Featured
Stories from post-lockdown Maldives holidaymakers
In the eyes of the first guests who completed their Maldives holidays in September and October at the properties in the Crown & Champa Resorts collection, the vacations were all “excellent”, “it was paradise”, and most importantly:
Perfect stay and great anti-Covid measures.
Al_mj_0, London, United Kingdom (9/28/20) – Meeru Island Resort & Spa – TripAdvisor
Maldives was among the first to reopen its borders to tourist. Also having received the Safe Travels Stamp from World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the island nation had been receiving travellers and holidaymakers since July 15.
Guests to Crown & Champa Resorts properties had been having a wonderful time. They felt safe and enjoyed their holidays and never felt restricted by the new normal, the health and safety protocols. Check out their stories in these video testimonials.
For the romantic traveler: Learn the story of Julian and Sonja and their experience at Meeru Island Resort & Spa in September. Meeru supported them through their entire journey to make their dream wedding still come true, despite the current worldwide challenges brought by Covid-19.
For Mr & Mrs Seidner, it was: “Veligandu ist geöffnet. Ihr entlegenes Paradies”:
For Veligandu Island Resort & Spa’s Spanish guests: “Estamos en Veligandu, disfrutando mucho de nuestras vacaciones”.
For the Family traveller: The Kamissarovs had a 13-day vacation in Meeru Island Resort & Spa with their little daughter in September and had a fantastic stay despite the new normal:
Read the guest reviews
SuperMoose_NL from the Netherlands rated Komandoo Island Resort & Spa five-stars and described the island as “a safe haven”, on TripAdvisor. This seasoned traveller and seven-time repeater to the island wrote a 1,800-word review explaining the full experience from the arrival to the departure.
In short, I can honestly say that Komandoo felt like a safe haven from the pandemic. You definitely do notice that there’s a ‘new normal’, due to the preventive measures that the island have in place to ensure everyones safety, but I always felt much safer than I do at home in Europe and would not hesitate to return.
SuperMoose_NL, Tripadvisor
Jennifer L. from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA wrote a heartfelt five-star Tripadvisor review on September 16:
My husband and I had an excellent and very unique experience at Veligandu amid Covid-19. We hope to come back to paradise soon! I’d like to first mention that we were impressed with the safety measures put in place throughout the resort – hand sanitising stations, staff wearing masks and social distancing measures during dining – we felt safe our entire stay. They check your temperature every morning, FYI. I say we had a unique experience because there were only a handful of couples on the resort during our 11 night stay. It felt like we had the entire island to ourselves and the service was impeccable! We will miss Naaem, Akram, Abdulla, Naail, Adam, Rifau, Alex and all the wonderful staff at Veligandu.
Jennifer L, Tripadvisor
Julie Antju from Gainsborough, United Kingdom wrote on TripAdvisor after her stay in Hurawalhi Island Maldives:
A truly relaxing, five-star holiday never to be forgotten. Snorkelling and diving top class. 5.8 underwater restaurant not to be missed. Covid precautions in place far superior to any western countries. Feel safer here than the UK! Thank you for a perfect holiday.”
Julie Antju, Tripadvisor
Crown & Champa Resorts has rolled out enhanced health and safety protocols across its collection of resorts.
The enhanced and expanded hygiene and safety procedures, collectively known as the Safe Holiday Experience in Paradise, include additional Covid-19 protocols and best practices that meet the recommendations set by the World Health Organisation and public health authorities in the Maldives.
After closing all of their resorts in April in the wake of the Maldives border closure, Crown & Champa Resorts has now reopened all of the resorts in its collection.
Crown & Champa Resorts, a leader in the Maldivian hospitality industry with over 40 years’ experience, operates nine resorts and a city hotel — each targeting a unique traveller with the aim of offering experiences at great quality and value in different segments.
Its diverse collection of resorts include Hurawalhi Maldives, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi, Innahura Maldives Resort, Komandoo Maldives, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Kuredu Resort Maldives, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, and one city hotel, Champa Central Hotel.
The group had earlier announced plans to open its ninth resort, Kagi Maldives Spa Island, later this year.
