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.
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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