Latest Maldives News, Resort Openings & Travel Guides

Festive Season Celebrations at Kandolhu Maldives with Chef Holding Two Michelin StarsKandolhu Maldives invites you to join us in our festive season celebrations with our specially designed festive season programme, which is all about embracing island life through some great dining experiences and other activities from December until New Year. The festivities will commence on December 20 with a fun palm leaf ornament creation class; the created ornaments will then be used during the tree lighting ceremony. The evening will then be continued with a Christmas cocktail reception with cocktails and some delicious canapes.Christmas Eve is going to start off with cocktails at Vilu Bar and then continue with a memorable gala dinner under the starry sky. Christmas Day will continue the celebrations with a festive beach buffet menu. The jewel in the crown is a selection of private culinary events, which includes two exclusive dinners hosted by the highly skilled chef Benjamin Peifer. The two-Michelin-starred chef is well-known for his extraordinary combination of Palatinate and Japanese cuisine. Chef Peifer will organize private dinners at Olive restaurant. First, guests will be able to taste a four-course dinner on 28 December; then on 30 December there will be a five-course Wine & Dine event with fire-roasted izakaya dishes and exquisite wines chosen by Sommelier Jan Spener.The festive tour will also include a number of culinary and cultural events. A Taste of Asia evening will surprise you with its exotic and spicy tastes and exquisite culinary dishes. Traditional Maldivian night will charm you with boduberu drumming, tasty snacks that are inspired by the islands and cocktails. Meetings in the morning at Vilu Bar will give an opportunity to taste Fruhschoppen with freshly baked pretzels and wheat beer. Gourmands have an opportunity to get acquainted with elegant beach-side tastings of selected Champagnes, sparkling wines and canapes, which will be organized by the resort's sommelier.New Year's Eve promises you a beautiful evening by the sea, with tasty cocktails, canapes and an elegant six-course dinner that was prepared especially for this occasion. In New Year's Day, it will be possible to have a relaxed holiday breakfast, after which a glamorous dinner by Sea Grill in the evening is prepared with special four-course menu and sparkling wine. However, it will not only be about tasty food as the Varu Spa offers to experience wellness and choose deep tissue massages, heated stone massage, Thai style Stretch Therapy, body treatments, personalized facials and even couple rituals that help to connect.

Award for the Best General Manager in Hotels in Maldives Awarded to Raffaele Solferino as Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives Receives Two Additional Travel + Leisure AwardsRaffaele Solferino, who is the General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, has been awarded the title of Maldives' Best Hotel General Manager in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. Apart from this, the resort has received two additional awards for their excellent swimming pools and house reefs. Solferino received the Maldives’ Best Hotel General Manager award whereas Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives won fifth position in the Maldives’ Best Resort Pools and ninth position in the Maldives’ Best House Reefs.While receiving the awards, Solferino highlighted the role played by the resort's team members, guests, and marine environment surrounding the resort.According to the information on LinkedIn, the awards show the dedication of the team, trust of the guests, and the natural surroundings that make the stay at Grand Park Kodhipparu special.The accolades include some of the best offerings of the resort like the colorful house reef snorkelling with abundant sea life, the infinity pool with the view of the Indian Ocean, and the natural lagoon. Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, which is situated in North Male Atoll, belongs to the Park Hotel Group that operates several hotels and resorts across the Asia-Pacific region. The resort said that the awards were yet another milestone for Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives and the Park Hotel Group.The resort thanked its guests, staff, and voters for the support.

