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Universal’s newest resort Faarufushi Maldives opens, celebrates minimalist luxury

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Faarufushi Maldives, the brand new resort by leading local resort operator Universal Resorts, has opened.

The first guests were welcomed on March 7 with traditional boduberu: native folk dance and music.

This 80-villa holiday destination, located in the northern Raa atoll alongside one of the finest coral reefs in the island nation, has been designed for the discerning traveller.

In an archipelago of 1,200 islands and more than 100 registered resorts, Faarufushi stands out for its distinct, minimalist architecture, authentic cultural experiences, genuinely indulgent flourishes and meticulously refined service that defies pretence. Everything that you would expect from a luxury Maldivian holiday is here; and more.

Beachside and overwater villas with a view

The villas are indulgently understated: Sleek, modern, deliciously relaxing. Perched either on the white-sand beach or hanging over the water, they are carefully curated havens.

Beach Retreat with Pool. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI

Ocean Retreat with Pool. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI

Thoughtful luxuries abound; from espresso machines to wine chillers to generous wardrobes. Seventy of the villas have their own private plunge pool overlooking the ocean.

Drink in the view whilst sipping on a cocktail on your own private deck, adorned with sun loungers and day beds. The beach bungalows even have a private outdoor rainforest-inspired shower and bath tub.

Exotic dining and drinks galore

When hunger strikes, there is a plethora of choice for any palate at Faarufushi:

  • Iru: Iru offers alfresco dining under wide Maldivian skies: A boundless buffet for breakfast, indulgent a la carte options and unadulterated ocean views from sunset to sunrise.
  • Sangu: Pre-dinner drinks are almost compulsory at Sangu, the bar next door, where chill-out tunes and endless sea views will have you melting into your holiday in no time.
  • Eclipse: Facing Faarufushi’s languid lagoon, Eclipse serves modern European dishes with an Asian twist. Focusing on fine ingredients and even finer dining, this overwater restaurant is the place to unwind after a strenuous day on the beach.
  • Boli: Situated at the furthest tip of Eclipse, Boli welcomes free spirits with discerning cocktails and hand-picked wines that taste like summer.
  • Athiri: For a more unusual experience, head to Athiri, Faarufushi’s casual beachside gathering place. Here you will find the island’s water sports centre, marine/eco centre as well as a gym overlooking the beach and the ocean. Serving Spanish and Mediterranean favourites, this is the place to give your taste buds a workout whilst you contemplate the sporting facilities.

All-day dining restaurant, Iru. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI

Overwater signature restaurant, Eclipse. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI

Overwater bar, Boli. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI

Casual beachside gathering place, Athiri. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI

Nika Spa: world-class relaxation

The island’s spa experiences have been crafted to ease you into your holiday. Relaxing and invigorating, transcendent and grounding, the treatments on offer are truly world-class.

The Nika Spa’s contemporary architecture stands out for the way it blends into the natural surroundings. Facilities include massage huts, a steam room, relaxation areas, a yoga pavilion and manicure and pedicure stations. Come here to escape your mind and give your body the break it deserves.

Nika Spa. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI

A treatment room at Nika Spa. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI

Adventure awaits

Faarufushi’s fully-equipped water sports centre at Athiri is the place to go when you need a break from relaxation. Paddleboard around the island, go snorkelling, spend the day island hopping, learn to surf, have a private picnic on a deserted island, go wake boarding, water skiing or deep sea fishing. You can literally sail into the sunset at Faarufushi — although you will want to return.

For the even more adventurous, there is a world class PADI dive centre. The resident marine biologist can talk you through the incredible sea life that calls the Raa atoll home. Discover turtles, spotted eagle rays, napoleon, sharks and schools of colourful tropical fish.

Faarufushi aims to be utterly indulgent yet quietly restrained. The resort is just a scenic 50-minute journey by seaplane, or take a 40-minute connecting flight from Velana International Airport to Ifuru Airport. From there, it only takes 10 minutes by a speedboat to reach Faarufushi.

Faarufushi is an island owned and developed by Faarufushi Investment Pvt Ltd and managed by Universal Resorts Management Pvt Ltd.

Universal Resorts is a pioneering establishment that has led the development of the travel and tourism industry in the Maldives for over 46 years, playing a key part in the transformation of the country from an island nation to one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. The group now operates one of the largest resort collections in the country, including iconic properties such as Kurumba Maldives, Velassaru Maldives, Kuramathi Maldives, Baros Maldives, Kandolhu Maldives, Dhigali Maldives, Maafushivaru, and Milaidhoo Island Maldives.

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Visit Maldives presents cultural, food festival to celebrate 2025

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Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has announced the ‘Maldives Culture and Food Festival’, a two-day extravaganza showcasing the Maldivian cuisine, local arts and craft, and entertainment.

The festival will take place at Central Park, Hulhumale’, on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2024, and continue into New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2025, offering a unique and immersive experience for locals and tourists alike.

