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PER AQUUM restyles Subsix as a subaquatic playground

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Subsix, NiyamaMaldives.net.mv – Following the rave reviews of its world-first underwater nightclub, Subsix, PER AQUUM has evolved the pioneering venue into an underwater playground, a creative space which can be transformed into whatever guests imagine it to be – from private Champagne breakfasts to lunchtime celebrations to midnight proposals. Located at PER AQUUM Niyama in the Maldives, Subsix first opened in 2012. The recent redesign by Poole Associates draws inspiration from the aquatic surroundings and sets a very surreal stage for guests to dive beneath the surface and explore their desires.

Guests reach Subsix via speedboat, skipping over the reef to its 500-metre offshore location. Upon arrival, the underwater revellers descend a dramatic three-tier staircase. Overhead, Italian-designed abstract chandeliers illuminate the descent like shining coral or white stars sparkling through the sea’s surface. Brancusi cabinetry and mirrors line the path.

In the depths of Subsix, the soft anemone fingers of bespoke chairs invite with their deliciously bizarre textured design. Above, thousands of strands of capiz shells drape from the entire expanse of the ceiling in a luxe ode to an undersea kelp forest. Piercing the shells’ undulating waves, a garden of coral-like chandeliers spike their gleaming branches over wedding brunches and late-night celebrations. Silver-panelled columns throughout the venue draw their inspiration from the ribbed gills of manta rays.

In the centre of the room, a huge clam-inspired bar strikes an imposing form, its fibreglass shell glowing with Subsix’s mood lighting that shifts throughout the day from pure white mornings to a lavender dinner setting to late-night blues.

In addition to the seating in the clam’s swooping curves, tables and chairs dot the space, with the most coveted seats by the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Over 90 coral reef species ply the waters, the dense marine life being attracted by the specially designed reef structures that integrate into the natural reef and enrich the habitat with surfaces for coral and hiding spots for the more reclusive denizens.

Parrotfish swim past shoals of Moorish Idols. Moray eels slide through the lagoon. Groupers make goliath appearances amidst the rainbow of butterflyfish and damselfish, while the resident Hawksbill turtle makes occasional visits at the cleaning station for a nibbled spa treatment by the small cleaning fish.

Among the many activities hosted by Subsix, marine biologist-led immersions into aquatic life give guests an expert’s insight into the rich environment and its secrets. Other highlighted activities in the restyled venue include subaquatic lunches, gourmet dinners, weddings, hosted events, wine tastings, a weekly Glow Party and DJ nights carrying on the tradition of its birth as a pioneer-of-the-deep club.

In the words of PER AQUUM Niyama’s General Manager Dietmar Koegerl, “Subsix is the closest you can get to the reef without a mask or a wetsuit. Guests fell so in love with the setting from the start that we knew we had hit on something special and had to take it to the next level.”

The new avatar of Subsix is now open. The last finishing touches are being completed as of May 2015 with new activities to be innovated over time and in response to valued opinions of PER AQUUM’s jet set guests.

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Readers’ favourites: Anantara Kihavah, Niyama Private Islands earn top honours in Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Awards

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Two Minor Hotels’ Maldivian resorts — Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas and Niyama Private Islands Maldives — have been recognised among the best in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, one of the travel industry’s most respected accolades.

The two resorts, both under Minor Hotels’ luxury Anantara brand portfolio, were featured in the Indian Ocean category of this year’s awards. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas was ranked No. 9 by readers of Condé Nast Traveller UK, while Niyama Private Islands Maldives secured the No. 10 spot in Condé Nast Traveler US.

These rankings reaffirm the enduring appeal of Minor Hotels’ Maldivian portfolio, celebrated for combining exceptional natural settings with world-class hospitality and distinctive guest experiences.

Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offers a blend of barefoot luxury and marine discovery. The resort is renowned for its award-winning underwater restaurant, SEA, and a diverse collection of private pool villas surrounded by one of the archipelago’s most vibrant house reefs.

Meanwhile, Niyama Private Islands Maldives, set across twin islands Play and Chill in Dhaalu Atoll, continues to define laid-back luxury in the Indian Ocean. Known for its pioneering underwater club Subsix, family-friendly vibe, and innovative wellness and dining concepts, the resort offers an experience where adventure meets serenity.

“These accolades reflect the passion and dedication of our teams across the Maldives,” said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels. “We are proud to see our Maldivian resorts recognised by travellers from around the world, reaffirming their status among the most desirable island destinations globally.”

The 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards highlight Minor Hotels’ growing global presence, with a total of 45 accolades across its Anantara, Avani, NH Collection, and Elewana brands — the group’s strongest performance to date.