Finolhu Appoints Ibrahim Riyaz as Front Office ManagerThe Seaside Collection Resort, Finolhu, has announced the appointment of Ibrahim Riyaz as the Front Office Manager, adding to the already existing efforts made by the resort to provide unparalleled experiences to its guests. With an experience of more than 18 years in luxury hospitality, Riyaz has joined Finolhu after being associated with The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, where he has been serving as Guest Experience Manager. As a Guest Experience Manager, he is responsible for managing customised guest journeys and providing the high levels of personalized services that make this hotel among the best luxury hospitality brand in the world. He has also worked for other luxury resorts in the Maldives, including Huvafen Fushi, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi and Amilla Maldives.Riyaz is appreciated for his guest-oriented outlook and care for making sure that their stay creates a lasting impression."I am thrilled to welcome Riyaz to join our Finolhu family as the Resort Manager at Finolhu Seaside Collection. His wide experience gained from working in some of the most exclusive luxury resorts in Maldives together with his passion for hospitality and interaction with our guests will be an asset to our team. I am certain that his talent and abilities will elevate our Finolhu experience to an entirely new level," Hussain Ishan, Resort Manager of Finolhu stated.Finolhu Seaside Collection Resort is one of the most visited resorts in Maldives due to its unique identity and playful spirit while providing a luxurious experience with a two kilometers long sandbank, which is the longest in Maldives. Situated in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort offers a variety of beach front and over water villas along with its cuisine and wellness services and entertainment programs. Due to the unique concept of barefoot luxury and vibrant social atmosphere, the resort can attract many international tourists.The appointment of Riyaz proves the ongoing commitment of the resort to recruiting talented people

Awarding of TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Award for the Year 2026 to Canareef Resort MaldivesThe Canareef Resort Maldives has entered into the history books by winning the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Award in 2026. This award not only has earned its place forever in the history of Canareef Resort Maldives but is also supposed to make memories in the whole southern part of the Maldives. It should be noted that according to TripAdvisor, only thousands out of 8 million resorts across the world win this "Best of the Best" award and it is regarded as the highest form of recognition that one can obtain from TripAdvisor. Out of the 8 million resorts worldwide, only 1,500 – 2,000 are lucky enough to receive this "Best of the Best" distinction.A Historical MomentCertainly, there is no doubt that while Canareef Resort Maldives had already achieved the honor of being awarded the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award in both 2017 and 2023, the current award of Best of the Best is of historical significance. This accolade can be attributed to the passion and commitment shown by everyone at Canareef as well as professionalism in each department. From housekeeping and guest services, culinary and marine activities, all the teams have been instrumental in creating fantastic experiences for the resort’s guests. The accolade not only recognizes the beauty of the resort but the efforts of each and every individual making it a memorable place for visitors. Travellers Have Spoken – Global Recognition Awarded to Canareef.  Global recognition awarded to the resort is possible owing to all the reviews submitted by travellers on TripAdvisor. Travelers from all over the world have appreciated the hospitality extended by Canareef, the peacefulness of the setting, and the Maldivian cuisine of the resort. No matter whether the visitors are honeymooners or families, they have found the resort very welcoming, its natural island charm and the fantastic moments that happen at Canareef. It is not uncommon for travellers to find themselves more of a family rather than visitors to Canareef.Tourists Enjoy Addu Atoll with Canareef ResortAt the same time, the accomplishment is also a significant landmark in Addu Atoll, where the Canareef Resort keeps encouraging the visit to the stunning destination with its incredible landmarks such as the British Loyalty shipwreck, Addu Nature Park, and many others including manta ray cleaning stations in the Addu Atoll. "Receiving the Client Satisfaction Award means much for us because it is the recognition from the client's side," stated the General Manager of Canareef Resort Maldives. "This award is a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and effort that went into achieving perfection and excellence on the part of the entire Canareef team. We are thankful to our clients and proud of our victory together with our colleagues."A Memorable Experience at Canareef Resort MaldivesWhile other high-end resorts in the vicinity provide their clients with accommodation above water level, Canareef Resort Maldives provides its guests with something special wherein they will have their holiday in an island with wonderful greenery, wide-open spaces, four kilometers of coastline, and a nice reef.Experience Paradise in Addu AtollWith such a prestigious award received from TripAdvisor, Canareef Resort Maldives extends a welcome invitation to their guests for discovering the beauty of Addu Atoll. It can be easy to visit the resort because it can be reached through domestic and even direct international flights to and from Velana International Airport and Gan International Airport respectively.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Opens Up Its Ocean Signature Villas with Pool and SlideSun Siyam Vilu Reef is celebrating the inauguration of their latest range of accommodation, Ocean Signature Villas with Pool and Slide, which was launched at a special event attended by media persons, tourism stakeholders, and guests. Inaugurating the event was Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Sun Siyam Group, introducing the largest villa upgrade program at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. Under Sun Siyam Prive, the island resort has expanded into 50 new villas, comprising 48 one-bedroom villas and two two-bedroom villas. The new Ocean Signature Villas mark an important milestone for the resort, featuring some of the best upgrades seen in the history of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Introduces New Range of Villas – Ocean Signature Villas with Pool & SlideSun Siyam Vilu Reef has recently introduced their new range of accommodation – Ocean Signature Villas with Pool and Slide, which was unveiled in a launch event witnessed by journalists, members of the tourism community, and tourists. The launch ceremony was officiated by Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Sun Siyam Group, and unveiling what he calls to be the biggest villa upgrade at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. The island resort now boasts of 50 additional villas in its inventory under the Sun Siyam Prive, out of which 48 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom villas. The Ocean Signature Villas are a proud achievement at the resort and are some of the best upgrades made ever at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.Addressing guests at the launch, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed emphasized the importance of the initiative."Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is where the Sun Siyam journey started, thus this moment holds a particular meaning for us. Although the resort keeps developing, our dedication to delivering exceptional guest experience while retaining our warm hospitality stays unchanged," said the hotel’s founder. To develop the design idea of the resort, Sun Siyam invited world-renowned London-based studio called Studio Sixty7. The founders and creative directors of this studio, Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, designed the interiors to provide guests with unique experience. White timber-clad walls combined with light ceiling create a light interior space while dark blue ceiling adds drama to the room and creates continuity with the lagoon outside. The design of the villa is enhanced by carefully placed lighting that draws attention to architectural lines, local artworks, and beautiful decor.As pointed out by McNichol and Rivero, the design concept is specifically developed to give the guests a unique place to escape their mundane lifestyles and enjoy the peace of mind at one glance. In reference to Masdhooq Saeed, the Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Iru Veli, the new villas represent a revolutionary breakthrough in luxury accommodation of the Maldives. "Our goal was to create an unprecedented experience for our guests. Together with leading international architects, we present signature overwater villas with a totally new and fresh approach. They feature a unique layout, spaciousness and exclusive architectural details that distinguish them in the whole of Maldives, providing guests with luxurious havens of innovative architecture overlooking the mesmerizing Indian Ocean," he stated. The Ocean Signature Villas with family Pool and Slide officially opened on 15 June, during the "A New Rhythm of the Reef" launching event at the resort. This new range of villas represents a new page for Sun Siyam Vilu Reef resort. The contemporary luxury combined with an experiential travel approach and genuine local traditions creates a whole new overwater experience.

Niyama Private Islands unveils summer package with luxury offerings and unique privilegesAs summer approaches, with Niyama Private Islands Maldives revamped and the Maldives more breathtakingly beautiful than ever, travelers looking for ultimate fun and freedom can enjoy a truly unforgettable stay at the world’s best playground. Niyama Private Islands Maldives launches its exclusive getaway, right on time for summer vacation, offering even more value with each additional day of stay, providing you an opportunity to discover the beauty of the Maldives like never before.A stay in one of its beach or overwater villas starts off with a complimentary bottle of champagne. The half board meal plan is included, and no ordinary is the breakfast, served in its mimosa and gelato bars, and the dinner, featuring sizzling safari game one evening, and favorite street foods the other evening. Guests can indulge themselves with the most enchanting sunsets at the Surf Shack while enjoying a complimentary cocktail. Days pass by riding bicycles around the two jungle islands of the resort, kayaking across the spectacular lagoon looking for baby reef sharks and snorkeling around the outer reef, which features an abundance of colourful corals, as well as some visiting sea turtles.Resort pavilion stays are extra lavish, where besides the additional space and amenities, everything is customized according to the client's preferences from a private board meeting the client outside the pavilion followed by a refreshment waiting inside the pavilion to a breakfast in bed every morning. An ultimate floating breakfast in the resort's pool on a bright day at the beach is an ultimate Maldives experience – although it feels totally surreal. A unique movie night experience in which guests of five-day stay or above at the resort watch a selected movie beneath the stars on the resort's private beach on oversized beanbags is something one can remember for life. In addition to that, a unique movie night is catered by Thakuru (Villa Host) with chilled beverages and never-ending popcorns for clients who stay for five nights or above. Lastly, a unique spa treatment for those staying seven or more days makes the clients unwind.The Nature's playground has never been more attractive than now when its facilities undergo renovation at both of its resorts. Avant-Garde Nest, the new restaurant at the tree-top level, is known for its fire and spice of Asia. 

