Featured
Maldives’ first JW Marriott resort to open on Nov 1

Marriott International has announced the opening of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa on the island of Vagaru in Shaviyani atoll, on November 1, 2019.
Headed up by General Manager Marc Gussing, the first JW Marriott branded hotel in Maldives will feature 60 spacious villas starting at an enormous 234sqm, all with private pools. Exceptional dining is a at the resort’s core; it will showcase one of the most impressive culinary offerings in the Maldives with five restaurants and chefs from some of the world’s top restaurants, including Nobu.

Located a 55-minute seaplane flight to the north of Male, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa will place a strong emphasis on privacy. Private decks and pools are designed so they can’t be seen from outside the villas and in-villa dining will be on offer for couples or families looking for meals in a private setting.
The resort will feature one of the most impressive culinary offerings in the Maldives with five restaurants, three fully-serviced bars with 98 different types of rum, an expansive wine cellar with over 300 labels and a chef’s garden – an exceptional offering for a private island with only 60 villas.
Guests will be able to feast on a wide range of cuisine that goes beyond classic Maldivian dishes. This includes vibrant Thai dishes in a treetop restaurant, Japanese Teppanyaki, poolside Woodfired pizzas, local Maldivian dishes and seafood in a fine-dining, overwater setting. Meals will be complemented with a choice of sake, Japanese whisky, rum cocktails, smoked cocktails, and both new and old-world wines. There will also be a 24-hour in-villa dining service and destination dining experiences.

The ultra-expansive villas are designed to look like inverted Dhoni boats, and there are four villa categories to choose from. The Duplex Beach Pool Villas will feature two bedrooms, an upstairs lounge and direct access to the beach making them ideal for families, whilst the Duplex Overwater Pool Villas will offer the ultimate indulgence with unsurpassed views of the Laccadive Sea and private plunge pool. One-bedroom Beach Pool Villas with direct beach access and Overwater Pool Villas with a choice of sunset or sunrise view will also be available.


Situated in the untouched northern atoll of Shaviyani, the island’s surrounding natural reef is just metres from the shore and teeming with sea life. An on-site marine biologist will ensure the pristine reef remains untouched and in perfect health whilst overseeing aquatic expeditions including diving and snorkelling.
An iconic Spa by JW, overwater gym and an open-air yoga pavilion will offer cutting-edge and indulgent spa treatments and a daily schedule of yoga and fitness activities.
The iconic FAMiLY by JW Kid’s Club called Little Griffin’s, with a 13m pirate’s ship, kid’s sleeping areas, a servery, games, and educational animated activities will keep little ones entertained for hours.
For adults looking for some peace and relaxation an adults-only, infinity swimming pool on the tip of the island is the stuff of Instagram dreams and a chic adults-only club house with cigar room, shisha room, a billiards table, games and more will be available to guests over the age of 18.
This opening marks the debut of Marriott International’s premier luxury brand in the Maldives, and the world’s largest hotel chain’s fifth property in the island nation. Marriott’s brands already present in the Maldives include St. Regis Hotels & Resorts (The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort), W Hotels (W Maldives), Sheraton Hotels & Resorts (Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa), and Westin Hotels & Resorts (The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort).
Featured
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its Halloween programme for 2025, titled ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’. The celebrations will take place from 28 October to 1 November, transforming the island into a Halloween-themed destination that combines the tropical setting of the Maldives with seasonal festivities.
The programme is designed to offer activities for both adults and children. On 31 October, adults can begin the evening with Haunted Cocktails at the Raalhu Bar, featuring themed drinks served against the backdrop of the sunset. This will be followed by the Spectacular Buffet Halloween Dinner at The Restaurant, showcasing a range of Halloween-inspired dishes and desserts. The night will conclude with The Halloween Spirit DJ Night at The Bar, offering music and entertainment alongside shisha under the stars.
Children will be able to join the Spooky Under the Sea adventure at the Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, running throughout the week from 28 October to 1 November. Activities will include crafts such as Shark Creation and Ghost Jellyfish making, a Spooky Story Circle, a Sea Monster Treasure Hunt, Trick-or-Treat, and Halloween costume making. The programme is intended to combine creativity with playful seasonal themes.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, said: “Halloween at Kuda Villingili promises something spine-tingling for everyone, from our little explorers enjoying a spooky under-the-sea adventure to adults indulging in a thrilling tropical Halloween experience. This year’s theme allows us to create an atmosphere that is both exciting and enchanting, offering guests a uniquely memorable way to celebrate the holiday in our tropical paradise.”
The resort has stated that the Halloween celebrations aim to provide a range of events and crafts within an atmosphere that balances seasonal themes with the resort’s luxury environment, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests.
Excursions
Experience ocean encounters: Manta Month at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of Manta Month this September, following the success of last year’s initiative. Now established as an annual programme, the celebration offers guests of all ages the opportunity to engage with the ocean while supporting marine conservation, with a particular focus on the manta ray.
Throughout the month, guests are invited to take part in guided excursions to known manta hotspots, led by the resort’s experienced team, who share insights into manta behaviour and conservation. Awareness talks highlight the story of a manta rescued near the island, serving as a reminder of the resort’s continuing efforts to protect marine life. Children can enjoy manta-themed arts and crafts as well as beach games, while the wider community will join reef and island clean-up activities, with collected waste repurposed into manta sculptures. In addition, proceeds from manta pendant sales at the resort’s retail boutique will be donated to The Manta Trust, extending support for research and protection initiatives.
Located close to several of the Maldives’ top ten dive sites, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives places importance on the wellbeing of the ocean and its ecosystems, a priority shared by both guests and staff. The resort’s sustainability initiatives are aligned with IHG’s purpose, True Hospitality for Good, through its Journey to Tomorrow programme, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates a commitment to long-term environmental protection.
Commenting on the event, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said: “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration. Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.”
Featured
ROBINSON NOONU expands summer offering with wellness, sports, and cultural events

