News
Gan International Airport boosts holiday options to Maldives
The opening of international flights to Gan airport, adjacent to Addu township in the south of the Maldives, has opened a new era for the region – providing an alternative transportation offering that can save travelers valuable vacation time.
On Dec. 1, SriLankan Airlines started flying from Colombo to the upgraded Gan airport, formerly a UK Royal Air Force refilling base until 1976 when it became a domestic airport. SriLankan Airlines now departs Colombo for Gan four times a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays — at 06:55 for the 110-minute journey, using a 150-seat Airbus 320.
“Since we consider Maldives our extended home market, we will explore every avenue to make sure that Gan receives the attention and visibility that it deserves,” said Saminda Perera, general manager-marketing, SriLankan Airlines.
Resorts in the south of the country have responded favorably.
“Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has added an on-demand 30-minute Trans Maldivian Airlines sea plane service between Gan and our luxurious hideaway to meet the new service and provide additional convenience to our guests,” said John Allanson, general manager of Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort.
“Whether vacationers travel here to enjoy our spacious overwater villas, varied water sport activities or the Navasana Spa, we know the journey here is part of the holiday experience, so we warmly welcome the new option,” he said.
Allanson said Gan is “virtually on the doorstep” of the Outrigger and all the resorts in the southern atolls of Seenu, Gnaviyani, Gaafu Dhaalu and Gaafu Alifu.
Having international services landing directly in Gan 545 kms (340 miles) south of Male saves an estimated three hours on travel time to resorts in the south as it eliminates the need to connect with a scheduled commercial flight from Male to domestic airports in the south.
Hoteliers in the southern atolls now hope that airlines, especially those with big feeder hubs in the Middle East, will also introduce flights directly to Gan.
Gan international airport is currently served by domestic carriers Maldivian and Flyme, as well as SriLankan. Private jets are also able to land and park at Gan due to its new international status.
On SriLankan, round-trip tickets from Colombo to Gan start from around USD330. Outrigger is offering a limited-time New Year’s Deal up to 30 percent off when booking direct on www.Outrigger.com.
“For any tourist who wishes to spend a holiday in an ambience which is not overcrowded and where not many things come between you and the turquoise Indian ocean, the Gan area is an ideal destination….it is for tourists who explore deeper,” said Saminda.
Family
Art, gastronomy and island adventure headline Easter at JOALI Maldives
JOALI Maldives, the Maldives’ first and only art-immersive resort, has officially unveiled its 2026 Easter theme: ‘Painted in Spring.’ From 1–12 April 2026, the island will transform into a vibrant tribute to Claude Monet, blending the natural beauty of the Maldives with world-class art, Michelin-starred gastronomy, and award-winning hospitality. As the most vibrant season at JOALI, Easter offers families a getaway that is as meaningful as it is memorable.
A Vision of Renewal Led by Maldivian Hospitality
The 2026 season at JOALI Maldives is centred on the promise of spring as a time for renewal, connection, and celebration. This Easter, the island invites guests to awaken their curiosity through art-led experiences and signature island rituals.
“Easter is a cherished season at JOALI, a time when families gather to create memories that last,” says General Manager Shifaz Hassan. “With our newly reimagined Muramas Kids Club and a calendar full of creative discovery, we have curated an environment where every generation can find joy, whether through spirited competition on the field or quiet reflection in our gardens.”

Villas and Residences Made for Families
Designed to be a home-away-from-home, the resort’s expansive villas and residences provide the ultimate sanctuary for family getaways. From multi-bedroom beach residences with private infinity pools to sprawling overwater villas, each space is crafted to balance privacy with shared family moments. These high-design sanctuaries offer dedicated areas for relaxation and play, ensuring that every generation can experience the island in total comfort and luxury.

