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Amilla Maldives to begin phased reopening in July

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Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is gearing up to welcome back guests to their ‘Island Home’ — private groups from July onwards and regular arrivals from October 1.

The move comes as the Maldives prepares to reopen its borders on July 15 and the easing of global travel restrictions enforced in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Amilla Maldives, a stunning private island set in Baa atoll, will reopen in three carefully-planned phases. These phases align with directions from the Maldivian government and guidelines set by the tourism ministry.

The first phase, launching next month, is just perfect for guests seeking a private and highly-personalised holiday for seven nights or more.

A selection of Amilla’s beachfront Residences (which range from one-bedroom Residences to eight-bedroom Residences) as well as the resort’s one-bedroom and two-bedroom Beach Villas have been specially prepared to welcome them.

Since the Maldives pioneered the ‘one island, one resort’ concept, the geographical isolation of each island limits opportunities to cross paths with others and Amilla is carefully monitoring the temperatures of all arrivals and departures to the private island.

In addition, the Maldives is an equatorial country with very high humidity and lots of sunshine, while Amilla itself is a spacious private island with very few Villas and Residences — many of these open areas are exposed to direct sunlight. A recent US government study reports that the coronavirus dies quickly on surfaces and air exposed to direct sunlight.

All of these factors combined help to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission and make Amilla a safer choice for your 2020 holiday.

Phase one guests will be able to enjoy a more self-contained experience for a minimum of seven nights whereby many services can be delivered directly to them in the comfort of their villas, with the addition of heightened hygiene protocols and reduced contact service such as no hand-shaking (to maintain Amilla’s physical distancing practices).

Private seaplane or domestic charter will be booked as there will be no shared options.

Food and beverage services will be scaled down during this period and customised according to guests’ requirements. Restaurants and bars can be opened as required. In addition, Home Delivery charges have been completely waived so guests can enjoy world-class dishes 18 hours per day inside their villa or on their private terrace.

Amilla’s largest properties – the stunning Residences – (which guests now have an opportunity to purchase) feature fully equipped kitchens, outdoor barbecues, and al fresco dining areas. This means there are plenty of different private locations for dining without even having to leave the Residence.

Residence guests will have access to a ‘providore list’ of groceries and have the choice to self-cater, order in or enjoy the main restaurant on request. The self-catering option is a rare advantage as very few Maldives villas have kitchens.

Amilla’s organic garden is also producing some fresh vegetables and herbs to complement its Homemade@Amilla and Homegrown@Amilla programmes. There will be a new focus on healthy probiotics and other types of wellness cuisine and drinks for any guests wanting to boost their immunity naturally.

Since the bars will be temporarily unavailable during phase one, families or groups can request private areas where they can enjoy drinks or they can linger on the beach as they watch the sunset. The resort will even send a Happy Hour beverage tray to the Villas and Residences twice a week so guests can make their own cocktails to enjoy in the privacy of their own beach area.

The activities and entertainment programmes will initially be a little leaner than usual; however non-motorised watersports and private excursions will be available. The summer is the perfect time for the manta ray season and trips to the Hanifaru Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve where guests might even see a whale shark.

In addition, the Amilla Islanders have designed special coronavirus protocols to make the island even safer for guests. They include:

  • A period of 24 hours between check-outs and new check-ins for Villas and Residences so they can be thoroughly cleaned in accordance with new hygiene protocols
  • Villa Mini Bars can be stocked with the guests’ favourite items on request
  • Natural-based antiseptic soaps and amenities are in all properties
  • Fewer common touchpoints in F&B service procedures to minimise contact points
  • F&B outlets have been internally connected and there’s more space between tables to allow for greater distancing in all weather conditions
  • Spa treatments will start with low touch treatments such as reflexology and Thai massage – spa therapists and guests will have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In phase two, the resort will open up to more normalised operations from October 1, with open restaurants, bars and a weekly Baa-letin recreation programme.

For phase two, Amilla will be rolling out even more amenities and services but will continue with adaptations to operations that allow for more physical distancing and enhanced hygiene procedures such as paper-free menus and bills.

The Islanders have been working hard during this temporary hiatus on planning for the return of guests and making the island look even more beautiful than ever. The new protocols have been lovingly-crafted with the wellbeing and peace of mind of guests as a priority.

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestle among lush tree tops or hug the shores of pristine white sand; plus eight spectacular four- to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy.

Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop & Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses.

With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club The Sultan’s Village, Amilla has put the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.

For more information, please email stay@amilla.mv.

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Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours

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Angsana Velavaru, part of the esteemed Banyan Group, has secured prestigious placements in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, ranking #8 for Best Resort Pool and #3 for Best General Manager in the Maldives. These accolades underscore the resort’s dedication to outstanding service, thoughtfully crafted accommodations, and guest-centric innovation.

Located in the unspoiled South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru features 113 villas—79 of which are equipped with private infinity pools. Among them are the celebrated Beach Villas and the signature InOcean Pool Villas, which extend elegantly over the lagoon’s turquoise expanse. Each villa is designed to offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature with both privacy and style.

Central to the resort’s social ambiance is the Kuredhi Pool Bar, a lively and inviting venue that offers more than just refreshments. It serves as a communal hub where guests can enjoy curated experiences such as DJ nights, aqua aerobics, and wellness sessions. This programming reflects the resort’s vision of merging serenity with social vibrancy.

