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.
Culture
Maagiri Hotel celebrates Independence Day with special dining offers
Maagiri Hotel is set to celebrate the Independence Day of the Maldives with a series of special dining experiences, inviting guests, families, and the local community to come together and commemorate this significant national occasion.
To mark the celebrations, the hotel will host an Independence Day Special Breakfast Buffet from 24 to 26 July 2026. Guests can enjoy a generous selection of local and international breakfast favourites in a warm and welcoming setting, making it the perfect way to begin the holiday celebrations with family and friends.
The festivities will continue on 26 July 2026 with a Special Maldivian Dinner Buffet at Faru Restaurant. The dinner will feature a variety of authentic Maldivian dishes, carefully prepared by the hotel’s culinary team to showcase the rich flavours and traditions of the Maldives. From local delicacies to beloved national favourites, the buffet offers a memorable dining experience that celebrates the country’s culinary heritage.
Adding a sweet touch to the celebrations, Maagiri Hotel also features a selection of locally crafted artisan ice cream flavours with the support of Iceto, highlighting the creativity of local artisans and celebrating Maldivian craftsmanship through unique, handcrafted treats at the Rooftop Restaurant.
As part of the hotel’s commitment to celebrating national occasions, the Independence Day promotions are designed to bring people together through exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a shared appreciation for Maldivian culture and traditions.
Maagiri Hotel warmly welcomes guests to join the Independence Day celebrations and enjoy a memorable dining experience while honouring the spirit of the nation’s independence.
For reservations and bookings, please call 3318484 / 7228484 or text (Viber) 7228484.
News
DJ Liliana Reagan returns to headline Niva Dhigali’s New Year’s Eve celebration
As the year draws to a close, there’s nowhere quite like a private island in the Maldives to leave the old one behind. Niva Dhigali has unveiled its 2026 festive season programme, and the countdown to midnight comes with a familiar, electrifying face; Hungarian DJ Liliana Reagan is returning to headline the resort’s New Year’s Eve party.

A Festive Escape, Niva Dhigali Style
The season begins December 21 with a beachfront Tree Lighting Ceremony – barefoot, sun-warmed sand standing in for snow – followed by a Starlight Beach Dinner where the only ceiling is the night sky. Christmas brings its own island magic, with Santa making his arrival amid palm trees and turquoise water.

Where Freedom Celebrates
The season’s grand finale is New Year’s Eve itself, an event billed as “Where Freedom Celebrates.” The night unfolds slowly: a lavish gala dinner gives way to a beach party in full swing, fire dancers weaving through the crowd as the countdown builds. At the centre of it all is DJ Lili, spinning her soundtracks into the starlit night sky
It’s a homecoming of sorts for DJ Lili as she previously electrified the resort’s East Beach for its “Elemental” New Year celebration in 2025, wrapping her illusory, house-inflected sets around fire rituals and pyrotechnics for a night guests are still talking about.

Who Is Liliana Reagan?
Blue hair, boundless energy, and a sound that moves effortlessly between dreamy and galvanic. Known professionally as Regán Lili, she has been one of Hungary’s most in-demand DJs since 2016. From Sziget Festival to Balaton Sound, and a standing radio residency on Rádió 1 where listeners have crowned her DJ of the Year multiple times over. She has built a career on turning a night out into an unforgettable occasion.
For the full festive lineup and more on Niva Dhigali’s signature experiences, visit the resort’s website.
News
ELE|NA, Mandara Spa and RIU RENOVA SPA join World Wellness Weekend activities in Maldives
Forty-seven venues across the Maldives will take part in World Wellness Weekend from 18 to 20 September 2026, offering complimentary wellness activities for resort guests and local communities.
The three-day programme forms part of the 10th edition of World Wellness Weekend, a global initiative bringing together hotels, resorts, spas, fitness centres, municipalities and wellness professionals. The 2026 edition is expected to involve venues across 187 countries, with organisers targeting 15,000 participating venues and more than 20,000 free wellness experiences worldwide.
In the Maldives, all ELE|NA properties have confirmed their participation in the event. ELE|NA operates wellness facilities at several resorts in the country and will organise activities across its participating properties during the weekend.
Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, recognised as a Wellness Champion by World Wellness Weekend, will conduct a programme combining physical activity, wellness education and environmental action.
Its scheduled activities include an Island Rhythm Zumba session and an Art of Touch session focused on relieving tension, improving circulation and supporting general wellbeing.
The spa will also organise a herbal oil blending workshop, introducing participants to essential oils used for relaxation and rejuvenation. A beach clean-up challenge will connect the resort’s wellness programme with environmental responsibility and community participation.
RIU RENOVA SPA will also participate through Hotel Riu Atoll. The programme will include aquagym, aqua relaxation, aquafit, aqua boxing and sun salutation sessions.
Family-oriented activities, including yoga for children and dance classes, will also be offered. Hotel Riu Atoll is among more than 35 RIU properties expected to participate in World Wellness Weekend internationally.
The 2026 campaign is being held under the message, “Connect. Recharge. Wellness is Energy: Turn your Wellness ON.” Its programmes are structured around five areas: vitality and movement, serenity and mindfulness, nutrition and immunity, sleep and creativity, and purpose and solidarity.
World Wellness Weekend said the initiative seeks to make wellness activities accessible beyond spa and fitness services by encouraging participation in movement, mindfulness, education, nature experiences and community gatherings.
The event has also partnered with World Cleanup Day, linking personal wellbeing with environmental action. Participating venues around the world are expected to organise clean-ups in beaches, parks, neighbourhoods and other public areas alongside relaxation or meditation sessions.
Founder Jean-Guy de Gabriac said the initiative viewed wellness as a shared responsibility rather than an exclusive service.
“Wellness is not a luxury, but a collective responsibility. We need to think Global, act Local and make wellness Social,” he said.
The participation of resorts and spa operators across the Maldives reflects the hospitality sector’s increasing integration of wellness into guest experiences, employee programmes and community initiatives. The country’s natural environment also allows participating properties to combine fitness, mindfulness and wellness education with outdoor and marine-based activities.
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