Featured
The St. Regis Maldives reopens Oct 1 with elevated hygiene standards, new dining experiences
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced plans to resume operations at the luxury property on October 1, following its closure earlier this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The highly-anticipated reopening of the Vommuli Island resort will welcome guests back to the finest address in the Maldives where a rarefied sense of privacy and unforgettable moments are anchored by redefined cleaning and health measures to ensure the safest environment for guests and associates.
The St. Regis Maldives elevated its exacting health and safety standards and implemented a multi-pronged approach guided by Marriott’s Cleanliness Council, which adheres to recommended guidelines and protocols put forth by the local government and the World Health Organisation.
The resort applies all of Marriott’s revised cleanliness procedures including increased cleaning frequency of surfaces and high-traffic spaces using enhanced technologies including electrostatic sprayers and UV light disinfection, contactless technologies or low-touch solutions to mitigate transmission, and encouraged social distancing with modified floor plans and capacities within community amenity spaces.
Upon returning, guests can expect the same exclusive private island experience that is emblematic of The St. Regis Maldives, where its world-class amenities and impeccable service are unmatched.
For heightened privacy, newly launched dining concepts including the Signature Floating Dining Rituals present guests with a gastronomic journey to indulge in while soaking in the reflective waters of the private plunge pool in their Villa. Whether for morning breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, these dining rituals bring an elegant experience that will have guests savour and explore flavours from around the world from the comfort of their private retreat.
In addition, the resort enriched its bespoke private dining with new, imaginative experiences offering guests greater optionality for those remarkable moments on Vommuli Island, from an opulent starlight dinner set along the shoreline to an unparalleled toes-in-the-sand cinema and dining experience and more.
The St. Regis Maldives immerses travellers into the destination’s idyllic, natural environment, elevated by the finest expression of luxury that promises nonpareil relaxation and extraordinary moments.
Set on more than 22-acres, the resort’s 77 transcendent villas scattered through the island each offer a plunge pool and private entrance for an unparalleled degree of seclusion and privacy.
The premium two- and three-bedroom villas — including the famed John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest overwater villa in the Maldives — are perfectly poised for families and groups looking for a destination retreat to escape to.
In accordance with the Maldivian government’s guidelines, guests are required to complete a travel declaration and contact tracing form prior to checking-in and the property will require temperature screenings for all associates, guests and visitors arriving to the island.
For further ease, guests will receive a Covid-19 test administered by the property’s on-site doctor 72 hours prior to departure.
For more information and reservations, please contact via reservations.vommuli@stregis.com.
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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