News
LUX* Maldives wins as ‘Leading Family Resort’ at the 2014 Maldives Travel Awards
Maldives.net.mv – After being awarded the Indian Ocean Leading All-Inclusive Resort at Maldives Travel Awards 2013, LUX* Maldives has scored again with yet another valuable award recognizing the significant efforts of the past year by gaining the title of Leading Family Award at the 2014 Maldives Travel Awards.
Since December 2011, LUX* Maldives has worked tirelessly to be recognized as a leading resort in the Maldives and last night’s award ceremony held in Male firmly confirmed this achievement. The resort has been officially awarded for its ongoing innovation, high standards of guest service, understanding of family needs, unique concepts and a true belief in the motto of ‘helping people to celebrate life’. PLAY is the large and well equipped resort kids club for children below the age of 12 providing a daily program of activities including treasure hunts, yoga, pizza making and cake decorating. Teens enjoy a sophisticated program called STUDIO 17 including team sports, teen only excursions, guitar lessons and can even learn how to be a DJ for their own party. The 5 star PADI dive centre and well equipped water sports centre warmly welcomes families of all age groups providing a wide range of experiences in, on and under the water! At LUX* Maldives kids are sure to never be bored and with 7 restaurants everyone is sure to find something they like.
After winning against some of the long established beach resorts of the Maldives, LUX* Maldives General Manager Shaun Dunhofen said “We are immensely proud to receive this wonderful award in this year’s Maldives Travel Awards. The Maldives has become a very popular destination for family holidays and our large beach front, wide selection of resort facilities and experiences, coupled with passionate team members, ensures our guests enjoy the best beach holiday possible”.
Guests at LUX* Maldives are treated to unique experiences such as Café LUX* freshly ground coffee, hand roasted on the island. ScruCap, a special selection of South African wines, produced only for LUX* Resorts & Hotels. ICI, freshly made ice creams and sorbets in a kaleidoscope of delicious flavours, plus the simple fun of ‘Phone Home’, a retro British red telephone box with free calls anywhere in the world! Being one of the larger resorts in the Maldives, guests are provided with a great choice of dining options and activities, a rejuvenating LUX* ME Spa, water sports and dive centre plus regular snorkelling trips by traditional dhoni, to spot magnificent whale sharks, manta rays and endangered turtles that inhabit the warm waters of South Ari Atoll.
As the Festive Season draws closer, LUX* Maldives is looking forward to celebrating this special time with its guests. The island experiences will showcase treasure hunts, beach games, interactive pop-up dining in true LUX* Style. The arrival of Santa is always highly anticipated, arriving last year by FLYBOARD, it’s an exciting time for the younger LUX* guests. The New Year’s Eve party will bring about lavish decorations, fairy lights, live cooking stations and pop-up bars with a colourful Carnival theme showcasing celebrations from around the world. With impromptu cinema screenings on the beach, mother and daughter LUX* ME Spa packages and an onsite Marine Biologist, LUX* Maldives presents a constant variety of activities that never fail to delight – both above and below the waterline!
Cooking
Ifuru Island Maldives positions itself as leading culinary destination
Ifuru Island Maldives is positioning itself as one of the Maldives’ emerging culinary destinations, with dining experiences spread across six restaurants and four bars, all included under its Premium All Inclusive offering. The resort presents dining as a central part of the guest experience, encouraging exploration of flavours, textures, aromas and settings, complemented by ocean views and an open-air island atmosphere.
At the centre of the island’s dining offering is Social House, the all-day dining restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a lively and welcoming environment. Designed in line with the resort’s lifestyle concept, Social House encourages guests to interact, share tables and connect with one another while enjoying 12 rotating theme nights, globally inspired menus and interactive live cooking stations, making it a focal point of island life.

Palm Grill continues the culinary journey as a rustic steakhouse specialising in flame-grilled meats and fresh, locally sourced seafood. The open-grill concept allows guests to experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the kitchen, combining bold flavours with an intimate setting. Meanwhile, The Waterfront offers an overwater dining experience, where chefs prepare personalised dishes in front of guests, turning the cooking process itself into part of the dining experience.
The island’s relaxed and social atmosphere extends to Hubba Hubba and The Beach Club. During the day, Hubba Hubba serves as a poolside venue for cocktails and relaxation, while evenings feature DJs, music and social gatherings. The Beach Club is set along a prime stretch of shoreline, offering handcrafted cocktails and beachside music in a casual setting where guests can unwind with their feet in the sand.

