News
Newly-renovated rooms increase appeal of Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is set to a launch a new category of guest room, which will be called “Sunset Ocean Pool Villas.” They have also committed to an ongoing program of extensive refurbishments across the entire resort.
During the first phase of the renovation program, all of the Luxury Sunset Water Villas will be completely refurbished and redesigned and will reopen to the public in July 2015. Twenty of the existing inventory will be re-imagined as ‘Sunset Ocean Pool Villas’ while the balance of 14 villas will be renamed “Ocean Water Villas.”
During phase 2, the current “Beach Suites” on the south side of the island, together with the Deluxe Family Water Villas and the resort’s one-and-two Bedroom Pool Villas, will be closed for renovations from the 20th of June until the end of August 2015. Renovations on the resort’s Deluxe Water Villas and north-facing Beach Suites will be carried out later in 2016. All villas will receive a brand-new design, structural enhancements, all-new furniture and a new light and inviting color palette.
Available to the public on July 1, 2015, the new Sunset Ocean Pool Villas will have received a completely new, contemporary interior make-over, with brand-new furniture, doors and decking. The upper sun deck will be removed completely and the outdoor area will be extended to incorporate a 12-meter-square plunge pool, looking directly out over the Indian Ocean.
These 20 new villas will command spectacular sunset views and guests here will be eligible for full ‘Club’ access. Club guests enjoy the resort’s “Ultimate All Inclusive” cash-free plan, under which guests will find everything they desire already paid for – including champagne breakfasts, a choice of three lunch and dinner venues with themed international buffets and an open bar service which provides a scintillating array of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.
Guests in the new Villas will also benefit from the following premium additions:
- Exclusive access to “The Club” with indoor and outdoor private lounges, free-form swimming pool, and a premium dining venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Access to the Club Bar and lounge serving premium brand beverages
- Club lounge check in/out
- Private Club pool access including refreshing towels, pre-lunch snacks, afternoon fruits and pre-dinner canapés
- Mid-morning snacks
- Afternoon tea service
- Upgraded in-room minibar, replenished daily including soft drinks, juice, 4 beers, chocolates and snacks and guests’ selection of 2 spirits from the following (700ml vodka, gin, whisky, rum, Bacardi and bourbon – replenished once per week) and guests selection of 1 bottle of wine (red, white, rose – replenished daily)
- Wi-Fi and internet service in the Club Lounge
- 2 pieces of laundry per room per day
- Book and DVD library
- Priority spa and restaurant reservations at all outlets
- Daily turn-down service
- Upgraded in -room amenities
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is located in the South Ari Atoll, about 25 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport, or 15 minutes by speedboat from the domestic Maamigili Airport. Surrounded by a glorious white sandy beach, it is the only resort in the Maldives designed in a colonial style, with whitewashed timber buildings and meandering boardwalks.
The resort offers guests a unique “cashless” island experience with its “Ultimate All-Inclusive programme”. “We are extremely proud of the “Ultimate All Inclusive” package and are delighted that we have now been recognized as being the best in Maldives,” commented Mr. Voytek Klasicki, general manager of Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives after receiving the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO), award for Top All-Inclusive Resort. The resort also received the TripAdvisor’s award in the same category.
All guest suites have bedroom and living room, a generous private terrace, and all of the amenities travelers expect from a premier beach resort including satellite TV and high-speed internet access. Guests opting for the Club level of accommodation also have access to the exclusive Club Lounge with private pool area and complimentary breakfasts, snacks, cocktails and dinner. The resort also is unusual in that it features a variety of dining options, including the all-day venue Reef, authentic Suan Bua and Azzuri Mare Italian & Seafood restaurant, plus the Aqua and Coral Bars for nightly entertainment. For those seeking day-time activity, the Resort offers recreation options, sports and fitness facilities and a professionally-managed Kids’ Club, while those looking to relax are welcome at Spa Cenvaree.
For more active guests, there are five excursion options available which include whale-shark snorkeling, local island visits, sunset cruises and night fishing as well as other snorkeling trips. The resort is also home to floodlit tennis courts, and guests can avail themselves of W-Fi, snorkeling equipment, selected motorized and non-motorized water sports, separate teen and children’s clubs as well as each and every adult guest can enjoy one daily spa treatment per day of their holiday.
Mr. Voytek Klasicki says that he is proud to have added a new selection of freshly-renovated rooms to the resorts’ many attractions, and that he anticipates that regular visitors will enjoy their stays at Centara Grand Maldives even more.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
-
Honeymoon1 week agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples
-
Awards1 week agoKuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
-
Awards1 week agoAngsana Velavaru achieves 4.8 rating in British Airways Customer Awards
-
Cooking1 week agoBaros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
-
Action1 week agoFour Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to stage 14th edition of Surfing Champions Trophy
-
Drink1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi showcases mixology collaboration during Easter programme
-
Featured1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May
-
Awards1 week agoCinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition



