Featured
Jumeirah Vittaveli unveils new Ocean Villas with longest water slides in Maldives
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.
Featured
Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
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