Featured
Milaidhoo Island Maldives to offer exclusive experiences after Sept reopening

Guests travelling in September and October can benefit with an even more exclusive experience Milaidhoo Island Maldives, as the resort will reopen with a reduced occupancy to offer maximum privacy and seclusion
Milaidhoo will reopen its doors to guests from September 1. Guests can celebrate their return to the Maldives with Milaidhoo by taking advantage of special rates, exclusive island experiences and destination dining inclusions.
Guests visiting the Maldivian-owned resort in September and October will take advantage of having that extra slice of paradise to themselves, with the resort operating at a reduced capacity to ensure social distancing and the utmost privacy.
Those wishing for a truly secluded stay can opt for in-villa dining in the luxury of their spacious pool villa at no extra cost.
Each of the thatched-roof villas open up 180 degrees, inviting nature in and are serviced by dedicated Island Hosts and feature generous private infinity pools.

Ahead of the reopening, thorough cleaning protocols have been implemented to ensure peace of mind for returning guests, including Milaidhoo staff handling seaplane check-in and sanitising luggage trolleys for guests at the airport. Guests’ luggage will also be sanitised on arrival.
Seaview dining and supper under the stars
Guests staying on Half Board or Milaidhoo’s Gourmet Plan can enjoy a complimentary beach dinner every fourth night of their stay.
The expert team will set up a private lantern-lit dining table on one of Milaidhoo’s white-sand powder soft beaches, and a butler will serve a selected four-course menu as guests listen to the gentle waves lapping the shore and look out to an abundance of twinkling stars.

Milaidhoo has also used the period of closure to prepare the island ready for the return of guests and the experience is set to be better than ever.
The ever-popular Ocean Restaurant has received a fresh new-look. Situated on a sandy shore, the restaurant, renowned for its breath-taking ocean views, specialises in epicurean international cuisine.
Manta ray migration
To celebrate the reopening coinciding with manta ray season, Milaidhoo is offering guests a complimentary excursion to the manta hotspot of Hanifaru Bay, situated just a short ride by speedboat from the resort. Known as the biggest manta feeding station in the world, guests are invited to see, swim and snorkel with the ocean’s gentle giants, who feed on nothing bigger than microscopic plankton.
Excursions to Hanifaru Bay will be coordinated with the Hanifaru Bay park rangers, who are experts in ensuring guests enjoy the most rewarding sighting opportunities.

Additionally, Milaidhoo’s resident marine biologist will teach them all about the fascinating creatures of the sea.
For those hoping to get even more up close and personal, the team at the Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre at Milaidhoo have identified several secret diving spots, outside of the marine reserve, where divers can enjoy the most private and intimate manta experiences.

For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, Milaidhoo invites guests to join a sunset dolphin cruise instead.
Rooted in local traditions
Milaidhoo Island Maldives is a pristine island paradise and is proudly rooted in the local island traditions.
The resort features 50 contemporary Maldivian style pool villas designed by a local architect and every guest is assigned an Island Host to help create meaningful experiences and cater to their every need, whether it is a spa treatment or sunrise yoga class, to a snorkelling excursion in the incredible house reef.
Dining is a highlight and Milaidhoo is home to three world-class restaurants, including Ba’theli – the first modern Maldivian restaurant in the country. Reflecting its heritage, it is built in the shape of three traditional dhoni boats that stand on stilts over the lagoon. Innovative and delicious menus are steeped in Maldivian tradition, with each dish inspired from the Maldivian Spice Route taking the taste buds back over 5,000 years.


Milaidhoo is the authentic Maldives, a resort of reinvented luxury, where guests feel they belong and experience barefoot informality within the natural and lush setting of this tropical island.
As an adults-only resort, Milaidhoo is also famed for its romance and destination dining offerings – any dream can become a reality, from sunset dolphin cruises to sailing to a deserted sandbank where a feast awaits.
Rates start from$1,095 (plus taxes and service charge) per night in a Water Pool Villa on half board basis, based on two sharing. For rate information and bookings, please visit www.milaidhoo.com or reach out to your trusted travel agent.
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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