News
Anantara’s romantic oasis fully refurbished in Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Those in search of the ultimate romantic getaway will find that the paradise island of their dreams Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, Maldives has been fully refurbished and will be fully opened in January 2014. Located in the South Malé Atoll just half an hour from Malé International Airport, Anantara Veli is a destination created for couples to experience the exquisiteness of being together amid one of the most stunning natural environments in the world.
At Anantara Veli couples can unwind on endless white sand beaches, palm-fringed islands and pristine coral reefs and find the true meaning of tranquillity. The resort is located on Veligandu, an island with mature tropical forest and sweeping vistas of the Indian Ocean. Anantara Veli offers the luxury of time to contemplate the beauty of the Maldivian light as it evolves from morning glow to evening dusk – bathing the coconut thatched roofs in subtly-changing hues, and glittering off the clear waters just beneath the private bungalows.
The marvels of nature are complemented by the chic simplicity of the design, and the idyllic seclusion is balanced by all modern conveniences one would expect of a luxury resort. Anantara Veli features 36 Over-Water Bungalows, 14 Deluxe Over-Water Bungalows, 7 newly built Ocean Pool Bungalows, and 10 brand new Deluxe Ocean Water Pool Bungalows.
Each 62-square-metre Over-Water Bungalow has a contemporary design with local Maldivian touches including hardwood flooring and a coconut thatch roof. Maldivian fabrics stretch across the bed, tropical flowers and jasmine scents float through the elegant bathroom. The private sun terrace offers views of coral garden and easy access to the gentle waters of the lagoon.
The Deluxe Over-Water Bungalow offers an expansive 92 square metres of luxury overlooking the vast seascapes. Bathrooms include a luxurious terrazzo bathtub for two by the lagoon and a rain shower that leads into the sundeck. At Anantara, luxury is standard. Guest can enjoy all the comforts of home and then some, including high-speed internet access, espresso machine, minibar, personal surround-sound stereo with flat-screen TV, CD/DVD/MP3 player and 24-hour room service.
The new luxurious and private Ocean Pool Bungalow offers a magnificent plunge pool accompanied by 125 square metres of inviting indoor and outdoor space, with beach and lagoon access only a short stroll away. Designed with hardwood flooring, island inspired decor and a wealth of signature comforts, these charming hideaways are charcterised by intimacy, natural style and breathtaking ocean panoramas. Guests sleep in a sumptuous king size bed that is dressed in the finest linens. Bathroom is fully air-conditioned and includes a generous bathtub that can be enjoyed with your favourite iPod tracks played in the background, while unobstructed views of rolling waves can be admired through floor to ceiling glass doors. A spacious veranda allows guests to bask under the sun on a lounger or refresh in their personal plunge pool in a tranquil world of their own.
The newly built and idyllically romantic Deluxe Over Water Pool Bungalow is poised directly above a turquoise lagoon with its deck slipping directly into the azure waters below. Guests can take a dip in the private plunge pool while enjoying the breath-taking views of the Indian Ocean. Unravelling 125 square metres of sumptuous space, Deluxe Over Water Pool Bungalow blends signature Anantara comforts with destination inspired design and all the comforts of a five star resort. A spacious bedroom, where hardwood flooring lends a stylish feel, includes a king size bed dressed in the finest linens, which is idyllic for admiring a panorama of jewel coloured ocean meeting endless blue sky.
Anantara Veli offers the opportunity for guests to discover new culinary horizons with an array of casual and fine dining options unmatched anywhere in the Maldives. The beauty of the island sets the tone for memorable dining experiences that combine sophisticated international tastes with the best of local flavours.
Inspired Thai cuisine comes to the sublime beauty of Baan Huraa, a beautiful over water teak restaurant perched right on the ocean. Baan Huraa serves a unique dining experience concocted by the resort’s Thai chefs. Signature dishes include coconut curries from Thailand’s southern provinces as well as hot and spicy dishes from the north, bound together by an authenticity of flavour. Baan Huraa is the finest Thai restaurant in the Maldives.
73 Degrees is an enticingly light and airy Maldivian style pavilion where you can feel the sand between your toes on the naturally soft sand floor. Serving a sumptuous breakfast buffet every morning, guests can enjoy a selection of fresh tropical fruits and juices, cereals, homemade breads, grilled meats, vegetables and made to order omelettes. In the evenings, the restaurant transforms into a seafood market buffet, where one can select fish plucked straight from the ocean.
Kick back by the pool at Dhoni Bar. Swim up to the bartender and savour cocktails and chill vibes. Settle into the infinity-edge pool and take in the seascape as you unwind with other honeymoon guests. At Origami (formerly Geckos), a modern Japanese restaurant with a rustic touch, guests can enjoy fresh sashimi, Teppanyaki and Robotayaki prepared right before them. This casual yet chic outlet is a perfect spot for light casual dining on inventive dishes with intimate alcoves and outdoor seating options. With Dining By Design, guests can enjoy a banquet on the beach, a candlelit picnic on their own stretch of sand or desert island or even a barbecue with a personal chef on the terrace.
