Featured
Kudadoo Maldives named Robb Report’s Best of the Best Island Resort

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi has been named Robb Report’s Best of the Best 2019.
Dubbed the manual of modern luxury, Robb Report is the unquestioned authority on the luxury lifestyle with its razor-sharp focus on the world’s very best products and experiences that those with a desire to live life to the fullest seek.
It were Kudadoo’s superlatives in exclusivity, design and nature that have caught the attention of the Robb Report’s 31st annual Best of the Best award in the category, Island Resort.
“[Kudadoo] is a mash-up of all the best modern resort characteristics — eco-friendly, adults-only, ultra-remote. … Designed by New York-based architect Yuji Yamazaki, the 15 residences have a touch of Japanese ryokan aesthetic, but with 21st-century additions, from sprawling lap pools to high-tech sound systems. With a butler on hand 24/7, there’s little reason to venture very far — unless you’re lured by the resort’s ‘retreat’, which comes with a solar-powered Himalayan salt room; a cheese room and wine cellar; a sea-breeze-cooled spa,” the review on Robb Report read.
Named ‘The World’s Best New Luxury Hotel for 2018’ by Luxury Travel Intelligence, included on the Condé Nast Traveller 2019 Hot List as well as a finalist in the prestigious Hospitality Design Awards 2019, Kudadoo is a luxurious private island in the Maldives’ Lhaviyani atoll, just 40-minutes away from Male by seaplane.
Comprising just 15 expansive, overwater Ocean Residences, Kudadoo is the first top-end five-star deluxe resort in the Maldives to be truly fully inclusive with its ‘Anything, Anytime, Anywhere’ concept; from unscripted dining experiences, on the beach or on your private terrace, to in, on and above the water adventures and incredible spa treatments. Ideal for exclusive hire, Kudadoo also offers additional accommodation for guests’ personal team.
There are 13 one-bedroom Ocean Residences and two Ocean Residences of two bedrooms each — all linked by a walkway. These totally private villas – some of the largest in the Maldives – offer ocean seclusion and includes super-king-sized beds, in-villa baths as well as indoor and outdoor showers, 44 sqm terrace pools and one of the largest sundecks in the Maldives. The interiors also include the first Bang & Olufsen audio systems and IPTV (including Netflix and Spotify).
The Retreat – a central complex based over the water alongside the intimate 30,000 sqm island – is home to the spa, restaurant (including wine cellar and cheese room), bar, games room and swimming pool. Its design includes perhaps the highest vantage point in the Maldives built on the sea and 300 kw of solar panels integrated into the stepped sloping roof, which can fully power the island – one of the first sustainable deluxe resorts of its kind in the Maldives.
Inside The Retreat, guests will find Sulha Spa of well-being, featuring carefully selected organic Healing Ocean products from Healing Earth and skilfully combined with the healing power of touch, ensuring guests receive some of the best massages and facials in the Maldives. Treatments include ‘Touched by the Ocean’ massage or ‘Morning Light Rituals’ encompassing a beach yoga session. The spa features the only Himalayan Salt Room in the Maldives, a nail bar, a steam room, sauna and treatment rooms, as well as a fully equipped gym with a personal trainer, yoga instructor and meditation guru.
Designed by renowned architect Yuji Yamasaki, Kudadoo is inspired by traditional Japanese architecture with gently sloping roofs, graceful curves and stunning vistas.
Awards
Nova Maldives wins global acclaim with 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award

Nova Maldives has been honoured with the prestigious 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor, placing the island resort among the top-rated properties globally and affirming its status as a firm favourite among travellers.
This accolade is particularly significant given the Maldives’ dynamic and world-renowned resort landscape, where excellence is continually redefined. The award gains further weight as it is based entirely on authentic guest reviews—submitted by visitors who experienced Nova first-hand and shared reflections on the care, connection, and comfort they encountered during their stay.
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, is a trusted resource within global traveller communities. It derives its credibility from millions of genuine reviews and insights contributed by real guests.
Since its establishment, Nova Maldives has remained dedicated to crafting transformative guest experiences, underpinned by a philosophy of laidback luxury, community connection, and personal wellbeing. The resort’s commitment to soft luxury creates a tranquil sanctuary where guests can foster deeper connections with nature and the local culture. Through heartfelt service, cultural immersion, and strong environmental initiatives—including marine conservation and coral restoration—Nova offers experiences infused with warmth, belonging, and a broader mission.
Being named among Tripadvisor’s standout global properties underscores Nova’s steadfast dedication to outstanding hospitality and the expertise of its devoted team. Every dish, dive, and guest interaction reflects the genuine care invested in making each stay unforgettable. At Nova, the destination is elevated by the passion and commitment of its people.
“This award recognises the entire Nova community, both our guests and team,” said General Manager Abdulla Aboobakuru. “It’s a celebration of shared experiences, and we deeply value individual feedback from our guests. Going forward, Nova will continue creating soulful, rooted moments that touch hearts and stand the test of time.”
Nova’s commitment to sustainability and conscious travel is evident in its ongoing initiatives, including coral reef restoration, wellness diving programmes, mindful culinary offerings, and educational collaborations with local schools, PADI Aware, and the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. The resort continues to set an example for balancing impact with indulgence, inviting travellers to engage in enriching, sustainable experiences through a variety of interactive workshops and community-led activities.
Featured
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo earns prestigious spot in TripAdvisor’s top 10% global hotels

