Featured
Shangri-La announces another Maldives-Sri Lanka holiday package
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has announced another exciting combined holiday package for Maldives and Sri Lanka, offering guests the chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime wildlife safaris by both land and sea.
Shangri-La said the ‘Finding Shangri-La: Indian Ocean Island-Hopping Offer’ allows guests to enjoy “an unforgettable twin-centre trip” between Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa in the Maldives and Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa in Sri Lanka.
The package, which is valid across all villa categories until December 17, offers guests staying a minimum of seven nights at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa to receive a three-night complimentary stay at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa. Guests staying a minimum of four nights at the resort in Maldives will receive a one-night complimentary stay at the resort in Sri Lanka.
“Adventure travellers can now embark upon an effortless journey across the Indian Ocean to uncover the region’s most enchanting flora and fauna; from the elusive Sri Lankan leopard to the Maldivian eagle ray, combined with Shangri-La’s unparalleled hospitality, offering memorable bespoke experiences,” the Hong Kong-based hospitality group said in a statement.
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa, which opened in June 2016 on the island’s ancient Spice Route, boasts fantastic proximity to some of the Sri Lanka’s finest nature and wildlife reserves, in particular Yala, Bundala, and Udawalawe National Parks. Guests can also spot wildlife that inhabit the area surrounding the resort, with parading peacocks and wandering elephants offering a majestic welcome.

Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa. PHOTO/ SHANGRI-LA
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa is located in the southernmost Maldivian atoll of Addu, just a five-minute boat ride away from Gan International Airport. The resort is a collection of 132 private villas nestled across emerald green jungle and stunning turquoise shoreline.
This latest offer will be complemented by another two-destination holiday package announced by Shangri-La late last month. At the Arabian Travel Market, which was held in Dubai from April 24-27, Shangri-La announced a package which allows guests to combine their stay in its Colombo hotel, which is set to open by the end of this year, with a retreat at its resort in the Maldives.
These efforts are part of Shangri-La’s efforts to capitalise on the recently launched direct flights between Sri Lanka and the southern part of the Maldives.
Neighbouring Sri Lanka’s flagship carrier began scheduled flights to its second destination in the Maldives in December, becoming the only airline to operate scheduled international flights to a destination other than the main Velana International Airport.
SriLankan Airlines currently operates four weekly flights to Gan International Airport from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The airline has recently announced plans to add two more flights to its Colombo-Gan route starting September 17.
As Shangri-La seeks to take advantage of the recently launched direct flights to Addu, an additional international airline is set to begin scheduled flights to the Gan International Airport next March.
Action
Eri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.
The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.
Turtle encounters
Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.
The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.
Manta ray season
From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.
Night diving experiences
Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.
At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.
Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.
Featured
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives collaborates with Maldivian artist Ahmed Aleem
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has announced a collaboration with Ahmed Aleem Shakoor, who is currently in residence at the resort, introducing a creative element to the guest experience.
Aleem, a self-taught artist, is known for work that combines maritime themes, surrealism and symbolism. His practice spans watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ history and ocean landscapes, often expressed through the use of light, depth and narrative.
During his residency, Aleem is working with the resort to develop a series of artistic and cultural experiences aimed at engaging guests. These include live painting sessions, informal interactions with the artist and workshops designed to encourage creative participation.
The programme forms part of the resort’s wider activities, with offerings such as mini canvas painting, coconut painting and creative art sessions available to guests. In addition, Tales Painted in Sunlight combines elements of Maldivian folklore, storytelling and visual art, providing further insight into local culture.
The collaboration reflects the resort’s approach to incorporating local artistic talent into its programming, while offering guests opportunities to engage with creative activities in a relaxed setting. The residency is designed to allow guests to explore artistic expression as part of their island experience.
As part of its seasonal programme, selected artistic activities are also included in the resort’s Easter offerings, providing additional opportunities for guests to take part in creative experiences during their stay.
Awards
Amilla Maldives wins ‘Most OutThere Initiative’ award for Inclusive Travel
Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.
The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.
At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.
Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.
As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.
Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.
The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.
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