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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.
Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.
Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.
Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.
South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.
Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.
The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.
Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.
Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.
Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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