Business
Fushifaru Maldives set to open year end

Fushifaru Maldives is set to open its doors to guests at the end of the year, local company Fushifaru Investments has announced.
Located on the far north east border of the northern Lhaviyani atoll and accessible by a 35-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives main Velana International Airport, the exquisite island of Fushifaru is home to an extraordinary landscape above and below the waterline. With ‘Fushi’ meaning ‘island’ and ‘Faru’ meaning ‘reef’ in local Dhivehi language, Fushifaru is an ideal reflection of its name.
The island is uniquely positioned between two channels connecting the atoll’s inner lagoon to the vast Indian Ocean. The bigger of the two channels, Fushifaru Kandu is a national Marine Protected Area teeming with marine life. Fushifaru Kandu is home to three iconic dive sites including the renowned Fushifaru Thila, one of the Maldives most popular dive spots and a marine cleaning station where sums of cleaner fish attract the likes of manta rays, turtles and many more.
Only a few metres away is the island’s very own sandbank, perfect for desert island getaways and all day lounging.
“Merging quintessential Maldivian design with modern aesthetics, adventurists, conservationists and traditionalists will be spoilt for choice with the resort’s incredible overwater and underwater experiences,” an announcement by Fushifaru Investments, part of Muni Enterprises which has an existing portfolio of luxury safari boats, luxury residences and a travel agency, read.

The sandbank accessible from Fushi Faru Maldives. PHOTO/ FUSHI FARU
Accommodation
Forty-nine beach and overwater villas will exude luxurious coziness with carefully selected amenities. Various categories of villas face the Maakandu (open ocean), Etherevari (lagoon) or Kandu-Olhi (channel) reflecting designs inspired by their locations on the island.

A beach villa at Fushi Faru Maldives. PHOTO/ FUSHI FARU

Interior of a beach villa at Fushi Faru Maldives. PHOTO/ FUSHI FARU
Guests can choose from 18 beach villas with private plunge pool, 26 beach villas and five water villas, all with stunning outdoor bathrooms, large outdoor decking, 43” IPTV, Egyptian-cotton linen and 24-hour personalised ‘Resident’ service, the island’s very own butler service concept.

A beach pool villa at Fushi Faru Maldives. PHOTO/ FUSHI FARU

Bathroom of a beach pool villa at Fushi Faru Maldives. PHOTO/ FUSHI FARU
Restaurants and Bars
Fushifaru has three food and beverage outlets that will take guests on a gastronomic journey starting at Korakali for an international breakfast, lunch and dinner, while Raakani Grill showcases signature Asian recipes with a focus on the finest local seafood. Fanihandhi Bar is perfect for catching some sun with a cocktail in hand or unwinding to a famous Maldivian sunset.

Dining at Fushi Faru Maldives. PHOTO/ FUSHI FARU
Guests can also choose from a variety of dining experiences such as a private sandbank picnic, dinner on the deck of your own villa or even aboard the resort’s private yacht. Your ‘Resident’ will stop at nothing to curate a truly memorable experience.

Destination dining at Fushi Faru Maldives. PHOTO/ FUSHI FARU
Heylhi Spa
Heylhi Spa will have five-treatment rooms or sanctuaries that embody the spirit of rejuvenation; a concept inspired by the Cleaner Wrasse fish found commonly throughout the island’s reef. Designed with lush, green surroundings, the spa echoes its name Heylhi, which in Dhivehi refers to jungle-like vegetation found at the shoreline. Each treatment room resembles traditional Maldivian cottages, complete with outdoor garden bathrooms.
Through the island’s partnership with renowned UK well-being experts Aromatherapy Associates, combined with an indigenous product range from local artisans, Heylhi Spa will be the beating heart of Fushifaru.

The Heylhi Spa at Fushi Faru Maldives. PHOTO/ FUSHI FARU
Activities
From a state-of-the-art gym and multi-sports court, to paddle boarding, snorkelling, diving and semi-submarine expeditions, activities are endless at Fushifaru. For an insight into coral rehabilitation and marine education, a resident marine biologist will be on hand to share lessons on conservation and conduct guided snorkelling tours around the island and nearby reefs.

