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The Standard Maldives: Most sought out Valentine’s Day getaway

Published

4 years ago

January 24, 2021

Planning a romantic getaway from WFH confinement? Then, there’s no better time to do it than now – and there’s no better place to do it than in the Maldives.

From sunrise yoga, lounging on hammocks and enjoying soothing hydrotherapy spa treatments to a romantic sunset cruise or cinematic soiree under the stars, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is offering a range of swoon-worthy getaway packages that can be customised to your needs to take your Valentine’s Day celebration to the next level, be it with your significant other or even with a group of friends or family, with private villas starting at $350 per night.

There is no better time than now to hit the Maldives – the sun is shining bright; the resorts are offering the best rates ever and the dry season is in full swing!

February is a wonderful time to visit as it’s one of the Maldives’ driest month, with less than 70mm of monthly rainfall (in fact the lowest right through to March), average maximum temperatures of 86°F (30°C) and around 10 hours of sunshine each day.

The plus side? You get the best visibility for diving and snorkelling.

With lockdowns, Work From Home (WFH) and remote learning policies wreaking havoc on our everyday lives globally, it doesn’t mean we can’t escape on a romantic getaway.

People around the world are seeking solace in the Maldives with the lure of its stunning natural beauty, turquoise waters, vast marine life and a host of fun-filled leisure activities. Ultimately, it’s the best place to heal the lockdown blues.

The Maldivian archipelago is seeing a steady trickle of international arrivals, which recently welcomed its 100,000th tourist since the reopening of its border last July 15 and the 500,000th tourist for the year. It’s all thanks to the strict health and safety protocol enacted by the Maldivian authorities. Showing that it truly is the safest place on earth.

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is taking the romantic getaway to the next level by ensuring that you and your better half get the ultimate escape while slotting in some extra WFH assignments between watching the sunset slowly kissing the crystal blue horizon or soaking in your very own private jacuzzi under a glistening disco ball at the end of every day.

The resort’s well-equipped facilities make it possible for WFH guests to unwind without falling behind.

Couples with kids will be at ease as the resort’s skilled staff assist in setting up their online learning and our Lil’Shark Kids Club programme providing the perfect complement to remote education.

And guess what, kids under 12 stay for free! Make it a longstay STOWAWAY getaway, with packages for 14 days starting at $3,600 and 28 days at $6,000.

The resort’s range of outdoor and indoor activities promises to bring you and your special someone even closer.

For the more adventurous, there’s a full range of water sports and dive activities to choose from: snorkeling, scuba diving, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, kayaking or hop onto our giant inflatable water park. Or try one of our daily excursions to really capture that romantic moment only the Maldives can bring you; with dolphin spotting, swimming with manta rays or indulging in a sunset cruise with a champagne toast to a brighter future.

Couples looking to spice it up a notch can enjoy dinners or a picnic on a castaway private island. What would you do if you had an island all to yourself? Let the guest experience team assist in customising your very own castaway adventure. Or make is a friends or singles getaway booking five villas or more at $250 per night.

To check off the Maldives from your bucket list, book now till February 28, for stays until December 23. (With a worry-free cancellation policy up to three days prior to arrival.)

Strict Maldivian public health guidelines are in place to ensure everyone’s safety upon arriving to the island.

All foreign arrivals need to produce proof they have a negative PCR Covid-19 test 96 hours before departure. Each visitor is required to file an online Travel Health Declaration 24 hours prior to arriving in the Maldives.

And the country’s archipelago geography offers the perfect concept of “one-island, one-resort” meaning travellers are confined to the resort they are staying in, making the Maldives one of the safest places in the world, therefore omitting the need for quarantine.

It’s been proclaimed a “safe destination” by the World Travel and Tourism Council. It also has never been so easy to travel to the Maldives either; all nationalities are granted visa on arrival.

On top of that, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives ensures the maximum health safety and security for its guests.

The resort has introduced strict cleaning and health screening procedures and keep social distancing mandatory in all activities and social and communal spaces. All resort staff are also subject to normal temperature checks on a daily basis.

It also provides Covid-19 PCR tests on property for your safe return.

“Back to Blue” – rates starting at $350; “Castaway Package” — book five or more villas to enjoy rates at $250 per night; and, “Stowaway Package” — 14 Day stay for $3,600 or 28 day stay for $6,000. Book now at www.standardhotels.com.

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Dreamlike retreat: explore Maldives with Marriott Bonvoy Resorts

Published

12 hours ago

January 20, 2025

m@ldives

The Maldives is a destination where summer feels eternal, offering turquoise waters, pristine white sands, and serene tranquility. Through the ‘Endless Summer’ campaign by Marriott Bonvoy, travellers are invited to escape the winter cold or bask in perpetual sunshine with a limited-time offer. Guests can choose from a selection of luxurious resorts in the Maldives and enjoy benefits such as a full-board dining plan, complimentary speedboat or seaplane transfers, or up to USD 250 in resort credit. Additional perks include non-motorised water sports like paddle-boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and catamaran sailing, depending on the property. This exclusive offer, valid for a minimum stay of four nights, is available for bookings between January 20 and February 28, 2025, and includes Marriott Bonvoy points to unlock future travel opportunities.

The North Malé Atoll is a marine sanctuary renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and secluded luxury. Just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, it hosts three Marriott Bonvoy resorts. These waters, rich with stingrays, nurse sharks, turtles, and dolphins, offer exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities for adventurers of all levels. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, features 100 villas with ocean or lagoon views, infinity pools, and personalised butler service. Dining options span Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, while the Ritz-Carlton Spa offers treatments inspired by Yin and Yang. Guests can also explore curated dining and art installations at Fari Marina Village and participate in the Defining Moment ceremony featuring Boduberu drumming.

The JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, located in the largest lagoon of Kaafu Atoll, offers 80 luxurious pool villas with ocean views. The resort combines contemporary design with personalised service and features seven dining venues, including Athiri and Nikkei, which serve steak and Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. The Spa by JW offers exclusive treatments by BABOR, while younger guests can enjoy activities at the Family by JW Kids’ Club and the teens’ zone.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, set on a private natural island, provides 176 beachfront cottages and overwater villas that blend rustic charm with modern comforts. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and lush palm groves, the resort offers family-friendly programs such as beach picnics, cooking classes, and nature walks. Its farm-to-table dining and coral restoration initiatives, alongside complimentary stays and meals for children under 12, make it a sustainable and family-oriented retreat.

North Ari Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, and Baa Atoll showcase the Maldives’ extraordinary natural beauty. North Ari Atoll is famous for iconic dive sites and whale shark migration routes. W Maldives, reopening in March after a transformation, offers 77 overwater and beach villas with bio-boho designs. Guests can explore the house reef, enjoy unique dining experiences, and participate in private island excursions.

In Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort features 77 villas with private pools and panoramic views. The resort offers Ayurvedic treatments, the Maldives’ largest hydrotherapy pool, and signature experiences like the Champagne Sabering Ritual. Dining options include Japanese Kaiseki at T-Pan and a wine cellar boasting 650 labels.

Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, which features 69 villas surrounded by lush foliage or perched above turquoise waters. The resort offers Japanese cuisine, pan-Asian flavours, and holistic wellness programs. Children under 12 stay and dine for free, making it a family-friendly haven.

In Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa combines mid-century modern design with eco-conscious features such as a large organic garden. Guests can enjoy culinary experiences, spacious villas, and abundant marine life around its thriving house reef.

The Shaviyani Atoll offers ultimate seclusion at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, with 60 villas and personalised butler service. Families can enjoy the extensive kids’ club and adventure activities, while food enthusiasts indulge in farm-to-table dining. Water-sports like jet skiing and parasailing cater to thrill-seekers.

As the sun sets over the Maldives, Marriott Bonvoy invites travellers to embrace the promise of an eternal summer in this idyllic paradise.

Celebration

Immersive festivities and exquisite dining await at Jumeirah Olhahali Island

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2025

m@ldives

During the Year of the Snake, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers an extraordinary escape, combining cherished traditions, culinary artistry, and serene wellness amid the stunning beauty of the Maldives. From January 21 to February 7, 2025, the resort presents a thoughtfully curated program to celebrate the Year of the Serpent, honouring time-honoured traditions with meaningful and immersive experiences.

