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Abdu Dhabi-funded intl airport in Maldives ultra-luxury tourism zone opens

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A new airport developed in a proposed ultra-luxury tourism zone in the northern part of Maldives opened Sunday.

The first commercial flight, operated by flagship carrier Maldivian, landed at Maafaru International Airport Sunday morning.

The official opening ceremony took place in the afternoon. Planning minister Mohamed Aslam officiated the ceremony.

Maldivian will operate a daily service between the main Velana International Airport and Maafaru International Airport, built on land reclaimed from the lagoon of the island of Maafaru in Noonu atoll.

The flagship carrier’s parent company Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS) will manage the airport.

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) had extended a grant of USD 60 million for the project, which involved developing a 2.2-kilometre runway along with state-of-the-art facilities to cater international flight operations and private jets.

The international airport is part of a joint Maldives-UAE project to develop Noonu atoll as an ultra-luxury tourism zone.

Noonu atoll is located about 180 kilometres north of capital Male, on the southern edge of the Maldives’ northernmost geographical atoll.

Existing high-end resorts in Noonu atoll include the Velaa Private Island, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Cheval Blanc Randheli and Soneva Jani. Several new resorts, including those by international hotel chains, are being developed in the atoll.

Over a million tourists from across the globe visit the Indian Ocean island nation every year to holiday in one of the 140 resorts and 450 plus guesthouses located in all corners of the country. The multi-billion dollar tourism industry, which is the country’s main economic activity, relies heavily on the domestic transport infrastructure, especially air travel.

Maldives, the most dispersed country on the planet with 1,192 islands spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres, already has 13 airports, including three international airports. The government has contracted both local and international companies to develop additional domestic airports across the archipelago in a bid to boost tourism.

Government had earlier announced plans to open five new airports this year. However, only two — a domestic airport on the island of Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaal atoll and Maafaru airport — opened so far.

Construction of airports on the islands of Funadhoo in Shaviyani atoll, Madivaru in Lhaviyani atoll and Maavarulu in Gaaf Dhaal atoll is nearing completion.

Awards

ROBINSON MALDIVES named Best Adults Only Resort at TTM Awards 2025

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ROBINSON MALDIVES, located on the island of Funamadua, has been named ‘Best Adults Only Resort 2025’ at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards. The recognition reinforces the resort’s standing as a leading destination for travellers seeking privacy, tranquillity, and attentive service in the Indian Ocean.

The TTM Awards, regarded as one of the most significant honours in the Maldivian tourism sector, are presented annually during the TTM Maldives International Trade Show. The event brings together global travel professionals, tour operators, and media representatives. Winners are chosen through an international online voting process, with travellers casting votes across a range of categories. Commenting on the award, Andreas Stys, General Manager of ROBINSON MALDIVES, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering a holiday experience defined by style, relaxation, and outstanding quality.”

The resort has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, introducing a number of new features to enhance the guest experience. These include:

  • 28 new overwater villas with private pools, offering comfort and seclusion above the lagoon
  • Redesigned interiors, including the main bar, restaurant, gym, and reception, refreshed with a contemporary look
  • A Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, providing a live dining experience
  • The Sundowner Bar, with panoramic views of the ocean

As an adults-only retreat, ROBINSON MALDIVES also offers white-sand beaches, coral reefs for snorkelling, a variety of sports and wellness activities, and dining options that combine international and local flavours. By securing the title of ‘Best Adults Only Resort 2025’, the resort has strengthened its reputation as a preferred choice for couples, solo travellers, and those seeking a premium escape in the Maldives.

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Awards

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives wins Best Adults-Only Resort at TTM Awards 2025

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Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort 2025 at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards & Gala, held on 28 August 2025. The award recognises resorts that provide dedicated adults-only experiences in the Maldives.

Located in Meemu Atoll, the resort is spread across two islands, a concept designed to ensure privacy and tranquillity. The adults-only island is positioned as a destination for couples and adult travellers seeking seclusion, supported by uninterrupted lagoon views and natural surroundings.

The resort offers a range of curated experiences, including sandbank picnics, floating breakfasts, candlelit dining, and spa treatments inspired by Maldivian traditions. These activities are designed to allow couples to spend time together without distraction.

Commenting on the award, Rajeeva Rajapakse, General Manager of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, said: “Being recognised as the Best Adults-Only Resort 2025 at the TTM Awards is a true honour for us. This achievement is a testament to the passion and commitment of our team in creating an environment where our guests can connect, unwind, and experience the Maldives in its most tranquil form. Our focus has always been on delivering a sense of intimacy and exclusivity, and this award inspires us to continue enhancing the unique moments that define Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.”

The TTM Awards is an annual event that brings together industry leaders to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality sector. The award highlights Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives’ position as a destination for couples and adult travellers seeking a retreat designed exclusively for adults.

The resort has also announced a seasonal offer, providing guests who book stays of five nights or more with discounts of up to 67 percent during the upcoming winter period.

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island achieves PADI Eco Center Certification

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been officially certified as a PADI Eco Center, becoming one of only two resorts in the Maldives to receive this recognition in 2025. The certification is awarded to dive resorts that extend their efforts beyond standard operations, with a strong focus on protecting marine environments and raising awareness among future generations.

As part of the certification process, the resort’s team adopted the Conrad House Reef through PADI’s Adopt the Blue programme. A Dive Against Debris clean-up dive was conducted around the reef near Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, during which 10 kilograms of marine litter, primarily plastics and metal fragments, were collected.

The team also joined Green Fins in June 2025 and has since introduced a series of sustainable practices. These include paperless dive check-ins, eco-briefings before excursions, reduced use of plastics through the introduction of glass alternatives, and signage encouraging responsible snorkelling and diving across the dive centre.

Guests are also directly engaged in conservation activities through coral restoration initiatives. In 2025, the team has facilitated 17 coral line adoptions, where participants attend an educational session before attaching coral fragments to nursery lines and assisting with their placement underwater.

Jessica Miller, Marine Biologist at Conrad Maldives, commented: “This certification represents a milestone for us. It’s the result of dedicated teamwork and genuine care for the ocean. Watching our guests become part of the solution, whether through coral planting or learning about local marine life, is what makes this so special.”

Nick Flynn, General Manager of Conrad Maldives, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the team’s achievement in making Conrad Maldives a certified PADI Eco Center. This milestone is part of our long-term commitment to sustainability and a testament to how luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Ranjit Batra, Chief Executive Officer of Ventive Hospitality, the owning company of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, highlighted the wider significance of the achievement. He said: “The PADI Eco Center recognition for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island underscores our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems while shaping the future of responsible travel. We are proud of Conrad for leading the way in sustainability across the Maldives.”

The certification strengthens Conrad Maldives’ broader sustainability objectives under Hilton’s Travel With Purpose programme. The resort will continue to offer educational dives, coral adoption opportunities, and conservation briefings, encouraging guests to actively participate in marine protection efforts during their stay.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island operates under Hilton and is part of Hilton Honors®, the global guest loyalty programme. Hilton Honors members booking directly through official Hilton channels receive a range of benefits, including exclusive discounts, free standard Wi-Fi, flexible payment options combining Points and money, and contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, which enables digital check-in, room selection, and access.

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