Featured
Waldorf Astoria Maldives: serene oasis of relaxation, indulgence
Hilton’s luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, offers guests the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable and indulgent sensory retreat at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
In line with the brand’s renowned hospitality and its legacy of True Waldorf Service, the all-pool villa resort is designed to appeal to luxury leisure seekers in search of a blissful escape from the bustle of everyday life, featuring a lifestyle spa and wellness sanctuary complemented by the Maldives’ first-ever Wellness Concierge service.
Spanning three interlinking islands in the South Male Atoll, and a short 30-minute yacht journey away from Velana International Airport, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an iconic resort paradise surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian landscape and the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. In addition to the world-class spa, the resort also boasts 122 spacious villas, a Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park and 11 specialty dining venues, making it the perfect destination for guests of all generations.
Therapies inspired by nature
Set within a botanical sanctuary surrounded by turquoise waters, in 10 treatment villas across 10,000 squaremetres, the Waldorf Astoria Spa provides guests with an oasis of tranquillity where they can reconnect with nature and refresh their mind, body and soul with a range of customisable treatments.
The selection of spa therapies and treatments are grounded in nature, using plants and herbs with valuable properties that enhance, strengthen, cleanse and promote a sense of wellbeing and harmony. These therapies are categorised by three journeys — relaxation, rebalancing and results.
The diverse range of treatments offer a plethora of indulgent options, from the Signature Journey range inspired by the four natural elements of earth, water, fire and metal, to the Ancient Healing treatments, such as the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage for deep tissue relaxation and mood elevation. Those in search of the ultimate relaxation can opt for the Starlight Ocean Massage in the overwater Ocean Pavilion, where they can enjoy the benefits of a slow, rhythmic massage under the Maldivian stars and relax to the sound of gently lapping waves.
Guests wishing to combine their indulgence with wellness will also enjoy the Body Therapy range by LPG, with treatments that target specific areas or concerns, such as migraines or irritable bowel syndrome. Crafted body treatments including body polishes and wraps are available too, along with innovative luxury facials by Carol Joy London, hair treatments by Philip Kingsley and beauty treatments by reputable experts, ensuring that guests feel relaxed, reinvigorated and renewed from top to toe.

Indulgence for whole family
As the resort has been designed for all generations, families with young children are well catered to at the Waldorf Astoria Spa. Those seeking a unique bonding experience can enjoy mother-daughter and father-son treatments within the Family Time range, while the Junior Spa Experience offers massages facials, manicures and more for young adults seeking some pampering of their own.
Wellness journey in paradise
The resort’s Wellness Programme has been specially created for those who wish to focus on their health. Under the guidance of intuitive practitioners and set among the beautiful outdoor environment, the programmes provide guests with treatments and meals aimed at specific areas of health and wellness, including age reversal, de-stress and sleep therapy. Guests also have access to on-site practitioners for private wellness activities, such as meditation, yoga and Pilates.

Maldives’ first Wellness Concierge service
Created for the most discerning guests, the Maldives’ first-ever Wellness Concierge service is on hand to assist in creating an unforgettable spa experience. Offering a personalised consultation process, the service delivers bespoke solutions for guests, helping them discover equilibrium in mind, body and soul.
“We are proud and honoured to provide our esteemed guests with the finest spa and wellbeing treatments, inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds us here at the Maldives,” Angie Tai, Spa Director at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, said.
“Our Wellness Concierge is the first of its kind here in the Maldives and a great example of the True Waldorf Service we offer our guests to ensure a truly unforgettable escape.”

Exclusive health and wellness events
In celebration of the 2019 festive season, the Waldorf Astoria Spa featured a series of renowned guest practitioners over the months of December and January. Guests had the opportunity to participate in private sessions with Watsu aquatic therapy specialist Yukako Kitajima, holistic medicine expert Dr Igor Roganin, and wellness expert Lenke Elle Fernandes, featuring treatments such as acupuncture, ocean water thermal therapy, hormone yoga therapy and more.
“The Waldorf Astoria Spa is a wonderful oasis of serenity where guests can luxuriate in the unrivalled natural beauty of our surroundings while indulging in world-class spa and wellbeing treatments,” Etienne Dalançon, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, said.
Spanning three interconnected islands in the South Male Atoll, and a short 30-minute yacht journey away from Velana International Airport, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an iconic resort paradise surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian landscape and the crystal-clear Indian Ocean.
Aside from the excellent restaurants and bars, the resort also boasts 122 spacious villas, the Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park and a world-class spa.
For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.waldorfastoriamaldives.com or call +960 4 000300.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
-
News1 week agoInnahura upgraded and relaunched as Nala Maldives by Jawakara
-
Awards1 week agoMarriott Maldives resorts secure top rankings in Condé Nast Traveller Middle East 2025
-
Featured1 week agoSweet traditions: Canareef Resort hosts festive cake mixing ceremony
-
Featured1 week agoLily Beach Maldives unveils ‘Black & White Vintage’ festive season
-
Featured1 week agoKuda Villingili Maldives crafts poetic Valentine’s escape ‘Through the Sands of Time’
-
Featured1 week agoFestive spirit arrives early at Ayada Maldives with cake mixing tradition
-
Featured1 week agoThe Nautilus Maldives unveils ‘An Easter Canvas’ of colour and creativity
-
Featured1 week agoLuxury that whispers: THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrates five years of refined hospitality


