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Dhigali Maldives opens new pizzeria

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Dhigali Maldives has opened a new pizzeria.

Nestled in the jungle, between Hali Bar and Faru Restaurant, the “Pop-up Pizzeria” offers both traditional and unique flavours that will satisfy any appetite. Simply order, pickup and takeaway to whatever quiet location you choose to dine – the choice is yours.

The pizzeria is open for guests from 11am to 6pm daily, and is covered under the resort’s ‘Dine Around’ all-inclusive package.

Dhigali sits in the remote Raa atoll and can be reached by a scenic seaplane journey of just 45 minutes from the main Velana International Airport. Alternatively, guests can take a domestic flight to either Ifuru or Dharavandhoo airport, followed by a speedboat ride to the resort — a journey of about 70 minutes.

The island itself is corralled by 20 Beach Bungalows and 33 Deluxe Beach Bungalows to the south, and 62 Beach Villas which line the north and southwestern beaches. Nestled under a canopy of palms, these beach front sanctuaries provide luxurious intimacy, effortlessly marrying the interior and exterior. Outside, guests can spend their days relaxing in the private deck’s day-bed or opt for one of the 21 Beach Villas with Pool which include a private plunge pool overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean.

Dhigali’s overwater bungalows dot the island’s azure perimeter. Extending from the southeastern side of the island is a jetty hosting 24 Water Villas, each one rising out of the lagoon on stilts. Similarly, from the southeast of the island snakes a further jetty housing 16 larger Lagoon Villas with Pools.

The singular Dhigali Suite is the pride of the island, featuring an opulent master bedroom, open-air bathroom, beachfront infinity pool and wide sundeck. With sublime ocean views and intuitive luxuries, the Dhigali Suite comes with its own bar and personal butler service, offering pure tropical peace.

Dining experiences at Dhigali are innovative and authentic, with the style and atmosphere of each restaurant reflecting the cuisine. There is a particular focus on fresh Asian dishes, including the specialist Asian restaurant Battuta. Capers is the main restaurant, whilst there is also an upscale Deli, all-day dining at Jade, and freshly grilled meats and fish at Faru. At sunset, guests can make their own way to the upper level of Haali sunset bar with a cocktail in hand.

The Dhigali Spa is a green retreat in the middle of the island, featuring daybeds, an outdoor pool and 12 modern, minimalist treatment rooms that cocoon guests in absolute stillness. Therapies offered by the spa draw on indigenous traditions to heal and reenergise the body and mind, while guests have the opportunity to prolong their visit in the steam room and relaxation lounge, or pamper with a pedicure and a manicure.

In addition to PADI-certified diving, snorkelling and a range of water sports, Dhigali offers island hopping adventures to nearby islands to explore local culture. Access to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Hanifaru Bay in the nearby Baa atoll is available, allowing guests to discover the largest seasonal groupings of manta rays, a variety of stunning corals and huge schools of tropical marine life, as well as the opportunity to spot whale sharks.

Entertainment

Game on! Kandima unveils Maldives’ most exciting all-ages entertainment hub

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Kandima Maldives, the bold lifestyle resort known for redefining island getaways, has once again raised the bar with the launch of PlaySpace – an all-ages entertainment destination transforming the leisure landscape of the Maldives.

Centrally located within the island resort, PlaySpace blends nostalgic retro flair with cutting-edge fun, offering a dynamic mix of activities for families, thrill-seekers, and social guests alike. From action-packed bowling and immersive virtual reality to escape room challenges and private karaoke sessions, the venue strengthens Kandima’s position as the Maldives’ leading active lifestyle destination.

According to Dermot Birchall, General Manager at Kandima Maldives, “At Kandima, we’re constantly evolving the island experience. PlaySpace adds a new dimension – it’s immersive, social, and above all, wildly entertaining.”

Key Highlights of PlaySpace Include:

  • Bowling Lanes with a Twist: Themed experiences such as Team Challenge, Date Night Deluxe, and Family Blitz, complemented by snacks, drinks, and curated playlists.
  • Karaoke & Cocktails: Private singing rooms paired with wine, beer, or bubbly under the Karaoke & Cocktails Package.
  • VR & Arcade Zone: Thrilling VR adventures, air hockey, billiards, and timeless arcade classics.
  • Escape Rooms: Brain-teasing challenges for up to three guests – ideal for team bonding or friendly competition.
  • Eats & Treats: A variety of gourmet snacks including paninis and mini pizzas, plus refreshing beverages like Tropical Dreamscape and Lychee Breeze – all alcohol-free.

