News
PER AQUUM unveils new brand identity
Maldives.net.mv – PER AQUUM has revealed new phase in the brand’s evolution and the most significant development since its launch 10 years ago with a new logo, revamped visual identity and fresh hotel names. A collection of pure originals, the current portfolio reflects the elevated status of the brand featuring PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi and PER AQUUM Niyama in the Maldives, PER AQUUM Desert Palm in Dubai and Essque Zalu Zanzibar, which is being transformed into a PER AQUUM resort.
In 2013, Minor Hotel Group (MHG), the Thailand-based hotel owner, operator and investor, entered into a joint venture strategic partnership with Universal Enterprises, PER AQUUM’s founding company based in the Maldives. As part of this strategic venture MHG and Universal are developing the brand to encompass at least five additional properties within the next five years. The new brand identity, which is designed to lay the foundation for the expansion of the brand, was developed by MHG’s in-house team led by industry veteran and luxury hotelier, Nick Downing, VP of PER AQUUM, and Eight, the Hong Kong-based brand strategy and communications firm. In line with the rebranding and reflecting the literal translation of PER AQUUM ‘through water’, MHG and Eight created a new logo and identity inspired by the element of water, inspiration for many of the brand’s innovative concepts from the world’s first underwater spa to the world’s first underwater lounge.
‘The fact that this is the first major change to PER AQUUM’s visual identity since our launch 10 years ago is testament to the strength and longevity of the brand’s original DNA as well as the foresight of the founding company, Universal Enterprises,’ said Nick Downing, VP of PER AQUUM. ‘As we usher in this new era, we are determined to remain at the cutting edge of luxury and to continue to break the mould and challenge convention – we have a proven track record to uphold so we’re not looking for cookie cutter hotels or every day experiences. The most significant changes include the new tagline ‘Daring to be different’, a brand new logo with the monogram representing the ripples and immersive effect of a stay at a PER AQUUM hotel or resort and the renaming of the hotels under the PER AQUUM umbrella.’
Determined to maintain PER AQUUM’s pole position at the forefront of naturally modern design, Nick recently announced the opening of Play, the second island at PER AQUUM Niyama. With 48 new villas, Play offers fresh, groundbreaking concepts including Nest, the treetop dining experience and BLU, the laid-back beachfront restaurant where Miami meets the Mediterranean, plus new facilities for every generation including the most exciting children’s club in the Maldives. MHG also announced last December that Essque Zalu Zanzibar would be transformed into the newest member of PER AQUUM’s portfolio following the completion of the first phase of the upgrade programme targeting accommodation and selected public areas. PER AQUUM will manage the resort’s operations with signature passion and imagination during the transition period whilst simultaneously driving its evolution into a PER AQUUM-branded property to be relaunched in late 2015.
In parallel with the launch of new itineraries and new experiences for guests as well as a new set of service standards, PER AQUUM’s iconic Dream Calendar is also evolving. Surging with originality under its new identity, Pulse is PER AQUUM’s exclusive stream of avant-garde experiences from A-list affairs to intimate celebrations. Guests can immerse themselves in one-of-a-kind happenings inspired by PER AQUUM.
Eight was selected by MHG following a competitive pitch due to its strategic approach based on business intelligence and insight, its groundbreaking design concepts and its 20 year track record working with leading global brands from Apple to Montblanc to Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic. Eight has received widespread industry recognition from Cannes Lions nominations to multiple wins as Brand Consultancy of the Year.
‘‘PER AQUUM is a hospitality brand that isn’t afraid to push the envelope and the strategy encapsulated by “Daring to be Different” is a simple, emphatic expression of the company credo,’ says Bjorn Fjelddahl, Partner at Eight. ‘We chose electric colours to mirror the hues of aquatic life and the vibrancy of the lush, green polo estate and natural environment in the UAE. We created a signature ‘liquid’ pattern to echo the brand’s fluid personality and mystique,’ says Fjelddahl. ‘Much like the actual hotel experience, our identity hints at something sumptuously and discreetly luxurious, a hidden, ethereal world waiting to be discovered.’
News
From Galaxy of Dreams to Beneath the Blue: Cinnamon Resorts reveal festive programmes
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives is preparing to trade winter chills for warm shores this festive season, with four distinctly themed celebrations unfolding across its island resorts. From evenings inspired by the stars and a festive journey around the world to a tropical wonderland and celebrations beneath the blue, each resort will put its own spin on Christmas and New Year in the Maldives. Across the islands, days will move between long lunches, ocean adventures and time on the beach, before evenings give way to festive dining, live entertainment and celebrations under the stars.

Cinnamon Velifushi Malives
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Christmas looks to the stars with Galaxy of Dreams, a celestial-themed celebration made for the island’s wide-open skies. Sunset cruises, saxophone performances by the beach, intimate gourmet dinners and live music set the pace in the days leading up to Christmas, while younger guests can join their own Adventures Among the Stars. Christmas Eve brings a gala feast, the Velifushi Choir and Santa’s grand arrival before celebrations continue late into the night. The theme reaches its finale on New Year’s Eve, when DJs, a live band, dancers and a midnight countdown bring the Galaxy of Dreams to life one last time.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives will take the festive season Around the World, drawing inspiration from the food, music and traditions of different cultures while keeping the setting unmistakably Maldivian. Christmas Eve begins with a feast inspired by flavours from across the globe, followed by carols and live music, before the night shifts into dancing beside the ocean. The journey continues beyond Christmas with a celebration of Maldivian heritage during Spirit of the Islands, sunset cruises across the atoll and, as 2026 draws to a close, a New Year’s Eve filled with international music, live performances and dancing into the first hours of 2027.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Tropical Wonderland swaps snow-covered Christmas scenes for sunshine, sand and plenty of island energy. The season begins with the lighting of the Christmas tree and unfolds with experiences ranging from sunrise yoga and traditional coconut-leaf craftsmanship to festive activities for children. Christmas Eve brings everyone together for a Tropical Wonderland Gala Dinner, carols by the Dhonveli Choir and Santa’s arrival by the sea. And there is plenty still to come before New Year, including dolphin cruises, a neon beach party and a masquerade evening, culminating in a gala dinner and midnight fireworks over the Indian Ocean.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
For Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the festive season goes Beneath the Blue, taking its cue from an island where some of the most memorable experiences begin at the water’s edge. Guests can head out across Ellaidhoo’s renowned house reef on a snorkel safari with the resort’s Marine Biologist, discover island-grown flavours through a garden-to-plate culinary experience, or settle in for festive dinners by the shore. Christmas brings carols, celebrations and time together by the ocean, while the final days of the year introduce a distinctly Maldivian beat with traditional Bodu Beru. On New Year’s Eve, one last golden-hour cruise leads into a grand gala dinner, music and a countdown to 2027 surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
For full festive programmes and further details for all four resorts, please visit the official website.
News
Centara unveils KSA National Day holiday offers across Maldives resorts
With KSA National Day approaching on 23 September, Saudi travellers looking to make the most of the holiday break can trade the city for the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the Maldives. Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection offer two distinct island experiences, from spacious stays and wellness to marine adventures, diving and memorable dining.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Located in the turquoise waters of North Malé Atoll, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers an elegant island oasis for families, couples and groups looking for space, privacy and a wide choice of experiences. The resort features spacious two- and three-bedroom overwater and beachfront residences, alongside six restaurants and four bars offering a variety of dining experiences.
Wellness also takes centre stage throughout the stay, with SPA Cenvaree Retreat offering holistic treatments inspired by Thai wellness traditions, complemented by a yoga pavilion and modern fitness centre. Guests can also explore the surrounding waters through diving, watersports and guided marine excursions, while the Kids’ Club and E Zone offer dedicated spaces for younger guests, alongside a range of recreational activities designed for all ages.
For those planning a longer National Day getaway, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives’ A Summer of Island Elegance offer makes the journey to paradise even more worthwhile. Guests staying four nights or more can enjoy complimentary round-trip luxury speedboat transfers for two adults, allowing more time to focus on the island experience from the moment they arrive. Combined with spacious residences, exceptional dining and access to the resort’s extensive leisure and wellness facilities, the offer provides an added-value way to experience the Maldives in comfort and style.
When: Valid on stays from now until October 15th
Offer Details: Complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers for two adults on stays of four nights or more.
Terms & Conditions:
- Applicable for new bookings only and subject to availability.
- This offer is non-transferable and cannot be used by or given to another person.
- This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or partnership discounts.
- All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card valid for the entire stay.
- Centara Hotels & Resorts reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without notice.
- In case of dispute, the company has the final decision.
For more information, click here.
For travellers who want their National Day escape to be as restorative as it is relaxing, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers complimentary spa credit to enhance selected meal-plan stays. Guests can enjoy up to USD 60 (SAR 225) per person per stay at SPA Cenvaree Retreat, where traditional Thai-inspired treatments, massages, body rituals and facials provide the perfect way to unwind after a day spent exploring the lagoon or simply relaxing on the island.
Booking Period: From now until September 30th
Stay Period: From now until December 31st
Offer Details: USD 60 (SAR 225) spa credit per person per stay for guests on Half Board Plus, Full Board Plus, All-Inclusive and Atollia Destination meal plans, as well as guests who book directly.
Terms & Conditions:
- Applicable for new bookings only and subject to availability.
- This offer is non-transferable and cannot be used by or given to another person.
- This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or partnership discounts.
- All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card valid for the entire stay.
- Centara Hotels & Resorts reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without notice.
- In case of dispute, the company has the final decision.
For more information, click here.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Located in South Ari Atoll, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, presents a different side of the Maldives. Surrounded by an award-winning house reef, the resort offers an immersive island experience centred around marine adventures, pristine nature and relaxed island living.
