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Vilu Reef relaunched as Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

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Vilu Reef
Maldives.net.mv – The visionary Sun Aqua brand has announced the opening of its second property, the Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, a stunningly refurbished resort found on the beautiful bite-sized gem of Meedhuffushi Island in the heart of the South Nilandhe Atoll. The property is the second addition to the group after the Sun Aqua Pasikudah which opened earlier in 2015 on Sri Lanka’s North East coast.

Originally opened in 1998 Vilu Reef is proud to take on new colours and sit as the flagship Maldivian property for the Sun Aqua brand which plans to continue its international growth over the coming years. At Sun Aqua resorts, guests can enjoy perfectly relaxing experiences led by simple luxuries, sensational food and warm, dedicated service and as it stayed open to guests during its refurbishment it continues to welcome new and repeater guests that have grown to love the property and island, year after year.

On 28th October 2015, the original date of opening in 1998, the property officially re-launched to a fanfare of celebration with official ceremonies followed by a beach side feast, dancing and live music held throughout the evening.

Vilu Reef

Property & Accommodation
The Sun Aqua Vilu Reef is easily accessible from Malè and the International Airport via a 40 minute seaplane ride. The Sun Siyam Family Lounge at the seaplane terminal bids an immediate start to the holiday offering refreshments and massages to help settle guests into the Sun Aqua spirit. The property has gone through a complete revival and been refurbished to an extremely high standard creating five different categories of rooms including 15 NEW Sun Aqua Pool Villas. Splashes of colour can be found throughout the property impressing the Sun Aqua brand into the new future of Vilu Reef.

Beach Villas
Hidden amongst the foliage are 62 shell shaped bungalows, (14 Beach Villas, 18 Deluxe Beach Villas and 10 Jacuzzi Deluxe Beach Villas, 5 Deluxe Beach Villas with Pool & 15 Sun Aqua Pool Villas) some now with lava-stone pools and whirlpool bathtubs. Rooms are now all 20% larger than before and offer private sundecks, re-fitted bathrooms and day swing beds.

Vilu Reef

Water Villas
A further 41 Water Villas (20 Reef Villas, 9 Sunset Reef Villas, 6 Aqua Villas with plunge pools, 5 Aqua Suites now with private swimming pools  & 1 Grand Reef Suite) complete the accommodation offering with a select few even hiding inviting over-water hammocks. All water villas offer incredible vista views across the Indian Ocean and a true Maldivian experience.

Dine & Imbibe
One of the best parts of any journey is the adventure into exotic flavours. Guests can be selective at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef and explore the spice and warmth of home style Maldivian cuisine, feast on gourmet organic and free-range produce grown on the resorts private Farm Island, sink their teeth into freshly caught, barbequed seafood or dine under the stars with the properties destination private dining experience.

The Aqua is the resorts main restaurant sat over the water, producing freshly prepared western and international  cuisine served in a buffet style and is also the resorts beautiful breakfast spot. The Well Done, the island BBQ grill on the beach serves freshly caught fish and seafood as well as being the home to the islands impressive glass enclosed wine cellar, featuring the finest wines from around the globe, creating a sophisticated backdrop for any evening. The resort also features a boutique pizzeria creating handmade pizzas topped with authentic seasoning and fresh ingredients.  Destination Dining offers guests the chance to dine in private away from other guests on any spot on the island accompanied by their own private chef and waiter.

Before and after dinner guests may enjoy the chance to visit one of the islands two bars. The Nautilus is the resorts beach bar offering a cool, rustic hideaway where one of the bartender’s cocktails will help liven up a night of dancing or an exhilarating game of crab racing. Positive Energy, set beside the pool serves an array of refreshing juices, cocktails and signature tropical fruit punch either under the cool of the coconut tree or on a lounger with views of the lagoon and pool.

Spa & Leisure
One of the biggest developments at the resort has been the creation of a full holistic spa offering. Now a major focus of the resort the Sun Aqua Spa consists of six private treatment pavilions each with open air flower baths, open showers, a hydrotherapy area and double treatment beds. On offer will also be a salon, manicure/pedicure and a beautiful relaxation area. Encompassing the Five Element Theory; Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth & Water the spa will offer a lengthy menu of Ayurvedic wellness rituals, pampering beauty therapies and massage techniques from around the world. It will also offer a selection of signature therapies to help renew body and mind including a rich scrub of coconut or coffee, a herbal Udavarthanam detox or a relaxing, fragrant flower bath.

