Featured
Sun shines again: Villa Hotels’ Sun Island Resort reopens

The wait is finally over! Sun Island Resort & Spa, part of Villa Hotels & Resorts, is now welcoming guests again.
“… [we] are thrilled to welcome our beloved guests with our warm, friendly staff and excellent services,” General Manager Abdulla Fathhey said, in a statement.
“While the highest level of health and safety measures have been put in place, we look forward to giving you all the warmest of welcomes and making you feel at home with fun-filled, memorable experiences.”

A flowering jewel amongst Maldives family hotels, Sun Island offers over 460 guest rooms, including Standard Beach Bungalows, Superior Beach Bungalows, Beach Pool Villas, Sunset Villas, Water Bungalows and Presidential Suites, making it the largest resort in the Maldives.
Sun Island has recently introduced brand new Beach Pool Villas, offering enhanced living and relaxation facilities to guests.

The luxurious resort features nine dining options. Local and international buffet spreads are available at Maaniyaa Restaurant. Barbecued seafood is served at Guraamuli Grill Terrace and Italian cuisine is available at Ristorante Il Pontile. Alternatively, Thai dishes can be found at Sun Star, and refreshing beverages at Mekunu Bar.
Sun Island houses an Araamu Spa retreat, which offers a wide range of relaxation options and invigorating treatments, including aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian Ayurvedic therapy, and body scrubs and facials.
The resort also offers a variety of recreational facilities, including a PADI-certified dive centre, table tennis, football, tennis and basketball as well as water sports facilities.

Flexible cancellation policy
Villa Hotels’ cancellation policy offers a promise of flexibility.
For existing bookings confirmed to arrive at any of its resorts before October 31, Vill Hotels will allow amendments at no additional cost for stay periods before (ending on) December 23, or the same period next year at the same rate as the original booking.
Guests who are unable to travel before December 23 or the same period next year can cancel their existing booking for free.
For all new bookings made by October 31, there will be a free cancellation window until three days to arrival. This applies to bookings with stay periods from now until October 31, 2021 (excluding December 24, 2020 to January 7, 2021).
To cancel or modify existing bookings, please contact Villa Hotels.
New CleanStay@Villa safety programme
Villa Hotels’ resorts will adhere to government guidelines for restarting tourism.
Temperature checks and screening measures will be carried out at the first point of entry.
Anyone exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms will undergo a PCR test. If one member of a group travelling together displays symptoms, all members will be tested.
Those who test positive will be isolated in a designated resort room, or transferred to a government medical facility, depending on the individual’s medical condition.
These measures will be complemented by a new group-wide health safety programme.
The CleanStay@Villa initiative is built on Villa Hotels existing high standards, and follow the guidance of their in-house doctors as well as the World Health Organisation and the national Health Protection Agency (HPA).
It implements SOPs for end-to-end hygiene checks from arrival and transfer to stay and departure. They include but are not limited to SOPs in the following:
- Disinfect all exposed surfaces on lounges and transport facilities for arrival and departure
- Check and log temperature of all guests and staff on arrival and departing
- Identify high touch areas in guest villas and modify cleaning protocols to ensure that such areas are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
- Implement new staff hygiene standards, with mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Apply stringent disinfecting measures for F&B, spa, sports and recreation facilities
- Recommend social distancing between guests and staff
- Implement continuous staff training in hygiene and cleanliness standards and protocols
- Ensure resorts’ medical clinics are housed with doctors and required facilities
- Use hospital-grade disinfectants in cleaning protocols
- In case of need, provide isolation rooms at each resort
As one of the leading hospitality companies in the Maldives, Villa Hotels owns and operates five resorts: Paradise Island Resort and Spa, Royal Island Resort and Spa, Holiday Island Resort and Spa, Sun Island Resort and Spa, and Fun Island Resort and Spa.
Paradise Island Resort reopened on July 15, while Royal Island Resort and Fun Island Resort will begin welcoming guests again from November 1. Holiday Island Resort will remain closed until late next year, as the property is now undergoing major renovations.
Villa Hotels also has several subsidiaries, including award-winning wellness brand Araamu Spa and dive centre DiveOceanus.
Featured
Villa Resorts Maldives recognised globally for luxurious halal-friendly experiences

