News
Maldives selected as one of the most stunning airport approaches in the World
Maldives.net.mv – Landing at an airport gives passengers a unique and sometimes breath-taking view you’re unable to see from the ground.
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Malé, Maldives has been shortlisted in the hunt for the world’s most iconic and scenic plane landings. The airport is competing for top spot in a poll by PrivateFly.com, the leading private jet booking service, against some of the world’s most iconic airports, including Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Venice, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Hong Kong.
A a panel of travel industry judges – which include Forbes’ Matthew Stibbe, Tiffany Dowd of Luxe Social Media, and Travel Weekly Chairman Clive Jacobs – have chosen 37 airports which they think offer the most stunning views on approach in the world.
Travel writer Ana Silva O’Reilly, on her vote for Male, Maldives, wrote: ‘It takes a while to get there, but there are places that deserve the word paradise next to their names. On the approach, you will see many of the private hotel islands, and you won’t be able to miss the contrast with the semi-organised chaos of Male island.’
Last year the winner was Nice Cote D’Azur, which was praised by voters for its ‘sublime beauty’, ‘full range of colours at a glance’, and ‘amazing views of the French Riviera’.
Adam Twidell, CEO of poll organiser PrivateFly, experienced pilot and member of the judging panel said: ‘The PrivateFly Airport Approaches Poll is an annual checklist for air travel fans.
‘We asked travel industry experts to put together the shortlist and it includes iconic city views such as Las Vegas and London City; to tiny remote airstrips such as Saba – the world’s shortest commercial runway; or the awe-inspiring mountain scenery at Aspen or Jackson Hole.
‘But it’s now up to the travelling public to decide which airport offers the world’s very best runway view.’
Fans can vote for their favourite airport landing here.
Awards
Sirru Fen Fushi shortlisted for family and sustainability honours at Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Awards
Private Lagoon Resort has been named a finalist in two categories at the 2026 Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards: Best Hotel for Families and Best Hotel for Sustainability.
Presented by Luxury Lifestyle Magazine (LLM), the Readers’ Travel Awards celebrate outstanding hotels, destinations and travel experiences from around the world. Following nominations and the selection of finalists, winners across the categories will now be determined by public vote.
The dual recognition highlights two defining aspects of the Sirru Fen Fushi experience: its approach to creating meaningful island experiences for families, and its ongoing commitment to protecting and regenerating the natural environment surrounding the resort.
Located on Gaakoshibee Island in the Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi is set within a 600-hectare private lagoon and alongside a 9-kilometre house reef. Meaning ‘Secret Water Island’ in Dhivehi, the resort combines contemporary island living with a strong connection to its natural surroundings.
For families, the resort offers a diverse collection of experiences designed to bring guests of all ages together, from marine exploration and coral planting to sports, creative activities and dedicated family facilities. The resort’s expansive infinity pool includes a family area alongside a dedicated children’s pool, while its range of villas provides space and privacy for families travelling together.
Sustainability is equally central to the island experience. The resort’s Coralarium, created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, combines underwater art with coral regeneration, while the surrounding house reef provides an exceptional environment for marine conservation and education. Guests can participate in experiences including coral planting, turtle research and marine discovery, offering an opportunity to engage directly with the ecosystem surrounding the island. Sirru Fen Fushi also operates a dedicated Sustainability Lab and holds Green Globe GOLD certification.
Rudrojit Deb, General Manager at Sirru Fen Fushi, said: “We are delighted to be recognised in two categories in the 2026 Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards. Being shortlisted for both Best Hotel for Families and Best Hotel for Sustainability is particularly meaningful, as these are two areas that are deeply connected to the experience, we strive to create at Sirru Fen Fushi. We want families to discover the island together while also developing a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary marine environment that surrounds us. We would be delighted to have the support of LLM readers as voting progresses.”
Voting is now open and closes at 11.59pm on 15 November 2026, with the winners due to be announced on 2 December 2026.
Readers can vote for Sirru Fen Fushi in both categories via the Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards.
To cast your vote, please visit here. To discover more or to reserve your festive escape, please visit the resort’s official website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
Cooking
Sirru Fen Fushi welcomes back Chef Tristan Brandt for exclusive festive dining experiences
Following a successful residency at Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, the resort’s acclaimed Sirru Icons Series welcomes back Chef Tristan Brandt, one of Europe’s most acclaimed culinary talents and formerly Germany’s youngest two-Michelin-starred chef, for an exclusive festive season residency.
Renowned for his contemporary interpretation of French gastronomy, Chef Tristan has earned international recognition for combining classical technique, exceptional ingredients, and global influences to create refined dining experiences. Having trained under some of Germany’s most respected culinary masters, including Harald Wohlfahrt, and led acclaimed restaurants across Germany and Switzerland, he continues to be recognised as one of Europe’s leading culinary figures.

Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ pristine natural beauty, Chef Tristan’s return residency offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the cuisine of one of Europe’s leading chefs in an intimate island setting.
As part of The Constellations of Moments, Sirru Fen Fushi’s festive season programme, Chef Tristan’s return brings a world-class gastronomic dimension to a season dedicated to celebration, discovery, and meaningful connections beneath the Maldivian sky.
Following the success of their previous collaboration, Chef Tristan Brandt will once again join forces with Sirru Fen Fushi’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma for an exclusive Six-Course Four Hands Dinner at Azure Restaurant on 29 December 2026. Showcasing Chef Tristan’s signature blend of French culinary craftsmanship and international influences alongside locally inspired flavours, the evening promises a refined gastronomic journey celebrating creativity, technique, and exceptional ingredients. Set within Azure’s elegant overwater setting, guests will enjoy an immersive dining experience where each course reflects the artistry and vision of two accomplished chefs.

To welcome the New Year, Chef Tristan will present an exclusive Signature Four-Course Dinner at Azure on 2 January 2027. Carefully curated to reflect his celebrated culinary philosophy, the menu will showcase refined flavour compositions, sophisticated techniques, and exceptional ingredients inspired by modern French gastronomy and global influences. The experience offers guests a rare opportunity to discover the creativity and precision that have earned Chef Tristan international acclaim.
Located within one of the Maldives’ largest natural lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a distinctive blend of luxury, nature, and discovery. Through the Sirru Icons Series, the resort continues to bring internationally acclaimed talents to the island, creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with exceptional people, cultures, and ideas.
Building on the success of his previous residency, Chef Tristan’s return further reflects Sirru Fen Fushi’s commitment to curating exceptional experiences through long-standing collaborations with internationally acclaimed talents.

Set within the tranquil beauty of the resort’s natural island surroundings, Chef Tristan Brandt’s residency promises unforgettable moments where elevated gastronomy meets barefoot luxury, offering discerning travellers an extraordinary culinary experience in one of the Maldives’ most inspiring destinations.
For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s official website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
News
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort unveils ‘Havana Nights’ festive programme
This festive season, NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is turning up the rhythm with Havana Nights, a colourful island celebration inspired by the music, flavours and unmistakable spirit of Cuba.
Running from 21 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the programme brings together festive dining, live entertainment, family experiences, wellness and ocean adventures, all set against the natural beauty of Fonimagoodhoo in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.

The celebrations begin on 21 December, an especially meaningful date as the resort marks the first anniversary of its new chapter as NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort. An anniversary cocktail reception will be followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree, setting the mood for more than two weeks of festive island life.
Christmas Eve will unfold with a distinctly tropical spirit. Guests can spend the day between wellness sessions, family activities and the beach before gathering for festive cocktails, Santa’s arrival and a Christmas Gala Dinner at Jumla. Live music and Cuban-inspired performances will carry the celebrations into the evening.

The programme continues with relaxed festive dining, music, beach activities, wellness experiences and plenty for younger guests, allowing families and couples to enjoy the season at their own pace.
On 29 December, Havana Nights takes its sense of adventure beneath the surface with the resort’s Sunken Rum Dive. Divers will retrieve an ocean-aged rum cask before the story continues ashore with Bring Up the Lost Treasure, a guided tasting inspired by Handhuvaru’s signature rum experience.

The island reaches its most vibrant on New Year’s Eve, with live entertainment, music and fire performances leading into a midnight fireworks display over the Indian Ocean. New Year’s Day slows the tempo with a leisurely brunch, live music and relaxed afternoon celebrations by the sea.
Inspired by the romance of Caribbean travel and the easy rhythm of island life, Havana Nights gives the traditional festive escape a warmer, more playful character. Days are made for the ocean, spa and sunshine, while evenings bring people together over good food, music and celebration beneath the palms.

NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is home to 105 renovated beach and overwater villas, complemented by restaurants and bars, REVIVE Spa & Wellbeing, family facilities and a wide range of marine and recreational experiences.
The resort is located 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé, or 20 minutes by domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 15-minute speedboat transfer.

For more information about NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, please visit the resort’s official website.
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