News
Speed ahead to Jumeirah Vittaveli on board a luxurious motorised catamaran
Maldives.net.mv – Jumeirah Vittaveli has enhanced the arrival experience for guests visiting this exquisite island resort with the introduction of the most exclusive boat transfer service in the Maldives.
The new fleet of luxurious motorised catamarans offers guests the chance to arrive at the resort in complete style, comfort and speed. The 52ft Stealth iSpeed boats are the only ones of their kind in the Maldives.
The Jumeirah STAY DIFFERENT™ experience begins as soon as guests step on board by the pier at the international airport. This stylish boat offers spacious interiors with sofa seating and special services including wi-fi, television, air conditioning and refreshments. For those who need to freshen up following a long flight, bathroom facilities are also available.
In line with Jumeirah Vittaveli’s commitment to sustainable technology and its Green Globe Certification, the iSpeed catamaran is designed to be environmentally friendly, featuring cutting edge yacht technology.
Built in South Africa by Stealth Yachts, the 52ft iSpeed has a pair of 800-horsepower six cylinder diesel engines and hydrofoil technology designed to make it both faster and more fuel efficient. The double hull allows for comfort and stability in rough waters at top speed, ensuring the smoothest possible journey.
Graham Kiy, General Manager of Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “This exclusive luxury transfer ensures our guests experience the renowned Jumeirah hospitality from the moment their holiday begins. The 20-minute journey to paradiseoffers a fast and smooth ride with picture perfect views of the Maldives’ beautiful islands.”
The transfer takes guests through turquoise waters, past picturesque islands and powder white beaches. On arrival at the resort’s jetty, the distant sounds of the Maldivian Bodu Beru drums can be heard. As guests disembark, they are welcomed onto the pier with hand-made garlands of palm leaves. Guests can take a seat and admire the view, indulge in a relaxing 15-minute complimentary massage or be whisked away to their luxurious resort villas, on land or over water
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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