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
News
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa launches mindfulness and wellness experiences for Global Wellness Day
In celebration of Global Wellness Day on Saturday, June 13 – 15, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa has unveiled an extended wellness journey designed to inspire mindfulness and holistic well-being, culminating in International Yoga Day on June 21. Rooted in the brand’s core belief that true luxury is the ability to be fully present, the resort has curated an extensive itinerary of restorative movement and conscious dining that allows guests to nourish the mind, body, and spirit in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Mindful Movement and Island Renewal
The celebration runs from June 13 to June 15, introducing a diverse schedule of daily fitness, mindfulness, and interactive experiences guided by the resort’s resident experts. Balancing low-impact core strengthening with deep mental restoration, the curated lineup invites guests to awaken their senses with Joymanenta Yoga on the pavilion, master stress-reducing breathwork during Pranayama Breathing sessions, and experience mindful grounding with a serene Walking Meditation on the beach side. Guests can also challenge their physical vitality through an invigorating Aqua Yoga session in the crystal-clear waters, while the signature Run by JW offers a scenic, guided morning run across the island’s pristine coastline, seamlessly blending cardiovascular exercise with natural exploration. To complement these daily rituals, the signature Spa by JW is offering a complimentary 15-minute meditation session with every booking of the 50-minute Clear Your Mind treatment, enhancing the journey to total relaxation. The wellness journey reaches its peak on June 21 in celebration of International Yoga Day with a powerful, immersive yoga experience designed to foster global unity and deep inner peace.

Nourish the Moment: Conscious Culinary Delights
Recognising that well-being begins from within, the resort’s culinary team is integrating mindful nutrition into the daily guest experience. In alignment with the JW Marriott pillars to “Nourish the Moment” and “Savour the Moment,” a dedicated Healthy Corner will be featured at the breakfast buffet throughout the entire week.
Guests can indulge in nutrient-dense, chef-crafted selections, including customisable Granola Bowls topped with superfoods, and vibrant, hyper-local Salads sourced directly from the JW Garden. The on-site garden emphasises the resort’s commitment to sustainable luxury, utilising fresh herbs and greens harvested daily on the island.

A Philosophy of Feeling Whole
“At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, we view wellness not as a singular event, but as a continuous lifestyle,” said Mohit Dembla, General Manager. “Global Wellness Day provides a beautiful catalyst to deepen our commitment to our guests’ well-being. By pairing restorative physical rituals with intentional, farm-to-table nutrition from our JW Garden, we aim to create a sanctuary where travellers leave feeling completely revitalised and whole.”
The week-long wellness programming is designed to complement the resort’s existing luxury offerings, including the signature Spa by JW and custom wellness consultations
For more information and bookings, visit the resort’s website.
News
Gili Lankanfushi unveils moonlit adventures inspired by growing noctotourism trend
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, invites guests to embrace the growing travel trend of Noctotourism, with a collection of unforgettable immersive after-dark adventures, designed to awaken the senses long after sunset. While the Maldives is renowned for turquoise lagoons and endless sunshine, nights at Gili Lankanfushi reveal an entirely different side to island life. From blindfolded dining experiences on secret sandbanks to moonlit wellness rituals and open-air cinema beneath the stars, there is something for every traveller after dark.
Supper Under the Stars
For those seeking romance beneath the Maldivian sky, Supper Under the Stars offers an entirely bespoke private dining experience in some of the island’s most enchanting hidden corners. Whether hosted on a lantern-lit stretch of private beach, tucked beneath swaying palms or revealed as a surprise destination known only to the island team, every dinner is individually curated around guests’ tastes and preferences. Champagne toasts, sommelier-selected wine pairings and personalised menus elevate the evening, while crystal-clear constellations shimmer overhead.
As darkness falls across the Indian Ocean, Gili Lankanfushi’s culinary team transforms the beach into a glowing scene of flickering candles, soft lantern light and beautifully styled tables. It’s the ultimate romantic dining experience!
Private dining experiences from USD 275++ per person.

Sensory Suppers in the Sand: Dine for Senses
For adventurous gourmands who think they’ve tasted it all, Gili Lankanfushi’s signature Sensory Supper in the Sand experience turns destination dining into a playful culinary journey. Guests are whisked away to a secret island location where, blindfolded and barefoot in the sand, they surrender their senses to a surprise menu crafted by a private chef. With sight removed, every detail becomes heightened, the aroma of spices drifting through the sea breeze, the sound of waves lapping nearby, accentuating the texture and flavour of each carefully plated dish.
As courses are served, diners are encouraged to guess the ingredients and flavours, transforming dinner into an immersive sensory experience that is equal parts gourmet adventure and unforgettable entertainment. Perfect for couples, families and curious food lovers alike, the experience showcases Gili Lankanfushi’s playful approach to ultra-luxury hospitality.
Sensory Supper in the Sand from USD 250++ per person.

