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Two Maldives islands named amongst world’s best beaches

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Two islands in the Maldives have been named amongst the best beaches in the world.

To create this spectacular list of the world’ 50 best beaches, FlightNetwork — Canada’s largest online travel website — consulted with 632 top travel professionals, including journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies and had them vote on their favourites.

In this wanderlust-inducing list are two islands in the Maldives: Fulhadhoo and Dhigurah.

Listing Fulhadhoo’s beach in the 22nd spot, FlightNetwork described it as sitting on a little-known piece of paradise lost in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. This “snow-white sand beach” is surrounded by far more coconut palms than people, it added.

About Dhigurah’s beach, which is ranked at 34, FlightNetwork said: “With two-thirds of the island covered in lush green Maldivian forest and never-ending silky-smooth sand, you’ll feel like you’re starring in your very own castaway movie.”

Dhigurah beach. PHOTO/ TRIPADVISOR

An inhabited island, Fulhadhoo is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll. A local village of some 250 people lies on the eastern part of the island, while the rest features a sort of a primeval landscape with palm trees, turquoise lagoons and snow-white sandy beaches.

With a few guesthouses offering travellers affordable accommodation options, Fulhadhoo is a great place for those who love snorkelling and free diving.

Dhigurah is located in the South Ari Atoll, about 20 minutes by domestic flight from the main airport. With more than 3 km of natural white sandy beach, it is considered one of the most beautiful inhabited islands in the Maldives.

With a population of about 600, Dhigurah has all the necessary facilities for human habitation, including a school, medical centre and a harbour. The population is concentrated on a small area in the north of the island, with the rest reserved mostly for fruit and vegetable gardening and natural vegetation.

Dhigurah is close to some of the most famous dive spots in the country such as Kuda Rah Thila, Manta Point and Reethi Thila. Guests staying in one of the guesthouses on the island can also get easy access to whale-shark watching locations in the South Ari Atoll.

The Maldives is known world over for its unique natural beauty, especially for its powder soft white sand beaches, turquoise waters surrounding the islands and palm trees. Over a million tourists visit these islands every year for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Main photo: Fulhadhoo beach. PHOTO/ FLIGHTNETWORK

Cooking

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO unveils chef-led 9-Hands Dinner experience

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO has announced a 9-Hands Dinner event scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 May, offering a curated dining experience as part of its guest programme.

The event will feature a multi-course menu developed by three chefs representing Egypt, Madeira and the Maldives. Each chef will present dishes reflecting their respective culinary backgrounds, combining different techniques and flavour profiles within a single dining concept.

The dinner is positioned as an interactive culinary experience, bringing together elements of storytelling and presentation alongside the menu. According to the resort, the concept is designed to highlight both innovation and traditional influences in cuisine.

The experience will be included within the resort’s plan for in-house guests, forming part of the overall stay offering.

Commenting on the event, General Manager Alain Trefois stated that the initiative reflects the resort’s focus on expanding guest experiences beyond standard dining formats. He noted that the event provides an opportunity for guests to engage with culinary presentation in a structured setting.

Anupam Banerjee, Vice President Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Core, said the collaboration brings together different culinary influences, combining regional ingredients and techniques into a single dining programme.

Located in North Malé Atoll, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is known for its house reef and marine environment, offering a range of activities alongside its accommodation and dining options.

The resort has indicated that availability for the 9-Hands Dinner event will be limited, with advance booking recommended for guests wishing to attend.

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef rolls out Wellness Week from 15–22 June

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé collection within the House of Siyam, has announced plans to host a Wellness Week from 15 to 22 June 2026, in conjunction with Global Wellness Week. The programme will be led by international creative and fitness practitioner Ilariia Auvitu.

Ilariia Auvitu, whose background spans multiple countries and disciplines including acting, modelling and fitness, will guide a series of sessions focused on structured wellbeing practices. Her approach combines physical activity with routines aimed at supporting mental balance.

A key component of the programme is the Tech-Free Sunrise Yoga and Breathwork Ritual. The session is designed to provide a period of structured activity without digital devices, with a focus on breath control and guided movement aimed at supporting mental regulation.

The schedule will also include Morning Yoga with Flow sessions, intended to establish physical rhythm and energy for the day. In addition, Pool Fitness sessions will be conducted in the resort’s pool area, offering water-based exercise.

Selected evenings will feature Sunset Pilates and Stretching sessions. These will include low-impact exercises focused on strength and flexibility, followed by guided stretching.

Through the Wellness Week programme, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is offering a series of activities aligned with the observance of Global Wellness Week, combining structured fitness sessions with a setting designed to support rest and recovery.

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Baros Maldives unveils reef-focused ‘Fully Ocean’ programme

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Baros Maldives has announced “Fully Ocean”, a week-long programme of marine conservation, education and guided activities scheduled from 1 to 8 June 2026.

The programme coincides with World Reef Awareness Day on 1 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June. It is positioned as an initiative to involve guests directly in conservation efforts, allowing them to participate alongside the resort’s marine team in activities focused on reef protection.

According to General Manager Ibrahim Shijah, the programme builds on the resort’s long-standing focus on reef conservation and aims to position guests as participants in that effort. Baros Maldives, which first opened in 1973, is among the early resorts in the country to implement a structured reef restoration programme. The property, which is Maldivian-owned, has maintained ongoing work through resident marine biologists and operational practices aimed at reducing environmental impact.

The “Fully Ocean” programme will run as a structured schedule of activities throughout the week.

On 1 June, the programme will begin with a guided house reef tour, followed by an information session for guests to register for activities. The day will conclude with night snorkelling.

On 2 June, activities will focus on coral restoration. Led by marine biologist Carissa Cabrera, the programme will include a snorkelling safari and workshops on coral restoration methods. Guests will have the option to participate in coral planting or sponsor coral frames.

On 3 June, a fish-focused programme will include identification workshops and in-water sessions for divers and snorkellers. The afternoon will feature activities in the Palm Garden, including educational games and painting sessions, followed by night snorkelling.

On 4 June, activities will focus on reef ecosystems. The programme will include guided dives under the Microlife Finders initiative, snorkelling safaris and low tide exploration of marine species such as shells and sea cucumbers. The day will conclude with a “Glow in the Dark” session, combining a presentation with a UV-assisted night snorkelling experience.

On 5 June, marking World Environment Day, the programme will include a guided nature walk around the island and a photography competition titled “Maldivian Treasures”. A second “Glow in the Dark” session will be held in the evening.

On 6 June, the schedule will include guided reef tours and night snorkelling.

On 7 June, designated as Turtle Day, the programme will feature activities led by the Olive Ridley Project, including awareness sessions and workshops on turtle conservation and responsible interaction.

On 8 June, the programme will conclude with a guided reef tour, a reef clean-up activity and a final night snorkelling session.

Some activities during the programme will be complimentary, while others will be offered at an additional charge. Booking and programme details are available through the resort.

The “Fully Ocean” initiative will coincide with Baros Maldives’ “Endless Summer” offer, running from May to October 2026. During this period, the resort is promoting travel during the off-peak season, when marine conditions attract species such as manta rays and whale sharks to nearby atolls.

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