News
Maldives raises destination’s profile at the International French Travel Market, IFTM Top Resa 2016

Maldives.net.mv – The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) together with 12 representatives from the tourism industry of Maldives are taking part at the International French travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa held in Paris, France from 20-23 September 2016. Representatives of MMPRC together with the industry participants will be reaching out to the French speaking market at IFTM Top Resa 2016.
Maldives will be showcased at a 60 Sqm contemporary design setting portraying colourful imagery of the unique aspects of the destination‟s tourism product. Together with the strong destination brand message, “Maldives…the sunny side of life”, the “Visit Maldives Year 2016” are being communicated prominently through branding on Top Resa‟s most prominent spaces such as 10ft Arch at the entrance 5 banners outside the exhibition, sponsorship of floor tiles and advertisements on the cover of the IFTM Top Resa Daily news.
This is the 38 th year of Top Resa and it was first held in Deauville in 1978. It was then targeted for the leisure travellers. In 2008, IFTM Top Resa moved to Paris and became a multi-target show covering all grounds of travel: business, leisure and events. Today, major players in the leisure travel, event management and business travel gather to share and learn through the impressive range of destinations present, and discovering new products and exhibitors of the latest technological solutions sector. A total of 1560 new and returning brands occupying 492 stands took part in IFTM TOP RESA 2015 which is a 30% increase compared to 2015. 160 destinations took part in Top Resa 2015, a trade event attended mainly by French tour operators.
French market has experienced a downfall in the past three years, by taking part in this fair it is aimed to revive and regain the market share. This year‟s marketing plan for the French speaking market have been strategized to strengthen the destination‟s presence in the market and aggressively market Maldives through extensive PR and marketing campaigns targeting the French travel trade and consumers. Whilst positively increasing the arrivals from France, these campaigns will help the destination reach its targets in 2016 and in turn help achieve the target of 1.5 visitors during the Visit Maldives Year 2016.
To boost the number of arrivals from the French market „Interface Tourism‟ was appointed as a PR to overlook the French market and conduct promotional activities. A road show was held from 9-12 May 2016 in Paris, Lille, Lyon and Marseille to showcase Maldives as a tourism destination to the French agents and wholesalers. This was a great platform for the Maldivian resorts, hotels and agents to meet most of the top traders that sell Maldives interact and educate during a uniquely inspired event that took place in all four cities.
42,024 arrivals were recorded from France by the end of 2015. France is among the top 10 generating markets to the Maldives with a 3.9% of the market share, by the end of this period.
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Where tranquillity meets adventure: discover The Atollia’s twin resort experience

The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts is more than a destination; it is an experience in constant motion. Situated on a single island, it is home to two distinct realms, each with its own unique rhythm and atmosphere. United by a sweeping lagoon, the refined tranquillity of Centara Grand Lagoon Resort Maldives and the lively, family-centric energy of Centara Mirage Lagoon Resort Maldives are seamlessly connected, inviting guests of all generations to discover their personal paradise.
At one end of the island lies Centara Grand Lagoon Resort Maldives, a sophisticated retreat where the warmth of Thai hospitality meets the natural beauty of the Maldives. Elegant beachfront and overwater villas, styled in soothing neutral palettes, offer panoramic ocean views and secluded stretches of sand. Guests are immersed in serene privacy, enhanced by exceptional dining and transformative wellness experiences.
Across the lagoon, Centara Mirage Lagoon Resort presents a vibrant and playful atmosphere. Inspired by the underwater world, this resort encourages families to explore and connect. At its heart is an expansive water complex featuring lagoon pools, exhilarating slides, and the Maldives’ longest lazy river. Contemporary villas include bunk beds in every family room, while the Kids’ Club, water playground, and Games Room cater to children and teenagers alike. With varied dining options and wellness spaces tailored for both adults and younger guests, every moment is designed for shared enjoyment and discovery.
