Featured

What to pack for a week in Maldives

Published

6 years ago

April 12, 2019

By Kerry Brooks

This is it! The week you’ve been anticipating for a few months is just around the corner. The Maldives, we are coming! Your plane ticket is paid, hotel room booked, leave approved, and daydreaming the whole day. What’s left is just the packing part. Don’t worry; packing can be a breeze if you know what you’re taking. You don’t want to be the tourist that packs their entire room only to forget the one crucial item.

For a week in the gorgeous island nation of Maldives, here are the essentials:

1. Bathing Suits

What use would your beachfront hotel room be if you’re not getting into the crystal-clear waters that are only found in the Maldives? So better be well stocked on your bathing suits. You can choose to bring as many variations as you want or keep it minimal, maybe only bring two or three pieces that you can reuse. It’s easy enough to hang them to dry after a nice swim. That way you won’t have to struggle to haul your luggage from plane to van to boat cramped full of swimwear for every day of the week.

2. Sunblock

Do not underestimate the power of the sun. As a tropical nation, the Maldives gets its fair share of sunlight, and not just any sunlight, direct sunlight. It’s very easy to forget about sunblock when the appeal of the beach and pool are too inviting but the sunburn and skin damage you’ll experience after won’t be worth it. And don’t forget to reapply. All the swimming will certainly wash off some of that lotion and that can decrease its effectivity. A good rule of thumb would be to apply 15 minutes before getting sun exposure and reapply every one to two hours.

3. Bug Repellant

With tropical climate comes the inevitable mosquitos. While some hotels have implemented a few measures to keep their population low, it is better to be cautious and bring bug repellant spray. Mosquitos carry many diseases like malaria and dengue fever. You wouldn’t want to put a damper on your vacation by getting sick the whole time now, would you?

4. Sunglasses

The sun doesn’t just do damage to your skin; it can wreak havoc to your eyes as well. The glare from the water can do some damage to your eyes and can lead you to experience headaches, migraine, or worse, cataract. To mitigate that, don’t forget to bring a nice pair of sunglasses. When deciding on one, take into consideration the UV coverage for both UVA and UVB. Buying a gorgeous but cheap sunnies might prove to be even harmful to your eyes so might as well invest in a good pair from a good brand.

5. Snorkeling Gear

To truly enjoy the Maldivian beaches, it’s not enough simply to swim in it. Take it a step further and explore the coral life by going snorkelling. The Maldives has many spots teeming with ocean flora and fauna. With this in mind, make sure you pack your snorkelling gear. You can also rent one from your hotel, but it’s better to use one that you haven’t shared with hundreds of other tourists.

Now you’re all set, you are ready to roll. Don’t forget to experience what the Maldives has to offer culture-wise. The Maldivian people are some of the kindest and warmest people so make sure you make a couple of friends.

Author Bio: Kerry Brooks is ardent blogger and frequent traveller who enjoys writing and sharing about health, beauty, travel and physical fitness. She is currently working for Weighted Blanket in Canada, which offers world’s finest weighted blankets in Canada.

Awards

The Nautilus Maldives honoured in 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Awards

Published

9 hours ago

October 8, 2025

m@ldives

In an increasingly fast-paced world, The Nautilus Maldives stands as a sanctuary where time slows and moments linger — a place that continues to capture the attention of discerning travellers. This haven of unhurried living has once again been recognised in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, as voted by readers in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

The accolade reaffirms the island’s quiet ability to enchant. With just 26 exclusive ocean and beach houses, The Nautilus offers complete privacy and a philosophy built entirely around individual freedom. Dining is available whenever a guest desires, and experiences unfold as inspiration strikes. A secluded sandbank transforms into a private dining room, and the Maldivian night sky becomes a stage for endless wonder.

“To be recognised again by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers is deeply meaningful,” said Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives. “Our guests come seeking beauty, but what they discover and cherish is freedom — the freedom to design their own rhythm and to create moments that are theirs alone.”

At The Nautilus, luxury is defined as liberation. Guests may drift through the UNESCO-protected waters of Baa Atoll, indulge in a Solasta Spa ritual without time limits, or share vintage champagne beneath a canopy of stars. Each stay unfolds as a personal narrative — unscripted, unhurried, and unforgettable.

Now in its thirty-eighth year, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards remain among the most respected distinctions in global travel. The results, drawn exclusively from readers’ experiences and opinions, continue to represent one of the industry’s most prestigious marks of excellence.

Entertainment

Amilla Maldives embarks on ‘Around the World in Wonder’ festive journey

Published

10 hours ago

October 8, 2025

m@ldives

Amilla Maldives will host a festive season celebration titled ‘Around the World in Wonder’ from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to experience a colourful exploration of global culture, curiosity, and joy.

Drawing inspiration from Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration takes guests on a journey across continents, with each day dedicated to a different country and its unique flavours, music, and traditions. The journey begins and concludes in the United Kingdom, tracing a route through the Maldives, Spain, Italy, France, Argentina, Japan, China, India, Egypt, Brazil, the United States, and Singapore, culminating in a grand finale on New Year’s Eve.

Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December will feature island-wide festivities, including guided tours, tree planting, coconut painting, Maldivian cooking demonstrations, and a cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony. On 23 December, the Tree Lighting Ceremony will adopt an Italian flair with a Venetian-themed celebration, complete with mask-making workshops, Viennese waltz, wine tasting, the Venetian Masquerade Ball, and a special ‘Treasure of the Sea’ dinner.

France will take centre stage on 24 December, featuring the Dance of the Can Can, gingerbread house making, mime face painting, a Christmas Eve buffet, and an aerial hoop performance. The following day, 25 December, will celebrate Argentina with the arrival of Santa Claus, a festive brunch infused with tango rhythms, dance workshops, magic shows, and a lively tango dinner performance.

The festivities will reach their climax on 31 December, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party leading into the spectacular Global Carnival Event. The evening will feature live performances by the Hamilton Band, complemented by bongo drummers, saxophonists, acrobats, and fire dancers. The grand countdown and after party will usher in 2026 with music, energy, and celebration.

Awards

Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

Published

16 hours ago

October 8, 2025

m@ldives

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.

Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.

Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:

Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.

The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.

General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”

The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.

Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.

With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.