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Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives opens M-Lounge on the beach

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 Shangri-La's Villingili

Maldives.net.mv – One of the most luxurious resorts, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives unveils a picture-perfect beach lounge that sophisticates unwinding in style to a new level.

The new lounge,  an extension of the resort’s Manzaru Bar and located on the adjoining beach, has recently opened.  Decorated in nuances of white and cream, the lounge offers resort guests the ideal venue for daytime refreshments, spectacular sun downers and nightlife underneath the stars.

M-Lounge opens in the morning until late and remains the hottest resort attraction.  Throughout the day, guests position themselves on stylish loungers and bean bags, enjoying their favoured tea, coffee or other desire.  The soothing sound of waves at their feet and the whispers of palm trees behind them mixes with the lounge music, creating a perfect holiday soundtrack. 

The arrival pier and the hotel’s unique luxury sailing yacht Horizon, docked metres away from M-Lounge, provide the backdrop and make the new venue a hub of island activity.

M-Lounge is a meeting point where friendly conversations begin and revolve around the most pleasant moments of resort life.

Shangri-La's Villingili

Once the evening comes and the low Maldivian sky starts changing from a pale lilac to purple through splashes of orange and pink, M-Lounge becomes the front row for sunset-watching romantics.  Sipping on a sun downer, while enjoying an exotic-flavoured shisha – sophisticated chilling out has quickly become a habit for Villingili visitors.

Guests feel the ocean breeze on their skin and watch the stars slowly coming out to amaze.  One can choose a pre-dinner cocktail or drop by after dinner to see how the mood of M-Lounge has evolved with dozens of soft lights reflecting the magic of the skies.  Light snacks created from local ingredients, creative cocktails, some of which in different shades of blue to match the surroundings, and non-alcoholic drinks are available throughout the day with impeccable service and attention to every detail from the professional M-Lounge and Mazaru Bar team.

M-Lounge evolves again into one of the few upscale live DJ spots in the Maldives.  Resident DJ Kate spins tunes six nights a week and brings her exquisite musical taste and international DJ experience that have been refined in the trendiest lounges of Singapore and Bali.  Her engaging beats and sunny personality have guests dancing nights away on the sand and under the stars.  Wednesday at M-Lounge is an island cocktail party where guests are offered drinks and delightful canapés, with compliments, and local Maldivian Bodu Beru dancers bring their drums and perform.

Future entertainment boasts international DJ guests and live VJ performances, as well as creative themed nights with a range of music from different eras accompanied by matching cocktails and décor elements.

M-Lounge’s design is classic, simplistic and contemporary.  Shades of white dominate the venue, reflecting the white sandy beaches of Shangri-la’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives.  The décor perfectly matches the lush green of the island and the mesmerising turquoise of the lagoon.

Resort General Manager Rene D. Egle is the mastermind behind this new Villingili hotspot. “I wanted to praise local nature and, at the same time, create something very internationally recognised,” Mr Egle said.  “The design is inspired by the beauty of the surrounding island and modelled after the latest chill-out lounges in Monaco, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”

M-Lounge is the latest addition to the resort’s fascination restaurant collection comprising three restaurants and two bars catering to all tastes and occasions.

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils ‘Chapter X’ for 10th anniversary

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort announces its most anticipated festive season yet, commemorating a decade of unparalleled luxury with distinct celebration themed “Chapter X: Celebrating 10 Years Through the Island’s Story.” From December 20, 2026 through January 7, 2027, the private island resort will celebrate the story of Vommuli Island, Maldivian heritage, and the timeless traditions that define the St. Regis experience.

Over the past decade, The St. Regis Maldives has been consistently recognized among the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury resorts, distinguished by exceptional design, nature, culture, and bespoke service. Marking a significant milestone, this festive season pays tribute not only to the architectural vision and natural beauty of Vommuli Island, but also to the cherished memories created by families, couples, and generations of guests who have made the island part of their own story.

Inspired by the island’s four ecological zones, Lagoon, Beach, Jungle, and Coast, the festive program invites guests of all ages to explore Vommuli through immersive experiences that inspire connection, wonder, and togetherness.

In the Lagoon Zone, where the ocean shapes both landscape and imagination, marine life and iconic overwater architecture. Sunset celebrations and ocean-inspired dining overlooking the turquoise lagoon honor the beauty of the Maldives and the adventures that await beneath its waters.

The Beach Zone reflects the island’s origins and the enduring traditions of Maldivian coastal life. Here, festive gatherings and family experiences celebrate the warmth of the season, drawing inspiration from the fishermen’s huts that once lined these shores and the generations who called the ocean their home.

Within the lush Jungle Zone, Vommuli House becomes a place of shared learning, where young explorers and multi-generational families engage with the island’s biodiversity through nature-inspired activities, storytelling, and educational experiences.

The Coastal Zone pays homage to the Maldives’ seafaring heritage, expressed through architecture modelled after the graceful dhoni. Against panoramic ocean views, families can reconnect through meaningful moments and the joy of time spent together.

Together, these four environments will serve as the backdrop for a festive calendar of gastronomy, restorative experiences, entertainment, culture, and signature St. Regis traditions.

“As we celebrate ten remarkable years at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, this festive season represents not only a milestone for the resort, but also a celebration of the countless memories created by our guests who have become part of our story,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Chapter X invites guests to experience the spirit of Vommuli Island while honouring our legacy and creating new traditions for generations to come.”

