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Jumeirah Vittaveli unveils new Ocean Villas with longest water slides in Maldives

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Jumeirah Vittaveli has unveiled newly revamped Ocean Villas featuring water slides, so the young-at-heart can plunge straight from their room into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. 

Dotting the azure waters in the South Male Atoll, all of the resort’s freestanding Private Ocean Retreats and seven Infinity Pool Ocean Villas now offer the 23-metre slide, which runs from the top deck into the gentle waters of the crystal clear lagoon.

A Private Ocean Retreat with Slide.

Jumeirah Vittaveli’s Private Ocean Retreats are popular with honeymooners and offer a wonderful sense of seclusion – it’s what dreams are made from. At 400sqm, guests can relax during the day on the newly enlarged open air deck and admire the underwater world from a glass bottomed sunken lounge. By night, they can sink into the outdoor relaxation bed for romantic evenings under the starry skies or recline in the extended overwater hammocks while admiring the chiffon-pink sunsets this tropical hideaway is so famous for.

Perched on stilts, the Private Ocean Retreats offer a fabulous vantage point to look for black tip reef sharks and shoals of tropical fish whilst sipping a piña colada or fresh coconut juice. There is a private infinity pool with show stopping 180° views and wooden steps that lead straight into the warm waters of the lagoon. The sociable space offers a dining area for six, complete with glass-bottom floor – perfect for catching a glimpse of the vibrantly coloured reef fish as they swim by.

The spacious villas also have the luxury of a master bedroom upstairs and a second bedroom downstairs, complete with separate bathrooms and a walk in closet on the ground floor.

The master bedroom of a Private Ocean Retreat with Slide.

The second bedroom of a Private Ocean Retreat with Slide.

For those who wish to be pampered, spaces inside the villas can be transformed into chic spa treatment areas. Bespoke yoga and personal training sessions can be arranged in the villa so fitness fanatics can keep up their routines in paradise. Luxury touches include a private bar area with a full size wine fridge and a personal butler on call 24/7, who can take care of every whim – from running a romantic flower-petal bath, to arranging a deserted sandbank adventure, or arranging a private seven-course gourmet dinner cooked by a personal chef – this is barefoot luxury at its best.

For the Infinity Pool Ocean Villas, exteriors include extended seating areas and glass bottom floors, with overwater hammocks completing blissful outdoor relaxation. The interiors have a fresh look too, and have been enhanced by a new colour palette, inspired by the warm Maldivian sunsets and sparkling turquoise lagoon. The additional windows add an airy touch and bring the beautiful outdoors in, and whilst the resort offers ten food and beverage outlets, the in-villa private bar means guests may simply choose to stay in the luxurious surroundings of their island hideaway.

“At Jumeirah Vittaveli, we are always thinking of new and exciting ways to wow our guests. Be it the first ice skating rink in the Maldives, the 5-bedroom Royal Residence, the underground Whiskey Salon, UnderChic, or our stunning beachside bar B4R. The list goes on. We look forward to welcoming our guests to stay at the resort and especially our new Private Ocean Retreats and Infinity Pool Ocean Villas which now feature the longest water slides in the Maldives,” Amit Majumder, General Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

An Infinity Pool Ocean Villa.

A 20-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport brings you to Jumeirah Vittaveli.

Whether for an intimate escape or an indulgent family retreat, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration. Impeccable choice and seamless service shape the character of this resort paradise, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to inspire journeys of discovery and enjoyment.

Whether beach-side or overwater, all villas feature stunning interiors with private pools and access to the sandy shores or glistening waters. The sprawling 5-bedroom Royal Residence comes with private beach, spa, gym, two swimming pools, and its own dedicated restaurant.

An inspirational spa, a well-equipped overwater gymnasium, a children’s club and five-star PADI dive centre mean guests are always able to try something new. The country’s first ice rink invites guests for a world first – ice skating on an eco-friendly synthetic ice rink, overlooking the powder soft beaches and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

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Grand Park Kodhipparu highlights manta ray conservation on World Manta Day

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Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives marked World Manta Day with a series of activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of manta ray conservation and the threats these marine species face from international trade, overfishing, plastic pollution and habitat destruction.

The resort organised painting workshops where guests were invited to illustrate their impressions of manta rays and their underwater environment, fostering a connection with marine life through art. Using shimmering glitters, participants recreated the elegance and grace of manta rays, while others crafted large-scale designs on the beach, turning the shoreline into a visual tribute to the creatures.

As part of its commitment to environmental education, the resort released a special video highlighting the feeding habits, defence strategies and reproductive behaviours of manta rays. The video serves as an educational resource, reinforcing the significance of marine conservation through scientific understanding and community engagement.

Citra Suriah, Marketing Director of Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, said the resort would continue to provide opportunities for guests to learn about and advocate for collective responsibility in protecting the ocean.

