News
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Upgrades World’s Largest Over-Water Villa
Maldives.net.mv – Gili Lankanfushi, named the Best Hotel in the World by TripAdvisor in the Traveller’s Choice Awards 2015, is about to get even better. The resort’s amazing Private Reserve – the largest overwater villa in the world – has been upgraded, making it more dazzling than ever.
Standing alone in the middle of a sparkling turquoise lagoon, 500 metres from the resort and only accessible by boat, the spectacular sprawling villa takes privacy and luxury to another level entirely. The closest neighbouring villas are 300 metres away, allowing guests to relax in total seclusion.
An incredible 1,700 square metre space, the luxurious three-bedroom hideaway offers the utmost in natural chic, with its wood and glass design complementing the breathtaking Indian Ocean views and flooding the villa with light through floor-to-ceiling windows.
As part of an extensive renovation programme, a new 63 square metre fresh water swimming pool has been added overlooking the lagoon sunrise side. With a vast sun-deck and shaded pavilions, access is via wooden walkways from the master suites, as well as the main lounging area. There will also be a jacuzzi within the pool, the perfect spot for sundowners.
“The beautiful pool adds an extra dimension to the Private Reserve, a wonderful alternative for those who prefer fresh water to the sea – and it’s obviously unaffected by the tides,” said Steven Philips, General Manager of Gili Lankanfushi. “We also wanted to make the most of the deep channel right in front of the villa, so it was built without having to disturb any of the local ecosystem.”
A spacious new en-suite bedroom has also been added to one of the two master suites – ideal for families. But as each suite is the same size as the resort’s huge Crusoe Residences, there’s still ample room for total privacy for friends. There are further bedrooms for two live-in Mr Fridays (private butlers on call 24/7 to cater to every whim), or if this is not desired, some guests opt to bring their nannies, secretaries or bodyguards.
Other improvements include a new library and study for any business needs, complete with an en suite bathroom and large comfortable lounging beds. A shower room is being added within the gym and fresh new furnishings throughout the villa.
Guests at the Private Reserve can relax in the ample indoor and outdoor living and lounging spaces, and soak up endless views. There’s a private spa with sauna and steam room for all pampering needs and a state-of-the-art cinema for film screenings of their choice. A wide water slide from the top deck into the lagoon adds to the fun.

When it comes to dining, quality and imagination are key. A personal chef will plan tailored meals using produce from the resort’s organic vegetable and herb gardens. Choice abounds from Michelin-quality fine dining to BBQs and more casual eating – served in the open top-floor dining room or at cushioned round tables close to the ocean. The wine cellar and bar are stocked to individual tastes too.
And, of course, all the facilities of the main resort are just a short boat-ride away, whether guests use their personal motorised boats or enjoy a chauffeur driven water taxi with their Mr Friday.
All Private Reserve bookings include exclusive transfers on the resort’s sumptuous new 14-metre luxury yacht for the 20-minute journey from Male’ airport. Guests also have use of it for an additional day – perhaps for a fishing outing around the local atoll or a private snorkelling trip with the resort’s own marine biologist.
For those who value true privacy, luxury and the space to enjoy it, there really is no place like the Gili Lankanfushi Private Reserve.
The Private Reserve will re-open on 15th November.
News
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils ‘Chapter X’ for 10th anniversary
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort announces its most anticipated festive season yet, commemorating a decade of unparalleled luxury with distinct celebration themed “Chapter X: Celebrating 10 Years Through the Island’s Story.” From December 20, 2026 through January 7, 2027, the private island resort will celebrate the story of Vommuli Island, Maldivian heritage, and the timeless traditions that define the St. Regis experience.
Over the past decade, The St. Regis Maldives has been consistently recognized among the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury resorts, distinguished by exceptional design, nature, culture, and bespoke service. Marking a significant milestone, this festive season pays tribute not only to the architectural vision and natural beauty of Vommuli Island, but also to the cherished memories created by families, couples, and generations of guests who have made the island part of their own story.

Inspired by the island’s four ecological zones, Lagoon, Beach, Jungle, and Coast, the festive program invites guests of all ages to explore Vommuli through immersive experiences that inspire connection, wonder, and togetherness.
In the Lagoon Zone, where the ocean shapes both landscape and imagination, marine life and iconic overwater architecture. Sunset celebrations and ocean-inspired dining overlooking the turquoise lagoon honor the beauty of the Maldives and the adventures that await beneath its waters.
The Beach Zone reflects the island’s origins and the enduring traditions of Maldivian coastal life. Here, festive gatherings and family experiences celebrate the warmth of the season, drawing inspiration from the fishermen’s huts that once lined these shores and the generations who called the ocean their home.
Within the lush Jungle Zone, Vommuli House becomes a place of shared learning, where young explorers and multi-generational families engage with the island’s biodiversity through nature-inspired activities, storytelling, and educational experiences.

The Coastal Zone pays homage to the Maldives’ seafaring heritage, expressed through architecture modelled after the graceful dhoni. Against panoramic ocean views, families can reconnect through meaningful moments and the joy of time spent together.
Together, these four environments will serve as the backdrop for a festive calendar of gastronomy, restorative experiences, entertainment, culture, and signature St. Regis traditions.
“As we celebrate ten remarkable years at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, this festive season represents not only a milestone for the resort, but also a celebration of the countless memories created by our guests who have become part of our story,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Chapter X invites guests to experience the spirit of Vommuli Island while honouring our legacy and creating new traditions for generations to come.”

