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.
Entertainment
Halloween and Autumn celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is preparing to welcome guests to a week-long Autumn Festival with Halloween-themed celebrations running from 30 October to 5 November. The programme features a variety of activities designed for families, couples, and individual travellers, with events ranging from treasure hunts and creative workshops to wellness sessions and exclusive dining experiences.
The celebrations begin on 30 October with a beachside Tabata workout followed by a pumpkin carving workshop at La Locanda. Activities for children and teens include the Magic of Mantas virtual reality exploration, Haunted Brick Builders, and the Autumn Costume Fashion Show. Parents are invited to a cocktail gathering on the shore before the evening concludes with a Culinary Maestro dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Max Strohe, as part of the resort’s Masters of Crafts series.
On 31 October, guests may join a morning Dynamic Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden or take part in a turtle snorkelling excursion. Children between four and twelve are encouraged to join the Flying Fox Quest, a Halloween-themed nature walk, while older children embark on an Island Treasure Quest. Seasonal workshops such as wreath decoration and creative pumpkin carving are available, and the day concludes with a Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt across the island and a Halloween Feast at La Locanda.
As the week progresses, the festival highlights wellness and creativity. Under the Masters of Crafts programme, mobility coach Anthony Green will host sessions on posture, flexibility, and spinal health. Seasonal crafts for younger guests include galaxy-themed pumpkin art, Halloween decorations, wand-making, and mask workshops. Family activities extend to Autumn Carnival Stalls, Magic Hat bowling, and themed cooking sessions. Evening entertainment includes a magic show, a piñata party, and further culinary experiences led by Chef Max Strohe.
The festival concludes on 5 November with a Vinsaya Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden, an art class featuring batfish designs on tote bags, and a children’s treasure hunt. Families are invited to join the Boos and Brews Halloween Dhoni Cruise before the celebrations end with a Luxury Sunset Cruise.
Through this programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, combines seasonal festivities with wellness, creativity, and gastronomy, offering guests a diverse celebration of autumn and Halloween in the Maldives.
Featured
Soneva Fushi awarded SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality 2025

Soneva Fushi, situated within the Maldives’ Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has been named winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. The accolade is one of two special awards announced ahead of the official ceremony on 30 October. The award is based on votes from more than 800 members of the Academy, who were asked to identify the hotel where they experienced their single-best hospitality moment within the two-year voting period.
The award recognises the quality of service that ensures guests feel cared for throughout their stay. It celebrates the work of a property and its entire team, acknowledging excellence in areas ranging from reception and housekeeping to amenities and food and beverage services. Voters were asked to consider ambience, unique experiential elements, and the warmth of the hospitality on offer.
Soneva Fushi, the original Soneva resort and regarded as the model for barefoot luxury, is located on one of the Maldives’ largest and least developed islands. The resort comprises 71 private villas, either set amidst dense jungle or positioned above the ocean. Guests are invited to embrace a slower pace of life, with experiences ranging from deserted island picnics and wellness treatments at Soneva Soul to curated events under the Soneva Stars calendar.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said: “This award celebrates the foundation of hospitality and honours the emotional connection that guests have with a hotel and its team. For three decades, Soneva Fushi has been delivering memorable service at the highest level that puts the guest at the heart of every interaction. A mainstay of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list since the awards’ inception, Soneva Fushi is a worthy winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award, setting a benchmark of all-encompassing excellence one stay at a time.”
Each villa offers extensive indoor and outdoor living space, private pools and ocean views. A distinctive feature of the resort is its Barefoot Guardians – dedicated butlers assigned to each villa to provide personalised service. Available at all times, they arrange every aspect of the guest experience, from zipline adventures and snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay to stargazing at the observatory or dining in one of 14 restaurants. The Barefoot Guardians also manage the Soneva Stars calendar, which hosts international chefs, wellness specialists and sporting figures.
Antony Paton, General Manager of Soneva Fushi, said: “This award belongs to the entire team at Soneva Fushi. It is a reflection of our shared purpose to create moments of joy, connection and wonder every single day. Being recognised by The World’s 50 Best Hotels affirms that the quiet magic we strive for is not only felt by our guests, but remembered. And that, to us, is the greatest reward.”
Giancarlo Mancino, Chief Executive Officer of SeiBellissimi, added: “At Soneva Fushi, hospitality is a seamless extension of a lifestyle deeply rooted in sustainability, wellness and mindful luxury. Founded with a slow life philosophy, every experience here is a tribute to living in harmony with nature, honouring health-conscious principles, and crafting each moment with genuine care. This devotion to sustainable elegance and the art of well-being is the perfect mirror of SeiBellissimi’s own values: Italian craftsmanship, conviviality, and a respect for quality that goes beyond the ordinary.”
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 ceremony will take place at Old Billingsgate in London on Thursday 30 October, where Soneva Fushi will formally receive the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award.
Awards
Minor Hotels celebrates multiple wins at TTM Awards 2025

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group operating nine resorts in the Maldives, has announced that three of its properties were recognised at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2025. The annual awards celebrate achievements across 28 categories, with winners selected through votes cast by guests and travel partners.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives received the award for Best Family Resort. The property is known for offering experiences for all ages, with facilities including a playground, splash park, and gourmet kitchen at its children’s club, alongside an extensive schedule of activities. Young guests are provided with age-appropriate experiences such as snorkelling safaris, cooking classes, surf lessons, and outdoor cinema evenings.
Accommodation includes a variety of spacious villas and pavilions, such as the newly renovated Deluxe Family Beach Pool Villa. Combined with diverse dining options, recreational activities, and personalised service, the resort seeks to provide both adventure and relaxation for families.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort was named Best Beach Resort, reflecting its setting of white sands, turquoise lagoons, and coconut groves within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort offers contemporary villas, including Beach Pool Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas, with direct beach access.
Since opening in 2023, Avani+ Fares has aimed to introduce a laid-back approach to Maldivian holidays, combining modern design with the natural environment. Guests can participate in activities ranging from water sports and wellness to dining and cultural programmes.
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort was awarded Best Dive Resort, recognised for its accessible house reef and marine biodiversity. Located close to the shoreline, the reef offers opportunities for snorkellers and divers of all levels, with frequent encounters with species such as reef sharks, turtles, rays, and tropical fish.
The resort also provides access to the dive sites of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, where PADI-certified instructors guide guests through channels, thilas, and reef walls.
In addition to these three awards, Minor Hotels’ properties received 12 finalist nominations across seven categories. These included its newest addition, NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, which was shortlisted in three categories.
The group’s nominations at the TTM Awards 2025 were:
- Best Beach Resort: Avani+ Fares and NH Collection Maldives Havodda
- Best Family Resort: Niyama, Avani+ Fares, and NH Maldives Kuda Rah
- Best Boutique Resort: NH Maldives Kuda Rah
- Best Culinary Resort: Niyama
- Most Picturesque Resort: NH Collection Maldives Havodda
- Best Surf Resort: Niyama
- Best Dive Resort: Avani+ Fares, NH Collection Maldives Havodda, and NH Maldives Kuda Rah
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