News
Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort goes up for sale
Maldives.net.mv – JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group has been appointed by AAA Group on an exclusive basis to advise on a strategic, vacant possession disposition of Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort and Spa, in The Maldives’ Noonu Atoll.
Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort and Spa comprises 50 villas (30 over-water villas and 20 beach villas), four food and beverage outlets, a full-service spa, an ocean-front fresh water infinity pool, a Werner Lau Diving Centre, a fitness centre with full-sized tennis court and luxury boutique.
Nihat Ercan, Executive Vice President, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific said, “Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort represents a rare opportunity for investors and owner-operators to acquire a five-star, luxury resort fully unencumbered by brand or management affiliations in one of the world’s most coveted resort destinations.”
He continued: “The Maldives is a dynamic destination, attracting a broad base of travellers from around the world. In 2014, international arrivals to the island nation increased 7 percent to 1.2 million and RevPAR at the country’s resorts increased 8 percent to USD 517. This global accessibility coupled with consistently strong growth in average room rates – which are among the highest in Asia – represent the market’s excellent underlying fundamentals. As a result of Maldives’ robust trading fundamentals, and supported by investor-friendly policies, we are seeing continually strong investor interest in Maldivian resort assets.”
JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group in Asia Pacific has sold six resorts in the Maldives since 2012, with the 130-room Reethi Beach Resort in Baa Atoll currently under offer, taking the group’s resort sales in the Indian Ocean to more than USD500 million to date.
News
Siyam World Maldives adds JetCar Cinema to collection of island experiences
At Siyam World, part of the Lifestyle Collection of Sun Siyam, even movie night comes with a twist. The resort has introduced its latest experience. JetCar Cinema, taking the classic drive-in concept off the road and straight into the lagoon. Because apparently watching a movie from a normal seat was never going to be enough.
The experience invites guests to hop into a JetCar, cruise across the lagoon and settle in for a film on a floating big screen, surrounded by the warm Maldivian waters and open night sky. Yes, you drive to the cinema. On the water. Part JetCar adventure, part drive-in cinema and completely Siyam World, it is a movie night with a rather different kind of front-row seat.
Then again, doing things differently is hardly new territory for Siyam World. Home to the Maldives’ largest floating waterpark, the country’s first in-resort horse ranch and its very own electric go-kart track the resort has built a reputation for turning the familiar holiday experiences into something entirely unexpected. JetCar Cinema is simply the latest addition to an island where ordinary has never been part of the plan.
Whether it is a date night with a difference or another holiday story worth bringing home, this is one cinema experience where the journey is just as much fun as the movie itself.
Lights, camera, splash. Movie night just found a new address.

JetCar Cinema welcomes up to four guests per session, with the film, drinks and popcorn all part of the experience. Ready to experience your own lagoon-side movie night? Discover the latest offers here. After all, at Siyam World, even a quiet night in comes with a little more going on.
Awards
Atmosphere Core wins Leading Resort/Hotel Brand and Hospitality Development Company titles at SATA 2026
Atmosphere Core has been recognised with two prestigious honours at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, receiving the titles of Leading Resort/Hotel Brand and Leading Hospitality Development Company.
The recognition reflects Atmosphere Core’s continued contribution to the hospitality landscape across the Maldives and beyond, and its commitment to creating distinctive guest experiences through thoughtful hospitality, strong brand identities and responsible development.
With a growing portfolio spanning the Maldives and international destinations, Atmosphere Core continues to build a diverse collection of hospitality brands, each shaped by its own identity and approach to guest experience. As its brands expand, the company continues to evolve its portfolio while staying grounded in its philosophy of delivering heartfelt hospitality.

The Leading Hospitality Development Company title further recognises Atmosphere Core’s development journey, which has expanded beyond its established Maldivian portfolio into new destinations and concepts. Most recently, the company marked its debut in Europe with the opening of BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere in Italy, while continuing to develop its pipeline of new hospitality projects across key markets.
Commenting on the recognition, Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director at Atmosphere Core, said: “We are honoured to receive these two recognitions at the South Asian Travel Awards 2026. They reflect the dedication of our teams across our resorts, offices and development projects, and the trust of our guests, partners and industry colleagues. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on creating meaningful hospitality experiences while developing brands and destinations with a clear sense of identity and purpose.”

The South Asian Travel Awards are among the region’s recognised platforms celebrating achievements across the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. The 2026 awards recognise organisations and individuals demonstrating excellence and contribution to the industry across South Asia.
The two SATA 2026 recognitions add to Atmosphere Core’s growing list of industry accolades and mark another milestone in the group’s continued development as an international hospitality company.
Featured
Reethi Faru Resort reveals festive line-up of dining, entertainment and island experiences
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
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