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Ayada Maldives voted best water villa resort in the world

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Ayada

Maldives.net.mv – Ayada Maldives has been awarded the world’s leading water villa resort at the prestigious World Travel Awards ceremony held in Anguilla on Sunday.  One of only two hotels in the Maldives to be included on the list of the best in the world, Ayada Maldives is a private luxury resort in the south of the country with 112 villas and suites.

“Words can’t express how happy and proud everyone here at Ayada Maldives feels today,” said general manager, Zafer Agacan.  “This is a wonderful confirmation of our commitment to delivering a high standard of quality and service and we’re delighted to win an award that puts us alongside the best hotels and resorts in the world.  We’d like to thank everyone who voted for us”.

Included in Conde Nast Traveller’s list of best hotels in the Maldives, voted the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort’ and the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort & Spa’, Ayada Maldives is a private island resort offering a truly luxurious retreat with a genuine Maldivian style.

Set in the relatively unexplored Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the south of the country – just a few kilometres above the equator –  the luxury resort offers 112 spacious villas and suites, all with private pools, butler and thoughtful five-star detailing.  Traditional thatched-roof water-villas stand on stilts over the resort’s peaceful lagoon, while beach villas offer absolute privacy as they nestle amid tropical greenery alongside powder-soft palm-lined white beaches.  Food lovers can explore the six restaurants and bars, while those seeking complete relaxation will find their haven in the large spa set in beautiful tropical landscaped gardens which boasts a Turkish Hammam as well as a Vichy Shower and eight private treatment villas.

The resort is noted for its gardens and tropical greenery and is ringed by a vibrant coral reef where dolphins are frequent visitors.  The active can explore the area on a host of excursions that include visits to the equator, local villages and fishing trips, while at the resortthey can play tennis or badminton, take up watersports, learn yoga, Pilates or Zumba or simply hit the 24-hour gym.  Outstanding divingand snorkeling opportunities surround the island on reefs that have barely been visited by humans while some of the country’s best surfing breaks are just a quick speedboat journey away.  Weddings take place in the golden hour just before sunset either in the air conditioned wedding chapel set in a tree-lined lawn, or outdoors on the beach under a pagoda of flowing gauze and flowers.

The World Travel Awards is widely regarded as the most celebrated event in the travel industry.  Hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’, World Travel Awards celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade.  The brand aims to celebrate those organisations that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence.  A full list of winners for the Grand Final Gala Ceremony can be seen here.

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Cinnamon Velifushi, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives unveil escape offer with seaplane savings

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Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives are inviting couples to begin their Maldives escape from the skies with 50% savings on seaplane transfers for two. Guests staying between one to six nights can enjoy 50% off one-way seaplane transfers, while stays of seven nights or more unlock complimentary roundtrip seaplane transfers.

From above, reefs, sandbanks, and scattered islands drift through endless shades of blue, before the aircraft descends and lands directly on the ocean beside the resort. By the time guests arrive, the feeling of leaving everyday life behind has already begun. Valid for bookings and stays from 30 April to 31 October 2026, the offer also comes with a selection of exclusive Book Direct benefits designed to make every island escape even more rewarding.

With a 20 minute seaplane journey to Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, couples can head out across remarkably calm waters on a dolphin watching experience, where pods of dolphins often race alongside the boat as the horizon turns gold. Guests may also choose from experiences including beach dinners, spa treatments, island hopping adventures and more, along with USD 150 resort credits for stays of three nights or longer.

Meanwhile, with a 45 minute flight to Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, sunset fishing offers a glimpse into a slower rhythm of island life. Evenings are spent casting lines beneath painted skies before guests return the following day to enjoy their fresh catch prepared exactly to their preference by the resort’s culinary team. Additional Book Direct experiences include island hopping, kayaking adventures, sparkling wine on arrival, and USD 100 resort credits for stays of three nights or more.

Guests can also unlock additional privileges through the DISCOVERY loyalty programme, including exclusive member rates, depending on membership tier. To discover more or book your seaplane escape for two, visit Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives or Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils immersive night snorkelling experience with mantas

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As part of its evolving lifestyle collection under the House of Siyam, Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils a captivating new way to experience the Maldives after sunset with the launch of Night Snorkeling with Mantas, an immersive encounter that brings guests face to face with one of the ocean’s most graceful wonders in their natural rhythm.

Set against the stillness of the island’s house reef, this guided experience reveals the quiet drama of the underwater world at night. As darkness falls, powerful underwater lights draw in phytoplankton, creating a glowing stage that attracts manta rays as they arrive to feed. Guests float comfortably at the surface, watching as these gentle giants glide, loop, and turn beneath them in an effortless underwater ballet.

