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Qatar Airways offers free broadband connectivity to celebrate growth of Super Wi-Fi equipped fleet

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Qatar Airways is now offering 100 days of free on-board Super Wi-Fi connectivity to all passengers, in celebration of the airline equipping more than 100 of its state-of-the-art aircraft with high-speed broadband.

From now until January 2, 2021, passengers can stay connected with family, friends and colleagues free-of-charge using the Wi-Fi connectivity on board.

Qatar Airways now offers the largest number of aircraft equipped with high-speed broadband connectivity in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

“During these challenging times, Qatar Airways continues to lead and innovate, providing our passengers with the five-star experience they have come to expect from the World’s Best Airline. We are delighted to bring high-speed broadband connectivity to all our loyal passengers for the duration of their flights, from departure to arrival,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said.

“Not only does this showcase the exceptional Qatar Airways service at a time when other airlines are using the current market challenges as a reason to reduce their Wi-Fi offerings. It also proves that our mission to connect people around the world does not start and end with just travel. We understand the importance, especially in recent months, of enabling people to be connected at all times, whether on-the-ground or 35,000ft in-the-air.”

More than 100 Qatar Airways aircraft have been fitted with the high-speed Super Wi-Fi service, using the award-winning GX Aviation technology from global mobile satellite communications provider, Inmarsat, since the launch of the service in 2018.

Qatar Airways passengers on flights fitted with GX Aviation usually receive up to one-hour free access to the Super Wi-Fi service, with the ability to purchase full-flight access if more online time is needed.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite.

It is the only airline to have been awarded the coveted ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five times.

According to the latest IATA data, Qatar Airways has become the largest international carrier between April to July by fulfilling its mission of taking people home. This enabled the airline to accumulate unmatched experience in carrying passengers safely and reliably and uniquely positioned the airline to effectively rebuild its network.

The carrier, which operates a daily service to the Maldives, has stringently implemented the most advanced safety and hygiene measures on board its aircraft and in Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Airways’ onboard safety measures for passengers and cabin crew include the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for cabin crew and a complimentary protective kit and disposable face shields for passengers.

Business Class passengers on aircraft equipped with Qsuite can enjoy the enhanced privacy this award-winning business seat provides, including sliding privacy partitions and the option to use a ‘Do Not Disturb (DND)’ indicator. Qsuite is available on flights to more than 30 destinations including Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, London and New York.

Qatar Airways operations are not dependent on any specific aircraft type. The airline’s variety of modern fuel-efficient aircraft has meant it can continue flying by offering the right capacity in each market.

Due to Covid-19’s impact on travel demand, the airline has taken the decision to ground its fleet of Airbus A380s, as it is not commercially or environmentally justifiable to operate such a large aircraft in the current market.

The airline’s fleet of 49 Airbus A350 and 30 Boeing 787 are the ideal choice for the most strategically important long-haul routes to Africa, the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions.

Qatar Airways’ home and hub, HIA, has implemented stringent cleaning procedures and applied social distancing measures throughout its terminals.

Passenger touchpoints are sanitised every 10-15 minutes and boarding gates and bus gate counters are cleaned after each flight. In addition, hand sanitisers are provided at immigration and security screening points.

HIA was recently ranked “Third Best Airport in the World”, among 550 airports worldwide, by the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2020. HIA was also voted the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for the sixth year in a row and ‘Best Staff Service in the Middle East’ for the fifth year in a row.

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau unveils ‘Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks’

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has introduced “Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks”, a new package combining marine adventure, wellness and education in Raa Atoll.

The package is designed for travellers seeking experiences that go beyond leisure, offering opportunities to engage with the natural environment through activities that are both educational and responsible. Located close to one of the most accessible nurse shark snorkelling sites in the Maldives, just a 10-minute boat ride from the resort, InterContinental Maldives is offering guests the chance to observe the species in its natural habitat.

At the centre of the package is a guided swim with nurse sharks, giving guests the opportunity to observe the animals at close range in the water. Ahead of the excursion, guests are invited to attend a complimentary presentation led by one of the resort’s resident marine biologists. Held two days before the swim, the session is designed to address common misconceptions about sharks while providing information on their behaviour and ecological role. The presentation also includes refreshments and an interactive question-and-answer session.

The package also incorporates wellness elements in line with the resort’s broader focus on wellbeing. On the morning of the excursion, guests may take part in a 60-minute Morning Meditation & Slow Stretch session at the resort’s Yoga Pavilion. The session includes guided breathwork and mindful movement intended to help participants feel prepared before entering the water. The group session is priced at USD 35++ per person.

