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Maldives remains favourite amongst Chinese travellers, new survey finds

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Maldives ranks amongst the most favoured holiday destinations for Chinese travellers over the next year, a new survey by Hotels.com has revealed.

According to Hotels.com’s Chinese International Travel Monitor (CITM) survey, the key factors for Chinese travellers to choose their next holiday destination has safety on top of the list, with historical or heritage reasons and bucket lists being the next two important factors. Taking those factors into account, Singapore is the most favoured destination for Chinese travellers in the next 12 months.

The other nine cities are the Maldives, Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Australia’s Gold Coast, Hokkaido, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul.

More spending power, longer stays

The survey noted that Chinese tourists, in general, are expected to spend a daily average of USD 446, with average stay of  seven days per visit when they travel. Overall, they are spending more than a quarter (28 percent) of their income on international travel, with millennials being the biggest spenders, allocating 35 percent of their income to travel, it said.

According to the survey, the average amount spent per day, inclusive of accommodation, also increased by eight percent to USD 446 from USD 414 in 2016. For the first time in the survey’s history, shopping is no longer the prime reason for international travel, as leisure, culture and eco tourism are the new flavours.

Looking ahead, Chinese travellers said they intend to spend an average of 10 percent more on travel over the next 12 months.

The new generation

The survey, which was carried out amongst Chinese travellers aged 18 to 57 who have travelled overseas in the past 12 months, said there is a new generation of travellers rising in China – the ‘more generation’. Comprising Chinese travellers of all age groups, they are more educated and increasingly sophisticated in their tastes and expectations. They want more of everything; more time travelling, more locations, more exotic experiences, and they are spending more.

This generation is also providing huge economic benefits to global economies as they are traveling internationally more often and for longer than ever before. In the past year, the number of trips they took worldwide  increased from three to four, and the length of stay from five to seven days. They are also visiting multiple cities per trip, with over 80 percent saying they would not just stay in a single city.

Jessica Chuang, Hotels.com’s Regional Marketing Director for Greater China, SEA and India, believes that with the rising Chinese middle-class with vast disposable income, countries cannot ignore the impact that the Chinese tourist can have on a country’s economy.

“Southeast Asia has been identified as a key market to have significant increased outbound travel of Chinese tourists,” she was quoted as saying.

“Cities and hotels across the region must look at how to best develop solutions that tap into their enormous spending power.”

According to Hotels.com, hotels across Asia Pacific have started to recognise what is needed and have turned to social media and marketing programmes to attract the Chinese traveller, while increasing the number of Mandarin speaking staff, and offering Chinese payment facilities.

China has maintained its position as the single biggest source market despite falling numbers over the past year. In 2016, the Maldives welcomed 324,326 visitors from China, which was a 9.8 percent drop compared to the previous year. China has continued its downward spiral this year as well with a 9.1 percent drop in Chinese arrivals during the first five months of the year.

As arrivals from China drop steadily, the Maldives has recently announced plans to step up marketing in China in order to increase the number of Chinese tourists to one million per year.

Photo: CNN

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Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

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At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.

Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.

Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.

The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.

For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.

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Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

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Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.

According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.

To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.

Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.

The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.

Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.

Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.

According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.

Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”

The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.

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October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

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As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.

Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.

The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.

Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.

For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.

October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.

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