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
Reethi Faru Resort reveals festive line-up of dining, entertainment and island experiences
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
Awards
Condé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts
.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in the Maldives, has been named the No. 6 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
The annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines and other travel experiences based on votes submitted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
The recognition places .Here Baa Atoll among the highest-ranked resorts in the Indian Ocean and comes during a milestone year for the property.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences spread across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere.
Somewhere features seven three- and four-bedroom residences extending from the beach towards the lagoon and designed for families and groups travelling together. Each residence offers indoor and outdoor living spaces, multiple pools, private dining and personalised Roohu service. Guests are transferred directly to their residence by private speedboat, avoiding a conventional lobby and check-in process.
Condé Nast Traveler has previously highlighted the resort for its emphasis on privacy, its beach-to-lagoon residences and its discreet approach to luxury.
The resort experience also includes Nowhere Private Island, which is reserved exclusively for a single group at a time. The island features a five-bedroom Presidential Residence and a three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, providing eight bedrooms and 3,329 square metres of private living space, supported by dedicated service and individually curated experiences.
The Readers’ Choice Award follows several other recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll during 2026. The resort was included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2026, with the publication highlighting its residences and design. It has also received international recognition for its architecture and design, alongside creative collaborators Kulör Group, Muza Lab and Topo Design Studio.
Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll, said: “To be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler so early in our journey is incredibly meaningful. .Here was created around a simple idea: to give guests extraordinary space, genuine privacy and the freedom to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms. This recognition belongs equally to our team, whose care and dedication bring that vision to life every day. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
The latest recognition adds to .Here Baa Atoll’s growing international profile within the luxury travel sector, with the resort positioning privacy, spacious accommodation, design and personalised service at the centre of its guest experience.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
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