Featured
Fushifaru Maldives celebrates winning three global travel awards

Fushifaru Maldives is a proud winner of three industry-leading awards so far this year, just as the resort prepares for its reopening on November 10.
As a luxury boutique resort, Fushifaru’s exceptional service and unique guest experience have been highlighted through these awards, ranking Fushifaru among the best resorts in the Maldives.
“It is truly an honour for our little island Fushifaru to be recognised on an international scale, we feel even more determined to excel in all areas of hospitality and host guests from all around the world,” Fushifaru’s General Manager Ahmed Siaar said.
Fushifaru successfully won the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2020, a follow-up achievement to the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence received last year.
Through consistent five-star guest ratings on TripAdvisor, the Travellers’ Choice award is a testament to Fushifaru’s fantastic hospitality, activities, restaurants and entertainment — all of which have once again been recognised by the traveller community.
Fushifaru’s fine-dining restaurant Raakani, which offers exquisite teppanyaki and ‘surf n turf’ cooking, has been recognised among ‘The Best Luxury Dining Experience 2020’ by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.
The restaurant also won at World Luxury Restaurant Awards.
Raakani, named after the Spider Conch Shell, exudes elegance and exquisite ‘surf and turf’ cuisine and interactive teppanyaki dining experience in an ultimate beach setting. It comes with palm-thatched dining platforms that offer panoramic views of the crystal clear seas and white beaches of Lhaviyani atoll.
“We feel fantastic every day when providing a wonderful experience to our guests with big smiles and tasteful food. We strive to continuously surprise our guests with memorable dining experiences and genuine hospitality here at Fushifaru Maldives,” Fushifaru’s Food and Beverage Manager Ali Sameer said.
“We have some new dining experiences designed for our reopening and we cannot wait to share them with our beloved guests!”
Fushifaru is excited to reopen on November 10, and is ready to welcome and host international guests looking for unforgettable holidays, with assured safety and protection.
Only a 35-minute breathtaking seaplane flight away from Velana International Airport, Fushifaru is nestled between a national Marine Protected Area and three of the Maldives’ most iconic dive sites. Fushifaru is a with an endless promise of adventure, excitement, discovery and serenity all in one diverse landscape.
Merging quintessential Maldivian design with modern aesthetics, this boutique Maldivian chic resort’s 63 Beach and Water Villas exude a sense of cosines yet luxurious in space and amenities. Each of the villas features open-air bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, private verandas with dining areas and breath-taking views of the surrounding area – some villas feature private plunge pools.
Dining experiences focus on regional and international flavours to suit every taste and dietary requirement. Scrumptious breakfast buffets and palate pleasing international cuisine are offered at Korakali whilst flavourful Asian delicacies and mouth-watering varieties of freshly caught seafood can be savoured at Raakani. Signature cocktails and detoxtails are complemented by the best sunset views on island whilst lounging by the pool at Fanihandhi. A range of international dishes and snacks can be served straight to the privacy of your villa, 24 hours.
Above the waterline — to up the ante on adventure, a fully-equipped gym overlooks the Indian Ocean, whilst a multi-sports court hosts regular matches between residents and guests. Alternatively, take your game to the water with jet skis, kayaks and catamarans. Off-island visits include the largest tuna canning factory in the Maldives or numerous social and sustainable activities.
Below the waterline — Fushifaru Kan’du, a national Marine Protected Area home to three iconic dive sites including the renowned Fushifaru Thila, is teeming with marine life, unique cave formations and a marine cleaning station and sits right beside the resort. A true haven for diving enthusiasts and snorkelers alike.
Private wedding celebrations, picnics and desert island getaways are available at the resort’s own sandbank – only a few metres away in a crystal clear turquoise lagoon.
Featured
Classic Easter celebration awaits at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to celebrate Easter with a timeless and traditional touch from March 17-23, 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s festivities embrace the essence of a classic Easter, blending elegant dining experiences, engaging family-friendly activities, and moments of relaxation in a tropical paradise.
The Easter celebrations at Kuda Villingili include a variety of activities designed to create cherished memories. Children can participate in delightful Easter egg hunts and themed arts and crafts sessions, while guests of all ages have the opportunity to join a special Easter Sunday sunrise yoga session, embracing tranquility before indulging in the elaborate festivities.
A highlight of the celebrations is the Kuda Villingili Easter Extravaganza Buffet Dinner, scheduled for April 20, 2025, at The Restaurant. This exquisite buffet offers an array of international and local delicacies, accompanied by the captivating sounds of the resort’s resident live band.
