News
The Residence by Cenizaro to open its second hotel in the Maldives in Summer 2016
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.”
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
COLOURS OF OBLU is celebrating a remarkable year of recognition. Guest love has placed OBLU SELECT Lobigili among the top 1% of hotels worldwide, earning the adults-only resort Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026 honour. Joining the celebration, OBLU SELECT Sangeli and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO have both been recognised with Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026.
Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards are the top accolades in the travel industry. The awards are given by real travellers who share their travel experiences on the world’s largest travel guidance platform and are not decided by panels or experts as is the case in industry awards. The award recognises properties that consistently provide outstanding hospitality and memorable guest experiences.
OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a popular adults-only escape for travellers seeking a secluded Maldivian getaway centred on romance and relaxation. Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé, the resort continues to earn praise for its charming nest villas, personalised service, and the unforgettable under ocean dining experience at Only BLU. This latest honour further reinforces OBLU SELECT Lobigili’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ most sought-after luxury resorts, known for its intimate island setting, exquisite food, and warm hospitality.
The recognition extends across the wider COLOURS OF OBLU collection. OBLU SELECT Sangeli continues to delight guests with its vibrant island atmosphere, chic contemporary villas, diverse dining options, and seamless blend of relaxation and adventure. Meanwhile, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO remains a favourite among diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, offering direct access to one of the Maldives’ most celebrated house reefs, complemented by an authentic island ambience and heartfelt service.
From romantic escapes and island adventures to unforgettable underwater discoveries, these resorts create experiences that guests value, remember, and recommend. Together, this Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice recognition reflects the power of authentic guest reviews and stands as a testament to the warm hospitality, personalised service, and memorable holiday experiences that define COLOURS OF OBLU.
Angsana Velavaru has refreshed three of its most beloved villa categories: the Beach Infinity Pool Villa, the Velavaru Two-Bedroom Pool Villa, and the Angsana Three-Bedroom Pool Villa. Updated furnishings, reimagined living spaces, and a bolder embrace of the island’s vibrant spirit invite you to experience the resort in a distinctly new light.
Beach Infinity Pool Villa
Step inside and the island finds its way in. The Beach Infinity Pool Villa has been refreshed with warm timber bed frames, a generous L-shaped daybed that draws you towards the pool deck, and an outdoor bathroom that transforms bathing into a ritual. A freestanding oval bath sits centre-stage on a circular teak platform, enclosed by lush tropical plantings, while a rain shower opens to the sky above. Bold artwork adorns the bedroom walls, vivid coral reefs and schooling fish offering a quiet celebration of the underwater world just beyond your door.
Velavaru Two-Bedroom Pool Villa
Designed for those who wish to gather and unwind together, the Velavaru Two-Bedroom Pool Villa balances energy and ease across its two distinct bedrooms. The master suite is anchored by a new timber bed frame and a seating area adorned with vibrant local artwork, while the second bedroom offers a relaxed twin configuration with direct access to the private pool deck. Outside, sun loungers frame a cobalt blue pool set against a canopy of palm trees, a space as suited to quiet mornings as it is too long, unhurried afternoons.
Angsana Three-Bedroom Pool Villa
The Angsana Three-Bedroom Pool Villa is a haven unto itself, generous, colourful, and alive with the spirit of togetherness. A dedicated dining and living area anchors the villa’s social heart, opening through glass-panelled doors to a sun-drenched pool deck framed by two thatched pavilions. Each bedroom carries its own distinct character: the master and second bedrooms refreshed with new timber furniture and original artwork inspired by the island’s natural heritage, while the third bedroom, dressed in playful space-themed linen, is thoughtfully designed to delight younger guests. This is a villa that grows with your family.
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