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives Recognized through Travellers' Choice Award 2026 by TripadvisorCentara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives has been awarded with the prestigious Travellers' Choice Award 2026 by Tripadvisor, an award which makes Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives one of the world’s most popular tourism spots. The award is given annually based on the reviews of hotel customers. Winners of this award have already proved themselves as amongst the best hotels when it comes to offering excellent customer services. It therefore does not come as a shock that they receive good reviews from many tourists around the world.The five-star adults-only luxury resort can be located in Maldives, conveniently accessible via speedboat from Velana International Airport. Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives has been designed specially for honeymooners who desire to enjoy a holiday in paradise islands. The guests will enjoy their stay within the dining facilities of the resort and spa, undergo rejuvenating treatments offered by the SPA Cenvaree, dive into the richness of the underwater world while participating in various water sport activities and relax in the comfortable beach and over-water villas near the Indian Ocean.In his gratitude speech towards the award that Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives received, Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager of Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, highlighted that this is an extremely important award as it comes from those people who visited the hotel and discovered its individual traits. Furthermore, he noted that the resort employees do everything possible to create special moments for the visitors. Finally, Matt Dacey, Chief Marketing Officer at TripAdvisor, congratulated the hotel for receiving such an honorary title and highlighted that it definitely shows the great impression made by the hotel on its customers and that this recognition is a guarantee that the resort will continue thriving for many upcoming years.

Presentation of the Novel Clay Reef Project Initiated by Anantara Dhigu for the Regeneration of Corals in Maldives. The resort of Anantara Dhigu maldives has partnered with rrreefs in an innovative venture to create a 3D printed clay reef formation in its lagoon. This project is aimed at contributing towards marine conservation and sustainable tourism.Funding assistance in this regard has been provided by Edelweiss and help alliance who are partners with Lufthansa Group. This includes both technological advancement in terms of coral reefs as well as sustainable design concepts. The name of the project is Theyra Maa, meaning “13 Flowers” in Dhivehi language. This entails the creation of 13 flower-shaped reef structures to foster the growth of marine life in the lagoon view maldives. This project came about as a result of expertise provided by the rrreefs team, whose members include the co-founder, Josephine Graf, head of production, Mauro Bischoff, marine ecologist, Dr. Julia Spaet, and Dr. Gerrit Nanninga of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Their expertise combines science, engineering, and dedication in bringing coral reef habitats back to their natural state.Mauro Bischoff states that the reef habitats are built using sustainable and strong materials, such as terracotta-clay fired bricks and steel and minimum amounts of concrete to make sure that the structure is sturdy. Moreover, the flower-shaped design is designed in a manner to create gentle water flow around these structures to facilitate coral colonization. The 3D-printed terracotta clay has an unusual microstructure that contains many small cavities that serve as protection sites for the baby corals. These structures not only protect the young corals from being attacked by predators but help create biofilm communities, which in turn contribute to the recruitment process.Manufactured through state-of-the-art 3D printing technology and the use of natural clay material, the reef structures have been designed in line with the complexity of natural coral environments. As time progresses, the structures will be expected to offer the marine life forms, including coral fragments and reef fish, with a vibrant living space. According to Oriana Migliaccio, who is the resident marine biologist at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, this cooperation means a great deal as it is rrreefs’ first direct collaboration with a resort. As per her comments, this particular project provides a rare chance for innovative technology and environmental actions to come together with an aim to restore and conserve coral and coastal environments.Situated in the crystal clear waters of South Male Atoll, Anantara Dhigu is well known for its sustainable hospitality approach, providing visitors with a unique experience that allows one to interact with the Maldivian nature. According to Jason Kruse, who is a Complex General Manager at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, their resort believes that sustainable practices and luxury amenities can co-exist.It goes without saying that the goal pursued by reefs lies in the fusion of the know-how and technologies from the realms of engineering, marine science, and regenerative design, which allows scaling up of practical