As part of The Atollia Destination Plan, visitors are invited to indulge in more than ten distinctive dining venues across both resorts. From refined overwater restaurants to lively beachfront grills, each setting offers a unique character, showcasing Thai, Italian, Mediterranean, and pan-Asian cuisines crafted through a fusion of traditional and contemporary techniques. Together, they establish The Atollia as a destination rich in flavour, connection, and cultural expression.
This commitment to immersion continues into the realm of wellness. Guests have full access to the holistic offerings of both resorts, each defined by its own rhythm and style. At Centara Grand Lagoon, Spa Cenvaree Retreat is a sanctuary of calm, specialising in Thai and Ayurvedic therapies delivered with quiet expertise. Here, wellness is approached as a journey, with retreat-style programmes, guided rituals, and deeply personalised care.
At Centara Mirage Lagoon, traditional healing is reimagined through sensory-based treatments at Spa Cenvaree, while younger guests are introduced to the concept of well-being through the playful Candy Spa. Together, these offerings form a dual experience rooted in heritage and crafted for all generations.
The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts is a place where private moments and shared experiences exist in harmony with the breathtaking surroundings of the Indian Ocean. Here, serenity, connection, and discovery are not mere concepts but the essence of everyday life. Guests of all ages—grandparents, parents, and children—are encouraged to move at their own pace, finding joy in both quiet reflection and vibrant adventure.
From ancient spa rituals to whimsical therapies for younger guests, The Atollia offers a rare and thoughtful balance. Wellness here transcends amenity; it becomes a way of life. Dining is not simply nourishment, but a curated journey through ten distinctive culinary experiences. Every activity is designed to be immersive, meaningful, and adaptable.
In a nation renowned for its natural beauty and luxurious escapes, The Atollia sets itself apart—not as a singular resort, but as a complete destination. For the curious, the culinary enthusiasts, the wellness seekers, and multigenerational travellers alike, this is the Maldives redefined: elevated, imaginative, and alive with possibility.
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SAii Lagoon Maldives introduces brand signatures in wellness-led evolution

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton – part of the SAii Hotels & Resorts portfolio under S Hotels & Resorts – has officially relaunched with a refreshed brand identity built around the philosophy that ‘Peace of Mind is the Ultimate Luxury.’ In this renewed chapter, the resort positions itself not merely as a destination, but as a sanctuary of calm where personalised service, nature-inspired design, meaningful encounters, and sustainability are central to the guest experience.
The relaunch arrives at a moment when international travellers are placing increasing value on mindful journeys — prioritising not only physical comfort, but emotional clarity, genuine connection, and thoughtful care. SAii Lagoon Maldives’ new identity has been crafted in response to this shift, embracing slower, more intentional travel with a focus on wellbeing and cultural resonance.
This evolution signals more than just a visual rebrand. The introduction of Brand Signatures — a collection of curated experiences offered across the resort — marks a fundamental transformation. Designed to foster joy and tranquillity, these initiatives include:
- SAii Gurus, a team of friendly local experts who provide a warm welcome and help guests uncover authentic experiences and hidden gems;
- SAii Wellness Gurus, wellness specialists who deliver tailored care through yoga, guided meditation and spa therapies;
- Sensory Reception, an arrival experience that soothes with natural elements, calming aromas, and serene lighting;
- Digital Detox, an invitation to disconnect from screens and reconnect with self, nature, and companions, with electronic devices securely stored and charged;
- Fresh, Healthy, Happy, a dining philosophy that champions sustainably sourced ingredients and wholesome preparation across its signature outlets: Terra & Mar, Mr. Tomyam, Miss Olive Oyl, and the SAii Beach Club.
Guests can also enjoy refreshed spaces and an updated visual identity, with the newly imagined SAii Beach Club and SAii Spa anchoring the resort’s wellness-centric transformation. These enhancements aim to reflect SAii’s vibrant, relaxed spirit.
Alongside its guest-centred innovations, the resort maintains a strong commitment to environmental and community stewardship. SAii Lagoon Maldives has achieved Green Globe certification for three consecutive years and recently earned Gold Certification from the Environmental Impact Certification (EIC) by The Events Industry Council. Its sustainability efforts span the elimination of single-use plastics, carbon footprint reduction, marine conservation, and partnerships with local artisans and producers to support the regional economy.
Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Crossroads Marina, remarked, “At SAii Lagoon Maldives, peace of mind begins the moment your toes touch our sun-kissed sands. More than just a stay, it’s a multi-island escape where ease, connection and purpose converge. From overwater serenity to underwater discovery, our refreshed identity and Brand Signatures ensure every moment is crafted with care — for our guests, the planet, and the communities around us.”
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.Here Maldives to redefine ultra-luxury with dual-island concept

Set to open in December 2025, the new ultra-bespoke private islands of .Here aim to redefine luxury travel in the Maldives. Envisioned as the pinnacle of modern hospitality, the retreat promises an elevated guest experience through intuitive service, transformative encounters and complete seclusion. Spanning two natural islands named Somewhere and Nowhere, .Here is designed to appeal to the world’s most discerning travellers, combining understated luxury with a sense of playfulness, all while placing the guest at the heart of the experience.
Nestled within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for vibrant marine life and outstanding snorkelling and diving, the islands will feature just nine exclusive residences. A dedicated restaurant and bar will serve imaginative fusion cuisine inspired by global flavours. Guests of .Here will also have access to the amenities of the nearby Finolhu Baa Atoll, offering the opportunity to blend peaceful retreat with more lively diversions.
The project has been conceived by architectural firm KulörGroup, whose design respects and accentuates the slender shape of the islands. The concept balances immersive natural beauty with tailored luxury, catering to today’s elite travellers. Each residence will offer views of both sunrise and sunset and a unique mix of jungle canopy and vibrant turquoise waters—an embodiment of the duality that lies at the core of the brand’s identity.
On the island of Somewhere, expansive villas are positioned across both beach and sea, creating a hybrid of overwater and beachfront living for those unwilling to choose between the two. Each villa includes a 47-metre sky infinity pool complete with a cascading waterfall, and the interiors span over 1,200 square metres. Five residences comprise three en-suite bedrooms for up to eight adults, while two larger villas offer four bedrooms and over 1,400 square metres of space, accommodating up to eleven adults. Amenities include a bar, kitchen, indoor and outdoor living areas, water sports centre, 24-hour in-villa dining, and a dedicated Roohu (butler).
Nowhere, the second island, is intended as a fully private booking, exemplifying a new standard in exclusivity. It consists of a three-bedroom overwater villa of 1,000 square metres with a 15-metre private pool, and a five-bedroom Presidential Villa set across 2,400 square metres with a 28-metre pool and a private beach. Designed to accommodate up to 24 adults, Nowhere also houses the Fehi Spa and the resort’s fitness facilities.
Fehi Wellness, named after the Dhivehi word for ‘green,’ is reserved for guests staying on Nowhere, although treatments can also be arranged in-villa for those on Somewhere. The spa’s bespoke treatments merge ancient healing traditions with modern science, offering options such as salt stone and jade stone massages and aquatic reflexology. Each programme is tailored to individual preferences, further reflecting the island’s theme of duality.
Service across the island is elevated by the presence of a dedicated Roohu—meaning ‘soul’ in Dhivehi—assigned to each residence. These butlers are tasked with curating deeply personal and entirely unique guest experiences, operating with discretion and precision.
The dining experience is centred around the restaurant and bar, Safar, meaning ‘journey’ in Dhivehi. Open around the clock, resident chefs craft bespoke menus for guests to enjoy in-residence or at the overwater venue. From fine dining to relaxed beach picnics and villa-side barbecues, each meal is an invitation to discover new flavours.
Design elements across .Here have been conceived by the award-winning British studio Muza Lab, led by Inge Moore and Nathan Hutchins. Their interiors draw from the textures and tones of the natural environment, incorporating carved timbers, stones, and marbles that pay homage to Maldivian craft and culture, such as Dhoni boats and traditional Feyli sarongs.
Access to .Here is via a 30-minute scenic seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Malé, completing the journey to a destination that promises to be unlike any other in the Maldives.
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