Connect with us

Featured

Hideaway Beach Resort offers guests free coronavirus tests

Published

on

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has implemented its Safe Hideaway Programme just in time for their reopening just a few days ago.

A comprehensive action plan has been enacted which covers social distancing, health, hygiene and enhanced sanitisation across the entire guest journey.

In addition to that, the resort also offers free PCR tests for two adults and one child per booking, if required by the returning country.

Hideaway Beach has been diligently working on creating a new set of thorough operating practices and guidelines to help mitigate the risks to their guests, as well as their team members. The guidelines and protocols were developed in accordance with guidance from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the tourism ministry.

Among the rigorous changes is the introduction of assisted buffets at the restaurants, QR-code enabled digital menus and social distancing of 1.5 metres between tables, as well as increased cleaning and disinfectant schedule for fitness equipment, increased spacing between the sun lounges which are sanitised between guest usage, better fogging strategies to keep the island mosquito-free, and increased frequency in sanitisation of all public areas, and much more.

The resort’s team members have undergone special Covid-19 training and will always wear accredited face masks. Temperature checks will be done daily for the team, and routine hand sanitisation will be mandatory for all guests and team members.

As for guests, they will be provided with hand sanitiser units upon arrival. They must wear a face mask in enclosed spaces where physical distancing is not possible.

Maintaining the guests’ and team’ safety, health and well-being remain Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s primary goal.

The resort’s health and safety measures are designed to just do that by addressing a broad spectrum of viruses, including Covid-19, and covers everything from hand-washing hygiene, cleaning product specifications to guest rooms and common area cleaning.

To achieve this, Hideaway Beach Resort partnered with renowned American cleaning products provider Diversey, together doing their utmost to keep the resort virus-free as humanly possible.

“For years, we have prided ourselves on delivering the highest levels of care and establishing Hideaway as a place where guests always feel welcome – a second home of sorts which is welcoming, inspiring, and above all, safe,” Resort Manager Christophe Adam said.

At the end of the day, where better than to practice social distance at an island which is 33 hectares and has some of the largest villas in the Maldives. It makes hiding away from the pandemic an art form, much more bearable, and not only that but an enjoyable.

Set on a crescent-shaped private island in the northern Haa Alif Atoll, this incredible resort offers a choice of private beach and overwater villas — many with pools — for guests to unwind and enjoy a home away from home. The privacy levels offered are the hallmark of this award-winning destination, which boasts some of the largest beachfront villas in Maldives.

Gourmands and foodies alike can indulge in award-winning culinary experiences.

Wellbeing is a core part of the Hideaway experience, with the Hideaway Spa offering a range of treatments for rejuvenation and relaxation.

The abundance of fish life around this Maldivian resort is second to none, making it a prime location for snorkelling and scuba diving.

The perfect Maldives retreat, Hideaway offers the utmost in romance and is one of the preferred destinations for those celebrating their honeymoon.

Families are also very welcome at Hideaway, with an extensive Kids Club available to help keep young travellers entertained during their stay.

Featured

Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Excursions

From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Published

on

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.