Featured
Reopening in March 2020, Maafushivaru Maldives becomes first long-haul lti hotel launch in 16 years
Reopening in late March after an extensive luxury refurbishment, Maafushivaru Maldives is a five-star Indian Ocean gem offering small island charm perfectly matched with contemporary architecture and bespoke finishing touches.
Having joined Europe’s DER Touristik Hotels & Resorts’ “lti” brand, Maafushivaru is the first long-haul lti hotel to launch in 16 years and will do so across Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the UK, Maafushivaru will be exclusive to DER Touristik’s tour operator brands (DERTOUR, Meiers Weltreisen, ITS Reisen, JAHN Reisen, Kuoni UK and Switzerland as well as Manta Reisen in Switzerland).
Located in the pristine South Ari Atoll, Maafushivaru is just a 25-minute seaplane journey from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport and offers guests the idyllic island experience epitomising all that one dreams of when thinking of the Maldives.
At just over 350 metres in length, Maafushivaru cocoons guests in lush vegetation, encircled by powder white-beaches, and a fringed by a house reef that a myriad of fish call home. On arrival, couples are greeted with azure, sparkling crystal-clear waters that look across the lagoon to the resort’s exclusive private island, Lonubo.
lti Maafushivaru Maldives features 81 brand-new villas spread across five room categories.
The island itself is corralled by three categories of land rooms; Beach Villa, Beach Pool Villa and Duplex Pool Villa. Each nestled under a canopy of palms, these beach front sanctuaries provide luxurious intimacy, finished with chic touches and must-have mod-cons.
The entry-level Beach Villas feature private sea facing sun decks and semi-open garden bathrooms with rainfall showers; whilst those wanting their very own hideaway can opt for the Beach Villa with Pool which includes a private plunge pool overlooking the cerulean Indian Ocean.
For guests looking for the ultimate beach escapes, the resort offers the 184sqm Duplex Pool Villa, a two-story villa with an upstairs bedroom and balcony. Downstairs, unwind in your own private living room that can be converted in to a second bedroom if required, making this room category a perfect option for families.
The overwater villa categories of lti Maafushivaru are spread over two jetties on the north-western side of the island. The Water Villa and Water Pool Villas offer the best of the lti Maafushivaru Maldives overwater experience, with private decks, spacious bedrooms and stunning views of the lagoon. All rooms are fully furnished with amenities at hand, enabling guests to enjoy a relaxing break right next to nature.
Dining is a definite focus of the resort, with seven bars and restaurants.
Highlights include Moodhu Grill, lti Maafushivaru’s signature restaurant offering fresh meat and seafood with a range of dishes from its tandoor oven, Umi provides an over water teppanyaki experience, Cielo an all-day dining restaurant with a Mediterranean-feel menu, whilst Water Bar’s poolside Tapas menu will present lighter lunchtime bites and Cuisine Gallery offers Mediterranean cuisine infused with local and regional flavours.
The island offers Half Board, Half Board Plus and Dine Around All Inclusive. Half Board Plus includes breakfast and dinner at the Cuisine Gallery, and daily High Tea at the Library Lounge from 3-5pm. Guests wishing to have the best Maafushivaru experience can book the Dine Around All Inclusive plan, which also includes breakfast at the Cuisine Gallery, with lunch and dinner at any of the operational à la carte restaurants on the island.
By day, guests can relax by the island’s perfectly placed beachfront infinity pool, next to the bar with comfy chic sofas for lounging.
Those looking for adventure can explore life below the waves. The marine world that surrounds the lti hotel can be best described as utterly sublime, with an array of flourishing and vibrant marine life. It’s easy to spot a shark or two, and you might just bump into a gentle giant whale shark during one of the snorkelling expeditions organised by the island.
Diving is spectacular around lti Maafushivaru Maldives, with several dive sites promising big fish encounters, colourfully complete with coral gardens, in warm temperate waters that provide excellent visibility.
Private trips can be arranged, as well as activities on the water including windsurfing and kayaking. Other excursion options include visiting local island Dhangethi, taking a sunset cruise or island hopping for the day.
At lti Maafushivaru Maldives, the spa blends architectural magnificence with the natural beauty of the land and seascape, peacefully situated on a quiet corner of the island on its own jetty, over the Indian Ocean. Each treatment is bespoke and unique with facilities including five treatment rooms, consisting of a couple’s room, a couple’s suite, an aesthetic beauty care room and two massage rooms.
Guests can also make use of a fully equipped gymnasium, with panoramic sea views, to ensure individuals feel their best on both the inside and out.
A truly unique jewel in this Maldivian treasure is Lonubo, the resort’s private castaway island. Found just 500 metres from the shores of the hotel, Lonubo encourages guests to escape reality in an authentic Maldivian island experience. This miniature white sand isle is ringed by a vibrant coral reef with towering palm trees concealing a private beach villa for two.
Experience the true romance of the Maldives with lti Maafushivaru Maldives’ idyllic island adventure.
Action
Family fun meets Premier League coaching: Kuramathi and Campioni experience
Families seeking the ultimate summer escape in 2025 will find the perfect destination with Kuramathi and Campioni. These two exceptional partners offer a holiday experience where children can combine their love for football with the thrill of training alongside former Premier League players and UEFA coaches at breathtaking resorts. The exclusive Campioni football training camps cater to children aged 4-15 years, running across two weeks with three football legends. Liverpool and England star John Barnes MBE, accompanied by a UEFA coach, will lead sessions from July 28th to August 1st. Meanwhile, England icons Harry Redknapp and Stuart Pearce MBE will join from August 4th to August 8th, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for budding young footballers.
