Featured
Fairmont Maldives reopens Oct 18 with flurry of new aquatic guests
There’s no bad time to visit the Maldives, but it’s hard to beat during the winter months, when temperatures average a balmy 28 degrees and rainfall is at a minimum.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi — or ‘secret water island’ as it’s known to locals — will reopen on October 18, just in time for late-summer sun-seekers.
Quieter seas mean marine life has flourished around the resort lagoon and its Coralarium — the archipelago’s first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art gallery.
Dive into the crystal ocean, where over 250 species of tropical fish, manta rays and turtles patrol the nine-kilometre coral house reef. Explore the Coralarium and its soaring sculptures, created by British eco-artist Jason deCaires Taylor as an artificial reef, encouraging marine life to make it a home. Learn about ocean conservation, snorkel the reef and rub shoulders with the circus of aquatic life on a unique underwater art tour, guided by the resident marine biologist.
This might be a private island, but there’s plenty to keep guests entertained. After exploring beneath the waves, guests can create their own marine-inspired masterpiece in the Art Studio, before taking a dip in the Maldives’ longest infinity pool.
Relaxation-seekers can indulge in an Asian-inspired therapy at Willow Stream Spa, drawing inspiration and vitality from its natural surroundings, from the ocean to fragrant herbs from the horticultural garden.
For a deep-dive into Maldivian culture, take an authentic cookery class with a local chef, or visit a local island on a cultural tour to learn more about the archipelago’s colourful heritage.
It’s not just the coral that Fairmont Maldives strives to conserve. Back on land, the island is home to a fresh water bottling plant and guests are given branded, refillable Fairmont bottles on arrival.
Environmentally-friendly, bio-degradable amenities are available across the luxurious villas — from the overwater villas to safari-style tented lodgings — and through lessons in sustainability, marine exploration and educational workshops, guests feel inspired to continue their conservation journey long after they leave.
Fairmont Maldives will reopen with intensified hygiene and prevention measures, in line with Accor’s ALLSAFE initiative.
Physical distancing will be respected across all common areas, including pre-booking across Willow Stream Spa, fitness centre and diving, etc. Restaurants and bars have put a maximum seating in place, and menus across the resort will be digital.
Guests with any concerns can speak with a dedicated ALLSAFE officer, stationed in the hotel reception.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is offering a Dream Stay package, which starts from $740 (approximately £575) per night based on two people sharing a Sunrise Water Villa on an all-inclusive basis (daily breakfast, lunch and dinner including standard beverage package). The package also includes return seaplane transfers from Male to Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi.
For more information or to book, please visit Fairmont-maldives.com.
Action
Eri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.
The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.
Turtle encounters
Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.
The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.
Manta ray season
From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.
Night diving experiences
Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.
At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.
Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.
Featured
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives collaborates with Maldivian artist Ahmed Aleem
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has announced a collaboration with Ahmed Aleem Shakoor, who is currently in residence at the resort, introducing a creative element to the guest experience.
Aleem, a self-taught artist, is known for work that combines maritime themes, surrealism and symbolism. His practice spans watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ history and ocean landscapes, often expressed through the use of light, depth and narrative.
During his residency, Aleem is working with the resort to develop a series of artistic and cultural experiences aimed at engaging guests. These include live painting sessions, informal interactions with the artist and workshops designed to encourage creative participation.
The programme forms part of the resort’s wider activities, with offerings such as mini canvas painting, coconut painting and creative art sessions available to guests. In addition, Tales Painted in Sunlight combines elements of Maldivian folklore, storytelling and visual art, providing further insight into local culture.
The collaboration reflects the resort’s approach to incorporating local artistic talent into its programming, while offering guests opportunities to engage with creative activities in a relaxed setting. The residency is designed to allow guests to explore artistic expression as part of their island experience.
As part of its seasonal programme, selected artistic activities are also included in the resort’s Easter offerings, providing additional opportunities for guests to take part in creative experiences during their stay.
Awards
Amilla Maldives wins ‘Most OutThere Initiative’ award for Inclusive Travel
Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.
The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.
At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.
Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.
As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.
Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.
The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Halcyon Private Isles Maldives announces Easter residency by Chef Dimitry Eremeev
-
Action1 week agoSix Senses Kanuhura participates in international COASTS Project on blue carbon ecosystems
-
Cooking7 days agoAnantara Veli Maldives continues Michelin guest chef series with female lineup
-
Awards1 week agoMandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa receives global wellness award
-
Action1 week agoBaros Maldives introduces ‘Lines of Respect’ fishing programme
-
Awards1 week agoCOLOURS OF OBLU marks triple win in global guest-driven awards
-
Awards7 days agoVilla Park recognised with CHECK24 Top Hotel Award


