Featured
Huvafen Fushi unveils The Playpen, The Grand Beach Pavilion

Glamorously grown-up Maldivian hideaway Huvafen Fushi has revealed the latest stunning chapter in its coming-of-age, The PlayPen, The Grand Beach Pavilion.
An exquisite architectural hymn to pleasure, The PlayPen weaves fluid New York loft-style living spaces with a nostalgic neo-Parisian penchant for vintage pieces and an eclectic collection of handpicked furniture. Opened on March 20, the two-storey, 445 sqm PlayPen starts from USD 17,000++ per night for minimum five-night stays.
Upstairs, an open-plan chamber-cum-‘playroom’ features a centrepiece bed, oversized ocean view bath and wet area with steam and sauna. A panoramic west-facing balcony draws the eye over the burgundy floodlit lava-stone infinity pool and private jetty to sunsets over the house reef.
Accessed via a dramatic private courtyard, the ground floor is a fluid, unconstrained living and entertainment space. The lounge and dining area — think Bang & Olufsen sound system, plasma TVs and bottomless cocktail bar — and culinary gallery flow seamlessly out to the private deck. Daybeds, outdoor shower and a private BBQ area frame that striking infinity pool and the beach beyond.
Discerning pleasurists staying in the PlayPen arrive via a breathless dalliance with Huvafen Fushi’s dashing 45’ Italian luxury speedboat Veloce. Once ensconced in their private paradise, guests can expect to be pampered with 24/7 butler service courtesy of the resort’s signature thakurus; enjoy a sensuous massage in PEARL, Huvafen Spa’s legendary underwater treatment area, and discover a bespoke intimate gift box from Maison Mika.
Opened over a decade ago, Huvafen Fushi built a deserved reputation amongst dynamic connoisseurs, seduced by the sensuous embrace of this iconic island. Now in the arms of The Small Maldives Island Co, the perennial poise and allure of this fashionable global icon has been lovingly rekindled; reinvigorated for a new generation of sophisticates drawn irresistibly by the promise of a glamorously grown-up rendezvous.
The adults-only island’s 44 enrapturing, naturally modern villas – all with private pools – are refreshed; the famed spa resculpted and enhanced by celebrated wellness practitioners from PURE Massage to Teresa Tarmey. New culinary experiences include modern Japanese cuisine with a Latin twist at Feeling Koi and designer drinks dreamt up by mixologists from London’s PURL, complimenting the established gastronomic lineup including subterranean wine trove Vinum, alfresco Italian Forno and relaxed deck dining at Celsius.
Featured
Classic Easter celebration awaits at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to celebrate Easter with a timeless and traditional touch from March 17-23, 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s festivities embrace the essence of a classic Easter, blending elegant dining experiences, engaging family-friendly activities, and moments of relaxation in a tropical paradise.
The Easter celebrations at Kuda Villingili include a variety of activities designed to create cherished memories. Children can participate in delightful Easter egg hunts and themed arts and crafts sessions, while guests of all ages have the opportunity to join a special Easter Sunday sunrise yoga session, embracing tranquility before indulging in the elaborate festivities.
A highlight of the celebrations is the Kuda Villingili Easter Extravaganza Buffet Dinner, scheduled for April 20, 2025, at The Restaurant. This exquisite buffet offers an array of international and local delicacies, accompanied by the captivating sounds of the resort’s resident live band.
For those seeking fun under the sun, the Easter Island Splash Pool Party provides an exciting afternoon, transforming the Maldives’ largest pool into a vibrant celebration hub. Guests can enjoy poolside games, Aqua Zumba, lively music by DJ Leila, and an assortment of treats, including popcorn, infused drinks, and cotton candy. Designed for families and children, this event captures the festive spirit of Easter in an unforgettable way.
Culinary enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a hands-on experience with Mar-Umi Sushi Artistry, led by Chef Kimo. This interactive session allows participants to learn the delicate art of sushi-making from an experienced chef, adding a touch of culinary mastery to their island getaway.