In addition to spa the Sun Aqua Vilu Reef also offers plenty of leisure activities to keep everyone entertained, relaxed and enjoying their time on the island. Diving is a big part of the culture in the Maldives in general and at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef in particular. The 5* Gold Palm PADI / SSI Diamond Dive centre brings together an exciting array of diving and snorkelling programmes and a chance to explore the sea life and reefs that litter the warm and extremely clear waters. The property hosts one of the best house reefs in the region, located just 30 meters from the shore, offering snorkelers an unrivalled experience. Watersports are also a big part of island life and guests at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef can enjoy windsurfing, canoeing and sailing as well as a range of motorised watersports such as jet skis and water-skiing.

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Reethi Faru Resort awarded Green Globe certification

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Reethi Faru Resort has received Green Globe certification, recognising its compliance with international standards for sustainable tourism.

The certification reflects the resort’s stated commitment to responsible hospitality, with a focus on environmental management, social responsibility and operational practices across the property.

Green Globe certification is awarded following an assessment based on established sustainability criteria and verified through independent third-party audits. The standard reviews performance in areas including environmental management, energy efficiency, resource conservation, community engagement and sustainable operations.

With the certification, Reethi Faru Resort joins a group of hospitality operators worldwide that have met Green Globe’s sustainability requirements and demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improvement in tourism practices.

In a statement, the management of Reethi Faru Resort said the recognition reflects the resort’s continued focus on preserving the natural environment of the Maldives while maintaining the guest experience. The management added that sustainability forms part of the resort’s daily operations.

The Green Globe standard includes more than 40 core criteria supported by over 380 compliance indicators, providing a framework for assessing sustainability performance in the hospitality sector.

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort marks loyalty week with member and staff recognition

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is marking IHG Global Loyalty Week 2026, a group-wide initiative recognising IHG One Rewards members and the employees who contribute to guest experiences across the brand.

The observance will take place from 11 to 17 May 2026 and is aligned with IHG’s wider theme of “bringing loyalty to life”, focusing on guest recognition and service-led engagement.

As the Maldives’ first all-Club InterContinental resort, InterContinental Maldives is using the occasion to highlight its emphasis on personalised service and guest recognition. During the week, the resort will present a series of experiences and gestures intended to acknowledge IHG One Rewards members through tailored hospitality touches.

A central feature of the programme will be “Member Moments”, which are designed to reflect guest preferences, milestones and individual travel experiences. These will include personalised welcome arrangements, selected in-room amenities, culinary offerings and family-focused gestures.

The resort will also use the week to recognise its employees, whose service contributes to guest loyalty and repeat visits. Under its “Inspire Incredible” service culture, InterContinental Maldives will hold staff appreciation activities and internal recognition initiatives during the week.

Commenting on the occasion, General Manager Reinhold Johann said the initiative highlights the importance of making guests feel recognised and welcomed, while also acknowledging the role of employees in delivering those experiences.

Through IHG One Rewards, members have access to benefits and travel privileges across more than 6,800 hotels worldwide. At InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, these benefits are integrated into the resort’s all-Club InterContinental offering, which combines personalised service with resort-based experiences in Raa Atoll.

Through its participation in IHG Global Loyalty Week 2026, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is positioning guest recognition and service culture as key elements of its hospitality approach.

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands marks five years with wellness, mixology and sustainability events

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands marks its fifth anniversary in paradise, celebrating its internationally acclaimed service excellence which defines its place among the world’s most distinguished luxury resorts. This June, a month-long programme will showcase the property’s signature approach to guest experiences celebrating the pinnacle of transformative travel and the evolution of this unique resort destination in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives. A series of exclusive events will invite guests to explore progressive mixology, masters in regenerative wellness, and environmental stewardship with inspired ambassadors.