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Halloween and Autumn celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is preparing to welcome guests to a week-long Autumn Festival with Halloween-themed celebrations running from 30 October to 5 November. The programme features a variety of activities designed for families, couples, and individual travellers, with events ranging from treasure hunts and creative workshops to wellness sessions and exclusive dining experiences.

The celebrations begin on 30 October with a beachside Tabata workout followed by a pumpkin carving workshop at La Locanda. Activities for children and teens include the Magic of Mantas virtual reality exploration, Haunted Brick Builders, and the Autumn Costume Fashion Show. Parents are invited to a cocktail gathering on the shore before the evening concludes with a Culinary Maestro dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Max Strohe, as part of the resort’s Masters of Crafts series.

On 31 October, guests may join a morning Dynamic Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden or take part in a turtle snorkelling excursion. Children between four and twelve are encouraged to join the Flying Fox Quest, a Halloween-themed nature walk, while older children embark on an Island Treasure Quest. Seasonal workshops such as wreath decoration and creative pumpkin carving are available, and the day concludes with a Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt across the island and a Halloween Feast at La Locanda.

As the week progresses, the festival highlights wellness and creativity. Under the Masters of Crafts programme, mobility coach Anthony Green will host sessions on posture, flexibility, and spinal health. Seasonal crafts for younger guests include galaxy-themed pumpkin art, Halloween decorations, wand-making, and mask workshops. Family activities extend to Autumn Carnival Stalls, Magic Hat bowling, and themed cooking sessions. Evening entertainment includes a magic show, a piñata party, and further culinary experiences led by Chef Max Strohe.

The festival concludes on 5 November with a Vinsaya Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden, an art class featuring batfish designs on tote bags, and a children’s treasure hunt. Families are invited to join the Boos and Brews Halloween Dhoni Cruise before the celebrations end with a Luxury Sunset Cruise.

Through this programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, combines seasonal festivities with wellness, creativity, and gastronomy, offering guests a diverse celebration of autumn and Halloween in the Maldives.

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Soneva Fushi awarded SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality 2025

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Soneva Fushi, situated within the Maldives’ Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has been named winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. The accolade is one of two special awards announced ahead of the official ceremony on 30 October. The award is based on votes from more than 800 members of the Academy, who were asked to identify the hotel where they experienced their single-best hospitality moment within the two-year voting period.

The award recognises the quality of service that ensures guests feel cared for throughout their stay. It celebrates the work of a property and its entire team, acknowledging excellence in areas ranging from reception and housekeeping to amenities and food and beverage services. Voters were asked to consider ambience, unique experiential elements, and the warmth of the hospitality on offer.

Soneva Fushi, the original Soneva resort and regarded as the model for barefoot luxury, is located on one of the Maldives’ largest and least developed islands. The resort comprises 71 private villas, either set amidst dense jungle or positioned above the ocean. Guests are invited to embrace a slower pace of life, with experiences ranging from deserted island picnics and wellness treatments at Soneva Soul to curated events under the Soneva Stars calendar.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said: “This award celebrates the foundation of hospitality and honours the emotional connection that guests have with a hotel and its team. For three decades, Soneva Fushi has been delivering memorable service at the highest level that puts the guest at the heart of every interaction. A mainstay of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list since the awards’ inception, Soneva Fushi is a worthy winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award, setting a benchmark of all-encompassing excellence one stay at a time.”

Each villa offers extensive indoor and outdoor living space, private pools and ocean views. A distinctive feature of the resort is its Barefoot Guardians – dedicated butlers assigned to each villa to provide personalised service. Available at all times, they arrange every aspect of the guest experience, from zipline adventures and snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay to stargazing at the observatory or dining in one of 14 restaurants. The Barefoot Guardians also manage the Soneva Stars calendar, which hosts international chefs, wellness specialists and sporting figures.

Antony Paton, General Manager of Soneva Fushi, said: “This award belongs to the entire team at Soneva Fushi. It is a reflection of our shared purpose to create moments of joy, connection and wonder every single day. Being recognised by The World’s 50 Best Hotels affirms that the quiet magic we strive for is not only felt by our guests, but remembered. And that, to us, is the greatest reward.”

Giancarlo Mancino, Chief Executive Officer of SeiBellissimi, added: “At Soneva Fushi, hospitality is a seamless extension of a lifestyle deeply rooted in sustainability, wellness and mindful luxury. Founded with a slow life philosophy, every experience here is a tribute to living in harmony with nature, honouring health-conscious principles, and crafting each moment with genuine care. This devotion to sustainable elegance and the art of well-being is the perfect mirror of SeiBellissimi’s own values: Italian craftsmanship, conviviality, and a respect for quality that goes beyond the ordinary.”

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 ceremony will take place at Old Billingsgate in London on Thursday 30 October, where Soneva Fushi will formally receive the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award.

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