News
Maldives in a new light at LUX* South Ari Atoll
World-renowned luxury resort and hotel operator LUX* Resorts & Hotels is known for a different style of holidaying – a lighter, brighter way of celebrating life – and its newest resort LUX* South Ari Atoll opened last week in the Maldives.
The brand’s latest five-star resort has been entirely reimagined, with a chic beach-house style. Innovative and trendsetting, it features a contemporary atmosphere while protecting the cocooned tropical-island atmosphere. LUX* South Ari Atoll is not just about luxury and aesthetics: it’s a resort with a soul. Playful, fun, modern this is paradise for travellers looking for a distinctive experience in the Maldives.
Dotted at the water’s edge along two miles of pure white sand beach and perched on stilts above a crystal-clear lagoon, are 193 super-spacious pavilions and villas designed by P49 Deesign. The seductive flood-lit over-water villas promise freedom, privacy and intimacy. 46 Romantic Pool Villas each have private 7m suspended infinity pools, and three Temptation Pool Water Villas boast a 14m pool and this forms the resort’s adults-only sanctuary. These villas enjoy twin showers, private terraces incorporating a unique couples’ love nest, and a deck with steps down into the sea, perfect for enjoying the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

The spectacular range of eight restaurants and five bars includes a sophisticated take on a bustling night market; guests can head to East Market where they can enjoy flavours from Vietnam, Thailand and Sichuan among others. Umami promises fine dining from the open sushi kitchen, teppanyaki and robata counters as well as the Maldives’ largest selection of sakés and Japanese whiskies. Allegria, Senses and MIXE satisfy international palates with Mediterranean to Maldivian specialities and the new Beach Rouge introduces fresh beach-club dining experience to the island. Visit www.luxresorts.com/en/hotel-
The LUX* Me spa and its overwater treatment villas set the tone for a Zen-inspired reboot of its own. The facility incorporates a traditional Chinese teahouse, a dedicated zone for brand new skin and body care experiences and an extended lagoon-view relaxation area. For those in search of the ultimate personalised spa experience, try the once-in-a-lifetime 10 hands massage. A Zen wellness pavilion accommodate a wide range of alternative wellbeing activities including yoga, meditation, pilates, tai chi and qigong, all of which are overseen by an expert wellness concierge. LUX* Me is all about a tailored approach to your wellbeing, whether it be spa, fitness, yoga, meditation, nutrition or a unique combination tailored especially to your needs.

Graced by one of Maldives’ most spectacular lagoon of crystal-clear waters, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers the finest choice of water sports of any Maldives’ five-star resort. LUX* was the first to offer flyboarding and hoverboarding and once again introduced the Maldives’ first: jet-surfboarding. No wonder the resort is referenced as #ThePlacetoBeMaldives.
LUX* South Ari Atoll promises a lighter, brighter, more enlightening holiday experience. Stay tuned for events worth travelling around the world for as Beach Rouge, the East Market, and even a sandbank hosting music and culinary celebrations. Where else can guests dance to a DJ with their toes dipped in the warm ocean or taste the best of South-East Asia in a suspended over-the-water night market?
Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts & Hotels confides: “The focus around the creation of a newLUX* South Ari Atoll has been as much about the transformation of the property as it has been about the enhancement of the guests’ experiences. For this, our team has worked effortlessly on enriching the moments that matters, and we have created new and exciting Reasons To GoLUX*. I am convinced that places you remember are the ones that inspire you; those that have a soul and caring people. LUX* South Ari Atoll has this magical mix.”
LUX* South Ari Atoll will of course include all of LUX*’s popular features and Reasons To GoLUX* including a LUX* Me Spa, a dive centre with a property marine biologist, a Café LUX*, ICI ice-creams, a gym, a kids’ club, organic gardens, a Tree of Wishes and an outdoor Cinema Paradiso to name a few.

