News
New openings set to bring fresh approach to luxury tourism in Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – As a gaggle of glitzy Maldives newcomers clamour for attention, vying to outdo each other for ostentation, one company is setting itself apart with a refreshingly different approach – creating an outstanding, authentic Maldives experience that gives guests more of what they want. With over 60 years’ experience in the destination between them, the three founding directors of The Small Maldives Island Company have looked beyond tired norms and attention-seeking fads to put what guests really want at the heart of everything they do.
Their vision will be turned into reality with the launch of two exemplary new island resorts, Amilla Fushi (opening November 2014) and Finolhu (opening Q4 2015). An intimate island home that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Amilla Fushi will offer laid-back luxury and more purpose-designed houses of two or more bedrooms than any other Maldives resort – perfect for families and groups of friends. Amilla’s hot, fun-loving younger sister Finolhu meanwhile will offer an affordable beach club-style take on nu-luxury. Located in the pristine UNESCO biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll, both are easily reached via scheduled flights to the new Baa Atoll airport, or a scenic 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé.
Amilla Fushi and Finolhu will turn the established Maldives model on its head. No more thinking of guests as a captive audience, to be corralled into the same couple of pricey restaurants for every meal. No more stinging them with extras every time they do anything, then waving them off with a serious case of ‘bill shock’. And no more lumping in charges for things they don’t need or want.
Says co-founder Tom McLoughlin, “We want our Spa experience to be accessible, indulgent and worry free, so guests can enjoy it without worrying that they can’t afford to have treatments. So – just as it’s a given that breakfast is included – we’re including a 50 minute spa treatment for every guest, every day”.
There will be no ‘paywall’ deterring guests from making the most of the magical Maldivian ocean either: All water sports – non-motorised and motorised – will be complimentary too. No need for parents to cost-control by parking their kids in front of the resort PlayStation for hours on end; instead they will be free to splash around to their hearts’ content, with a host of supervised fun and games ensuring an unforgettable, authentically aquatic Maldivian adventure. What’s more, Amilla’s house reef even boasts its very own renowned ‘Blue Hole’ dive site within snorkeling distance of the beach.
Budding island hoppers with a taste for adventure will also welcome a refreshing, relaxed ‘open island’ philosophy: a first for the Maldives. Far from being marooned on a single island for the duration of their stay, guests at Amilla and Finolhu will be encouraged to explore Baa Atoll’s other resorts, and their bars and restaurants – and vice versa. This pioneering and liberating approach puts guests’ experience first, while simultaneously demonstrating the resorts’ supreme confidence in their own offering.
Amilla Fushi – which literally translates from the local Dhivehi language as ‘my island home’ – ignores fleeting trends in favour of timeless pleasures: delicious, unpretentious food; superb wines; and relaxed yet flawless service. The vision of ‘Island Restaurateur’, acclaimed Aussie Chef Luke Mangan (described by food legend Anthony Bourdain as ‘the Michael Corleone of Sydney’s restaurant scene’) is to prepare the kind of food people really want to eat on holiday. Out goes starched-shirt service, lobster and linen, and in come barefoot cocktails, barbecue flavours, zingy ceviches and tropical ingredients – realised to perfection at relaxed pier-side restaurant Lonu. Curling around the Maldives’ biggest swimming pool, Baazaar serves upthe freshest line-caught local fish with an international twist, and serious sundowners (or uppers!).
Guests are also free to grab some groceries and self-cater in style: The island’s Emperor General Store and Cellar Door wine shop are stocked with handpicked fresh ingredients, from fresh fruit and vegetables and fine cuts of meat to fresh-baked breads. A true ‘home from home’ experience for foodies who love to cook for their families and friends.
A range of purpose-designed Island Homes – one- and two-bed Beach and Lagoon Houses; 12-metre high, two-bed Tree Houses; and Ocean Reef Houses right on the house reef, with rates starting from approx. US$1,800 per night – are complemented by 12 stunning bespoke Beach Residences of three, four, five and six bedrooms.
Also in Baa Atoll, Finolhu, opening in 2015, is a buzzy, informal haven for sociable singles, fun loving travellers and Millennial families. Offering 126 rooms – 88 overwater – as well as 40 villa suites cocooned on the secluded sanctuary of Finolhu Private Island, Finolhu is all about simple things, done well. Think sandspit-hopping picnics, swim-up cocktails at the Baa Bar and stand-up snacks from the colourful shabby chic Fish & Crab Shack.
Conceived and managed by The Small Maldives Island Company, Amilla Fushi and Finolhu’s light-hearted, unpretentious approach and contemporary architecture and design will bring a new way of doing things to a destination that has found itself in a coupley conceptual cul-de-sac.
Awards
ROBINSON NOONU wins Best Fun & Friendly Resort title for second time
ROBINSON NOONU has been named Best Fun & Friendly Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026 for the second time. This marks the fourth consecutive TTM award for ROBINSON Clubs in the Maldives.
“Receiving the award for the second time is particularly gratifying. It shows that our concept resonates with both our guests and our industry partners, whilst we continue to follow our own path. ROBINSON NOONU has its very own character,” says General Manager Jan Karliczek.

