Featured
Fly to Four Seasons Private Island Maldives aboard Vertis Aviation’s luxury jets

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has partnered with Vertis Aviation, a Switzerland-headquartered boutique jet consultancy, to offer an exclusive travel experience to Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, the world’s first exclusive-use hideaway in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
The premier brands formed the agreement to satisfy a growing demand for safe, flexible and private travel to distinguished destinations. A heightened demand for spending time with friends and family, relaxing at leisure, and enjoying natural beauty has been stimulated by the restrictions resulting from the global pandemic, and has resulted in a rise in leisure charter flights.
“The combination of a private jet flight reducing travel times, limiting exposure to other travellers and minimising airport transfers, with a remote, tropical private hideaway, only accessible to a single group of guests, is very powerful in our current climate,” James Foster, COO for Vertis Aviation, said.
“We anticipate this is going to be a popular product with existing clients who regularly use our private jet solutions for their leisure needs, as well as new clients seeking exceptional experiences. The benefits of flying privately are truly amplified in our current climate and our aim is to deliver customers a variety of options to satisfy their wanderlust securely and safely.”
With first-class commercial flights to the Maldives much reduced, Vertis is using its extensive network to provide access to exceptional private aircraft to convey customers from across the globe directly to Male, the capital of the Maldives.
From here passengers transfer to the vibrantly liveried Four Seasons Triggerfish luxury seaplane for a 30-minute flight to the secluded, seven-bedroom island resort.
Sleeping up to 22 guests, the island offers the ultimate in social distancing, an on-island security team and a staff of up to 25 according to client needs.
As a truly private island, available to just one couple, family or group at a time, Voavah combines legendary service, ultimate seclusion and limitless living. A private yacht, an on-site dive centre, water sports, a kids’ programme and elevated Lead With Care safety protocols, for the most reassuring of stays, also form part of the offering.

The partnership firmly puts customer service, attention to details and discretion at the heart of each journey. It also epitomises the Vertis boutique approach which extends beyond simply organising the flight portion of the trip by providing a range of concierge services from each passenger’s point of departure to destination arrival.
Vertis and Four Seasons Resorts Maldives management anticipate that the benefits derived from private jet travel and time spent on a secluded island will also bring new customers to the business aviation sector, as well as to the Four Seasons group.
“We continue to focus on the imperative of safe travel and are working hard on providing a variety of charter solutions to meet this need. Our customers are demanding unique and one-of-a-kind experiences away from it all and this type of partnership allows us to satisfy these requests,” Foster said.
“We’re excited to launch this flagship partnership and look forward to delivering more incredible experiences to our customers.”
Welcoming guests from all countries since the Maldives reopened its international borders on July 15, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives‘ open spaces, outdoor restaurants and secluded locations offer a reassuring naturally distanced set-up to ease guests back into the sunny side of life this fall and festive season.
Four Seasons is proud to have retained virus-free status in the Maldives throughout 2020 with its Lead With Care procedures, and is committed to ensuring safe onwards travel for its guests too. PCR test services are available on site (at a fee of $150 + taxes per person) to anyone requiring them for onward travel or return to their home countries.
Guests are able to move between resort islands with special government permission, but the safest way to enjoy the Maldives’ pristine beauty for now is to settle into one of three enchanting Four Seasons enclaves in the Maldives.
For a Forbes Five-Star escape, complete with sensational surfing, fragrant flower gardens, lapping lagoon, private spa island and stunning new Beach Hideaways at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa provide a home-from-home welcome for families, friends and groups.
Health and healing come as standard at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru – named “Most Meaningful Experience” in the Condé Nast Traveller Spa Awards 2020 – from the Yoga Therapy Centre in the pristine jungle to pioneering hands-on marine conservation experiences.
For an escape like no other, the two hectare (five acre) Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll accommodates a single group of up to 22 guests in the world’s first private island UNESCO Biosphere hideaway. With its own villas, Beach House, swimming pools, dive school, water sport centre, Ocean of Consciousness Spa, 19-metre (62-foot) yacht and dedicated team of staff, Voavah offers the ultimate in style, serenity and seclusion for limitless island living.
For more information and bookings, please contact the Central Reservations Department team at tel: (960) 66 00 888 or email: reservations.mal@fourseasons.com.
Featured
Grand Park Kodhipparu highlights manta ray conservation on World Manta Day