Water sports at Fushi Faru Maldives. PHOTO/ FUSHI FARU
Island Excursions
For a glimpse into island living and local culture, Fushifaru is only a 20-minute speedboat ride away from the atoll’s capital island Naifaru. For the last five years, Naifaru has been home to the atoll’s turtle conservation programme, championing numerous social and sustainability volunteer activities. An 18-minute speedboat ride will take you to Felivaru where one of the Maldives largest fish canning factories is located. The island of Hinnavaru is also just a 15-minute speedboat ride away, offering an immersive experience of local island life.
“Fushifaru prides itself on being a custodian of conservation and each guest is encouraged to contribute to the resort’s conservation efforts, discover local culture and traditions, all whilst enjoying the wonders of an idyllic and breathtaking island life,” the announcement read.

The main pool at Fushi Faru Maldives. PHOTO/ FUSHI FARU
For reservations and enquiries, kindly email reservations@fushifaru.com or log on to www.fushifaru.com. Alternatively, follow the resort’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts for daily updates.
Business
2025 sees Maldives reach 1 million tourist mark in record time

Maldives has welcomed its 1 millionth tourist of 2025 on 7th June 2025, the fastest that the country has achieved a million tourists in our nation’s history.
Kajal Singh, an Indian national, arrived in the Maldives today on IndiGo flight 6E 1131 at 12:55. She is visiting for her honeymoon at Bandos Maldives. This is her first trip to the Maldives.

Visit Maldives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), hosted a special celebratory event at Velana International Airport to commemorate this remarkable achievement.
“This milestone fills us with immense pride, reflecting the successful culmination of our destination marketing initiatives that showcase the true essence of the Maldivian experience,” stated Minister for Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim. “Welcoming one million tourists with such unprecedented speed is a powerful indicator of our global appeal, and I extend my sincere appreciation to all the hardworking individuals across the tourism sector whose dedication made this achievement possible.”

In a gesture highlighting the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the one millionth visitor, Kajal, was invited to participate in the “Five Million Trees Planting Program” initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Kajal planted a tree at Hulhulé as part of this nationwide effort to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and promote a greener Maldives for future generations.
“This achievement is a clear indicator that we are well on our way to attaining H.E President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s national tourist arrival target of 2.3 million for this year,” said CEO & MD of MMPRC Ibrahim Shiuree. “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with all our stakeholders, whose dedication and hard work are invaluable. Our commitment doesn’t end here; we are continually working to enhance the Maldives’ tourism industry and ensure the Sunny Side of Life remains a dream destination for everyone.”

The arrival of the 1 millionth tourist in 2025 marks a proud moment for Maldivian tourism, symbolizing the robust momentum generated by MMPRC’s strategic promotional efforts. Building on the resounding success of the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, where the Maldives captivated the global travel trade community with its powerful and immersive showcase, this milestone highlights the effectiveness of our enhanced global visibility and affirmed key industry partnerships.
Complementing these efforts, the ongoing comprehensive Summer Campaign, with its multi-market strategy spanning Europe and key international markets, is actively driving increased visibility and stimulating early bookings for both the summer and upcoming winter seasons. MMPRC’s marketing initiatives such as high-impact campaigns, strategic partnerships, and targeted outreach are significantly enhancing the Maldives’ global brand, boosting booking confidence, and solidifying its position as a leading, year-round holiday destination.
Business
BBM: Stronger hospitality platform via Hotelier Maldives Awards, culinary development

