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
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives marks Year of the Horse with four-day Lunar New Year programme
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to welcome the Year of the Horse with an inspired four-day Lunar New Year celebration from 15 to 18 February 2026, blending time-honoured Lunar traditions with the effortless luxury of island living. Celebrated for the fifth consecutive year, the festivities reflect the resort’s philosophy of Time & Space Redefined, creating meaningful moments for families, couples, and multigenerational travellers alike.
Set against the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean, Kuda Villingili offers a refined sanctuary for the festive season, anchored by its collection of expansive Beach and Water Villas with private pools. Elevated above the lagoon, the Water Villas provide uninterrupted ocean views and complete privacy—an idyllic setting to usher in a year symbolising strength, freedom, and vitality.
The culinary journey takes centre stage throughout the celebrations. Guests are invited to indulge in an array of dining experiences across the island, including East, the resort’s signature Asian restaurant, where bold flavours and contemporary interpretations honour the richness of Asian cuisine. Lunar festivities continue with Wansuk Hot Pot, designed for convivial sharing, and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi, where live culinary theatrics transform dining into an engaging family experience. The highlight of the programme is the Lunar New Year Gala Dinner at The Hawkers, complemented by sunset cocktails and vibrant cultural performances inspired by Chinese heritage.
Beyond gastronomy, the island comes alive with festive entertainment and immersive activities. Traditional lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, and live shows create a celebratory rhythm across the resort, while Kuda Fiyo Kids Club offers a thoughtfully curated schedule of crafts, games, movie nights, and themed activities—ensuring younger guests experience the magic of the Lunar New Year in playful and meaningful ways.
Guests may also choose to enrich their stay with Kuda Villingili’s diverse island experiences—from floating breakfasts in private villa pools and bespoke destination dining under the stars, to wellness rituals including spa therapies, yoga, fitness sessions, and private sound healing. For those seeking adventure, excursions across the north Male’ Atoll, sunset dhoni cruises, and adrenaline-filled watersports and diving experiences with MSTS offer unforgettable ways to explore the surrounding natural beauty.
As Kuda Villingili ushers in the Lunar New Year, the celebration becomes more than a festive occasion—it is a shared journey of reconnection, indulgence, and renewal, thoughtfully designed to honour tradition while embracing modern luxury.
To view the Lunar New Year Programme, please click here. For more information about Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, please visit www.kudavillingili.com.
News
Four Centara resorts in Maldives target school-holiday travellers with extended-stay offers
As the new year takes shape, the first of the school holidays is already approaching. To make your next break unforgettable, Centara Hotels & Resorts’ properties in the Maldives are ideal for trading everyday routines for barefoot luxury. With four distinctive island resorts, each offering its own sense of space, privacy, and personality, Centara Maldives presents the ultimate January escape, perfect for quality family moments, wellness-led indulgence, and effortless hospitality.
Blending understated elegance with warm Thai-inspired service, Centara’s Maldivian portfolio is designed to help guests slow down, reconnect, and begin the year refreshed. Enjoy tranquil spa rituals, spacious private villas, world-class dining, and immersive island experiences, as each resort offers a serene antidote to the January blues, surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons and powder-soft beaches.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives – Linger for Longer
Set within the prestigious The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is an elegant sanctuary where privacy meets polished island living. Spacious accommodations offer generous layouts, including one-bedroom overwater and beachfront villas and two- and three-bedroom overwater and beachfront residences, many with private pools, making it ideal for families seeking refinement without compromise. Guests can move freely between neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, unlocking additional dining, leisure, and family-friendly facilities while returning to a calmer, more refined base.
Depending on the selected Atollia meal plan, guests also enjoy seamless access to Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, where an underwater-themed family oasis awaits, designed for all ages. Home to a vibrant water park, lazy river, splash zones, and an array of international dining venues, it adds an extra layer of adventure and variety to the stay.
Taking advantage of the Linger for Longer offer, days unfold gently with bespoke wellness experiences at SPA Cenvaree Retreat, refined dining across multiple venues, and tranquil lagoon-side moments designed for togetherness. Parents can indulge in spa rituals and sunset dining, while younger guests enjoy the freedom of safe beaches and curated activities, all supported by Centara’s attentive, five-star service.
When: Book and stay from now until December 31st, 2026
Offer Inclusions:
- Save up to 44% on extended stays
- Complimentary stays for up to two children
- Choice of Room Only or Bed & Breakfast rates
- Minimum stay requirements apply
For more information, click here.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives – Linger for Longer
Purpose-built for families, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, an underwater themed oasis, brings energy and imagination to island life. Featuring a lazy river, splash zones, kids’ club, and family-oriented dining, this playful resort is ideal for families travelling with children of all ages. Spacious rooms and overwater and beachfront villas are thoughtfully designed for comfort and ease, allowing families to settle in and truly unwind.
