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Hilton’s Maldives resorts invite travellers to experience unparalleled personalised service, distinctive experiences
Nestled in unique atolls surrounded by azure blue waters, powdery white sand and an incredible diversity of marine life, Hilton’s luxury resorts Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island are ready to welcome travellers to their slice of paradise with an enhanced promise of safety and wellbeing.
Beyond the unsurpassed levels of Hilton hospitality that discerning guests to the two Maldivian resorts would have come to expect, guests can also stay assured that the resorts have implemented industry-leading standards of cleanliness and disinfection of the proprietary Hilton CleanStay programme, while adhering to Maldivian health and safety guidelines.
“As a company which has delivered over a hundred years of hospitality, the wellbeing and safety of our guests and team members have always been our number one priority. In looking at how we can meet the evolving needs and preferences of our guests at the same time it is heartening to see the amount of effort our team members are putting in to ensure they are absolutely ready to provide their guests with complete assurance and peace of mind,” Paul Hutton, Hilton’s Vice President of Operations for South East Asia, said.
“Regardless of whether they choose to stay at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi or Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, I have every confidence our guests will create amazing new memories as they enjoy the level of Hilton hospitality that they have come to expect.”
From arrival to check in and throughout their stay, guests can experience an elevated standard of cleanliness and sanitisation which builds upon Hilton’s high standards of housekeeping and hygiene, where hospital-grade cleaning products and upgraded protocols were already in place.
“As the first international hotel company to enter the Maldives more than two decades ago, we are committed to creating the most unforgettable and inspiring experiences for our guests in this sought-after destination and we are absolutely thrilled to once more be welcoming guests back to our resorts,” Nils-Arne Schroeder, Hilton’s Vice President of Luxury and Lifestyle for Asia Pacific, said.
“Our passionate team members are dedicated to continue to deliver unparalleled, bespoke service to meet the needs and preferences of our guests and provide a safe and secure environment during this unique time.”
Having recently celebrated its first year since opening, the iconic Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers guests a sense of elevated luxury in an exclusive tropical enclave, a plethora of activities for guests of all generations and a personal concierge service giving guests the freedom to create memories that last a lifetime.
The 119 all-villa resort, which was also recently awarded two notable titles in the coveted annual Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards list, welcomes guests to a world of visionary design where elite travellers with a discerning eye will appreciate exquisite architecture and design that blends perfectly into the landscape. Designed to meet local environmental requirements and needs, every aspect of the resort has been guided by the natural setting and local architectural style, with a luxury edge. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a breath-taking view of villas nestled within the sparkling Maldivian landscape, inspired by the island’s beauty, natural resources and local culture.
In line with the Waldorf Astoria brand’s rich legacy of culinary innovation and excellence, the resort has been designed to appeal to luxury leisure seekers with a refined palate and an appreciation for international cuisine, featuring 10 specialty dining venues serving the freshest produce in extraordinary settings — the diversity of which is a first for the Maldives. No matter their preference, guests can select from venues ranging from inspired tree-top dining and private wine cellars set in a cave to organic farmhouses and an authentic Chinese restaurant. Special occasions can also be celebrated at spectacular venues including the resort’s private sandbank or within the comfort of their villas.
Reopening to guests from September 28, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is recognised for its stunning white-sand beaches and an amazing underwater world. A short seaplane ride away from the Maldives main Velana international airport, the beautiful resort is situated in the midst of the Maldives’ best diving and snorkelling spots.
Guests planning a quiet getaway can enjoy an authentic Maldivian hideaway on Rangali Island while enjoying access to the facilities of the larger and livelier Rangali-Finolhu Island, which are linked by a 500-meter bridge. For a true wellness experience, guests can make their way to The Spa Retreat, an over-water destination spa, set 100 metres off of the tip of the main island.
The inspirational island oasis nestled in the South Ari Atoll features 151 purposefully designed villas and suites, a true gourmet’s delight with a choice of 12 award-winning restaurants and bars, two spas and a selection of culturally inspired experiences and activities set against the awe-inspiring Maldivian surrounding.
The latest architectural marvel introduced by Conrad Maldives is the world’s first undersea residence, The MURAKA: a first-of-its-kind, two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level. “MURAKA,” translated to mean “coral” in Dhivehi, epitomises how the residence lives and thrives among the natural landscape of the Indian Ocean.
For more information on Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, visit www.waldorfastoriamaldives.com. For more information on Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, visit www.conradmaldives.com.
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.
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.
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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