Jungle Cinema Beneath The Stars
As evening settles over the island, Gili Lankanfushi’s much-loved Jungle Cinema offers guests of all ages a magical open-air movie experience beneath the night sky. Hidden among lush tropical greenery, the outdoor cinema invites guests to recline on oversized luxury sunbeds while enjoying everything from Hollywood favourites and timeless classics to family-friendly films. Freshly popped popcorn, cocktails, mocktails and gourmet snacks are delivered directly to guests throughout the screening, while those looking to elevate the experience further can enjoy dinner before the film begins.
Relaxed, nostalgic and unmistakably atmospheric, the Jungle Cinema has become one of the resort’s most memorable evening rituals.
Moonbathing and Stargazing in the Maldives
At Gili Lankanfushi, wellness continues long after sunset. Guests can embrace the growing practice of moonbathing from the privacy of their own overwater villa, each of which features a rooftop terrace complete with a beautiful star bed dressed in soft linens. Beneath the gentle glow of the moon and surrounded only by the sounds of rolling waves, guests are invited to unwind, reconnect and absorb the calming energy of the night sky. Moonlight exposure has long been associated with reduced stress, improved sleep and emotional balance, while some wellness traditions also believe the moon can positively support women’s hormonal cycles, fertility and menopause symptoms.
With virtually no light pollution, the Maldives offers remarkably clear stargazing conditions, allowing guests to drift off beneath dazzling constellations visible from the comfort of their villa’s rooftop bed.

For deeper relaxation, guests can also experience the new ‘Mindful Dream’ retreat journey at Meera Spa, a 110-minute evening ritual combining mindfulness breathing, aromatherapy, sound healing and stress-relieving massage techniques designed to promote restorative sleep. Available in-villa between 19:00 and 22:00, the treatment creates the perfect transition into a peaceful night beneath the stars.
From sensory dining and moonlit wellness to jungle cinema evenings and stargazing sleep experiences, Gili Lankanfushi proves that some of the Maldives’ most magical moments happen after dark.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,397/$1,722 based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.
Action
Le Méridien Maldives unveils new after-dark experiences centred on stargazing
Beneath some of the clearest skies in the Maldives, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa unveils a new stargazing programme designed to transform the island after dark into a world of wonder, discovery, and quiet connection. Located at 5° north of the equator, the resort offers a rare vantage point where constellations from both hemispheres unfold beneath expansive Maldivian skies, revealing a striking perspective of the cosmos above the Indian Ocean.
Developed in collaboration with Space Cat, a local specialist in astronomy experiences, the programme is guided by a resident astronomer, combining scientific insight, storytelling, and immersive observation to create moments that feel both enriching and memorable. Rooted in Le Méridien’s spirit of discovery and creative exploration, the initiative encourages a slower, more mindful connection with the natural world through a different lens.
The stargazing programme unfolds throughout the day and into the evening, blending astronomy, sustainability, dining, and family experiences into the rhythm of island life. By day, solar observation sessions reveal the complexity of our nearest star through specialised telescope, exploring solar dynamics, the life cycle of sunspots, and their profound influence on Earth. Guests are invited to capture a photograph of the sun as a lasting memory of the discovery.
As the sky softens into evening, the island reveals a different atmosphere. Guided beach stargazing sessions combine telescope observation with celestial storytelling, tracing constellations across the night sky and transforming the shoreline into an open-air observatory. For couples and curious explorers alike, Celestial Dining pairs refined cuisine with the quiet beauty of the cosmos, while Moonlight Table and Sip Under the Moon bring full moon evenings to life through beachfront dining and cocktail beneath the moonlit sky.
Bespoke astro-portrait sessions capture moments framed by stars and the island’s natural beauty. For guests wishing to explore further, curated astronomy masterclasses unfold throughout the stay, offering immersive introductions to stargazing, astro-portrait, and astro-photography guided by the resident astronomer.
Families are equally welcomed into the world of astronomy through dedicated experiences at The Family Kids Hub. Weekly Space Day programmes combine art and craft, interactive workshops, and playful learning designed to spark curiosity and imagination. Young explorers aged 6 to 15 can join dedicated stargazing evenings featuring guided telescope discoveries and hands-on activities created to inspire fascination with the universe.
Beyond observation, the programme embraces environmental awareness through dedicated dark sky conservation presentations exploring the effects of light pollution on marine life, the natural environment, and the preservation of natural night skies. Reflecting the resort’s broader sustainability approach, these sessions encourage a deeper appreciation of darkness as an essential part of both the ecosystem and the guest experience.
Set across Thilamaafushi Island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa features 134 beach and overwater villas, including spacious two-bedroom retreats designed for families and groups. For greater privacy and space, the three-bedroom Thilamaafushi Beach Villa offers a secluded island haven with direct beach access, expansive indoor and outdoor living areas, a private pool, and jacuzzi, creating an effortless setting for shared moments by the sea. Framed by a 360-degree lagoon and a vibrant house reef, the resort unfolds through sunlit moments designed to awaken the senses. Six distinctive restaurants and bars, an overwater Explore Spa, a padel court, and one of the Maldives’ largest hydroponic greenhouses further shape a lifestyle rooted in flavour, wellbeing, and mindful island living.
This summer, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa invites couples, families, and explorers alike to savour the good life through experiences shaped by curiosity, creativity, and the beauty of sea, sand, and sky.
The Family Fun Summer package is available to book until 15 June 2026, for stays until 20 December 2026, with a minimum of four consecutive nights. For more information or to book, please visit lemeridien-maldives.com or contact reservations.maldives@lemeridien.com.
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