Featured
Vakkaru Maldives launches upgraded villas
The multi-award winning Vakkaru Maldives has unveiled its newly refurbished villas, setting a heightened standard and elevated experience for luxury tropical island.
The product enhancement included facility upgrades to the existing Beach Bungalows, Two Bedroom Beach Villas and Over Water Family Villas by adding outdoor whirlpools and private swimming pools.
The upgraded villas were completed in December 2019.
The Beach Bungalow has been relaunched as the Beach Spa Pool Villa that features an elegant 16 square metre outdoor whirlpool.




A total of 24 Beach Villas, which were previously available as two interconnecting beach villas, have been relaunched as 12 units of dreamy Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas with 24 square metre swimming pool and extended beachfront terrace, providing ample space for guests to relax and unwind. All beach villas are nestled between swinging coconut trees and surrounded by lush natural vegetation that creates a sense of privacy.




The Over Water Family Villas have been relaunched as Over Water Family Pool Villas, featuring a beautiful 24 square metres private infinity pool overlooking the turquoise lagoon.


“This facility upgrade and enhancement is part of our effort to ensure that Vakkaru Maldives continually delivers exceptional guest experience to align with our discerning guests’ expectation. By adding outdoor whirlpools and private pools in the existing beach and over water villas, we want to ensure our guests can indulge and enjoy complete privacy in their own space,” Nicholas Mason, the General Manager at Vakkaru Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Throughout the new year, holiday-goers can now choose from a total of 54 pool villas and suites on the lush island, as well as 16 Over Water Pool villas and suites including the opulent Four-Bedroom Over Water Pool Residence. Catering to families and couples, every category is designed to offer direct access to either the white sand beaches or lagoon, promising a timeless escape at every turn.
Guests can experience an elevated stay at Vakkaru Maldives with the Joyous 2020 Holiday rates with up to 35 per cent off the best available rates. All room bookings include breakfast and dinner, when booking minimum three nights directly on vakkarumaldives.com.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
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.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
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.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
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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