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.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
-
Cooking1 week agoAnantara Veli Maldives continues Michelin guest chef series with female lineup
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli introduces new treatments at Ocean Spa
-
Cooking6 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
Awards1 week agoVilla Park recognised with CHECK24 Top Hotel Award
-
Action1 week agoMichael Owen leads Easter football camp at Avani+ Fares Maldives
-
News7 days agoThe Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
-
Action1 week agoRadisson Blu Maldives image shortlisted for Monaco environmental award
-
Cooking6 days agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept