News
Joint Meeting of the Two Commissions in Asia Pacific and UNWTO Regional Ministerial Conference
The 27th Joint Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (CSA)& UNWTO Regional Ministerial Conference on Positioning Tourism in a Wider Socio-Economic Contextwas hosted in Maldives from 3rd-4th June 2015, at Bandos Island Resort& Spa, Maldives. Countries from East Asia and South Asia were represented in the commission meeting, with affiliated members and numerous international organizations.
The Opening Ceremony held on 3rd June 2015 at Bandos Island Resorts & Spa, was enhancedby the presence of His Excellency President Abdul Yameen Abdul Gayoomas the Guest of Honor, and comprisedof some very special and important events for the Maldives tourism industry. This includes the Visit Maldives 2016 Year Campaign being nationally launched by His Excellency Yameen Abdul Gayoom. This campaign is a destination marketing initiative by the Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC) with the objective of increasing tourist arrivals to the Maldives. This event was followed by the endorsement of the Open letter campaign by the Maldives, during the ceremony where the Dr. TalebRifai, Secretary General of UNWTO presented the open letter to His Excellency President Yameen Abdul Gayoom. This campaign is a joint effort by UNWTO and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTCC) to maximize travel and tourism’s contribution economic growth and development. By accepting this open letter, His Excellency endorsed this campaign geared towards encouraging world leaders to acknowledge tourism’s potential to generate growth, development and employment.
The Ministerial Conference on Positioning Tourism in a Wider Socio-Economic Context was held in conjunction with the Joint Commission meetings with two main objectives:
To take stock of the event to which UNWTO’s Open Letter initiative has achieved its main objective of advocating that countries duly recognize the socio-economic contribution of tourism to their national economies;
And to examine national policies that will engender strategies to ensure that the projected growth in tourism demand will translate into socio-economic benefits for non-tourism sectors of the Asia-Pacific economies.
Ministers of Tourism, Deputy Ministers and senior government officials discussed and debated the next steps in strengthening government awareness and support to enable advancement of the tourism sector. Stimulating discussions enabled open sharing of national and regional insights, experience and expertise from various tourism experts. The main focus of the Joint Commission Meeting and the Ministerial Conference was on the developments in the world tourism industry, remarks and milestones achieved by the tourism industry and also the challenges and obstacles faced by the industry and how to overcome those challenges were also discussed.
Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor, hosted a special Gala Dinner on 3rd June, honoring and welcoming the delegates to the Maldives. Ministers, senior government officials, Maldivian tourism industry pioneers and a huge number of industry participants also attended the dinner and were part of this social function. A very significant ceremony also took place during the dinner, where Maldivian Industry leaders signed the Private Sector Commitment to Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) and the five prominent enterprises and associations signing this commitment included the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Crown &Champa Resorts, Sun Island Resorts & Spa, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives and Canareef Resort Maldives. Private By signing this commitment they pledge their commitment to observe the principle of the Code; respecting human rights and cultural heritage, protecting the environment and vulnerable groups, working towards social inclusion, gender equality, and accessibility – that is, abiding by highest moral values that we as a society have accepted as fundamental in the 21st century.
The CAP-CSA Joint Commission meeting is UNWTO’s principal annual event in the Asia Pacific Region, and the meetings took place in Bandos Island Resort & Spa on 4th June 2015. The Joint Commission Meeting was chaired by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State, Culture and Tourism, India and was co-chaired by Mr. Rolando Cañizal, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, of Philippines. Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor lea the delegation from Maldives for the joint commission meeting. Key topics discussed during the meetings this year included UNWTO’s program of work for the region, Asia’s use of TripAdvisor as a source of consumer’s data and other statutory issues related to the UNWTO Asia-Pacific Member States.Mr. Mohamed Umar Maniki, Chairman of MATI, honoring the delegates and extending them to warm hospitality of Maldives, hosted a farewell dinner on the evening of 4th June at Bandos Island Resorts & Spa. The efforts of the chairman were complimented with participation from senior government officials and tourism industry leaders in this social gathering.
