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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Upgrades World’s Largest Over-Water Villa

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Gili Lankanfushi

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.

Gili LankanfushiAn 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.

Gili Lankanfushi

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.

Food

The Standard, Maldives unveils September line-up of Oktoberfest, Negroni Week

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This September, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives invites guests to raise a glass, chase unforgettable moments, and embrace the resort’s signature playful spirit as Oktoberfest and Negroni Week arrive in paradise alongside a lineup of island adventures, social gatherings, and exclusive experiences.

From 19 September to 4 October 2026, Oktoberfest takes centre stage with daily beer-inspired celebrations, bringing together great food, ice-cold pours, and good company against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, cocktail enthusiasts can celebrate Negroni Week from 21 to 27 September 2026, discovering the timeless Italian classic reimagined in true Standard style.

At the heart of the Oktoberfest festivities is Todis Bar, where guests can enjoy a daily Happy Hour featuring refreshing beers and lively island vibes at sunset. Guests can also indulge in specially curated Beer Pairing Lunches at Joos Café, showcasing hearty favourites including gourmet hot dogs, German bratwurst, and shareable plates designed for gathering friends and loved ones around the table.

“At The Standard, Maldives, every celebration is an opportunity to connect, explore, and create memorable moments together,” said Nandakumar Dharuman, the resort’s Director of Culinary. “Whether guests are toasting Oktoberfest, enjoying a perfectly crafted Negroni, or setting off on a marine adventure, this season is all about bringing people together in a fun and unexpected way.”

Beyond the food and beverage experiences, guests can seamlessly combine the festivities with the resort’s signature island adventures. After all, a Maldives holiday is best enjoyed in and around the water. From snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and discovering the region’s marine wonders to unforgettable excursions in Hanifaru Bay, every experience offers a new opportunity to explore paradise. Guests can also join exhilarating manta ray excursions and glide alongside these gentle giants, with experiences available through the resort’s dive centre.

The Sip & Chat Cocktail Party, held every Monday, is another experience not to be missed. This lively social gathering brings together guests and members of the resort’s management team for an evening of cocktails, conversations, surprises, and exciting lucky draws. It is the perfect opportunity to mingle, share stories, and experience the warm, welcoming personality that defines The Standard.

Those seeking a more intimate celebration can elevate their stay with the resort’s Floating Sunset Sparkle experience. Set within the privacy of a villa pool, guests can enjoy house champagne and a selection of curated canapés while soaking in the magic of a Maldivian sunset, creating an unforgettable moment for couples and special occasions.

Whether sipping a Negroni at sunset, sharing a beer over lunch, connecting with fellow travellers, or discovering the natural beauty of the Maldives, guests are invited to celebrate September the Standard way: relaxed, playful, and anything but standard.

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Awards

ROBINSON NOONU wins Best Fun & Friendly Resort title for second time

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ROBINSON NOONU has been named Best Fun & Friendly Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026 for the second time. This marks the fourth consecutive TTM award for ROBINSON Clubs in the Maldives.

“Receiving the award for the second time is particularly gratifying. It shows that our concept resonates with both our guests and our industry partners, whilst we continue to follow our own path. ROBINSON NOONU has its very own character,” says General Manager Jan Karliczek.

ROBINSON NOONU is located on Orivaru Island in the Noonu Atoll. Guests stay in beach and water villas, many with direct ocean access or private pools. The club’s house reef invites snorkelling and diving. Sports offerings include fitness classes from yoga to HOT IRON as well as padel. The resort also features special event weeks, diverse entertainment, and programmes for children and teenagers.

With this latest recognition, ROBINSON continues its TTM Awards success in the Maldives: ROBINSON MALDIVES won awards in 2023 and 2025, whilst ROBINSON NOONU impressed in the Best Fun & Friendly Resort category in 2024 and now 2026.

The TTM Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the Maldivian tourism industry and are presented annually at the international TTM Maldives trade fair. Winners are determined through online voting accessible via the TTM website. In 2026, awards were presented across 32 categories.

