News
Taj Hotels and Shangri-La Hotels form Industry-First Alliance
Two iconic Asian hotel companies join forces to broaden their reach and scale across 200 hotels, 27 countries and 131 destinations
Two of Asia’s most iconic luxury hotel groups, Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Mumbai-based Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, announced today they have formed a ground-breaking strategic alliance to broaden their reach and offer more unique experiences to guests across Asia and the world.
The alliance will officially launch in March 2017 with the introduction of the “Warmer Welcomes” programme, which integrates Taj InnerCircle and Shangri-La’s Golden Circle guest loyalty programmes and will provide members reciprocal and seamless benefits at a scale never seen before under a hospitality alliance. Both Taj and Shangri-La are renowned worldwide for their exceptional service philosophy that is deeply rooted in, and inspired by, the cultures and traditions of the markets they operate in.
Recognition is Just the Beginning
The “Warmer Welcomes” programme will offer Shangri-La and Taj’s combined 6 million loyalty programme members the benefits most important to them:
- Recognition: Members will be able to enjoy the perks of their elite status when they stay at any Shangri-La or Taj hotel with top-tier status matching.
- Earn points across 200 hotels, 27 countries and 131 destinations: Members of either program will now be able to earn award points in their preferred programme while staying with Taj or Shangri-La whether in Mumbai, New Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris, London, New York and other key destinations in the world.
- Seamless redemptions: Members will be able to convert points to redeem awards between both programmes.
Rakesh Sarna, MD and CEO Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces said: “This is a strategic step in bringing greater synergies amongst two brands known for their legendary hospitality. Over time, our valued guests and loyalty members had shared their desire for a wider selection of world class hotels in key destinations. This alliance will help drive deeper engagement for our most valuable guests and members as they will now be recognized seamlessly at some of the world’s finest hotels across multiple geographies.”
“As hotel owner-operators who share similar values and service philosophies but have minimal overlap of properties, Taj and Shangri-La are in a unique position to establish a seamless alliance that goes beyond a marketing partnership or multi-hotel distribution platform,” said Shangri-La Acting President Madhu Rao. “Our alliance bridges two iconic Asian brands and opens up a world of new experiences for our loyal guests. We will be able to enhance brand awareness and increase market share by providing Golden Circle and Taj InnerCircle members more value and more reasons to stay with us.”
India and China are currently the fastest-growing major economies of the world. They have the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in terms of number of travellers and have witnessed double-digit year-on-year growth for the past few years.
As part of its “Loyalty Is” fifth anniversary celebration this year, Shangri-La’s Golden Circle has rolled out an array of new member benefits and partnerships, the most recent being Infinite Journeys with Singapore Airlines. In addition, Golden Circle has recently introduced programmes such as Event Planner Rewards and The Table by Golden Circle, Shangri-La’s first global dining loyalty programme.
Taj relaunched InnerCircle in 2015 with augmented features and enhancements, applicable globally across all hotels. The revamped programme has no blackout dates, an easy redemption process with myriad opportunities ranging from accommodation, restaurants and spas, and no expiry of points for active members. Most recently, Taj InnerCircle also redesigned its Epicure programme, renewed with offers that extend globally. It now gives its patrons an all-encompassing experience of Dine, Drink, Stay, Spa and Redeem.
News
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives marks Year of the Horse with four-day Lunar New Year programme
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to welcome the Year of the Horse with an inspired four-day Lunar New Year celebration from 15 to 18 February 2026, blending time-honoured Lunar traditions with the effortless luxury of island living. Celebrated for the fifth consecutive year, the festivities reflect the resort’s philosophy of Time & Space Redefined, creating meaningful moments for families, couples, and multigenerational travellers alike.
Set against the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean, Kuda Villingili offers a refined sanctuary for the festive season, anchored by its collection of expansive Beach and Water Villas with private pools. Elevated above the lagoon, the Water Villas provide uninterrupted ocean views and complete privacy—an idyllic setting to usher in a year symbolising strength, freedom, and vitality.
The culinary journey takes centre stage throughout the celebrations. Guests are invited to indulge in an array of dining experiences across the island, including East, the resort’s signature Asian restaurant, where bold flavours and contemporary interpretations honour the richness of Asian cuisine. Lunar festivities continue with Wansuk Hot Pot, designed for convivial sharing, and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi, where live culinary theatrics transform dining into an engaging family experience. The highlight of the programme is the Lunar New Year Gala Dinner at The Hawkers, complemented by sunset cocktails and vibrant cultural performances inspired by Chinese heritage.
