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The Residence by Cenizaro to open its second hotel in the Maldives in Summer 2016

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The Residence by Cenizaro
Maldives.net.mv – The Residence by Cenizaro will strengthen its portfolio of hotels with the opening of The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah in summer 2016.  The announcement follows the opening of The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi in 2012 and a new brand positioning for Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts – the leading international hospitality company.

The opening will bring The Residence by Cenizaro to five hotels and resorts.  Its current portfolio comprises four luxurious hotels in Mauritius, Tunis, Zanzibar and the Maldives.  Further expansion is planned over the next three years with; two hotels in Tunisia – Douz and The Medina of Tunis and one in Bintan, Indonesia.

Both Maldivian properties lie in the south of the archipelago, in Gaafu Alifu atoll.  Although on different islands they will be exclusively linked by a bridge and together the two resorts will form one of the largest resort offerings in the Maldives.

Like all Residence hotels, The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah will draw on the philosophy for which The Residence is renowned – heartfelt hospitality, a sense of place, acute attention to detail and an individual personality.  However, close to three times larger than the more intimate offering of The Residence at Falhumaafushi, Dhigurah is being created specifically with families in mind.  A playground for younger guests, there will be plenty of space to explore and learn.  There will be 173 expansive beach and water villas which will enjoy plenty of natural light and the use of warming rich and natural tones of stone and wood will create a luxurious but welcoming atmosphere.

There will be a Spa by Clarins with individual thatched roofed spa pavilions and the pièce de résistance Li Bai, a stunning Cantonese restaurant and sister to the renowned Li Bai at Sheraton Towers in Singapore.

The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah’s location will also attract snorkellers and divers.  The atoll escaped the effects of the 1988 El Nino when the warming of the seas damaged much of the coral elsewhere in the archipelago so the hotel is surrounded by dramatic reefs, more than 250 species of coral and 1,200 species of marine life.  Spinner and bottlenose dolphins, green turtles, manta and eagle rays as well as the more unusual ribbon eels, leaf, frog and ghost pipe fish have all been spotted in the area.

The service as always, will be exemplary and the generous proportions and space of the reception areas and rooms greet guests with an overwhelming sense of grandeur and a feeling of warmth.

Gary Xie, Director for Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts said:   “With The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah we are creating a new offering for our guests.  The hotel will – as always – be an authentic expression of The Residence philosophy; with its own story to tell and a combination of both Maldivian and global influences that will give it a unique sense of place.  But, with The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah, we want to create a hotel that is both the perfect place to relax but is also the ideal spot for families to let loose and have fun.   He adds, “It is a really exciting time for The Residence by Cenizaro as we look to expand the portfolio and we are truly excited with this new opening.”

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Kuda Villingili’s iconic pool honoured in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been ranked among the Best Resort Pools in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. This prestigious accolade, determined by votes from discerning travellers across the region, comes at a time of dual celebration for the resort as it marks its fourth anniversary.

Located in the picturesque North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili has garnered a reputation for its seamless blend of design, immersive experiences, and strong sense of community. Central to the resort’s appeal is its iconic 150-metre swimming pool—the largest in the Maldives. This architectural masterpiece redefines leisure and stands as a social and visual centrepiece of the island.

Encircled by swaying palms, luxurious daybeds, and jacuzzis, the pool connects effortlessly to the resort’s trio of lively bars and eight globally inspired restaurants. It is more than a swimming area; it is a meticulously designed space offering distinct zones to cater to diverse guest preferences. These include a 50-metre Olympic-sized lap pool for fitness enthusiasts, dedicated areas for daily aqua fitness and yoga sessions, jacuzzis tucked beneath tropical greenery, and shallow zones tailored for children. The pool also transforms into a romantic setting for candlelit dinners beneath the stars, offering couples a unique dining experience under the Milky Way.

Deepa Manuel, General Manager of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, commented on the recognition, “This award is a testament to our commitment to creating unforgettable, design-led experiences with heartfelt Maldivian hospitality. The pool was designed to bring people together—from families and fitness lovers to couples and solo travellers. It’s where our guests laugh, connect, and relax. To be ranked among the top three Best Resort Pools by Travel + Leisure readers just as we celebrate our fourth anniversary is a beautiful affirmation of what we have created here.”

Further affirming its status, Kuda Villingili also recently received the Reader’s Favourite Overseas Hotel award at the Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards 2024, underscoring its growing popularity across key Asian markets.

