News
Maldives becomes the official partner country of ITB Berlin 2016

Maldives.net.mv – In 2016 the focus at ITB Berlin will be on the Maldives, the show’s partner country in the Indian Ocean. David Ruetz, Head of ITB Berlin, made this announcement at the DRV conference in Abu Dhabi. An agreement between the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show and the Maldives will be signed at a ceremony at the upcoming ITB in Berlin next March.
“As a year-round holiday destination the Maldives has become firmly established among tourists the world over“, said Hon. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor, Minister of Tourism of Maldives. “ITB Berlin offers an ideal platform for presenting the tourism products for the Maldives that are available on the German and international market to trade visitors and the general public and for the country to become even more attractive in the long term.“
“The Maldives has exhibited at ITB Berlin since 1984. We are delighted that it wants to expand its presence at the show and that as the Official Partner Country it will be the focus of the international travel industry. As the partner country of ITB Berlin 2016 this island nation in the Indian Ocean sends out an important message as an emergent tourist destination“, said David Ruetz, Head of ITB Berlin from Messe Berlin.
The Maldives only began receiving tourists in 1972. It is currently one of the world’s most successful holiday destinations on the modern eco-tourism market and every year welcomes around one million visitors. The Maldives is well known for its spectacular beauty, its nature and for its fascinating world of underwater attractions. The island nation on the equator is a paradise for divers from all over the world and can be visited at any time of year, as due to its geographical location temperatures range from 28 to 31 degrees the whole year round.
“Nature is our most important resource and tourism our biggest industry“, said Hon. Minister Adeeb and added: “The tourism market will continue to grow and we will make sure this is achieved in harmony with nature.”
As the partner country of ITB Berlin 2016 the Maldives will organise the opening ceremony on 8 March 2016 in the CityCube Berlin, Messe Berlin’s new trade fair and conference venue. From 9 to 13 March 2016 at ITB Berlin the Maldives will fascinate visitors with a colourful programme of events.
Highlighting on the importance of being the host country of ITB Berlin, the Minister of Tourism of Maldives, Hon. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor stated that: “Tourism plays a crucial role in the development of Maldives. We are honoured to have the opportunity of becoming the Official Partner Country of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show®in the important year of ITB Berlin’s 50th anniversary. I would like to thank ITB Berlin for this important opportunity that will immensely help raise the profile of the destination Maldives on a global level. This partnership will in particular be instrumental in reviving the core markets of Europe at large including Germany.” Hon. Minister further added that “the introduction of the newly launched Thumburi integrated resort project in Maldives will diversify the product segment and open up over 2000 beds for the mid-market segment. We hope this will be an added opportunity to increase arrivals from the European market.”
News
Rediscover wellness, nature, mindful living with Dusit Thani Maldives’ Well-Fest programme

Dusit Thani Maldives, the five-star luxury resort in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, has announced the launch of Well-Fest, a week-long celebration of holistic wellbeing, set against the breathtaking backdrop of sun, sand, and sea.
Taking place throughout the whole month of June, Well-Fest brings together a curated line-up of wellness experiences that nourish the body, calm the mind, and lift the spirit. Guests will have the opportunity to explore a thoughtfully designed program of sunrise yoga, sound healing, wellness workshops, plant-based cuisine, fitness sessions, and immersive nature-based activities — all designed to restore balance and inspire mindful living.
“Well-Fest is our invitation to guests to pause, reconnect, and embrace wellness in its many forms — all within the natural beauty and serenity of our island,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager of Dusit Hotels & Resorts in Maldives. “From the healing garden of Devarana Wellness to the crystal-clear waters of our coral-rich reef, every corner of our resort is a sanctuary for self-care.”
Highlights of Well-Fest include:
- Daily Yoga & Qigong in the Garden of Devarana Wellness
- Plant-Based Culinary Experiences at Sala, the resort’s new organic vegan restaurant
- Guided Ocean Meditations and Breath-work Sessions
- Chef’s Garden Tours & Mindful Cooking Classes
- Sustainable Living Workshops focusing on local produce, zero-waste practices, and eco-conscious travel
- Family-Friendly Wellness Activities designed for parents and little ones
Guests can also enjoy exclusive Well-Fest Retreat Packages, featuring curated itineraries, spa treatments, and wellness amenities — perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families seeking rejuvenation and connection.
Whether you’re beginning your wellness journey or looking to deepen your existing practice, Well-Fest at Dusit Thani Maldives offers the space, inspiration, and serenity to recharge — inside and out.
News
Experience spirit of Eid with vibrant festivities at Amilla Maldives

