Featured
Aitken Spence Hotels offers extra flexibility for bookings as Maldives resorts reopen
Aitken Spence Hotels is offering extra flexibility for bookings, as the hotel group reopens its properties in Maldives.
Adaaran Resorts Maldives, the brand name for Aitken Spence’s properties in Maldives, and its sister brand Heritance Hotels & Resorts are reopening their resorts by September.
The luxurious five-star resort of Adaaran Prestige Vadoo was the first of Aitken Spence’s Maldives properties to welcome back guests in the Maldives on July 27.
On September 1, three other Adaaran Resorts properties will reopen to guests: Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Adaaran Prestige Water Villas, and Adaaran Club Rannalhi. Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi will also begin hosting surf travellers from September, but the resort will open up for regular visitors from October 1.
The five-star, premium all-inclusive resort of Heritance Aarah will also reopen on September 1.
For UK holidaymakers keen to escape to warmer climates later this year, Aitken Spence is offering extra flexibility and support for all new reservations with their flexi-cancellation policy for 2020, up to 24 hours prior to arrival and up to 72 hours prior to arrival for those resorts that require seaplane transfers.
To ensure guest safety and peace of mind in the current climate, Aitken Spence has created #SpenceSafe, an update of its measures and initiatives to address heightened health and safety across the property portfolio, in accordance with national and international guidelines to ensure an uninterrupted and enjoyable stay for all.
As part of the group’s #SpenceSafe initiative, each of Aitken Spence Hotels’ resorts in the Maldives will provide reassurance for guest health and safety.
Firstly, upon arrival in the Maldives, all guests will be asked to undertake a temperature check prior to boarding their chosen method of transport to an Aitken Spence resort. Guests will then be required to participate in mandatory temperature checks each day of their stay.
Sanitising stations will be readily available across all resort properties and social distancing practices will be in place in common areas, including at each resort’s restaurants, pools, and gyms.
Amenities will be sanitised prior to check-in and resorts will rest each accommodation unit between stays.
Based on the number of guests in-house, the resorts will offer a-la-carte dining instead of buffet meals to promote safety, and to minimise contact, menus will be available by scanning a QR code. For restaurants providing buffet meals, floor markings will be arranged to facilitate compliance with physical distancing and to-go breakfast boxes will be made available for guests preferring to dine in their room.
Lastly, all resort facilities and public areas will be cleaned frequently using hospital-grade disinfectants, following a rigorous cleaning protocol.
“Following a difficult few months for us all, we are delighted to announce that five of our Maldives resorts will reopen to guests by 1st September 2020; with one resort already open to guests,” Susith Jayawickrama, Joint Managing Director of Aitken Spence Hotels, said.
“In line with national guidelines, our new #SpenceSafe initiative will ensure each resort follows specific procedures on a daily basis to ensure the health and safety of both our guests and also our staff.”
Adaaran, a subsidiary of Sri Lankan conglomerate Aitken Spence, runs five resorts in the Maldives: Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi and Adaaran Prestige Vadoo.
Accessible by a short 15-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo offers 56 water villas with private spas, plunge pools and a glass-bottomed bathroom lounge with a view of marine life. Guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool or spa pool or go for an in-room spa treatment.
Adaaran Select Meedhupparu resort is a fabulous five-star property located in the northern Raa atoll. Surrounded by powder soft beaches and sublime turquoise lagoons, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu invites you to surrender to your senses and bask in the majesty of your tropical island surroundings. Guests can relax in the sumptuous Mandara Spa and try their hand at a number of exciting water sport activities, including scuba diving, windsurfing and water-skiing.
Set in the South Male Atoll, Adaaran Club Rannalhi includes standard rooms, which are tastefully adorned with tropically themed furnishings and bedding, and overwater bungalows that offer a luxurious experience comprising of a private sun deck overlooking the stunning aquamarine ocean. The resort features three spectacular dining venues and a host of recreational activities, including diving, snorkelling and water-skiing.
Located in North Male Atoll, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi is blessed with thriving vegetation and pristine waters, and offers guest villas, including Ocean Villas. Set in 83 acres of lush tropical beach property near Kani Beach on Lhohifushi island, the resort’s design enables it to blend into its surroundings being one of the best resort in Maldives.
Aitken Spence has also recently opened a new property in the Maldives under its Heritance brand, Heritance Aarah.
