Connect with us

Lifestyle

Naladhu – a luxury island for yourself

Published

on

Naladhu

Maldives.net.mv – Imagine your own private island nestled on the edge of a stunning lagoon, in one of the world’s most celebrated tropical havens, ringed by coral gardens and vibrant marine life, where the stunning turquoise hues of the Indian Ocean are complemented by the exotic scent of palm trees.  Welcome to Naladhu, Maldives.

Celebrities, sports stars and Fortune 500 Listers have called it their home away from home and both corporate and celebratory groups are buying the island resort out for exclusive use in an increasing trend for those opting for private island breakaways.

According to Naladhu Director of Sales & Marketing, Narelle McDougall, the resort is a popular incentive reward destination and corporate retreat, but she is quick to add that more and more common interest groups are following suit.  “We are seeing an increase in common interest group travel, such as family celebrations, to the Maldives and buyout enquiries for special occasions.”

The resort is a luxurious boutique hideaway in the South Male Atoll, a mere 35 minute speedboat journey from the island nation’s international airport, or a scenic 5 minutes by private chartered seaplane.

Naladhu means ‘pretty island’, and each of the nineteen secluded houses incorporates timeless design, idyllic views and an unmatched feeling of home.

 With a choice of two house types, each 300 square meters in size, the Beach House or Ocean House provides its own distinct vantage point on the island, while offering identical amenities and luxurious comforts.  Generous living, dining and bedroom spaces, a private swimming pool, landscaped garden and vast sundeck make for an exotic experience within the privacy of each enclosure.

 To further enhance the experience, all houses are indulged by discreet yet attentive personal House Masters, 24 hours a day to ensure that guests’ every desire is not only met, but also anticipated.

Accommodating up to 38 guests, the resort is the perfect destination for small groups in need of privacy and seclusion in luxurious surroundings.  McDougall says that, as a predominantly leisure destination, corporate retreats tend to opt for outdoors settings such as a barefoot meeting in the sand.  “Many retreats take the form of team-building exercises with activities under, on and alongside the turquoise Indian Ocean, including kayak races across the lagoon, cooking challenges or even surfing contests.  All retreats are tailor made to suit a group’s specific needs, such as spa journeys for a ‘Girls Weekend’ group, or CEO adrenaline junkies diving some of the world’s most treasured reefs.”

 A dedicated event coordinator service encompasses all of the client’s accommodation, activity programme and food and beverage requirements.  Guests are met by resort representatives at Male International Airport and escorted to the island by luxury speedboat.

Event setups and programmes are tailor made to suit ideals and specific needs, and Naladhu’s personalised ‘Intimate Dining Affairs’ experiences ensure unique occasions in dreamy locations, from an isolated sandbank in the Indian Ocean to a coconut grove – anywhere of the group’s choosing.

McDougall concludes that Naladhu’s tropical setting, exclusive nature and intimate atmosphere coupled with personalised service make it the ideal choice for high-end corporate retreats and special family occasions alike.  “Sometimes reserving your private place in luxury isn’t enough; sometimes you just need a luxury island all for yourself.”

For more information, visit www.naladhu.com

Culture

Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to discover real island living in Kihadhoo

Published

on

Milaidhoo Maldives, a boutique luxury resort situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, has unveiled its latest signature offering – the Local Island Tour – a meaningful and intimate cultural experience that provides guests with a genuine insight into everyday life in the Maldives.

Nestled amidst the natural splendour of Baa Atoll, celebrated for its vibrant marine biodiversity and unspoilt local islands, this new experience extends beyond the boundaries of the resort. Guests are invited to journey just 15 minutes by boat to Kihadhoo, a serene and authentic island where tradition, community and simplicity remain firmly embedded in daily life.

Upon arrival, visitors are immersed not only in a new landscape but in a slower, more deliberate way of life. Much like the ethos of Milaidhoo, where barefoot luxury is designed to encourage presence and connection, Kihadhoo exudes its own quiet charm – a lifestyle shaped by nature, calm and community. Along its sandy paths, occasionally crossed by a scooter or two, time appears to slow down. It is a place grounded in authenticity and understated beauty.

