News
Celebrity family break at Kanifushi Maldives

Maldives.net.mv – Marvin and Rochelle first came to Maldives in 2011 and got engaged. They returned to Maldives for honeymoon and this year they came again with their seven month old daughter for a family break. Here she shares about holiday experience in Maldives.
The Maldives have been the beautiful backdrop to the most special times of my life – so it should be no surprise to learn that they’ve become the No 1 holiday destination for me and my husband, Marvin. We first came here at the end of 2011 – and got engaged.
We loved it, and after we were married, there was only one choice for the honeymoon. We returned at the end of 2012 as Mr and Mrs Humes. Then, at the end of last year, we were back again, and this time as a trio, with our seven-month-old daughter Alaia-Mai. So what is it we like so much about the Maldives that has attracted us three times in three years?
A big thing for us, both being in the public eye, is that you can be sure of privacy. It’s also somewhere you feel very safe. Another draw is that everybody who works there treats you so warmly. Returning this time with Alaia-Mai, we really noticed how great people in the Maldives are with children. They all really wanted to make our visit a great experience.
Having been there twice before, we didn’t have any anxieties about taking Alaia-Mai, even though she was very young – and she enjoyed every minute of our time there because she got so much fuss! We flew out on the day after Boxing Day as I can’t bear that lull between Christmas and New Year. The break was tricky to organise because Marvin had just finished an especially busy time with the JLS farewell tour, and was lined up to take over as co-presenter of the new series of BBC1’s The Voice as soon as we got back.
Thankfully, getting to the Maldives is surprisingly easy. We flew direct with British Airways to the islands’ capital, Male, and then boarded a seaplane to take us to the new Atmosphere resort at Kanifushi. I’m actually really scared of flying – I can get petrified, and was dreading the seaplane experience. But, funnily enough, I liked mal’ plane. One definite plus was that the landing on the sea was a much more gentle experience than touching down on a runway in a big jet. We didn’t really know what to expect from Atmosphere as it’s a brand new resort – but being in the Maldives, I knew that we were in for a treat.
And Kanifushi didn’t disappoint. What we most wanted to do once we’d arrived was to put up our feet up and switch off. The Maldives are definitely the place for this: there’s pure tranquillity everywhere. Every view looks like something from a picture postcard or an illustration from a travel magazine, and I’ve never seen water so blue. While we were looking to enjoy some relaxing time, it’s certainly not just a ‘fly-and-flop’ place.
You can have a very active holiday if you want to. A host of water sports are available – Marvin loves scuba-diving here – and you can take excursions to see dolphins out at sea or head out to look at some more of the islands that make up the Maldives. There was one activity we were most looking forward to: the resort’s New Year’s Eve party. We knew from previous experience that they know how to throw a good party in the Maldives. Sure enough, the celebration at Kanifushi was fantastic.
We had a fine dinner on the beach followed by fireworks, then live music and a great DJ set. Did we get up and sing? No – but maybe if we’d had a few more mojitos…
For children older than Alaia-Mai, the resort has a great kids’ club where they put on all sorts of fantastic things, such as fashion shows and treasure hunts, tennis, volleyball and football. And, of course, there’s PlayStation on tap. Meals at the resort are incredible.
Everything is always very fresh and healthy. Marvin and I love fresh fish and great fruit and there was always a lot of both available here. And there’s an amazing variety of eating places to choose from. Just Veg is the first vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives and serves cuisine from the Mediterranean, Arabic and Indian regions. Teppanyaki Grill claims to offer ‘an authentic Teppanyaki experience’, so diners share a table surrounding a large hotplate. The Spice is the main restaurant offering a varied menu of different cuisines, and all fabulous.
Our favourite food is Japanese, so we ate a lot of sushi. The main restaurant had a big barbecue every night with fresh fish and meats, which was also great. In the Maldives, informality is the watchword, and that was just what we needed as in our working lives we have to be so busy. When I’m going to be on stage, for example,
I spend so much time having to get all dressed up. So the laid-back style of the Maldives came as a welcome break. We’ve been back in Britain for only a few months and already we’re dreaming of our next trip – counting the days until we can get back to the Maldives for another blissful family holiday. We can’t wait.
For more information about Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, please visit www.atmosphere-kanifushi.com
Meditation
Finding balance: Story of wellness at Ayada Maldives

At Ayada Maldives, wellness is not an add-on to the guest experience, it is part of the island’s natural rhythm. Surrounded by the soothing sounds of the ocean and the vibrant energy of the tropics, guests are invited to rediscover balance through yoga, movement, and mindfulness, guided by the resort’s resident instructor, Satyam.
Rooted in Tradition
Satyam’s journey to Ayada began far from the turquoise waters of the Maldives, in the Himalayan foothills of Rishikesh — a town revered as the birthplace of yoga. There, he trained under some of India’s most respected teachers, completing over 500 hours of certified practice. Satyam also studied naturopathy, Ayurvedic Panchakarma, and therapeutic yoga, equipping him with a holistic understanding of the connection between body, mind, and spirit.
This depth of knowledge now shapes the wellness offering at Ayada Maldives, where each session blends authentic yogic principles with the serene energy of the island.

