News
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Holds ‘Run to Give’ Charity Run

Maldives.net.mv – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific held its ‘Run to Give’ charity run in 105 locations across Asia Pacific. As part of this Asia Pacific-wide initiative, 2 Starwood Hotels in the Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa joined hands to support of Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo and and W Retreat & Spa – Maldives in support of Himandhoo School. Run to Give also marks the kick-off in Asia Pacific of Together As One (TAO), Starwood’s annual global volunteer campaign.
Now in its second year, Starwood has dedicated the entire month of October to TAO to encourage additional volunteer efforts and also celebrate its associates’ volunteer work that takes place year-round throughout the world, making a positive impact in their communities. Across Asia Pacific, Starwood associates have volunteered more than 6500 hours of community service in 2014 alone.
“Run to Give underscores Starwood’s commitment to drive meaningful impact to the local communities as we recognize that the vitality of our business is directly linked to the vitality of the places where we operate,” said Stephen Ho, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “Last year was the first time we organized the charity run to immense response; this year with the continued support from our associates, we are confident that Run to Give will accomplish more than we ever could alone.”
The run at Sheraton Maldives participated by guests and associates started from one of the island at Arrival Pavilion with the route taking participants by the Shine Spa, Sheraton Club Lounge, Fitness Center and ending in Beach Bar. Maldives current national record holder in multiple categories and Dhiraagu brand ambassador Mr. Hassan Saaid also joined the participants in support of the cause. The event concluded with the entertainment of traditional Bodu Beru performances on the beach.
The race held at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives was divided into 2 KM race and 0.5KM swim. The route saw guests and W talents swimming and running across the island. Each participant mixed and mingled at FIRE Beach after the race to sip on bespoke cocktails while listening to the vibrant tunes curated by the new Music Curator, Erica Rhone.
Started in 2014 as Hotel Charity Run, the inaugural event saw an overwhelming response of over 20,000 runners take part in 92 locations across Asia Pacific; raising a total of close to USD 228,000. Associates from Starwood hotels all over the region organized these unique runs to raise funds for a local charity in which their hotels operated in. This year, the run took on the official event name‘Run to Give’ – chosen amongst close to 500 internal submission entries by Starwood associates, best representing the spirit of the charity event.
Run to Give expects to gather more than 75 Starwood associates, running enthusiasts and philanthropists. Funds raised through the charity run in the Maldives will go towards Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo and Himandhoo School to support education’s program for underprivileged children and help people with special needs.
Family
Easter in paradise: Ifuru Island Maldives Candyland celebration

This Easter, Ifuru Island Maldives is set to bring an enchanting touch of sweetness to the tropics with its Candyland Easter Celebration. From12 to 22 April 2025, the vibrant lifestyle resort will transform into a colourful wonderland, inviting guests of all ages to indulge in a holiday filled with joy, adventure, and indulgent treats.
Embracing the spirit of Easter with a playful twist, Ifuru Island has curated a delightful lineup of experiences, blending gourmet dining, festive décor, and engaging activities designed to create unforgettable memories. Guests can savour a sumptuous Easter brunch, featuring an array of seasonal delicacies and decadent desserts, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean. The highlight of the celebration is the Easter Egg Hunt, promising fun and excitement for families and friends as they search for hidden surprises across the resort’s pristine landscapes.
Adding to the magic, a special visit from the Easter Bunny will bring smiles and surprises, spreading festive cheer throughout the island. From sunrise to sunset, guests can bask in the warmth of the Maldivian sun while immersing themselves in the lively Easter atmosphere, where pastel hues and candy-inspired decorations set the stage for an extraordinary holiday escape.
“Ifuru Island is all about vibrant experiences, and this Easter, we’re bringing a playful and indulgent twist to the celebrations,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager. “Our Candyland theme promises a joyful escape, filled with fun, flavour, and fantastic moments that will stay with our guests long after they leave.”
Whether traveling as a family, a couple, or a group of friends, Ifuru Island Maldives offers the perfect setting to celebrate Easter in paradise. With its all-inclusive lifestyle concept, guests can enjoy world-class dining, stylish accommodations, and a range of immersive experiences, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable getaway.
Check out the Easter Programme here.
Meditation
Lily Beach Resort introduces ‘Harmonic Bliss Week’: Maldives’ first floating sound bath