The surrounding waters offer exceptional diving and snorkelling opportunities, centred around Machchafushi’s award-winning house reef, which is home to an extraordinary variety of coral and marine life. Guests can explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and thousands of species of tropical fish, while more than 50 dive sites across South Ari Atoll offer even more to discover. A particular highlight is the 52-metre Kudhi Maa shipwreck, which has transformed into a thriving artificial reef since sinking in 1999, attracting colourful marine life including glassfish, trevally, snapper, and reef sharks.
Away from the water, guests can take to the lagoon by kayak or paddleboard, explore the island at their own pace or retreat to the award-winning SPA Cenvaree, nestled beneath a 200-year-old banyan tree, offering a tranquil setting for Thai-inspired treatments and restorative rituals.
For families and groups seeking additional space, the Club Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa is the pinnacle of both indoor and outdoor living, with two bedrooms, a private pool, sun loungers and direct access to the beach. Framed by uninterrupted sea views and a fresh, all-white interior, the villa creates a serene private retreat where days can be spent between the comfort of the villa, the pool, and the turquoise waters nearby.
Guests staying four nights or more can enjoy 25% savings on seaplane transfers, while those staying for nine nights or longer can save 50%, making it an ideal opportunity to turn the KSA National Day break into a longer Maldivian holiday filled with diving, snorkelling, nature and uninterrupted island time.
When: Valid on stays from now until October 15th
Offer Details:
- 25% savings on seaplane transfers with a four-night stay.
- 50% savings on seaplane transfers with a stay of nine nights or longer.
Terms & Conditions:
- Applicable for new bookings only and subject to availability.
- This offer is non-transferable and cannot be used by or given to another person.
- This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or partnership discounts.
- All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card valid for the entire stay.
- Centara Hotels & Resorts reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without notice.
- In case of dispute, the company has the final decision.
For more information, click here.
After a day spent exploring Machchafushi’s celebrated house reef, guests can retreat to SPA Cenvaree for a restorative treatment inspired by traditional Thai wellness. Guests staying on Half Board Plus can enjoy USD 30 (SAR 112.50) spa credit per person per stay, while Full Board Plus guests receive USD 40 (SAR 150) per person per stay, offering an opportunity to slow down, recharge and add a moment of calm to an adventure-filled island escape.
Booking Period: From now until December 31st
Stay Period: From now until June 30th, 2027
Offer Details:
- Half Board Plus: USD 30 (SAR 112.50) spa credit per person per stay.
- Full Board Plus: USD 40 (SAR 150) spa credit per person per stay.
Terms & Conditions:
- Applicable for new bookings only and subject to availability.
- This offer is non-transferable and cannot be used by or given to another person.
- This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or partnership discounts.
- All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card valid for the entire stay.
- Centara Hotels & Resorts reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without notice.
- In case of dispute, the company has the final decision.
For more information, click here.
Family
Kuda Villingili to host ‘Friendly Spirits & Ghosts After Dark’ this Halloween
This Halloween, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites families to reconnect over a week of island celebrations. From 28 October to 1 November 2026, Friendly Spirits & Ghosts After Dark brings together imaginative children’s activities, Halloween evenings and time shared in the Maldives.
Home to a 150-metre swimming pool—one of the largest in the country —Kuda Villingili is among the best places to stay in the Maldives for families seeking space, privacy and experiences to enjoy together. Spacious one- to four-bedroom private pool villas provide space and privacy for multi-generational stays, complemented by eight restaurants, a dedicated Kids Club, spa and wellness experiences, watersports, surfing, tennis and pickleball. The five-star luxury resort in the Maldives is located just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.

Designed for young explorers, this year’s celebration introduces Kuda Fiyo & the Friendly Ghosts, an original island story that brings Halloween to life through imagination and discovery. Throughout the week, children can follow Kuda Fiyo on an adventure featuring creative workshops, themed games, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, cookie and cupcake decorating, mocktail experiences and a Halloween Party— giving families a collection of family experiences in the Maldives to enjoy together.
As the sun sets, Ghosts After Dark takes over with Halloween-inspired experiences for families, couples and friends. Guests can enjoy haunted cocktails at sunset, set sail on a themed sunset cruise, explore the house reef during guided night snorkelling, try their hand at Halloween mixology or settle in beneath the stars for an open-air movie night. A Halloween Buffet Dinner with seasonal dishes and live entertainment anchors the celebrations, while themed cocktails and mocktails are served throughout the week.

Beyond Halloween, families have the freedom to shape each day around what they enjoy most. They can discover the marine world together, dine across the resort’s restaurants, retreat to the privacy of their villa or spend an afternoon beside the expansive pool. With experiences for different ages and interests, there is space to come together as well as time to enjoy the island individually.
This Halloween, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers families the chance to reconnect, create new traditions and experience the season differently. Friendly Spirits & Ghosts After Dark brings together children’s adventures, evenings by the sea and the freedom of an island holiday.
Because the best family traditions are not simply celebrated—they are created together.

View Kuda Villingili’s Halloween 2026 brochure here. For more information about Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, please visit www.kudavillingili.com.
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