Featured
Celebrate Ramadan in ultimate luxury at The Nautilus Maldives
This Ramadan, The Nautilus Maldives, an award-winning private island retreat, invites guests to celebrate the sacred month through an exquisite blend of ultra-luxury, cultural heritage, and meaningful connection. The Nautilus Majlis Iftar Pop-Up offers a distinctive celebration of traditions, flavours, and the spirit of togetherness. Visitors can enjoy this exceptional experience in the privacy of their House or Residence, on the tranquil beachfront under the starlit sky, or at an exclusive sandbank retreat. Every element is meticulously designed to provide an unforgettable journey of indulgence and reflection.
At The Nautilus, time and constraints are set aside, allowing guests to embrace the sacred month of Ramadan at their own pace. Through the resort’s signature 24/7 timeless hospitality and unscripted dining concept, Ramadan celebrations are tailored to reflect personal preferences. This year, The Nautilus introduces a carefully curated Iftar menu, served within the extraordinary boho-chic elegance of the Majlis Pop-Up. Honouring tradition while offering bespoke customisation, each meal transforms into a sensory celebration of the holy month. Every detail is attentively crafted, turning dining into a meaningful and unforgettable experience that embodies the essence of Ramadan.
The Nautilus offers exclusive privileges to elevate the Ramadan journey. Guests booking a House or Residence can enjoy up to 30% off the Best Available Rate, along with 15% off treatments at Solasta Spa and 15% off water-sports at AquaNautica.
For those seeking a more indulgent escape, stays of seven nights or more include an additional 10% discount, allowing ample time to fully immerse in the serene beauty of this bohemian ultra-luxury haven. Families are warmly welcomed, with children under 12 staying and dining for free, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
The Nautilus is more than a destination—it is a sanctuary where the spirit of Ramadan is celebrated through cultural immersion, personalised experiences, and bespoke, free-spirited offerings. Beyond the luxury and indulgence, moments of reflection and reconnection are thoughtfully integrated into every aspect of the stay. This Ramadan, The Nautilus offers a retreat like no other—a place where time stands still, and every detail is crafted to elevate the journey.
Featured
Luxury and love at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa welcomes couples to experience an enchanting romantic retreat on a private island surrounded by pristine azure waters. Situated on Vagaru Island in the serene Shaviyani Atoll, this exclusive resort provides an idyllic haven for those seeking a memorable and intimate getaway.
The resort offers an unparalleled stay, complete with a dedicated personal butler (Thakuru), poolside breakfasts, and romantic beachfront dining against breathtaking sunset backdrops. With personalised service and indulgent experiences, couples are invited to create lasting memories and celebrate their love in a truly magical setting.
Throughout February, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa encourages guests to immerse themselves in moments of romance amidst the stunning turquoise waters. The resort boasts five dining venues, three full-service bars, a wine room with over 1,200 labels, and bespoke destination dining experiences. Couples can savour a culturally rich Boduberu dinner on the beach, featuring traditional Maldivian drumming performances, or enjoy signature couple’s spa treatments at Spa by JW.
Spa by JW offers an intimate setting for couples to unwind together with pampering treatments such as ‘The Power of Touch,’ designed to strengthen connection through therapeutic touch. Guests can craft personalised body scrubs and enjoy a soothing massage, complemented by luxurious spa suites equipped with steam baths, plunge pools, and ocean vistas.
Culinary offerings at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa provide extraordinary dining experiences that celebrate love and togetherness. Romantic beachside dinners under the stars, wine-pairing meals, and exclusive menus elevate every meal into a cherished memory.
The resort’s Boduberu beach dinner allows couples to indulge in Maldivian culture while dining to the rhythmic beats of traditional drums. For a unique dining concept, RIHA presents a private eight-course menu curated by Chef Rohit Agarwal around a sunken outdoor Tandoor & Tawa, blending regional flavours for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Wine enthusiasts can explore the extensive collection in the Wine Room at Aailaa, the resort’s all-day dining venue, which features over 300 wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for any meal.
The resort features a selection of romantic accommodations, including overwater and beach pool villas. Guests can choose sunrise or sunset views and elevate their stay with options like floating breakfasts. Each villa, blending modern luxury with unobtrusive design, ensures privacy and tranquility.
