Featured
Marriott introduces The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands opening on June, there are 100 villas, all embodying the true spirit of the Maldives. Minimalist, circular architecture and a philosophy of wholeness reflect the Maldivian culture and environment.
A turquoise lagoon lets visitors embrace the circle of island life, connecting them with the environment and endless views to the horizon. Perfect white sand beaches abound, with powdery grains to lull visitors to relax even more, according to Marriott International.
There are blues and then there are blues in The Maldives. Where the sea meets the sky, impossibly beautiful atolls are warmed by the sun but gently cooled by ocean breezes.
It’s no surprise that the Indian Ocean archipelago – Asia’s smallest country – has long been a destination for those seeking exclusive luxury, seclusion and extraordinary travel experiences.
But today, the fact that the country is one of very few open to all global visitors — as long as they hold a negative Covid PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours – has made it a more compelling destination than ever. There is also the sense of security and freedom of being more or less constantly outside, as villas invariably open up to the warmth of the elements.

The North Male Atoll is just an easy 45-minute speedboat from the international airport, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in turquoise lagoons and coral reefs teeming with marine life just hours after touching down.
Guest villas from one to three bedrooms feature the refined elegance and legendary service that define The Ritz-Carlton brand, while outstanding international and local cuisines across seven restaurants and bars add to the beautiful journey for all five senses.
Minimising the impact on the fragile reef ecosystem was paramount in the design of the resort.
Through pioneering pre-fabricated design methods and materials, no cutting was necessary on the island, reducing heavy operations and, crucially, generating zero waste or pollution.
With widespread use of solar panels and intrinsic sustainability of design materials the stunning architecture also achieved a low carbon footprint.

Le Méridien Maldives
Also looking ahead, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa on the island of Thilamaafushi is set to open later this year with chic island living. Another captivating destination, the resort will reflect mid-century design aesthetics inspired by the era of glamorous travel, all presented through a Maldivian lens.
Thilamaafushi is a natural island that translates to “island with vast shallow lagoon areas” in Dhivehi, the language of The Maldives, so guests will enjoy reefs, coral gardens, marine life and underwater pinnacles known as “Thilas” that are full of vibrant marine life including pods of manta rays and turtles.
Guests will be able to dine at six restaurants and bars and enjoy the Explore Spa by Le Méridien, while families will love Le Méridien Family hub with its experiences that nurture discovery and conservation of the surrounding environment.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli
For the ultimate holiday of privacy and luxury, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort offers an ultra-luxe package in their John Jacob Astor Estate. When visitors combine the finest address in the Maldives with the most sought-after villa in the Indian Ocean, this is one extraordinary package, truly deserving of the word ‘unique’.
Curated experiences indulge guests in an unparalleled sense of privacy and personal service. Aptly named after John Jacob Astor, the founder of The St. Regis, the dual-story, three-bedroom estate is the largest overwater villa in the Maldives, with 16,500 sq ft of impeccable design and panoramic views.
World class amenities including an expansive terrace and plush pool deck with a 92-square-meter infinity pool and dining room serviced by a fully furnished show kitchen, butler pantry and private chef. Offering the utmost privacy accompanied by personal St. Regis Butlers, the John Jacob Astor Estate’s Ultra-Luxe package is perfectly suited for travellers to enjoy with their family or friends.

JW Marriott Maldives
At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, there are 60 villas starting at 2,520 sq. feet, with private pools and wooden sunbathing decks, all with a choice of sunrise or sunset views.
Thatched roofs on villas remind guests of dhoni boats, traditional Maldivian wooden fishing vessels which ply the azure waters.
Rooms are inspired by natural surroundings and local Maldivian culture, incorporating coluors and materials that reflect the famously gentle pace of life of the island nation.
Young adventurers will be enchanted as they explore the magic of the underwater world and life on the island at our standalone Family by JW – Little Griffins – built around a pirate ship! Daily kids’ activities will whisk them on true adventures of a lifetime.

W Maldives
Then for those seeking all-inclusive offers with idyllic tropical vibes, W Maldives has them covered.
The resort’s Extreme Island Takeover starting from $199,000, offers guests their ultimate private playground with buyout of all 77 escapes in either beach bungalows surrounded by lush tropical foliage and the white sand beach, or in overwater villa with a direct access to the beautiful and bountiful house reef home to exotic fishes, reef sharks, turtles and eagle rays.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo
Set in the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site home to one of the largest concentrations of manta rays in the world, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers a mindful living package that is perfect for those seeking holistic wellness in these challenging times.
Nature, nutrition, spa, yoga, and functional movement all help jumpstart visitors’ health.
A complimentary 60-minute couple spa treatment lets guests choose from therapies offered at The Heavenly Spa by Westin which replenish the mind and body through personal sensory experiences.
Four food and beverage venues then let visitors kick back in culinary style surrounded by picture-perfect beaches.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon
The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is the perfect destination for romantics as the location of Furanafushi is a true garden of Eden, an island haven of private nooks, enchanting views and manicured gardens.
From fresh seafood at Sea Salt to aromatic spice and heat at Baan Thai, the resort’s dining options have something for everyone.
Champagne picnics on sandbanks, dinners set up on candlelit beaches or sunset cocktails at Anchorage all help ensure another day well spent in paradise.
Wherever visitors end up in this country that truly takes the breath away, one thing is for sure: They’ve found paradise, in every sense of the word.

