Featured
Marriott International to reopen Maldives resorts with curated experiences
Marriott International resorts in the Maldives are poised to welcome guests again following the country’s announcement to reopen borders for international travel.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, W Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa are set to reopen from October 1, while The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will welcome guests starting November 1.
The Maldives’ signature ‘one-island-one-resort’ concept allows guests to maintain social distancing while enjoying a truly safe and secluded holiday.
From a romantic tropical escape where lush jungle meets peaceful lagoon at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; unforgettable snorkelling adventures at W Maldives; an all-inclusive family getaway at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; discovering the magical underwater world with JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; ringing in the new year with a rejuvenating wellness escape at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Marriott International resorts in Maldives are set to offer travellers an unrivalled escape to paradise.
“Working hand-in-hand with the local authorities, we are delighted to announce the reopening of our five iconic resorts in the Maldives. The island-paradise remains as a beloved and inspired destination for many, and with the reopening of our resorts, we look forward to bringing those dreams to life as travel gradually resumes,” Rivero Delgado, Area Vice President for Singapore, Malaysia and the Maldives at Marriott International, said.
“The wellbeing of our guests is of paramount importance and we have the highest standards of cleanliness as well as hygiene protocols in place to ensure peace of mind for first-time and returning travellers to the islands.”
Live exquisite at The St. Regis Maldives
Nestled between verdant rainforest and white-sandy beaches on a private island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort brings guests on the art of indulgence in its peaceful, eco-conscious setting.
Created to reignite romance with a memorable escape for two, wake up to alluring views of the Indian Ocean at the finest address in The Maldives with welcome amenities and complimentary bottle of champagne, along with a $100 food and beverage credit per room per day and complimentary one-time access to Blue Hole Hydrotherapy Pool Experience.
To find out more and for reservations, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.

Fuel your lust for life at W Maldives
Bold and unscripted, W Maldives is a luxury five-star wonderland of white-sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and breath-taking reefs.
Stay in style with the Fly and Dine Package to enjoy daily buffet breakfast at Kitchen and three-course dinners for two, along with a complimentary return shared seaplane transfer from Male Airport as well as 24/7 access to Fuel Spots offering unlimited fruit, water, ice, and towels.
For unforgettable snorkelling adventures, the hotel also offers complimentary non-motorised activities and usage of snorkelling gear.
To find out more and for reservations, please visit www.wmaldives.com.

Tropical sanctuary at JW Marriott Maldives
Edging the azure waters of Shaviyani atoll, the resort is a sanctuary of scenic luxury.
Discover the warm and inviting hospitality at the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa and explore the wonders of the Indian Ocean with the guidance of the resort’s experienced PADI team.
The Let’s Get Wet Package includes daily buffet breakfast and complimentary use of non-motorised water sports equipment, along with a 15-minute Sea Bob experience, a 45-minute Snorkel lesson and a Discover Scuba Diving experience.
To find out more and for reservations, please visit www.jwmarriottmaldives.com.

Picnic in paradise at Sheraton Maldives
Surrounded by a shimmering turquoise lagoon, pristine white sandy beaches, and swaying palms, the five-star star family resort sets the stage for unforgettable family vacations.
With the Exploring Paradise Package, families can make the most out of their four-night stay with daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at selected outlets, and enjoy a sandbank picnic with barbecue lunch, a Family Spa Day with a 50-minute couple spa treatment and kids’ friendly activity, coral planting, dolphin cruise, round-trip transfer by speed boat to/from Velana International Airport, and 24-hour Villa Host service for a personalised experience.
To find out more and for reservations, please visit www.sheratonmaldives.com.

Wholesome wellness at The Westin Maldives
Beautifully situated on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa atoll, the stunning overwater resort is an incomparable setting for any visit to the Maldives.
Ring in the new year with a rejuvenating wellness escape and reboot for a healthier lifestyle in paradise.
The Countdown to 2021 Package is inclusive of daily breakfast and dinner at selected restaurants (including Gala Dinner on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and Festive Brunch on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day), a complimentary 60-min couples spa treatment per stay, daily one-hour wellness sessions, access to Westin Family Kids Club and WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio.
To find out more and for advanced reservations, please visit www.westin-maldives.com.

Marriott Bonvoy members who book direct (www.marriott.com) or via the Marriott Bonvoy app (mobile-app.marriott.com) before December 31 can enjoy up to 20 per cent discount on rooms and suites for stays through June 30, 2021.
As part of Marriott International’s portfolio in the Maldives, all five resorts have ensured that the highest standards of certified cleanliness, health, and safety are in place and in compliance with the global and local authorities.
The enhanced cleaning practices and guidelines were created by the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council (clean.marriott.com), implemented to focus on developing global hospitality cleanliness standards to minimise risk and enhance safety for both guests and associates.
Specific areas of focus include additions to its already rigorous cleaning protocols.
In guest rooms, all surfaces are to be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants and are equipped with disinfecting wipes for guests’ personal use.
To help alleviate the risk of transmission through person-to-person contact, the hotels and resorts will be using signages in lobbies to remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols and will remove or rearrange furniture to allow more space for distancing.
Awards
ELE|NA recognised for excellence in wellness hospitality at SATA 2026
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
Cooking
Milaidhoo Maldives welcomes Chef JKP for culinary workshop, wine-pairing dinner
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
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.
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