Operating as a premier all-inclusive resort, Heritance Aarah consists of 150 villas. Designed to inspire and custom-built to immerse guests in the scenic sights and soothing sounds of the ocean surrounding the island, Heritance Aarah is adorned with earthly hues and vibrant blues.
Family
Ayada Maldives presents Easter week of family and wellness activities
Ayada Maldives has announced a series of experiences to mark the Easter season, inviting guests to celebrate the occasion through a week of activities centred on family time, relaxation and shared island moments.
As the season approaches, the resort will host a programme designed to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Families are encouraged to spend time together in the island’s natural surroundings, while children take part in a variety of activities and explore the island environment.
Throughout the week, Easter-themed experiences will be integrated into daily island life. At the Zuzuu Kids Club, younger guests will have access to a range of creative and interactive activities designed to encourage imagination and discovery. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of wellness experiences including sunrise yoga sessions, spa treatments at AySpa, and quiet moments by private pools or along the beach.
Evenings will feature a range of social and culinary experiences, including beachside gatherings, live music and dining events set against the island’s coastal setting. These activities are intended to create a relaxed yet festive environment for guests to come together and enjoy the Easter holiday.
According to the resort, the Easter programme focuses on creating opportunities for guests to reconnect with family and friends while enjoying the island’s surroundings. The celebrations are designed to highlight shared experiences rather than a single event, allowing guests to enjoy the season at their own pace.
Through the programme, Ayada Maldives aims to offer visitors an opportunity to celebrate Easter in a setting defined by natural beauty, hospitality and time spent together.
Featured
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef marks International Women’s Day with beach celebration
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Sun Siyam Resorts Privé Collection, marked International Women’s Day by celebrating the contributions of female team members and guests, recognising their role in shaping the experiences that define the island.
The resort hosted a white-themed sunset cocktail gathering on the beach on 8 March, where guests and female colleagues came together to mark the occasion. The event provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of women across various roles within the resort.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef highlighted the role of its female team members in delivering guest experiences, from operational support and administrative roles to culinary and guest service positions. The resort noted that these contributions play a significant role in shaping the overall guest journey on the island.
As part of the evening’s programme, the resort’s resident artist conducted a live painting session, reflecting the creativity and energy women bring to the hospitality sector. Guests were also served a selection of specially curated “White Theme” cocktails prepared by the resort’s bartending team to mark the occasion.
Commenting on the celebration, Thoha Yoosuf said the resort’s female colleagues bring intuition and warmth to their roles, helping create memorable experiences for guests. He added that the celebration recognised their dedication, leadership and commitment.
Through the event, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef highlighted the diverse roles played by women within its team, while recognising the culture and individuality that contribute to the resort’s working community.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru plans Easter weekend of activities and dining
Angsana Velavaru is inviting guests to celebrate Easter with a two-day island programme featuring family activities, ocean experiences and seasonal dining from 4 to 5 April 2026.
Located within a lagoon in South Nilandhe Atoll, the resort will host a series of activities designed for families, couples and travellers seeking a seasonal getaway by the sea. The programme includes a combination of wellness sessions, marine experiences and leisure activities intended to bring guests together during the Easter holiday period.
Mornings begin with yoga sessions overlooking the lagoon, followed by opportunities to explore the island’s marine environment through guided snorkelling excursions and discovery experiences organised by the Endheri Marine Centre.
Throughout the day, guests can take part in a range of recreational activities across the island. These include beach kite flying, aqua aerobics sessions and bird feeding at the island’s sanctuary. Adventure-focused experiences are also available, with water sports such as family tube rides and sunset cruises offering guests the opportunity to explore the surrounding lagoon.
Dining experiences form a central part of the Easter programme. Guests can participate in interactive activities including cocktail-making sessions and the Wok & Toss dining experience, which allows visitors to engage with the resort’s culinary team. The programme also includes Easter buffet lunch and dinner at Kaani Restaurant, where seasonal dishes are served in a relaxed island setting.
Evening entertainment includes live music performances, DJ sessions and outdoor film screenings under the stars, creating a relaxed atmosphere for guests to gather and socialise.
Children’s activities are organised through the Ranger’s Club, where a dedicated Easter programme features creative workshops such as bunny mask making, Easter egg painting and string art. Traditional activities including Easter egg hunts and beach races are also planned for younger guests.
The Easter programme at Angsana Velavaru combines marine exploration, family-friendly activities and seasonal dining experiences, offering guests an opportunity to celebrate the holiday while enjoying the island’s natural surroundings.
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