News
New boutique resort Milaidhoo Island brings ’50 Chapters of Laidback Island Living’ to the Maldives’ luxury hotel scene
Maldives.net.mv – The opening of the boutique five star Milaidhoo Island Maldives this November is one of most anticipated luxury resort openings of the year. Milaidhoo, due to open its doors in November 2016, promises its guests a new chapter of barefoot island living on its tiny 300m by 180m island set in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll region of the Maldives.
Shunning the current trend for high-gloss name-dropping look-at-me hotel glitz; at Milaidhoo barefoot informality is at the very heart of the island’s ethos where selfie-sticks and drones are not encouraged. Perfectly located to offer the absolute best of the Maldives to its discerning guests, Milaidhoo offers a return to a classic, relaxed Maldivian holiday style on a tiny island with deep soft white sand beaches and a vibrant coral reef where dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays are visitors – a benefit of being in a protected marine area.
This private, luxury island is reached by a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight from the international airport. Standing on stilts over the lagoon are 30 spacious over-water villas (245 square metres) and hidden amongst the tropical greenery are 20 serene villas on the beach (290 square metres). All villas have large private freshwater swimming pools and an island host to attend to the guests’ every whim. Designed by local architect Mohamed Shafeeq, the resort’s 50 villas have been made using materials and fittings custom-made for Milaidhoo in a way that epitomises the true contemporary Maldives style. Spacious outdoor living is the key phrase: the villas open up 180-degrees to allow the natural beauty of the Maldives to become part of the room.
Milaidhoo is the only resort in the atoll that has been created specifically with couples in mind, although children aged nine and above are welcomed. It further differentiates itself from the herd with its ‘Milaidhoo Moments’; a collection of exclusive activities for the luxury traveler seeking meaningful and memorable experiences. Milaidhoo will offer its guests access to Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected area, which attracts the largest seasonal groupings of manta rays in the world.
Milaidhoo is serious about its food. Gourmets will feel at home in the three restaurants and two bars; the resort’s signature restaurant is overwater and shaped like three traditional Maldivian sailing boats. It – uniquely in the Maldives – will offer a modern interpretation of ‘island influenced’ cuisine. Cocktails will be fresh, creative and on point while the wine list has been designed to pique the interest of wine lovers with a choice of much loved classics alongside a selection of wines from lesser-known boutique wine makers. All villas have their own wine fridge where guests can keep their personal favourites.
The island’s spa consists of four treatment suites set on stilts over the lagoon where guests will also enjoy daily complimentary yoga and meditation classes on the custom-built pavilion. And of course perfect beaches, snorkelling on coral reefs, diving, water sports, fishing and cultural excursions to nearby islands and sandbanks will create stories that guests will want to tell forever.
Action
Naomi Cavaday hosts exclusive tennis camp at JA Manafaru
Tennis enthusiasts of all levels are encouraged to participate in an engaging five-day tennis camp hosted by former British tennis star Naomi Cavaday, as part of JA Manafaru’s ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’
From January 1st to 5th, 2025, Naomi Cavaday will provide expert coaching to both adults and children at the resort’s tennis court from 4 to 5 pm daily. With a career that includes competing at Wimbledon and in all four Grand Slam tournaments, Naomi offers players a unique opportunity to receive personalised guidance from a former WTA professional. Whether participants are beginners or advanced players aiming to refine their skills, her competitive spirit and passion for coaching promise to elevate their performance.
The tennis camp aims to deliver an inspiring and dynamic experience for all participants, offering a chance to learn from Naomi’s extensive expertise. Guests will benefit from high-quality coaching and gain valuable insights into the sport, all within a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Jason Kruse, General Manager at JA Manafaru, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Naomi Cavaday to host our tennis camp as part of our ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’ Her vast experience and genuine love for the game will undoubtedly inspire guests of all ages, helping them improve their skills and enjoy a memorable tennis experience during their stay.”
Naomi Cavaday, a former British tennis player, turned professional in 2006 and competed in WTA events and all four Grand Slam tournaments. She represented Great Britain as the number one player in the Billie Jean King Cup and has achieved significant victories, including matches against top players such as Venus Williams and Martina Hingis. Beyond her playing career, Naomi is a respected commentator for Sky, Eurosport, and the BBC, where she shares her expertise with global audiences. As a coach, she is dedicated to mentoring and developing new generations of tennis players.
Celebration
Amilla Maldives’ 70s-inspired New Year’s bash lights up the island
Amilla Maldives welcomed 2025 with a 70s-inspired celebration, combining disco energy with the island’s natural charm.
The evening began with pre-dinner cocktails, allowing guests to mingle and build anticipation for the festivities. A lavish buffet dinner followed, featuring a diverse array of flavours served under the starlit Maldivian sky.
The main stage, dramatically positioned over the resort’s main pool, became the focal point of the celebration. Guests filled the dance floor, enjoying live performances that infused the night with vibrant energy and wonder. Highlights of the evening included a captivating fire show and a dazzling LED display that enthralled attendees.
As midnight approached, the renowned Bjorn Again tribute band took the stage, performing ABBA’s iconic hits and leading the countdown to the New Year. The celebration reached its peak at the stroke of midnight, as a spectacular fireworks display illuminated the sky.
The festivities continued with an after-party, where lively beats and a bustling dance floor kept the energy alive well into the early hours. Guests embraced the spirit of joy and togetherness, celebrating the arrival of a new year.
Amilla Maldives’ Disco Fever New Year’s Eve event served as a grand conclusion to a year of remarkable experiences, setting a vibrant tone for 2025.
Featured
New Year’s miracle: turtle hatchlings grace Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
The first dawn of the New Year marked more than a fresh start at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, as nature staged a remarkable event: three tiny turtles emerged from their delicate shells. Guided solely by instinct, these hatchlings began their journey toward the vast Indian Ocean, captivating both guests and staff with the enchantment of the moment.
Numerous eggs had been carefully laid on the island, and under the diligent care of the resort’s marine biology team, led by Tharushi Pitigala, the fragile eggs were closely monitored and protected to ensure the safety of these precious new arrivals. Anticipation had been growing for weeks, with guests eagerly seeking updates on the eggs’ progress. Reflecting on the event, Tharushi expressed her excitement, stating, “Seeing them emerge and instinctively head towards the sea is nothing short of miraculous. Each turtle plays a vital role in sustaining the ocean’s delicate ecosystems, from keeping seagrass beds healthy to supporting coral reef biodiversity.”
In the following days, an even greater spectacle unfolded. One by one, the remaining hatchlings emerged, their tiny shells cracking open to reveal new lives ready to venture into the ocean. Guests once again gathered to witness the mesmerising sight of these delicate creatures taking their first steps into the sea.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has long been recognised as a haven for marine life, boasting one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs. Over the years, the resort has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to marine conservation, engaging in coral propagation projects and reef health monitoring. These initiatives have cultivated an environment where marine life flourishes, from vivid coral gardens to the green and hawksbill turtles that call the island home.
Events like these underscore the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and foster a deeper connection between humanity and the ocean. At Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the turtle hatchings are more than natural occurrences—they serve as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the beauty and balance of the world’s oceans.
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