Featured
Maldives’ first overwater villa gets new life as Adaaran Prestige Vadoo’s new spa
Maldives’ very first overwater villa was built at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo (then called Vadoo Diving Paradise) in 1986. It was conceived by the resort’s then Japanese owner Tokohiko Sakamoto, who sold the resort to Sri Lankan hotel group Aitken Spence in 2006.
Now, Adaaran Resorts Maldives is paying homage to this milestone, which set in motion a wave of construction projects in Maldives that involved overwater villas.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo has converted the very first overwater built at the island — and in Maldives — to an overwater spa, which was opened on Saturday.
The overwater spa, managed by Mandara Spa, takes advantage of Vadoo island’s peaceful, soothing surroundings. It features a dedicated reception and retail area, three double treatment rooms and a relaxation area.
The spa menu includes signature body and face treatments, as well as spa packages offering a combination of massages, botanical body polish and facial using fresh ingredients prepared daily. All treatments and products are inspired from the beautiful freshness and energy of Balinese spa spirit.
The Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo also features ELEMIS spa therapies from the luxury British spa and skincare brand, bringing together the power of nature, science and aromatics. The award-winning ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Age Defy Facial is available, an anti-wrinkle treatment to improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is a scenic Maldives island resort, which has 50 independent villas built on columns over a crystal-clear lagoon, linked to the island by winding wooden walkways.
A spur leading off the wooden jetty accesses each pair of villas and these are laid out in crescents, softening the impact of so many thatched villas perched a few feet above the water. Entrance to each villa is through a gate in a bamboo fence onto a huge wooden deck which has enough space for a dining area (many guests like to eat in the privacy of their villa), a small plunge pool set over the lagoon, and a day bed for two. A wall of French windows gives entrance to a timber-floored bedroom more than 40 square metres in area.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is the only Adaaran resort that has no accommodation on land, as the three-acre island is reserved for reception, a fine dining and a Japanese restaurant, a pavilion lounge and sunset upper deck bar, a fitness centre, a cool blue infinity swimming pool, and a fully-equipped diving station, all set in lovingly manicured gardens.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is part of Adaaran Resorts Maldives, a subsidiary of Sri Lankan conglomerate Aitken Spence. The brand’s five resorts include Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi and Adaaran Prestige Vadoo.
Aitken Spence has also recently opened a new property in the Maldives under its Heritance brand, Heritance Aarah.
Celebration
Dhigali Maldives lights up the holidays with festive cheer and tropical magic
Dhigali Maldives has officially commenced its festive season in grand style, highlighted by the lighting of its sustainable driftwood Christmas trees—a cherished tradition that combines creativity with environmental awareness. Enhancing the evening’s charm, the resort’s Christmas carollers surprised guests with a lively dance performance, spreading festive cheer and excitement.
This year, the resort unveiled a captivating Christmas train, designed to transport guests around the island with a delightful touch of holiday magic. To celebrate the season’s arrival, a vibrant street market was organised, offering an array of cuisines prepared by the resort’s skilled chefs. The market created an authentic and lively atmosphere, bringing guests together in celebration.
The festivities continue with a dynamic lineup of events, including a Classic Christmas celebration and a Tropical Carnival-themed New Year’s party. Guests can anticipate live entertainment, mesmerising fire and samba dancers, and a cultural highlight with the Dhigali Island Fire Ritual, which blends tradition with dazzling performances to create unforgettable experiences.
This holiday season at Dhigali Maldives promises to deliver a truly magical experience, where the tropical allure of the island meets the joy of the holidays.
Featured
Condé Nast Traveller applauds Maldives as a lovers’ paradise
The Maldives has long been synonymous with romance, and now it takes centre stage in Condé Nast Traveller’s curated list of the ‘Most Romantic Places in the World’. The magazine highlights the archipelago’s unparalleled ability to create dreamlike escapes for couples, setting a gold standard for intimate getaways.
From the moment you set foot in the Maldives, the enchantment begins. Confetti-like tropical fish flit through crystal-clear lagoons, while overwater villas offer vistas of mantas gliding gracefully beneath. Add in the luxury of floating breakfasts served in your private pool and intimate dinners on pristine beaches, and you have the perfect recipe for romance.
Condé Nast Traveller notes that while the Maldives caters to families too, its essence of romance is unrivalled. The country’s private island resorts, nestled amid lush jungles and encircled by house reefs, redefine luxury. With world-class spas, fine dining, and starlit experiences, the Maldives effortlessly marries natural beauty with bespoke hospitality.
The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most celebrated resorts, and Condé Nast highlights a few that stand out:
- Vakkaru Maldives: A lush retreat where couples can enjoy a private dinner and movie at the island’s jungle cinema under the stars.
- Six Senses Laamu: The brand’s latest addition to the Maldives offers an exceptional spa experience, complete with a couples’ suite for ultimate relaxation.
- Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: This eco-luxury resort epitomises romantic aesthetics with its overwater villas set against one of the country’s most mesmerszing lagoons.
For hoteliers and hospitality professionals in the Maldives, this recognition underscores the archipelago’s enduring allure as a romantic haven. It’s a reminder of the importance of maintaining world-class service, crafting unique guest experiences, and preserving the pristine beauty that defines the Maldives.
The Condé Nast Traveller mention is more than just an accolade; it’s an opportunity for local hoteliers to further cement the Maldives’ position as the ultimate destination for couples seeking an off-grid escape steeped in romance.
As the Maldives continues to set benchmarks in hospitality, there’s no doubt that its reputation as a lovers’ paradise will only grow stronger. For the industry, this is a call to celebrate the archipelago’s unique offerings and ensure that each guest leaves with memories as enduring as the turquoise waters that surround them.
Celebration
Ring in 2025 with spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
As the countdown to 2025 approaches, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to celebrate the New Year with a festive feast and a toast to new beginnings. This unforgettable evening promises an array of culinary delights, live music, and exciting giveaways.
On 31st December 2024, guests can indulge in an exquisite buffet at Azur Restaurant, featuring a wide variety of flavours, including a selection of tapas, live grills, and decadent desserts. The festive ambiance will be enhanced by live music, setting the perfect tone to welcome the New Year. In addition to the celebration, JEN Maldives will offer exclusive giveaways, providing guests with the opportunity to win amazing prizes.
“We are delighted to end the year on a high note by expressing our gratitude to our valued guests,” said Manisha Chhetri, F&B Manager at JEN Maldives Malé. “This New Year’s Eve, we aim to create an evening filled with joy, delicious food, and exciting surprises as we welcome 2025 together.”
Guests attending the New Year’s Eve gala dinner will have the chance to win one of the following prizes:
- A 3-day, 2-night stay in a deluxe room at Shangri-La Singapore, including daily breakfast for 2 adults
- An exclusive Pool Brunch experience for 2 people at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
- A 1-hour Balinese massage for 1 person at Aristo Spa
The winners will be selected and announced on the same night, following the countdown celebration at Azur Restaurant. JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to join this unforgettable evening, with gala dinner tickets available for purchase directly at the hotel.
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