The events were concluded with a special technical tour organized by Ministry of Tourismfor the delegates on 5th June 2015, aimed at exposing the participants to the unique Maldivian tourism products and the Maldivian hospitality. The first half of this technical tour included a photo flight excursion, where the delegates took a tour of the Male’ atoll area in the Twin Otter seaplanes of Trans Maldivian Airways, flying over the pristine lagoons and islands of Maldives, taking a closer look at the scenic details enabling them to truly appreciate the beauty of the paradise on earth.This was followed by a high tea organized by Kuramathi Island Resort, where the locals where exposed to the outstanding Maldivian hospitality.
News
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort introduces ‘Garden of Eve’ Christmas and New Year celebrations
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to discover a season of giving and renewal from December 22, 2026, to January 7, 2027. Set amid the natural beauty of Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort’s Garden of Eve festive celebrations will bring together joyful gatherings, nourishing cuisine, family discoveries, and island adventures.
The festivities begin on December 22 with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the resort’s Wish Tree, a large Boa’shi gas (velvetleaf soldierbush) at the heart of the island. Decorated with the modest wishes of children supported by the Baa Family and Children Service Center (FCSC) on Eydafushi Island, the tree symbolizes the resort’s commitment to giving back to the community. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will fulfill the children’s wishes, and guests are warmly invited to participate in this meaningful gesture of generosity.

The celebrations continue on Christmas Eve with cocktails and music at the Pool Deck, followed by an international buffet dinner at Island Kitchen with seasonal favorites and flavors from around the world. On Christmas Day, Santa Claus makes a special appearance, bringing festive cheer, gifts, and memorable moments for families.
As the final evening of the year approaches, the island transforms into a lush Garden of Eve for a New Year’s Eve celebration under the stars. Inspired by the beauty and abundance of a tropical paradise, the theme brings together nature, wonder, and the promise of new beginnings. Guests can gather for a beachfront gala dinner featuring an abundant feast at lavishly presented culinary stations, with live entertainment and a countdown to the new year. A fireworks spectacle is planned to light up the island sky as the resort welcomes 2027.

Beyond the festivities, the resort offers time to slow down, reconnect, and recharge. Uplifting movement and mindful moments invite guests to embrace the natural rhythm of their surroundings, while younger travelers can create, explore, and make new friends through activities at the Westin Family Kids Club.
At Heavenly Spa by Westin, guests can pause amid the celebrations and unwind with restorative rituals in a tranquil setting. For those seeking adventure, AQUA offers a gateway to the waters of Baa Atoll, where water sports, excursions, and diving invite guests to explore the vibrant marine world surrounding the island.

With 69 villas, each featuring a private pool and uninterrupted ocean views, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a wellness-focused retreat where tranquility meets adventure. Three distinctive dining venues, rejuvenating spa experiences, and family-friendly activities offer guests opportunities to embrace well-being throughout their stay.
To discover more and reserve a festive escape, visit westin-maldives.com.
News
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru welcomes Consuelo Saroyan for exclusive wellness residency
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, the original Banyan Tree resort in the Maldives and a pioneer in holistic wellbeing, has announced an exclusive visiting practitioner residency with Consuelo Saroyan, Founder of Marea Wellness, arriving in January 25 until February 21 2027. Bringing 18 years of international experience in luxury wellness, Consuelo will introduce a distinctive collection of therapeutic experiences, mindful practices and ancient healing rituals, inviting travellers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner balance.
Since opening the Maldives’ first resort spa in 1995, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has embraced wellbeing as an integral part of its philosophy. This upcoming residency continues that heritage, bringing together traditional healing wisdom and contemporary therapeutic practices in an intimate island setting surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
A New Chapter in Personalised Wellbeing
With an approach that recognises the connection between body, mind and emotions, Consuelo draws on Traditional Chinese Medicine, somatic therapies, yoga, meditation and creative rituals to create meaningful wellbeing experiences.
