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Upgrade your video background to Conrad Maldives’ Muraka underwater suite, other Hilton destinations

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As video conference calls have become the new way we collaborate with colleagues and catch up with family and friends during the coronavirus pandemic, your background says a lot about you and your creativity.

While showing off your home office or living room might stress you out, showcasing wanderlust locations from around the world is a surefire way to display your inner travel bug and make folks on the other end a tad jealous.

To help liven up your next video chat, Hilton is here with five of their most popular and stunning views worldwide.

From sunrise in Switzerland to crystal clear waters in French Polynesia, from the famed underwater Muraka suite in the Maldives to poolside in Thailand and dusk in Athens, all of these images have been properly sized and edited to fit into video-conferencing apps that allow custom virtual backgrounds.

Download your favourites here!

And if you use one during a future meeting or meetup, snap a pic and tag it #DreamWithUs.

A triumph of modern design and technology, The Muraka is a two-level structure comprised of space above the sea level and an undersea suite designed for sleeping under the ocean’s surface.

The undersea suite features a king size bedroom, living area, bathroom and spiral staircase that leads to the upper level living room. The undersea bedroom floor level sits five metres (16.4 feet) below sea level, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine environment.

With the adoption of state-of-the-art technology, The Muraka’s distinct design is akin to that of Rangali Island’s Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, with the curved acrylic dome, which boasts 180-degree panoramic views of the wonders of the Indian Ocean’s intricate marine life.

The Muraka’s upper level features a twin-size bedroom, bathroom, powder room, gym, butler’s quarters, private security quarters, integrated living room, kitchen, bar and dining, which features a deck that purposely faces the direction of the sunset for optimal viewing pleasure. On the opposite side of the villa sits the relaxation deck that faces the direction of sunrise and is complete with an infinity swimming pool. The upper level also contains an additional king size bedroom and bathroom, which boasts a masterfully appointed ocean-facing bathtub, ideal for soaking in views of the endless horizon.

The Muraka costs USD 50,000 per night and can accommodate up to nine guests.

Guests who stay at The Muraka will have devoted butlers who are dedicated to hyper-personalisation and attention to detail for each expertly crafted stay in the residence. Available 24 hours a day – seven days a week, these butlers deliver exceptional service and stand out as ambassadors of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island as they guide guests through their own unique Maldivian journey.

Beyond that, they are equipped with the ability to educate guests about the options available in The Muraka and in the Maldives. The Muraka butlers are also able to accommodate any circumstances and requests for guests ranging from the need for privacy to exclusive culinary experiences and soul-enriching journey’s designed to add dimension to The Muraka experience. Amongst the most important qualities, these butlers share a passion for culture, environment and adventure.

Exclusive to guests of The Muraka, “The Wanderers” is a collection of culturally immersive experiences for those wishing to explore the tropical terrain and engage with the Maldivian way of life. Nature-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike will relish the opportunity to expand their horizons through authentic explorations offered by “The Wanderers” collection of experiences, which include: Your Maldivian Home, Film an Eco-Mentary, Sky Full of Stars, Moonlight Movies, and more.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is located in South Ari Atoll and is accessible by a 30-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives main airport.

As one of the Maldives’ leading resorts and one of Hilton Worldwide’s flagship properties, the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers 150 villas and suites, including all-new room categories, 12 restaurants and bars, and two spas — all stretched over two remote islands.

The resort features the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, world’s first undersea restaurant made from only glass, and The Muraka, world’s first undersea villa.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to two unique spa experiences; The Spa Retreat on Rangalifinolhu Island and the Over Water Spa on Rangali Island. Combining expertise from around the world with carefully selected products and therapies influenced by the environment, the two spas offer unique and effective experiences to suit the needs of every individual.

The luxury resort also offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it is pre-selecting bath amenities or checking in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.

Awards

Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026

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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.

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Cooking

Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day

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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.

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Awards

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition

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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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