Amilla Maldives warmly invites guests to experience a heartfelt Eid celebration from 6 to 9 June 2025, where four days of vibrant tradition and island joy unfold.
The festivities blend colourful parades, rhythmic Boduberu performances, and graceful dances with creative family crafts, soothing spa rituals, and spirited beach games. Guests can unwind with sunset sips by the sea, enjoy friendly volleyball matches, playful colour challenges, local island explorations, and immersive cooking experiences.
A traditional thatched hut village will showcase local crafts such as wooden lacquer work by artisans, alongside workshops and performances that offer guests a genuine connection to Maldivian heritage. Meanwhile, the island will be thoughtfully adorned with festive Eid decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the celebration.
Each day offers opportunities to relax by the sea with complimentary coconut drinks and shisha, as well as spa treatments and wellness moments designed to refresh the spirit. Alongside these celebrations, a variety of excursions and water sports are available, and the Kids’ Club provides engaging activities for younger guests, ensuring a harmonious experience for the whole family.
News
Revolutionary relaxation: Anantara Kihavah unveils Maldives’ first magnesium spa treatments

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas unveils a transformative new chapter in wellness with the launch of the Maldives’ first Magnesium-based spa treatments, redefining holistic healing for the modern traveller. In partnership with “Of The Islands”, a pioneering wellness brand that harnesses the power of the world’s only natural source of pure magnesium chloride—extracted 1,500 metres below ground in the Netherlands—Anantara Kihavah introduces a wellness concept where science, nature and emotional reconnection converge in a single, immersive experience.
Perched above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Anantara Kihavah’s overwater spa features six serene treatment rooms, the perfect location for rejuvenation and restoration. Already celebrated for its diverse menu of Ayurvedic therapies, energy and sound healing, the spa now introduces a curated collection of five magnesium-infused treatments designed to restore balance, vitality and inner calm.
Unlike traditional massages that focus purely on relaxation, this new generation of treatments supports the body on a cellular level. Magnesium is essential to more than 300 vital functions in the human body, from muscle recovery and cardiovascular health to improved sleep and nervous system balance. While oral supplements allow for only limited absorption, these treatments use transdermal magnesium, the most effective way for the body to absorb and benefit from this essential mineral. Delivered through the skin during massage, scrub, and soaking rituals, the body receives immediate, targeted replenishment in its most natural form.
Each of the five new treatments has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of today’s wellness seekers. From a full-body massage that boosts immunity and relieves tension, to a 90-minute ritual combining a magnesium scrub with a replenishing massage using magnesium butter, each experience fuses therapeutic benefit with sensory delight. Other highlights include a signature holistic ritual with a facial component, a dynamic coffee-magnesium scrub with gel massage, and a deeply calming magnesium salt bath for guests seeking stillness and renewal.

“With the introduction of this partnership, we are thrilled to elevate holistic wellbeing to new heights at Kihavah. This marks the first stage of our evolution, where we integrate magnesium wellness products to enhance our offerings. Our commitment to providing comprehensive health and wellness solutions is stronger than ever, and we are excited to embark on this journey towards better wellbeing for all our guests,” said Ratheesh Parambil, Director of Spa & Wellness at Anantara Kihavah.
Ideal for those recovering from long-haul travel, high-performance activity, or the demands of a fast-paced urban lifestyle, these new rituals go beyond aromatherapy to offer results-driven healing rooted in nature and modern science. From deep rest to muscular repair, magnesium is the silent force behind true balance and now, a centerpiece of Anantara Kihavah’s elevated approach to wellbeing.
By introducing magnesium-based treatments to the Maldives for the first time, Anantara Kihavah continues to set new standards in luxury wellness. Here, on an island where the ocean meets the sky and time slows, guests are invited to embark on a journey of renewal, where stress melts away, and the mind, body and soul return to harmony.
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