News
Four Seasons first private island escape opens at Voavah, Baa Atoll
Now open, the world’s first exclusive-use hideaway in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll is a truly private island that couples legendary service with limitless living.
Capturing the imagination, this secluded five-acre (two hectare) haven transcends the private island experience: “entirely yours” from the moment of booking, seven bedrooms, a Beach House, dive school and 62-foot (18.9 metre) yacht extend the oceanic spoils of the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to up to 22 guests at a time. Guests decide the schedule, staff and services, redefining Voavah with every visit as somewhere to retreat, explore, connect, celebrate, and dream with one’s eyes open.

Voavah days revolve around the double-storey Beach House and adjacent white sands, crystal waters and abundant reef – all exemplary even by Maldives standards. The Beach House hub offers open-air living room, dining room, kitchen, pool deck, gym, library and loft lounge, while seven bedrooms are arranged on the beach, over the pristine lagoon or elevated in panoramic Mezzanine Suites.
A 62 foot (18.9 metre) private yacht – Voavah Summer – invites exploration of a dazzling and undisturbed UNESCO domain. Experiences focus on the UNESCO territory, guided by a team that has already spent a decade protecting it: diving with whale sharks, snorkelling with manta rays, swimming with neighbourhood turtles, fishing for dinner, visiting local islands, surfing unknown breaks and cruising into breathtaking Baa Atoll sunsets.

At the heart of Voavah’s pledge to expand horizons, The Ocean of Consciousness Spa offers treatments based on the five pathways of Truth, Wise Action, Love, Peace, and Compassion – each designed to elevate awareness, transform actions and help individuals awaken to their power to affect wide-reaching change. Guests can also have yoga, meditation and pranayama classes, high-end beauty treatments and a Rossano Ferretti hair consultant on call.
A multicultural on-site team bestows nurturing one-on-one service, showcasing shining stars from Four Seasonsculinary, spa, recreation, diving, housekeeping, childcare and marine conservation worlds.
Privacy-protected with single entry, CCTV, night vision cameras, and 24-hour on-site security patrols, Four Seasons Private Island Voavah is far more than a luxury retreat. It’s a reconnection to self and surroundings; an island to call one’s own; somewhere to explore desires, in one’s own way, where no-one is watching and anything is possible.
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.
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