At the heart of her residency will be the Individual Therapeutic Reset, a personalised journey combining mindful consultation, movement and Conscious Body Therapy. Drawing on traditional techniques such as Tui Na, gua sha and meridian stimulation, the experience is designed to encourage physical relaxation, emotional awareness and a renewed sense of balance.
For couples, the Couples Connection Experience will offer an opportunity to reconnect through guided movement, meditation and shared rituals, creating space for presence, understanding and deeper connection.
Discover the Art of Healing and Connection
Beyond individual therapies, Consuelo will introduce immersive experiences inspired by ancient traditions and the natural world. From the rhythmic sounds of a Shamanic Drum Journey to the mindful creativity of Mandala & Altar Art Creation, each experience invites participants to explore new dimensions of awareness and personal discovery.
A curated programme of intimate group sessions will also feature Ocean Connection Meditation & Sound Healing, Five Elements Nature Connection Meditation, and Yin Yoga & Mindful Movement, encouraging moments of reflection and connection with the surrounding island environment.
An Invitation to Begin Your Journey Within
Set within the natural beauty of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Consuelo’s residency reflects the resort’s enduring commitment to nurturing wellbeing through experiences that extend beyond the spa.
January 25 until February 21 2027, this limited-time residency invites travellers to make wellbeing a meaningful part of their Maldives journey, whether through individual therapeutic sessions, shared experiences or mindful rituals inspired by nature.
Advance enquiries and pre-bookings are now invited, allowing travellers to plan their preferred experiences ahead of their stay.
To discover more about Consuelo Saroyan’s upcoming residency and register your interest, visit here.
Love
The Nautilus Maldives to celebrate Valentine’s 2027 with ‘Love Freely’ experiences
This Valentine’s, The Nautilus Maldives invites guests to embrace Love Freely, a celebration centred on freedom, presence, connection and time for one another. On this ultra-luxury bohemian private island hideaway, love finds its own rhythm through quiet mornings, shared discoveries and intimate evenings that invite you to linger.
Time to Rediscover One Another
Set sail as the sun goes down, sipping champagne as live music accompanies your journey and your private chef prepares a bespoke five-course dinner. Beneath the stars, linger over each course, with time for conversation, laughter and quiet moments together as the evening unfolds at your own pace. Beneath the Surface, Together invites beginners to discover scuba diving as a couple, followed by an unhurried dinner. With Roots of Our Story, coral or coconut-tree planting offers a living expression of a journey shared. These experiences, along with the specially curated rituals at Solasta Spa, are available from 11 to 17 February 2027.
Stillness and Connection at Solasta Spa
Solasta Spa embraces the spirit of Healing Unscripted. An Unhurried Embrace pairs a couples massage with a hibiscus milk bath, champagne and chocolate-dipped tropical fruits. Stillness, Shared brings together a body scrub, Tao’an tea bath and sound healing, while Love in Bloom combines Balinese massage and a nourishing facial. Enjoyed together or individually, each ritual invites a gentle return to yourself.
A Table for Two, A Moment to Keep
On 14 February, A Horizon for Two brings a secluded sandbank dinner with sunset cocktails, five courses and a live serenade, followed by floating breakfast the next morning. A Moment in Thyme pairs beachside dining with breakfast in bed, while Together Beneath the Stars offers a champagne dinner at Zeytoun. At Naiboli, Nautilus Rising: A Toast to Connection welcomes guests to share cocktails, canapés and easy conversation.
Love, at Your Own Pace
At The Nautilus, Love Freely is an invitation to reconnect through shared discoveries, thoughtful gestures and the pleasure of simply being together.
To discover Love Freely: Valentine’s 2027 and begin crafting your own romantic escape to The Nautilus, visit the resort’s website or contact hello@thenautilusmaldives.com.
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