Featured
Women rule at Niyama Private Islands Maldives

In recognition of International Women’s Day on 8 March, the team at Niyama Private Islands Maldives is celebrating their women in power. From guest services to media relations to everyday behind-the-scenes action, Nature’s Playground is brought to life by our female colleagues from all over the world.

Chef Niki, Teppanyaki Chef
Niyama Private Islands Maldives is particularly known for its dining experiences in surreal settings. And two of its three signature restaurants are headed by female chefs. Head to the treetops to sample contemporary Asian cuisine presented by Chef Wiparat Pratumma. From her native Thai cuisine with an Indian Ocean twist, to bold Chinese, Indonesian and Vietnamese flavours, Chef Wiparat, or Chef Gai as she is known to guests, has designed a menu with a mix of traditional and modern Asian flavours.
Nest also boasts of a teppanyaki table, helmed by another rising stars, Chef Narissara ‘Niki’ Tansomboon. Chopping, sizzling, handling bursts of flame with finesse, Chef Niki illustrates Minor Hotels’ emphasis on female career development: recruited as a junior chef at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle, Chef Niki quickly worked her way up the career ladder, as well as across the Indian Ocean.

Chef Gai, Nest Sous Chef
Chef Naomi Wamaitha Kimani takes on a different sort of fire, this time deep in the jungle at Niyama’s Tribal — the only Afro Latin restaurant in the Maldives. Serving up rare flavours from Central, South America and Africa, Chef Naomi handles every detail from the menu to execution. Sample must-try signature dishes from her native Kenya – flame-Warm Ostrich Bobotie, garlic reduction and peppadew puree, or line-caught seabass simmered in tamarind and coconut sauce.
The women in leadership at the resort are multi-talented, multi-lingual, and drawn from all over the world, from the South African Front Office Manager to the Indian Resort Manager, Thai Spa Manager, Seychellois HR Training Manager, Russian Head of Water Sports and many, many more. Each brings a unique skillset, passion and vision, making the Niyama team the success it is – the resort is consistently rated as one of the best in the world, taking last year’s #4 spot in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
Niyama offers more than a luxury retreat in the Maldives. Going beyond conventional concepts of lavish accommodation, sumptuous cuisines, and lavish services, Niyama presents every visitor with myriad opportunities to create their own exceptional island experience.
With twin islands Play and Chill, Niyama offers you the true luxury of choice, with everything expected from an island resort and so much more.
Chill is true to its name. You can discover new depths of relaxation at the Drift Spa, or take in a movie under the stars at the outdoor cinema. Just off the coast, enjoy a fine dining experience at Edge accessible only by speedboat, while Subsix invites you the world’s finest underwater seafood restaurant and night club.
Play provides delightful diversions for those looking for more active pursuits. On the water, you can kayak around the islands or discover why Niyama is amongst the hottest surfing destinations. Bicyclists can explore the island at their own pace, perhaps lured by the aromas from the chef’s spice gardens.
Cover photo: Chef Naomi, Tribal Sous Chef.
Featured
Celebrate love in paradise: magical Valentine’s Day at Canareef Resort Maldives

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, connection, and the creation of lasting memories. Few places offer a more romantic setting than the pristine shores of the Maldives. Canareef Resort Maldives is curating an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience, featuring a magical beach dinner under the stars, alongside special spa and photography offers to enhance a romantic getaway.
To elevate relaxation during the Valentine’s period, Canareef Resort Maldives is offering exclusive spa experiences:
- Complimentary Head or Foot Massage: Guests who book a one-hour couples massage will receive a complimentary 30-minute head or foot massage to further unwind together.
- Extended Relaxation: Those who choose the “Couples Harmony” package, a two-hour experience, will receive an extra hour at no additional cost. This three-hour indulgence includes a one-hour massage, a one-hour body scrub, and a one-hour natural facial, leaving couples feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
To commemorate a romantic escape, Canareef Resort Maldives is offering a special Valentine’s Day photography package:
- Valentine’s Special Photo Offer: A professional photoshoot captures the essence of love in a 20-minute session at a picturesque location. The package includes 10 beautifully edited photos as cherished keepsakes, priced at $85++ (plus taxes and service charge). Bookings open on February 7th, with the offer valid until February 14th.
On Wednesday, February 14th, 2025, guests can indulge in a specially curated Valentine’s Dinner on the beach, designed to delight the senses.
The evening begins with ‘Let’s Fire’, featuring succulent prawns with asparagus salad, providing a light yet flavourful start to the meal. This is followed by a comforting Cream of Mushroom Soup, setting the stage for the upcoming courses. A Lemon Mint Sorbet palate cleanser refreshes the taste buds before the “Burning Passion” main course selection.
Guests can choose from three exquisite main course options:
- Seafood Medley: A symphony of ocean flavours, served with crispy vegetable salad and heart-shaped roasted pumpkin garlic butter.
- Fillet of Beef Tournedos: Tender, perfectly cooked beef accompanied by seasonal vegetables and heart-shaped fondant potatoes with hollandaise sauce.
- Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini: A vegetarian delight, featuring delicate pasta in a white wine and basil cream sauce.
The evening concludes with “Consuming Love”, a decadent raspberry cheesecake with strawberry coulis and a Valentine’s chocolate fortifier, accompanied by tea or coffee.
This enchanting dining experience is priced at USD 85 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charge. To enhance the romantic ambiance, each couple will receive a complimentary rose and a glass of champagne.
Valentine’s Day at Canareef Resort Maldives is more than just a dinner; it is an experience. It offers an opportunity to create cherished moments against the stunning Maldivian backdrop, under a canopy of stars, with the soothing sound of waves in the background. It is a celebration of unique connections in an idyllic setting, ensuring an unforgettable romantic escape.
Featured
Unforgettable love stories begin at Ifuru Island Maldives

