News
Roxy-Pacific Holdings to renovate and rebrand Kuda-Funafaru

Maldives.net.mv – Property and hospitality group Roxy-Pacific Holdings has revealed plans for its newly acquired Maldives resort, Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru as the company has finalised the purchase of the Noonu Atoll property from AAA Group.
Roxy Pacific Managing Director Mr. Chris Teo confirmed that the resort will undergo extensive renovation of guest villas, public spaces and food & beverage (F&B) outlets before opening in the first quarter of 2017. Upon completion it will be the second property to be marketed under Roxy’s premium Noku brand. The first opened in Kyoto, Japan in November 2015.
“We are extremely excited to have completed the acquisition of this stunning property, our first in the Maldives. We look forward to turning it into an exceptional resort that will appeal to upmarket travelers looking for unique experiences in one of the most desirable destinations in the world,” says Mr. Teo. “This acquisition fits with our broader strategy of acquiring boutique properties in Asia Pacific’s up-and-coming locations.”
“As a Maldivian owned and independently managed resort, we are delighted to have found a buyer who would be committed to continuing to deliver the high standards of service and hospitality our team has strived for.” says Mr. Ahmed Hamza, Deputy Managing Director of AAA Group. “We welcome them to the Maldives and congratulate them on acquiring Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru.”
“This is a great outcome for both Roxy Pacific and the seller, AAA Group,” says Mr. Nihat Ercan, Executive Vice President, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia. “The Maldives is a global gateway resort destination. Coupled with its robust trading environment and investor-friendly policies, the country is a highly attractive destination for investors from Asia Pacific, Middle East and beyond. The sale of Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru is the eight resort transaction exclusively marketed and sold by JLL and underpins the depth of investment activity in the market.
“On the back of this momentum, we are continuing to market resorts in the Maldives and Indian Ocean exclusively on behalf of owners,” adds Mr. Ercan.
Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort and Spa currently comprises 50 villas (30 over-water villas and 20 beach villas), four F&B outlets, a full-service spa, an ocean-front fresh water infinity pool, a state-of-the-art diving centre, a fitness centre with full-sized tennis court, and a luxury boutique.
There were a record 1.23 million tourist arrivals in the Maldives in 2015 and in the first quarter of 2016, there has been a 4.3 percent increase in visitors compared to the same period last year.
Visitors from China make up 29 percent of arrivals, making it the top tourism source market for the Maldives. The Indian Ocean archipelago continues to welcome a large number of visitors from Europe and between 2010 and 2015 the number of visitors from the Middle East more than tripled.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi recognised for sustainability at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Coco Bodu Hithi, part of Coco Collection, has received the Best Commitment to Sustainability award at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2027, in the Africa, Asia & Middle East region. This marks the resort’s third consecutive year of recognition, reflecting its continued efforts to care for the environment while creating meaningful experiences for guests.
The latest accolade follows Best Service in 2025 and Best Waterside Hotel in 2026, recognising different aspects of the resort’s hospitality over the years. Each award holds special meaning for the team, whose dedication and genuine care remain at the heart of the Coco Bodu Hithi experience.
Located in North Malé Atoll, just 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Coco Bodu Hithi is close enough for convenience yet secluded enough to feel a world away. Surrounded by turquoise waters and tropical greenery, the resort features 100 villas, each with a private pool.

Caring for the island’s natural environment is an important part of everyday life at Coco Bodu Hithi. From coral restoration to eliminating single-use plastics, in-house water production and energy-saving initiatives, the resort continues to take thoughtful steps towards sustainability. Guests are also encouraged to participate through marine conservation experiences, educational talks and island clean-ups, fostering a shared appreciation for the environment.
“We are grateful to receive this recognition, marking our third consecutive year at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards. It reflects our team’s dedication and the meaningful steps we continue to take towards protecting our island. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we remain committed to learning, improving and making a positive difference,” said Mohamed Sobe, General Manager of Coco Bodu Hithi.
The Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence recognise outstanding hotels and resorts worldwide, serving as a trusted mark of quality among travellers and travel professionals alike. For Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Collection, this recognition reflects a shared commitment to preserving the Maldives’ natural beauty, heartfelt hospitality and responsible tourism.
For those planning an island escape, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to discover its exclusive Double 11 offer or celebrate the festive season with loved ones through the Coco Festive Celebration. To explore these offers and plan a stay, visit www.cococollection.com or contact reservations@cococollection.com.
News
Bandos Maldives lines up festive dining, family activities and entertainment for Christmas, New Year
Bandos Maldives has announced its festive programme for Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027, introducing a Candy Land-themed celebration featuring dining experiences, live entertainment, family activities, cultural performances and island excursions.
Running from 20 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the programme will bring together seasonal celebrations and the resort’s established recreational activities, with events designed for families, couples and guests of all ages.
The celebrations will begin on 20 December with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Huvan Deck, accompanied by Christmas carols performed by the Bandos Carollers. The opening day will also feature a Christmas cake-mixing ceremony, a Maldivian cooking experience, sunset entertainment by Beatus Duo and a Candy Land Street Food Market at Sea Breeze.
A series of dining experiences will form part of the festive calendar. On 21 December, Umi Yaki will host Tokyo in Maldives, a Japanese-inspired dinner incorporating seasonal elements. Guests can also participate in a festive food and wine pairing experience at Grill Bar on 23 December.