A highlight of the festivities is the return of the ‘Flavours of China’ culinary pop-up event, now in its second year. Led by Chef Charles Liu, the Chinese Executive Chef at Jumeirah Guangzhou with over two decades of experience in prestigious five-star hotels and grand banquets, the event features an exquisitely crafted six-course menu. Guests can indulge in dishes such as Typhoon Shelter Crispy Fried Oysters and Deep-sea Grouper Broth, with main courses including slow-cooked Abalone with Fish Maw and braised Maldivian Lobster with Caviar. Additional offerings include pan-fried Australian MB9 Wagyu Beef, steamed Alaskan King Crab Leg, and a refreshing Raspberry Cheesecake paired with tropical fruits. To elevate the dining experience, a curated selection of fine Chinese wines is available to complement each course.

The culinary festivities also include a range of seasonal dining experiences. Guests can start their day with an Asian-inspired floating breakfast served in a private pool, featuring a vibrant medley of flavours. Evenings bring the charm of fragrant broths and fresh ingredients at an oceanside hot pot dinner, while the Asian market nights offer a lively atmosphere to savour regional delicacies against the backdrop of gentle waves.

For those seeking tranquility and renewal, the Talise Spa provides a sanctuary of pure bliss. Suspended overwater with glass floors, the spa allows guests to observe marine life during treatments, adding a distinctive element to relaxation. Mia Liu, a visiting spa therapist from Jumeirah Guangzhou, introduces moxibustion therapy—an ancient Chinese ritual combining therapeutic heat and deep tissue massage to promote harmony and well-being. Additionally, Dr. Shagnika Pradhan, a specialist in naturopathy and holistic wellness, hosts Reiki sound healing sessions, blending energy therapy with sound vibrations to restore balance and rejuvenate the spirit.

Immersive island activities further enrich the celebrations. At the MURACA Art Studio, guests can participate in creative workshops such as zodiac-inspired ceramic painting, candle crafting, and decorating traditional Maldivian coconut bowls, each reflecting the spirit of the season. For adventurers, opportunities abound to explore the surrounding marine ecosystem, with snorkelling excursions alongside turtles and tropical fish or dolphin-spotting in the open sea.

These bespoke experiences are complemented by Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s modern overwater and beach villas. Each of the 67 villas is bathed in natural light, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of palm-fringed shores and the vast ocean. Every villa is equipped with a private rooftop and infinity pool, offering unique spaces for relaxation and connection, whether through an intimate dinner or a personalised art class, ensuring that guests leave with lasting memories of their island retreat.

Celebration

Tradition and romance: twin-island escapes at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2025

m@ldives

This New Year, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru invite travellers to embark on an extraordinary twin-island escape. Nestled in the pristine North Malé Atoll, these sister resorts offer curated experiences that blend tradition, intimacy, and luxury to celebrate two cherished occasions: Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.

Guests are encouraged to reconnect with family and honour time-honoured traditions through a sumptuous Chinese New Year feast. The curated menu includes a lavish seafood bar, handcrafted dim sum, and decadent desserts, symbolising unity and abundance. Featuring the freshest oysters, seafood, and artfully prepared traditional dishes, the feast is set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers couples an opportunity to embrace love amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives. For Valentine’s Day, the resort presents exclusive intimate experiences designed to create lasting memories.

Enchanting Experiences Include:

Couple’s Spa Retreat: Couples can reconnect with a 60-minute massage at the Banyan Tree Signature Spa, which combines ancient Asian healing philosophies with the soothing touch of locally sourced herbs.
Blissful Floating Breakfast: Guests can begin their day with a romantic floating breakfast served in their private pool. The menu includes freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and gourmet delicacies, complemented by a bottle of champagne and charming floral arrangements.
To Infinity and Beyond Private Beach Dinner: Couples can enjoy an enchanting evening beneath the stars with a chef-curated five-course gourmet dinner, paired with Veuve Clicquot Brut. This experience features dining on soft sands, candlelight, red roses, and a special setup for an unforgettable celebration of love.
Sakura Omakase Set Dinner: The award-winning Madi Hiyaa restaurant offers an intimate dining journey with a chef-curated four-course Japanese menu, paired with Whispering Angel Rosé. The romantic ambiance is enhanced with delicate floral touches and attentive service. Guests staying at Dhawa Ihuru can enjoy a 20% discount.
Chocolate and Wine Pairing: Guests can indulge in a curated pairing experience featuring artisanal chocolates, berries, and four premium wines. This offering is available in several serene settings, including Naiboli Bar, Madi Hiyaa, or by the tranquil lagoon.

Exclusive Valentine’s Day Offers (available for bookings with a minimum three-night stay):