Since 1990, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has been at the core of the Maldives’ hospitality supply chain. More than a distributor, BBM has become a trusted partner in shaping talent, raising standards, and building long-term capacity across the industry.
That commitment continues in 2025 through its title sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards, and its growing investment in culinary development and cross-industry collaboration.
Supporting the Ecosystem, Not Just the Event
BBM is the preferred partner for over 60 international brands. However, its true value lies in how it supports the people behind the brands. From chefs and service staff to back-of-house professionals, BBM works across the sector to create real impact.
This year, the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 expands its recognition with four new categories:
- Watersports Personality of the Year
- Diving Personality of the Year
- Airport Representative of the Year
- Resort Manager of the Year
These additions reflect a simple belief. Everyone who shapes the guest experience deserves to be seen. Not just the visible few. Everyone.
Hotel Asia and the Rise of Culinary Confidence
For more than two decades, BBM has served as the main sponsor of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge, endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).
This platform has consistently raised the bar by bringing over 25 WACS A-Grade international jurors to the Maldives each year. Through this effort, local chefs get to test their skills on a global scale.
To further encourage excellence, BBM launched the Chairman’s Trophy, awarded annually to the most promising Maldivian chef:
- 2023 — Chef Mohamed Adhil
- 2024 — Chef Ahmed Mazim
Each name marks a growing movement. Maldivian chefs no longer compete to participate. They compete to win.
Backing Global Exposure for Local Talent
BBM has directly sponsored Maldivian chefs to represent the country at global events, including:
- HOFEX 2017 in Hong Kong, where Chef Ahmed Fatheen and Chef Ismail Naseer earned silver
- La Sial 2018 in Abu Dhabi, where Chef Mohamed Adhil won both gold and silver
- FHA 2018 in Singapore, supporting emerging talent
- Asian Pastry Cup 2018, where Chef Aminath Hameed was recognized as a pioneering female chef
- Chinese Cuisine World Championship 2019, where Chef Ahmed Mazim won bronze
- World Chefs Congress and Expo 2022, where BBM sponsored six MNU students under its Building Young Talent initiative
Creating Spaces for Knowledge Transfer
Beyond competitions, BBM hosts world-class chefs to lead pro bono Masterclasses, including:
- Chef Bruno Ménard, holder of three Michelin stars
- Chef Edwin Leow, gold medalist at the IKA Culinary Olympics
These sessions are designed to be open, practical, and rooted in the everyday reality of resort kitchens.
Recognition with Purpose
BBM’s sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 is part of a larger support system. These awards are not marketing. They are memories. They capture the faces, names, and efforts of those who make the Maldives one of the most admired hospitality destinations in the world.
“When people are seen, they rise,” said Ali Afrah Hassan, Head of HR, Admin, and Corporate Affairs at BBM. “This platform is our way of saying you matter. Not just once a year, but every day you show up to serve.”
Whether through product support, recognition, training, or infrastructure, BBM is building something larger than supply chains. It is helping shape the culture of Maldivian hospitality.
Business
Dubai Chocolate Brownies in Maldives: BBM, Dreidoppel conclude pastry tour

BBM’s exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour, led by Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin, concluded successfully on Apr 30th, after a 10-day pastry training series across 15 leading Maldivian resorts that requested the training. Two city bakeries were also trained on the 30th. The initiative brought together global expertise and a strong commitment to raising pastry standards in the local hospitality industry.
This year’s sessions focused on practical pastry solutions using Dreidoppel’s premium ingredient range to create Panettone, Dubai chocolate brownies, Mousses, Crème Brûlée, Fill & Gloss applications, and Caramel Chocolate Snacks.

A standout feature of the tour was the passion shown by young chefs across the islands.
Chef Frankie Robin remarked, “What truly impressed me was how prepared and passionate the young chefs were. Their eagerness to learn, experiment, and take their skills to world-class standards made every session an absolute joy.”

Grounded in real kitchen challenges—speed, flavour, and efficiency—Chef Frankie’s demos showcased how smart ingredient choices can drive both creativity and performance.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added, “At BBM, we believe in more than just supplying ingredients—we are committed to the professional growth of the industry. Collaborations like this empower culinary teams with global techniques and greater confidence.”
The tour reflects BBM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldivian foodservice industry through knowledge-sharing and access to world-class products.
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