News
Starwood debuts the ultimate new travel app on iOS7
Maldives.net.mv – Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), the award-winning loyalty program from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today introduced an innovative and inspiring new app for iPad as well as an exciting new design to support iOS 7. The SPG App for iPad joins the SPG App for iPhone, extending SPG’s digital suite of products and gives today’s connected traveler a visually rich, personalized experience on every step of their journey from imaginative destination exploration to the details of their trip before, during and after a visit. Each new, native iOS 7 app builds on the operating system’s latest features and designs and provides guests with the beautiful, immersive travel experience Starwood is known to deliver.
“Travel is inherently mobile and the rapid advancements in technology enable us to extend the personalized experience guests receive in our hotels to their most personal devices,” said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President, Starwood Preferred Guest & Digital. “Following our success with the SPG App for iPhone, we built the SPG App for iPad using insights we have gained from our members. The relationships we’ve built with our guests put us in a unique position to lead and win with digital by delivering the experiences they seek.”
Today’s travelers are increasingly using mobile devices to search for and explore destinations, as well as book rooms and other travel services. Industry wide, 40% of travel searches occur on mobile devices up from 25% in 2012. Starwood’s mobile bookings are growing at an annual rate of 1000% –five times greater than the annual growth rate of the web channel 10 years ago. The new Starwood apps deliver both the convenience and speed mobile travelers desire while highlighting the SPG lifestyle.
SPG App for iPad:
The new SPG App for iPad app pushes the boundaries of current hospitality apps by uniting Starwood’s unique focus on design and photography, as well as both curated and real-time social content into one mobile experience. Alongside SPG’s iPhone and Android apps, the new SPG App for iPad provides a seamless guest experience, simplifying and enriching both business and leisure travel.
Starwood’s digital design team leveraged iPad’s capacity for high resolution, immersive photography to create an editorial-like experience akin to content one might expect from high-end travel or shelter magazines.
“When we developed our iPhone App, we were focused on ease and speed, envisioning travelers engaging with the App with ‘one eye and one thumb’ in transit,” said Clay Cowan, Vice President, Global Digital for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We created our iPad App with a deeper, more leisurely experience in mind. We’re literally inviting people to ‘lean back’ and get lost in our destinations and hotels through fantastic photography showcasing great design, amazing locations and the unique experiences one can expect across our portfolio of nine lifestyle brands and 1,100 hotels in 100 countries.”
App Highlights:
- Explore: The “explore” section inspires travelers to dream of more vacation time with a rich mix of curated content including the more than 100 Member Favorite Resorts awarded by fellow SPG members and dynamic content generated through social interactions
- Using our guest interactions through social media, the SPG app highlights the hottest venues, as reviewed by previous guests, around the hotel right on the map embedded in the app. So when you are far from home, you can eat, drink, and travel like a local.
- SPG life: This section of the app is a hub for learning about Starwood Preferred Guest’s many benefits. Here, members can access up-to-date account information including point balance, upcoming stay information and elite benefits. Members can also take a peek at all the exclusive benefits SPG offers its members like a virtual backstage tour at one of SPG’s Hear the Music, See the World performances, soar with trapeze lessons with Cirque du Soleil or take a seat in the SPG Luxury Suite at the US Open. Users can bid on SPG Moments like these and see Instagram photos from events and live the #spglife within the app.
- Fast and easy personalized booking: A secure area stores credit card information streamlining booking to just three taps. All of Starwood’s more than 1100 properties in 100 countries are represented with full detail with ratings and reviews from verified members who have stayed at the hotel. Perfect for researching your next escape.
- Brand sections: Each of SPG’s nine brands have stunning visual content, designed to highlight each lifestyle brand’s unique attributes and social activities as well as give travelers a realistic representation of what each destination provides.
“We strive to offer our guests a great experience that is unique to them both inside our hotels and at every touch point,” said Holdren. “The experience we created with our iPad and iPhone apps combine the insights of our guests with the magic of our design-led brands. We build our apps on the newest tech in order to exceed the needs of our digitally connected guests.”
Starwood’s mobile team partnered with Bottle Rocket to design and develop the SPG apps—resulting in smart, intuitive navigation that seamlessly integrates SPG and hotel-specific branding into the iPad’s famously user-friendly interface. The SPG App for iPad will launch in both English and Chinese and will be updated with additional versions and multiple languages. The app, currently available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad or at www.spg.com/mobileapps, is the latest development in SPG’s evolution into a hyper-personalized guest services platform.
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Dusit Thani Maldives named Best House Reefs at TTM Awards 2026
Dusit Thani Maldives has been named Best House Reefs at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising one of the resort’s most distinctive natural treasures and its exceptional underwater experience.
Presented as part of the TTM Awards & Gala 2026 at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August, the annual awards recognise outstanding achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry.
Set on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is surrounded by a 360-degree house reef, giving guests direct access to a rich underwater ecosystem just moments from the island’s shores. The reef is home to a diverse variety of marine life, including colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks and rays, creating memorable opportunities for snorkelling and diving throughout the year.
To mark the win in true island style, the resort team took the award beneath the surface, capturing it among the coral and marine life that inspired the recognition.
“This award is particularly meaningful to us because our house reef is such an important part of the Dusit Thani Maldives experience. It is something our guests can discover almost from the moment they step into the water, and it reminds us every day how fortunate we are to call this extraordinary island home. This recognition belongs to our entire team and to everyone who continues to support, appreciate and help protect the natural environment around us,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager – Maldives.
Located within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, the resort places the surrounding natural environment at the heart of the guest experience. Alongside snorkelling and diving, the resort undertakes regular reef and beach clean-ups and encourages guests to take part in activities aimed at protecting the marine environment.
The Best House Reefs recognition further reinforces Dusit Thani Maldives’ position as a destination where luxury island living and remarkable marine encounters come together naturally.
For more information or to experience the award-winning house reef at Dusit Thani Maldives, visit the resort’s official website.
News
Marriott Bonvoy Resorts curate Maldives escapes for Saudi National Day holiday
As the Saudi National Day holiday approaches, the Maldives offers an irresistible invitation to slow down and reconnect with the people who matter most.
Just a short-haul journey from the Kingdom yet a world away from everyday life, its turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and private island settings provide the perfect backdrop for family gatherings, milestone celebrations, and well-deserved moments of relaxation. Whether traveling with children, extended family, close friends, or as a couple, guests can enjoy elevated stays defined by spacious villas, unparalleled privacy, bespoke experiences, world-class wellness, and thoughtful hospitality.
Across the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, each resort brings a unique perspective to island living, from contemporary architectural retreats and family-focused sanctuaries to marine adventures, cultural discoveries, and wellness-inspired escapes. Together, these extraordinary destinations showcase the many facets of the Maldives, inviting travellers to create unforgettable memories this Saudi National Day.
Private Island Sanctuaries for Meaningful Gatherings
Set within the stunning Fari Islands archipelago, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands combines contemporary architecture, personalised service, and island tranquility. Designed by renowned architect Kerry Hill, its spacious villas are complemented by private pools and expansive indoor-outdoor living. Families and groups can retreat to generous two-bedroom villas, while The Ritz-Carlton Estate, a private four-bedroom oceanfront residence, creates an impeccable setting for milestone celebrations and multi-generational escapes. Dedicated Aris Meeha island butlers curate every detail of the stay, while the extended Saudi National Day celebrations feature Saudi Flag Art, a Traditional Henna Atelier, an Arabian Delights Dinner, and an exclusive SUSHISAMBA Dubai pop-up at EAU Bar. Located 50 minutes from Malé by luxury speedboat, the resort invites guests to experience privacy, culture, and elevated island living in an extraordinary island setting.