Adding an extra touch of magic for younger guests, the colourful Candy Spa at SPA Cenvaree is a dedicated, candy-themed retreat designed for children aged 4 to 11, offering age-appropriate spa experiences including edible treatments, manicures, and pedicures in a fun, safe, and imaginative setting.
Enjoy an extended stay, with up to 44% off your booking, and while the children explore a world of water-based fun and creative activities, parents can retreat to SPA Cenvaree, enjoy lagoon-front relaxation, or savour unhurried meals overlooking the ocean. The atmosphere is lively yet considered, balancing excitement with moments of calm and connection.
When: Book and stay from now until December 31st, 2026
Offer Inclusions:
- Save up to 44% on extended stays
- Complimentary stays for up to two children
- Choice of Room Only or Bed & Breakfast rates
- Minimum stay requirements apply
For more information, click here.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives – Sea, Sand, & Centara
Located in the South Ari Atoll, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives offers a more nature-led and authentic experience, ideal for families seeking serenity. Known for its vibrant and award-winning house reef and diverse marine life, diving hotspots, and an array of watersports, the resort encourages guests to slow down and reconnect, both with nature and one another.
For those tempted by the allure of the ocean, Machchafushi is a true diver’s playground, located within the UNESCO-recognised South Ari Marine Protected Area, one of the Maldives’ most celebrated underwater destinations. Home to over 50 nearby dive sites and one of the world’s highest year-round whale shark resighting rates, the surrounding waters reveal encounters with manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant schools of tropical fish. A standout highlight is the Machchafushi Wreck, a 52-metre sunken cargo ship resting just offshore, now transformed into a thriving coral habitat alive with glassfish, trevally, snapper, and white-tip reef sharks.
Families can explore snorkelling adventures together, enjoy picnic lunches on secluded sandbanks, or unwind with spa experiences designed for complete restoration. The resort’s calm rhythm, combined with thoughtful family perks, makes it especially appealing for multi-generational travellers seeking privacy and meaningful moments.
When: Book and stay from now until September 30th, 2027
Offer Inclusions:
- 45% off accommodation
- 30% off seaplane transfers
- Children up to 6 years stay, play, and eat free
- Buy one, get one free spa massage (selected treatments)
- Complimentary picnic lunch for families or a private dinner for couples
- Discounts on dining, water sports, and excursions
For more information, click here.
Centara Ras Fushi Maldives – Ultimate Adults Only Escape
Made for honeymooners, friends, or couples seeking uninterrupted tranquillity, Centara Ras Fushi Maldives delivers an adults-only escape defined by calm, discretion, and elevated wellness. Overwater villas offer direct lagoon access, while the island’s serene atmosphere encourages rest, reflection, and reconnection.
Guests can begin their mornings with yoga by the sea, indulge in holistic spa rituals, or enjoy intimate dining experiences beneath the stars. With its understated elegance and attentive service, Centara Ras Fushi is ideal for those looking to start the year restored and re-energised.
When: Book and stay from now until September 30th, 2027
Offer Inclusions:
- Up to 45% off villas for CentaraThe1 members
- 30% off for non-members
- 50% off transfers (2–4 night stays)
- Sparkling grape and fruit basket on arrival
- Buy one, get one free spa treatment
- Complimentary snorkelling gear and non-motorised water sports
For more information, click here.
News
‘Around the World in Wonder’ brings culture, cuisine, celebration to Amilla Maldives
The festive season is in full swing at Amilla Maldives, where the island has come alive with Around the World in Wonder, a journey through global cultures, flavours and traditions. Inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration runs from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to explore the world without leaving the island.
A meaningful early highlight of the programme was Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December, marked by a festive cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a Maldivian Night with bodu beru performances. The celebrations continued with the Tree Lighting Ceremony, which formed the glowing centrepiece of an Italian-themed Masquerade Ball. The evening unfolded with Viennese waltz performances and a fire show, while carolers filled the air with gentle festive melodies.
Christmas Eve turned its focus to France, featuring the lively Dance of the Can-Can, a festive buffet and aerial hoop performances. On Christmas Day, Argentina took centre stage as Santa arrived by yacht and rolled into the festive train buggy, leading a joyful island parade and gift-giving moments. The day continued with a festive brunch celebrating flavour, fun and festive cheer.
Festivities will build towards New Year’s Eve, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party and Global Carnival Event, including live performances from the Hamilton Band, bongo beats, soaring saxophone, acrobats and fire dancers, culminating in a countdown to 2026 under the Maldivian night sky.
Every detail has been thoughtfully prepared by the Amilla Maldives team, allowing guests to relax, explore and celebrate in a setting shaped by nature, warmth and wonder.
Click here to explore the full festive programme at Amilla Maldives. For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.
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