News
NIYAMA now offers twice the fun
Maldives.net.mv – NIYAMA, the Per AQUUM Resort located in the South Western Atoll of Dhaalu in the Maldives, announces the opening of its second island ‘Play’. With 48 new villas, Play offers fresh, groundbreaking concepts including Nest, the treetop dining experience and BLU, the laid-back beachfront restaurant, plus new facilities for every generation including the most exciting children’s club in the Maldives. Play is connected to NIYAMA’s original island, ‘Chill’, by a bridge with the two just a hop, skip and a jump apart.
Miami meets the Mediterranean at BLU, which offers relaxed family-style beachfront dining from day through to night. The large infinity pool with its dedicated children’s swimming area offers fun for the whole tribe and the poolside ice cream parlour is packed with homemade treats including smoothies, sherbert and crêpes. A ‘Sunshine Thakuru’ takes care of guests’ every whim and poolside cabanas offer a private haven close to all the action.
Opening soon on Play, Nest is a one-of-a-kind dining concept for the Maldives featuring naturally modern design nestled amongst the Banyan trees in the heart of the jungle. With a diverse menu, Nest offers a gourmet wonderland of Asian specialties from Thai to Teppanyaki with fresh, seasonal produce from the Chef’s own island garden. The innovative multi-level treehouse design provides spectacular locations from private pods suspended six metres above the ground to culinary theatrics in domed pavilions burrowed amongst the trees, all linked by wooden walkways adding a sense of adventure to the jungle experience.
Explorers, the new children’s club run by an internationally renowned operator, is located close to the resort’s family friendly accommodation on Play. Designed with adventurous spirits in mind, Explorers offers a wealth of experiences which promise to ignite children’s imagination.
Operated by fully qualified childcare professionals and local team members with an exceptionally high ratio of carers to children, the club caters to children from 12 months to 12 years. NIYAMA is the only resort in the Maldives offering a club for children under three years of age with special facilities for younger children including a sleeping room for daytime siestas. Children will be split into four age groups with activities tailor-made to their abilities and interests. Theme days include Jungle Safari, Pirates & Princesses and Circus Fun as well as activities such as sandcastle building, salt dough making and ‘bubble trouble’. Older children can enjoy their own space with activities such as football skills, beach cricket, tennis, snorkelling safaris and Master Chef Classes as well as expeditions to nearby islands. Highlights include water games, a climbing wall and a trampoline. Budding thespians will have the time of their lives treading the boards at the club’s own amphitheatre.
New accommodation options at NIYAMA include the One-Bedroom Beach Pool Suites which offer the best of indoor/outdoor living, perfect for families, groups of friends or couples seeking more space. The Beach Pool Suites provide total privacy but also the convenience of direct beach access and ocean views from bed as well as a ‘family-sized’ plunge pool. The new Two-Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion boldly faces the lagoon and offers the ultimate in luxury living and a high level of privacy with the added bonus of an in-villa spa. Guests will enjoy all of NIYAMA’s signature touches including a personal Thakuru – butler service ‘Maldivian-style’ – ‘Deli-In’, a refrigerator brimming with gourmet drinks and treats including complimentary popcorn and ice cream, and an in-room entertainment system with LED TV, Bose 5.1 Surround System and a wide range of international and foreign language movies. Children and teenagers will receive a special welcome gift and turndown service.
NIYAMA, which opened in 2012, is a 45 minute seaplane flight from Male and has quickly established a reputation for redefining the Maldives experience. The new facilities on Play complement the venues on Chill, including LIME Spa which promises to bring guests out of their shell with a range of cutting edge treatments. Dining options on Chill include Tribal, the innovative African dining experience, fine dining at Edge, which is only accessible by boat, and Subsix, the underwater playground.