Framed by rainforest foliage and white-sand beaches, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is one of the Maldives’ finest addresses for families seeking privacy, space, and exceptional service. Spacious two- and three-bedroom villas cater to multi-generational stays, while the newly reimagined Two-Bedroom Family Villa creates an inviting retreat for quality time together. For larger celebrations, the Caroline Astor Estate and the John Jacob Astor Estate, one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences, deliver unparalleled space and exclusivity. Beyond the villa, guests can snorkel the vibrant house reef, embark on private yacht journeys aboard Norma, and renew mind and body at the award-winning Iridium Spa. At ALBA, international cuisine is complemented by Middle Eastern favourites, while the signature St. Regis Butler Service ensures every stay is tailored to individual preferences. The resort is reached via a scenic 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé.

A scenic 50-minute seaplane journey from Malé brings guests to JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, where families can reconnect through meaningful moments designed for every generation. Spacious Overwater Duplex Villas and Two-Bedroom Duplex Beach Villas with Pool combine privacy, comfort, and intuitive Thakuru personal butler service. Young travellers can spend their days at Family by JW™ Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives, with more than 100 engaging activities. Families can come together through cooking classes using fresh ingredients from the JW Garden, traditional Boduberu evenings, and rejuvenating treatments at Spa by JW. Complimentary bicycles allow guests to explore the island at a relaxed pace, taking in the beauty of their tropical surroundings.

Adventure and Ocean Discovery
Situated on in North Ari Atoll, W Maldives is a vibrant private island retreat where luxury and adventure go hand in hand. Renowned for its award-winning house reef and guided excursions to encounter nurse sharks in their natural habitat, the resort is a favourite among marine life enthusiasts. Its 77 newly refreshed beach and overwater villas feature private pools and generous indoor-outdoor living spaces, while the two-bedroom Oasis Beach Villa with Slide is ideal for families and groups. Guests can enjoy private beach barbecues, sunset cruises, and exclusive escapes to Gaathafushi, the resort’s private island, where bespoke dining and intimate celebrations unfold in complete seclusion. Accessible via a 25-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, W Maldives delivers a spirited and contemporary take on island living.

Surrounded by a rare 360-degree lagoon in Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa brings together the glamour of the French Riviera and the beauty of the Maldives. Families and groups can choose from spacious beach and overwater villas, while the Three-Bedroom Thilamaafushi Villa presents an expansive retreat for larger gatherings. Guests can snorkel alongside sea turtles year-round, visit the Marine Conservation Hub, harvest ingredients at The Greenhouse, and take part in creative activities from padel matches to art workshops. Afternoons come alive at the Au Soleil pool party, while evenings reveal a different kind of wonder. Located at 5° north of the equator, the resort is uniquely positioned for guided stargazing, where constellations from both hemispheres illuminate the night sky above the Indian Ocean.

Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a wellness retreat surrounded by some of the Maldives’ richest marine ecosystems. Guests can discover more than 250 species of coral, seasonal manta ray aggregations, and unforgettable encounters with whale sharks. Spacious family beach and overwater villas foster privacy and relaxation, while the two-bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence serves as a luxurious sanctuary for larger groups. Wellness remains central to every stay, from the signature Heavenly® Bed and Sleep Well rituals to restorative yoga sessions, 24/7 access to the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, and healthy dining through the Eat Well menu. Whether exploring the underwater world or relaxing with loved ones, the resort inspires a sense of balance, renewal, and connection.

Effortless Island Escapes Within Easy Reach from Malé
Set on the natural island of Furanafushi, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa combines accessibility, authentic island charm, and family-friendly programming. Following a comprehensive resort-wide transformation, accommodations, dining venues and public spaces have been thoughtfully reimagined while preserving the island’s tropical character. Accommodation ranges from interconnecting guest rooms to spacious beachfront villas, including the Ocean Pool Villa with uninterrupted ocean views, a private plunge pool, and expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces. Days can be spent participating in the Adopt-a-Coral conservation initiative, enjoying Maldivian Journey cultural immersion, snorkelling, dolphin cruises, and nurse shark encounters. Beyond seven dining venues serving Mediterranean, Thai, and international cuisine, guests can savour destination dining experiences ranging from a leisurely Furanafushi Picnic to a romantic Sunset Dinner on the beach. Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé, Sheraton Maldives is one of the destination’s most convenient family escapes.

