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
OBLU SELECT Sangeli achieves Green Globe Gold Certification for fifth consecutive year

In 2025, traveling more sustainably continues to be a priority for most travellers, with 84% indicating its importance according to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel & Sustainability Report. Reflecting this growing eco-conscious mindset, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, an award-winning resort in the North Malé Atoll, has achieved the prestigious Green Globe Gold Certification. This marks five consecutive years of independently accredited sustainability excellence.
Green Globe, a globally recognised certification for sustainable tourism, evaluates environmental, social, and economic practices. To attain Gold status, a property must be certified for five consecutive years, demonstrating consistent improvement and responsible management across all operational areas.
The milestone was celebrated during a special island ceremony, where the Green Globe certificate was officially presented by Babli Jahau, General Manager at NSURE Private Limited. Jahau praised the team’s dedication and collaboration, noting, “Green Globe Gold is a true mark of excellence. OBLU SELECT Sangeli has demonstrated long-term commitment to protecting the Maldives’ fragile ecosystem while engaging both the island team and guests in meaningful sustainability initiatives.”
Jenni Hartatik, General Manager of OBLU SELECT Sangeli, emphasised the resort’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, sustainability is an integral part of operations. From coral plantations and marine life sessions to reusable glass water bottles and gentle reminders for towel and linen reuse, every aspect reflects a commitment to sustainable hospitality. These thoughtful details not only create memorable stays but also promote eco-friendly practices.”
Central to the resort’s success is a holistic sustainability strategy underpinned by comprehensive policies. These include a broad environmental policy, an eco-conscious purchasing framework, landscaping practices favoring native plants and water conservation, and a biodiversity policy dedicated to preserving Sangeli’s unique island ecosystem. From energy reduction and waste diversion to flora and fauna protection, environmental stewardship is integrated into the resort’s daily operations.
The resort’s coral restoration project has successfully transplanted over 10,000 coral fragments through coral nursery and frame techniques. Despite bleaching events impacting the Maldives, Sangeli’s reefs displayed notable resilience, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing restoration efforts and marine protection measures. Adding creativity to conservation, the resort’s ghost net upcycling initiative transforms discarded fishing nets into handmade bracelets, sold to guests, with proceeds supporting coral restoration efforts. This initiative combines environmental action with community-driven craftsmanship.
As part of the Sangeli Muraka Project, a state-of-the-art underwater camera now live-streams footage from a coral garden directly to guest villas. This immersive experience enables travellers to observe the dynamic reef ecosystem in real time, perfect for those who do not snorkel or dive. The footage is also featured during marine biology sessions and at the Muraka Marine Centre, fostering greater appreciation and engagement with ocean conservation.
The resort’s on-site biogas plant significantly contributes to sustainability by processing up to 1,000 kilograms of kitchen waste daily. This generates methane gas that supplies approximately 40% of the kitchen’s gas needs, while the compost byproduct is used to fertilise landscaped areas, creating a full-circle sustainability loop.
Located on the serene north-western tip of North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli offers a tropical retreat for couples and families alike. This five-star resort combines natural beauty, contemporary villa design, and world-class dining through the all-inclusive Serenity Plan™, while being in proximity to some of the Maldives’ most vibrant diving and snorkelling spots. The resort stands as a testament to how travel and environmental responsibility can coexist, delivering unforgettable experiences with a lighter ecological footprint.
Featured
Global Wellness Day 2025 at Milaidhoo: journey of transformation and reconnection

On Global Wellness Day, celebrated on 14th June 2025, Milaidhoo invites guests to embrace a deeper sense of presence and harmony through its unique wellbeing philosophy rooted in ‘slow living.’ Reflecting the global theme of #ReconnectMagenta, which emphasises the importance of meaningful connections, Milaidhoo’s curated programme encourages guests to reconnect with themselves, the community, and the natural world in one of the most serene settings on Earth.
Situated in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo is more than a boutique island retreat; it is a sanctuary for mindful rejuvenation. At Milaidhoo, wellness extends beyond the spa, permeating every detail of the guest experience — from barefoot living and soulful seclusion to fresh, nourishing cuisine and personalised wellness menus designed to support individual journeys of transformation.
Global Wellness Day 2025 at Milaidhoo will begin with a soul-awakening dynamic cleansing and yoga nidra session at 8:00 on an exclusive sandbank. This session offers guests a chance to silence external noise, realign with their inner rhythm, and reconnect with themselves amidst the Indian Ocean horizon.
At 11:00, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a coral plantation activity led by the resort’s marine biologist at the Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre. This interactive conservation initiative allows guests to give back to the local ecosystem and fosters an emotional connection to the broader community of life beneath the waves.
In the afternoon, from 16:00 to 17:00, guests can embark on a guided mindful walking experience around the island. This activity invites participants to reconnect with nature through observation and intention, with each barefoot step across soft sand and lush jungle paths revealing the healing power of nature.
At Milaidhoo, food is an integral part of wellness, with every dish curated with wellbeing in mind. Whether it is plant-based vitality bowls from the Chef’s Garden, fresh-caught seafood, or custom-designed menus tailored to individual health goals, guests are encouraged to nourish not only their bodies but also their senses.
Paul van Frank, Milaidhoo’s general manager, shared, “Our wellness ethos embraces the art of slowing down and living in the moment. Global Wellness Day is an opportunity to remind guests of the power of reconnecting with themselves, with each other, and with the beautiful world around them.”
Action
New era of luxury Wellness: Pilates Reformer arrives at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Setting a new standard in luxury wellness, the iconic St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is expanding its holistic offerings with the introduction of Pilates Reformer—a dynamic full-body workout renowned for its ability to lengthen, strengthen, and restore. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and lush island serenity, guests will soon be invited to experience this transformative practice as part of a thoughtfully curated wellness journey.
With a growing global demand for integrative fitness experiences, Pilates Reformer has become a favourite for those seeking mindful movement and functional strength. Utilising a specially designed apparatus, the method elevates traditional Pilates through resistance-based training that enhances flexibility, balance, and core stability, while remaining gentle on the joints. At St. Regis Maldives, certified instructors will guide guests through personalised sessions tailored to a variety of goals, from rehabilitation and toning to posture improvement and stress relief.
The addition of Pilates Reformer complements the resort’s deep-rooted commitment to wellness, extending far beyond conventional spa treatments. Central to this philosophy is the overwater Iridium Spa—a serene sanctuary that offers more than indulgence. Guests can engage in Ayurvedic consultations, guided meditation, and holistic health screenings conducted by in-house wellness doctors. These screenings integrate Heart Rate Variability (HRV) technology with the ancient Ayurvedic technique of Nadi Pareeksha, a traditional pulse diagnosis, to identify imbalances and customise each guest’s path to optimal well-being.
Whether seeking deep relaxation, detoxification, or enhanced physical performance, the resort’s integrative approach ensures that every element of a guest’s stay contributes to overall wellness. Daily yoga, breathwork sessions, oceanfront meditation, and nutrition guidance are seamlessly woven into the island’s natural rhythm to create a truly transformative retreat.
Private Pilates Reformer classes will be offered to suit all experience levels, providing an inspiring way for guests to reconnect with both body and mind. With its iconic overwater villas, pristine beaches, and impeccable service, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine luxury through the lens of well-being.
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