Guests can be part of the celebrations with Per AQUUM’s special introductory offer ‘Chill & Play’ which offers a saving of 30% on the best available rate and a whole range of extras designed to make their stay even better including one of the following extras for each full day:
- Babysitting service for three hours
- 60 minute treatment at LIME Spa for two
- Dinner at BLU on Play or Epicure on Chill
- Lunch at the underwater playground, Subsix
- Heaven for game-lovers with a two hour session on the simulator (golf, basketball and ice hockey)
Family
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents Easter season of dining, discovery
Easter at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa arrives as a season of renewal, set against a backdrop of turquoise waters and endless skies. From March 3 to 11, the resort unveils a carefully composed programme of culinary artistry and immersive experiences, designed for those seeking an elevated island retreat.
On this private sanctuary, Easter is reimagined as a time for gathering and reflection. For families, the resort’s Duplex Series, including the Two-Bedroom Duplex Beach Pool Villas and the Duplex Overwater Pool Villas, offers a sophisticated “home away from home.” These expansive, multi-level residences provide the space and privacy essential for multigenerational travel, ensuring that the joy of the season is shared in comfort beneath the open Maldivian skies.
The First Chapter: A Salutation to the Sea
The journey commences on Good Friday, April 3, with From the Sea. Hosted upon the Horizon Deck, this experience is less a dinner and more a sensory tribute to the Indian Ocean. As the sun dips below the lagoon, guests are invited to a ritual of purity
The Good Friday experience focuses on the simplicity of the sea. The menu features sustainably sourced seafood, prepared with precision to highlight natural flavours without pretence. Surrounded by panoramic lagoon views and the evening breeze, guests are invited to enjoy a rare moment of stillness, marking a serene start to the Easter season.
The Gathering: A Celebration of Togetherness
Easter Sunday on March 5 at Aailaa is a day defined by the ease of island life and the joy of a shared table. The morning begins with a celebratory breakfast featuring a curated selection of international specialties, followed by an evening Grand Buffet that balances traditional holiday favorites with modern, island-inspired creations.
Set against the backdrop of the turquoise lagoon, the day is designed for slow, meaningful moments. Whether it’s the lingering over seasonal desserts or the quiet comfort of a family dinner, the experience at Aailaa provides a refined space for guests to reconnect and celebrate the holiday in the heart of our tropical sanctuary.
Community by JW: A Garden-to-Table Journey
At the heart of the celebration lies a deeper connection to nature. Through the Community by JW initiative, guests are invited to reconnect with the land in the resort’s vibrant JW Garden.
Guided by the culinary team, participants harvest fresh herbs and seasonal ingredients before transforming them into interactive pastry creations. This immersive garden-led experience reflects the resort’s commitment to sustainability and mindful living, offering guests a meaningful way to engage with their surroundings while celebrating the essence of renewal.
A Sanctuary for Every Generation
The resort’s 60 private pool villas, each attended by a dedicated Thakuru (Butler), serve as a secluded base for the holiday. To explore the island’s natural beauty, guests of all ages are provided with complimentary bicycles, allowing families to wander the sandy paths at their own pace, from the quiet corners of the gardens to the water’s edge.
For younger explorers, the Family by JW Little Griffins’ Kids Club, one of the largest in the Maldives—offers a world of discovery with a rotating schedule of over 100 weekly activities. This allows parents the freedom to find their own balance through holistic wellbeing and island relaxation.
This Easter, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa offers more than just a holiday; it provides a return to what matters most. It is a season defined by elegance, intention, and the simple, timeless beauty of life lived by the sea.
The Savor the Endless package elevates the stay with a USD 300 resort credit per stay, complemented by daily breakfast, a three-course lunch, and a three-course dinner for two at select restaurants. A one-time floating breakfast served in the privacy of the villa adds an indulgent highlight, while a 60% reduction on food at Hashi and Shio invites guests to explore the resort’s culinary offerings. Earn up to 40,000 bonus points for Marriott Bonvoy® member. Additionally, guests can get complimentary non-motorised watersports provide effortless enjoyment on the lagoon, alongside the attentive service of a dedicated Thakuru (personal butler), complimentary bicycles, and a one-time 30-minute photography session with one printed keepsake to preserve moments in paradise.