Located in Kaafu Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort brings together residential-style luxury, cultural immersion, and family-friendly activities. Spacious two-bedroom beach and overwater villas, along with the three-bedroom Ocean Residence, create a sophisticated setting for families and groups. The Ocean Residence features a private gym, spa treatment room, and waterslide leading directly into the lagoon. Guests are welcomed by dedicated Safeeru ambassadors, while younger travellers can discover creativity and adventure at the Family by JW™ Kids’ Club. Adventures range from dolphin cruises and nurse shark snorkelling to culinary journeys across seven distinctive dining venues inspired by Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, South American, and Nikkei cuisine. Meaningful moments of connection and discovery bring families together, creating cherished memories to take home.
Marriott Bonvoy members can seamlessly earn and redeem points on stays and experiences at the resorts. To know more about the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, please visit marriott.com/maldives.
News
Sirru Fen Fushi celebrates Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival with Golden Autumn Escape
This autumn, Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort invites guests to celebrate two of China’s most cherished annual traditions with the launch of Golden Autumn Escape, an immersive programme inspired by Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival, taking place from 25 September to 10 October 2026.
Designed for couples, families and multigenerational travellers, the two-week celebration blends Chinese cultural inspiration with the natural beauty of the Maldives, offering an unforgettable collection of wellness experiences, culinary journeys, family activities, sustainability initiatives and ocean adventures.

Throughout the programme, guests can discover experiences curated to encourage connection, relaxation and celebration. Culinary highlights include The Golden Duck Soirée, Moonlight Hot Pot Experience, Wine & Sake Dinner, Imperial Seafood Feast, Lagoon Wine Tasting, and hands-on Dumpling Making and Sushi Making classes inspired by Asian flavours and traditions.

Families can enjoy a vibrant programme of creative activities including lantern making, Golden Cookie Art, treasure hunts, cupcake decorating, origami workshops and festive crafts, while guests of all ages are invited to take part in Mahjong sessions, canvas painting, coconut art, archery and a variety of sporting activities.
Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ largest natural lagoons and a thriving house reef, guests can also experience unforgettable marine adventures including nurse shark snorkelling, sunset dolphin cruises, turtle research, Coralarium discovery tours, coral planting, scuba experiences and private ocean excursions.

Adding another dimension to this year’s celebration is the exclusive wellness residency of internationally recognised holistic wellness consultant Dr Hetalkumar Doshi, founder of Energy Masters.
Throughout the Golden Autumn programme, Dr Doshi will lead a selection of immersive wellbeing experiences inspired by his holistic approach to health and the philosophy of the Five Elements. Guests can participate in guided Breathwork Meditation, Reiki Healing, Sunset Signature Flow Yoga, Sound Healing, Silent Walking Meditation, and Stress Relief Through Breath & Sound sessions, alongside personalised healing experiences and complimentary wellbeing consultations.

The residency reflects Sirru Fen Fushi’s ongoing commitment to offering transformative wellness experiences that nurture physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing while connecting guests with the tranquillity of the island.
In addition to wellness and cultural celebrations, sustainability remains at the heart of the programme. Guests are invited to participate in signature experiences including Coralarium Discovery Tours, Coral Planting, Sustainability Lab Tours, Turtle Tag Making and Ghost Net Bracelet Braiding, offering meaningful opportunities to contribute to marine conservation during their stay.

Speaking about the programme, Rudrojit Deb, General Manager, said: “Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival are among the most significant celebrations for Chinese travellers, centred around family, gratitude and togetherness. Through Golden Autumn Escape, we wanted to create a programme that honours these traditions while showcasing the unique experiences that make Sirru Fen Fushi such a special destination. From exceptional dining and holistic wellness to marine adventures and sustainability experiences, every element has been thoughtfully designed to create meaningful moments for our guests.”

Golden Autumn Escape forms part of Sirru Fen Fushi’s continued focus on creating immersive seasonal experiences that combine authentic Maldivian hospitality with thoughtfully curated programming for international travellers.
The full programme runs from 25 September to 10 October 2026, with daily experiences taking place across the resort.

For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
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