recognized for the work well done."Aside from the trophy itself, this award is so much more meaningful because it recognizes all the effort we put into making memorable experiences for our guests," she adds. "We make memories and fun experiences for kids and their families. This kind of recognition is a testament to all the great things that we have accomplished as a team." The award also brings to light the often overlooked importance of the children's club teams inside resorts. Their job is not only limited to organizing activities or watching the play area. It involves building trust with the families, knowing the personalities of the children, ensuring their safety, catering to different age groups, and making programs where each kid gets to participate at his/her own pace.They also make a huge difference in the lives of parents because when the children are safe and happy, the parents can freely make use of the facility. In other words, the kids' club makes the experience of spending quality time together and having some alone-time fun for the parents possible.A Diverse Team Uniting in One VisionKrakengiri Kids' Club operates thanks to the efforts of a team of eight specialists from six different nations. Despite being small compared to other departments of the resort, such diversity allows them to communicate easily with kids from different backgrounds, speaking different languages, having different temperaments and interests."Every specialist has something unique about him or her – experience, talent, and skills," Gesta notes. "Some are highly creative and talented in organizing various arts and crafts, whereas others love doing sports and playing games."The team doesn't want all the members to perform in the same way. Thus, depending on one's personal strengths, some specialists will be responsible for art lessons, others will organize sports games and contests, some will take care of interactive classes. According to Gesta, leadership is an ability to use such diversity of talents for a common goal. "Everybody comes from different places and has his/her own unique experience. But what is the most important is that we all have the same vision of our goals. When everybody understands the goal, each one works towards achieving it, and leadership becomes much easier, because all work in one direction." Culture in the team is defined by cooperation, not by responsibilities. Team members help each other out constantly, which means that no matter what kind of schedule they have or what special requirements the visitors make or how the weather is or what individual needs each child has. “We strive for interdependence,” Gesta says. “Every person is as important as every other person. When this happens, cooperation comes easily.” This ability to adapt is crucial in a situation when no day is similar and there are always new challenges to deal with.Creating Trust Right from the First TimeIn any children's club, trust cannot come automatically. Children are often in a completely different place and environment with strangers taking care of them without their parents around. And in Krakengiri, this trust starts as soon as the families enter the club. Not only do the team members register families or explain the program; they spend some time introducing families to the premises, its facilities, and especially to the people who will be looking after the children."Trust starts building from the very first visit," Gesta says. "When families arrive, we give them a full tour. We don't just introduce the activities and facilities—we introduce every member of our team."The introduction is designed to help both children and parents feel comfortable. Families learn who speaks different languages, allowing them to connect more easily with the team members best suited to their needs."It's not only about us getting to know the children," she explains. "It's equally important for children and parents to get to know us. We explain who speaks Russian, who speaks Arabic, and introduce everyone individually."The team also understands that every family adjusts differently. Rather than encouraging parents to leave immediately, they allow children the time they need to observe their surroundings, explore the space, and become familiar with the environment before joining activities. "We never push parents to leave their kids," says Gesta. "Each family is on its own time, even families with kids that are younger. The most important thing is to give them enough time to feel safe, comfortable and confident."This patient and relationship-driven strategy sets the stage for the rest of the family's visit. As kids start getting acquainted with the staff, procedures, and activities, they gain confidence automatically."Pretty soon," Gesta says with a smile, "the kids' club will be the place where they never want to leave. It's a place for happy kids and happy parents."And this philosophy continues to guide Krakengiri Kids' Club in creating a warm atmosphere where kids feel encouraged to learn new things and parents feel secure and relaxed.