On top of that, the opening of this new resort was the perfect opportunity for the brand to present a series of more Reasons To Go LUX*. Stay at a conventional resort, and before long you know where everything is. That doesn’t happen at LUX*. Spontaneity and surprises are in our DNA with the new Reasons To Go LUX* making a debut at LUX* South Ari AtollM this month.
- LUX* Photo Fanatics — LUX* means light, and so it is also in spirit, so it should come as little surprise that LUX* is a brand that loves the art of photography. Introducing Photo Fanatics, a unique image-capturing experience that will help guests seeking to create and capture the moments that matter, using a smartphone or a traditional camera or SLR.
- Junkart Studio & Gallery — Many regret the lack of time during their everyday lives to learn a new skill or revive a forgotten hobby. LUX* believes that a vacation can be the perfect time to explore something new or revisit old skills and passions. Guests at LUX* are invited to have fun making one-off artworks and sustainable souvenirs from upcycled materials.
- Wanderlust Library — Make up for that last-minute pre-holiday book buy at the airport or magazine selection limited by how much your hand luggage can take. LUX*understands the desire to try new things, especially on holiday. To encourage thisLUX* has curated the ultimate collection of books and magazines, to be enjoyed in a cocooned air-conditioned place which will stimulate your travel senses and expand your horizons.
- Master Chef — The joy of cooking and the fun of the whole family getting involved is unrivalled. Cook with a professional chef and take home some new tricks.
The remodelling of LUX* South Ari Atoll doesn’t just mean a contemporary, characterful new look; guests can also expect a remarkable and insightful cultural calendar. Entirely new for the Maldives, LUX* South Ari Atoll hosts short expert-led workshops throughout the year, with leading practitioners from diverse, creative and inspiring walks of life. It’s always a privilege to spend time with inspiring individuals who are happy to share their unique wisdom and skills.
The brand vision is to offer our guests different luxury hospitality experience; helping people celebrate life, by making each moment matter. In this context, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy themselves with a series of workshops which could reveal innate talents, hidden talents.
The workshops are as varied as they are numerous. There are painting lessons with Jeannine Platz, a motivation workshop with Ron Kaufman, food art with Samantha Lee and photography with world-renowned travel photographer Michel Freeman. For the ones looking for some healthy and fitness options, this has also been taken care of with masterclasses from fitness guru Anna Victoria, and also the opportunity to explore underwater with the freediving world record holder William Winram. For more information, visit www.luxresorts.com/en/hotel-
What makes LUX* South Ari Atoll so special is its spirit, team members, and entirely different approach to helping you have the best-ever holiday. LUX* promises a journey for the senses, where – in true LUX* style – you can expect the unexpected.
News
Chavana Spa introduces personalised wellness journeys in Maldives
Sometimes, the most memorable part of a holiday isn’t found on an itinerary. It’s the quiet moment after a massage, the feeling of waking up well rested, or simply having the time to slow down without watching the clock.
As more travellers place greater value on how they feel when they return home, wellness has become an increasingly meaningful part of the holiday experience. Rather than viewing the spa as a single indulgence, many guests are looking for experiences that help them pause, recharge and reconnect throughout their stay.
Reflecting this shift, Chavana Spa has introduced a new collection of Wellness Programmes across participating resorts in the Maldives. Available as one-, three-, five- and seven-day journeys, the programmes combine personalised consultations with thoughtfully sequenced therapies, creating a guided experience that allows wellbeing to unfold naturally over time.
A More Connected Way to Unwind
The new Wellness Programmes are designed to complement Chavana Spa’s existing menu of massages, facials and body treatments, offering guests another way to experience wellbeing while continuing to enjoy the flexibility of individual therapies.
Every journey begins with a personal consultation, allowing therapists to understand each guest’s lifestyle, priorities and wellbeing goals before creating a personalised sequence of experiences. Therapeutic massage, body treatments, mindful movement, breathing practices and relaxation rituals are carefully combined to encourage balance, ease physical tension and support overall wellbeing.
Rather than choosing treatments one by one, guests are invited to follow a structured journey where each experience builds naturally on the last. Whether staying for a single day or a full week, the programmes create space to slow down and embrace a gentler rhythm throughout the holiday.
“Wellness is increasingly becoming an integral part of how people choose to travel. With these programmes, we wanted to create something more intentional than a single spa treatment, a personalised journey that gives guests the time and space to slow down and reconnect genuinely. At the same time, we recognise that a holiday in the Maldives is often a dream come true, whether it is a honeymoon, an anniversary, a family escape or a long-awaited break. Guests want to experience everything the destination has to offer, from the blue sea, white sands and golden sunshine to the food, culture and time together. Our Wellness Programmes are designed to complement that experience, giving guests moments to pause, restore and look after themselves, while still leaving plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Maldives,” said Tenille Keats, Country Manager of Mandara Spa.
Wellness Inspired by Every Destination
No two holidays are exactly alike, and neither are Chavana Spa’s Wellness Programmes. Each participating spa has developed its own collection of journeys, inspired by its island setting, therapist expertise and the needs of its guests.
Some travellers may be looking for a restorative pause between diving, snorkelling or exploring the Maldives, while others may simply wish to dedicate more of their holiday to rest and self-care. By offering programmes across different durations, Chavana Spa allows guests to choose an experience that suits the way they travel, whether they have one day to recharge or several days to fully embrace a slower pace.
While every destination offers its own distinctive wellness journey, each programme reflects Chavana Spa’s philosophy of warm hospitality, thoughtful care and holistic wellbeing, creating experiences that feel both personal and approachable.
Wellbeing That Travels Home With You
The value of a wellness experience is often discovered long after the holiday has ended. It may be a better night’s sleep, a renewed sense of balance or simply the reminder to make more time for oneself in everyday life.
That is the intention behind Chavana Spa’s Wellness Programmes. More than a collection of treatments, they are designed to encourage guests to leave feeling refreshed, restored and inspired to carry simple wellbeing practices beyond their time in the Maldives.
As travellers continue to seek holidays that offer both relaxation and purpose, Chavana Spa invites guests to discover that sometimes the greatest luxury is simply having the time and space to pause.