For more information, visit the resort’s website.
News
World-renowned photographer Greg Finck to lead workshop at Milaidhoo Maldives
Milaidhoo Maldives has announced the upcoming stay of internationally acclaimed photographer Greg Finck, who will host an exclusive photography workshop on Tuesday 21st April on the boutique private island.
Over the past 15 years, Greg Finck has become one of the most sought-after names in wedding and event photography, documenting exceptional celebrations across the globe. Beyond weddings, he has refined his artistic vision through travel and fashion photography, collaborating with renowned fashion houses including Elie Saab, Balenciaga and Rime Arodaky.
Greg’s signature style is elegant, natural and timeless, capturing his subjects in their most honest light. Influenced by legendary fashion photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino and Patrick Demarchelier, he continually challenges convention while maintaining a refined aesthetic. He has been named one of the world’s top wedding photographers by Harper’s Bazaar and has been featured in leading international publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, The New York Times and Martha Stewart Weddings.
During his time at Milaidhoo, Greg will lead an intimate workshop designed for photography enthusiasts and creative minds alike. Set against the island’s pristine shores and turquoise waters, the session offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most celebrated talents in an inspiring, natural setting.
This special collaboration reflects Milaidhoo’s commitment to curating meaningful experiences that connect guests with artistry, creativity and place.
For further information or to reserve a place at the workshop, please contact welcome@milaidhoo.com.
News
The Westin Maldives celebrates World Sleep Day with restorative island programme
To celebrate World Sleep Day, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to embrace the brand’s Sleep Well philosophy through a week-long program of deeply relaxing experiences. Thoughtfully designed with rest in mind, the wellness-led offerings encourage guests to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the benefits of truly restorative sleep in one of the Maldives’ most tranquil island settings.
From March 7–13, 2026, guests can enjoy a series of experiences designed to bring a deeper sense of calm to their stay, from a soothing Sleep Infusion Turndown featuring chamomile, lavender, and caffeine-free green tea, to quiet pauses inspired by the island’s natural rhythm.
Marking World Sleep Day on March 13, the resort will host a Yoga Nidra session, a guided meditation practice that induces a state of consciousness between sleeping and waking, led by Heavenly Spa by Westin. That evening, a sunset cocktail reception will offer a sleep-inspired twist, featuring drinks crafted to help support a restful night.
Guests can also explore The Nap Map that highlights peaceful spots across the island for daytime rest. Whether lounging along the resort’s white-sand shores, swaying gently in a hammock, or tucked away into a quiet corner amid lush greenery, each nap zone offers an invitation to slow down. An extended breakfast service until noon on March 13 adds the perfect reason to sleep in.
The celebration also spotlights the resort’s year-round commitment to sleep wellness. From Westin’s award-winning Heavenly® Bed to the Sleep Well Lavender Balm, infused with lavender and chamomile oils, every detail is designed to support a more balanced, restorative stay. Guests can also enjoy the Sleep Well Menu, featuring lighter evening dishes created to complement a calmer nighttime routine. Sleep-focused offerings extend to families, thanks to the resort’s partnership with Savvy Sleep pediatric specialists, who created The Westin Maldives Kids Sleep Manual to help children and parents enjoy a more restful getaway.
Beyond Sleep Well, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort continues to champion holistic well-being with experiences that help guests eat and move well throughout their stay. From the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio and scenic running routes to Gear Lending, yoga sessions, and treatments at the overwater Heavenly Spa by Westin™, the resort offers a wellness-led island escape designed for a full reset.
Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort blends contemporary overwater and beach villas with nature-led surroundings and purposeful wellness experiences, allowing guests to reconnect with themselves in one of the Maldives’ most serene destinations.
Plan your next Maldivian wellness getaway at westin-maldives.com.
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