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NIYAMA Maldives brings surfing to shore with tailor-made surf options, services
NIYAMA Private Islands Maldives has introduced a series of surf options and tailored services that invite professional and novice surfers alike to revel in their own version of luxury by enjoying adrenaline-charged activities right on their doorstep.
NIYAMA Private Islands offers adjoining twin islands, Chill and Play. Just off the edge of Play Island’s Surf Corner is Vodi surf point – a classic, powerful left hand ride that breaks onto the shore. Off to the west and just five minutes away by speedboat is Kasabu surf point at Kudahuvadhoo Corner – a superb right hander with barrelling sections. Head east for ten minutes to Hocus Pocus at Maeenboodhoo Corner for another barrelling right hander.
“Here the waves are relatively mellow and playful, but challenging at times and suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, with some spots perfect for beginner coaching. Surfers can expect a consistent set of around five average surf-able waves rolling out every five minutes, and no crowds,” an announcement by the resort read.
Right on the beach at Surf Corner, surfers can chill out in customised Surf Beach Studios, Surf Beach Studios with a pool, or a Surf Family Beach Suite with a pool, ranging from 135 to 255 square metres. The studios and suites are fitted with a surfboard rack and stocked with surf amenities and necessities, including bicycles with a surfboard rack and dedicated television channels displaying up-to-the-minute surf reports and a live feed of the nearby Vodi surf point. Each room is equipped with a king bed and Deli-In with full-size refrigerator overflowing with gourmet treats, as well as Thakuru butler service.
FLOAT, NIYAMA Private Islands’ water sports operator, offers an array of tailor-made surf programmes and services developed in association with LUEX.com, one of the world’s leading luxury surf tour operators, to suit every surfer. From beginner coaching courses to various surf pass options that offer on-demand boat transfers to surf points located away from the resort, the professional Surf Dude is on hand to coax first timers or use video analysis to help intermediate surfers get to the next level.
“Always daring to be different, NIYAMA Private Islands offers the ultimate luxury surf experience – a private seaplane at surfers’ disposal to discover and surf secret spots. The seaplane allows surfers to jump in directly behind the waves anywhere on the ocean, and swim back to the plane for the scenic short journey back to the resort,” the announcement read.
Accessible by a 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, the blissful resort of NIYAMA Private Islands Maldives offers 86 studios and overwater pavilions spread across two islands, allowing guests to find comfort both indoors and outdoors. The luxury resort, located in the southern Dhaalu atoll, features endless dining options including Edge, an overwater restaurant only accessible by boat, and Tribal, a modern campfire dining fare complete with tiki torches.
Featuring a 24-hour spa, NIYAMA Private Islands Maldives is also home to the world’s first underwater club. In addition, guests seeking to explore the waters can pick their favourite water sport at Float, which offers PADI dive courses, or go sailing on traditional Maldivian wooden boats called Dhonis. There is even a marine biology lab for coral rehabilitation and education.
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Discover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026
Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a new collection of curated dive packages, inviting guests to explore the exceptional underwater world of the Maldives through programmes designed for beginners, aspiring divers and certified enthusiasts alike.
Located in the pristine waters of Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides access to vibrant house reefs, calm lagoon conditions and several of the region’s most celebrated dive sites, including the renowned Ifuru Thila. The newly launched dive packages are crafted to combine professional training, guided exploration and the convenience of a premium island stay.
The collection begins with an introductory diving experience tailored for first-time divers seeking to discover the underwater world in a safe and relaxed setting. Guests undergo lagoon-based training before progressing to the house reef, offering an ideal entry point into scuba diving with no prior experience required.
For guests ready to advance further, the resort offers a globally recognised scuba certification course. Designed for confident swimmers and snorkellers, the programme includes professional instruction, open water dives and an internationally valid certification, opening access to dive destinations worldwide.
Certified divers can choose a three-day dive escape that highlights the best sites in Raa Atoll. Featuring guided morning dives across renowned locations, the experience showcases the atoll’s rich marine biodiversity, striking reef structures and clear waters.
“Diving is an essential part of the Maldivian experience, and we wanted to create a collection that feels both accessible and exceptional,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Whether it marks a guest’s first dive or their next significant underwater journey, these packages are crafted to offer confidence, comfort and memorable experiences beneath the surface.”
All dive packages may be booked alongside the resort’s premium accommodation offerings, including the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive meal plan, daily resort touches, complimentary non-motorised water sports, snorkelling equipment and return domestic flight transfers for qualifying stays.
The dive packages are available for booking and travel throughout 2026 and must be confirmed ahead of arrival. Package rates apply in addition to accommodation and are subject to availability.
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Niyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue
Niyama Private Islands Maldives now offers what is considered the most luxurious surf experience in the Maldives, enhanced by the introduction of its new Surf Shack — a stylish beachfront hangout serving gourmet bites, drinks, sunset views and lively parties.
Known as Nature’s Playground, the resort has long attracted surf professionals from around the globe. Located in the southern Maldives, where swells are at their strongest, it is a preferred base during peak surf season. Waves break directly on shore, with additional surf spots accessible within minutes by speedboat.
Niyama’s signature waves roll in at Vodi Point, situated on the westernmost tip of its twin islands. It is here that the resort has unveiled the new Surf Shack, designed to make time off the waves equally appealing. The thatched-roof venue encourages a barefoot, relaxed atmosphere, offering an upper deck for sunset viewing and picnic-style seating below. Reflecting Niyama’s sustainability ethos, Area Chief of Engineering Michael Patrick Slevin notes that 75 per cent of construction materials were repurposed, blending beach casual with environmentally conscious design.
Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes served from service windows, with a menu inspired by iconic surf destinations worldwide: Australian fish and chips, Indonesian satay, Mexican nachos and Japanese takoyaki. The drinks list pays tribute to rum, featuring an extensive collection and signature cocktails inspired by renowned surf breaks.
While the Surf Shack maintains a laidback feel during the day, the beachfront transforms at dusk as the tides shift and the DJ elevates the atmosphere. The resort’s rum and reggae Sundays have already become a celebrated weekly event.
Surfers at Niyama can design their days as they wish — chasing waves or relaxing ashore. The Surf Centre offers equipment and guidance, while Drift by Niyama provides recovery treatments to soothe muscles, repair sun-exposed skin and restore energy. Resident professional surfers remain available to advise on technique and wave conditions.
“The new Surf Shack forms part of the renewed Niyama experience, which includes significant refurbishments across the resort, inventive culinary additions and a greater emphasis on active living and wellness,” said Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “With more developments on the way, we look forward to sharing what comes next.”
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Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season
Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.
Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.
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