Featured
Creative residency in paradise: Become Kanuhura Maldives’ first Digital Islanders

Kanuhura Maldives, an island resort by Sun Resorts and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to two creatives to become its Digital Islanders and live on its luxury island resort for a month.
Their mission: Indulge in every experience the atoll proposes to its guests and document it via clips, photos and social media posts.
On the programme: Stays in the island’s water and beach villas, snorkelling and diving in the crystalline waters, escapes to its two deserted islets, dining in the four restaurants, enjoying cocktails in the two bars and countless other heavenly experiences.
While it sounds like a holiday, it is definitely not a lazy one as there are some serious (but fun) tasks involved: underwater filming during snorkelling and diving trips for video making, photographing decadent breakfast-with-a-view tables before succumbing, creating wanderlust-envy Instagram stories during pre-drinks at sunset and of course, shooting breathtaking aerial photos and clips on the beach.

A creative retreat
The creative retreat covers the board and lodging costs on the luxury island resort.
The luxury accommodation offer comprises stays at the Water Pool Villas, which are located at the edge of the timber walkway, suspended on stilts into the turquoise lagoon on the Eastern side of Kanuhura. The private sundeck is extended into an overwater plunge pool and hammocks, providing the ultimate Maldivian experience. From the deck, the wooden stairs lead directly into the turquoise lagoon with the coral garden to explore just a few meters away.

In an endeavour to provide a real experience of the accommodation offer of Kanuhura, the Digital islanders will also have the opportunity to stay at one of the beach villas, nestled in lush greenery and with a direct access to the beach all the way to the glittering lagoon.
It also provides a variety of beautiful locations to get the creative juices flowing and backgrounds to spruce up any portfolio.
The successful Digital Islanders will benefit from guidance into the luxury branding world by the marketing team of the international hospitality group Sun Resorts, in addition to international exposure for a year on its social media and digital channels.
In addition to expanding the international audience and opening new avenues career-wise, living for a month on the island of Kanuhura Maldives represents a rich cultural exchange: Besides the guests from around the world, the team staying on the island is made up of 18 nationalities.
Because happiness is only real when shared, and because behind every successful influencer is a gifted photographer, the Digital Islanders of Kanuhura Maldives are a team of two.

How to become Digital Islanders
Interested creatives should flaunt their talent for the making of visual digital content by producing and sharing a travel-themed content fon the social media platform Instagram.
The content posted, whether a clip, one or multiple photographs, should showcase their aptitude to arouse absolute wanderlust and their eye for visual aesthetics, in addition to their photography and/or film-making skills.
When posting the clip, the caption should read, “We’ve got what it takes to be the first #DigitalIslanders at @KanuhuraMaldives! We’re ready for a #CreativeResidencyInParadise.’
Applicants have until October 19 to submit their applications.
The chosen Digital Islanders will be announced on the social media channels of Kanuhura Maldives on October 26 and should be able to arrive at Kanuhura Maldives for its grand reopening on November 15.
While being a blogger or experienced digital Influencer is not mandatory, applicants with an active personal blog and a visually gorgeous social media feed will be highly regarded. On the personality side, a keen eye for aesthetics, a love of the sea and adventures are a must.
A creative residency like no other, combining luxury vacation with inspiration, a perfect setting for the creation of unique content and the making of timeless memories.
All the terms and conditions to become the first Digital Islanders of Kanuhura Maldives are available here.
Awards
RIU Maldives brings home Gold for RIU Hotels & Resorts at SATA 2025

RIU Hotels & Resorts, with particular recognition for RIU Maldives, has been named the “Leading Resort / Hotel Brand in South Asia – Gold Winner” at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025.
The accolade reflects the brand’s continued commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences across the region. RIU Maldives’ signature offerings — including its renowned 24-hour all-inclusive service, in-room liquor dispensers, and a wide selection of themed restaurants available within the package — have been central to its appeal among travellers seeking both comfort and variety.
The award was accepted on behalf of the company by Mr. Sisitha Weerasekara, Head of Sales for the Maldives and Sri Lanka, during the recent SATA 2025 ceremony.
This achievement stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire RIU team, reaffirming the brand’s mission to provide memorable and seamless holiday experiences in the Maldives and beyond.
Featured
Save big on paradise: Sun Siyam Resorts’ limited-time Black Friday offers

Sun Siyam Resorts has announced the launch of its highly anticipated annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale, offering exclusive rates across its properties in the Maldives. The promotion is valid for bookings made between 1 November and 1 December 2025.
This limited-time opportunity allows travellers to experience the Maldives at special discounted rates, with unique offers tailored to each resort in the group.
Guests can enjoy up to 45% off on Siyam World’s 24-hour WOW! All-Inclusive package. The offer includes a complimentary floating breakfast and villa upgrade, subject to availability, alongside the resort’s wide range of experiences and activities.
At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, guests can enjoy free or half-price seaplane transfers, floating breakfasts, two-for-one spa treatments, and signature excursions such as dolphin cruises and snorkelling tours. Families benefit further, with children under 12 staying and dining free of charge.
Travellers can save up to 30% on all villas and receive a complimentary seaplane transfer for one guest on stays of four nights or more at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. Additional perks include complimentary water sports for children, spa upgrades, and early check-in or late check-out subject to availability. Children under 16 stay and dine free.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef offers complimentary seaplane transfers, a 60-minute couple’s spa treatment, and floating breakfasts. Children under 12 stay free, with further benefits including dinner dine-around options, early check-in, and special honeymoon amenities.
Guests can enjoy up to 50% off round-trip speedboat transfers, or free transfers for stays of five nights or more in pool villas at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. The offer also includes a floating breakfast, 25% off spa treatments, 30% off à la carte dining, and additional discounts on water sports and diving.
Travellers are encouraged to secure their island getaway before 1 December 2025, as these offers are available for a limited period only.
Celebration
Experience Diwali in paradise with Villa Nautica’s beachside celebrations

Villa Nautica is set to celebrate Diwali with a vibrant programme that combines colour, craft and coastal charm in a private island setting. The resort’s schedule of experiences invites guests to take part in festive activities throughout their stay, blending traditional customs with a contemporary beachside flair. Highlights include poolside rangoli, children’s craft sessions, henna artistry, a shoreline feast, and lively Bollywood-inspired entertainment after sunset. All activities are designed to be drop-in, allowing families and couples to enjoy the festivities at their own pace.
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Velana International Airport by direct speedboat transfer, Villa Nautica offers an easy arrival experience suited to both short getaways and longer holidays.
Food plays an integral role in the celebrations, with a festive spread inspired by regional Indian flavours. Guests can expect approachable options for all ages alongside opportunities to sample new dishes, served in a relaxed, oceanfront atmosphere.
Families are well catered for, with spacious accommodation choices such as the Two Bedroom Beach Villa with Two Pools and the Two Bedroom Ocean Suite with Pool, both offering proximity to the lagoon and ample space for relaxation. Younger guests can take part in creative sessions at the Wavy Navy Kids Club, including guided card-making and lantern-crafting workshops.
As evening falls, the island transforms with glowing lanterns, live beach entertainment, and a finale featuring popular Bollywood hits — creating a warm and welcoming way to mark the Festival of Lights in the Maldives.
Guests can also take advantage of Villa Resorts’ Winter Offer, which provides 20 percent off stays, combining festive celebration with seasonal value for couples, families, and friends planning a Diwali escape.
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