This exciting initiative by MMPRC is a collaborative effort involving key partners such as the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), MyHulhumale’, Business Center Corporation (BCC), Male’ City Council, Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), the Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Public Service Media (PSM), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Dhiraagu, Ooredoo, Manta Air, Maldivian, Ace Travels, and Gulf Air. It promises a dynamic programme filled with performances, activities, and food stalls. Attendees will have the opportunity to savour authentic Maldivian dishes, explore traditional arts and crafts, and witness captivating cultural performances.

On December 31st, the festivities will begin at 20:00 with doors opening to the public. A spectacular drone show will be held, depicting a tourist’s journey through the beautiful Maldives. The evening will continue with captivating cultural performances including Boduberu performances, and “Dhafi Negun”. A New Year’s Eve countdown will also take place, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display to welcome 2025.

The celebrations will continue on January 1st 2025 from 16:00 to 22:00, with the festival reopening and featuring food and arts and crafts stalls. A range of family-friendly activities will be available, including a police and fire truck showcase, a climbing wall, a bounce house, and a Transformers display. Additionally, the festival will feature energetic Boduberu performances and an exciting Roboman showcase.

“MMPRC is proud to present the first Maldives Culture and Food Festival,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and MD of MMPRC. “This event is a key initiative to celebrate the achievements of the Maldives in 2024 and to promote the diverse cultural heritage of the Maldives while providing a memorable experience for locals and visitors. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the Maldivian spirit as we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year.”

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Barcelo Nasandhura Malé to open in Q1 2025

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Barcelo Nasandhura Malé, the Maldives’ newest luxury destination, is set to open its doors in Q1 2025.

Located on the site of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel, the property will become the largest hotel in the capital, Malé. With 136 elegantly designed rooms, including 95 with stunning ocean views, and 116 luxurious serviced apartments, Barcelo Nasandhura Malé promises a unique blend of sophistication, comfort, and convenience in the heart of this vibrant city.

Operated by the renowned Spanish hotel chain Barcelo Group, the hotel represents a significant expansion of the brand’s presence in the Maldives and beyond. Barcelo Group, known for its exceptional resorts, recently opened Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives in South Ari Atoll in August 2024, further solidifying its growing portfolio in the region. In addition to its Maldivian properties, Barcelo Group manages a range of high-profile hotels across the UAE, Thailand, and several European countries.

Barcelo Nasandhura Malé will feature an array of premium facilities, including four upscale dining outlets, a rooftop shisha bar, an oceanfront pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa. The hotel will also boast 1,034 square meters of versatile MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space, making it an ideal venue for corporate events and gatherings.

While some serviced apartments were initially intended for residential use, they will now be available for daily rental, offering guests enhanced flexibility and a wider range of accommodation options. Originally scheduled to open on December 1, 2024, the opening has been slightly delayed due to minor construction work. However, the team remains committed to ensuring Barcelo Nasandhura Malé is ready to welcome its first guests in Q1 2025.

Barcelo Hotel Group, awarded World’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023 by the World Travel Awards, is the second-largest hotel chain in Spain and ranks among the 30 largest globally in terms of the number of rooms. Founded in 1931, this family-run organisation operates 280 four- and five-star city and holiday hotels, offering more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries. The group markets its hotels under four distinct brands, each focused on providing diverse and memorable travel experiences.

Renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, Barcelo Hotel Group delivers exceptional stays, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

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Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives

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As part of its ‘Masters for Masters’ series, The Nautilus Maldives will host Denise Hoefer, Germany’s No. 1 padel player and one of the world’s top 50 most influential figures in the padel industry, for an exclusive Padel Masterclass from March 22 to 25, 2025. This exceptional event invites guests to enhance their padel skills under the expert guidance of a global champion, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ Indian Ocean.

Padel, recognised as the world’s fastest-growing sport, has captured the hearts of 30 million enthusiasts globally, according to the International Padel Federation. This March, The Nautilus will provide a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in this thrilling game during a four-day Padel Masterclass led by Denise Hoefer, Germany’s top-ranked female padel player and captain of the German national team. Participants will refine their techniques on The Nautilus’s state-of-the-art padel court, while experiencing the island’s signature blend of world-class coaching and timeless, unscripted hospitality.

The Padel Masterclass will feature a tailored mix of group and private sessions, catering to players of all levels. Younger participants will have the chance to join the Young Wonderers program, offering specially designed classes that introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way. After an energising day on the court, guests can unwind at Solasta Spa, where exclusive treatments by Maison Caulières—such as Spinal Connection Deep Tissue Healing, Volcanic Stone Therapy, and Warm Poultices—promise ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. These tranquil spa experiences provide a perfect complement to the day’s dynamic activities, leaving participants refreshed and revitalised.

With just 26 ultra-luxury houses and residences, The Nautilus offers an intimate sanctuary within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounded by powder-soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, this private island retreat redefines bespoke hospitality. Every element is meticulously crafted to inspire, offering guests an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience focused on relaxation, renewal, and discovery. Whether honing padel skills or embracing the serenity of island life, The Nautilus stands as the ultimate destination for discerning travellers.

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