More informal dining options are available at Poolside Pizza, the Ice Cream Tower and Ifuru Eats. Poolside Pizza serves freshly baked pizzas from a beachside oven, while the Ice Cream Tower by the main pool offers a range of ice cream selections throughout the day. For guests seeking late-night dining, Ifuru Eats provides in-villa delivery from 10:30 pm to 7:30 am, offering comfort food without leaving the privacy of their accommodation.
“Dining at Ifuru is meant to be easy, fun, and full of surprises,” says General Manager Marcel Sawyer. “With six restaurants and four bars under Premium All Inclusive, guests can explore different flavours, enjoy relaxed or elevated moments, and make every meal a memory. That’s the freedom we love to offer.”
For guests looking for a more elevated dining experience, Kai offers teppanyaki dining, where chefs prepare seafood, meats and vegetables in a live cooking performance. Through its range of dining venues and concepts, Ifuru Island Maldives aims to position itself not only as a resort destination, but as a location recognised for its evolving and experience-driven food culture.
Island Goers
Island life at your own pace at Cocomo Maldives
Set on the serene island of K. Himmafushi, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Cocomo Maldives is a tropical retreat where the rhythm of the waves guides your days. Whether you’re sharing sunsets as a couple, creating memories with family, or simply unwinding on your own, this laid-back beachfront haven invites you to relax, recharge, and embrace island life at your own pace.
Your Island Hideaway Awaits
At Cocomo Maldives, comfort meets simplicity across 27 thoughtfully designed rooms, each offering a calming blend of modern touches and tropical charm. Surrounded by palm-lined paths and just steps from the beach, every room features air conditioning, a private balcony or terrace, and all the essentials you need to unwind.
Choose the space that suits your journey:
- Deluxe Double Room – Compact and cozy, perfect for couples
- Superior Deluxe Room – A little more room for small families or close friends
- Premium Family Suite – Spacious and refined, ideal for those who want extra comfort
All rooms come with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, and a sleek ensuite bathroom.
And there’s more to look forward to – Cocomo will be expanding its accommodation inventory in the coming months, adding new rooms to welcome even more guests to this island.

World on a Plate
Rukuraa invites you on a flavourful journey with its carefully curated menu inspired by Pan-Asian and international cuisines. Dine indoors in a relaxed setting, or take your seat by the shore, where the breeze is soft, the waves provide the soundtrack, and every meal feels like a moment to savour.
Adventures at Cocomo
Adventure is always within reach at Cocomo. With its ideal spot on Himmafushi, the island offers direct access to some of the Maldives’ best marine experiences – from colourful coral reefs to the world-class Jailbreaks surf break just offshore. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or chasing your next thrill, our team is ready to help you plan every splash, paddle, and wave.

Conveniences That Make a Difference
Offering a range of thoughtful amenities to make your stay as comfortable and carefree as possible, including:
- Direct beach access with sun loungers
- A refreshing outdoor swimming pool
- 24/7 front desk and concierge support
- High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- Reliable airport transfers and daily housekeeping
Everything is designed to ensure a relaxed, hassle-free island experience from arrival to departure.
Exciting Additions Just Around the Corner
Cocomo Maldives is gearing up to introduce a vibrant new chapter in the Himmafushi experience, with expanded facilities set to open in the coming months. Guests can look forward to the island’s very first full-scale recreation hub, featuring:
- A tranquil spa offering relaxing massages and rejuvenating treatments
- A fun and inviting karaoke lounge
- A cozy shisha bar perfect for winding down
- A dynamic games arcade with billiards and classic favorites
- And the highlight – Cocomo Beach Club, a lively beachfront spot for music, cocktails, and golden hour vibes
These exciting additions are designed to make Cocomo more than just a stay – it’s a place to connect, celebrate, and create memories that last long after your footprints fade from the sand.
Whether you’re chasing serene escapes, weekend getaways, or fun-filled family adventures, Cocomo Maldives is your lively playground in paradise. Dive into crystal-clear waters, take a refreshing swim in the pool, ride the breathtaking surf, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the genuine warmth of island hospitality – your island home, Cocomo Maldives.
Discover more and plan your stay!
News
Pulse Hotels & Resorts unveils Aura Maldives, a mindful luxury sanctuary
Pulse Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Aura Maldives, a new 5-star luxury island sanctuary set to open in Q4 2026 within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, easily accessible via a scenic 30-minute seaplane journey from Male’, or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 15-minute yacht or speedboat transfer.
Conceived as an island resort where mindfulness, sustainability, wellness and elevated island living come together, Aura is designed for today’s luxury traveller seeking meaningful experiences in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural settings.

