Featured
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives opens

The Standard, an American hotel brand known for its taste-making clientele, pioneering design, and unrelenting un-standard-ness, has opened The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives.
The resort’s opening on November 1 marks the brand’s first property in Asia.
Traditionally seen as a couple’s destination, The Standard has taken a fresh approach to its island retreat, offering relaxation, social activities and vibrant cultural experiences that welcome not only couples but groups of friends and singles looking to reset and recharge in paradise.
Welcome to The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives
A breathtaking 35-minute seaplane ride away from Velana International Airport, The Standard, Huruvalhi is nestled between the Raa and Baa atolls, on a naturally protected island. Guests can also take a combined 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo and 35-minute speedboat ride to the resort.

Guests step into an airy, intimate lobby, accessible 24-hours a day and complete with an exclusive curated selection of cult beauty and wellness products, eclectic wares, and resort essentials only available for purchase on the island.


Guests are then escorted to one of the resort’s 115 overwater and beach villas, each with its own infinity plunge pool and private lounge deck with direct access to the lagoon, ocean or beach. A glittering disco ball strategically perched above the soaking bathtub in every villa bathroom makes for a signature Standard statement piece and serves as a reminder that you really can party anywhere and at any time of the day at The Standard.




On property, guests will find a large scale specially commissioned work from Rostarr, a highly acclaimed, groundbreaking multidisciplinary artist and member of The Global Standard Family – the brand’s inner circle of creators, collaborators and cultural tastemakers.
Dining in style
The Standard, Huruvalhi celebrates the bounty of the region. The freshest ingredients and produce sourced both regionally and from the resort’s own island farm are showcased in a delicious array of local and global creations.

Six unique restaurants cater to every taste and preference.
GUDUGUDA, an authentic Maldivian Restaurant, is the first of its kind in the Maldives. Featuring a traditional celebratory Maldivian cuisine cooked by Maldivian “aunties” – the women who carry on the tradition of this remarkable cuisine, menus showcase locally caught, seafood driven dishes, flavourful coconut milk curries, regional fruits and vegetables, aromatic rice dishes and freshly baked breads.
For a spot of grilled grub and reggae beats on the beach, swing by BBQ SHAK, where fresh seafood and meats are grilled to order over coconut shell charcoal and paired with a selection of house-made sauces.
Island living makes for thirsty work. Head over to TODIS BAR, located off the pool deck for a signature TODIS cocktail, served in a half coconut shell and made from “toddy”, a local specialty liquor made by fermenting fresh coconut water.
As the sun sets, guests are invited to BERU BAR for craft cocktails, tropical juices and Maldivian inspired light bites. An adults-only over-water-club perched just feet above the ocean, it features fantastic views, a glass floor bottomed floor and a sunset ritual led by a Boduberu drummer (a local Maldivian percussionist). Local DJs spin breezy Maldivian inspired-beats, drawing everyone to the dance floor.
Adventures on island and underwater
Guests are spoiled for choice with a selection of curated experiences and cultural programmes that include indigenous basket weaving, a moonlight cinema beneath the stars or join one of their legendary pool parties at the beachside infinity pool.

The Standard, Huruvalhi also has some of the most experienced guides for snorkeling and diving excursions through the resort’s protected house reef and local waters.
Enjoy sunset boat trips to uninhabited islands and undiscovered reefs, as well as day and night fishing and private destination dining. For some fun in the sun, a full collection of sea equipment is available from glass bottom kayaks to jet skis and windsurfers.
The resort also has an 82sqm inflatable water park accessible by pontoon for both adults and kids.
Parents looking for a reprieve can drop their kids off at the the Lil’ Shark Kids Club complete with professional childcare services, a teen zone and paddling pool.
For a recovery or a reboot, The Standard Spa is an indoor hydrotherapy playground complete with a contemporary communal hammam, aroma cypress steam room and contrast shower experience.
Chill out with a Do-It-Yourself Mud Experience for one or a massage for two and take in The Spa’s ocean views from our nine private treatment rooms, couples den, and yoga studio hosting daily classes.
The Spa Deck and Tonic Bar is the perfect place to kick-back post treatment, enjoy a yoga session or maybe a moonlit soiree. The Sun Lounge experience offers crystals and an apothecary for the body and mind that includes skincare and lifestyle products.
Committed to Conservation
The Standard’s commitment to showcasing an unparalleled resort experience is equalled by its dedication to the conservation of marine life. Preserving coral life, reducing plastic waste, and using products made from repurposed and recyclable materials all form a groundwork of the resort’s conservation efforts to saving the ocean and marine life.
Guests will find some signature menu items include a USD 1 donation towards the resort’s foundation for coral conservation. The Standard, Huruvalhi also proudly has its very own lagoon coral nursery which houses over 3,000 juvenile corals, creating the resort’s very own personal underwater garden.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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