Beyond gastronomy, the island comes alive with festive entertainment and immersive activities. Traditional lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, and live shows create a celebratory rhythm across the resort, while Kuda Fiyo Kids Club offers a thoughtfully curated schedule of crafts, games, movie nights, and themed activities—ensuring younger guests experience the magic of the Lunar New Year in playful and meaningful ways.
Guests may also choose to enrich their stay with Kuda Villingili’s diverse island experiences—from floating breakfasts in private villa pools and bespoke destination dining under the stars, to wellness rituals including spa therapies, yoga, fitness sessions, and private sound healing. For those seeking adventure, excursions across the north Male’ Atoll, sunset dhoni cruises, and adrenaline-filled watersports and diving experiences with MSTS offer unforgettable ways to explore the surrounding natural beauty.
As Kuda Villingili ushers in the Lunar New Year, the celebration becomes more than a festive occasion—it is a shared journey of reconnection, indulgence, and renewal, thoughtfully designed to honour tradition while embracing modern luxury.
To view the Lunar New Year Programme, please click here. For more information about Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, please visit www.kudavillingili.com.
News
Four Centara resorts in Maldives target school-holiday travellers with extended-stay offers
As the new year takes shape, the first of the school holidays is already approaching. To make your next break unforgettable, Centara Hotels & Resorts’ properties in the Maldives are ideal for trading everyday routines for barefoot luxury. With four distinctive island resorts, each offering its own sense of space, privacy, and personality, Centara Maldives presents the ultimate January escape, perfect for quality family moments, wellness-led indulgence, and effortless hospitality.
Blending understated elegance with warm Thai-inspired service, Centara’s Maldivian portfolio is designed to help guests slow down, reconnect, and begin the year refreshed. Enjoy tranquil spa rituals, spacious private villas, world-class dining, and immersive island experiences, as each resort offers a serene antidote to the January blues, surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons and powder-soft beaches.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives – Linger for Longer
Set within the prestigious The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is an elegant sanctuary where privacy meets polished island living. Spacious accommodations offer generous layouts, including one-bedroom overwater and beachfront villas and two- and three-bedroom overwater and beachfront residences, many with private pools, making it ideal for families seeking refinement without compromise. Guests can move freely between neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, unlocking additional dining, leisure, and family-friendly facilities while returning to a calmer, more refined base.
Depending on the selected Atollia meal plan, guests also enjoy seamless access to Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, where an underwater-themed family oasis awaits, designed for all ages. Home to a vibrant water park, lazy river, splash zones, and an array of international dining venues, it adds an extra layer of adventure and variety to the stay.
Taking advantage of the Linger for Longer offer, days unfold gently with bespoke wellness experiences at SPA Cenvaree Retreat, refined dining across multiple venues, and tranquil lagoon-side moments designed for togetherness. Parents can indulge in spa rituals and sunset dining, while younger guests enjoy the freedom of safe beaches and curated activities, all supported by Centara’s attentive, five-star service.
When: Book and stay from now until December 31st, 2026
Offer Inclusions:
- Save up to 44% on extended stays
- Complimentary stays for up to two children
- Choice of Room Only or Bed & Breakfast rates
- Minimum stay requirements apply
For more information, click here.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives – Linger for Longer
Purpose-built for families, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, an underwater themed oasis, brings energy and imagination to island life. Featuring a lazy river, splash zones, kids’ club, and family-oriented dining, this playful resort is ideal for families travelling with children of all ages. Spacious rooms and overwater and beachfront villas are thoughtfully designed for comfort and ease, allowing families to settle in and truly unwind.
Adding an extra touch of magic for younger guests, the colourful Candy Spa at SPA Cenvaree is a dedicated, candy-themed retreat designed for children aged 4 to 11, offering age-appropriate spa experiences including edible treatments, manicures, and pedicures in a fun, safe, and imaginative setting.
Enjoy an extended stay, with up to 44% off your booking, and while the children explore a world of water-based fun and creative activities, parents can retreat to SPA Cenvaree, enjoy lagoon-front relaxation, or savour unhurried meals overlooking the ocean. The atmosphere is lively yet considered, balancing excitement with moments of calm and connection.
When: Book and stay from now until December 31st, 2026
Offer Inclusions:
- Save up to 44% on extended stays
- Complimentary stays for up to two children
- Choice of Room Only or Bed & Breakfast rates
- Minimum stay requirements apply
For more information, click here.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives – Sea, Sand, & Centara
Located in the South Ari Atoll, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives offers a more nature-led and authentic experience, ideal for families seeking serenity. Known for its vibrant and award-winning house reef and diverse marine life, diving hotspots, and an array of watersports, the resort encourages guests to slow down and reconnect, both with nature and one another.
For those tempted by the allure of the ocean, Machchafushi is a true diver’s playground, located within the UNESCO-recognised South Ari Marine Protected Area, one of the Maldives’ most celebrated underwater destinations. Home to over 50 nearby dive sites and one of the world’s highest year-round whale shark resighting rates, the surrounding waters reveal encounters with manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant schools of tropical fish. A standout highlight is the Machchafushi Wreck, a 52-metre sunken cargo ship resting just offshore, now transformed into a thriving coral habitat alive with glassfish, trevally, snapper, and white-tip reef sharks.
Families can explore snorkelling adventures together, enjoy picnic lunches on secluded sandbanks, or unwind with spa experiences designed for complete restoration. The resort’s calm rhythm, combined with thoughtful family perks, makes it especially appealing for multi-generational travellers seeking privacy and meaningful moments.
When: Book and stay from now until September 30th, 2027
Offer Inclusions:
- 45% off accommodation
- 30% off seaplane transfers
- Children up to 6 years stay, play, and eat free
- Buy one, get one free spa massage (selected treatments)
- Complimentary picnic lunch for families or a private dinner for couples
- Discounts on dining, water sports, and excursions
For more information, click here.
Centara Ras Fushi Maldives – Ultimate Adults Only Escape
Made for honeymooners, friends, or couples seeking uninterrupted tranquillity, Centara Ras Fushi Maldives delivers an adults-only escape defined by calm, discretion, and elevated wellness. Overwater villas offer direct lagoon access, while the island’s serene atmosphere encourages rest, reflection, and reconnection.
Guests can begin their mornings with yoga by the sea, indulge in holistic spa rituals, or enjoy intimate dining experiences beneath the stars. With its understated elegance and attentive service, Centara Ras Fushi is ideal for those looking to start the year restored and re-energised.
When: Book and stay from now until September 30th, 2027
Offer Inclusions:
- Up to 45% off villas for CentaraThe1 members
- 30% off for non-members
- 50% off transfers (2–4 night stays)
- Sparkling grape and fruit basket on arrival
- Buy one, get one free spa treatment
- Complimentary snorkelling gear and non-motorised water sports
For more information, click here.
News
‘Around the World in Wonder’ brings culture, cuisine, celebration to Amilla Maldives
The festive season is in full swing at Amilla Maldives, where the island has come alive with Around the World in Wonder, a journey through global cultures, flavours and traditions. Inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration runs from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to explore the world without leaving the island.
A meaningful early highlight of the programme was Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December, marked by a festive cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a Maldivian Night with bodu beru performances. The celebrations continued with the Tree Lighting Ceremony, which formed the glowing centrepiece of an Italian-themed Masquerade Ball. The evening unfolded with Viennese waltz performances and a fire show, while carolers filled the air with gentle festive melodies.
Christmas Eve turned its focus to France, featuring the lively Dance of the Can-Can, a festive buffet and aerial hoop performances. On Christmas Day, Argentina took centre stage as Santa arrived by yacht and rolled into the festive train buggy, leading a joyful island parade and gift-giving moments. The day continued with a festive brunch celebrating flavour, fun and festive cheer.
Festivities will build towards New Year’s Eve, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party and Global Carnival Event, including live performances from the Hamilton Band, bongo beats, soaring saxophone, acrobats and fire dancers, culminating in a countdown to 2026 under the Maldivian night sky.
Every detail has been thoughtfully prepared by the Amilla Maldives team, allowing guests to relax, explore and celebrate in a setting shaped by nature, warmth and wonder.
Click here to explore the full festive programme at Amilla Maldives. For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.
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