and feasible solutions to the problem of coral reef restoration worldwide. As explained by Josephine Graf, one of the co-founders of rrreefs, she had decided to work on the project under the pressure of her unconditional love towards the ocean and the necessity to reverse the trend of coral reefs' destruction. One needs to say that reefs represent very sensitive ecosystems which suffer from climate change the most. In addition, it is worth noting that the mission of Theira Maa is aimed at increasing people's consciousness concerning the issue of marine ecosystem conservation.So far, as the organizer of this program, Edelweiss keeps promoting sustainable programs in its global network of destination sites in cooperation with Help Alliance. In an interview, Anja Trestl, Corporate Development Manager of Edelweiss, mentioned the link between the conservation of ecosystems and education. In particular, she said that the program not only promotes coral reef restoration but also provides people with educational opportunities for the creation of a sustainable future for locals as well as their descendants. The Theyra Maa reef art installation is one component of the larger sustainability program adopted by Anantara Dhigu. As a guest of Anantara Dhigu as well as other sister destinations such as Anantara Veli Maldives Resort and Naladhu Private Island Maldives, one will be able to participate in this sustainable effort.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Celebrates Global Wellness Day with One Month of Unique Island Wellness ExperiencesOn the occasion of Global Wellness Day, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru encourages its guests to celebrate the concept of wellness for one month through unique island-inspired activities. In keeping with the theme of this year's celebrations, namely JoyMagenta, the special activities organized by the resort aim to bring joy through movement, creativity, relationships, and gratitude. Based on the eight pillars of Banyan Tree Wellness, the activities organized during the month aim at encouraging the practice of a more reflective life, enhancing mindfulness, and adopting healthy routines. The guest resident practitioner at the resort, namely Dr. Sharma, will oversee all activities.Global Wellness Day CelebrationsGuests are encouraged to join in an exclusive wellness programme, which is a perfect representation of Banyan Tree’s wellness philosophy, along with the theme of JoyMagenta on 13 June. The event will start with Sunrise Yoga and then move to Facelift Home-Care Workshop, wherein guests will learn some valuable self-care practices that they can take home with themselves.There will be a Wellness Cooking Class at Sangu Garden to understand the importance of fresh ingredients in cooking, whereas guests can learn how to create healthy mocktails from the Wellness Mixology Class held at Naiboli Bar, which involves the use of locally sourced products like butterfly pea flower, turmeric, ginger, coconut water, and fruit. All these experiences highlight elements of happiness, mindfulness, and gratitude while encouraging daily activities that help maintain wellbeing.International Yoga DayThe process of wellbeing takes another step on 21 June when the destination hosts the celebration of International Yoga Day. Attendees are invited to participate in the calm event of Sunset Yoga at the beach with the relaxing sound of waves and colors of the sunset creating an inspiring environment for yoga practice. It is believed that such activity helps connect with oneself by embracing the calming nature of the island.The Fire Within: Full Moon RitualBanyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites all attendees on 29 June to experience a unique Full Moon Ritual – The Fire Within that takes place under the magical influence of the Strawberry Moon of June. June full moon, symbolizing renewal, growth, and opportunities, is just the right time to participate in this evening event that includes sound healing and reflection to release yourself from the limitations of past and embrace new perspectives. With the radiant beauty of the moonlit beaches and the pristine charm of Maldives on their sides, the guests will definitely find themselves in a state of absolute clarity, concentration, and balance. To mark this occasion of the Full Moon festival, a special Full Moon Wellbeing Package will be held from 26 to 30 June 2026 in the resort. The Full Moon Wellbeing Package includes a private yoga class, personalized spa treatment at Banyan Tree Spa, and attending the The Fire Within ritual for a full well-being experience.Wellbeing Sanctuary ExperienceFor those wishing to immerse themselves further in the concept of well-being, an invitation is extended to the Wellbeing Sanctuary at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. Incorporating the core values of Banyan Tree Wellbeing, the sanctuary creates the chance to consciously embrace a more meaningful life, all the while immersed in the natural beauty of the Maldives.“Quite often, wellbeing begins simply by being present in the moment,” explained Dr. Sharma, Resident Wellbeing Practitioner at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. “It can be as simple as moving, eating, connecting with the environment, or even spending time in solitude – all experiences that allow you to explore your unique path to wellness.”