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives marked World Manta Day with a series of activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of manta ray conservation and the threats these marine species face from international trade, overfishing, plastic pollution and habitat destruction.
The resort organised painting workshops where guests were invited to illustrate their impressions of manta rays and their underwater environment, fostering a connection with marine life through art. Using shimmering glitters, participants recreated the elegance and grace of manta rays, while others crafted large-scale designs on the beach, turning the shoreline into a visual tribute to the creatures.
As part of its commitment to environmental education, the resort released a special video highlighting the feeding habits, defence strategies and reproductive behaviours of manta rays. The video serves as an educational resource, reinforcing the significance of marine conservation through scientific understanding and community engagement.
Citra Suriah, Marketing Director of Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, said the resort would continue to provide opportunities for guests to learn about and advocate for collective responsibility in protecting the ocean.
Entertainment
Halloween and Autumn celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is preparing to welcome guests to a week-long Autumn Festival with Halloween-themed celebrations running from 30 October to 5 November. The programme features a variety of activities designed for families, couples, and individual travellers, with events ranging from treasure hunts and creative workshops to wellness sessions and exclusive dining experiences.
The celebrations begin on 30 October with a beachside Tabata workout followed by a pumpkin carving workshop at La Locanda. Activities for children and teens include the Magic of Mantas virtual reality exploration, Haunted Brick Builders, and the Autumn Costume Fashion Show. Parents are invited to a cocktail gathering on the shore before the evening concludes with a Culinary Maestro dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Max Strohe, as part of the resort’s Masters of Crafts series.
On 31 October, guests may join a morning Dynamic Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden or take part in a turtle snorkelling excursion. Children between four and twelve are encouraged to join the Flying Fox Quest, a Halloween-themed nature walk, while older children embark on an Island Treasure Quest. Seasonal workshops such as wreath decoration and creative pumpkin carving are available, and the day concludes with a Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt across the island and a Halloween Feast at La Locanda.
As the week progresses, the festival highlights wellness and creativity. Under the Masters of Crafts programme, mobility coach Anthony Green will host sessions on posture, flexibility, and spinal health. Seasonal crafts for younger guests include galaxy-themed pumpkin art, Halloween decorations, wand-making, and mask workshops. Family activities extend to Autumn Carnival Stalls, Magic Hat bowling, and themed cooking sessions. Evening entertainment includes a magic show, a piñata party, and further culinary experiences led by Chef Max Strohe.
The festival concludes on 5 November with a Vinsaya Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden, an art class featuring batfish designs on tote bags, and a children’s treasure hunt. Families are invited to join the Boos and Brews Halloween Dhoni Cruise before the celebrations end with a Luxury Sunset Cruise.
Through this programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, combines seasonal festivities with wellness, creativity, and gastronomy, offering guests a diverse celebration of autumn and Halloween in the Maldives.
Featured
Soneva Fushi awarded SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality 2025

Soneva Fushi, situated within the Maldives’ Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has been named winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. The accolade is one of two special awards announced ahead of the official ceremony on 30 October. The award is based on votes from more than 800 members of the Academy, who were asked to identify the hotel where they experienced their single-best hospitality moment within the two-year voting period.
The award recognises the quality of service that ensures guests feel cared for throughout their stay. It celebrates the work of a property and its entire team, acknowledging excellence in areas ranging from reception and housekeeping to amenities and food and beverage services. Voters were asked to consider ambience, unique experiential elements, and the warmth of the hospitality on offer.
Soneva Fushi, the original Soneva resort and regarded as the model for barefoot luxury, is located on one of the Maldives’ largest and least developed islands. The resort comprises 71 private villas, either set amidst dense jungle or positioned above the ocean. Guests are invited to embrace a slower pace of life, with experiences ranging from deserted island picnics and wellness treatments at Soneva Soul to curated events under the Soneva Stars calendar.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said: “This award celebrates the foundation of hospitality and honours the emotional connection that guests have with a hotel and its team. For three decades, Soneva Fushi has been delivering memorable service at the highest level that puts the guest at the heart of every interaction. A mainstay of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list since the awards’ inception, Soneva Fushi is a worthy winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award, setting a benchmark of all-encompassing excellence one stay at a time.”
Each villa offers extensive indoor and outdoor living space, private pools and ocean views. A distinctive feature of the resort is its Barefoot Guardians – dedicated butlers assigned to each villa to provide personalised service. Available at all times, they arrange every aspect of the guest experience, from zipline adventures and snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay to stargazing at the observatory or dining in one of 14 restaurants. The Barefoot Guardians also manage the Soneva Stars calendar, which hosts international chefs, wellness specialists and sporting figures.
Antony Paton, General Manager of Soneva Fushi, said: “This award belongs to the entire team at Soneva Fushi. It is a reflection of our shared purpose to create moments of joy, connection and wonder every single day. Being recognised by The World’s 50 Best Hotels affirms that the quiet magic we strive for is not only felt by our guests, but remembered. And that, to us, is the greatest reward.”
Giancarlo Mancino, Chief Executive Officer of SeiBellissimi, added: “At Soneva Fushi, hospitality is a seamless extension of a lifestyle deeply rooted in sustainability, wellness and mindful luxury. Founded with a slow life philosophy, every experience here is a tribute to living in harmony with nature, honouring health-conscious principles, and crafting each moment with genuine care. This devotion to sustainable elegance and the art of well-being is the perfect mirror of SeiBellissimi’s own values: Italian craftsmanship, conviviality, and a respect for quality that goes beyond the ordinary.”
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 ceremony will take place at Old Billingsgate in London on Thursday 30 October, where Soneva Fushi will formally receive the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award.
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