World-Class Culinary Artistry and Rare Vintages
The Easter season features a sophisticated palette of flavours, headlined by an exclusive “Table in Bloom” dinner by Chef Alex Dilling of London’s two-Michelin-star Hotel Café Royal. Oenophiles can look forward to the Sogno d’Italia Wine Dinner, a prestigious evening hosted by Master Sommelier Kamal Malik, featuring rare Italian vintages.
The island’s diverse culinary landscape further enriches the season: Saoke offers overwater Nikkei cuisine; TUH’U serves authentic Levantine flavours; Bellinis captures the essence of Italy; and Vandhoo presents a vibrant palette of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Indian dishes.
Classic Island Holiday Meets Creativity and Play
JOALI Maldives merges high-energy adventure with an artistic soul, offering a balanced holiday of discovery and play. Guests can explore the Raa Atoll through Turtle and Dolphin Quests and eFoil surfing or tap into their creativity at the Ceramic and Painting Studio with the Resident Artist. The island’s vibrant spirit extends to friendly competition, from the highly anticipated Annual Easter Football Cup and Padel matches to spirited family games. The experiences offer a lively contrast to the island’s serenity, ensuring a balanced and energetic holiday.

Whimsical Wonders at the Newly Revamped Muramas Kids Club
This season, young explorers will discover a world of reimagined magic at the newly revamped Muramas Kids Club. In addition to its existing world-class facilities, the club now features an all-new water slide, adding a splash of excitement to the daily program. The Easter schedule is packed with imagination-led activities, including Carrot Hunts, Family Treasure Hunts, and the island’s famous bubble parties, ensuring the Island of Joy lives up to its name for the youngest guests.
JOALI Maldives has villas starting from USD 4,315 per night for two guests sharing a Luxury Water Villa with Pool on Bed and Breakfast basis. For additional details on JOALI Maldives’ Easter programme, please visit joali.com or contact reservations.jomv@joali.com.
News
Pay 4, Stay 6: Grand Park Kodhipparu rewards guest loyalty with new summer offer
At a time when holidaymakers are choosing more carefully than ever, Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has been rated 9 out of 10 by verified guests on Booking.com and 9.1 “Superb” on HalalBooking, a powerful endorsement of trust, consistency and meaningful island luxury.
Building on this guest-approved recognition, the resort is inviting travellers to stay longer in paradise with an exclusive direct booking offer – Night on Us – Pay 4, Stay 6. Open to new bookings made by 30 April 2026 for stays between 1 April and 31 October 2026, guests receive two complimentary nights when booking four.
Under the campaign message “Rated 9/10. Ready When You Are.”, the resort is placing guest trust at the centre of its spring and summer communications.
“Today’s guest values reassurance as much as beauty,” says Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives. “A 9/10 guest rating is not simply a score, it is a reflection of trust, consistency and emotional connection. We are incredibly proud that our guests recognise the care we place into every moment of their stay.”
Liz Smailes, Director of Marketing, adds: “In 2026, marketing is no longer about broadcasting features, it is about reinforcing trust. When verified guests rate us 9 out of 10, that becomes one of our strongest messages. The ‘Night on Us’ campaign is intentionally built around that endorsement. It removes hesitation, adds tangible value, and encourages guests to stay longer – because time together is the non-tangible luxury travellers are seeking. This is about shifting from selling villas to curating meaningful island experiences.”
Between April and October, the Maldives reveals a particularly atmospheric side. Ocean conditions during this period increase the likelihood of memorable marine encounters, from graceful manta rays to playful dolphins. The skies become more expressive, shifting from dramatic cloudscapes to luminous sunsets that cast ever-changing hues across the lagoon. Warm, inviting waters create ideal conditions for snorkelling directly from the beach or overwater villas, while the boutique scale of the island ensures a sense of space and calm that contrasts sharply with many crowded mainland summer destinations.
Guests consistently praise Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives’ expansive overwater villas, thriving house reef and the theatrical open-kitchen dining experience at FireDoor. Throughout each stay, dedicated Lifestyle Hosts provide intuitive, personalised service designed to make every moment feel seamless.
For couples, families and friends, six nights provides the rhythm needed to move beyond a short escape and into something truly restorative. The Night on Us direct booking offer has been thoughtfully curated to enhance both value and experience. Mornings begin with a generous buffet breakfast at The Edge, while sunrise and sunset yoga sessions frame the day with moments of reflection. Guided snorkelling excursions allow guests to engage more deeply with the surrounding reef, and additional privileges extend across dining venues, spa treatments and selected experiences.
Complimentary island-wide Wi-Fi and personalised host service ensure a seamless stay from arrival to departure. Rates for this direct-only offer begin from USD 399 per villa per night, creating an invitation to stay longer and experience more of the Maldives at its most spacious and serene
In addition to its 9/10 guest rating, the resort has received nominations and accolades across multiple regional and international award platforms this year reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ leading boutique island resorts. As many global summer destinations contend with increasing density and price inflation, Grand Park Kodhipparu offers a different narrative:
- A private island
- Guest-approved excellence
- Space to reconnect
- Avery shade of blue as far as the eye can see.
Family
Sheraton Maldives to host ‘Soft Horizons’ themed Easter festivities for families
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites families and travellers to experience an enchanting Easter escape in the Maldives from April 1-7, 2026, with a “Soft Horizons” themed celebration. Designed to inspire togetherness, creativity, and playful discovery, the week-long festivities unfold in soft pastel hues of lagoon blues, shell pinks, warm sands, and coral tones, creating a dreamy atmosphere across the island.
Throughout the week, Sheraton Maldives transforms into a whimsical Easter playground where each day brings a new experience for guests of all ages. The celebration begins on April 1 with the charming Easter Bunny & Mermaid Meet Up, inviting families to capture magical photo moments by the pool as beloved characters appear in playful island style. As the sun sets, the island’s festive spirit continues with evening entertainment and performances under the Maldivian night sky.