Led by the professional team at Sun Diving Dive Center, this experience is thoughtfully designed to maximise comfort and confidence in the water. Guests are guided through each step, and snorkelling vests provide ease and stability, allowing even first-time night snorkelers to relax. The result is a serene yet exhilarating encounter where time seems to slow and nature takes centre stage.

“Night snorkelling with mantas is one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after you leave the water,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “There is a quiet magic in seeing these incredible creatures up close, moving so effortlessly through the light. Our team is there every step of the way to make guests feel safe, relaxed, and fully present for what is truly a remarkable encounter.”

What makes this experience particularly remarkable is the proximity and clarity it offers. As manta rays perform their signature feeding loops, often turning belly-up just below the surface, guests are given a rare and unobstructed view of their unique spot patterns, markings so distinct they are used by researchers to identify individual mantas. It is both a visual spectacle and a quiet lesson in marine life.

Understanding Manta Ray Behaviour and Anatomy

Manta rays are among the ocean’s most intelligent and graceful creatures, known for their wide wingspan and gentle nature. Unlike many marine species, they feed on microscopic plankton, using coordinated movements to funnel food into their mouths. Their looping and barrel-rolling behavior during feeding is both efficient and mesmerising to witness. Each manta carries a unique pattern on its underside, much like a fingerprint, offering insight into ongoing conservation and research efforts across the Maldives.

Experience Highlights:

  • Night snorkeling with manta rays in one of the most consistent viewing locations within the house reef
  • Guidance and support from professional instructors at Sun Diving Dive Center
  • Snorkeling Vest provided for ease and comfort in the water
  • Full snorkel gear included, with prescription masks available for guests requiring vision support

Taking place between 19:00 and 20:00, this one-hour guest activity invites a discovery of a different side of island life, one that feels quieter, deeper, and profoundly moving. This new guest activity is available for experience at a special rate. Bookings can be made at the Dive Centre or through each guest’s Island Host.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to craft meaningful, story-rich experiences, such as Night Snorkelling with Mantas, connecting guests to the natural beauty of the Maldives in unexpected and unforgettable ways. The resort remains dedicated to curating immersive island moments that feel both effortless and extraordinary.

To explore the various programmes offered by Sun Diving at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, visit their website.

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Michelin-starred chef Jérôme Banctel to headline Escapade Gourmande Maldives 2026

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Constance Hotels & Resorts has announced the return of Escapade Gourmande in the Maldives from 17 to 21 August 2026, an exclusive gastronomic series designed to enhance the guest experience across its two Maldivian properties, Constance Moofushi and Constance Halaveli.

This year’s edition brings together an outstanding trio of talents: three-Michelin-starred French chef Jérôme Banctel, South African winemaker Donovan Rall of Rall Wines, and Italian pastry chef Cesare Murzilli, who also took part in the 19th edition of Constance Festival Culinaire in Mauritius. Together, they will deliver a curated programme of culinary moments, reinforcing Constance Hotels & Resorts’positioning in luxury and gastronomic excellence.

The programme will unfold across both resorts, offering a series of immersive and high-value guest experiences. Constance Moofushi, known for its all-inclusive wine offering and recognised for Best All Inclusive Wine List, will bring a relaxed island spirit to the programme, while Constance Halaveli, recognised as one of the Maldives’ leading gastronomic addresses, will provide the backdrop for a programme shaped by haute cuisine and the exceptional range of its wine cellar, featuring over 22,500 bottles across more than 1,600 references.

Programme details are shared for information purposes and may be adjusted closer to the event.

Constance Moofushi:

  • 17/08: Sommelier Masterclass hosted by Donovan Rall
  • 17/08: Sand bank tasting / aperitif cocktail with Wines from Donovan Rall
  • 18/08: Wine Dinner orchestrated by Jerome Banctel & Cesare Murzilli, paired with Wines from Donovan Rall

Constance Halaveli:

  • 20/08: Sand bank tasting
  • 21/08: Breakfast by Cesare Murzilli
  • 21/08: Sommelier Masterclass hosted by Donovan Rall
  • 21/08: Wine Dinner orchestrated by Jerome Banctel & Cesare Murzilli paired with Wines from Donovan Rall

By bringing together internationally acclaimed culinary and wine talents in the unique setting of the Maldives, Constance Hotels & Resorts continues to curate distinctive experiences for discerning travellers, while also strengthening internal expertise through dedicated masterclasses led by Donovan Rall for Constance Hotels & Resorts’ sommeliers.

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