Unique activities and excursions provide guests with ample opportunities to explore the extraordinary natural beauty and cultural soul of the Maldives. Sail away in a traditional Maldivian Dhoni on a thrilling dolphins safari. Climb aboard a speedboat to explore uninhabited islands and enjoy a picnic in splendid romantic seclusion. Spend a few hours deep-sea fishing and discover the ancient ways of local fishermen and hear fascinating sea lore.
Dive into an exciting discovery of the Maldives’ famous coral reefs, or enjoy water-skiing in the placid lagoon, scenic seaplane flights or an array of water sports diversions. Meet Anantara Veli’ resident marine biologist and visit the renowned coral sanctuary. The 5 star resort also features its own onsite surfing school and a PADI Dive Centre to guide guests through one of the world’s premier diving destinations.
While staying at Anantara Veli, guests are treated to an array of inspired culinary creations so we offer them an opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade with ‘Spice Spoons’ cooking class from our resident master chefs. Participants can recreate traditional Maldivian or Thai and fusion dishes and then settle down to enjoy the fruits of their labours.
The Anantara Garden Spa is an idyllic retreat designed in perfect harmony with its location amid the verdant majesty of the lush tropical forest. Escape the cares of everyday with indigenously inspired luxury treatments to pamper mind, body and soul. Indulge in a traditional Thai massage, authentic Ayurvedic treatment or local therapy. The comprehensive spa menu features timeless rituals designed to enrich and detoxify using both indigenous and international elixirs and oils.
For more information please email veli@anantara.com
News
Sun Siyam celebrates Mother’s Day across its Maldives resort collection
This Mother’s Day, it is time to flip the script. No planning, no organising, no running around. Just a well deserved escape where everything is taken care of and every moment is designed with her in mind. Across its Luxury, Lifestyle and Privé Collections in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Sun Siyam has curated a series of experiences that go beyond the usual gifts, giving families the chance to truly spoil mum with something she will actually remember.
At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, part of the Luxury Collection, it is all about the ultimate mother and daughter escape, blending vibrant island energy with moments of real relaxation. Newly renovated water villas set the tone with a fresh, contemporary design, ideal for a chic island stay. The Spa by Thalgo is a highlight, offering over 165 treatments, including Signature Spa Journeys inspired by Polynesia and the Far East. These multi sensory experiences use elements such as sacred lotus and white Bora Bora sand to create something that feels immersive without being overwhelming. Guests can share a private hydrotherapy session or choose tailored treatments, from the Ultimate De-stress for daughters to advanced skincare rituals for mothers, all designed to help properly switch off. For something a little different, there is also the option to try a first dive together. The resort’s multi lingual diving centre, led by a female team, focuses on making the experience both safe and empowering, offering a great way to step out of the comfort zone and create a shared memory.
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection, everything is designed to help her slow down and feel looked after from the moment she arrives. Think curated wellness rituals that ease you straight into holiday mode, paired with simple, thoughtful touches that make the stay feel effortless. From a private dinner set just for the family, to a relaxed spa treatment just for her, the experience flows naturally under the stars from one moment to the next. The private Cinema by Moonlight adds a special touch to the evening, while guided snorkelling on the house reef and a glass-bottom kayak ride offer just enough adventure to keep things fun without ever feeling rushed.
Also within the Privé Collection, Sun Siyam Iru Veli is all about creating those standout moments that feel truly special. For Mother’s Day, it is the perfect place to go all out and spoil her, starting with a private sandbank experience where dinner is set in complete seclusion, surrounded by nothing but ocean views. For something equally memorable, the resort’s signature Haveeru Harmony, the Iru Veli Ritual offers a beautifully immersive couple’s experience inspired by island twilight, designed to bring a sense of calm, connection and complete switch off. Whether it is a sunset dinner, a shared spa ritual or simply uninterrupted time together, everything here is designed to feel personal, effortless and just a little bit extra.
In Sri Lanka, Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection, adds a cultural twist to the celebration. Join the resort’s chef on a local market visit before creating and enjoying a personalised Sri Lankan lunch together, or keep it simple with a beachside bonfire dinner, perfect for relaxed evenings by the ocean with family.
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection, the focus shifts to creating those feel good moments that make her genuinely switch off and enjoy. It starts with thoughtful surprises arranged by the family, then moves into a mix of relaxation and light hearted experiences she can enjoy at her own pace. A visit to the overwater Ocean Spa offers a calm break with ocean views beneath your feet, while activities like the art studio and Maldivian cooking classes bring everyone together in a more relaxed and playful way. For something a little more energetic, the jet car experience adds a fun twist, perfect for sharing a few laughs and doing something completely different.
