Featured
The Residence Maldives Dhigurah wins Nat Geo Traveller UK’s The Big Sleep Award
The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah has been awarded The Big Sleep Award 2020, which features 48 of the world’s best new hotels by National Geographic Traveller UK.
The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah was recognised as a runner-up in the Castaway category which is defined by barefoot luxe ocean villas, private island pampering, and pristine stretches of sand — to be stranded on these remote desert island retreats is the stuff of travel daydreams.
The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah is the only Maldivian property to have made the highly prestigious list.
The resort has reopened its doors along with the Maldives border in July for guests, and has implemented safety and hygiene in accordance with international and local health safety guidelines so as to safeguard the wellbeing of its staff and guests.
“The safety and hygiene of our staff and guests are paramount to us and we would like to ensure travellers peace of mind while enjoying our island paradise,” a statement read.
All of Dhigurah’s 173 spacious beach, lagoon and water villas overlook the dappled turquoise waters of the ocean and each one has its own private pool. Rooms are designed with plenty of natural light and crafted using the finest local materials, blending the beauty of traditional Maldivian architecture with contemporary flair.

Dining options include all-day dining at The Dining Room, the resort’s beachfront restaurant, and Li Bai, the resort’s signature Cantonese restaurant, sister to the celebrated Li Bai in Singapore, serving exquisite classic Chinese dishes.
Guests can choose ocean-facing Long Island for dazzling sunsets, sharing plates, light bites, champagne and glamorous cocktails. For Mediterranean tapas, head to Café del Sol, set within The Beach Club, for poolside lunches and sunset cocktails.
For a more intimate experience, guests can choose from a series of private dining experiences including a castaway dinner on a private island served under starlit skies, to a beach barbecue for family and friends.

The world-renowned Spa by Clarins, found only at The Residence Maldives resorts, is set in 10 thatched roofed spa pavilions, each of which is privately situated in lush tropical gardens overlooking the ocean. The full-service spa is a haven of holistic tranquility to heal mind, body and soul and also includes a hair and beauty salon and yoga garden deck overlooking the ocean.

Other resort highlights include a 42-metre infinity pool, dive and watersports centre, relaxation reading lounge, fully-equipped gym, two complimentary bicycles per room for all guests, and a diverse range of water and land-based experiences.
Surrounded by a beautiful, untouched reef and set on one of the deepest and untouched atolls, with more than 250 species of corals and 1,200 species of marine life including manta rays, dolphins and green turtles, The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah is a must visit for keen snorkelers and divers.

Opened in June 2019, The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah is set in one of the country’s most beautiful atolls, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and is adjacent to The Residence by Cenizaro’s first property, The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi.
The two resorts are connected by a bridge – enabling guests to travel between the two with ease – and forming one of the largest resort offerings in the Maldives.
Featured
Reethi Faru Resort reveals festive line-up of dining, entertainment and island experiences
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
Awards
Condé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts
.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in the Maldives, has been named the No. 6 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
The annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines and other travel experiences based on votes submitted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
The recognition places .Here Baa Atoll among the highest-ranked resorts in the Indian Ocean and comes during a milestone year for the property.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences spread across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere.
Somewhere features seven three- and four-bedroom residences extending from the beach towards the lagoon and designed for families and groups travelling together. Each residence offers indoor and outdoor living spaces, multiple pools, private dining and personalised Roohu service. Guests are transferred directly to their residence by private speedboat, avoiding a conventional lobby and check-in process.
Condé Nast Traveler has previously highlighted the resort for its emphasis on privacy, its beach-to-lagoon residences and its discreet approach to luxury.
The resort experience also includes Nowhere Private Island, which is reserved exclusively for a single group at a time. The island features a five-bedroom Presidential Residence and a three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, providing eight bedrooms and 3,329 square metres of private living space, supported by dedicated service and individually curated experiences.
The Readers’ Choice Award follows several other recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll during 2026. The resort was included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2026, with the publication highlighting its residences and design. It has also received international recognition for its architecture and design, alongside creative collaborators Kulör Group, Muza Lab and Topo Design Studio.
Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll, said: “To be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler so early in our journey is incredibly meaningful. .Here was created around a simple idea: to give guests extraordinary space, genuine privacy and the freedom to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms. This recognition belongs equally to our team, whose care and dedication bring that vision to life every day. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
The latest recognition adds to .Here Baa Atoll’s growing international profile within the luxury travel sector, with the resort positioning privacy, spacious accommodation, design and personalised service at the centre of its guest experience.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
-
News1 week ago50 visits, hundreds of dives: Bandos Maldives honours loyal guests with coral garden
-
Drink1 week agoChâteau Palmer brings Bordeaux heritage to Finolhu Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoV Villas Maldives at Mirihi brings Thai flavours from Phuket to the Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives welcomes JAG Head Chef Laurence Tan for October culinary residency
-
Action1 week agoFrom zero experience to professional careers: Atmosphere Foundation celebrates Divemaster graduates
-
News1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu unveils seasonal journey from quiet escapes to festive celebrations
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam brings Halloween to paradise across five Maldives resorts
-
News1 week agoThe St. Regis Maldives celebrates 10 years with global chefs, bartenders and artists