For those seeking fun under the sun, the Easter Island Splash Pool Party provides an exciting afternoon, transforming the Maldives’ largest pool into a vibrant celebration hub. Guests can enjoy poolside games, Aqua Zumba, lively music by DJ Leila, and an assortment of treats, including popcorn, infused drinks, and cotton candy. Designed for families and children, this event captures the festive spirit of Easter in an unforgettable way.
Culinary enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a hands-on experience with Mar-Umi Sushi Artistry, led by Chef Kimo. This interactive session allows participants to learn the delicate art of sushi-making from an experienced chef, adding a touch of culinary mastery to their island getaway.
Wine aficionados are invited to celebrate Easter in sophistication at The Exclusive Wine Tasting, which features a curated selection of the world’s finest vintages and New World wines. For those desiring an intimate and luxurious dining experience, The Easter Grapevine Dinner presents a five-course Wine Library Dinner, expertly curated and paired for a refined Easter celebration.
Guests can also embark on a global culinary adventure through themed set-menu dinners. Pan-Asian Voyage at East highlights the diverse flavors of Asia, while Nikkei Rhapsody at Mar-Umi showcases the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian Nikkei cuisine. Meanwhile, Spice offers the Awadhi & Arabic Culinary Journey, an authentic experience crafted by the legendary Qureshi brothers, who bring five generations of culinary expertise to the table.
For adventure seekers, a Surf Beach Lesson provides an exhilarating opportunity for beginners to learn the fundamentals of surfing under the guidance of expert instructors.
Kuda Villingili Resort serves as an ideal destination for families and guests looking to celebrate Easter in the Maldives. With its combination of luxury, adventure, and heartfelt hospitality, the resort offers a perfect setting for relaxation and connection. Whether guests choose to explore the vibrant marine life, indulge in a world-class spa experience, or participate in curated Easter activities, the resort ensures a memorable and fulfilling experience for all.
Beyond these signature events, Kuda Villingili Resort presents a variety of Easter-themed activities tailored to all ages, guaranteeing a joyful and unforgettable holiday. Whether savoring gourmet delights, engaging in thrilling water sports, or enjoying quality family time, Easter at Kuda Villingili promises an extraordinary island escape.
Featured
Westin Hotels elevate sleep experiences with holistic wellness initiatives

In the lead-up to the global commemoration of World Sleep Day on March 14 and building on the ‘Busy Resting’ campaign launched in January 2025, Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, is advocating for restful sleep. Hotels and resorts across the Asia Pacific region (excluding China) are inviting guests to experience revitalising and restorative relaxation, emphasising rest as an essential part of life rather than a luxury.
Modern society often equates being busy with success, often at the expense of personal well-being. However, a shift is occurring as individuals begin to reclaim their right to rest. With a strong focus on holistic well-being and a brand strategy centered on curating optimal sleep experiences, Westin has consistently positioned itself as an innovator in the hospitality industry. Since introducing the Heavenly Bed® in 1999, which disrupted industry norms and set a new standard for hotel sleep experiences, the brand has remained a leader in the wellness space.
For over two decades, Westin has continually evolved its offerings to provide guests with a personalised approach to sleep and comfort. The Sleep Well program, which features amenities such as the Sleep Well Menu and Sleep Well Lavender Balm, further highlights the brand’s commitment to promoting restorative sleep as a crucial component of overall well-being. Westin continues to champion wellness through its Six Pillars of Well-Being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.
John Toomey, Chief Commercial Officer for Asia Pacific (excluding China), emphasised Westin’s leadership in hospitality well-being, stating, “Westin has been among hospitality’s global leaders in well-being, consistently empowering guests to enhance their routines while on the road through its six pillars, from Eat Well to Sleep Well. World Sleep Day serves as a great reminder of the importance of restorative experiences for travellers. With the increasing interest in sleep tourism and wellness travel, it is the perfect time to reaffirm our commitment to guests’ health by providing the tools and experiences necessary for a good night’s sleep.”
Westin’s Sleep Well program is central to its dedication to holistic well-being, offering guests a revitalising and restful sleep experience. The program underscores the significance of quality sleep as the foundation for mental and physical health. The Heavenly® Bed provides unparalleled comfort for travellers seeking restorative sleep. The Sleep Well Menu, available through in-room dining, features sleep-enhancing superfoods rich in nutrients that promote relaxation. Additionally, guests can unwind with the Sleep Well Lavender Balm, infused with calming essential oils to alleviate tension and create a peaceful sleep environment. Westin’s wellness-focused amenities continue to set a high standard in the hospitality industry.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers guests a specialised Sleep Infusion Turndown service. This curated in-room tea experience includes sleep-inducing herbal teas, such as chamomile and lavender, to promote relaxation. Guests can also participate in daily meditation and relaxation sessions, including Yoga Nidra and Gyan Mudra, to enhance their journey toward quality sleep. Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a guided meditation technique that facilitates deep relaxation, while Gyan Mudra, a sacred hand gesture, helps direct energy and maintain balance.