ROBINSON NOONU, one of the Maldives’ leading resorts, has introduced a summer programme that combines culinary highlights, family activities, wellness initiatives, and entertainment events. The resort is recognised for creating memorable experiences that remain with guests long after departure and has curated a schedule designed to appeal to a wide range of travellers.
Guests at ROBINSON NOONU are offered a selection of culinary experiences enhanced by weekly live performances from international artists and DJs. These performances provide a varied musical backdrop, creating an immersive atmosphere for dining and evening entertainment.
Families visiting the resort this season can participate in the Weekly Splash Action at the newly renovated water sports jetty. The highlight of the event is a ten-metre-long air cushion (Blob), which catapults participants into the lagoon. The activity attracts additional interest when the General Manager joins in, adding to the sense of occasion.
The resort has expanded its sports and wellness offering with the introduction of a padel tennis court, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to its facilities. Another addition is ‘YinSurf’ on the Strobel & Walter Balance Board, combining yoga, mindfulness, and full-body training. This programme is designed to promote physical wellbeing while supporting mental focus.
Every two weeks, the resort hosts themed events, including:
- Jungle Party – held in a driftwood-inspired venue.
- Underwater Party – featuring an inflatable octopus and 360° underwater visuals.
- Sundowner Beach Party – an evening gathering on the beach during sunset.
- White Party – an event on the pool deck with themed décor.
- BOHO Festival Show – a new addition, with a bohemian setting of teepees and natural tones.
- Pink Pool Party – a lively celebration with a colourful theme.
The highlight of the season will be the ‘This is NOONU’ Week, scheduled from 22 to 29 September. The programme includes performances from eight international artists, guest DJs, and WellFit experts. Events such as the Suite Party and a special edition of the Pink Pool Party will be featured, offering guests a range of experiences throughout the week.
By combining entertainment, wellness, sport, and culinary experiences, ROBINSON NOONU continues to strengthen its position as a Maldivian resort offering diverse programmes for its guests.
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