News
Centara Hotels & Resorts rebrands as Central Hospitality International (CHi)
Maldives.net.mv – Centara Hotels & Resorts has renamed as Central Hospitality International (CHi). This is a refresh and renaming of the management and holding company behind its collection of hotels. The hotel brands, products and services will remain unchanged.
The introduction of CHi serves to differentiate the corporate brand and its member hotel brands, as well as to align the hotel group with the other eponymously named Central Group companies creating greater affiliation and synergy within the Central family.
The inclusion of the word “International” within the name signifies CHi’s intent to continue to expand its portfolio both in Thailand and international markets, becoming even more of a global player in the hospitality sector. “Our objective is to strategically grow the business and build international brand awareness and recognition through acquiring and managing hotels in global cities and resorts. These locations will be carefully identified according not only to the global travel profile of our existing and prospective guests but also in recognition of those destinations which embrace and value the elements of Thai service style that will continue to form part of the DNA of our brands” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Central Hospitality International.
In 2016, the continued international expansion of the hotel group will see the introduction of additional hotel brands to the Central Hospitality International family. Today, the group includes Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Residences & Suites, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra Hotels & Resorts and COSI Hotels.
Central Hospitality International operates two award winning resorts in Maldives, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa.
News
Maldives named among world’s top destinations in Tripadvisor’s 2026 awards
The Maldives has received multiple rankings in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations 2026, according to destination rankings released by the travel platform.
In the global category, the Maldives was ranked 21st among the world’s top destinations for 2026.
The Maldives was also ranked third in the world in the Best Honeymoon Destinations category for 2026.
In the Asia category, the Maldives secured eighth place among Tripadvisor’s Top Destinations in Asia for 2026.
Tripadvisor said its Best of the Best rankings are based on traveller reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period. The rankings reflect visitor feedback and travel demand across destinations worldwide.
News
Ambani family members holiday in Maldives again
Anant Ambani, son of Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani, and his wife Radhika Merchant have arrived in the Maldives for a holiday.
Ambani’s Boeing 737 private jet landed in the Maldives on Saturday. Witnesses at the airport said the couple were accompanied by around 50 security personnel.
Anant and Radhika are currently staying at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s private island.
Two seaplanes are on standby at the resort, according to sources. The arrangements are in place to facilitate transport if required.
The Ambani family has previously spent holidays in the Maldives. Last year, other members of the family spent the Christmas and New Year period at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
In November 2024, Anant stayed at Soneva Secret and also visited the nearby island of HDh. Makunudhoo. During that visit, he purchased a chicken and a rabbit from the island, which were later taken to a zoo he operates in India.
Featured
The Standard, Maldives unveils romantic Valentine’s Day experiences
This Valentine’s Day, The Standard, Maldives is inviting couples to celebrate love through a curated collection of romantic dining experiences set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Designed to encourage connection and indulgence, each experience combines refined cuisine, intimate settings and signature details that transform shared moments into lasting memories.
For couples seeking privacy and exclusivity, the Romantic Dinner at Baby Island offers a secluded escape on a private island setting. Guests are treated to a bespoke dining experience for two, accompanied by champagne and specially curated Valentine’s touches, all within an atmosphere that is personal, tranquil and understatedly romantic, creating an intimate celebration of love surrounded by nature.
The Private Dinner at Kula Beach provides an equally refined beachfront experience beneath the night sky. Set along the shoreline with the sound of the ocean in the background, the evening is designed to balance elegance and intimacy, creating a warm ambience that allows couples to immerse themselves fully in the moment. Advance reservations ensure exclusivity and a peaceful setting for this special occasion.
Valentine’s Day at The Standard, Maldives may also begin in relaxed island style with a Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa. Carefully prepared and attractively presented, guests may choose from a range of breakfast options, from classic favourites and lighter wellness-inspired selections to a champagne-enhanced start to the day, offering a leisurely and indulgent morning together.
From private island dinners and starlit beachfront evenings to indulgent floating breakfasts, The Standard, Maldives has crafted Valentine’s Day experiences designed to be shared and savoured. Each moment reflects the resort’s signature blend of playful luxury and meaningful connection, inviting couples to celebrate love in a way that feels personal, immersive and memorable.
To further enhance the romantic escape, guests may complement their stay with The Standard, Maldives’ Premium All-Inclusive experience, offering seamless indulgence throughout the visit. With daily dining at selected restaurants, premium beverages, in-villa refreshments and curated resort experiences included, couples are free to focus on one another, enjoying a relaxed and immersive Valentine’s celebration in a tropical setting.
-
News1 week agoFushifaru Maldives blends cultural experiences with new in-house activities
-
News1 week agoMaldives resort holidays included in Golden Globes gift bags
-
Featured7 days agoYear of the Horse celebrated with island-inspired festivities at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
-
Excursions7 days agoDiscover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026
-
Featured6 days agoSt. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort sets stage for 2026 with influential Tastemaker residencies
-
Featured7 days agoNew era in reef conservation: Six Senses Kanuhura launches data-led Coral Census
-
News5 days agoCOMO Maalifushi introduces new all-inclusive experience, Simply COMO
-
Featured7 days agoMilaidhoo Maldives introduces high-end wellness residency led by Dr Lim Xiang Jun