Aura will feature 71 expansive private villas across beach and overwater categories with one- to three- bedroom layouts ranging from 246sqm to 710sqm. Each villa is designed as a spacious suite with private pool, expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, making Aura well suited to couples, families and multi-generational travellers alike.
Aura Maldives represents a bold evolution of our portfolio,” said Frederic Brohez, COO of Pulse Hotels & Resorts.“Itis an island resort shaped by a unique operating system that embeds mindfulness across every touchpoint, with thoughtful curation in all its facets. With deep respect for nature, local culture and the rhythms of island life, Aura delivers a refined, future-facing luxury experience for today’s conscious traveller.”

A sanctuary rooted in nature and sustainability
Set within one of the Maldives’ most ecologically significant regions and just moments from Hanifaru Bay, renowned for its seasonal manta ray and whale shark encounters, Aura places environmental stewardship at the heart of the island experience. Sustainability will be at the forefront of every aspect of Aura’s operations, from plastic-free initiatives and ethical sourcing to a holistic lighting philosophy encompassing dark-sky and wildlife-friendly lighting, alongside meaningful community engagement.

Holistic wellness woven into island life
Wellness at Aura is designed as a core rhythm of island living. At the heart of the island, Solasta Spa will offer treatments inspired by Maldivian traditions and global wellness practices. Facilities will include hammam experiences, hot and cold plunge pools, a lagoon-facing sauna, and a hyperbaric chamber. A thoughtfully curated programme of yoga, mindfulness sessions and ocean-sound meditations invite guests to slow down and reconnect—naturally and intuitively.

Bold, experience-led culinary journeys
Aura will introduce a diverse dining portfolio, including:
- a beachfront grill celebrating elemental cooking
- an overwater Asian-Fusion fine-dining restaurant
- teppanyaki
- a wood-fired pizzeria
- a nomadic pop-up kitchen
- a Beach Club & Pool Bar offering craft cocktails and premium zero-proof alternatives
- and an all-day dining restaurant
Across all venues, menus will champion locally and responsibly sourced ingredients, with flavour- forward, wellness-conscious cuisine.

Experiences shaped by place and purpose
Guests will be invited to engage deeply with the destination through curated experiences ranging from marine conservation initiatives and snorkelling with manta rays, and cultural exchanges with local artisans. Families can look forward to dedicated spaces and programs, including a children’s club and multi-generational activities, reinforcing Aura’s position as an inclusive island resort for every stage of life.

Aura will join Pulse Hotels & Resorts’ growing collection of distinctive properties, strengthening the group’s presence in the upper-upscale and luxury segments while responding to the rising demand for sustainable, meaningful travel experiences.
For further information, please visit aura-maldives.com.
-
News1 week agoVentive Hospitality aligns Maldives portfolio with Green Fins marine sustainability platform
-
Business1 week agoFeydhoo Hall opens at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives as new event space
-
News1 week agoThe Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands launches conservation programme for environmental observances
-
Drink1 week agoProvence comes to Maldives with Château Minuty dinner at Milaidhoo Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoWomen at heart of kitchen: Milaidhoo Maldives marks International Women’s Day through gastronomy
-
Action7 days agoAtmosphere Foundation launches annual dive training scholarship for Maldivians
-
Featured1 week agoCity Iftar experience curated at JEN Maldives by Shangri-La
-
Family1 week agoEaster goes playful at The Standard, Maldives with week-long Angry Birds celebration