Kuda Villingili continues to push the boundaries of luxury island living, rooted in wellness, connection, and authenticity. The resort boasts eight exceptional dining venues offering 11 global cuisines, including the signature beachfront Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Mar-Umi and Earth, which celebrates Maldivian and vegetarian dishes. Guests also enjoy access to a wellness-focused private island spa, an active surf culture with proximity to the famed Chickens Break, and 75 luxurious villas and residences—many featuring private infinity pools and offering spaces for both solitude and meaningful connection.

Whether guests are swimming laps at sunrise, soaking in a jacuzzi beneath the stars, or toasting during a floating dinner at dusk, the pool at Kuda Villingili offers more than just a recreational space—it embodies an experience. This recognition from the Travel + Leisure Awards reflects the heartfelt appreciation of guests who consistently celebrate not only the beauty of the resort but the soulful experiences it provides.

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Awards

Sirru Fen Fushi secures top spots in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has been honoured in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, securing top rankings in two highly sought-after categories:

  • #2 Best Resort Pools in the Maldives
  • #4 Best Resort for Families in the Maldives

These accolades underscore the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing immersive, meaningful, and luxurious experiences for guests of all ages.

Celebrated for its expansive villas tailored with families in mind, Sirru Fen Fushi offers serene sanctuaries in beach, jungle, and overwater settings. Accommodations include the unique Safari Tented Villas, Sirru Residences, and spacious two- and three-bedroom villas, along with deluxe family lodgings—each offering privacy, ample space, and direct access to either the lagoon or beach.

Beyond its thoughtfully designed accommodations, the resort presents a range of family-friendly experiences. Guests can enjoy an interactive Kids’ Club, curated cultural and nature-based activities, hands-on art and sustainability workshops, and unforgettable marine adventures such as turtle discovery, snorkelling safaris, guided dolphin cruises, and stargazing. Each offering is crafted to inspire connection, learning, and joy across generations.

Ranked as the #2 Best Resort Pools in the Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi features an awe-inspiring 200-meter infinity pool that spans from the island’s eastern to western shores, symbolically linking sunrise to sunset. Framed by soft white sands and boundless ocean views, the pool has become an iconic centerpiece of the resort—captivating photographers, influencers, and leisure seekers from around the world.

Nestled on a pristine, untouched island, Sirru Fen Fushi seamlessly blends the quintessential Maldivian experience with sustainability, artistic expression, and cultural immersion. With this latest recognition, the resort continues to set new standards for modern luxury through meaningful travel and exceptional hospitality.

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Awards

Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific awards Villa Nautica Best Resort Pool in Maldives

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Villa Nautica’s signature infinity pool has been awarded the title of Best Resort Pool in the Maldives by readers of the Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Luxury Awards 2025. More than just an architectural feature, the pool serves as the heart of the resort—a tranquil expanse of water that seamlessly mirrors the sea beyond and transforms swimming into a meditative experience. Here, thoughtful design blends effortlessly with the natural environment, creating a space where the boundaries between land, water, and sky dissolve into serenity.

Located in the North Malé Atoll, only a short speedboat ride from the capital, Villa Nautica’s 1,350-square-meter pool is both a focal point and a design statement. It does not clamor for attention but draws it gently, extending confidently toward the horizon and creating the illusion of merging with the open ocean—while still offering the comfort and stability of land.

What distinguishes this pool is not merely its size or the flawless infinity illusion, but the way it quietly becomes part of the guest’s daily rhythm. Sun loungers are thoughtfully spaced and positioned, offering just the right amount of shade and always seeming to face the light at its most flattering angle. From morning sunbathing to lazy midday naps and sunset refreshments, the space is designed for lingering.

Adjacent to the pool is Press & Pot, a favoured spot among guests who enjoy pairing their swim with an artisanal coffee. The scent of freshly brewed espresso mingles with the sea breeze and the subtle aroma of sunscreen. Here, pastries come warm from the oven, tropical fruits are sliced to order, and coffee is served to a standard that rivals any urban café—with the added luxury of an uninterrupted ocean view.

Villa Nautica’s approach is not one of ostentation but of elegance. Its luxury lies in the details: the coolness of the stone underfoot, the soft rustle of palm leaves, and the way the water reflects the sky like glass as dusk approaches. It is an environment where nature and design exist in perfect, understated harmony.

This is what set Villa Nautica apart and earned it top honors. Among a competitive field of exceptional Maldivian resorts, the Travel + Leisure panel identified a timeless quality here. This is not simply a pool to swim in—it is one to experience. A space that encourages guests to pause, disconnect, and simply be.

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