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Dream with eyes open: why Four Seasons Maldives Voavah is the ultimate private island escape

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Disembark from a private seaplane and cross a cerulean lagoon in the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to the blindingly white sands of one’s own five-hectare (two-acre) wonderland where every moment of every experience is customised to one’s preferences.

At Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa atoll, limitless island living beckons. This exclusive-use private island accommodates a single group of up to 22 guests across two vast villas and a Beach House – seven bedrooms in total – plus a dive and water sports centre, Ocean of Consciousness Spa, and exclusive use of Voavah Summer, the island’s 19-metre (62-foot) luxury yacht.

Since opening in December 2016, Voavah has received many accolades: Best of the Best in the 2017 Robb Report USA – Five Exclusive-Use Resorts You Can Keep All to Yourself; Conde Nast Traveller Gold List 2018; Conde Nast Traveller World’s Most Incredible Private Islands; Conde Nast Traveller China Gold List 2018; Forbes Travel Guide 2019 — The World’s Most Spectacular Private Island Escapes and Robb Report Arabia 2019 — Best Private Island Getaways, and it’s not hard to see why.

Privacy

Voavah redefines the notion of getting away from it all. Only accessible by seaplane, in the middle of the Maldives’ most protected waters, there are no adjacent islands, other guests, prying eyes or paparazzi. Protected by endless ocean and a 24/7 security team, suddenly anything is possible – and the mesmerising beauty of the surrounding natural wilderness only heightens the pervading sense of freedom and possibility.

Bespoke experiences

Fancy flying in one of the world’s best DJs for an all-night pool party complete with ice luge, oyster and vodka bar? Or hosting a beach festival, with local bodu beru drummers and dancers? How about spending days aboard a private yacht, Voavah Summer, identifying turtles, dolphins and manta rays with expert marine biologist guides? Or learning the latest hydrofoil water sports before dining around the world with a different cuisine at every mealtime?

Voavah is the canvas: the itinerary is each guest’s to craft.

Breathtaking nature

Voavah places guests in the heart of the Baa atoll, the Maldives’ only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, home to whale sharks, the world’s largest known population of manta rays, and some of the most vibrant marine ecosystems in the world. Step from a pristine beach into an ocean of colourful corals, thrilling thilas, turtles, rays and schools of beautiful fish for a dawn dive with a difference.

One doesn’t even need to take a break from lounging in the Beach House to spot dancing dolphins, resident water hens and herons. With a private yacht and a team of the country’s most experienced boatmen, marine biologists and scientists at one’s disposal, sunset dolphin cruises, night snorkels, and seasonal manta and whale shark safaris can be arranged at a moment’s notice.

Service

At the core of every Voavah experience is truly heartfelt service. Warm, welcoming, dedicated and discreet, the team of 28 staff are there to customise every moment of every day. Work with the team prior to arrival to help develop menus, accommodations, beverages and entertainment options – from additional dive instructors, marine biologists and water sports experts for ocean lovers to Ayurvedic physicians, reiki practitioners and more for those on a healing break. Or let the team take care of all the planning and just arrive ready for the most extraordinary experience of one’s life.

Potential to expand consciousness

Perhaps deeper even than privacy and luxury is Voavah’s invitation to step into the truest version of oneself. Here, away from life’s demands and expectations, the sense of expansiveness is as unfettered as the blue horizon.

In a place where anything is possible, the potential for inner change and growth is endless. Honouring personal transformation, The Ocean of Consciousness Spa offers intuitive treatments based on the five pathways of Truth, Wise Action, Love, Peace and Compassion – each designed to elevate awareness, transform actions, and help guests awaken to their power to affect wide-reaching change. According to Condé Nast Traveller, the crystal-singing-bowl experience is “worth the 12-hour flight in itself.”

With beach yoga, meditation and pranayama classes also available, Voavah is the place to connect to the Infinite, within and without.

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‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.

The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.

The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.

During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.

“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.

“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”

The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.

The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards

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Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.

Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.

The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.

This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.

The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.

“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.

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Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme

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Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.

Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.

On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.

The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.

The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.

At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.

Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.

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