A Festive Calendar Designed for Every Generation

From timeless family traditions to exceptional culinary experiences, the festive program has been crafted to delight guests across generations.

The season begins with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by the arrival of Santa, festive treats, island-wide activities, and dedicated children’s programming. Adults can indulge in exceptional dining experiences, wine journeys, restorative rituals, and bespoke island experiences.

Signature occasions include gala dinners, immersive culinary showcases, and wellness experiences inspired by the rhythms of island life. As the year draws to a close, guests will gather for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display illuminating the Indian Ocean sky.

Festive Getaway Package

For families and loved ones seeking to share precious moments over the holiday, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort introduces the Festive Getaway Package to elevate seasonal escapes with exclusive privileges, and the signature St. Regis butler service. Guests can book by November 15, 2026 for stays from December 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027.

Designed to complement the resort’s landmark 10th anniversary, the package provides an invitation to experience Vommuli Island at one of its most anticipated times of year.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit stregismaldives.com.

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Awards

Ellaidhoo, Hakuraa Huraa Maldives secure double TTM awards win for Cinnamon

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives celebrated a double win at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026, with Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon recognised among the winners in the Best Dive Resort category and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives among the winners for Best Honeymoon Destination, celebrating two distinctive island experiences within the brand’s Maldives portfolio.

The awards were presented at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards celebrate achievements across the Maldivian tourism and hospitality industry, recognising resorts and experiences that continue to shape the destination’s diverse tourism offering.

For Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the recognition celebrates an island where diving has long been at the heart of the experience. Located in North Ari Atoll, the resort is surrounded by a spectacular house reef, regarded as one of the finest in the Maldives, bringing an extraordinary underwater world within easy reach of the island. A 24 hour diving facility gives guests greater freedom to explore beneath the surface, while more than 50 nearby dive sites reveal an abundance of marine life and some of the atoll’s most rewarding underwater encounters.

“Diving is deeply connected to the identity of the resort and has been part of the island’s story for many years. We are fortunate to have an incredible house reef on our doorstep and access to some remarkable dive sites across North Ari Atoll, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the dedication of the teams who help our guests experience this underwater world every day,” said Hassan Shihab, Resort Manager, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.

From the underwater world of North Ari Atoll to the tranquillity of Meemu Atoll, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a distinctly different expression of the destination. The five star adults only resort stretches across two islands, creating a setting defined by space, privacy and serenity. Overwater and beach accommodation, sweeping lagoon views and memorable sunsets set the scene for couples seeking time away together, complemented by intimate experiences designed around the natural beauty and unhurried rhythm of island life.

“Our resort has always had a natural sense of romance, shaped by the privacy of our two islands, the beauty of the lagoon and the feeling of being away from everything. As we continue our journey as an adults only resort, being recognised among the Best Honeymoon Destinations is particularly meaningful. It reflects what our team strives to create for every couple who stays with us, the space and setting to slow down, reconnect and leave with memories that belong entirely to them,” said Rajeeva Rajapakse, General Manager, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.

Together, the two wins reflect the breadth of experiences found across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon invites travellers to discover the Maldives beneath the surface, while Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives creates an intimate setting for couples seeking privacy, romance and time together.

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Action

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa adds six Leopard Sharks to Maldives identification database

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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa continues its ongoing marine conservation journey with the identification of Six Individual Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks along the resort’s house reef. The sharks were documented through photographic observation and submitted to the MIYARU, the Maldives’ national non-profit organisation and research network focused on collaborative shark research and conservation.

The six identified sharks namely Atlas (LS081), Aurelian (LS083), Kikongo (LS090), Ambala (LS091), Ingwe (LS096), and Fowler (LS097) – can each be recognized by their distinctive patterns of dots and spots. Similar to a human fingerprint, these natural markings are unique to every shark, enabling marine researchers to identify individuals when they are encountered again.

By documenting these individual sharks, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is contributing to a growing body of knowledge about the species and how it uses local reef habitats. Each sighting adds another piece to the wider picture of leopard shark presence and movements in the Maldives, supporting continued awareness, research and conservation.

For Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, conservation is about creating meaningful connections with the natural world. From a passing encounter with a leopard shark to learning how individual animals can be recognized beneath the surface, every discovery can offer a new perspective on the living reef.

The identification of these six leopard sharks reflects the resort’s continued approach to marine conservation through attentive observation, responsible marine experiences and collaboration with conservation partners.

As monitoring continues, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to discover its house reef not simply as a destination beneath the surface, but as a living environment shared with an extraordinary diversity of marine life.

With every sighting, every photograph and every new record, the resort continues to build a deeper understanding of the waters surrounding Maamutaa – inspiring greater appreciation for the wildlife that calls the Maldives home.

Kayla Shortt is Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s in-house Marine Biologist and PADI IDC Staff Instructor, who coordinated the in-water observations, photographic documentation and identification submissions that resulted in the six individual records.

Originally from South Africa, she has worked across five-star resorts in the Maldives since 2021, bringing together her experience in marine tourism and practical conservation.

Her expertise spans reef-health monitoring, turtle rehabilitation and shark behavior, with a particular focus on creating greater awareness and understanding of the marine environment.

At Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Kayla makes marine science engaging and accessible, connecting guests with the underwater world while supporting the resort’s ongoing conservation efforts. Through her work, she contributes to a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ marine environment and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home.

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