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Veligandu Island Resort gets facelift ahead of Sept reopening
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The global novel coronavirus outbreak has evolved from one of general alerts and watchfulness to an escalating public health issue. This crisis forced Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, like its peers in the Crown & Champa Resorts portfolio and many others across the world, to close down resort operations for the past few months.
But the management at Veligandu took it as an advantage to give the team a time off from work and spend some quality time with their family, relatives and friends. Some team members also remained on the island to look after the secluded haven, and had completed some repairs and maintenance work.
They managed to renovate most of the resort facilities and few minor repairs around the island, especially a new landscaping throughout the island creating a vista with more greenery and exotic blooms, which looks stunning.
The resort team is now fully ready to welcome guests to a safe and comfortable environment, from September 1.
“We are confident and have no doubt that all our guests will enjoy their anecdote at our forevermore secluded haven even under new normal operation guideline,” General Manager Fathuhulla Ibrahim said, in a message ahead of the reopening.
Safe holiday experience
A well trained Crown & Champa Resorts airport representative will receive you and provide guidelines through the airport journey until the seaplane transfer.
The seaplane operator, Trans Maldivian Airways, strictly follows the required guidelines from the government authorities. A safe physical distance between guests will be maintained while seated and the seats will be disinfected after each transfer.
Your designated island host will assist you upon arrival to the resort following the internal resort operation and local government guideline to operate during the ‘new normal’ without compromising any service standard and the true Veligandu hospitality.
In the main restaurant, Dhonveli, waiters will serve your selected food directly on to your table from a carefully-developed buffet with live cooking stations. In addition, the guest experience has been enhanced with the addition of two BBQ beach dinner and one theme night on the beach per week under the weekly dinner schedule.
In order to assure safety, only a limited number of guests will be confirmed to enjoy the facilities at once; like at Madivaru Restaurant, the spa and on excursions.
You can download the resort’s mobile application, which will be launched at the end of August, so that you can view all the menus and book all the desired services, offerings or any other request before your arrival.
Internationally approved chemicals are used to disinfect and clean all areas and the highest standard of hygienic protocols are implemented across the services provided by strictly observing the required health protection agency guidelines. Sanitising dispensers are placed at the entrance of all facilities including public toilets and public areas.
A well-established and trained medical team is available on the island to ensure the well-being of each guest in corporation with the health protection agency.
For a hassle-free holiday, the resort is offering complimentary PCR testing for guests who stay for more than seven nights and has a compulsory requirement by the airline or home country. Each PCR test will be conducted by the resort’s well-trained medical team on the island and test result will be sent to the guest prior to their departure.
Resort operations will continue as normal as possible with safety protocols in place and maintaining safe physical distance between guests.
The resort staff continue to receive comprehensive training with the guidance of established, accredited international partners to assure the highest and latest standards are understood and followed.
“With these safety guidelines in place, guests can confidently start packing their bags and trust to have a safe holiday experience in paradise,” Ibrahim said.
“We all look forward to our valued guests to stay with us, enjoying true Maldivian hospitality, making their story of a one resort one island a meaningful experience. We are ardently waiting to welcome you for an indelible tale at your forevermore secluded haven.”
Veligandu, surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and a long stretch of white sandy beach, is the only resort on the island of Veligandu in North Ari Atoll. The resort, which is accessible by a scenic 20-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, has 91 rooms, including 54 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 10 Water Villas, 16 Jacuzzi Beach Villas and 11 Beach Villas.
Veligandu offers one of the best value all-inclusive packages in the Maldives, whether you’re looking for peace and tranquillity for quiet walks along the beach, a place to sip champagne and celebrate your love, or to indulge in an intimate meal under the stars.
Veligandu is offering a host of offers for your Maldives holiday in 2020 and 2021. For more information and bookings, please visit www.veligandu.com.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts earns top honours at 2025 Traveller Review Awards
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Delivering unforgettable travel experiences remains at the heart of hospitality, and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives has once again been recognised for its commitment to excellence at the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2025. Now in its 13th year, the awards are based on over 360 million verified guest reviews, reflecting traveler experiences. As a homegrown brand from Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts continues to redefine hospitality in the Maldives with its collection of tropical sanctuaries.
With a rating of 9.3, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives continues to captivate travellers seeking an idyllic island retreat in the Meemu Atoll. This island serves as the perfect getaway for couples seeking ultimate relaxation and escape, while the exclusive 18+ Platinum Island provides an adults-only haven. The Platinum Beach Bungalows offer undisturbed tranquility for those desiring a true escape from the world. The resort’s chic overwater bungalows, complete with glass floors revealing the wonders beneath and private terraces with hammocks, provide an intimate and serene retreat, ideal for honeymooners.
Also earning a rating of 9.3, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives stands out for its contemporary design, resembling the shape of a manta ray. Vaavu Atoll, the least commercialised atoll in the Maldives, offers quiet beaches and empty dive sites, giving guests the opportunity to experience untouched beauty. The shipwreck at Vaavu Atoll is a popular diving destination, home to a variety of marine life, including fish, corals, and other invertebrates. With a combination of thrilling water sports and laid-back island vibes, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives serves as a perfect choice for travellers seeking both excitement and relaxation.
Receiving a rating of 9.0, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the Maldives, particularly among surfers and ocean lovers. Located just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, the resort is home to the world-renowned Pasta Point, one of the most consistent surf breaks in the region. The island’s lively atmosphere, diverse recreational offerings, and welcoming hospitality make it ideal for families, featuring a dedicated children’s play area that provides a safe and engaging space for fun-filled activities. Whether traveling as a couple, a family, or a group of friends, the resort offers a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.
