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
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.
Featured
Savour flavours of Asia at Inguru, Kuramathi’s lagoon-side gem

Nestled on the serene lagoon side of Kuramathi and overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Inguru offers more than just a dining experience—it provides a sensory escape. The restaurant’s contemporary design, featuring elegant wooden accents, open-air seating, and soothing tones, harmonises with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Whether serving a casual lunch or hosting a romantic evening meal, Inguru creates a stylish yet relaxed ambiance that enhances every moment. Between 11:00 and 17:00 hrs, guests can enjoy light and flavourful Asian dishes with a Western twist—ideal for a leisurely midday break by the water.
As the sun sets, Inguru transforms into a refined dinner venue, offering a curated Asian Fusion menu from 19:00 to 22:30 hrs, open to guests aged six and above. The newly introduced dishes celebrate bold, fresh flavours, including Coconut & Pineapple Cooked Shrimp Ceviche, Tarragon-Flavoured Octopus Tartare, and Soy Marinated Salmon Bruschetta. Main courses feature richly spiced Indonesian Beef Rendang, aromatic Mas Kirugarudiya reef fish curry, and Kukulhu Musanmaa presented with a modern twist on traditional recipes.
With its picturesque setting and flavourful cuisine, Inguru delivers a truly memorable island dining experience, whether by day or night.
-
News1 week ago
Jennifer Aniston dreams of Maldives escape
-
Action1 week ago
Patina Maldives partners with FC Bayern Munich to host exclusive football camps
-
Cooking1 week ago
Taste of Sardinia comes to Maldives at COMO Cocoa Island
-
Lifestyle1 week ago
Rosamund Pike escapes to paradise at Patina Maldives
-
Awards1 week ago
Soneva Secret makes Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Hot List of best new hotels
-
News1 week ago
One&Only Reethi Rah brings leading luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader to Maldives
-
News1 week ago
Gili Lankanfushi’s Celebration Escapes offers castaway-style vacation
-
News1 week ago
Maldives island featured on Google Earth Day doodle