Wine aficionados are invited to celebrate Easter in sophistication at The Exclusive Wine Tasting, which features a curated selection of the world’s finest vintages and New World wines. For those desiring an intimate and luxurious dining experience, The Easter Grapevine Dinner presents a five-course Wine Library Dinner, expertly curated and paired for a refined Easter celebration.
Guests can also embark on a global culinary adventure through themed set-menu dinners. Pan-Asian Voyage at East highlights the diverse flavors of Asia, while Nikkei Rhapsody at Mar-Umi showcases the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian Nikkei cuisine. Meanwhile, Spice offers the Awadhi & Arabic Culinary Journey, an authentic experience crafted by the legendary Qureshi brothers, who bring five generations of culinary expertise to the table.
For adventure seekers, a Surf Beach Lesson provides an exhilarating opportunity for beginners to learn the fundamentals of surfing under the guidance of expert instructors.
Kuda Villingili Resort serves as an ideal destination for families and guests looking to celebrate Easter in the Maldives. With its combination of luxury, adventure, and heartfelt hospitality, the resort offers a perfect setting for relaxation and connection. Whether guests choose to explore the vibrant marine life, indulge in a world-class spa experience, or participate in curated Easter activities, the resort ensures a memorable and fulfilling experience for all.
Beyond these signature events, Kuda Villingili Resort presents a variety of Easter-themed activities tailored to all ages, guaranteeing a joyful and unforgettable holiday. Whether savoring gourmet delights, engaging in thrilling water sports, or enjoying quality family time, Easter at Kuda Villingili promises an extraordinary island escape.
Featured
Westin Hotels elevate sleep experiences with holistic wellness initiatives

In the lead-up to the global commemoration of World Sleep Day on March 14 and building on the ‘Busy Resting’ campaign launched in January 2025, Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, is advocating for restful sleep. Hotels and resorts across the Asia Pacific region (excluding China) are inviting guests to experience revitalising and restorative relaxation, emphasising rest as an essential part of life rather than a luxury.
Modern society often equates being busy with success, often at the expense of personal well-being. However, a shift is occurring as individuals begin to reclaim their right to rest. With a strong focus on holistic well-being and a brand strategy centered on curating optimal sleep experiences, Westin has consistently positioned itself as an innovator in the hospitality industry. Since introducing the Heavenly Bed® in 1999, which disrupted industry norms and set a new standard for hotel sleep experiences, the brand has remained a leader in the wellness space.
For over two decades, Westin has continually evolved its offerings to provide guests with a personalised approach to sleep and comfort. The Sleep Well program, which features amenities such as the Sleep Well Menu and Sleep Well Lavender Balm, further highlights the brand’s commitment to promoting restorative sleep as a crucial component of overall well-being. Westin continues to champion wellness through its Six Pillars of Well-Being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.
John Toomey, Chief Commercial Officer for Asia Pacific (excluding China), emphasised Westin’s leadership in hospitality well-being, stating, “Westin has been among hospitality’s global leaders in well-being, consistently empowering guests to enhance their routines while on the road through its six pillars, from Eat Well to Sleep Well. World Sleep Day serves as a great reminder of the importance of restorative experiences for travellers. With the increasing interest in sleep tourism and wellness travel, it is the perfect time to reaffirm our commitment to guests’ health by providing the tools and experiences necessary for a good night’s sleep.”