Where to Experience the Wellness Programmes
Chavana Spa’s Wellness Programmes are available at the following participating destinations in the Maldives:
- Chavana Spa at Adaaran Club Rannalhi
- Chavana Spa at Cinnamon Dhonveli
- Chavana Spa at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
Programme themes, durations and inclusions vary by destination. For more information or to enquire about individual programmes, guests are encouraged to contact their preferred spa directly.
News
Mandara Spa launches immersive wellness journeys across Maldives resorts
Not long ago, wellness on holiday usually meant finding time for a massage between excursions or booking a facial before dinner. Today, many travellers are approaching wellbeing differently. Rather than fitting a spa treatment into their itinerary, they are building part of their holiday around it.
Whether it is stepping away from demanding schedules, recovering from burnout, improving sleep or simply creating space to slow down, travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that leave them feeling genuinely restored long after they return home. Wellness is no longer simply something to enjoy while travelling. For many, it has become one of the reasons they travel in the first place.
Recognising this shift, Mandara Spa has introduced a new collection of Wellness Programmes across participating resorts in the Maldives. Available as one-, three-, five- and seven-day journeys, the collection offers guests a more structured approach to wellbeing, where carefully sequenced therapies, guided rituals and personalised consultations come together to create a journey rather than a series of individual appointments.
When Wellness Becomes the Itinerary
The new Wellness Programmes are designed to complement Mandara Spa’s existing treatment menu, not replace it. They are created for guests who wish to dedicate part, or all, of their stay to a more immersive wellness experience, allowing each day to build naturally on the one before.
“Wellness is increasingly becoming an integral part of how people choose to travel. With these programmes, we wanted to create something more intentional than a single spa treatment, a personalised journey that gives guests the time and space to slow down and reconnect genuinely. At the same time, we recognise that a holiday in the Maldives is often a dream come true, whether it is a honeymoon, an anniversary, a family escape or a long-awaited break. Guests want to experience everything the destination has to offer, from the blue sea, white sands and golden sunshine to the food, culture and time together. Our Wellness Programmes are designed to complement that experience, giving guests moments to pause, restore and look after themselves, while still leaving plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Maldives,” said Tenille Keats, Country Manager of Mandara Spa.
Every journey begins with a personal consultation, where therapists take time to understand each guest’s lifestyle, priorities and wellbeing goals before thoughtfully shaping the experiences that follow. Instead of selecting treatments one by one, guests are guided through a carefully curated sequence that may include therapeutic massage, body therapies, mindful movement, breathing practices and relaxation rituals. The result is a connected wellness experience, with every element contributing to a greater sense of balance, restoration and renewal.
Every Journey, Thoughtfully Designed
There is no single way to travel, and no single path to wellbeing. Some guests may have only one day to pause between island adventures, while others choose to dedicate several days to slowing down, restoring balance and reconnecting with themselves. Reflecting these different travel styles, Mandara Spa has developed Wellness Programmes ranging from one to seven days, allowing guests to choose a journey that best suits both their schedule and personal wellbeing goals.
While every programme is guided by Mandara Spa’s holistic philosophy, each participating resort has developed its own distinctive collection of wellness journeys, shaped by its surroundings, therapist expertise and the needs of its guests. This allows every destination to offer its own interpretation of wellbeing while remaining true to the Mandara Spa experience.
At Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, guests can also experience a dedicated Ayurvedic Programme, where personalised consultations, traditional therapies, herbal preparations and yoga come together in a holistic journey inspired by one of the world’s oldest healing systems.
Whether experienced over a single day or an entire week, every programme is designed with the same intention: to create meaningful moments of rest that continue beyond the holiday itself. More than a sequence of treatments, these journeys encourage guests to return home with a renewed sense of balance and simple wellness practices that can continue long after they have left the islands.
Where to Experience the Wellness Programmes
Mandara Spa’s Wellness Programmes are available across eight participating spa destinations in the Maldives, with each property offering its own distinctive collection of one-, three-, five- and seven-day wellness journeys.
Participating locations include:
- Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
- Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi
- Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
- Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura
- Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa
- Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Velifushi
- Mandara Spa at Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives
- Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi
For more information or to enquire about individual programmes, guests are encouraged to contact their preferred spa directly.
Honeymoon
10 ways Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is redefining the modern Maldives honeymoon
Today’s honeymooners are looking for more than candlelit dinners and flower-filled villas; they seek meaningful experiences and personalised adventures uniquely theirs. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has quietly evolved its honeymoon approach to meet this new generation of luxury travellers, positioning the resort around the opportunity to create a completely individualised celebration.
Here are 10 ways Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is setting the benchmark for the modern romantic getaway.
1. Curate Your Own Honeymoon
Every couple brings a distinct dynamic to their celebration, and the Ultimate Honeymoon Signature Experience allows newlyweds total flexibility to co-create a stay around their individual style. A handwritten love letter can be placed in the villa before arrival, or the team can craft a tailored island treasure hunt woven around their personal journey. From an underwater commitment ceremony to a scenic seaplane flight over Noonu Atoll, each moment is chosen to fulfil their unique bucket list.
2. Personal Butlers That Anticipate Every Moment
The dedicated multilingual butler team creates quiet surprises and effortless magic throughout the stay, ensuring couples feel seamlessly cared for. They focus on small, unscripted gestures, noticing a preference for plant-based dishes or organic herbal smoothie at breakfast, arranging an impromptu cocktail setup on the beach, revealing quiet spots across the island to watch the sunset, or subtly decorating the villa with a guest’s favourite quote and wedding picture.