Lily Beach Resort & Spa is set to redefine wellness in the Maldives with the launch of Harmonic Bliss Week, an exclusive retreat featuring transformative Floating Sound Bath Experiences led by internationally renowned sound therapist Ali Young.
From the 22nd to the 28th of November 2025, Ali Young will be on the island guiding guests through the holistic week. As the founder of Chiang Mai Holistic in Thailand, Ali has gained training from master healers in India, Nepal, and Australia. Ali brings years of expertise in helping individuals deal with stress, anxiety, trauma, and addiction through the power of sound and is now and a globally recognised expert in crystal and Tibetan bowl healing. His engaging approach fosters emotional release and deep connection, guiding guests toward profound inner peace.
Renowned for its award-winning hospitality and holistic wellness offerings, Lily Beach provides the perfect sanctuary for this unique experience. Guests can immerse themselves in the soothing vibrations of the singing bowls at the outdoor pool of Vibes Bar, a serene family-friendly space, or the infinity pool Les Turquoise D’Aqua, an intimate fine dining setting ideal for couples.
Guests can expect a private, tranquil, and serene experience throughout each session. Whether floating effortlessly in a sunrise meditation or unwinding during an enchanting evening sound bath, guests will find harmony in the resort’s carefully curated spaces.
Throughout the Harmonic Bliss Week, participants will embark on an immersive wellness journey, kicking off with an introductory sunrise session followed by evening wind-down sessions. Ali will also provide personalised, private sessions to participants upon prior booking, keeping in mind the time sensitivity. During the 7-day event, Ali will hold a special workshop to include children who may be interested in participating and learning more about the process. The event will conclude with a gratitude meditation and an intimate closing ceremony session by the pool with refreshments.
Furthermore, guests will also have the opportunity to indulge in blissful treatments at the overwater Tamara Spa, where expert therapists provide deeply restorative and therapeutic massages. Complementing the experience is Lily Beach’s exquisite dining selection, offering wholesome, nourishing cuisine to enhance overall well-being. Evenings will come alive with curated entertainment, blending relaxation with the resort’s vibrant atmosphere.
Perfectly positioned near the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA)—one of the Maldives’ premier whale shark hotspots – Lily Beach provides the ideal location for guests to reconnect with nature while experiencing tranquillity like never before.
Whether seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or a deeper sense of well-being, this seven-day retreat blends ancient sound healing techniques with ultimate tranquillity and serenity, offering guests an unparalleled journey of relaxation and renewal. This Wellness Week with Ali Young at Lily Beach in November promises an immersive experience in paradise under the professional guidance of a seasoned practitioner.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts earns top honours at 2025 Traveller Review Awards

Delivering unforgettable travel experiences remains at the heart of hospitality, and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives has once again been recognised for its commitment to excellence at the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2025. Now in its 13th year, the awards are based on over 360 million verified guest reviews, reflecting traveler experiences. As a homegrown brand from Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts continues to redefine hospitality in the Maldives with its collection of tropical sanctuaries.
With a rating of 9.3, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives continues to captivate travellers seeking an idyllic island retreat in the Meemu Atoll. This island serves as the perfect getaway for couples seeking ultimate relaxation and escape, while the exclusive 18+ Platinum Island provides an adults-only haven. The Platinum Beach Bungalows offer undisturbed tranquility for those desiring a true escape from the world. The resort’s chic overwater bungalows, complete with glass floors revealing the wonders beneath and private terraces with hammocks, provide an intimate and serene retreat, ideal for honeymooners.
Also earning a rating of 9.3, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives stands out for its contemporary design, resembling the shape of a manta ray. Vaavu Atoll, the least commercialised atoll in the Maldives, offers quiet beaches and empty dive sites, giving guests the opportunity to experience untouched beauty. The shipwreck at Vaavu Atoll is a popular diving destination, home to a variety of marine life, including fish, corals, and other invertebrates. With a combination of thrilling water sports and laid-back island vibes, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives serves as a perfect choice for travellers seeking both excitement and relaxation.
Receiving a rating of 9.0, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the Maldives, particularly among surfers and ocean lovers. Located just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, the resort is home to the world-renowned Pasta Point, one of the most consistent surf breaks in the region. The island’s lively atmosphere, diverse recreational offerings, and welcoming hospitality make it ideal for families, featuring a dedicated children’s play area that provides a safe and engaging space for fun-filled activities. Whether traveling as a couple, a family, or a group of friends, the resort offers a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.
With a rating of 8.9, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is recognised as a diver’s paradise, celebrated for its legendary house reef and year-round diving opportunities. Located in the North Ari Atoll, the resort offers one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, attracting diving enthusiasts eager to explore its rich marine biodiversity. The rustic charm of Ellaidhoo, combined with its commitment to marine conservation, provides an authentic island experience where guests can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. Whether diving with reef sharks, enjoying beachside dining, or simply soaking in the island’s natural beauty, Ellaidhoo offers a distinctive retreat for underwater adventurers.
Marking the launch of an exciting summer offer, guests planning a Maldivian getaway for a minimum of four nights between May 1, 2025, and October 31, 2026, will receive complimentary speedboat transfers. Additionally, for an elevated travel experience, GHA Discovery membership offers even greater rewards and exclusive benefits. From the moment guests sign up, they can earn and redeem Discovery Dollars (D$), access member-only rates, and enjoy carefully curated local experiences. With privileges available at every membership level, GHA Discovery enhances each stay by offering recognition and unique opportunities to explore the destination in an immersive way.
Combining the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality with the natural beauty of the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives continues to offer the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.
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