Featured
Sun Aqua Iru Veli hosts environmental awareness session for local students

Sun Aqua Iru Veli has hosted a group of students from a local school for an awareness session on environmental issues.
On Sunday, students from Dhaalu Atoll School , located in the nearby island of Meedhoo, visited the resort.
Starting out with a presentation on sustainability in the Maldives, team members from Sun Aqua Iru Veli familiarised the inquisitive youngsters with several environmental issues facing the Maldives, including plastic pollution. They also shared several ideas about ways to reduce plastic waste in everyday life.
The students were taken around the island, during which the students were acquainted with several aspects of the resort operation. The group was also given the opportunity to experience the resort facilities.
To cap off the day’s activities, team members joined the students in planting trees at a designated area of the island. They planted several plants, including indigenous varieties such as coconut palm.


The latest addition to the Sun Aqua portfolio is Sun Aqua Iru Veli, which makes its home on one of the most naturally beautiful islands in Dhaalu atoll — the naturalist wonderland of Aluvifushi, reachable by a 35-minute scenic seaplane journey from the main Velana International Airport.
Across the lagoon and along the beach, a variety of 125 overwater and beachfront villas offers total seclusion in open spaces. Each of the suites reflects the island’s unspoilt beauty, individually-decorated in natural tones and local artworks. Spacious, contemporary bathrooms reveal ocean views. Take your pick from decadently private couples’ or family suites with interconnecting spaces for the whole crew to rest, relax and recharge. All suites have private freshwater swimming pools and sunbathing areas with complimentary minibars (wine, beers, soft drinks) replenished twice daily.
The Sun Aqua boutique-style all-inclusive experience means you will enjoy the freshest, global fusion fare, from champagne breakfasts and mouth-watering Maldivian curries to seafood straight from the ocean and classic dishes with a difference. Dine à deux on the beach, enjoy a fine dining experience in one of the three restaurants or keep it low key with family dinner in the privacy of your suite or room service – private dining is offered anywhere! Sun Aqua Iru Veli has its own wine cellar and a mixologist will create sundowners you will never forget and a wide selection of unlimited alcoholic drinks.
Take time out to be soothed at the tranquil Sun Aqua Spa with seven overwater pavilions with double massage tables, open-air rain showers and romantic flower-strewn baths and a main spa house with hydrotherapy pools, steam, sauna and spa boutique. Whilst you bliss out, the complimentary Kids Club welcomes little ones aged between three and 11 years, if not, the complimentary babysitting service includes three hours per stay.
Soak up the sun with exhilarating activities at the water sports centre and infinity pool. Dhaalu atoll is becoming a diving hotspot with clear waters teeming with dolphins, sting rays, whale sharks and myriad tropical fish offering excellent channel dives. Set within its own lagoon, Sun Aqua Iru Veli has its own house reef and PADI/SSI facility dive centre. Guests can select three dives per stay or swap for spa credit up to USD 100 per day. The use of snorkelling equipment is complimentary for all guests.
Sun Aqua Iru Veli provides an idyllic setting for an intimate, relaxing escape, and the opportunity to help you find clarity and rejuvenate your mind and body. The Sun Aqua Signature plan offers guests a flexible, premium all-inclusive experience from dining, drinking with a shisha experience and a wide selection of wines from the wine cellar to champagne breakfast to kick start the day. Also included are diving, excursions and bespoke spa treatments.
Sun Aqua brand is a visionary creation from Sun Siyam Resorts, one of the most forward-thinking and dynamic hospitality companies in the Maldives. In addition to Sun Aqua Iru Veli, the existing properties in the Sun Aqua portfolio include Sun Aqua Vilu Reef in the Maldives and Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka.
With Maldivian entrepreneur Ahmed Siyam Mohamed at the helm, Sun Siyam Resorts aims to create a collection of hotel and resort brands across the Indian Ocean and Asia infused with his uniquely passionate and colourful spirit.
Sun Siyam Resorts currently has a portfolio of boutique luxury resorts operating in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, including The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Maldives, Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives, Sun Aqua Iru Veli Maldives, and Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka.
Awards
Atmosphere Kanifushi named Best Family Resort in Indian Ocean for sixth consecutive year