ROBINSON NOONU is located on Orivaru Island in the Noonu Atoll. Guests stay in beach and water villas, many with direct ocean access or private pools. The club’s house reef invites snorkelling and diving. Sports offerings include fitness classes from yoga to HOT IRON as well as padel. The resort also features special event weeks, diverse entertainment, and programmes for children and teenagers.

With this latest recognition, ROBINSON continues its TTM Awards success in the Maldives: ROBINSON MALDIVES won awards in 2023 and 2025, whilst ROBINSON NOONU impressed in the Best Fun & Friendly Resort category in 2024 and now 2026.
The TTM Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the Maldivian tourism industry and are presented annually at the international TTM Maldives trade fair. Winners are determined through online voting accessible via the TTM website. In 2026, awards were presented across 32 categories.
News
Sirru Fen Fushi brings music, Michelin-starred sining and wellness to festive season
This festive season, Sirru Fen Fushi –Private Lagoon Resort unveils A Constellation of Moments, a thoughtfully curated programme of immersive celebrations, wellness, gastronomy and unforgettable island experiences from 23 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, where every sunset, gathering and shared experience becomes part of an unforgettable island story.
Inspired by the natural rhythm of the Maldives, the programme celebrates the unique duality of Sirru Fen Fushi – Ocean by Day, Stars by Night. From golden sunsets over one of the Maldives’ largest private lagoons to evenings beneath some of the country’s darkest and most spectacular skies, the festive journey has been designed as a collection of meaningful moments.

Throughout the festive season, guests will gather for immersive sunset experiences accompanied by live music, before the celebrations continue with elegant after-dinner entertainment on the beach. Featuring an international ensemble of musicians, dancers and performers, each evening unfolds with captivating live performances, fire shows and vibrant entertainment, creating unforgettable moments under the Maldivian night sky.
The festive calendar reaches its peak with a series of signature celebrations, beginning with the Opening Night and Tree Lighting Ceremony on 23 December, followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities, a spectacular Pirates of Sirru family celebration, an unforgettable New Year’s Eve gala and Orthodox Christmas celebrations, before concluding with a memorable Closing Night on 7 January.

Music remains at the heart of the programme through a resident ensemble of internationally acclaimed musicians, dancers, acrobats and fire performers, creating a seamless atmosphere across sunset gatherings, dining experiences and evening celebrations. Guests can also engage with the artists through the exclusive Constellation Academy, offering private and small-group masterclasses in music, dance and performance throughout the festive season.
Wellbeing also takes centre stage with the return of internationally renowned holistic wellness practitioner Dr Doshi, whose exclusive residency offers personalised consultations, holistic healing therapies and mindfulness experiences at Arufen Spa. Designed to restore balance during the festive season, the residency provides guests with an opportunity to reconnect with themselves and embrace a more mindful festive escape in one of the Maldives’ most tranquil settings.

Beyond the celebrations, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty through a curated collection of experiences. Marine adventures include Turtle Research excursions, guided Coralarium discovery experiences, sunset dolphin cruises, handline fishing and snorkelling across the resort’s spectacular 9-kilometre house reef, while creative workshops, sustainability initiatives and family-friendly activities provide meaningful experiences for guests of all ages.
For those seeking the ultimate festive escape, the resort’s private Azimut Yacht offers a collection of bespoke experiences, from romantic champagne sunset cruises and half- day lagoon adventures to full-day voyages exploring pristine sandbanks and vibrant coral reefs, each thoughtfully tailored to showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean while creating unforgettable moments at sea.