Villa Resorts Maldives has achieved a remarkable 9.1 rating across its properties — Villa Nautica, Villa Park, and Royal Island — reinforcing its position as a premier halal-friendly destination in the Maldives. Recognised with the HalalBooking Guest Review Award, this distinction highlights Villa Resorts’ dedication to delivering exceptional experiences tailored to halal-conscious travellers.
Each property in the Villa Resorts portfolio offers a unique and luxurious experience. Villa Nautica, located in the North Malé Atoll, blends contemporary maritime design with beachfront luxury, providing an ideal setting for guests seeking relaxation and adventure. Villa Park, situated in the peaceful South Ari Atoll, features family-friendly villas with private pools, lush gardens, and direct beach access, making it an ideal destination for halal-conscious retreats. Royal Island, nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, combines traditional Maldivian architecture with modern luxury, offering an authentic escape surrounded by pristine nature.
The HalalBooking Guest Review Award is particularly significant, recognising properties that consistently deliver high-quality guest experiences aligned with halal-specific needs. With over 500,000 properties listed on HalalBooking.com, Villa Resorts’ impressive 9.1 guest review score places it among the top-rated halal-friendly resorts worldwide. This recognition underscores Villa Resorts’ commitment to providing world-class service while respecting cultural values.
Villa Resorts caters to Muslim families with tailored experiences designed to honour cultural practices. The resorts offer halal dining options, private and spacious accommodations, and activities aligned with Muslim traditions. By ensuring privacy and comfort, Villa Resorts creates an ideal environment for families seeking a luxurious and culturally respectful holiday in the Maldives.
As demand for halal-friendly destinations continues to grow, Villa Resorts Maldives remains at the forefront, offering the perfect blend of luxury and cultural respect. Whether visitors choose to unwind in a private beach pool villa, indulge in halal dining, or explore the Maldives’ vibrant marine life, Villa Resorts promises an unforgettable vacation experience.
Featured
Green Globe Recertification underscores Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ environmental vision

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has once again achieved Green Globe Certification, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability as an integral part of its operations. Rather than serving as a mere statement, sustainability at the resort is woven into every aspect of the guest experience, internal decision-making, and long-term strategy. The certification follows a comprehensive, independent audit evaluating the resort’s performance against more than 380 stringent compliance indicators — a demanding benchmark that the resort successfully met.
Significant strides have been made in reducing the property’s carbon footprint without compromising comfort or quality. Energy consumption is managed through the implementation of smart room controls and occupancy sensors, while 99 percent of lighting throughout the property utilizes high-efficiency LED technology. Hot water is supplied by a generator-powered heat exchanger system, complemented by steam-powered laundry machines and energy-efficient appliances in kitchens, guest rooms, and staff facilities. Digital systems have replaced paper-intensive processes, and a Green IT policy ensures all computers are powered down when not in use — reflecting the brand’s dedication to mindful, sustainable operations.
Water conservation remains a central focus of the resort’s environmental efforts. Operating independently from public water systems, the resort employs a sophisticated treatment plant that purifies seawater for use throughout the property. Efficiency is further enhanced by dual-flush toilets, low-flow fixtures, greywater recycling systems, and real-time monitoring technology. Preventative maintenance and regular checks help minimise waste before it occurs.
Situated in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, the resort embraces proactive environmental action as essential. Electric buggies reduce carbon emissions on the island, while local sourcing practices lower transportation-related impacts and support nearby communities. A green procurement policy and ongoing staff training ensure that all departments align with the resort’s long-term sustainability objectives.
Marine conservation plays a prominent role at the resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, where initiatives such as coral propagation, guided snorkelling tours, and educational reef programs encourage guest participation in ocean protection efforts. A collaboration with Parley for the Oceans ensures that plastic waste is recycled and that marine ecosystems remain safeguarded for future generations.
Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. From the visible to the behind-the-scenes, it shapes every detail of a stay. The Maldives Discovery Centre offers visitors insights into local culture through exhibits, artisan displays, and live performances that celebrate Maldivian heritage. Interactive workshops with local craftspeople and educational exhibitions on maritime trade routes provide guests with a rich, immersive understanding of the destination—highlighting the connection between community, culture, and conservation.
This Green Globe recertification is not viewed as a conclusion but as part of a continuous journey. It reflects an enduring commitment to protecting the environment while delivering the unique rhythm, flavour, and hospitality that define the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives experience. Here, sustainability takes center stage as part of the headline act.
Celebration
Island rhythms and Eid traditions at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

This Eid al-Adha, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites discerning travellers to experience an enchanting celebration set against the spellbinding beauty of the Maldives—a private island paradise where refined luxury harmonises with vibrant tradition.
On Sunday, 8 June, the resort will host a thoughtfully curated programme of festivities that honour the spirit of Eid. Guests will be taken on an immersive cultural journey featuring the rhythmic beats of live Boduberu drumming and a captivating Badhiya dance performance, offering a celebration of Maldivian heritage and spirit. Younger visitors can look forward to a lively schedule of children’s activities designed to spark joy and creativity in an inspiring island setting.
As the sun sets, the celebration continues with a cocktail party on the beach, where the golden hues of dusk are paired with live local music and specially crafted cocktails. This relaxed gathering invites guests to savour the island’s warm ambiance as day gives way to night.
Later in the evening, the resort’s signature Seasalt restaurant will present an indulgent Eid Special Buffet. Curated by the resort’s expert culinary team, the buffet showcases a fusion of Maldivian and Arabic gastronomy, featuring aromatic Arabic grills, traditional mezze, and beloved Maldivian classics—all prepared with fresh local ingredients and a contemporary twist.
In celebration of the occasion, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is offering exclusive holiday savings through its Summer Getaway offer. This includes daily breakfast and dinner, 20% off spa treatments and dining experiences, as well as roundtrip seaplane transfers. Guests will also have access to a curated selection of complimentary scheduled weekly activities, providing a deeper connection to the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Maldives.
Whether in search of peaceful relaxation, quality family time, or meaningful cultural discovery, Eid at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives promises an unforgettable celebration in every sense.
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