Campioni’s ethos, “Train Like A Pro,” offers a unique chance for children to be coached for two hours daily by some of English football’s most celebrated figures. These interactive and engaging sessions focus on fundamental skills while emphasising teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. With personalised guidance provided throughout, participants gain invaluable insights from the experts and create unforgettable memories.
While children hone their skills on the pitch, parents are free to unwind in a variety of ways. They can relax on the beach, explore the island, work out in the gym, visit the spa, or simply enjoy the vibrant energy of the training sessions from the sidelines.
The Campioni experience extends beyond football. Families are invited to participate in additional activities, such as welcome drinks at the start of the week, a mid-week parents’ game featuring the football legends, and an end-of-week medal and certificate presentation. These events ensure everyone in the family enjoys a dynamic and engaging holiday.
Kuramathi, a renowned Maldivian resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for this unique experience. Famous for its winding white sandbank and tropical jungle spanning the 1.8km island, the resort features 12 room categories, 12 restaurants, 6 bars, evening entertainment, and an array of facilities. Options range from one-bedroom Beach Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Houses to overwater villas perched above the island’s turquoise lagoon, making it a perfect choice for families.
Off the field, Kuramathi’s complimentary Bageecha Kids’ Club caters to children aged 3-12 years with indoor and outdoor play areas, arts and crafts, splash pads, and a large swimming pool. Activities for older children include badminton, football, ping pong, baseball, and basketball. For couples seeking a romantic evening, extended kids’ club hours are available at an additional charge, alongside 24-hour babysitting for younger children.
The resort also offers unique environmental activities, such as eco-centre presentations, hermit crab trails, tree planting, and visits to hydroponics gardens, encouraging younger guests to learn about sustainable practices.
For adventurous families, Kuramathi provides a fully equipped dive school with multilingual instructors who guide participants through PADI and SSI courses, including options for children as young as eight. Guests can also explore the ocean through snorkelling safaris, turtle discovery trips, dolphin excursions, and semi-submarine tours. Water sports such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and catamaran lessons are available for children aged 12 and above.
While children are occupied, parents can relax at the spa or enjoy evening cocktails at the Champagne Loft or pool bars. Dining options include international cuisine at the buffet restaurant and specialty venues like The Reef, La Belle Vie, and Siam Garden. Nightlife on the island is vibrant, with live music, beachside movie nights, DJ performances, and more.
Kuramathi and Campioni promise a summer holiday filled with excitement, learning, and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Awards
Sun Siyam Resorts honoured at Target Taste Awards 2024
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced its receipt of the prestigious 2024 Target Taste Award for ‘Overseas Island Hotel Group.’ The accolade was presented during the ‘Target Taste’ awards ceremony in December 2024, held in Beijing. This event celebrated innovation and excellence within the luxury lifestyle industry.
The 2024 awards, themed ‘Revolutionise and Innovate,’ gathered leading brands and visionaries to highlight advancements in high-end hospitality, design, travel, and culinary arts. Sun Siyam Resorts was honoured for its commitment to redefining island luxury through exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and innovative offerings.
Ashley Zhang, Regional Marketing & Communications Manager for China, accepted the award on behalf of the company, marking a significant milestone for the group.
Target Taste, a prominent Chinese luxury lifestyle magazine established in 2013, has consistently recognised industry pioneers. Its awards serve as a hallmark of innovation, elegance, and excellence in the luxury sector.
Claudia Klingbeil, Group Director of PR & Communications at Sun Siyam Resorts, stated: “This recognition is deeply meaningful to all of us at Sun Siyam Resorts. It reflects the passion, dedication, and heart that our team pours into creating memorable experiences for our guests, and this recognition fuels our commitment to constantly evolve and innovate.”
Celebration
Tropical elegance meets cultural heritage: SO/ Maldives’ festive celebration
Step into a realm of unparalleled luxury and avant-garde elegance as SO/ Maldives prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year in high style from 28 January to 31 January 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives, this iconic celebration promises a curated experience of haute cuisine, holistic indulgence, and captivating festivities, transforming the holiday into a statement of sophistication.
Renowned for vibrant celebrations and rich heritage, this year’s Chinese New Year program offers an unforgettable lineup. Highlights include a spectacular light-up ceremony, spellbinding cultural performances, a chic DJ party, and elegant festive fairs, all steeped in glamour and refinement.
The theme for 2025, “Ushering Fortune and Unity for a Prosperous New Year,” emphasises joy, harmony, and good fortune. Anchored in multiculturalism and diversity, the festivities aim to bring families and couples together for a stylish celebration of new beginnings. Through vibrant events and a glamorous ambiance, SO/ Maldives sets the stage for a bright and prosperous year.
Guests can immerse themselves in a fusion of cultural traditions and tropical luxury. Highlights include the energetic Lion Dance, which winds through the resort, and thrilling adventures such as snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Culinary experiences like the Asian Street Market and Beach BBQ showcase Chinese-inspired gourmet delights, while creative workshops such as Handmade Pottery and Canvas Bag Painting ensure magical moments for younger guests.
SO/ Maldives elevates the festive allure with dazzling red lantern installations and breathtaking dragon dance performances on pristine beaches. Villas adorned with bespoke Chinese New Year decor blend cultural heritage with contemporary chic, creating an atmosphere of bold sophistication.
“At SO/ Maldives, we reinvent luxury celebrations, merging vibrant traditions with a cutting-edge, fashion-forward perspective. This Chinese New Year, the experience will be as bold and dazzling as the Year of the Wood Snake itself,” says Olivier MOIESDELVAL, General Manager of SO/ Maldives.
SO/ Maldives invites guests to embrace the finer things in life, where every taste, touch, and moment sparkles with creativity and glamour.
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