Design brilliance at Sun Siyam awarded with two international property awardsSun Siyam, a Maldivian hospitality firm which runs six hotels in both the Maldives and Sri Lanka, has been honoured with two property awards at the prestigious International Property Awards Asia Pacific, which is among the best awards for excellence in real estate, architecture, and design in the world. The awards ceremony took place in Bangkok, Thailand and acknowledged Sun Siyam’s design excellence at two of its finest properties, namely Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka and Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Maldives.The International Property Awards are decided upon by an independent judging panel consisting of over 80 industry experts who are considered authorities in the field of design and architecture. Sun Siyam won the Award for Hotel Interiors – Sri Lanka, and the Award for Hotel Suite Interiors – Maldives in recognition of their work on the deluxe water villa project of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. Both projects have been designed by Studio Sixty7 from London, led by Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol.Both award-winning projects owe their success to the collaboration between Sun Siyam and Studio Sixty7, an interiors design company based in London, known for its sensitivity to the context, materials, and essence of a location. It was both Jose and Lee who designed and transformed the two very distinct island settings of the Sri Lankan coast and the Maldivian lagoon, following a consistent approach: luxury must always earn its right to be in such a place, rather than dominate it."We would like to congratulate Sun Siyam Hotels and Resorts on receiving two awards at the International Property Awards Asia Pacific, for Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka and Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Maldives. This recognition means a lot to us because working with Sun Siyam has motivated us to design places that really belong to their environment – visually, experientially and emotionally. And being acknowledged for this work as a studio, we are incredibly proud. We simply couldn't have done it without Sun Siyam. They have given us enough freedom and trust to pursue the designs that resonate with their vision and philosophy. Together we believe in luxury that belongs to its location. Located in a private island of Noonu Atoll Maldives, which is home to the highest form of Maldivian magic, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is the crown jewel of Sun Siyam’s luxury collection, a resort in which design, tranquillity, and bespoke experiences are seamlessly intertwined. Ideal for families, perfect for couples, and a haven for those that need it, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi offers a total of 15 restaurants and bars, an internationally recognized spa providing more than 165 different treatments, and an unrivalled diving center. The International Property Award for Hotel Suite Interiors recognizes the recently refurbished Deluxe Water Villa at the resort, the beginning of a complete design transformation project led by the studio Sixty7 Design.A minimalist design with subdued tones, natural textures, and delicate shapes, including plastered walls, tactful materials, and breathable linen, the new aesthetic creates an ambience that feels relaxing and high-end all at once. Each villa is designed to frame the ocean, with an open floor plan, a tranquil feeling and a bathroom offering views to the lagoon. The spacious outdoor deck offers a suspended hammock, soft green color schemes, and a private pool in the Horizon Water Villa. With the radiant beauty of the moonlit beaches and the pristine charm of Maldives on their sides, the guests will definitely find themselves in a state of absolute clarity, concentration, and balance.

