Featured
ZAZZ Escapes Maldives Resort to open in 2021

Thai hotel management company Unicorn Hospitality has announced plans to open its first property in Maldives, ZAZZ Escapes Maldives Resort, in early 2021.
The Maldives resort, being developed by Hong Kong-based Asia Prestige Management (APM) after the 2018 acquisition of Ranveli Island Resort, is part of a new expansion drive by Unicorn Hospitality, which currently operates six brands and white label management concepts: Unicorn Hotels & Resorts, Kly Hotels & Resorts, Hangout By Kly, Live By Kly, Zazz Hotels and The Unchained Collection.
ZAZZ Escapes Maldives is part of the ZAZZ Escapes Collection. The properties from ZAZZ Escapes, take guests on a journey of discovery and fun – a chance to disconnect and share adventures whilst shifting back to nature – without giving up comfort and convenience.
Ideally located in South Ari Atoll, just 25 minutes by seaplane from Velana international Airport or 90 minutes by speedboat, ZAZZ Escapes Maldives is the perfect gateway to escape from the hustle and bustle of your daily life.
ZAZZ Escapes Maldives features a total of 101 overwater and beach villas, with each of them accented by breathtaking views of this slice of paradise. The island offers accommodation in five categories: Z Beach, Z Top, H2O Villa, H2O Pool Villa, and Z Pearl.
The villas have been designed from the ground up with pleasure and harmony in mind. Fresh, clean and bright, they are appointed with the modern amenities that discerning guests expect, whilst offering comfort, privacy, entertainment and connectivity to the outside world. Respect and intimacy was at the centre of attention in creating this unique environment.
ZAZZ Escapes Maldives delivers flavours and aromas with style; it is not about fine dining, it is about good dining. Hence, the resort’s six outlets do not compromise on quality and are sure to please the most discerning palates.

Whether by the pool or beachside, Club 72 is your own private slice of the Mediterranean. A resident DJ will excite the setting, delivering the trendiest tunes and intensifying the atmosphere. Open all day until late at night, a Zazzy flair will spread through the Club. Saturday night bash and Sunday brunch are the highlights not to be missed.
Yuuki means organic in Japanese. Here, only the freshest catches and the best Maldivian products are served, adding a Japanese twist to the plate. To complement your meal, there is an exhaustive selection of sake alongside some of the best brew imported from Japan!
Sanook is a fun and interactive dining concept focusing on Thai street food and creating an authentic dining experience. Savour the traditional flavours of Thailand with authentic cuisine direct from the ‘Land of Smiles’. The restaurant focuses on freshness and flavour — all you need to do is close your eyes and let your tastebuds guide you.
Sand Bar is an alternative to other venues, where you can simply share a good time with a gentle ambience that makes it perfect to unwind and loosen up. As if you were in a giant fleeting sand castle, pick up your drink and enjoy a remarkable setting, crafted by hand, tailored to your needs and in harmony with the surroundings.
Unwind and find tranquility at Sebae. By day, the pool is a serene spot where guests can read a book and watch the palms swinging gently in the breeze, whilst by night experimentalist mixologists craft creative cocktails. It’s the perfect locale for a cocktail prior to dinner or for an after dinner digestif before dancing the night away at Club 72.
Refreshing, generous and sexy, this is how ZAZZ Escapes Maldives defines Boost, a juice bar located within ZSPA. Full of vitamins and with enriching flavours, every concoction is designed to maintain your balance and wellness. Who said your ‘five a day’ nutrition intake should be a hard task? The Boost at ZSPA makes drinking veggies and fruits the new cool!

ZAZZ Escapes Maldives believes in living long and living well. A holiday should have you feeling relaxed and radiant, so indulge in the treatments on offer at the resort. ZSPA offers a holistic approach with two objectives in mind: making you feel beautiful and re-energising your body.
FitZ at ZAZZ Escapes Maldives is a genuine mind-and-body experience constructed to allow you to challenge yourself. Whether physically or mentally, FitZ aims to stimulate your senses. Cultivating a state of mind, in a perfectly designed area with exquisite natural ceilings, open windows and world class equipment.
Take advantage of the island and choose amongst one of the many activities the resort has to offer, whether with a group or on your own. Experienced guides will always have something to suggest. Embark on a boat, dive into the crystal blue lagoon or hop on a board and ride these waves — the wide range of distinctive adventures are designed for modern lifestyles.
At ZAZZ Escapes Maldives, savour a large choice of venues, with six different food and beverage destinations that will delight your buds. Let your stresses melt away as you enjoy treatments in the wellness centre ZSPA, or simply enjoy the watersport and diving centre allowing access to the beauty of the resort’s graceful lagoon.
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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