News
Maldives Tops Favourite List for Chinese Tourists
Maldives.net.mv – Maldives has topped a list of 20 island destinations most favoured by Chinese tourists, who have been the world’s No 1 cross-border visitors for the past three years, spending billions of dollars on outbound tours.
The announcement was made at the 2015 International Islands Tourism Conference in east China’s Zhejiang Province.
Taiwan, Bali, and Thailand’s Phuket Island have also been favoured by Chinese tourists in the list, which was created after a poll by the conference’s organisation committee and after evaluation by an expert panel.
The poll began in June, drawing more than three million responses for more than 70 destinations. The poll was conducted via the committee’s website, and some other portals and microblog services.
Chinese islands filled five spots on the list, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
China has been the world’s No 1 source of cross-border tourists since 2012, according to the World Tourism Organisation. In 2013, the organization said, Chinese outbound travelers spent a total of USD 129 billion.
China’s outbound tourists made nearly 24 million trips to islands in 2014, and the number is likely to exceed 30 million this year.
China’s outbound tourism has grown dramatically in recent months despite its economy economy contacted sharply. The World Bank recently revised its projections for China’s economic growth from 7.1 per cent to 6.9 per cent.
The conference, which was held in Zhujiajian Island of Zhoushan City, was organized by China’s National Tourism Administration and the provincial government of Zhejiang province.
News
THE OZEN COLLECTION brings festive magic to the Maldives this holiday season
There is a certain magic that settles over the Maldives during the festive season, a quiet sparkle that transforms the island sanctuaries into havens of celebration and togetherness. At THE OZEN COLLECTION, you are invited to experience this enchantment, where every sunset brings new wonder and every evening holds the promise of shared joy.
From 22nd December 2026 to 7th January 2027, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invite guests to immerse themselves in a curated calendar of festivities—from cherished Tree Lighting ceremonies that herald the start of the season to spectacular New Year’s Eve galas and the serene observance of Orthodox Christmas. Every detail has been thoughtfully composed to honour time-honoured traditions while celebrating the unique spirit of the Maldives.
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: An Indian Ocean Celebration
Mornings begin with restorative wellness rituals at ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, while younger guests delight in the creativity of Gingerbread house-making. A lively Sangria Fiesta and an underwater tree planting ceremony pay tribute to the resort’s profound connection with the ocean. Christmas games, a spectacular Gala Dinner, and a Bubbles Breakfast ensure each day is imbued with festive cheer. The season is further enriched by family-themed activities, curated wine, gin, and bubbles tastings, immersive culinary journeys, and interactive cooking classes—ensuring every generation discovers something to treasure.
Speaking on the festive offerings and what to expect, Mei P. Pun, General Manager mentioned “This festive season at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a celebration of connection—between families, between cultures, and between the ocean and our island home. Watching our guests create memories that will last a lifetime is the greatest gift we could ever receive.”
As the year draws to a close, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO will welcome 2027 with a ‘Glitz & Glam’ New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with fireworks, live entertainment, and an atmosphere of sparkling elegance. The festive season concludes with the serene observance of Orthodox Christmas, offering a moment of quiet reflection and tradition.
View and download the Festive Brochure for OZEN LIFE MAADHOO here.

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI: A Winter Wonderland
The resort transforms into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ for Christmas, offering an enchanting fusion of festive charm and tropical beauty. Guests can embark on a Wine Journey through rare vintages, master the art of mixology at an exclusive class, and savour gastronomic experiences across the resort’s celebrated dining venues. A Black & White Theme Night and a vibrant Pool Party add a playful, spirited touch to the festivities.
The season culminates with ‘A Night of Refined Elegance’ —a New Year’s Eve celebration that promises a sophisticated farewell to the year, complete with gourmet dining, champagne, and live entertainment. The festive period draws to a graceful close with Orthodox Christmas celebrations, offering a moment of calm and reverence before the new year begins.
“At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, the festive season is about more than celebrations—it is about the quiet joy of togetherness in a setting of unparalleled beauty. We are honoured to welcome guests to our island sanctuary, where every tradition is reimagined with elegance and every moment becomes a cherished memory,” says Abnash Kumar, General Manager, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

Festive-themed entertainment across both resorts will transform the islands into a theatre of music, laughter, and shared celebration.
These curated experiences are seamlessly integrated into the INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and the RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, offering guests the freedom to immerse themselves fully in the season’s magic—without a single worry.