Milaidhoo Maldives ranked amongst top 1% of hotels globally according to TripadvisorAccording to Tripadvisor, Milaidhoo Maldives has received the Travellers’ Choice Award in its list of ‘Best of the Best of 2026’. The award places Milaidhoo at an elite level of hotels globally, being placed at the 1% mark of hotels on the basis of guest feedback.The Travellers’ Choice Award is significant for Milaidhoo as it was awarded due to feedback directly received from its guests whose reviews have made the island one of travellers’ most favored destinations across the globe. Milaidhoo has been created for travellers looking for something beyond the usual. Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo consists of 50 villas, surrounded by crystal blue waters and thriving coral reefs maldives."The most heartfelt gratitude goes out to our valued customers, who made time from their hectic schedule to provide us with feedback. Being awarded one of the best hotels of the Best of  category on Tripadvisor makes us proud. However, for us, this honor is more about the stories that go behind these reviews. Stories such as many anniversaries and friendships that are made possible by staying at our resort and stories of the discovery of our wonderful underwater world and memorable days spent in paradise island," Paul van Frank states. "Our guests deserve all the honors for creating such wonderful memories. It is definitely not our job but rather a passion!"The Travellers' Choice Award is presented to the most outstanding hotel based on the feedback of millions of travelers that post their feedbacks every year to TripAdvisor. Welcome to Milaidhoo Island Resort, Maldives, which welcomes travelers from all over the world. And we think this recognition is a good reminder of what we do – make memories and introduce the destination of Maldives to everyone."

LUX South Ari Atoll Hosts Tourism Career Programme for StudentsAs one of the activities for encouraging career paths among students in the industry, LUX* South Ari Atoll along with MATI organized the 13th Discover Tourism: Exploring Career Pathways programme on 7 June 2026. On this occasion, a number of students studying in Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8 of Adh. Dhigurah School and Adh. Atoll School were invited to get information about careers in hospitality. Firstly, the Resort Discovery Tour was arranged by Maanie, who is the supervisor of the TQA. It entailed visiting a number of attractions of the resort including the Wanderlust Library, Junk Art Studio, and Phone Home. This visit provided an opportunity to the students to know about the values which guide the resort to provide unique experiences to their customers.Apart from the above, students were also provided the opportunity to participate in the Culinary Experience during which an introduction to the kitchen was given by Executive Sous Chef Avijit. During this experience, making pizza activity took place in the presence of the chef. Another portion of the learning expedition included Food and Beverage Service Experience, managed by Restaurant Manager Nishad and his team. The session focused on gaining hands-on experience about table arrangements, ICI service standards, and mocktail preparations, giving the learners a glimpse of working in hospitality industries in guest services. The participants went ahead to expand their learning adventure by attending another training session known as The Art of Housekeeping, conducted by the Executive Housekeeper Najah. Apart from learning about how to prepare a guest room, the training session was about the technique of setting the villa and making towel sculptures.Next was the Front Office Experience presented by the Assistant Front Office Manager Rifath. The assistant front office manager taught the participants about the activities that happen in the Front Office when it comes to dealing with the guests in resorts and how the staff works hard to deliver the best guest experience. Another segment of the adventure was the LUX* South Ari Atoll’s Circle of Care: Coral reef maldives Plantation Project. This particular training session was led by Marine Biologist Mark. The topic for this session was all about coral conservation, and learners were allowed to participate in activities related to reef restoration.MATI’s Discover Tourism: Exploring Career Pathways programme is still successfully providing young people from Maldives with practical exposure to the tourism industry. With cooperation from various resorts and tourism organizations, this initiative will encourage new generations of people to join careers in the nation’s top industry.

