Featured
Ikebana brings first global wedding award to Maldives

Premier destination wedding specialist Ikebana Events has won an award at the recently concluded Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC), making it the first international wedding award to the Maldives.
At the Indian edition of EWPC, which was held in Goa from August 3-4, Ikebana won the award for the Best Experimental Wedding. The award, which recognised a wedding hosted at OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo, was received by a team from Ikebana, including its founder Abdulla Naashid.
The fourth edition of EWPC brought together more than 130 top notch wedding planners from across India and over 40 wedding specialists from around the world to discuss the opportunities and challenges in the wedding planning industry. The two-day conference included thought leadership sessions, presentation of case studies, expert panels, round-table discussions and networking activities.

Attendees of EWPC India pose for a photo after the two-day conference. PHOTO/ EWPC
At EWPC, awards were presented to seven wedding specialists to recognise creativity and uniqueness behind their best work in the past year.
“There is a huge potential in promoting the Maldives as a wedding destination. We believe that the islands of Maldives, especially the luxury resorts across the archipelago, are the perfect match for destination weddings,” an official from Ikebana told Maldives Insider.
“Events such as the EWPC are attended by world’s leading destination wedding specialists and influencers. By taking part in such events, more interest can be generated in the Maldives as a wedding destination.”

The Chinese celebrity wedding of Zheng Jun and Liu Yun at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa. PHOTO/ IKEBANA
Founded by industry experts specialising in creating innovative, sophisticated and cutting-edge events, Ikebana has over the past decade established itself as the premier wedding planner in the Maldives. From engagement parties and weddings to award functions, conferences and styled ceremonies, the team at Ikebana offers solutions that create unforgettable moments.

The jungle themed wedding at Anantara Veli Resort and Naladhu Private Island Maldives. PHOTO/ IKEBANA
Backed by florists and wedding specialists with over 35 years of experience, Ikebana now has an ever-expanding portfolio of premium destination weddings and beach weddings hosted at several high-end luxury resorts in the Maldives. Some highlights of Ikebana’s portfolio include the Chinese celebrity wedding of Zheng Jun and Liu Yunat at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa Maldives, a jungle wedding at Ananatara Veli Maldives and Naladhu Private Island Maldives, and an exclusive island wedding at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

Floral decorations at the exclusive wedding at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. PHOTO/ IKEBANA
Maldives has won several global and regional accolades for being amongst the most romantic destinations in the world, with the latest being included in an annual list compiled by Brides magazine of the 20 most honeymoon worthy destinations in the world. Surveys and studies analysing travel trends have also shown that a healthy majority of travellers that choose the Maldives are honeymooners.
Travellers often hold ceremonial weddings and renewal of vows ceremonies in the picturesque holiday destination of the Maldives — home to powder soft white sand beaches and turquoise waters that provide the perfect backdrop for your special day.
Family
Island living redefined: Le Méridien Maldives offers enriching family retreat

Set against the backdrop of a tranquil lagoon and unspoilt beaches on the private island of Thilamaafushi in Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa provides an ideal setting for multigenerational travel. Emphasising connection, creativity, and discovery, the resort offers families a tropical haven where shared moments unfold effortlessly—from the stillness of sunrise to the warm hues of Au Soleil’s golden hour.
The resort presents two-bedroom beachfront and overwater villas, thoughtfully designed to balance privacy with shared living. Each villa comprises a master bedroom and twin room, a private pool, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and direct access to either the lagoon or the shoreline. For those seeking greater exclusivity, the three-bedroom Thilamaafushi Beach Villa delivers an expansive indoor-outdoor living experience, complete with a private beach, infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and direct access to the turquoise sea—ideal for larger family holidays or special occasions.
Families are encouraged to build their days around meaningful activities, with curated experiences tailored to all ages. Guests may snorkel the vibrant house reef, take a dolphin cruise, or engage in friendly matches on the padel court. Evenings bring a sense of togetherness, with karaoke, bingo, and open-air cinema creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
Le Méridien’s sun-drenched Au Soleil offers a vibrant gathering space for families to enjoy live music, refreshments, and signature treats. Poolside games and summery beverages are served alongside ocean vistas, while children can savour Le Scoop homemade gelato in a laid-back beachfront setting—an ideal stop between island escapades.
Reinforcing the resort’s dedication to sustainability, the Marine Conservation Hub provides an engaging educational experience for guests of all ages. Families can explore the local marine ecosystem with the resident biologists and take part in hands-on conservation efforts during their visit.
The Greenhouse, one of the Maldives’ largest hydroponic gardens, complements these efforts. Guests are invited to participate in the Family Foraging experience, where they can learn about hydroponic farming, harvest fresh produce together, and enjoy a communal Harvest Table—an experience designed to spark curiosity and environmental mindfulness in younger guests.
At the Le Méridien Family Kids Hub, children are immersed in a world of creative learning. This vibrant space hosts a variety of daily activities including arts and crafts, junior mixology classes, marine awareness sessions, and a signature kids’ night camping experience. While children are engaged, parents can unwind at the overwater Explore Spa, join a Sip & Paint session at La Vie bar, or enjoy bespoke destination dining. Babysitting services are also available for toddlers and infants, ensuring parents can enjoy peaceful moments throughout their stay.
The resort’s six restaurants and bars offer diverse dining experiences suited to every palate. Mediterranean cuisine is served at Riviera, while Japanese specialities and Teppanyaki are featured at Tabemasu. Velaa Bar + Grill offers wood-fired pizzas, and Turquoise provides a broad international menu. Each venue delivers a unique culinary journey, blending global flavours with locally sourced ingredients.
With sweeping views of the ocean and soft white sands, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa promises an enriching family escape where connection, exploration, and joy are seamlessly woven into each day.
Families booking the Family Adventure offer will enjoy a range of added benefits, including complimentary stays and meals for children under 12, daily half-board for the whole family, access to the Kids Hub, daily marine education sessions, non-motorised watersports, and more. The offer is available for bookings and stays through to 31 December 2025.
Featured
Milaidhoo Maldives celebrated for culturally immersive stays by Wanderlust