View and download the Festive Brochure for OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI here.
News
Mandara Spa introduces new ELEMIS treatments and LED facial technology
Some partnerships are measured by milestones. Others are measured by the experiences they continue to create. For the past 20 years, Mandara Spa and British skincare brand ELEMIS have worked together with a shared commitment to combining professional skincare expertise with meaningful wellness experiences. Today, that partnership continues with an expanded ELEMIS treatment portfolio, giving guests across the Maldives even more ways to personalise their spa journey.
Since partnering with ELEMIS, Mandara Spa has remained committed to delivering treatments that balance visible skincare results with the restorative experience at the heart of every spa visit. As guest expectations continue to evolve, the expanded portfolio reflects a growing demand for personalised treatments that address individual skincare concerns without compromising moments of relaxation and self-care.
A New Dimension in Facial Care
Among the highlights of the expanded collection is the ELEMIS EXPERT™ LED ENERGY MASK, bringing advanced light therapy into the professional spa experience. The enhancement features ELEMIS light technology designed to work alongside professional facial treatments, offering guests a more targeted approach to their individual skincare needs.
The introduction reflects ELEMIS’ evolving high-touch, high-tech philosophy, where advanced skincare technology complements the expertise and hands-on care of the therapist. Using carefully engineered light wavelengths that work at different depths of the skin, LED technology is designed to support concerns including brightness, smoothness and the appearance of redness, while enhancing the results-driven approach at the heart of ELEMIS professional skincare.
For Mandara Spa, the ELEMIS EXPERT™ LED ENERGY MASK adds a new dimension to the facial experience without losing the restorative qualities guests seek from time spent in the spa. By bringing together technology, professional expertise and personalised care, the treatment represents how the longstanding partnership between Mandara Spa and ELEMIS continues to evolve. The ELEMIS EXPERT™ LED ENERGY MASK will be available at select Mandara Spa locations across the Maldives.
An Expanded ELEMIS Experience
The refreshed treatment portfolio introduces a broader selection of facial therapies and targeted enhancements, allowing therapists to tailor each experience to the guest’s individual skincare needs.
ELEMIS’ globally renowned, hands-on facial treatments use touch as a powerful diagnostic tool, softening and preparing the skin to receive active ingredients. This is where intuition meets expertise.
- ELEMIS Expert™ Touch Renew Facial
- ELEMIS Expert™ Touch Define Facial
ELEMIS Expert™ Add-Ons:
- ELEMIS Expert™ Collagen Eye Boost
- ELEMIS Expert™ LED Energy Mask
- ELEMIS Expert™ Restorative Head Massage
Powered by ELEMIS’ marine-inspired formulations and botanical ingredients, the collection supports hydration, radiance, firmness, and skin renewal while complementing Mandara Spa’s signature approach to holistic wellbeing. Together, the expanded offering provides guests with greater flexibility to personalise their experience, from hands-on facial therapies to targeted enhancements addressing individual skincare needs.
A Partnership Built Over Two Decades
For Mandara Spa Country Manager Tenille Keats, the milestone is also deeply personal. Her journey with ELEMIS began in 2003 while working aboard Silversea Cruises under Steiner Leisure, where she was first introduced to the brand. More than two decades later, ELEMIS remains Mandara Spa’s skincare partner of choice.
“From the very beginning of my career, I fell in love with ELEMIS. There was something incredibly powerful about the way the brand combines marine actives from beneath the sea with carefully selected botanicals and herbs from the land. It delivers real, visible results while still feeling luxurious and holistic,” said Keats. “Even as the business has evolved over the years, ELEMIS has remained our trusted partner — a reflection of its performance and its commitment to responsible beauty, underscored by its certification as a B Corp.”
Today, ELEMIS is recognised globally for combining science-led skincare with naturally derived ingredients and is certified as a B Corp, reflecting high standards of social and environmental responsibility. These values continue to complement Mandara Spa’s philosophy of delivering thoughtful wellness experiences grounded in quality, care, and lasting results.
As Mandara Spa celebrates this milestone, the partnership with ELEMIS remains focused on the future. By continuing to refine treatments, invest in professional expertise, and respond to the evolving needs of today’s wellness traveller, both brands reaffirm a shared commitment to creating spa experiences that guests will return to time and time again.
Guests can experience ELEMIS treatments and retail products at the following locations across the Maldives:
- Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Velifushi
- Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa
- Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
- Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
- Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi
- Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura
- Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi
- Mandara Spa at Meliã Whale Lagoon Maldives
- Chavana Spa at Adaaran Club Rannalhi
- Chavana Spa at Cinnamon Dhonveli
- Chavana Spa at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
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.
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