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Private island adventure with Raffles Maldives’ exclusive privatisation offer

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From Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the Caribbean Sea, to Steven Spielberg’s islands in the Madeira Archipelago of Portugal, the allure of a private island is usually reserved for only the wealthiest of billionaires.

But ownership and maintenance of island properties requires endless work and expenses, so why buy when one could simply rent one of the world’s most prestigious and stunning island resorts – Raffles Maldives Meradhoo in Maldives.

For a limited time, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is offering an exceptional USD 1 million all-inclusive island buyout, providing a rare opportunity to experience this remarkable resort fully on one’s own terms.

In addition to unprecedented privacy and with all manner of special privileges, Raffles will even throw in the use of an additional ‘deserted island’ that can be transformed into an epic celebration or adventure space.

Just an 80-minute boat ride from the equator, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo lies in one of the most remote and unblemished corners of the Maldives — the Gaafu Alif Atoll — and its pristine beauty invariably awes all who visit.

Available for four-night, five-day stays, the You Run Raffles Maldives package provides a generous host with the opportunity to treat up to 70 very lucky loved ones, friends and close associates to the all-inclusive, legendary service of Raffles, complete with Raffles Butlers, set amidst the tropical oasis of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.

After enjoying a private charter flight from the Maldivian capital Male or landing a private jet at Kooddoo airport (located in the resort’s atoll of Gaafu Alifu) via Gan International Airport in the south, the group will have full access to the resort’s two islands. The first island is a white-sand idyll where 21 vast villas reside amongst palm trees; whilst the second island is an overwater retreat where residences stand over gently lapping waters.

As part of the You Run Raffles Maldives package, guests will also have access to a nearby deserted island to enact whatever castaway fantasy they may wish. Whether transformed into a tropical playground; a thrilling sunset concert with a celebrity DJ; or serving as a serene escape for a romantic night-time champagne-and-stargazing session guided by a personal astronomer, this bonus beach hideaway is a blank canvas that can be designed for the dream experience of a lifetime.

Adding another layer of indulgence, the culinary team at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo will create special menus and tailored dining experiences for guests visiting on this unprecedented package.

Guests are invited to wine and dine whenever and wherever they wish, on a complimentary basis. Exclusive dining experiences may involve a supper of beef tenderloin with chimichurri at The Firepit, an elemental, tiki torch-lit barbecue restaurant where diners sit at sunken tables that have been carved from the sand, or superlative sushi and potent pisco sours at elegant Nikkei restaurant, Yuzu.

For sundowners, parties can gather at the Long Bar for free-flowing Maldives Slings, an irresistible mix of gin, coconut, cinnamon and clove.

No island getaway would be complete without an incomparable spa experience. Raffles Spa will treat guests to Biologique Recherche facials, Aromatherapy Associates massages, and many more bespoke treatments.

Guests are also free to enjoy endless water sports and unlimited use of the resort’s yacht Azimut. Dolphin-watching cruises, fishing or diving expeditions may be arranged, with cocktails and canapés waiting on board.

Sea-life lovers can also enjoy this region’s remarkable beauty under the guidance of their own Raffles Marine Butler, a unique concept in the Maldives. They will happily lead snorkelling excursions to the resort’s two vibrant house reefs, home to scores of fish species, from fluorescent parrotfish to handsome blacktip sharks and 22 gentle hawksbill turtles.

The exclusive guests of You Run Raffles Maldives will be pleased to know their visit will help protect this precious ecosystem over the years to come. The rate includes a five per cent charitable donation, split between the Maldives’ Marine Centre and the Olive Ridley Project, an NGO that works to protect sea turtles.

As a personal memento, guests will receive a range of personalised souvenirs including a customised robe, complete with the embroidered event name You Run Raffles Maldives, and custom epicurean treats created by the chefs for guests to take home, with each gift intended to serve as a treasured reminder of a holiday like no other.

Already recognised as one of the Indian Ocean’s preeminent properties, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo effortlessly maintains Raffles’ reputation for superlative service, exceptional dining and phenomenal beauty.

The dedicated luxury travel connoisseurs of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo are on hand to tailor the trip of a lifetime for discerning guests. For more information on Raffles Maldives Meradhoo please visit www.rafflesmaldives.com. For reservations, please email reservations.maldives@raffles.com or call +960 6828800.

Excursions

Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

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At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.

Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.

Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.

The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.

For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.

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Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

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Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.

According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.

To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.

Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.

The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.

Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.

Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.

According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.

Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”

The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.

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October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

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As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.

Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.

The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.

Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.

For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.

October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.

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