Featured
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo welcomes first post-lockdown guests
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has welcomed guests from around the world since its reopening early August.
Travellers yearning for a much needed getaway after months of lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic can experience a warm welcome in Maldivian style in this unique boutique resort.
“The natural beauty of the Maldives, and our wonderful boutique resort allow a well-deserved holiday in a secluded retreat,” Christophe Victor, Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, said.
“We are thrilled to see guests from various nationalities currently enjoying their stay in Mercure Maldives, and we are looking forward to coming back to this amazing destination.”
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo reopened from August with an exclusive reopening offer: the Kooddoo Escape Package. Enjoy all-inclusive drinks and dining throughout this indulgent stay for six nights from $2,925 net.
From daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at the resort’s signature Alita Restaurant, to daily afternoon snacks and a complimentary daily in-villa minibar service, this offer gives you everything you would need for the perfect escape.
Completing this extraordinary package are free-flow drinks with your choice of spirits, cocktails, wine and beer from 10.30am to 11pm daily. Plus, enjoy a one-time upgraded two-course à la carte dinner at Vistas Gastro Bar.
The package comes with return domestic flights from the Maldives main Velana International Airport, complimentary airport lounge service including a private escort to the Moonimaa Lounge, and complimentary non-motorised watersports equipment including snorkels to discover the Maldives’ rich marine life.
The offer is valid from now until September 30, 2021, and includes:
- All taxes
- Accommodation in a Beach Villa for two adults
- Daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner in Alita restaurant
- One à la carte dinner at Vistas restaurant during the stay
- Free flow of drinks from 10.30am to 11pm daily
- Minibar replenished once per day
- Non-motorised watersports
- Snorkelling equipment
- Return airport transfers by domestic plane
Bringing stylish mid-scale accommodation to the pristine south of Maldives, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort comprises 68 villas: 43 located over water and 25 scattered along the white sandy beach.
The resort is built using local materials, bright colours and stylish furniture with the interiors designed to reflect the Maldivian culture and the spirit of travel.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo provides one of the best value accommodation options in the spectacular Maldives.
For bookings, terms and conditions, and queries on alternative villa categories or additional nights, please contact h9923-RE@accor.com.
Action
Eri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.
The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.
Turtle encounters
Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.
The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.
Manta ray season
From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.
Night diving experiences
Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.
At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.
Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.
Featured
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives collaborates with Maldivian artist Ahmed Aleem
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has announced a collaboration with Ahmed Aleem Shakoor, who is currently in residence at the resort, introducing a creative element to the guest experience.
Aleem, a self-taught artist, is known for work that combines maritime themes, surrealism and symbolism. His practice spans watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ history and ocean landscapes, often expressed through the use of light, depth and narrative.
During his residency, Aleem is working with the resort to develop a series of artistic and cultural experiences aimed at engaging guests. These include live painting sessions, informal interactions with the artist and workshops designed to encourage creative participation.
The programme forms part of the resort’s wider activities, with offerings such as mini canvas painting, coconut painting and creative art sessions available to guests. In addition, Tales Painted in Sunlight combines elements of Maldivian folklore, storytelling and visual art, providing further insight into local culture.
The collaboration reflects the resort’s approach to incorporating local artistic talent into its programming, while offering guests opportunities to engage with creative activities in a relaxed setting. The residency is designed to allow guests to explore artistic expression as part of their island experience.
As part of its seasonal programme, selected artistic activities are also included in the resort’s Easter offerings, providing additional opportunities for guests to take part in creative experiences during their stay.
Awards
Amilla Maldives wins ‘Most OutThere Initiative’ award for Inclusive Travel
Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.
The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.
At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.
Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.
As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.
Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.
The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.
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