The experience is personally guided by Ali “CR” Niushad, a Kihadhoo native and esteemed member of the Milaidhoo team. Acting as both host and storyteller, CR offers guests the rare opportunity to experience the island not as tourists, but as warmly welcomed friends. The visit begins with a traditional greeting from local flower girls dressed in Maldivian attire, setting the tone for an encounter steeped in culture and sincerity.

As the tour unfolds, guests are met with the everyday sights and sounds of the island: children waving in the distance, neighbours exchanging greetings, the rhythmic sweep of a broom, the gentle clatter of cooking utensils, and women gathered in joali seats, softly conversing in the afternoon light. A walk through Kihadhoo reveals vividly painted doors on homes – reminiscent of the colourful doors of Milaidhoo’s own villas – reflecting the island’s quiet charm and creative spirit.

This is not a traditional sightseeing excursion; it is an immersion into the heartbeat of island life. Guests enjoy fresh coconuts at a small, family-run café, visit the local school and community centres, and spend time in CR’s family home, sharing stories and perspectives. Each moment is organic, heartfelt, and grounded in sincere human connection.

In an era where travellers increasingly seek meaningful and mindful experiences, Milaidhoo’s Local Island Tour captures the spirit of slow travel: an invitation to pause, observe, and engage with respect and curiosity.

Experience Highlights:

  • Price: USD 95++ per person (minimum of four guests)
  • Inclusions: Return boat transfers, traditional island welcome, guided walk with CR, refreshments (fresh juice or coconut), visits to village landmarks, and a selection of homemade Maldivian snacks with tea or coffee

While Milaidhoo offers refined barefoot luxury that nurtures a sense of inner calm, Kihadhoo presents the soulful essence of Maldivian island life. Together, they create a compelling contrast – sanctuary and simplicity, elegance and authenticity.

This experience is more than a cultural outing. It is a return to the original purpose of travel: to connect, to learn, and to be changed in quiet, unforgettable ways.

Continue Reading

Action

Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

Published

on

Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.

This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:

  • 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
  • 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
  • 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.

These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.

Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.

This immersive day features:

  • Guided dives to the shipwreck
  • Underwater treasure hunts
  • Marine conservation talks
  • Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals

The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.

Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.

  • 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
  • 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
  • 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.

The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Game on! Kandima unveils Maldives’ most exciting all-ages entertainment hub

Published

on

Kandima Maldives, the bold lifestyle resort known for redefining island getaways, has once again raised the bar with the launch of PlaySpace – an all-ages entertainment destination transforming the leisure landscape of the Maldives.

Centrally located within the island resort, PlaySpace blends nostalgic retro flair with cutting-edge fun, offering a dynamic mix of activities for families, thrill-seekers, and social guests alike. From action-packed bowling and immersive virtual reality to escape room challenges and private karaoke sessions, the venue strengthens Kandima’s position as the Maldives’ leading active lifestyle destination.

According to Dermot Birchall, General Manager at Kandima Maldives, “At Kandima, we’re constantly evolving the island experience. PlaySpace adds a new dimension – it’s immersive, social, and above all, wildly entertaining.”

Key Highlights of PlaySpace Include:

  • Bowling Lanes with a Twist: Themed experiences such as Team Challenge, Date Night Deluxe, and Family Blitz, complemented by snacks, drinks, and curated playlists.
  • Karaoke & Cocktails: Private singing rooms paired with wine, beer, or bubbly under the Karaoke & Cocktails Package.
  • VR & Arcade Zone: Thrilling VR adventures, air hockey, billiards, and timeless arcade classics.
  • Escape Rooms: Brain-teasing challenges for up to three guests – ideal for team bonding or friendly competition.
  • Eats & Treats: A variety of gourmet snacks including paninis and mini pizzas, plus refreshing beverages like Tropical Dreamscape and Lychee Breeze – all alcohol-free.

With its vibrant 80s-inspired design and bold approach to leisure, PlaySpace perfectly reflects Kandima’s playful luxury ethos. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, it promises guests a unique and energetic addition to their island stay.

Adding to the excitement, Kandima has also introduced Fast Track, the Maldives’ first and only oceanfront e-go-kart circuit. Spanning 500 metres with 10 turns and speeds reaching up to 80 km/h, this professional-grade asphalt track brings a high-octane edge to island adventure.

As Kandima continues to innovate and launch new experiences, guests can expect even more surprises in the near future – with fun, flair, and freedom at the heart of it all.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.