Business
Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives to open in November 2018

Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives has announced plans to open its shores to guests in November.
Nestled on a private island in the northern Maldives atoll of Noonu, Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives promises serene seclusion and tropical tranquillity. The resort will also showcase a series of unique architectural features and distinctive design touches that complement the soothing natural surroundings.
The resort was designed by the acclaimed architects from the Poland based company MOTIV, who used the private, uninhabited tropical island of Kuredhivaru as a blank canvas on which to create something aesthetically appealing and truly unique. Taking inspiration from the Maldives’ spectacular natural scenery, MOTIV has designed a masterpiece that weaves seamlessly into the island environment, blurring the boundaries between innovative design, Maldivian heritage and Mother Nature.
Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives will be Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts’ inaugural property in the Maldives, and the first Maldivian project for MOTIV, bringing a fresh perspective to the country’s hospitality scene.
Organic shapes for the roofs in villas and restaurants make the structure blend better with environment. Interiors were dictated by ergonomy, to give to the guest comfort to stay close to nature; nature is the biggest luxury in Maldives and architecture should just make it more prominent.
“We wanted to make sure we did not damage the island or the marine environment, so we followed nature. Also, we did not want to build anything too contemporary; so you will find in the final design influences from the Maldives and Indonesia. Organic shapes used for the roofs in the villas and restaurants allows the structures blend with the environment. Sustainability was always our priority and therefore I was looking for solutions that could enhance my design,” explained Pawel Podwojewski, founder MOTIV.
The 30 Beach Pool Suites and three Beach Spa Pool Residences are surrounded by native trees and mature plants, providing privacy and shade. Each room features an amazing elevated deck that “floats” three metres above the private pool, offering endless ocean views.
Guests in each of the 72 Overwater Pool Villas will discover a huge glass floor in the hallway, which frames breathtaking displays of marine life underfoot. Each villa also features a private pool and a large outdoor deck with a hammock and direct access to the shimmering sea below. The roofs, inspired by central Asian culture, provide beautiful canopies that reflect ambient light into the rooms at night.
In terms of natural materials, coconut wood has been used for the furniture, structural elements of salas and the interior mosaics were finished with hand made square shape coconut tips creating a warm and enchanting environment indoors. The resort’s main restaurant, ONU, is built entirely from bamboo with a wide open roof, including intricate geometrical shapes, while Bodumas, the seafood restaurant, boasts a roof design that’s inspired by seashells. Latitude 5.5 restaurant follows the bamboo organic design and provides a spectacular view from the edge of the infinity swimming pool.
“Conservation is a key element of the project. Every coconut palm on the island has been preserved, with a limited number being replanted. The island is also home to some traditional coral brick structures with historical and cultural significance, and these have also been preserved for guests to visit,” added Podwojewski.
Guests who want to experience this new architectural wonder now have the chance to book their dream holiday at Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives with enticing opening rates starting from just USD 577 per night inclusive of breakfast and taxes.
Bookings of three nights or more will also include an array of additional benefits, including USD 100 resort credit per stay (valid for food and beverage, spa treatments, water sports and diving), plus an additional 20 percent discount at the Diving and Water Sports Centre and a free room upgrade (subject to availability).
The opening offer is valid for stays between November 1 and December 23, 2018. For more information and reservations, please call +960 6563000 or email Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@movenpick.com.
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.
-
Lifestyle1 week ago
Sonakshi Sinha & Zaheer Iqbal’s luxurious Maldivian retreat sparks fan frenzy
-
News1 week ago
Place to connect within and beyond: Meyyafushi Maldives to open on October 1, 2025
-
Drink1 week ago
Champagne Guy Charbaut returns to Maldives with THE OZEN COLLECTION
-
News1 week ago
Air Arabia doubles Maldives route frequency
-
News1 week ago
Immerse yourself in nature: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s Earth celebration week
-
Featured1 week ago
Where wellness meets luxury: exclusive yoga retreats at Sun Siyam Resorts
-
News1 week ago
Summer of romance ‘Avec Amour’ at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa
-
Featured1 week ago
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives unveils holistic spa detox retreat for mind and body renewal