Christmas Eve, on 24 December, will feature a gala dinner at Gallery Restaurant from 7pm to 10pm, with festive decorations and a selection of seasonal dishes. The evening’s entertainment will include Christmas carols, sunset music and a performance by The Notion Band, followed by DJ Katty at Sand Bar.
On Christmas Day, the resort will welcome Santa Claus to Huvan Beach at 10.45am, followed by a programme of family activities. Guests can begin the day with morning yoga and a Christmas breakfast at Gallery before joining the Candy Cane Beach Bash in the afternoon. Sunset entertainment and a karaoke evening will conclude the day’s celebrations.
The culinary programme will continue on 26 December with a Candy Land Beach BBQ at Huvan Beach, featuring grilled specialities in a beachfront setting. Other activities will include pastry-making sessions, vegetable carving demonstrations and mixology experiences, giving guests opportunities to learn from the resort’s culinary and beverage teams.
The programme will culminate in New Year’s Eve celebrations on 31 December, featuring a gala dinner at Gallery from 7pm to 9.30pm. The festivities will continue at Sand Bar with live music, DJ entertainment and a countdown to 2027, accompanied by fireworks.

Guests will also have opportunities to explore the surrounding marine environment during the festive period. Activities include sunset dolphin-watching excursions, sunrise fishing, water sports and a sandbank picnic. The resort will conduct environmental awareness activities under its Eco Adventures programme, introducing guests to its sustainability initiatives and efforts to protect the island’s natural surroundings.
Families travelling with children will have access to an extensive schedule of activities organised through Kokko Club and other areas of the resort. These include gingerbread house decorating, Christmas arts and crafts, costume parades, treasure hunts, beach games, children’s discos and cooking sessions.
Sporting and recreational activities will also feature throughout the celebrations, including tennis challenges, beach volleyball, football matches involving guests and resort staff, water polo, aqua aerobics and morning yoga sessions.
Live entertainment will be a regular feature of the programme, with performances by Beatus Duo, The Notion Band and DJ Katty. Traditional Maldivian music and dance performances are also scheduled, offering guests opportunities to experience local cultural traditions alongside the international festive celebrations.

Following New Year’s Day, the programme will continue with additional dining and entertainment experiences. Umi Yaki will host a Japanese-inspired Sakura Evening on 2 January, while Maldivian cultural performances and family activities will continue during the first week of the year.
On 6 January, Bandos will host an Orthodox Christmas dinner at Huvan Beach, featuring a beachfront barbecue accompanied by live music from Beatus Duo. The festivities will conclude on 7 January with a Candy Land Party Night at Sand Bar.
In his welcome message accompanying the festive programme, Ismail Rasheed highlighted the resort’s focus on creating memories through shared meals, time spent together, exploring the ocean and enjoying island life.
Bandos Maldives is located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Opened on 10 December 1972 as the second tourist resort in the Maldives, Bandos is among the country’s longest-established tourism properties and is known as the Island of Hospitality.

The 18-hectare island features 220 rooms and villas across several accommodation categories, including beachfront rooms, garden villas, beach villas and overwater accommodation. Its facilities include restaurants and bars, Orchid Spa, a diving centre, water sports facilities, a swimming pool, sports and fitness amenities, and Kokko Club for younger guests.
The resort is also known for its house reef and diving experiences, offering access to marine activities within North Malé Atoll. Its combination of family facilities, dining options and proximity to the international airport makes Bandos an established destination for both leisure holidays and short island stays.
Selected festive dining experiences, excursions and activities require advance reservations and are subject to additional charges.
News
Niva Kuramathi Maldives celebrates International Men’s Day with spa and fitness experiences
Throughout November, Niva Kuramathi Maldives turns toward movement and wellbeing. From 1 to 30 November 2026, LIME Wellbeing presents its International Men’s Day Wellness Collection. The collection brings together four restorative treatment packages, complimentary group sessions on 19 November and a three-day retail offer. These are days made for the body to relax, the mind to settle and energy to return.
Restore, 1–30 November
The Executive Recharge is a 60-minute deep tissue massage that reaches the places where stress sits. Tight muscles loosen, and energy returns. The Athlete’s Recovery Package is a 90-minute sports recovery massage. It combines focused stretching with deep muscle work to restore range of motion, so the body remembers how to move with ease. The Gentleman’s Grooming Ritual is a 30-minute express Obsidian facial for the face, neck and torso. Rich in minerals and plant extracts, it deeply cleanses and hydrates. Tension lifts, texture softens, clarity returns. The Total Wellbeing Experience pairs a 60-minute deep tissue massage with a 30-minute Obsidian men’s facial. Muscle recovery flows into skin restoration – body first, then face, then a calm you may not have felt in a while.

Move, 19 November
On International Men’s Day itself, you can join one of two complimentary male group sessions, each designed to build strength, mobility and resilience. The Resistance & Core Group Fitness Class focuses on breath core strength. The Office Yoga Group Session concentrates on gentle stretches to ease stiff shoulders and neck caused by to many long hours spent at a desk.

Obsidian Gentlemen’s Skincare Rituals
At the heart of the collection sits Obsidian, a range designed around the distinct needs of men’s skin. Tailored specifically for men, these treatments offer deep-cleansing, revitalising facials that target the unique needs of men’s skin, leaving you refreshed and perfectly groomed.
Retail, 19–21 November
For three days, all retail products at LIME Wellbeing are 15% off, and select treatments carry exclusive International Men’s Day pricing.

For further information and reservations, please call +960 666 01 50 or email reservations@nivakuramathi.com.
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