The celebrations continue on April 2 with the lively Full Moon Beach Party, where guests can dance barefoot on the sand beneath the glowing moonlight. Set along the shoreline with DJ beats, tropical cocktails, and vibrant island energy, the evening promises a joyful gathering of music, ocean breezes, and unforgettable moments by the sea.
Creativity takes centre stage on April 3 as young guests express their artistic side during the Kids’ Bunny T-Shirt Painting session. Guided by the resort’s Recreation & Activities team, children can design their own Easter-inspired keepsake, transforming simple T-shirts into colourful works of art that capture the playful spirit of the holiday.

On April 4, the spotlight turns to the youngest trendsetters during the charming Easter Kids’ Fashion Show, where little guests can step onto the runway in festive attire and showcase their creativity in a joyful, family-friendly celebration. The evening atmosphere blends laughter, music, and island elegance as families gather to cheer on the mini models.
The highlight of the week arrives on Easter Sunday, April 5, with a spectacular Easter Buffet Lunch, where guests can indulge in a vibrant feast featuring seasonal delicacies and global flavours crafted by the resort’s culinary team. Later in the day, excitement builds during the much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Parade, as children follow hidden clues across the island and celebrate alongside the beloved Easter Bunny in a colourful parade.
The joyful festivities continue on April 6 with Cupcake Decorating with the Easter Bunny, a sweet and interactive experience where young guests can decorate delicious treats with the island’s most famous bunny. The day blends creativity, flavour, and family fun in a relaxed island setting.

The celebration concludes on April 7 with a vibrant Beach Foam Party, where families and friends gather along the shore for an afternoon of music, foam, and carefree laughter. With the Indian Ocean as the backdrop, the finale captures the joyful essence of Easter in paradise.
The weeklong Easter celebration allows guests to immerse themselves in the gentle rhythm of island life while enjoying wellness activities, cultural experiences, ocean adventures, and sunset entertainment. From sunrise yoga and marine discovery sessions to live performances and beachfront celebrations, every moment is crafted to create lasting memories in the Maldives.
Families looking to celebrate Easter in a truly unforgettable setting are invited to plan their island escape at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Guests can also enjoy a special benefit of complimentary stay and dining for children aged 11 and under, making the celebration more memorable for families traveling with little ones.
To book your stay or discover exclusive offers, email Sheraton.Maldives@sheraton.com or visit www.sheratonmaldives.com. To explore the full Easter program, click here.
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