Featured
Avani Hotels on track to complete pipeline projects, Maldives resort to open in late 2021
Avani Hotels & Resorts has confirmed that the brand is on track to open more than 10 new properties in the coming years, including debuting in Maldives and three other countries.
In addition, despite the global economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Avani has successfully completed a number of full-scale renovation projects at its existing properties, including the construction of a second wing at FCC Angkor by Avani in Cambodia; the full renovation of Avani Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka; and the renovation and rebranding of Avani Seminyak Bali Resort, Indonesia.
As world governments are revealing comprehensive recovery measures, Avani Hotels & Resorts is also preparing to announce further new hotel signings soon. Confirmed properties in the dynamic brand’s robust pipeline include hotels and resorts in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
“We are pleased that our partners are reaffirming their commitment to long-term growth with Avani, as demonstrated in their decision to continue with the delivery of at least seven new properties by the end of 2021,” Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of parent company Minor Hotels, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“With yet more projects expected to be completed in the following two years and additional pipeline announcements coming soon, Avani continues to be the fastest-growing brand in the company.”
Avani+ Koh Lanta Resort, Thailand (opening Q4 2020)
With direct access to secluded white sandy shores adjacent to renowned Klong Dao Beach, the 87-key Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort promises equal parts serene forest and splendid tropical seas.
Avani Palm View Dubai Residences & Suites, UAE (opening Q4 2020)
In the final stages of development in a prestigious location overlooking the Palm Jumeirah, accommodation options at the new-build, 264-key Avani Palm View Residences & Suites range from studios to multi-bedroom residences.
Avani Doc Let Resort, Vietnam (opening Q1 2021)
Offering direct access to the exhilarating rides at Doc Let Water Park, Avani Doc Let’s 273 chic guest rooms and villas on Vietnam’s central coast are poised to be a hit with families.
Avani Muscat Hotel, Oman (opening Q1 2021)
Representing the brand’s Omani debut and the second country in the Middle East region, the Avani Muscat Hotel will be set in Seeb, the heart of Muscat’s westward growth, with laidback days of rooftop lounging and shopping. The hotel will offer 161 keys, in addition to 45 studios and one, two and three-bedroom serviced apartments.
Avani Nairobi Residences, Kenya (opening 2021)
The 120-key all-suite property located in the heart of Westlands, Avani Nairobi Residences will offer direct access to an array of multinational corporations, restaurants and bars.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Maldives (opening late 2021)
Located on Fares Island in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll renowned for its vibrant biodiversity from land to sea, Avani will debut in the Indian Ocean country with 200 guest rooms and villas in this Eden for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts.
Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, Thailand (opening late 2021)
With unspoilt Andaman Sea views, the 328-key Avani+ Khao Lak will deliver the perfect blend of comfort and charm at the aquatic playground of its long sandy beach.
Avani Saigon Hotel, Vietnam (opening 2022)
The 217-room Avani Ho Chi Minh’s location in District 1 will put guests right at the centre of it all. Restaurants, cafés, bars and entertainment are all steps away.
Avani Cam Ranh Resort, Vietnam (opening 2022)
Set on a beautiful stretch of beach in Binh Lap, the 595-key Avani Cam Ranh will offer lush nature and turquoise seas and will be the perfect base for seaside excursions and inland explorations.
Avani Kota Kinabalu Hotel, Malaysia (opening 2022)
Avani Kota Kinabalu will bring fresh flair to the regional hub of Malaysian Borneo. The 378-room hotel is part of the rapidly expanding downtown area, blending cosmopolitan chic and old-world charm.
Avani Yangon Hotel, Myanmar (opening 2024)
Avani Yangon will offer travellers 250 bright, modern guest rooms within a vibrant mixed-use development with offices, shops and entertainment steps away. The property will represent the brand’s debut in Myanmar.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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