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Restaurant hopping, treasure hunt at ‘Secret Water Island’ in Maldives

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A 55-minute scenic seaplane ride later my colleagues from the Maldivian travel community and I were welcomed like celebrities to the “Secret Water Island”, officially known as the Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi!

One of the latest additions to AccorHotel Group’s increasing portfolio of resorts in Maldives and the first under the French multinational hotel group’s Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand, this luxury resort is located in Shaviyani atoll – one of the least explored atolls in Maldives. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is the only resort in the northern atoll, and most of the atoll’s wonders and underwater beauty are yet to be explored.

On arrival, I checked into my private villa. I stayed at a Beach Front Villa, which is nestled amongst lush tropical vegetation and coconut palms. The large courtyard around the villa provides complete privacy with no disturbance from other guests. The villa comes with its own swimming pool. The first thought that came to my mind when I saw the pool was if I should be spending more time in the pool, on the beach or in the lagoon. The 495sqm villa (plus 25sqm pool area) offers all the comforts you need, including a Nespresso machine, wine fridge and home theatre system. Villa Hosts are available round the clock.

Our programme was organised in an adventurous way, and soon enough I was whisked away to a cocktail party organised at the island’s main pool side. Starting from one side of the island to the other, this is the longest pool in the Maldives – meaning guests can enjoy sunrise as well sunset in one pool!

I met the General Manager Ian McCormack and had a good conversation about life on an island far away from the rest and taking the challenges that he faced in a positive manner.

Our next stop was Kata, a Japanese restaurant built over the lagoon overlooking the water villas. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset whilst enjoying Japanese-inspired tapas, cocktails and sakes.

After the sunset cocktail, we moved to a Tented Jungle Villa – a first and the only villas of the sort in the Maldives – for our next round of cocktails and canapes. These villas are well positioned inside the lush tropical jungle. Villas include a master bedroom and an extra bedroom for family or friends. The 525sqm villa — and its separate 95sqm pool deck — offers all the comfort and facilities you will find in any other villa on the island including a jungle swimming pool. This is the perfect place for nature lovers!

After enjoying cocktails, tapas and canapés at three different locations, it was time for dinner at Azure restaurant. Azure is an elegant yet casual seafood restaurant built over the lagoon. It serves freshly caught seafood and meat paired with exquisite wines from around the world – all the while enjoying breath-taking vistas of the ocean.

Later, we moved to Onu Onu Bar to enjoy dessert. Onu means bamboo in Maldivian language, and this bar is themed true to its name with bamboo by Balinese artisans. The exotic location coupled with refreshing cocktails and drinks make it the perfect spot for after dinner social hours. Live music combined with theatrical fire displays create a fascinating ambience and perfect memories. Twinkling candles, a laidback soundtrack and comfortable sandy beach seating make it the ideal place to wind down after a busy day of exploring.

The following day, at breakfast, we were informed of a treasure hunt. Everyone who participated was divided into four groups. Our first clue was to go to the Yoga Pavilion and on arrival the resident yogi gave us a brief yoga session before giving the next clue to the tennis court.

At the tennis court, the resort’s resident tennis pro gave us some tennis lessons before pointing out to the art studio as the next clue. At the art studio, we created an art piece on canvas by painting with our hands. As the next clue, we were told to explore the Willow Stream Spa. It offers a wellness experience that rivals others, offering carefully curated treatments that embody the island life – a serene retreat for the mind, body and soul.

As the final destination, we visited the Villa 710, a three-bedroom overwater villa on the sunset side of the island. Sporting rustic chic décor and the latest technology, this villa has a spacious terrace and a large private pool. Meanwhile, the 525sqm Three-Bedroom Pool Villas feature a master bedroom with a separate pool area, which measures 73sqm, and separate entrance.

Our team won the treasure hunt as the others were disqualified on the grounds that they took the buggy ride against the instructions.

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is your personal hideaway. It is that magical place where time stops and worries are brushed aside. From a secluded romantic getaway to an unforgettable family holiday, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi provides the perfect setting for a magical experience.

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Celebrate Ramadan in ultimate luxury at The Nautilus Maldives

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This Ramadan, The Nautilus Maldives, an award-winning private island retreat, invites guests to celebrate the sacred month through an exquisite blend of ultra-luxury, cultural heritage, and meaningful connection. The Nautilus Majlis Iftar Pop-Up offers a distinctive celebration of traditions, flavours, and the spirit of togetherness. Visitors can enjoy this exceptional experience in the privacy of their House or Residence, on the tranquil beachfront under the starlit sky, or at an exclusive sandbank retreat. Every element is meticulously designed to provide an unforgettable journey of indulgence and reflection.

At The Nautilus, time and constraints are set aside, allowing guests to embrace the sacred month of Ramadan at their own pace. Through the resort’s signature 24/7 timeless hospitality and unscripted dining concept, Ramadan celebrations are tailored to reflect personal preferences. This year, The Nautilus introduces a carefully curated Iftar menu, served within the extraordinary boho-chic elegance of the Majlis Pop-Up. Honouring tradition while offering bespoke customisation, each meal transforms into a sensory celebration of the holy month. Every detail is attentively crafted, turning dining into a meaningful and unforgettable experience that embodies the essence of Ramadan.

The Nautilus offers exclusive privileges to elevate the Ramadan journey. Guests booking a House or Residence can enjoy up to 30% off the Best Available Rate, along with 15% off treatments at Solasta Spa and 15% off water-sports at AquaNautica.