An Inclusive Approach to Wellbeing
From sunrise yoga on the beach to sunset meditation at the Zero Degree Pagoda, Satyam’s classes are designed to meet guests wherever they are in their journey. His teaching philosophy is simple — yoga should be accessible to everyone.
Beginners are gently guided through foundational poses, while experienced practitioners can explore more advanced techniques and breathwork. Beyond yoga, Ayada’s wellness programme also includes reformer Pilates, Tai Chi, high-intensity interval training, and even children’s yoga, ensuring that every guest — regardless of age or ability — finds their place in the island’s rhythm of movement.
Where Nature Enhances the Practice
What makes Ayada’s approach truly special is its setting. For Satyam, the island itself plays an active role in every session. The ocean breeze, the scent of tropical flora, and the gentle sound of waves create an atmosphere that naturally calms the mind and deepens the practice.
“The energy here is different,” he explains. “You can feel it the moment you start to breathe — the island encourages you to slow down, to be present, to reconnect.”
Wellness at Ayada Maldives is more than a daily ritual — it is an invitation to reconnect with oneself, to find stillness in motion, and to rediscover the joy of balance.
For more on Ayada Maldives’ wellness offerings, visit www.ayadamaldives.com.
News
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives announces GHA Double Nights promotion for Cinnamon DISCOVERY

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has announced an exclusive offer for members of its loyalty programme, Cinnamon DISCOVERY, part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). From 1 October to 30 November 2025, members can accelerate their journey towards elevated membership status with the Double Nights Promotion, earning double the tier credits for every qualifying stay across Cinnamon’s resorts in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Under this limited-time offer, each eligible night counts twice — meaning one night’s stay equals two tier night credits. This allows members to reach higher tiers in half the time or maintain their Titanium status with ease. To take advantage of the promotion, guests simply need to register, book directly with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts using promo code O25DBLNTS, and complete their stay within the promotional period.
Depending on their resorts in the Maldives and membership tier, Cinnamon DISCOVERY members can enjoy a curated selection of experiences and benefits during their stay. These include:
- Four-course dinner by the beach (Steak or Seafood)
- 30-minute spa treatment
- Local island experience
- Swim and snorkel experience
- Resort credit
- Dolphin watching
- Sunset fishing
- Kid stays free
Cinnamon DISCOVERY is part of GHA DISCOVERY, the world’s largest loyalty alliance of independent hotel brands, offering over 800 hotels across 100 countries. Guests can join Cinnamon DISCOVERY for free to start earning rewards and enjoying benefits immediately.
For more information or to register, visit www.cinnamonhotels.com.
News
JOALI BEING earns global recognition with Two MICHELIN Keys, top 10 ranking in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ first wellbeing island, continues to strengthen its global reputation for transformative wellness experiences, having received two prestigious international honours in the same week.
The resort has been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide and recognised among the Top 5 Wellness Hotels in the World as a finalist for the inaugural MICHELIN Wellness Award 2025. In addition, JOALI BEING has been ranked #10 Destination Spa Resort in the World in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.
The MICHELIN Keys 2025 were announced on 8 October during a global ceremony in Paris, marking a new milestone in the Guide’s hotel distinction programme. Introduced last year, the MICHELIN Key has quickly become the hospitality world’s equivalent of the MICHELIN Star — honouring hotels that offer truly remarkable experiences.
JOALI BEING’s Two MICHELIN Keys distinction recognises the resort’s exceptional design, service, and holistic approach to wellbeing. Guided by the Four Pillars of Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy, the island blends advanced scientific expertise with time-honoured healing traditions, creating personalised wellbeing journeys for every guest.
Adding to this recognition, JOALI BEING was also named among the Top 5 Wellness Hotels in the World as a finalist for the inaugural MICHELIN Wellness Award 2025 — a new accolade celebrating destinations that place wellbeing at the core of their philosophy. The other nominees were Bürgenstock Resort (Switzerland), Canyon Ranch Tucson (USA), Lily of the Valley (France), and The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (Iceland).
These properties were celebrated for redefining wellness hospitality through innovation, authenticity, and purpose — qualities that are deeply embedded in JOALI BEING’s ethos of Well-Living.
On 7 October 2025, Condé Nast Traveler announced its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, where over 757,000 readers voted for their favourite destinations, hotels, and resorts around the world. JOALI BEING was ranked #10 Destination Spa Resort in the World, securing its position among the most outstanding wellness sanctuaries globally.
The recognition reflects JOALI BEING’s ongoing commitment to crafting experiences that inspire renewal and balance — from its biophilic architecture and sound healing spaces to its immersive wellbeing programmes and mindful cuisine. Each element of the resort has been carefully designed to nurture both body and mind, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the new era of wellness hospitality.
Since its opening, JOALI BEING has positioned the Maldives as a global destination for wellness travel. Beyond spa treatments, the island offers integrative wellbeing experiences designed to foster transformation and growth. Every guest journey is guided by expert practitioners, nutritionists, and movement specialists, creating a personalised pathway to restore balance and vitality.
With these two international honours — from the MICHELIN Guide and Condé Nast Traveler — JOALI BEING stands among the world’s most celebrated destinations for wellness and luxury travel, reaffirming its vision to pioneer the future of Well-Living.
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