Exceptional gastronomy forms an integral part of the festive journey. Throughout the season, Raha Market hosts lavish festive buffets and gala dinners, Kata offers refined Japanese dining accompanied by live acoustic performances, while Azure presents Mediterranean-inspired seafood in a spectacular overwater setting. Elevating the culinary programme further, Michelin-starred Chef Tristan Brandt returns to Sirru Fen Fushi to host two exclusive dinners, showcasing his signature contemporary cuisine through thoughtfully curated menus celebrating exceptional ingredients, creativity and refined craftsmanship.
“At Sirru Fen Fushi, we believe the most memorable holidays are shaped by the moments we share,” said Rudrojit Deb, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi. “This festive season, we have created a journey that celebrates connection – to loved ones, to nature and to oneself. Whether watching the sun set over our lagoon, enjoying music beneath the stars, discovering the underwater world or embracing a moment of wellbeing, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to become part of our guests’ own constellation of memories.”
Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ largest private lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi offers 120 spacious beach, jungle and overwater villas, exceptional dining experiences, the iconic Coralarium – the Maldives’ first underwater art installation and coral regeneration project – and a wealth of experiences that celebrate the island’s extraordinary natural beauty. This festive season, guests are invited to celebrate in a destination where every moment shines a little brighter.
To discover more or to reserve your festive escape, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
Awards
Centara Grand Lagoon named Best Emerging Resort, Mirage Lagoon Best Family Resort at TTM Awards
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives has announced the recognition of two of its newest resorts at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, the highlight of the 10th edition of Travel Trade Maldives. Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives was named Best Emerging Resort, while Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives received the award for Best Family Resort, highlighting the distinct positioning and experiences offered across the two properties.
Located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts in the North Malé Atoll, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives opened its doors in April 2025, offering an elegant expression of contemporary Maldivian island living defined by privacy, seclusion and refined comfort. The resort reimagines overwater and beachfront living through an exclusive collection of villas and spacious two- and three-bedroom residences, offering a heightened sense of space and privacy for discerning travellers. Its culinary venues take guests on a journey across the globe, with a diverse collection of dining experiences thoughtfully curated to complement the island setting. At the heart of the wellness offering, Spa Cenvaree Retreat provides a holistic approach to wellbeing, bringing together restorative treatments and experiences within a serene island environment. The experience extends beyond the shore, with opportunities for marine exploration, snorkelling, watersports and curated excursions offering a deeper connection with the surrounding environment. Together, its expansive residences, distinctive culinary journey, holistic wellness and marine experiences establish a refined island proposition centred on privacy, space and discovery.

Set within the same island setting, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives opened its doors in November 2024, introducing a distinctive family-focused resort concept shaped around discovery, connection and shared experiences. The underwater-themed resort has redefined the family holiday experience in the Maldives through an extensive collection of thoughtfully designed facilities, accommodation and experiences created with families at the heart of the offering. Family-focused accommodation includes spacious options featuring bunk beds, while the resort is home to a dedicated waterpark and the Maldives’ first resort lazy river, providing engaging experiences for younger guests and families alike. Wellness is designed for every generation, with Spa Cenvaree offering considered treatments and experiences for adults, complemented by the dedicated Candy Spa for children. Its family-focused culinary outlets further strengthen the proposition, with dining concepts designed to appeal to guests of all ages. Beyond the resort, families can discover the surrounding marine environment through snorkelling, watersports and excursions, adding exploration and adventure to an experience centred on togetherness.

Sharing his views on the recognitions, Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, said: “We are delighted to see Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives recognised at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026. In a relatively short period since opening, both resorts have established clear and differentiated propositions that are contributing to a new dimension of the Maldives travel experience. Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is redefining the family holiday through its underwater-themed setting and extensive family-focused offering, while Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is introducing a more refined approach to island living through its spacious residences, culinary experiences, wellness and focus on privacy and seclusion. The recognition both resorts have received in such a short period, with award after award across different areas of the guest experience, is a strong indication of the relevance of these propositions and the strength of our teams in delivering them. We remain focused on building on this momentum and further strengthening Centara’s presence in the Maldives.”

The recognition comes at an important stage in the development of both resorts, following their respective openings within a short period of one another. Their continued success across industry awards reflects the strength of their differentiated positioning and the relevance of their offerings to evolving traveller expectations. Together, the two resorts demonstrate Centara’s growing presence in the Maldives and its commitment to developing distinctive resort concepts that bring new perspectives to the destination.
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