Featured
Vote to help Lily Beach Resort win big in World Travel Awards 2021
It’s time for 2021 World Travel Awards (WTA). This prestigious award was established 28 years ago to provide recognition to outstanding resorts, as voting by the people who know them best — their customers.
One of the travel industries’ most coveted accolades, the WTA brand is recognised as the global standard for excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been nominated in three categories:
- Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort
- Maldives’ Leading Family Resort
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort
In 2020, Lily Beach was voted the ‘Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort’ — five years in a row since 2016.
To keep the winning streak going, the resort would be very grateful if you could spare a few minutes to cast your vote in the 2021 awards and help your favourite resort bring home another awards, or two, or three!
How to vote
- Click on the link here – www.worldtravelawards.com/vote
- Register (it’s there to prevent fraud/fake votes).
- You will receive an email in which you need to verify your email address – please do so in order for your votes to be valid.
- Click on ‘Start voting’.
- Select ‘Indian Ocean’ on the left, followed by ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort’ in the list called Outstanding Votes below.
- Choose Lily Beach Resort & Spa in the list.
- Select ‘Maldives’ on the left, followed by ‘Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort’ in the list called Outstanding Votes below.
- Choose Lily Beach Resort & Spa in the list.
- Select ‘Maldives’ on the left, followed by ‘Maldives’ Leading Family Resort’ in the list called Outstanding Votes below.
- Choose Lily Beach Resort & Spa in the list.
- You have now casted your vote in call three categories where Lily Beach has been nominated.
- Check on the My Votes list below that you have voted correctly in all three categories. If they appear on this list it means your votes have been registered.
- Logout
- Keep your fingers crossed!
Voting concludes on August 9.
Why should you vote for Lily Beach?
Lily Beach is a locally owned and operated resort in the Maldives that is the pioneer of all-inclusive tourism in the Maldives.
Since becoming wildly popular with that concept in the 90s and 2000s, the resort reinvented the concept, bringing it to a higher level of service experience: five-star luxury.
It showed all peers in the industry that all-inclusive is possible and can be a great experience for guests who would like to not worry about a huge invoice during the stay, instead a generous offering of lodging, meals, and extra activities are all included in one great package.
Here are 5 reasons to vote for the resort in the above categories:
- The original All-Inclusive provider and still the leader in that space by creating offerings that are highly competitive included in its only meal plan at the resort– The Platinum Package.
- The resort has something for both families and couples where there is something for everyone to enjoy. The resort also has designated dichotomous specialised areas for couples and for families, for being active and for relaxation respectively. This is especially great for multi-generational group travellers where mom and dad can rekindle their romance in the quiet zone while grandparents can have oodles of fun with their grandkids at the pool bar at Vibes and Kids Club.
- Food is at the heart of the resort where presentation of food is given equal importance as taste. The delectable delight of joy is felt in each bite at the resort which offers international cuisine and some specialised restaurants offering multiple cuisines such as Thai, Indian, and French.
- Complimentary Excursions galore – every guest has access to many complimentary services at the resort such as snorkelling, fishing, sunset cruise, one group yoga class per guest, etc.
- The resort has many activities for kids as well such as going on half-submarine Penguin ride around the island, learning to paint with our resident Artist Sirey and learning how to cook fun food with our chefs, learning about fish at the Dive Centre as well, etc. Rest assured kids can have an entertaining and educational experience at Lily Beach.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
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