Milaidhoo Maldives has earned a coveted spot in Wanderlust Magazine’s ‘Wandersleep’ list, celebrated under the ‘Sense of Place’ category for stays that offer a deep connection to their destination. This recognition highlights the resort’s commitment to authenticity, culture, and meaningful travel.
Nestled in the breathtaking Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo is more than a luxury island retreat—it’s an intimate expression of Maldivian heritage. Thoughtfully designed by a local architect, the resort’s aesthetic draws inspiration from traditional Maldivian homes, featuring thatched roofs, open-air living spaces, and the use of natural materials throughout. This careful attention to design fosters a sense of belonging, allowing guests to engage deeply with the spirit of the islands.
Milaidhoo’s identity is rooted in its local ownership. As a proudly Maldivian family-owned resort, it offers not just exceptional service, but genuine warmth and hospitality that reflect the island’s culture. From coral conservation experiences to fishing excursions with local fishermen, every element of the guest journey is curated to offer a sense of connection—to people, to place, and to purpose.
The island’s gentle rhythm of ‘slow living’ invites guests to unwind and embrace island life at its purest. This ethos extends to the culinary experience at Ba’theli, Milaidhoo’s signature restaurant, where traditional dhoni boats float above the lagoon, serving dishes infused with the spices and stories of the Indian Ocean’s ancient maritime routes.
Milaidhoo’s inclusion in Wanderlust’s ‘Wandersleep’ list affirms its status as a destination that goes beyond luxury, offering travellers a meaningful and memorable stay steeped in a true sense of place.
Featured
Renowned holistic practitioner Ranjith Saj brings healing expertise to NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort

NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort is welcoming Ranjith Saj, a renowned holistic practitioner from Kerala, India, for a limited-time residency offering bespoke Ayurvedic and energy healing therapies.
With over 17 years of international spa expertise and a heritage grounded in traditional Indian medicine, Ranjith is celebrated for his intuitive, integrative approach to mind-body wellness. His treatments blend Ayurveda, reflexology, meridian therapy, and energetic detox techniques—ideal for guests seeking both physical rejuvenation and emotional clarity.
During his residency, Ranjith will present a dedicated signature menu, customised to suit individual wellness needs. Each session begins with a personal consultation and is designed to help restore the body’s natural equilibrium.
Signature Treatments:
- Muscle Energy Rebalance: 60 minutes – USD 135 | 90 minutes – USD 210
- Immune Booster Vedic Therapy: 60 minutes – USD 135 | 90 minutes – USD 210
- Foot Reflexology: 60 minutes – USD 135
- Vital Energy Restoration with Shiatsu: 60 minutes – USD 135 | 90 minutes – USD 210
- Blend of Healing (Detox + Reflexology): 75 minutes – USD 150
Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in guided chakra balancing meditations and Qigong movement sessions, enriching their wellness experience and deepening internal harmony.
Set against the backdrop of Havodda’s pristine natural surroundings, these therapies offer a space for profound restoration—where stress melts away, energy realigns, and the body reconnects with a sense of ease.
“This residency reflects our commitment to meaningful wellness,” said the Resort Manager. “Ranjith’s presence offers our guests something more than relaxation — it’s a return to personal connection and inner stillness.”
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