Over at Siyam World, also part of the Lifestyle Collection, the experience takes a more playful and unexpected turn, perfect for surprising her with something she would never see coming. One of the standout moments is a sunrise or sunset horse ride along the beach at the Maldives’ only horse ranch, a unique experience that feels both peaceful and unforgettable. For the evening, switch things up with a more indulgent setting in the underground wine cellar, where intimate dinners are surrounded by rare vintages and guided by the resort’s sommelier. It is the kind of experience that feels exclusive without trying too hard, and a great way to turn a simple dinner into something she will talk about long after the trip.
Across every destination, the idea is simple. Give mum the time, space and experiences she actually wants, without taking her away from the people she loves.
For those looking to extend the experience, Sun Siyam’s summer offers add an extra layer of ease, with exclusive savings and added benefits across the collection. Available for bookings until 31 August 2026, for stays until 31 October 2027, they offer the perfect opportunity to turn a simple celebration into something far more lasting.
News
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands unveils updated 2026 Masters of Crafts calendar
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has unveiled an updated schedule for its 2026 Masters of Crafts programme, introducing new visiting experts and revised dates for several experiences as part of the resort’s fifth anniversary celebrations and Summer Collective programme.
The year-long programme brings together specialists across culinary arts, wellness, music, sustainability, astronomy, mixology and surfing through a series of residencies and retreats scheduled throughout 2026.
Among the newly announced additions is environmentalist Sarah Roberts, who will join the resort from 10 to 14 June as a Visiting Hero. Roberts will lead sustainability-focused experiences as part of the anniversary celebrations.
The updated programme also introduces yoga instructor Anabella Landa, who will host a yoga retreat from 20 to 22 June under the resort’s “Essence of Balance” wellness series.
The resort has also revised the dates for Portuguese surfer Nic von Rupp’s surfing retreat, which is now scheduled from 1 to 11 July as part of “The Summer Collective”. The Connected Collective Retreat with Harriet Mandak has been updated to take place from 19 to 22 November.
Other experiences in the 2026 calendar include movement therapist Jacy Cunningham and singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin in January, culinary collaborations with Chef Maurizio Bufi and mixologist Rama Redzepi in February, floral artist Harijanto Setiawan in March, and astronomer Tom Kerss in April.
In June, the resort will also host a Marriott International 50 Best Asia Bars showcase featuring The St. Regis Bar Jakarta, Punch Room Tokyo and Bar Sathorn Bangkok.
Additional residencies later in the year include Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in October, culinary creator Alexis Goertz in November, and Moebius bartenders Lorenzo Querci and Giovanni Allario in December. Mindfulness advocate Virginia Gambardella will conclude the programme with a wellness session in December.
The Masters of Crafts programme is designed as “a year-long celebration of artistry and innovation”, offering guests opportunities to engage with visiting experts through curated experiences across wellness, gastronomy, culture and adventure.
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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers Dive Free programme
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is offering guests access to a range of dive sites in South Malé Atoll through its Dive Free programme, aimed at divers seeking structured and accessible diving experiences during their stay.
Located approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort provides proximity to multiple dive sites within a 10 to 30-minute boat radius. The surrounding waters are known for varied reef structures, current-driven channels and regular marine life encounters, allowing for multiple dives per day.
The Dive Free programme is available to guests staying three nights or more, offering up to two complimentary scuba dives per day for up to two certified divers per villa.
According to Dive Centre Manager Ibrahim Shaan, the location enables access to a range of dive environments within a short distance, including reef and channel dives. He noted that sites such as Kandooma Thila can be reached within minutes, while additional sites offering different conditions are accessible within half an hour.
Director of Marketing and Sustainability Sharon Garrett stated that the programme is designed to integrate diving into the overall guest experience, reducing both time and cost considerations for certified divers.
Water conditions in the area remain suitable for diving throughout the year, with visibility often exceeding 20 metres. The dive sites accessible from the resort include:
- Kandooma Thila, a coral-covered pinnacle known for sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays
- Guraidhoo Corner, a channel dive site with strong currents attracting schools of fish and larger species
- Cocoa Corner, featuring reef walls and drop-offs with occasional pelagic encounters
- Kuda Giri Wreck, a sheltered site with a wreck and reef supporting reef fish and macro life
- Kandooma Caves, characterised by overhangs and reef formations with diverse marine species
Additional nearby sites include Manta Point, Lhosfushi, Medhu Faru and Waggiri, offering a mix of reef and channel diving, with seasonal manta ray sightings.
The resort operates a PADI five-star dive centre with guided excursions and access to multiple sites within short travel distances. The Dive Free programme is positioned as an option for divers seeking to maximise time in the water without the need for domestic transfers, providing direct access to dive locations from a single island base.
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