Before the swim begins, the resort’s marine team assesses shark activity and water visibility in Maamunagau Lagoon to ensure suitable conditions. The experience does not involve feeding or pursuing the sharks. Instead, guests observe them from a respectful distance as they rest on the seabed or move along the reef. The activity is positioned as an accessible marine encounter for a wide range of guests, including families, while also serving as an introduction to marine ecosystems and conservation. The guided swim is priced at USD 120+.

After the excursion, guests may choose from a selection of spa treatments at AVI Spa. These include Floating Sound Healing, which places guests in water while sound vibrations are used to support relaxation, priced at USD 150+. Another option is the 120-minute Maldivian Essence ritual, a full-body treatment drawing on local healing traditions and designed to relax muscles, nourish the skin and restore balance. This treatment is priced at USD 280+.

Through the “Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks” package, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is bringing together marine education, responsible wildlife interaction and wellness experiences in a single programme. The package presents ocean exploration as both a nature-based activity and a restorative experience, allowing guests to engage with the marine environment in a considered and structured way.

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SO/ Maldives to celebrate Eid Al Adha with dining, wellness and entertainment

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SO/ Maldives has announced its Eid Al Adha programme, “Eid, the Island Way”, set to take place from 26 to 28 May 2026, presenting a resort-led celebration that blends cultural elements with contemporary luxury.

Set in the Indian Ocean, the resort is positioning the three-day programme as an immersive experience aimed at travellers seeking leisure, wellness and curated island activities. The celebration will bring together a series of daytime and evening experiences built around relaxation, dining, entertainment and family-oriented programming.

During the mornings, guests will be able to begin the day with sunrise yoga overlooking the lagoon or take part in snorkelling and diving activities designed to showcase the surrounding marine environment. The programme is intended to reflect a style of luxury travel in the Maldives centred on personal experience and wellbeing.

Throughout the day, Lazuli Beach Club will serve as a social venue for guests, offering tropical milkshakes, live music, and Karak tea paired with shisha. The setting is designed to create a relaxed atmosphere for guests to gather and mark the occasion of Eid.
In the evenings, the resort will shift its focus to live entertainment. The programme will include Oud performances, DJ sessions by the shoreline, and fire dance performances. Pavilion Bar will also host its Sunset Hour, where guests can enjoy drinks alongside views of the sunset.

Dining will be a central part of the Eid offering. At Hadaba, SO/ Maldives’ signature restaurant, guests will be offered a four-course menu inspired by traditional flavours and presented through a contemporary approach. The menu will feature dishes influenced by shawarma, slow-cooked lamb and pistachio-based desserts.

The resort will also offer a range of wellness and activity-based experiences during the celebration. These will include spa treatments such as the Eid Aroma Deep Journey, as well as fitness sessions aimed at relaxation and rejuvenation. Marine excursions will give guests opportunities to explore coral areas and observe marine life.

Families travelling to the resort will also have access to activities for children, including workshops and cultural sessions, intended to reflect the spirit of Eid across different age groups.

Through the programme, SO/ Maldives continues to develop its identity as a luxury lifestyle resort in the Maldives, combining design, hospitality and curated guest experiences. With “Eid, the Island Way”, the resort is presenting Eid Al Adha as a multi-day celebration centred on connection, dining, entertainment and island living.

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Sirru Fen Fushi secures dual nomination in Condé Nast Traveler Awards

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has been nominated in both the Condé Nast Traveller (UK) and Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, reflecting recognition across two of the travel industry’s established global platforms.

The annual awards highlight hospitality brands based on guest feedback, with nominations reflecting performance across areas such as service, design, wellness and overall guest experience.

Located within one of the Maldives’ larger resort lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi is known for features including the Coralarium, an underwater art installation, as well as its approach to sustainability and wellness. The resort said the dual nomination reflects its continued focus on delivering guest experiences aligned with international expectations.

According to the property, its offering combines accommodation, dining and wellness programmes within a natural island setting, supported by service and curated activities.

In a statement, resort management said the nomination acknowledged both the contribution of its team and the support of its guests.

“We are honoured to be nominated in both editions of the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards,” the resort said. “This recognition is a testament to our dedicated team and the heartfelt support of our guests. We remain committed to creating experiences that resonate long after our guests return home.”

Voting for the Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards and Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Readers’ Choice Awards is open until 30 June 2026.

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