Featured
Sun Siyam Resorts marks Valentine’s season with multi-resort celebrations
Sun Siyam Resorts is inviting couples to celebrate Valentine’s season across its collection of Maldivian island resorts, with each destination offering a distinct rhythm and character. From unhurried island experiences to celebrations shaped by nature and shared moments, the programme presents couples with a range of intimate ways to reconnect in settings designed to feel personal and considered.
At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Valentine’s celebrations will take place from 12 to 14 February, unfolding through a series of tailored experiences focused on togetherness. The programme includes floating breakfasts, sunset moments in private pool villas, secluded island picnics and snorkelling excursions. Evenings feature experiences such as Cinema by Moonlight on the water, live DJ sessions and couple-focused spa rituals, creating a balance between relaxed romance and private time.
From 11 to 14 February, Sun Siyam Iru Veli will present a Valentine’s programme centred on candle-lit dining, beachfront gatherings and personalised experiences across lagoon and sandbank locations. Live performances by Maldivian saxophonist Shahy Siraj will accompany sunsets and evening celebrations, offering couples a setting designed to feel relaxed and timeless.
Throughout February, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef will host a month-long Valentine’s journey inspired by coastal tones and slower-paced island living. The programme includes outdoor dining experiences, sunset performances, beachside theatre and personalised couple activities across dining, spa and excursions, inviting guests to engage with a more extended celebration of the season.
At Siyam World, Valentine’s Day on 13 and 14 February will be marked by a more expressive programme where romance is paired with music, performances and island-wide dining experiences. The celebrations culminate in a signature Valentine’s show, presenting a high-energy approach to the occasion.
From 13 to 20 February, Sun Siyam Olhuveli will offer a week-long Valentine’s escape focused on shared experiences, food and island life. The programme includes evening performances by DJ Slim Belghith and a culinary residency by Italian chef Francesca Gambacorta, alongside beachfront dining, wellness experiences and activities designed for couples to spend time together at a relaxed pace.
Across the Sun Siyam portfolio in the Maldives, Valentine’s season is defined by time spent together through shared meals, music, unhurried days and the natural island setting. Couples are invited to explore seasonal offers and programmes across the collection via the Sun Siyam Resorts website.
Featured
Ifuru Island Maldives presents intimate Valentine’s escape for couples
Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled A Valentine’s Escape, Curated for Two, a Valentine’s season programme featuring a collection of experiences designed for couples seeking connection in a private island setting shaped by natural surroundings and a restrained approach to luxury.
Central to the offering are romantic beach dinners held under the night sky, alongside an exclusive private dining experience at the resort’s Secret Spot. This secluded location is reserved for couples seeking privacy and is available by prior arrangement. Each dining experience is curated by the culinary team and includes bespoke menus, candlelit table settings and personalised service.
For couples wishing to spend time on the water, the resort is introducing a private romantic yacht charter in collaboration with Blend. The experience offers a quiet journey across the lagoon and open waters, with curated refreshments and uninterrupted sunset views. Designed for a limited number of couples, the charter is positioned for occasions such as proposals, anniversaries and Valentine’s celebrations.
Wellness experiences form an additional element of the Valentine’s programme. Couples can book a dedicated spa package focused on shared relaxation rituals in a calm setting. For guests interested in mindfulness, a guided meditation and bonding session led by visiting practitioner Dr. Sha is available on selected dates, offering an opportunity for reflection and balance within the island environment.
Through private dining, ocean-based experiences, spa rituals and mindful moments, A Valentine’s Escape, Curated for Two presents couples with the opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s season in a manner that is personal, unhurried and considered.
Awards
Atmosphere Core earns triple honours at Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards
Atmosphere Core concluded 2025 with a strong industry showing, securing three major honours at the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025 for RAAYA by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. The accolades underscore the group’s ability to deliver clearly differentiated resort concepts for diverse traveller profiles, while maintaining a consistent emphasis on quality, comfort and guest satisfaction across its portfolio.
At the awards, RAAYA by Atmosphere was named Best New Luxury Resort of the Year – Maldives. Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives received the title of Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resort, while OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi was recognised as Most Stylish Resort – Maldives. The honours are based on Layalina’s independent editorial assessment and established quality benchmarks, celebrating excellence across luxury hospitality, all-inclusive offerings and lifestyle-led design. Layalina is a leading Arab lifestyle publication under 7awi Media Group, with a strong readership and influence across the GCC and wider region.
Collectively, the awards highlight Atmosphere Core’s understanding of evolving travel expectations, delivering experiences that are thoughtful, well-crafted and easy to enjoy, whether guests are seeking tranquillity, variety or social energy.
Each of the recognised resorts brings a distinct identity to the group’s Maldivian portfolio. RAAYA by Atmosphere, located in the Raa Atoll, is defined by its serene environment and castaway-artist concept, encouraging guests to slow down and reconnect through nature, creativity and adventure. Atmosphere Kanifushi continues to stand out for its scale and consistency, offering a generous all-inclusive experience through the Kanifushi Plan™, expansive villas and a long, natural island setting that appeals to both families and couples. In contrast, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi delivers a more dynamic island escape, characterised by contemporary design and a lively social atmosphere that resonates with travellers drawn to shared spaces, movement and modern aesthetics. Together, the accolades reflect a carefully curated portfolio designed to cater to a wide spectrum of travel moods and preferences.
Commenting on the achievement, Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said the group was honoured to receive the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025, recognising the three resorts across distinct categories. He noted that the recognition reflects the company’s carefully curated experiences, shaped by a strong sense of product, space and genuine care, and credited the passion and commitment of the teams, as well as the continued trust of guests, for the achievement.
Central to these successes is Atmosphere Core’s philosophy of the Joy of Giving, which positions hospitality around care, generosity and attention to detail. This approach informs destinations that feel closely connected to their natural surroundings and supports bespoke experiences that anticipate guest needs. The result, the group says, is a style of hospitality that is welcoming, effortless and personal, creating meaningful moments that endure beyond the stay itself.
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