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Villa Park invites travellers to enjoy up to 20% off Maldivian escapes

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Villa Park invites travellers to experience the warmth and wonder of the Maldives this winter with its Winter Escape Offer, giving guests up to 20% off stays. Set in the South Ari Atoll, one of the country’s largest natural islands, Villa Park blends adventure, relaxation, and genuine Maldivian hospitality across a lush landscape surrounded by turquoise lagoons.

Guests can choose from family beach villas, beach pool villas, and water villas, each designed to capture the island’s light and tranquillity. The highlight of the resort’s collection is the Two-Bedroom Beach Pool House, the largest residence on the island, featuring a private pool, ocean views, and direct beach access. It is the ideal choice for families or friends seeking space, privacy, and comfort.

Recognised as one of the Best Family Resorts in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025, Villa Park is home to the Park Players Kids Club, the largest in the Maldives. The club offers creative workshops, outdoor adventures, and engaging activities that inspire imagination and connection for children of all ages.

Days at Villa Park are filled with discovery, from whale shark excursions in the nearby marine reserve to treetop dining at ZERO, the island’s garden-to-fork restaurant where ingredients are grown on site. The Araamu Spa offers a peaceful sanctuary inspired by traditional Maldivian healing practices, while sunset cruises and beachside cocktails add to the rhythm of island life.

Sustainability is at the heart of Villa Park’s philosophy. The Green Key-certified resort produces solar energy to power island operations and runs a hydroponic garden that supplies fresh produce to its kitchens. It also operates an in-house glass-bottle facility to eliminate single-use plastics and has implemented comprehensive recycling and waste management systems. These efforts ensure that each stay supports a healthier, more sustainable Maldives.

Guests who book directly at villaresorts.com enjoy exclusive benefits, flexible booking terms, and the best available rates.

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Maldives ranked no. 1 island in Africa and Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveller

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Maldives has once again affirmed its position as a leading global island destination, being ranked No. 1 in Africa and the Indian Ocean at the Condé Nast Traveller 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, announced on 7 October 2025.

The annual Readers’ Choice Awards, among the most respected accolades in the travel industry, celebrate the best destinations, hotels, resorts, islands, and experiences as voted by the magazine’s international audience of travellers. This year, the Maldives achieved an outstanding score of 97.50, securing the top spot ahead of Madagascar, the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya, and Zanzibar in Tanzania.

Top Islands in Africa and the Indian Ocean – 2025

  1. Maldives – 97.50
  2. Madagascar – 92.42
  3. Lamu Archipelago, Kenya – 92.38
  4. Zanzibar, Tanzania – 91.43
  5. Seychelles – 85.71
  6. São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe – 80.71
  7. Réunion, France – 79.49
  8. Pemba Island, Tanzania – 78.94

In its write-up on the Maldives, Condé Nast Traveller noted:

“Sometimes only the Maldives will do – a place where the sand is eye-searingly white, the water is as swimming-pool blue as it looks on the postcards and the deliciously reliable weather makes it a winter-sun showstopper. The archipelago is thrilling to fly over – that seaplane view of the pancake-batter atolls blasts away any long-haul fogginess. And while the perfect beaches, colour-popping coral reefs and hammocks under swaying palm trees come as standard, it’s the hotels that give each one of these islands something different to offer.”

Highlighting two of the country’s standout properties, the publication spotlighted Constance Halaveli and Constance Moofushi for their exceptional hospitality, design, and guest experiences.

At Constance Halaveli in North Ari Atoll, Condé Nast Traveller praised the resort’s balance of indulgence and relaxation, citing its refined dining experiences, family-friendly atmosphere, and world-class wellness offerings. The resort’s holistic spa treatments, extensive wine cellars, and world-renowned diving opportunities—where manta rays and reef sharks can even be spotted from the terrace—were among the noted highlights.

Meanwhile, Constance Moofushi, described as a “proper all-inclusive retreat made even smarter after a recent renovation,” was commended for its vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and seamless blend of luxury and laid-back charm. The publication noted that guests can enjoy high-quality wines, exceptional cuisine, and beautifully designed villas that maintain an intimate, welcoming ambience.

The recognition of the Maldives as the best island destination in Africa and the Indian Ocean reinforces its global reputation for luxury travel, world-class resorts, and natural beauty. From pristine lagoons and overwater villas to innovative wellness concepts and sustainable tourism initiatives, the Maldives continues to set benchmarks for island hospitality.

As travellers seek meaningful, immersive experiences, the Maldives remains a symbol of paradise perfected—where each island tells its own story and every resort captures the essence of barefoot luxury.

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