With a rating of 8.9, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is recognised as a diver’s paradise, celebrated for its legendary house reef and year-round diving opportunities. Located in the North Ari Atoll, the resort offers one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, attracting diving enthusiasts eager to explore its rich marine biodiversity. The rustic charm of Ellaidhoo, combined with its commitment to marine conservation, provides an authentic island experience where guests can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. Whether diving with reef sharks, enjoying beachside dining, or simply soaking in the island’s natural beauty, Ellaidhoo offers a distinctive retreat for underwater adventurers.
Marking the launch of an exciting summer offer, guests planning a Maldivian getaway for a minimum of four nights between May 1, 2025, and October 31, 2026, will receive complimentary speedboat transfers. Additionally, for an elevated travel experience, GHA Discovery membership offers even greater rewards and exclusive benefits. From the moment guests sign up, they can earn and redeem Discovery Dollars (D$), access member-only rates, and enjoy carefully curated local experiences. With privileges available at every membership level, GHA Discovery enhances each stay by offering recognition and unique opportunities to explore the destination in an immersive way.
Combining the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality with the natural beauty of the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives continues to offer the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.
Featured
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO earns Green Globe Gold Certification
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THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced that OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has been awarded the Green Globe Gold Certification after maintaining certification for five consecutive years. This prestigious recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, seamlessly integrating world-class luxury with innovative sustainability practices to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Maldives.
At the heart of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s achievements lies a comprehensive approach to conservation. The resort’s team of in-house marine biologists leads a coral restoration project aimed at revitalising a 300-meter section of the house reef. This initiative employs 80 coral frames supporting over 2,000 coral fragments. Collaborations with organisations such as Manta Trust, Olive Ridley Project, and Parley, along with an upcoming partnership with Miyaru NGO, strengthen marine protection efforts while guest education programs enhance awareness of ocean conservation.
According to Nuria Camps Suarez, Head Marine Biologist at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the coral restoration project represents more than just conservation—it symbolises a commitment to future generations. By restoring the house reef, the resort is actively rebuilding a thriving ecosystem. Partnerships with organisations such as Manta Trust and Parley further amplify the impact, ensuring the preservation of the Maldives’ marine heritage.
The resort also integrates renewable energy solutions, featuring one of the Maldives’ largest floating solar panel systems. This system comprises twelve platforms with 720 panels, supplemented by 1,095 rooftop solar units, collectively generating 30% of the island’s energy requirements and significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s dedication to a zero-waste philosophy is reflected in its advanced waste management systems. A fully automated organic composter processes three tons of green waste weekly, converting it into nutrient-rich fertiliser, while in-vessel shredders transform garden clippings into compost. Additionally, glass bottles are crushed and repurposed for minor construction projects.
Sustainable dining is also a cornerstone of the resort’s eco-conscious approach. The hydroponic farm enhances gastronomy by growing lettuce and herbs in a soilless system, reducing water consumption from 250 litres to just 50 litres per kilogram. This method meets 70% of the island’s lettuce demand while providing fresh, organic ingredients to its award-winning restaurants.
These sustainability initiatives are seamlessly incorporated into the guest experience, allowing visitors to enjoy bespoke activities such as snorkelling among regenerated reefs and savouring produce from the hydroponic farm—ensuring luxury and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. As OZEN LIFE MAADHOO continues to lead in eco-conscious hospitality, it reinforces THE OZEN COLLECTION’s ethos of ‘Refined Elegance,’ where each stay contributes positively to the planet.
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Experience elegance and serenity at Coco Bodu Hithi’s exclusive Coco Residences
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Coco Bodu Hithi, a hospitality resort owned by Maldivians, is renowned for its sleek design and comfort. The resort features expansive 184-square-metre residences, each equipped with a private pool, offering elevated privileges to guests across 24 exclusive Coco Residences.
Suspended above the crystal-clear lagoon, these overwater villas provide a private sanctuary, surrounded by endless shades of blue and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Recognised for its outstanding hospitality, Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of Best Service Resort at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025. From the moment guests arrive, they are welcomed with a refreshing Kurumba and a basket of tropical fruits, while the resort ensures seamless and attentive service throughout their stay.
Guests staying in Coco Residences benefit from a range of exclusive privileges, including the dedicated service of a Mithuru, who ensures a smooth and personalised Maldivian experience. These privileges include an Executive Champagne Sunset Cruise, a Cocktail Party, and a Guided Wine Tasting with the Resident Sommelier, along with other unforgettable experiences that showcase the breathtaking turquoise waters and endless horizon.
For environmentally conscious and culturally curious travellers, the resort offers a variety of enriching activities. Visitors can participate in Coral Planting and other tailored initiatives with the resident Marine Biologist or experience the excitement of a Boduberu performance on the island.
To further enhance the guest experience, the package includes complimentary breakfast options, ranging from a dine-around breakfast to an in-villa Floating Breakfast, complete with a photographer for a keepsake. Guests also receive a daily replenished minibar stocked with beers and soft drinks, along with special residence bar benefits.
Wellness plays an integral role in the resort’s offerings, allowing guests to embark on a journey of balance, rejuvenation, and inner harmony through daily sunrise or sunset yoga sessions. Additionally, visitors can indulge in relaxation with the resort’s signature Coco Fusion Massage or a soothing Balinese Massage, both designed for deep rejuvenation.
Coco Bodu Hithi seamlessly combines adventure and exclusivity, offering captivating dive sessions, exhilarating water sports, and thoughtfully curated signature experiences. The resort has also welcomed high-profile celebrities, ensuring unforgettable stays in the Maldives.
For those looking to experience the ultimate getaway, the Coco Summer Escape offer provides a 40% discount along with a complimentary meal plan upgrade, allowing for an even more indulgent stay at Coco Bodu Hithi.
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