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
RAAYA by Atmosphere wins Best Family Resort in Maldives at Travel Time Awards 2025
RAAYA by Atmosphere has received its latest recognition at the Travel Time Awards, held in Moscow in August 2026, where the island resort was named “The Best Family Resort in the Maldives 2025”.
The award marks RAAYA’s second consecutive recognition from Travel Time, following its win as “Opening of the Year 2024”.
The recognition reflects the resort’s growing presence in the Russian travel market and its approach to family holidays in the Maldives, with a focus on shared experiences, exploration and activities designed for guests across generations.
Located on a private island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA is centred around the fictional story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist and adventurer whose narrative is incorporated throughout the resort experience. Guests can take part in island exploration, creative activities and ocean-based experiences, alongside family-oriented facilities and a range of dining options under The RAAYA Plan™.
The award was also presented during a visit to the resort by Russian film actress Katerina Shpitsa, known for productions including “Metro”, “The Crew” and “Poddubny”. During her stay, Shpitsa presented the Travel Time Awards 2025 accolade to RAAYA by Atmosphere General Manager Mario Stanic.
“Receiving this recognition for a second consecutive year is a proud moment for everyone at RAAYA,” Stanic said. “Winning the Travel Time Award 2025 for Best Family Resort is a wonderful recognition of what we stand for — bringing families together through shared experiences and lasting memories within a backdrop of a tropical island paradise.
“We are proud to create experiences that resonate with Russian families and families from around the world, offering a place to connect, discover and create memories together. We thank the awards team, our partners and our guests for their continued trust and support.”
The award adds to the international recognition received by RAAYA by Atmosphere since the resort opened in July 2024. The property has positioned its offering around experiential hospitality, design, family-focused programming and its castaway-inspired narrative.
RAAYA features 167 beach and overwater villas, a collection of dining venues and a range of land and ocean activities within its Raa Atoll setting.
With two Travel Time Awards in consecutive years, the resort continues to develop its position within the family travel segment in the Maldives.
Cooking
International Chefs’ Day: Kabita Singh to cook live at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.
Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.
The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.
As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.
Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.
Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.
Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”
Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.
Awards
TTM Awards 2026 names You & Me Maldives Best Adults-Only Resort
You & Me Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s positioning, guest experiences and continued focus on adults-only hospitality in the Maldives.
The award was presented during the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards recognise achievements, innovation and contributions across the Maldivian tourism industry.
Located in Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives has established itself as an adults-only retreat catering to couples, honeymooners, friends and solo travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity.
The resort combines its island setting with accommodation, personalised service and experiences centred on romance, wellness, gastronomy and exploration, creating an intimate environment designed specifically for adult travellers.
The recognition comes as You & Me Maldives marks seven years of operations and welcoming guests from around the world.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, partners, and dedicated team members who have been part of this journey,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
“These seven years represent not only growth and success, but countless love stories, memories, and unforgettable experiences created on our island. Receiving the ‘Best Adults-Only Resort’ award at the TTM Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.”
The Best Adults-Only Resort award further strengthens You & Me Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, recognising its focus on combining an adults-only concept with personalised service and island experiences.
Looking ahead, You & Me Maldives plans to continue developing its concept and guest experience through new activities, offerings and services, while maintaining its focus on the adults-only luxury segment in the Maldives.
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