News
MATATO to introduce exclusive insurance scheme

Maldives.net.mv – Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, MATATO has announced that, they are developing a financial protection scheme for the tourism sector, specialized for local Travel Agents and Tour Operators, in accordance with the best practices of International Travel Industry.
Maldives is a celebrated destination with more than one million visitors a year, and about one fourth of the market is shared by local agents and operators. The growth and expansion of Maldivian Travel Agents and Travel Operators, demand adaptation to soaring standards of the wider international travel market, which requires implementation of proper regulations and practices, that will ensure that the interests of travelers, hoteliers and the travel agents are protected.
As part of MATATO’s continued efforts to establish a robust and opportune platform for members and prospective partners, the insurance scheme in development will offer financial protection for travel industry which will cover for the liabilities of the travel agent, the hotelier complying to international standards of travel operations, and thus, provide the travelers with guarantee that their holiday purchases are well protected, with assurance of fair compensation in cases of mishaps related to travel arrangements. The introduction of this financial protection scheme will not only leverage the image of Maldivian Travel Industry, it will also give MATATO members an exclusive and a more reputed position in the relatively dense and competitive travel market.
MATATO also reiterated on the importance revising the laws and regulations that concern the Travel Industry, which is imperative to meet the standards demanded by leading international travel markets, which dominate our supply of travelers.
With this initiative MATATO intends to elevate the standard of local travel management industry, by providing members with features and benefits which will give them a better presentation in the international travel markets.
Celebration
Early bird festive packages unveiled at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is set to transform the festive season into a wellness-inspired escape, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to combine celebration with rejuvenation. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort has introduced its Festive Early Bird offer, available for booking until 31 October 2025 for stays between 20 December 2025 and 15 January 2026.
The package includes a complimentary dining upgrade from breakfast to half board, with children under 12 staying and dining free of charge. Guests are also offered 20% savings on spa treatments, alongside experiences such as kayaking, a 30-minute professional photo session, and a programme of recharging activities. The Westin Family Kids Club provides younger guests with engaging activities, ensuring families can enjoy the holiday in full.
The highlight of the festive programme will be a Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. The evening will capture the spirit of the 1920s with vintage cocktails, champagne, live entertainment, and a midnight fireworks display set against the Maldivian night sky.
The resort’s well-being philosophy, built on the pillars of Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, and Play Well, underpins the holiday experience. From restorative rest on the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed to fresh, seasonal cuisine at three dining venues and bars, every detail is designed to support balance and renewal.
In addition, Marriott Bonvoy members will earn an extra 20,000 bonus points when booking the ‘Celebrate Festive – Early Bird Offer’.
Featured
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives introduces spacious villas for families and groups

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has introduced new two-bedroom villa accommodations designed for families, couples, or friends travelling together. These villas expand on the resort’s existing collection of one-bedroom pool villas, available in both beach and overwater options. The new additions feature an eco-minimalist design that combines sustainable luxury with a relaxed barefoot style, providing a sense of space and privacy for guests seeking connection or tranquillity.
The Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa is located on the island’s sandy shores and spans 265 square metres, offering a seamless indoor and outdoor living experience. Inside, it includes a king-size bed and twin beds, an enclosed bathroom with separate shower and bathtub, a spacious dining area, a living room, and a full set of amenities. The 97-square-metre outdoor area features a private pool, sundeck, and garden. A dedicated villa host is available to assist throughout the stay.

For those seeking even more space, the Boduge Residence offers 395 square metres of living area on a pristine beachfront with ocean views. It includes two bedrooms with a king and twin bed, a large dining table, a living room, a kitchenette, a maid’s room, and full amenities. The residence opens to a 160-square-metre outdoor space with a 45-square-metre private pool, sundeck with sunbeds and a wooden swing, and a poolside BBQ area. The Boduge Residence can also connect to a neighbouring villa to create a three-bedroom retreat. Guests here are also supported by a dedicated villa host.
To mark the launch of these new accommodations, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is offering complimentary round-trip seaplane transfers for up to four children on bookings of seven nights or more in either the Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa or the Boduge Residence. The offer is valid for stays between 10 January and 30 June 2026, with bookings required by 30 September 2025.
Celebration
Boduberu, craft and cuisine highlight National Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, marked Maldives National Day with a cultural programme designed to highlight the traditions and heritage of the islands. Guests were offered opportunities to experience aspects of Maldivian culture in the natural surroundings of North Malé Atoll.
The resort organised a Boduberu workshop where visitors were introduced to the rhythms of the traditional Maldivian drum. Local artisans guided participants in traditional jewellery making, sharing techniques that have been passed down through generations. Guests also took part in palm weaving, once an essential island skill, and were able to dress in traditional attire to connect with Maldivian customs.
Culinary traditions were featured through tastings of Maldivian dishes prepared by the resort’s chefs, showcasing local flavours and long-established recipes. Visitors explored a display of Maldivian arts and crafts, with works produced by local artisans representing the country’s creative and artisanal heritage.
The day concluded with a Boduberu performance at sunset, combining music, dance and rhythm in a communal expression of cultural identity.
Citra Suriah, Director of Marketing at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, said: “At Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, we believe in the quiet power of culture to connect, ground, and inspire. This celebration is both a tribute to the beauty of the Maldivian way of life and an invitation for our guests to witness and take part in something deeply authentic and enduring.”
The resort continues to focus on cultural preservation and community support, curating experiences that reflect and honour the spirit of the Maldives while offering guests a meaningful connection to local heritage.
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