Beach Pool Villas, surrounded by lush greenery, offer private beach access and ample space for ultimate seclusion, while Overwater Pool Villas provide wooden decks, private pools, and stunning ocean views. Each villa spans 248 square meters and includes a king-sized bed, private pool, and a serene ambiance designed for romance.
Couples can enhance their stay with the ‘Romantic Retreat’ package, featuring personalised Thakuru service, floating breakfasts, destination dining, spa treatments, yoga sessions, and a 30-minute photography session. This offer includes complimentary daily breakfasts and dinners, with a starting rate of USD 1,200++ per night for a minimum of three nights. The package is available for stays until December 20, 2025.
Featured
Le Méridien Maldives sets benchmark in sustainability with Green Globe recognition
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has achieved the prestigious Green Globe Certification, highlighting its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This recognition demonstrates the resort’s ongoing efforts to coexist harmoniously with the natural beauty of the Lhaviyani Atoll while offering guest experiences that foster environmental awareness.
Green Globe, a leading global certification program for the travel and tourism industry, assesses organisations based on 44 certification criteria and over 380 compliance indicators. These stringent standards ensure that certified properties adhere to the highest international benchmarks for economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
The resort has seamlessly integrated eco-conscious practices throughout its operations, providing guests with unique opportunities to engage with the environment. Through the Marine Conservation Hub, visitors can participate in marine conservation initiatives and join the immersive ‘Marine Master’ program, part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy. Guided by the resort’s resident marine biologist, this program offers interactive conservation modules such as Reef Explorer, Turtle Quest, and Build A Coral Reef. These activities allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ fragile ecosystems while actively contributing to their preservation. For younger guests, the Kids Hub offers environmental education programs designed to nurture a greater appreciation for the natural world.
A key aspect of the resort’s sustainability efforts is its 430-square-meter hydroponic greenhouse, one of the largest in the Maldives. The greenhouse produces 30 kilograms of pesticide-free vegetables daily using recycled rainwater and innovative farming techniques. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining at The Harvest Table or participate in the Family Foraging program, which combines interactive culinary activities with lessons in sustainable living.
Energy efficiency and resource conservation are at the core of the resort’s sustainability initiatives. Solar installations generating 548 kWp contribute to a 20% annual reduction in diesel consumption. Additionally, water-saving measures, such as tap aerators and wastewater recycling for landscaping, help minimise the resort’s environmental impact.
The resort actively works to protect native vegetation, mangrove ecosystems, and coral reefs, ensuring the preservation of these critical habitats. Its onsite bottling plant eliminates the need for 225,000 plastic bottles annually, while eco-composting systems transform organic waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser, promoting a circular approach to resource management.
Thomas Schult, General Manager of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, described the Green Globe Certification as a testament to the resort’s commitment to sustainability. “By embedding eco-friendly practices into our guest experiences, we aim to inspire meaningful connections with the environment while safeguarding it for future generations,” he stated.
Situated on the private island of Thilamaafushi in the Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa offers a tranquil retreat where timeless European elegance meets the natural splendour of the Maldives. Featuring overwater and beach villas, diverse dining experiences, cultural immersion opportunities, and family-friendly activities, the resort combines a commitment to sustainability with the art of travel, providing an unmatched escape that celebrates both the environment and meaningful guest connections.
-
Action1 week ago
Family fun meets Premier League coaching: Kuramathi and Campioni experience
-
Entertainment7 days ago
Waldorf Astoria Maldives hosts iconic beachside concert with Chris De Burgh
-
Featured1 week ago
Exclusive offers and curated experiences at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives
-
Awards1 week ago
Sun Siyam Resorts honoured at Target Taste Awards 2024
-
Celebration1 week ago
Tradition and romance: twin-island escapes at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru
-
Featured7 days ago
Heritance Aarah joins forces with LQA for unparalleled guest experiences
-
News1 week ago
Welcome in Year of the Snake at Amilla Maldives
-
Celebration1 week ago
Immersive festivities and exquisite dining await at Jumeirah Olhahali Island