A Festive Calendar Designed for Every Generation
From timeless family traditions to exceptional culinary experiences, the festive program has been crafted to delight guests across generations.

The season begins with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by the arrival of Santa, festive treats, island-wide activities, and dedicated children’s programming. Adults can indulge in exceptional dining experiences, wine journeys, restorative rituals, and bespoke island experiences.
Signature occasions include gala dinners, immersive culinary showcases, and wellness experiences inspired by the rhythms of island life. As the year draws to a close, guests will gather for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display illuminating the Indian Ocean sky.

Festive Getaway Package
For families and loved ones seeking to share precious moments over the holiday, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort introduces the Festive Getaway Package to elevate seasonal escapes with exclusive privileges, and the signature St. Regis butler service. Guests can book by November 15, 2026 for stays from December 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027.

Designed to complement the resort’s landmark 10th anniversary, the package provides an invitation to experience Vommuli Island at one of its most anticipated times of year.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit stregismaldives.com.
Awards
Ellaidhoo, Hakuraa Huraa Maldives secure double TTM awards win for Cinnamon
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives celebrated a double win at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026, with Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon recognised among the winners in the Best Dive Resort category and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives among the winners for Best Honeymoon Destination, celebrating two distinctive island experiences within the brand’s Maldives portfolio.
The awards were presented at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards celebrate achievements across the Maldivian tourism and hospitality industry, recognising resorts and experiences that continue to shape the destination’s diverse tourism offering.
For Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the recognition celebrates an island where diving has long been at the heart of the experience. Located in North Ari Atoll, the resort is surrounded by a spectacular house reef, regarded as one of the finest in the Maldives, bringing an extraordinary underwater world within easy reach of the island. A 24 hour diving facility gives guests greater freedom to explore beneath the surface, while more than 50 nearby dive sites reveal an abundance of marine life and some of the atoll’s most rewarding underwater encounters.
“Diving is deeply connected to the identity of the resort and has been part of the island’s story for many years. We are fortunate to have an incredible house reef on our doorstep and access to some remarkable dive sites across North Ari Atoll, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the dedication of the teams who help our guests experience this underwater world every day,” said Hassan Shihab, Resort Manager, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.
From the underwater world of North Ari Atoll to the tranquillity of Meemu Atoll, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a distinctly different expression of the destination. The five star adults only resort stretches across two islands, creating a setting defined by space, privacy and serenity. Overwater and beach accommodation, sweeping lagoon views and memorable sunsets set the scene for couples seeking time away together, complemented by intimate experiences designed around the natural beauty and unhurried rhythm of island life.

“Our resort has always had a natural sense of romance, shaped by the privacy of our two islands, the beauty of the lagoon and the feeling of being away from everything. As we continue our journey as an adults only resort, being recognised among the Best Honeymoon Destinations is particularly meaningful. It reflects what our team strives to create for every couple who stays with us, the space and setting to slow down, reconnect and leave with memories that belong entirely to them,” said Rajeeva Rajapakse, General Manager, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.
Together, the two wins reflect the breadth of experiences found across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon invites travellers to discover the Maldives beneath the surface, while Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives creates an intimate setting for couples seeking privacy, romance and time together.
Action
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa adds six Leopard Sharks to Maldives identification database
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa continues its ongoing marine conservation journey with the identification of Six Individual Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks along the resort’s house reef. The sharks were documented through photographic observation and submitted to the MIYARU, the Maldives’ national non-profit organisation and research network focused on collaborative shark research and conservation.
The six identified sharks namely Atlas (LS081), Aurelian (LS083), Kikongo (LS090), Ambala (LS091), Ingwe (LS096), and Fowler (LS097) – can each be recognized by their distinctive patterns of dots and spots. Similar to a human fingerprint, these natural markings are unique to every shark, enabling marine researchers to identify individuals when they are encountered again.

By documenting these individual sharks, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is contributing to a growing body of knowledge about the species and how it uses local reef habitats. Each sighting adds another piece to the wider picture of leopard shark presence and movements in the Maldives, supporting continued awareness, research and conservation.
For Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, conservation is about creating meaningful connections with the natural world. From a passing encounter with a leopard shark to learning how individual animals can be recognized beneath the surface, every discovery can offer a new perspective on the living reef.

The identification of these six leopard sharks reflects the resort’s continued approach to marine conservation through attentive observation, responsible marine experiences and collaboration with conservation partners.
As monitoring continues, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to discover its house reef not simply as a destination beneath the surface, but as a living environment shared with an extraordinary diversity of marine life.
With every sighting, every photograph and every new record, the resort continues to build a deeper understanding of the waters surrounding Maamutaa – inspiring greater appreciation for the wildlife that calls the Maldives home.

Kayla Shortt is Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s in-house Marine Biologist and PADI IDC Staff Instructor, who coordinated the in-water observations, photographic documentation and identification submissions that resulted in the six individual records.
Originally from South Africa, she has worked across five-star resorts in the Maldives since 2021, bringing together her experience in marine tourism and practical conservation.

Her expertise spans reef-health monitoring, turtle rehabilitation and shark behavior, with a particular focus on creating greater awareness and understanding of the marine environment.
At Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Kayla makes marine science engaging and accessible, connecting guests with the underwater world while supporting the resort’s ongoing conservation efforts. Through her work, she contributes to a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ marine environment and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home.
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