Featured
Timeless luxury, Maldivian charm: Grand launch of OZEN Reserve Bolifushi in Dec

Set to open its doors on December 3, the second resort by The OZEN Collection has been completely redesigned to enrich guest experiences with a refined aesthetic of timeless luxury, subtle opulence, and Maldivian charm.
OZEN Reserve Bolifushi is an extraordinary tropical getaway for discerning leisure travellers. Located in South Male Atoll, Bolifushi island is just a 20-minute luxury catamaran ride from Velana International Airport.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new OZEN Reserve experience to the Maldives, with the launch of OZEN Reserve Bolifushi on December 3, 2020. Luxury is elevated to a whole new level here, in keeping with our brand ethos of delivering uber-luxe services in the most unique way,” General Manager Ricardo Leal said.
Timeless luxury, nature-inspired aesthetics
The architecture and interior design of the latest resort from The OZEN Collection are deeply entwined, creating harmonious spaces that embrace the raw, tropical beauty of the island.
Like its sister property OZEN Life Maadhoo, natural beauty is infused in each step of the design at Bolifushi island. The use of rich, rainforest green marble in the floors of villas, elegant, handwoven fabric wallpaper, tropical colours, and ornate décor highlights evoke elegance and splendour.
Bolifushi island, formed in the shape of figure eight, stretches over 750 metres by 100 metres at its thickest extension. It connects to a wooden Water Villa Jetty, which is another 750 metres long. The seven lavish Private Ocean Reserves with Slides have a dedicated jetty for absolute privacy.

A stunning arrival lounge impresses with the grandeur of a garden pool and cascading walls. Built with Sukabumi green stone tiles, the cascading walls shimmer in mesmerising shades of green ranging from jade to emerald.
“The launch of this resort marks an exciting new phase for The OZEN Collection brand, with a third property, OZEN Life Tangalle, in the horizon,” Venkata Giri, the Chief Operating Officer of parent company Atmosphere Group, said.
“As the world opens with a renewed interest in hospitality, we couldn’t be happier to delight leisure travellers with a world class resort that showcases the best of our services and the blissful natural beauty of Bolifushi island.”
Ideal playground for extraordinary travellers
All the 90 secluded villas and Reserves, located overwater and beachfront, have been completely renovated with fabulous additions such as walk-in wardrobes, glass-enclosed, air-conditioned bathrooms, and exotic open-air bathtubs.
Ornate, latticed screens elegantly placed on headboards of the beds and in the master bathrooms of the suites add a graceful touch to the ultra-luxurious villas.

Most coveted of the overwater accommodations, the nine Ocean Pool Suites and seven Private Ocean Reserves have massive water slides that start from the top floor and fall right into the clear lagoon waters.
The Royal Reserve is the most exclusive accommodation on the island, offering ultimate seclusion and privacy to host family and friends. The 400sqm Reserve features three bedrooms and a pool, with the option to convert it into a five-bedroom bungalow with two pools.

Personal Hiyani (butler) service epitomises luxury
In Dhivehi, the Maldivian language, Hiyani means shadow. From the moment guests arrive at Bolifushi island, they have a personal Hiyani, or butler, who is a caring, friendly shadow reachable round the clock.
The Royal Reserve comes with butler service, as well as a personal butler for each guest to ensure the smoothest of stays.
Dining in Maldivian splendour
Each restaurant is designed to have an individual theme, elevating dining to an immersive sensory experience.
Sangu Beach features show kitchens, timber mosaic chips, and decorative Arabic niches, while blue marble floor borders, modern fabrics, and rustic carpets create a contemporary vibe in the all-day dining Visa Del Mar restaurant.
The addition of the carefully tended Chef’s Garden, a tropical kitchen garden, allows chefs to add organic produce, herbs, and microgreens to their menus all year round, ensuring dishes bursting with freshness and flavour.

The OZEN Collection is an award-winning, uber-lux hospitality brand, owned by Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts.
OZEN resorts offer ultimate privacy blended with signature luxury aesthetics, for blissfully immersive holidays in pristine, Indian Ocean locations.
OZEN Maadhoo, the first resort under the brand, opened in July 2016. OZEN’s success story continues in the Maldives with the addition of OZEN Reserve Bolifushi, opening in December.
OZEN Life Tangalle takes the brand to the south coast of Sri Lanka and is scheduled to be launched in 2023.
Awards
Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.
Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.
Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:
- Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
- Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
- AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
- Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
- Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
- The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
- Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.
The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.
General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”
The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.
Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.
With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.
Featured
Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.
Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.
Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.
South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.
Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.
Entertainment
Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.
The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.
Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.
Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.
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