Featured
World in waiting: Paradise Island Resort Maldives amongst top dream hotels

Travel might be on pause in these unprecedented times, but data from Booking.com reveals that this hasn’t stopped people across the world from dreaming about its possibilities.
Delving into the millions of wish lists created by would-be travellers on its platform over the last two months, with properties wish listed across over 100,000 different destinations since the start of March, Booking.com shares the top destinations and places to stay on peoples’ minds as they plan for when the time is right to travel again.
“These are unprecedented and challenging times in which safety remains the top priority. We also know that in such times, dreaming about experiencing the world again has immense power to fire our imaginations and keep spirits high. It’s amazing to see the array of different travel experiences our customers have been busy dreaming about while they wait for the opportunity to travel again,” Arjan Dijk, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Booking.com, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“Building a wish list on Booking.com is an inspirational way for everyone to start dreaming about travel again, and we are committed to making it easy for them to turn those dreams into reality when the time is right.”
Since the beginning of March, destinations inspiring travel dreams for people across the world include Bali, Andalusia, London, Florida and Paris, suggesting that cultural hotspots and beach escapism are at the forefront of travel imaginations, alongside the stimulation of the big city after weeks of confinement.
Endorsements left for these destinations by past travellers on Booking.com suggests that their shared appeal lies in city walks, nature and culture, indicating perhaps the experiences that travellers are most excited to embrace again.
Dreaming about a change in scenery and the opportunity to enjoy a stay experience outside of their own home, the most wish-listed types of places to stay for global travellers are hotels and apartments.
Hotels account for 40 per cent of all properties wish listed by travellers globally over the last two months, and apartments account for 20 per cent of all properties wish listed globally.
Three of the top wish-listed places to stay include the stunning Five Jumeirah Village, a world class resort located in the heart of luxurious Dubai; the beautiful Paradise Island Resort & Spa, which is located at the exclusive white sand beaches of the Maldives; and Amora Ubud Boutique Villas, where you can wake up on the edge of a hilltop overlooking the breathtaking Balinese jungle.
Set on the island of Lankanfinolhu in the North Male Atoll floats a little piece of paradise, which is accessible by just a 15-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.
Luxury villas and suites overlooking the Indian Ocean are linked to five fabulous dining choices and the nightlife, offering a true Maldivian experience. Paved pathways wind through lush grounds, inter-linking Beach Bungalows, Haven Villas, Haven Suites and Ocean Suites as well the Araamu Spa, all contributing to the natural awe-inspiring beauty of the Maldives.
Perched at the edge of the reef, the two-bedroom Ocean Suites at Paradise Island Resort offer a truly incomparable experience. Guests can bask in magnificent views of the breath-taking, crystal clear lagoon and the ocean beyond from the window of their exclusive Maldives suite. They can also enjoy exclusive use of a private pool.
The Villa Water Sports Centre, located at the northern end of the island, offers courses in windsurfing and catamaran sailing in addition to excellent facilities for a variety of water sports, including fun tubing, canoeing, catamaran sailing, water bike, wake boarding, knee boarding, glass bottom boat tours, etc. The centre, is equipped with the best equipment and facilities.
Paradise Island Resort is also home to a Diveoceanus dive centre. The PAD-certified centre offer the full range of diving adventures, including beginner classes.
The brand new Dhinasha convention centre at Paradise boasts a main conference hall, a banquet hall, a VIP room and six break-away rooms for private meetings. The conference hall has a capacity of 500 people, and has been equipped with the latest multimedia technologies.
The Maldives’ borders remain closed to foreign travellers due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the country is preparing to open up in July. For more information, please follow our coverage here.
Awards
Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.
Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.
Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:
- Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
- Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
- AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
- Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
- Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
- The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
- Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.
The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.
General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”
The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.
Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.
With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.
Featured
Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.
Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.
Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.
South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.
Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.
Entertainment
Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.
The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.
Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.
Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.
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