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Fairmont Maldives launches ‘Fit’ programme, to host wellness residencies
Set in the northern Shaviyani atoll of Maldives, surrounded by nothing but azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi lends itself to those seeking a far-flung healing retreat.
This festive season, two internationally-renowned wellness practitioners, Johnson Chong and Dawn Harlow, take residency at the luxury resort, leading travellers on a journey of self-discovery, wellbeing and relaxation.
Launching as part of the new Fairmont Fit programme, which has been designed to give active guests the tools necessary to stay fit and healthy in paradise, the visiting practitioners will lead private classes, curate wellness workshops, guide meditation sessions, teach yoga lessons and offer invaluable advice that can be relished long after leaving the island.
First to take residency is Johnson Chong (November 24 to December 15), an international yogi, Reiki master and self-mastery guide, specialising in shamanic journeys and helping his clients re-connect mind, body and spirit.
During his three-week residency, guests can benefit from tailored transformational wellness workshops, one-on-one spiritual coaching and yoga masterclasses.
Chong’s InnerGuidance for Deep Transformation workshop integrates yogic breath work, mediation and sound therapy, whilst the ‘Ajna Light Therapy Guided Meditation uses sound therapy, aromatherapy, energetic touch work and light at various frequencies to help calm the nervous system and rewire the brain for calm, focus and peace.
Writer, author and spiritual teacher, Dawn Harlow, will be on the island from December 15, 2019 to January 15, 2020.
For the last decade, Harlow has dedicated her life to studying and mastering the sacred kundalini yoga and is passionate about empowering women globally to release deep-seated trauma; helping them feel heard and live authentically, happily and purposefully.
At Fairmont Maldives, Dawn will curate a series of tailored journeys, including private Kundalini Yoga classes, Pranayama (mantra mediation), couples’ yoga, family yoga, intuitive counselling with personalised meditation, relationship healing and stress-relief workshops.
Alongside visiting wellness practitioners, the new Fairmont Fit package kickstarts health journeys with complimentary workout wear delivered to guests’ villas on arrival, personal training sessions or group workout classes, beach volleyball and yoga sessions beside the resort’s infinity pool – the longest in the Maldives.
Relaxation-seekers can also indulge in signature treatments at the Willow Stream Spa or take part in mindful art lessons with the resort’s resident artist.
A sun-soaked sanctuary that opened in April 2018, Fairmont Maldives is the only resort on the pristine Shaviyani atoll, and offers 112 luxury villas each with their own private pool. In addition to the luxury safari-style Jungle Tented Villas, the Beach Villas and Water Villas inspired by the bohemian rustic chic vibe with copper bathroom fittings and carved wood detailing on furniture are also ideal for couples or families.
Fairmont Maldives is located in the northern Shaviyani atoll. The resort is accessible by domestic flight in 50 minutes from Velana International Airport followed by a speedboat from Hanimaadhoo Airport to the resort. Alternatively, guests can book a 50-minute scenic seaplane flight directly to the resort.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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