Business
Fihalhohi Island Resort wins Holidaycheck Award 2018
Fihalhohi Island Resort has won the Holidaycheck Award 2018.
The resort won the award with 93 percent recommendations and a 5.3 out of 6 rating.
HolidayCheck Awards, the highly sought after tourism prize given by the largest German speaking travel portal that offers extensive travel know-how, is being conferred for the twelfth year to the most popular hotels worldwide.
In order to be nominated, the hotel needs to have a minimum number of reviews during the year of 2017 with a stay in 2017, a recommendation rate of minimum 90 percent from reviews in 2017 and a score of at least five out of six suns on HolidayCheck from reviews in 2017.
Fihalhohi is the last island of South Male Atoll, and is accessible by a one hour speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.
The resort provides four different categories of rooms in order to cater to the varied preferences. There are 24 Classic rooms, while 114 Comfort rooms are designed with ground and upper floor accommodation and with additional facilities of air conditioning and bathtubs. For those who prefer to be on the water, there are 12 water bungalows tastefully built in pine wood where one can step right out of the room into the turquoise lagoon for swimming or snorkelling.
The Palm Grove restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and a light buffet lunch. Dinner consists of a variety of tantalising theme buffets spread throughout the week.
The Fisherman’s Bar is the hub of activity. The crew can mix some interesting cocktails and this bar also hosts all the evening’s light animation programmes.
The Surf Café next to the water sports centre serves a specialty menu of salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, pizzas and an array of light meals throughout the day.
The Blue Lagoon bar is proud of its serene setting on the beach. The bar serves an extensive range of thirst quenchers and cocktails.
A well-equipped and professionally manned scuba diving facility operated by Aeolus Diving is available at the resort. As a diving location, the reefs around Fihalhohi have been ranked by experienced divers as being amongst the best to be found anywhere.
The Blue Ocean water sports centre provides facilities for windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water skiing, banana riding, canoeing, glass bottom boat rides and a variety of other activities made possible by the clear blue lagoon and the safe surrounding Waters.
Other sports facilities on the resort include billiards, table tennis, badminton, football, beach volleyball, darts and an assortment of indoor games.
Business
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé to open in Q1 2025
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé, the Maldives’ newest luxury destination, is set to open its doors in Q1 2025.
Located on the site of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel, the property will become the largest hotel in the capital, Malé. With 136 elegantly designed rooms, including 95 with stunning ocean views, and 116 luxurious serviced apartments, Barcelo Nasandhura Malé promises a unique blend of sophistication, comfort, and convenience in the heart of this vibrant city.
Operated by the renowned Spanish hotel chain Barcelo Group, the hotel represents a significant expansion of the brand’s presence in the Maldives and beyond. Barcelo Group, known for its exceptional resorts, recently opened Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives in South Ari Atoll in August 2024, further solidifying its growing portfolio in the region. In addition to its Maldivian properties, Barcelo Group manages a range of high-profile hotels across the UAE, Thailand, and several European countries.
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé will feature an array of premium facilities, including four upscale dining outlets, a rooftop shisha bar, an oceanfront pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa. The hotel will also boast 1,034 square meters of versatile MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space, making it an ideal venue for corporate events and gatherings.
While some serviced apartments were initially intended for residential use, they will now be available for daily rental, offering guests enhanced flexibility and a wider range of accommodation options. Originally scheduled to open on December 1, 2024, the opening has been slightly delayed due to minor construction work. However, the team remains committed to ensuring Barcelo Nasandhura Malé is ready to welcome its first guests in Q1 2025.
Barcelo Hotel Group, awarded World’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023 by the World Travel Awards, is the second-largest hotel chain in Spain and ranks among the 30 largest globally in terms of the number of rooms. Founded in 1931, this family-run organisation operates 280 four- and five-star city and holiday hotels, offering more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries. The group markets its hotels under four distinct brands, each focused on providing diverse and memorable travel experiences.
Renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, Barcelo Hotel Group delivers exceptional stays, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
Action
Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives
As part of its ‘Masters for Masters’ series, The Nautilus Maldives will host Denise Hoefer, Germany’s No. 1 padel player and one of the world’s top 50 most influential figures in the padel industry, for an exclusive Padel Masterclass from March 22 to 25, 2025. This exceptional event invites guests to enhance their padel skills under the expert guidance of a global champion, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ Indian Ocean.
Padel, recognised as the world’s fastest-growing sport, has captured the hearts of 30 million enthusiasts globally, according to the International Padel Federation. This March, The Nautilus will provide a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in this thrilling game during a four-day Padel Masterclass led by Denise Hoefer, Germany’s top-ranked female padel player and captain of the German national team. Participants will refine their techniques on The Nautilus’s state-of-the-art padel court, while experiencing the island’s signature blend of world-class coaching and timeless, unscripted hospitality.
The Padel Masterclass will feature a tailored mix of group and private sessions, catering to players of all levels. Younger participants will have the chance to join the Young Wonderers program, offering specially designed classes that introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way. After an energising day on the court, guests can unwind at Solasta Spa, where exclusive treatments by Maison Caulières—such as Spinal Connection Deep Tissue Healing, Volcanic Stone Therapy, and Warm Poultices—promise ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. These tranquil spa experiences provide a perfect complement to the day’s dynamic activities, leaving participants refreshed and revitalised.
With just 26 ultra-luxury houses and residences, The Nautilus offers an intimate sanctuary within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounded by powder-soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, this private island retreat redefines bespoke hospitality. Every element is meticulously crafted to inspire, offering guests an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience focused on relaxation, renewal, and discovery. Whether honing padel skills or embracing the serenity of island life, The Nautilus stands as the ultimate destination for discerning travellers.
Business
BBM, Lifebuoy empowers hygiene practices among Maldivian children
BBM, in collaboration with Lifebuoy, marked Global Handwashing Day 2024 with engaging activities aimed at instilling the habit of proper hand hygiene among Maldivian school children. Held on November 17th, the event continued the successful “H for Handwashing” campaign, blending education with creativity and fun.
The initiative featured info sessions, exciting games, and creative contests designed to teach children the importance of handwashing while giving them a hands-on understanding of the correct techniques. Activities ranged from reimagined board games like “Germs & Ladders” and “Handwashing Ludo” to interactive sessions that reinforced hygiene habits in an enjoyable way.
This campaign underscores BBM’s commitment to fostering healthier practices among the younger generation, contributing to a healthier and more hygienic Maldives. COO of BBM, A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, emphasised, “At BBM, we believe that empowering the next generation with the knowledge and tools for better hygiene practices is vital for building a resilient and healthy community. We are proud to continue our efforts in collaboration with partners like Lifebuoy.”
Adding to this, Muksith Hussain, Head of Retail Sales at BBM, shared, “Reaching children through such innovative initiatives helps us lay the foundation for a healthier tomorrow. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and participation of these young minds in learning the importance of hygiene.”
The event also saw valuable support from the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC), whose contributions enriched the experience for the children. BBM expressed gratitude for MRC’s involvement, as their efforts played a key role in making the event impactful and memorable.
Through campaigns like this, BBM aims to nurture a lifelong habit of handwashing, creating a brighter and healthier future for the Maldives.
Let’s keep the spirit alive—join the Handwashing Revolution with BBM and Lifebuoy!
-
Featured1 week ago
Six Senses Laamu honoured for groundbreaking marine conservation initiatives
-
Celebration1 week ago
Sheraton Maldives launches holiday festivities with Christmas Tree lighting
-
Family1 week ago
JA Manafaru secures Worldwide Kids Accreditation for second year
-
Excursions1 week ago
Fuvahmulah triumphs at 2024 DRT show as Best Shark Diving spot
-
Featured6 days ago
SAii Lagoon Maldives achieves Gold certification for sustainability excellence
-
Featured5 days ago
JW Marriott Maldives unveils luxury wellness escape
-
Awards7 days ago
Forbes Travel Guide ranks Maldives among top destinations for 2025
-
Fashion5 days ago
Aquazzura collaborates with JOALI Maldives to launch Maldives’ first-ever limited-edition capsule collection