With its vibrant 80s-inspired design and bold approach to leisure, PlaySpace perfectly reflects Kandima’s playful luxury ethos. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, it promises guests a unique and energetic addition to their island stay.

Adding to the excitement, Kandima has also introduced Fast Track, the Maldives’ first and only oceanfront e-go-kart circuit. Spanning 500 metres with 10 turns and speeds reaching up to 80 km/h, this professional-grade asphalt track brings a high-octane edge to island adventure.

As Kandima continues to innovate and launch new experiences, guests can expect even more surprises in the near future – with fun, flair, and freedom at the heart of it all.

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Awards

Equator Village wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel 2025 at World Travel Awards

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Equator Village has once again been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2025, held on 28 June in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This marks the third consecutive year the resort has received this prestigious accolade, following earlier wins in 2023 and 2024, underscoring its commitment to service excellence and consistent guest satisfaction.

Mohamed Waheed, Resort Manager at Equator Village, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that the recognition reflects the dedication, creativity, and hard work of the entire team. He highlighted their commitment to delivering warm, personalised service and creating welcoming spaces that resonate with the charm and hospitality of the south. Waheed also extended gratitude to the resort’s guests and partners for their continued support and trust.

Celebrating over three decades of recognising hospitality excellence, the World Travel Awards is regarded as one of the most esteemed honours in global tourism. Winners are selected through a rigorous international voting process involving both travel professionals and the public.

Located just a five-minute drive from Gan International Airport, Equator Village offers exceptional convenience along with the relaxed charm of the southern Maldives. The resort features 78 spacious bungalows surrounded by lush flower gardens, alongside facilities including a beachfront restaurant, bar, pool, gym, and meeting spaces – all infused with tropical flair and heartfelt southern hospitality.

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Awards

Dhawa Ihuru recognised among Maldives’ Best House Reefs by Travel + Leisure Asia

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Dhawa Ihuru has been named one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by Travel + Leisure Asia in its esteemed Luxury Awards 2025. Renowned as a stylish retreat for diving enthusiasts, the resort’s house reef—home to reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and vibrant coral ecosystems—continues to attract and inspire travellers from across the globe.

This accolade goes beyond recognition, reflecting over two decades of steadfast dedication to marine conservation, scientific research, and coral restoration. These efforts have transformed the house reef into a living testament to sustainable tourism.

Since the establishment of the Banyan Group’s Marine Lab in 2004—the first resort-based conservation and research facility in the Maldives—Dhawa Ihuru has been at the forefront of environmental responsibility. Through long-term coral preservation projects and guest-focused educational initiatives, the resort has consistently promoted biodiversity and sustainability.

Guests at Dhawa Ihuru are invited to participate in a range of conservation efforts, including:

  • Coral planting and reef regeneration
  • Reef monitoring alongside marine biologists
  • Turtle identification and tracking
  • Sustainability workshops and marine talks
  • Community engagement programmes

These hands-on experiences not only aid in ecosystem restoration but also nurture awareness and a sense of shared responsibility among travellers.

“This recognition is a reflection of our long-standing commitment to marine protection,” said Elias Pertoft, General Manager of Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. “What began as a vision nearly three decades ago has evolved into a living legacy of conservation. We are proud to continue nurturing one of the Maldives’ most biodiverse reefs—not only for our guests, but for future generations.”

Nick, Marine Lab Manager at the resort, added, “Over the past 20 years, our immersive marine biodiversity programmes, including hands-on conservation activities, have provided both educational and inspiring experiences. By involving our guests, we are enriching their stay and fostering a global community of marine stewards.”

To commemorate this achievement and celebrate the resort’s flourishing marine environment, Dhawa Ihuru will host the Rannamaari Dive Fest on 24 July 2025—a full-day celebration running from 10 AM to 10 PM. Inspired by the legendary Rannamaari shipwreck, the event will showcase the vibrancy of island life both above and below the waterline.

Event highlights include:

  • Underwater treasure hunts for divers and non-divers
  • Marine conservation talks and activities with the resort’s Marine Lab team
  • Cultural and creative island experiences, such as Maldivian arts & crafts with local artists, a Maldivian cooking class, a DIY wellbeing workshop, and family-friendly activities
  • A sunset cocktail celebration at Velavani Bar, followed by a beachfront DJ night

Travellers are invited to take part in this unique celebration that blends adventure, culture, and conservation—honouring one of the Maldives’ most iconic house reefs and contributing to its protection for generations to come.

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