For those seeking a more indulgent escape, stays of seven nights or more include an additional 10% discount, allowing ample time to fully immerse in the serene beauty of this bohemian ultra-luxury haven. Families are warmly welcomed, with children under 12 staying and dining for free, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

The Nautilus is more than a destination—it is a sanctuary where the spirit of Ramadan is celebrated through cultural immersion, personalised experiences, and bespoke, free-spirited offerings. Beyond the luxury and indulgence, moments of reflection and reconnection are thoughtfully integrated into every aspect of the stay. This Ramadan, The Nautilus offers a retreat like no other—a place where time stands still, and every detail is crafted to elevate the journey.

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Luxury and love at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

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JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa welcomes couples to experience an enchanting romantic retreat on a private island surrounded by pristine azure waters. Situated on Vagaru Island in the serene Shaviyani Atoll, this exclusive resort provides an idyllic haven for those seeking a memorable and intimate getaway.

The resort offers an unparalleled stay, complete with a dedicated personal butler (Thakuru), poolside breakfasts, and romantic beachfront dining against breathtaking sunset backdrops. With personalised service and indulgent experiences, couples are invited to create lasting memories and celebrate their love in a truly magical setting.

Throughout February, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa encourages guests to immerse themselves in moments of romance amidst the stunning turquoise waters. The resort boasts five dining venues, three full-service bars, a wine room with over 1,200 labels, and bespoke destination dining experiences. Couples can savour a culturally rich Boduberu dinner on the beach, featuring traditional Maldivian drumming performances, or enjoy signature couple’s spa treatments at Spa by JW.

Spa by JW offers an intimate setting for couples to unwind together with pampering treatments such as ‘The Power of Touch,’ designed to strengthen connection through therapeutic touch. Guests can craft personalised body scrubs and enjoy a soothing massage, complemented by luxurious spa suites equipped with steam baths, plunge pools, and ocean vistas.

Culinary offerings at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa provide extraordinary dining experiences that celebrate love and togetherness. Romantic beachside dinners under the stars, wine-pairing meals, and exclusive menus elevate every meal into a cherished memory.

The resort’s Boduberu beach dinner allows couples to indulge in Maldivian culture while dining to the rhythmic beats of traditional drums. For a unique dining concept, RIHA presents a private eight-course menu curated by Chef Rohit Agarwal around a sunken outdoor Tandoor & Tawa, blending regional flavours for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Wine enthusiasts can explore the extensive collection in the Wine Room at Aailaa, the resort’s all-day dining venue, which features over 300 wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for any meal.

The resort features a selection of romantic accommodations, including overwater and beach pool villas. Guests can choose sunrise or sunset views and elevate their stay with options like floating breakfasts. Each villa, blending modern luxury with unobtrusive design, ensures privacy and tranquility.

Beach Pool Villas, surrounded by lush greenery, offer private beach access and ample space for ultimate seclusion, while Overwater Pool Villas provide wooden decks, private pools, and stunning ocean views. Each villa spans 248 square meters and includes a king-sized bed, private pool, and a serene ambiance designed for romance.

Couples can enhance their stay with the ‘Romantic Retreat’ package, featuring personalised Thakuru service, floating breakfasts, destination dining, spa treatments, yoga sessions, and a 30-minute photography session. This offer includes complimentary daily breakfasts and dinners, with a starting rate of USD 1,200++ per night for a minimum of three nights. The package is available for stays until December 20, 2025.

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Le Méridien Maldives sets benchmark in sustainability with Green Globe recognition

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Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has achieved the prestigious Green Globe Certification, highlighting its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This recognition demonstrates the resort’s ongoing efforts to coexist harmoniously with the natural beauty of the Lhaviyani Atoll while offering guest experiences that foster environmental awareness.

Green Globe, a leading global certification program for the travel and tourism industry, assesses organisations based on 44 certification criteria and over 380 compliance indicators. These stringent standards ensure that certified properties adhere to the highest international benchmarks for economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

The resort has seamlessly integrated eco-conscious practices throughout its operations, providing guests with unique opportunities to engage with the environment. Through the Marine Conservation Hub, visitors can participate in marine conservation initiatives and join the immersive ‘Marine Master’ program, part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy. Guided by the resort’s resident marine biologist, this program offers interactive conservation modules such as Reef Explorer, Turtle Quest, and Build A Coral Reef. These activities allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ fragile ecosystems while actively contributing to their preservation. For younger guests, the Kids Hub offers environmental education programs designed to nurture a greater appreciation for the natural world.

A key aspect of the resort’s sustainability efforts is its 430-square-meter hydroponic greenhouse, one of the largest in the Maldives. The greenhouse produces 30 kilograms of pesticide-free vegetables daily using recycled rainwater and innovative farming techniques. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining at The Harvest Table or participate in the Family Foraging program, which combines interactive culinary activities with lessons in sustainable living.

Energy efficiency and resource conservation are at the core of the resort’s sustainability initiatives. Solar installations generating 548 kWp contribute to a 20% annual reduction in diesel consumption. Additionally, water-saving measures, such as tap aerators and wastewater recycling for landscaping, help minimise the resort’s environmental impact.

The resort actively works to protect native vegetation, mangrove ecosystems, and coral reefs, ensuring the preservation of these critical habitats. Its onsite bottling plant eliminates the need for 225,000 plastic bottles annually, while eco-composting systems transform organic waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser, promoting a circular approach to resource management.

Thomas Schult, General Manager of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, described the Green Globe Certification as a testament to the resort’s commitment to sustainability. “By embedding eco-friendly practices into our guest experiences, we aim to inspire meaningful connections with the environment while safeguarding it for future generations,” he stated.

Situated on the private island of Thilamaafushi in the Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa offers a tranquil retreat where timeless European elegance meets the natural splendour of the Maldives. Featuring overwater and beach villas, diverse dining experiences, cultural immersion opportunities, and family-friendly activities, the resort combines a commitment to sustainability with the art of travel, providing an unmatched escape that celebrates both the environment and meaningful guest connections.

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