News
Kurumba Maldives makes things a little easier
Maldives.net.mv – Kurumba Maldives has now enhanced the experience of a beach vacation for alternatively abled guests by offering a wheel chair suitable for water entry.
The apparatus, referred to as the mobi-chair, allows wheelchair users the opportunity to be easily rolled and floated right out into the water. Highly durable and easy to maintain, the floating wheelchair is constructed by lightweight stainless steel and highlights a breathable, mildew-resistant mesh seat that will dry quickly out of the water, along with puncture-resistant and non-corrosive balloon flotation tires. These tires additionally give the wheelchair extra stability which makes them resistant to tipping on rough terrain in or out of the water.
Leah Haguisan, Sales and Marketing Manager Kurumba Maldives, commented, “The beauty of the islands turquoise blue waters, luxurious accommodations and the added extra features must be shared and in doing so we recognize the importance of comfort, convenience, services and accessibility for our guests with special needs”.
Things for alternatively abled guests to consider include the Airport facilities such as a wheelchair lift on and off the plane, lifts within the terminal and disabled toilets. Transferring off and on boats at the airport is performed manually by our resort staffs.
The resort has a cement pathway on the inside ring of the resort and directly through the middle of the island, which is suitable for wheelchairs. Golf Buggies are available to assist upon requests. At the reception a ramp is available as at the main bar. Restaurants are also accessible via a ramp or low steps.
Whilst there are no specific rooms fitted for wheelchair guests, the resort is able to install ramps for rooms that include Superior Rooms and Garden Pool Villas. Bathrooms in these rooms are large and spacious. In-room spa treatments can be organized upon request.
At the Beach the resort team is able to provide wood or carpet to assist with access to the beach should the beach wheelchair be occupied at the time. Snorkelling can be organised with our team’s assistance if the guest is.
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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