Bare Luxury – next chapter in Soneva's philosophy of hospitalityThe Soneva hospitality company is well known for its resorts in the Maldives – Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret. The concept of mindful hospitality was introduced to the world by Soneva back in 1995 when it opened its first hotel based on the principle of "barefoot luxury" inspired by the radical notion of luxury as freedom from superfluous stuff and responsibility for others. Soneva introduces the new philosophy – "bare luxury". It is neither the remake of the previous concept, but an embodiment of years-long refinement."Bare Luxury" is the conscious elimination of everything that is not needed to show Just What Matters: pristine nature, spaces of joy, presence, and connection. Here we have Soneva leading yet another revolution in travel, where luxury travelers look for conscious, deliberate, and immersive experiences, based on purpose, connection, and well-being."Thirty years after our inception, the Soneva philosophy has become even more relevant than ever," said Neil Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of Soneva. "A frantic pace of living, constant stimulation, the advancement of artificial intelligence, and the pressure that is put on all of us to optimize every minute of our lives makes the need for bare luxury more apparent than ever. Our guests’ greatest pleasure comes not from abundance but from authenticity."The journey is one of evolution, but of return to roots as well. What remains unchanged is the philosophy of Soneva. What is changing is the medium in which such philosophies are expressed at every point of our guests’ experience.Starting with the aesthetics of our Soneva brand logo and the Soluna monogram, created from Solis (Latin for sun) and Lunae (Latin for moon), representing a whole. All the decisions that follow are driven by the same principle: the design of villas that are conducive to wellbeing, concepts of our restaurants which promote playfulness, and food that leads from the garden and not vice versa.

Marriott International Successfully Completes Third Batch of MIMAP in MaldivesIn an effort to make contributions to the field of hospitality education in Maldives, the hospitality giant, Marriott International, successfully completed the third batch of the Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program (MIMAP). The said program was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT).The ceremony saw the attendance of the Commissioner of Sports, Mohamed Tholal, representing the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, Abdulla Rafiu, in addition to representatives from both the organizations stated above.The graduates underwent training in five different aspects of hospitality, namely front office, housekeeping, food and beverages, culinary, and electrical fitting and maintenance.The MIMAP began in 2023 and continues to become an important initiative towards the development of talents in the area. The number of participants in the program exceeded 500, out of whom 171 joined the program. Out of 171, there are 73 applicants enrolled in the ongoing intake. With the graduating batch of trainees, 74 apprentices have successfully graduated and pursued jobs in hospitality industry-related professions. Concerning the theoretical knowledge gained from the program, students underwent academic lessons in the Maldives Institute of Technology, while practical sessions were delivered through Marriott International properties in the Maldives. Properties that participated in this program include: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; W Maldives; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort; Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.In terms of the Commissioner’s speech to the participants of the event, the former advised the program's graduates to pursue their quest for knowledge and underscored the importance of resilience and diligence in their activities in the future. Amila Handunwala addressed the audience at the event by congratulating the program's graduates and their rising achievements.“This is about far more than a training program being completed today, since it's about skill set, confidence and opportunity for the Maldivian youth," noted Handunwala. "We proudly recognize our work with our government partners, the Maldives Institute of Technology and the Marriott management teams, in developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.”The continued success of the MIMAP proves Marriott International's enduring commitment to workforce development programs.

Amilla Maldives Opens World’s First Pottery Studio in Collaboration with The Clay Studio MaldivesIn collaboration with The Clay Studio Maldives, Amilla Maldives has launched a brand new and exclusive pottery studio at its resort, allowing the resort’s guests the chance to unleash their inner artists through pottery classes, inspired by local traditions. The newly launched pottery studio will be an oasis for guests who wish to slow down and connect with the nature around them through an indulging journey of pottery making. Following Amilla’s theme of wellness and healthy living, the studio will be an amazing space where visitors can express themselves freely.Through their partnership, guests will get a chance to indulge in various pottery activities such as throwing on a potter’s wheel, pottery painting, and hand-building under the guidance of professional pottery makers. The pottery classes will allow guests of all ages to try their hands on pottery art, and even the kids visiting from the resort’s Sultan’s Village Kids Club will benefit from them. The participants will be provided with opportunities to work with raw clay and create artworks reflecting their experience during the time spent at the resort. All products made from ceramics by participants will be locally baked.The collaboration becomes an additional step in realizing the goals of the resort concerning promotion of local artists and culture. Through incorporation of the contemporary art of ceramics into the resort program, Amilla Maldives will give its guests the possibility to discover and appreciate the creative heritage of the country. The pottery studio when opened will become a part of numerous experiences offered by the resort. The list of such activities includes well-being, culture, and nature programs.