Spearheading this success is General Manager Ahmed Zahir, who was recognised as the #3 Best General Manager in the Maldives. Zahir’s inspiring career began three decades ago as a Laundry Supervisor and has since evolved into a historic milestone—becoming the first Maldivian General Manager within the Banyan Group. His leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of local culture, empathy, and hands-on experience across resort operations.

“This recognition is not only an honour—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a team and as an industry,” Zahir shared. “I’m proud to lead with values shaped by the Maldives itself: resilience, hospitality, and heart. At Angsana Velavaru, we aim to deliver something genuine and lasting—for our guests, our people, and our community.”

Under Zahir’s stewardship, Angsana Velavaru has fostered a culture rooted in authenticity, local empowerment, and purposeful guest engagement. The resort remains committed to evolving as a destination that honours tradition while embracing forward-thinking experiences.

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Oaga Art Resort’s Samaasaa takes centre stage in Dubai’s art scene

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Under the desert sky of Dubai, Oaga Art Resort made its international debut with a striking performance by Raai Badeeu at the closing night of renowned light calligrapher Karim Jabbari’s exhibition, Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees, held at Inloco Gallery. The performance introduced audiences to Samaasaa, the resort’s original theatrical dining concept where storytelling intertwines with seasonal cuisine, and folklore comes alive through immersive performance.

Samaasaa represents a distinctive fusion of art and gastronomy, with each course unfolding as an edible chapter of a story. The concept invites guests into a world where tradition meets innovation, rooted deeply in Maldivian heritage.

The venue for the performance, Inloco Gallery, is an emerging boutique art space in Dubai known for pushing creative boundaries. Its third season was dedicated to ‘vanishing urban landscapes’—a reflection on the echoes of fading cityscapes. Central to this season was the work of Karim Jabbari, whose intricate light calligraphy transforms traditional Arabic script into contemporary expressions of cultural memory. His Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees exhibition explored the theme of ‘Lost Tradition,’ featuring a collaborative project with artist Khalil Abdulwahid that documented Al Satwa’s disappearing historic fabric and reclaimed calligraphy’s original role as a vehicle for communication and preservation.

In collaboration with Inloco Gallery and Karim Jabbari, Oaga Art Resort presented Raai Badeeu as part of the finissage—a moving farewell performance that seamlessly blended calligraphy, choreography, and storytelling. The immersive show transformed the gallery into a space of ancestral memory, myth, and poetic expression, embodying the artistic ethos of Oaga.

The performance also offered audiences an exclusive preview of Samaasaa Presents: The First Coconuts, Oaga’s upcoming theatrical dining experience. A specially curated segment from the show was performed, offering a glimpse into the mythical origins of island life through expressive movement and narrative.

As Oaga Art Resort expands its creative reach beyond the Maldives, this performance in Dubai marks the beginning of a broader journey. Guided by a spirit that is playful, poetic, and deeply rooted in island culture, Oaga is poised to share its unique stories with the world.

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JOALI Maldives welcomes FIX’s iconic chocolate in first-ever global expansion

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Dubai-based artisanal brand FIX Dessert Chocolatier, renowned for its viral chocolate creations, has partnered with JOALI Maldives – the Indian Ocean’s first art-immersive luxury island resort. Starting 2 July 2025, guests at JOALI Maldives will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in FIX’s signature creation, The Original Dubai Chocolate, marking the first time the coveted dessert will be available outside the UAE.

Famed for its bold creativity, intricate layering, and unforgettable textures, FIX has redefined the modern dessert experience. This collaboration brings together two worlds of sensory delight – the imaginative world of FIX and the refined, story-driven luxury of JOALI Maldives.

As part of this partnership, FIX introduces Time To Mango, a brand-new chocolate bar inspired by tropical fruits, warm breezes, and the playful spirit of summer. Blending mango-forward flavours with nostalgic childhood treats and a whimsical touch of popping candy, the creation delivers a multi-sensory experience wrapped in rich chocolate.

FIX Dessert Chocolatier’s signature artistry and innovative flavour combinations align seamlessly with the philosophy of JOALI Maldives, a resort celebrated for its immersive art, sublime design, and curated experiences. According to FIX co-founder Sarah Hamouda, “This collaboration is about more than flavour – it’s about sparking wonder and delivering delight in unexpected ways. Seeing our creation featured at JOALI Maldives feels like the perfect match of storytelling and indulgence.”

Guests at JOALI Maldives will encounter FIX’s chocolates across various curated settings – from the private airport lounge and the resort’s artisanal ice cream shop to bespoke in-villa amenities and select evening turndown rituals. Every piece is hand-crafted in Dubai, carefully transported, and presented under the Maldivian sun as a true edible work of art.

Commenting on the partnership, Semiha Askin, Global Director of Sales and Marketing at JOALI, stated, “At JOALI, we embrace art in all its forms – from visual and spatial to culinary. Partnering with FIX Dessert Chocolatier allows us to extend that ethos into the realm of artisanal sweets. Their chocolate is more than a dessert – it’s an immersive experience our guests will remember, one bite at a time.”

This marks FIX’s first international placement, making JOALI Maldives the only destination outside of the UAE to offer the brand’s signature chocolate. The collaboration exemplifies a shared dedication to luxury, creativity, and culinary innovation.

Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, JOALI Maldives offers 73 elegantly appointed beach and over-water villas, each accompanied by a personal Jadugar (meaning “skilled magician” in Dhivehi). The resort is a sanctuary of sustainability, immersive programming, and next-level wellbeing offerings, including the JOALI BEING Cure – the first outpost of sister retreat JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ pioneering wellness island.

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