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has been honoured with a prestigious accolade, being named among the top 10% of hotels worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. This esteemed recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and earning rave reviews from travellers across the globe.
Selected from hundreds of thousands of listings, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s inclusion in the prestigious list is a testament to its dedication to offering authentic, heartfelt experiences for its guests. The resort’s personalised service and its ability to deliver unique, memorable stays have made it a favourite among travellers seeking tranquility and authenticity.
Situated in the pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is an adults-only boutique resort that blends local Maldivian culture with modern luxury. The resort features 68 beautifully designed villas that offer guests the ultimate in privacy and comfort. Known for its house reef teeming with vibrant marine life, the resort provides an immersive experience in the Maldives’ natural beauty. Guests can explore the coral reefs, enjoy a variety of international dining options, and indulge in a genuine sense of discovery.
With its focus on providing a serene escape for couples and solo travellers, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has become a cherished destination for those looking to unwind and recharge in an idyllic setting. Its recent recognition from TripAdvisor further underscores the resort’s exceptional reputation in the hospitality industry.
Featured
Americans dreaming of Maldives: honeymoon searches soar in 2025 rankings

Maldives has once again secured its place as one of the world’s most coveted honeymoon destinations, ranking second globally among Americans planning their post-wedding getaways in 2025.
According to a new study by UK-based swimwear brand Pour Moi, which analysed Google search data across the United States, the Maldives received 73,700 annual searches from honeymooning Americans eager to escape to its world-famous turquoise waters and luxury overwater villas.
The Indian Ocean paradise trails just behind Seychelles, which claimed the top spot with nearly 75,000 searches. Greece, Costa Rica, and Italy rounded out the top five.
The research examined over 490 global destinations to uncover where newlyweds are dreaming of heading this year. With its postcard-perfect beaches, serene lagoons, and opulent resorts offering private pools, spas, and gourmet dining, the Maldives continues to stand out as the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation, and indulgence.
“This stunning group of islands remains one of the most sought-after spots for couples who want an unforgettable start to married life,” said Marina Nicoli, Marketing Manager at Pour Moi. “The Maldives offers that rare combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and luxury that honeymooners crave.”
While entire countries were ranked based on interest, individual destinations within these countries also caught the spotlight. Santorini, Greece, emerged as the top individual honeymoon destination, followed by Bali in Indonesia and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. However, the Maldives’ reputation as an all-encompassing destination—offering entire islands as private resorts—cements its appeal to Americans looking for the perfect blend of privacy and pampering.
The Maldives’ second-place ranking highlights a continuing trend among U.S. couples seeking intimate, far-flung getaways. Pour Moi’s findings show a shift away from traditional city escapes toward nature-rich retreats that promise rest, romance, and Instagram-worthy moments.
Top 10 Countries for U.S. Honeymoon Searches in 2025:
- Seychelles – 74,960 searches
- Maldives – 73,700 searches
- Greece – 49,100 searches
- Costa Rica – 47,000 searches
- Italy – 36,900 searches
- Thailand – 25,800 searches
- Fiji – 25,600 searches
- Japan – 24,500 searches
- New Zealand – 18,300 searches
- Iceland – 15,180 searches
With the Maldives already a firm favourite among international travellers, this new data reaffirms its global status as a dream destination—especially for couples ready to celebrate the start of their forever.
-
Action6 days ago
India’s Sunrisers Hyderabad cricket team hits pause with Maldives retreat
-
News1 week ago
NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi offers free speedboat transfers for Summer 2025
-
Business1 week ago
BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market
-
News6 days ago
Barceló Nasandhura opens as Male’s largest hotel
-
Awards1 week ago
Lily Beach Resort nominated in 3 prestigious categories at World Travel Awards 2025
-
News1 week ago
Conrad Maldives welcomes guests to celebrate Golden Week with curated experiences
-
Action6 days ago
Napoli back on top of Serie A as De Laurentiis celebrates in Maldives
-
Action1 week ago
Train with tennis legend Iva Majoli at Sirru Fen Fushi