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Sirru Fen Fushi brings music, Michelin-starred sining and wellness to festive season

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This festive season, Sirru Fen Fushi –Private Lagoon Resort unveils A Constellation of Moments, a thoughtfully curated programme of immersive celebrations, wellness, gastronomy and unforgettable island experiences from 23 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, where every sunset, gathering and shared experience becomes part of an unforgettable island story.

Inspired by the natural rhythm of the Maldives, the programme celebrates the unique duality of Sirru Fen Fushi – Ocean by Day, Stars by Night. From golden sunsets over one of the Maldives’ largest private lagoons to evenings beneath some of the country’s darkest and most spectacular skies, the festive journey has been designed as a collection of meaningful moments.

Throughout the festive season, guests will gather for immersive sunset experiences accompanied by live music, before the celebrations continue with elegant after-dinner entertainment on the beach. Featuring an international ensemble of musicians, dancers and performers, each evening unfolds with captivating live performances, fire shows and vibrant entertainment, creating unforgettable moments under the Maldivian night sky.

The festive calendar reaches its peak with a series of signature celebrations, beginning with the Opening Night and Tree Lighting Ceremony on 23 December, followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities, a spectacular Pirates of Sirru family celebration, an unforgettable New Year’s Eve gala and Orthodox Christmas celebrations, before concluding with a memorable Closing Night on 7 January.

Music remains at the heart of the programme through a resident ensemble of internationally acclaimed musicians, dancers, acrobats and fire performers, creating a seamless atmosphere across sunset gatherings, dining experiences and evening celebrations. Guests can also engage with the artists through the exclusive Constellation Academy, offering private and small-group masterclasses in music, dance and performance throughout the festive season.

Wellbeing also takes centre stage with the return of internationally renowned holistic wellness practitioner Dr Doshi, whose exclusive residency offers personalised consultations, holistic healing therapies and mindfulness experiences at Arufen Spa. Designed to restore balance during the festive season, the residency provides guests with an opportunity to reconnect with themselves and embrace a more mindful festive escape in one of the Maldives’ most tranquil settings.

Beyond the celebrations, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty through a curated collection of experiences. Marine adventures include Turtle Research excursions, guided Coralarium discovery experiences, sunset dolphin cruises, handline fishing and snorkelling across the resort’s spectacular 9-kilometre house reef, while creative workshops, sustainability initiatives and family-friendly activities provide meaningful experiences for guests of all ages.

For those seeking the ultimate festive escape, the resort’s private Azimut Yacht offers a collection of bespoke experiences, from romantic champagne sunset cruises and half- day lagoon adventures to full-day voyages exploring pristine sandbanks and vibrant coral reefs, each thoughtfully tailored to showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean while creating unforgettable moments at sea.

Exceptional gastronomy forms an integral part of the festive journey. Throughout the season, Raha Market hosts lavish festive buffets and gala dinners, Kata offers refined Japanese dining accompanied by live acoustic performances, while Azure presents Mediterranean-inspired seafood in a spectacular overwater setting. Elevating the culinary programme further, Michelin-starred Chef Tristan Brandt returns to Sirru Fen Fushi to host two exclusive dinners, showcasing his signature contemporary cuisine through thoughtfully curated menus celebrating exceptional ingredients, creativity and refined craftsmanship.

“At Sirru Fen Fushi, we believe the most memorable holidays are shaped by the moments we share,” said Rudrojit Deb, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi. “This festive season, we have created a journey that celebrates connection – to loved ones, to nature and to oneself. Whether watching the sun set over our lagoon, enjoying music beneath the stars, discovering the underwater world or embracing a moment of wellbeing, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to become part of our guests’ own constellation of memories.”

Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ largest private lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi offers 120 spacious beach, jungle and overwater villas, exceptional dining experiences, the iconic Coralarium – the Maldives’ first underwater art installation and coral regeneration project – and a wealth of experiences that celebrate the island’s extraordinary natural beauty. This festive season, guests are invited to celebrate in a destination where every moment shines a little brighter.

To discover more or to reserve your festive escape, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

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