Atmosphere Kanifushi has once again been recognised as the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort’ at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year the island has received this prestigious accolade. This continued recognition highlights the resort’s unique appeal to both romantic couples and adventure-seeking families.
Commenting on the achievement, Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, noted that the island’s charm lies in its ability to strike a harmonious balance between tranquillity and excitement. “While some Maldivian resorts cater to serenity and others to a more vibrant, active scene, Atmosphere Kanifushi is all about equilibrium—offering peace and relaxation alongside engaging, family-friendly experiences,” he shared.
Nestled on a long, naturally beautiful island with lush vegetation and surrounded by a stunning turquoise seascape, Atmosphere Kanifushi owes its success not only to its natural setting but also to the dedication of its team. According to Bhoyroo, the recognition is a result of the team’s relentless commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for guests of all ages. “By intuitively understanding the needs of each guest, we ensure a seamless blend of high-touch service, relaxation, and fun, all while offering the true feeling of a castaway escape in paradise,” he said.
With one of the highest guest repeater rates in the Maldives, the resort continues to innovate in order to surprise and delight returning visitors. From refreshed culinary offerings to vibrant live entertainment, there is always something new to discover.
Most recently, Atmosphere Kanifushi unveiled its new Essens Spa, a concept that redefines relaxation and wellbeing. The spa features immersive wellness journeys, yoga and detox sessions, traditional healing rituals, and a full suite of salon services. In keeping with the resort’s inclusive approach to family wellness, the spa also offers a Kids Spa Experience, complete with playful treatments for children and specialised teen wellness rituals that nurture growing bodies, youthful skin, and emotional balance.
This latest award reinforces Atmosphere Kanifushi’s reputation as a premier destination for families seeking both luxury and adventure in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Awards
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI wins ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at 2025 WTAs

THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced that OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has been named ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards, marking a third consecutive win and reaffirming its status as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinguished villa experiences.
At the heart of this achievement is the resort’s crown jewel – the Royal RESERVE. Spanning 3,000 square metres, this exceptional villa redefines ultra-luxury in the Maldives. It features a private beach, expansive pool, personal spa treatment room with dedicated therapists, and opulent living spaces adorned with intricate handcrafted detailing. Guests are offered an array of exclusive privileges, including 24-hour private butler service, a personal chef for bespoke dining at the in-villa restaurant, and a private bar serving tailored beverages. The villa also boasts direct lagoon access and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, all enhanced by the signature RESERVE Experience – a promise of seamless, discreetly curated service.
This latest accolade continues a tradition of excellence for the resort, following its debut year that saw it claim multiple titles including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’.
Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, expressed her gratitude, “It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity. To be honoured by both our esteemed industry colleagues and cherished guests fills us with immense joy, strengthening our commitment to pioneering bespoke moments that linger in the memory long after departure. Every day, our team finds inspiration in turning dreams into reality, and this recognition fuels our devotion to perfecting the art of meaningful luxury.”
The 2025 win builds on a long-standing legacy of recognition for the resort, which was also recently nominated at the World Spa Awards 2025 as Maldives’ Best Wellness Retreat, thanks to its transformative ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa – a sanctuary renowned for innovative wellness practices and holistic rejuvenation.
The RESERVE Plan™ at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI sets the benchmark for all-inclusive luxury. It includes catamaran transfers, unlimited treatments at the award-winning ELE|NA spa, and elevated dining across seven distinctive venues. Guests also enjoy premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and personalised experiences with Best Dives. This seamless integration of indulgence and service exemplifies ‘abundant luxury’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI one of the Maldives’ most exclusive and thoughtfully crafted escapes.
Awards
Baros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort title at 2025 World Travel Awards

Baros Maldives has been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a recognition that underscores the resort’s enduring dedication to delivering heartfelt and intimate experiences that are quintessentially Baros.
Nestled in the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, the Baros Water Villas are a refined expression of effortless luxury and seclusion. Each villa has been thoughtfully crafted to offer direct access to the turquoise lagoon, spacious sun-drenched decks ideal for peaceful reflection, and, in select accommodations, private pools with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Every element is designed to foster connection—with nature, with oneself, and with the timeless essence of Baros.
Beyond the villas lies Baros’ legendary house reef—teeming with vibrant marine life and coral gardens. Guests are invited to explore this underwater wonder through serene morning swims or sunset snorkelling sessions alongside turtles and schools of colourful reef fish.
Proudly Maldivian-owned and welcoming guests for over five decades, Baros Maldives has built a legacy of authentic hospitality and understated elegance. With just 75 villas, a team known for its warm, personalised service, and curated island experiences, the resort continues to offer stays that feel deeply personal and memorable.
Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros Maldives, expressed gratitude on behalf of the resort, “Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests, partners and the entire Baros team. This recognition is an honour and a wonderful reminder that the spirit of Baros continues to resonate with those who return to our shores time and again.”
As Baros celebrates this milestone, travellers are warmly invited to experience—or rediscover—the quiet magic that makes the island an enduring favourite in the Maldives.
-
Featured1 week ago
Global recognition for InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort at 2025 T+L Luxury Awards
-
Awards1 week ago
Sirru Fen Fushi secures top spots in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025
-
News1 week ago
JW Marriott Maldives & Resort, Korres launch sustainable summer
-
Awards1 week ago
Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific awards Villa Nautica Best Resort Pool in Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Kuda Villingili’s iconic pool honoured in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards
-
Featured1 week ago
Elevated wellness: Aerial Yoga launches at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives
-
Action7 days ago
Hideaway Beach Resort unveils new indoor pickleball court for wellness enthusiasts
-
Featured6 days ago
SO/ Maldives unveils restorative wellness journey with Holistic Healer Karan Kumar