Westin’s Sleep Well program is central to its dedication to holistic well-being, offering guests a revitalising and restful sleep experience. The program underscores the significance of quality sleep as the foundation for mental and physical health. The Heavenly® Bed provides unparalleled comfort for travellers seeking restorative sleep. The Sleep Well Menu, available through in-room dining, features sleep-enhancing superfoods rich in nutrients that promote relaxation. Additionally, guests can unwind with the Sleep Well Lavender Balm, infused with calming essential oils to alleviate tension and create a peaceful sleep environment. Westin’s wellness-focused amenities continue to set a high standard in the hospitality industry.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers guests a specialised Sleep Infusion Turndown service. This curated in-room tea experience includes sleep-inducing herbal teas, such as chamomile and lavender, to promote relaxation. Guests can also participate in daily meditation and relaxation sessions, including Yoga Nidra and Gyan Mudra, to enhance their journey toward quality sleep. Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a guided meditation technique that facilitates deep relaxation, while Gyan Mudra, a sacred hand gesture, helps direct energy and maintain balance.
Parents travelling with children can benefit from ‘The Westin Maldives Kids Sleep Manual,’ developed in collaboration with Savvy Sleep. This guide provides families with sleep-recommended activities, including beachfront bedtime stories, stargazing, and dream journaling, to encourage restful and rejuvenating sleep for young travelers.
On March 14, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will host a sunset reception, inviting guests to relax amid stunning ocean views. The event will feature an exclusive selection of Sleep Well-inspired canapés and beverages, creating a serene atmosphere to celebrate the importance of restful sleep.
Nestled in the picturesque Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort serves as an oasis of tranquility. Through an immersive approach to well-being, the resort continues to advocate for the restorative power of sleep, ensuring that every guest departs feeling refreshed and inspired.
Featured
Immersed in nature: marine life encounters at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

As the world comes together to celebrate World Wildlife Day, there is no better time to explore the turquoise waters surrounding Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ four Maldivian properties. These waters, home to some of the most captivating marine creatures, provide a glimpse into a thriving underwater ecosystem brimming with life. Experts from Dive & Sail, the official dive operator at the resorts, share insights into the marine marvels awaiting guests beneath the waves.
“Each of the four resorts in the Maldives by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts boasts a unique marine ecosystem,” says Adam Ali from the Dive & Sail team. He highlights the vibrant coral gardens of Ellaidhoo, the world-famous surf breaks and manta ray encounters near Dhonveli, and the diverse underwater landscapes that make each location a window into the wonders of the ocean.
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, divers and snorkelers frequently encounter nurse sharks gliding through the waters, while the pristine lagoons of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offer sightings of stingrays and colourful reef fish. The diversity of species across these resorts underscores the Maldives’ rich marine heritage, providing unforgettable underwater adventures.
One of the most sought-after experiences for divers and snorkelers is encountering manta rays and whale sharks. “The Maldives is one of the best places in the world for manta ray sightings, and they are often spotted in the channels near Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives and Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives,” explains Ibrahim Shaah, a seasoned instructor at Dive & Sail. Recalling a particularly memorable dive, he describes being surrounded by half a dozen manta rays, their graceful movements almost hypnotic, with one even looping around the divers as if performing a dance.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, renowned for its house reef, offers some of the best opportunities for close-up shark encounters. “Diving here, especially at night, is a surreal experience,” says diver Mohamad Amjey. He describes a moment of stillness as a school of reef sharks moved past him like shadows in the dark, an exhilarating yet peaceful experience.
Beyond providing exceptional underwater encounters, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts remains committed to marine conservation. “Sustainable diving and snorkelling practices are essential to protecting these fragile ecosystems,” the team at Dive & Sail emphasises. The dive centres educate guests on responsible marine interactions, encouraging them to maintain a safe distance from marine life and avoid contact with corals.
The resort group also plays a crucial role in reef restoration through coral propagation initiatives. By planting coral frames and monitoring their growth, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts contributes to preserving the reefs that support an incredible array of species. Guests are invited to take part in these efforts, fostering a deeper connection with marine conservation.
On this World Wildlife Day, the vibrant marine life of the Maldives is celebrated as a dream destination for ocean enthusiasts. Whether experienced divers or first-time snorkelers, guests at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives are encouraged to discover, appreciate, and safeguard this underwater wonderland. After all, the true beauty of the ocean lies not only in what is witnessed but in the efforts made to protect it for future generations.
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