Ifuru Island Maldives offers the ultimate romantic escape, featuring 147 luxurious beach suites and villas designed for couples seeking a modern and elegant retreat. Ideal for honeymoons, weddings, proposals, or peaceful getaways, the resort provides a secluded and picturesque haven where every detail is meticulously crafted to create unforgettable moments. From private ‘kissing spots’ and exclusive romantic packages to curated wedding offers and exceptional deals, Ifuru Island Maldives caters to every couple’s desires. In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, the resort aims to inspire couples, whether they are planning significant milestones or simply enjoying each other’s company.
The Love in Paradise Package at Ifuru Island Maldives allows couples to create lasting memories with an ultimate romantic getaway. Offering luxurious upgrades, exclusive dining experiences, and thoughtful touches, this package sets the perfect stage for love. Highlights include:
- Romantic Dining: Floating breakfasts, canapés & cocktails, private dinners, and sunset cocktails.
- Couples’ Indulgences: A spa treatment, bubble bath setups, and romantic turn-downs.
- Memorable Moments: Private sunset cruises, lagoon dives, art classes, and photo sessions.
- Adventure Awaits: Complimentary water sports and snorkelling gear.
- Special Perks: $100 resort credit per person and bespoke keepsakes.
Ifuru Island Maldives offers couples the opportunity to experience their dream wedding with its Free Wedding Package, which includes a range of complimentary features designed to create an unforgettable celebration. This package ensures that every detail is carefully arranged, allowing couples to relax and enjoy their special day. Package highlights include signature cocktails, a dedicated wedding planner, a private and elegantly styled wedding venue, a wedding cake, a bridal bouquet, and thoughtful touches such as a unique villa turn-down and a decorated buggy ride to the ceremony. From a scenic venue to intimate details, this package transforms a wedding into an extraordinary event in one of the world’s most romantic destinations.
The package is available for bookings on the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive plan between 1 May 2025 and 30 September 2025, with a minimum stay of seven nights required.
Visitors to Ifuru Island Maldives can discover charming ‘kissing spots’ scattered throughout the island, thoughtfully designed to create dreamy, picture-perfect moments. These special locations provide guests with the opportunity to capture memories in stunning natural settings, with the breathtaking turquoise waters serving as a picturesque backdrop.
Featured
AMRA Skincare arrives at Javvu Spa, Amilla Maldives

Javvu Spa at Amilla Maldives introduces an elevated realm of rejuvenation with the launch of AMRA, a renowned skincare line rooted in nature and refined by science. This carefully curated collection has been seamlessly integrated into the spa’s bespoke treatments, reflecting Amilla’s dedication to mindful well-being and sustainability.
Blending the healing properties of the island’s indigenous ingredients with AMRA’s advanced formulations, the AMRA Signature treatments at Amilla Maldives are designed to leave guests feeling renewed and deeply nurtured. Among the highlights is The Amilla Signature Journey by AMRA, which features gold and vitamin C exfoliation, a green caviar rhassoul mask, a 24kt gold stone massage, and a gold and green caviar facial—offering relaxation, skin refinement, and deep hydration (USD 570, 180 minutes). Additionally, the AMRA Olfactory Sound Bath Experience provides a restorative sense of balance through a combination of cleansing foot rituals, aura misting, personalised facial and hair treatments, sound baths, and chakra massage (USD 590, 180 minutes).
To ensure that each treatment aligns with AMRA’s philosophy, the therapists at Javvu Spa have undergone an immersive training program led by AMRA experts. This hands-on experience has deepened their understanding of AMRA’s innovative techniques and unique formulations, equipping them to deliver personalised, transformative treatments.
Narelle McDougall, General Manager of Amilla, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “With AMRA as our skincare partner, we are very excited about the variety of face and body treatments we will be offering our guests. The introduction of AMRA complements our ethos of creating serene, nurturing experiences that reflect the natural beauty of Amilla and the surrounding ocean.”
Each AMRA product is crafted using rare botanicals, precious minerals, and pure oils, designed to nourish the skin and soothe the soul. This harmonious blend of nature and innovation aligns with Amilla’s commitment to preserving the island’s tranquil surroundings while offering memorable moments of connection and care.
Guests are invited to explore the new offerings at Javvu Spa, where every treatment serves as a sensory journey—an opportunity to pause, unwind, and reconnect.
-
Drink1 week ago
Atmosphere Core partners with Italy’s award-winning Prosecco Bottega
-
Love1 week ago
Experience an island of endless firsts at Kandima Maldives
-
Meditation1 week ago
Transformative wellness journeys at Amilla Maldives
-
Cooking1 week ago
Fushifaru Maldives hosts ‘Sweet Escape’ with celebrity Chef Damiano Carrara
-
Celebration1 week ago
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi unveils ultimate Valentine’s getaway with luxury, music & romance
-
Featured6 days ago
Constance Maldives Resorts shine in Booking.com Traveller Review Awards
-
Featured6 days ago
Celebrate love in style at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
-
News6 days ago
Celebrating World Wetlands Day at Canareef Resort Maldives