3. Creative Moments for Romance
To help honeymooners slow down and remain fully present, the resort turns island activities into intentional rituals. A morning might begin with a quiet Maldivian breakfast in the lagoon, feet in the water, followed by a snorkelling excursion along the reef of a deserted island. An evening might unfold as a private cinema screening of a favourite film aboard a traditional Dhoni, drifting gently across the lagoon. These shared moments deepen connection, transforming travel time into emotional anchors.

4. Private Sanctuaries for Unhurried Days
Designed as quiet sanctuaries for couples after months of celebration, the resort’s 221 villas offer secluded open-air living and an unhurried approach to island life. The Water Villa with Pool is perfect for floating champagne breakfasts served in complete privacy, tailored for long, relaxed mornings together. In the Sunset Horizon Water Villas with Pool, couples can unwind over a Sunset Aperitif at dusk, relaxing in their elegant over-water seating beside their private pool.

5. Sincere, Tasteful, and Sensory Culinary Moments
Dining together on honeymoon is about far more than just the cuisine; it is a sensory journey of discovering new flavours together. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi orchestrates a generous and refined culinary scene across 15 restaurants and bars, and features curated dinners deeply appreciated by epicureans. Moments range from intimate dinners bathed in the glow of hundreds of candles on the beach, with a private chef preparing a bespoke menu, to starlit seafood gatherings, interactive hotpots, and sommelier-guided wine tastings in The Cellar, further enriched by seasonal culinary residencies hosted by Michelin-starred chefs. As part of the 24-Hour Premium All Inclusive Dine Around, a selection of sixty-six fine wines and champagnes from around the world elevates the entire gastronomic experience.

6. Restorative Rituals, Side by Side
Few experiences are as quintessential to a honeymoon as a shared spa journey. Rather than a standard treatment menu, the Honeymoon Escape ritual inspired spa invites couples into an unhurried restorative journey featuring aromatic flower baths, organic botanical polishes, and soothing massage time together. For a deeper connection with the destination, therapies incorporate locally prepared coconut oil and fresh, exotic spices.

7. Immersive Maldivian Moments for the Curious Couple
Modern honeymooners seek far more than a beautiful backdrop; they look for a genuine, personal connection to place. Beyond its idyllic setting, the resort presents cultural encounters tailored to each couple’s taste. Guests can experience a Maldivian Roots dinner structured around their favoured local flavours, arrange an intimate cooking class, or explore island music and traditional craftsmanship. Each night, the in-villa Signature Turndown Journey is customised with touches of Maldivian heritage from hand-selected local delicacies to custom herbal infusions inspired by their day. In this way, every day spent on the island becomes a deeply personal celebration.

8. Discovering a New Passion Together
For couples eager to embrace a new adventure together, the calm, warm waters of Noonu Atoll provide a serene and safe environment for diving. Guided by the resort’s multilingual dive team, couples can discover the Maldives’ extraordinary marine life before capturing the memory with an underwater photograph at the iconic Nemo Garden heart installation.
9. Connecting with Nature
As one of the Maldives largest natural islands, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi boasts a mature canopy of native flora, winding pathways, and vibrant wildlife. Nature-loving couples can explore the island grounds with resident nature experts before planting their own mango, coconut or papaya tree to mark their honeymoon, a living piece of their story that grows on the island for years to come.
10. Quiet Gestures Woven into Your Stay
From arrival to departure, celebration is marked rather than expected amenities, but by genuine care. Softly lit in-villa bubble baths prepared after a long journey, bespoke welcome gifts from the executive chef, and thoughtful moments serve as continuous, quiet reminders of the warm and sincere Maldivian welcome.
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