Parents travelling with children can benefit from ‘The Westin Maldives Kids Sleep Manual,’ developed in collaboration with Savvy Sleep. This guide provides families with sleep-recommended activities, including beachfront bedtime stories, stargazing, and dream journaling, to encourage restful and rejuvenating sleep for young travelers.
On March 14, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will host a sunset reception, inviting guests to relax amid stunning ocean views. The event will feature an exclusive selection of Sleep Well-inspired canapés and beverages, creating a serene atmosphere to celebrate the importance of restful sleep.
Nestled in the picturesque Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort serves as an oasis of tranquility. Through an immersive approach to well-being, the resort continues to advocate for the restorative power of sleep, ensuring that every guest departs feeling refreshed and inspired.
Featured
Immersed in nature: marine life encounters at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

As the world comes together to celebrate World Wildlife Day, there is no better time to explore the turquoise waters surrounding Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ four Maldivian properties. These waters, home to some of the most captivating marine creatures, provide a glimpse into a thriving underwater ecosystem brimming with life. Experts from Dive & Sail, the official dive operator at the resorts, share insights into the marine marvels awaiting guests beneath the waves.
“Each of the four resorts in the Maldives by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts boasts a unique marine ecosystem,” says Adam Ali from the Dive & Sail team. He highlights the vibrant coral gardens of Ellaidhoo, the world-famous surf breaks and manta ray encounters near Dhonveli, and the diverse underwater landscapes that make each location a window into the wonders of the ocean.
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, divers and snorkelers frequently encounter nurse sharks gliding through the waters, while the pristine lagoons of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offer sightings of stingrays and colourful reef fish. The diversity of species across these resorts underscores the Maldives’ rich marine heritage, providing unforgettable underwater adventures.
One of the most sought-after experiences for divers and snorkelers is encountering manta rays and whale sharks. “The Maldives is one of the best places in the world for manta ray sightings, and they are often spotted in the channels near Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives and Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives,” explains Ibrahim Shaah, a seasoned instructor at Dive & Sail. Recalling a particularly memorable dive, he describes being surrounded by half a dozen manta rays, their graceful movements almost hypnotic, with one even looping around the divers as if performing a dance.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, renowned for its house reef, offers some of the best opportunities for close-up shark encounters. “Diving here, especially at night, is a surreal experience,” says diver Mohamad Amjey. He describes a moment of stillness as a school of reef sharks moved past him like shadows in the dark, an exhilarating yet peaceful experience.
Beyond providing exceptional underwater encounters, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts remains committed to marine conservation. “Sustainable diving and snorkelling practices are essential to protecting these fragile ecosystems,” the team at Dive & Sail emphasises. The dive centres educate guests on responsible marine interactions, encouraging them to maintain a safe distance from marine life and avoid contact with corals.
The resort group also plays a crucial role in reef restoration through coral propagation initiatives. By planting coral frames and monitoring their growth, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts contributes to preserving the reefs that support an incredible array of species. Guests are invited to take part in these efforts, fostering a deeper connection with marine conservation.
On this World Wildlife Day, the vibrant marine life of the Maldives is celebrated as a dream destination for ocean enthusiasts. Whether experienced divers or first-time snorkelers, guests at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives are encouraged to discover, appreciate, and safeguard this underwater wonderland. After all, the true beauty of the ocean lies not only in what is witnessed but in the efforts made to protect it for future generations.
-
News1 week ago
Hideaway’s The Signature Collection partners with Serandipians Private Residences
-
News1 week ago
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Maldives’ longest pool, reimagined Beach & Sunset Beach Pavilions
-
News6 days ago
Mondrian to bring oversized imagination to Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Immersed in nature: marine life encounters at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
-
News1 week ago
Experience soulful Ramadan at Nova Maldives with Iftar, Suhur offerings
-
News6 days ago
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives reinforces sustainability commitment with Green Globe recertification
-
News1 week ago
Celebrate spirit of Ramadan at Maagiri Hotel
-
Cooking1 week ago
JOALI Maldives unveils guest chef series with Michelin-starred culinary masters