Since its debut in 2021, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has earned global recognition for its elevated standards, visionary programming, and Indian Ocean firsts. Its culinary programme has welcomed internationally acclaimed chefs representing more than 16 Michelin stars, alongside over 20 leading mixologists of The World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars distinction. The resort also celebrates the second year of its Maldives-first concept Fari Islands Festival, in 2026, and a thriving wellness initiative in its Deep Blue philosophy. Beyond gastronomy, curated partnerships have bridged the worlds of art and flavour, while impactful environmental initiatives continue to shape its legacy. Notably, the team’s innovative “Eye in the Sky” drone project has supported the rescue of more than 40 endangered turtles to date.

A thoughtfully curated calendar begins on June 1, the resort’s official anniversary, echoing the historic opening date of the Ritz Paris in 1898, a symbolic connection to The Ritz-Carlton’s heritage of timeless hospitality. Throughout the month, guests will be invited by the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, to engage in dynamic moments designed to inspire connection to self, nature, and culture.

Behind the Bar Highlights

From June 6 to 8, the resort will host a series of its signature Behind the Bar evenings, featuring three internationally acclaimed venues from Marriott International properties, all ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025.

The St. Regis Bar, The St. Regis Jakarta (#22), Punch Room Tokyo, The Tokyo EDITION Ginza (#36) and Bar Sathorn, W Bangkok (#48) will take centre stage, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience world-class mixology in an island setting. Venues will include the Maldives’ outpost of Singapore’s Summer Pavilion, the signature Japanese restaurant IWAU – transforming into an intimate speakeasy, and the design masterpiece circular EAU Bar, with serves enjoyed at the breathtaking sunset Defining Moment ritual to the sounds of bodu beru drummers. A beach party with DJ and collaborative bar takeover brings the celebrations to a crescendo at Beach Shack.

Wellness & Deep Blue Philosophy

Rooted in the resort’s signature Deep Blue philosophy and leaning into the healing power of the ocean, June’s wellness programming emphasises mindfulness, balance, and connection.

Key highlights will include:

  • Global Wellness Day (June 13): A day of immersive wellness activations under the 2026 Joy Magenta theme, focusing on cultivating joy as a conscious daily practice for mental and physical well- being. Live yoga sessions connecting eight Marriott properties across the Maldives will promote joy as a resilient healing and accessible force, symbolised by the vibrant colour magenta, aiming to reduce stress and foster connection.
  • International Yoga Day (June 21): A full-day showcase led by the resort’s Ladies & Gentlemen, each presenting unique yoga styles and practices from Vinyasa to Yoga Nidra with cocooning sound baths.
  • Masters of Crafts Series (June 20–22): As part of the resort’s established Masters of Crafts and Essence of Balance programme, a three-day yoga retreat will be led by renowned practitioner and ALO Wellness Club ambassador Anabella Landa, @annie.moves, celebrating the resort’s Deep Blue philosophy through a Blue thematic journey.

Environmental Programming & Naturalist Initiatives

Honouring its commitment to sustainability and conservation, the resort will elevate its Naturalist Programme with dedicated experiences aligned with global environmental observances:

  • Reef Awareness Day—June 1
  • World Environment Day—June 5
  • World Oceans Day—June 8
  • World Sea Turtle Day—June 16

Guests will have the opportunity to participate in educational and hands-on activities guided by the resort’s expert Naturalists. Furthering its work with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), an enhanced partnership will also launch June 1, supporting the protection of vulnerable sea turtles and their habitats though rescue, rehabilitation, education and research. The next phase of this initiative will also enable visitors to sponsor sea turtles under observation.

As part of the Masters of Crafts and Visiting Hero series, British environmental journalist, author, presenter, and wildlife conservation storyteller Sarah Roberts, @sarahsrealjob, will host intimate workshops, guided dives and snorkelling from June 10-14. Guests will gain exclusive insights into Sarah’s work in the field, raising awareness of biodiversity loss, marine ecosystems, and human–wildlife conflict through her immersive storytelling.

This fifth anniversary marks not only a celebration of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ journey but also a reaffirmation of its dedication to crafting transformative guest experiences. By blending epicurean innovation, immersive wellness, and environmental stewardship, the resort continues to define modern luxury in harmony with nature.

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