Featured
Quest’s World of Wonder features Maldives
The Maldives is featured in the latest episode of Quest’s World of Wonder, as CNN anchor and correspondent Richard Quest arrives in Maldives to explore the secrets of the island paradise.
The 30-min special episode will help promote Maldives as a ‘safe haven’ destination and showcase the variety of unique experiences available in the Maldives while shedding light on key figures of the Maldivian tourism industry.
Visit Maldives supported Richard Quest and the crew of ‘Quests World of Wonder’ during their filming in Maldives.
Quest’s World of Wonder is a popular TV show premiering on CNN international where news anchor Richard Quest travels to landmark locations around the world, explores popular tourist destinations and meets with influential locals in order to provide an insight into the region’s heritage and culture.
The episode begins in Maldives with Richard Quest arriving at Kurumba, the very first resort opened in the Maldives. At Kurumba, he meets with founder Mohamed Umar Maniku and discuss his vision for the resort nearly 50 years ago and the challenges he faced while creating what would become a defining identity in Maldives.
Afterwards, Quest meets with the former president of the Maldives and current speaker of parliament Mohamed Nasheed who made headlines throughout the world during his presidency for his environmental protection policies and awareness.
Quest then boards a seaplane and fly over the turquoise waters of the Maldivian island arriving in the remote island resort of Reethi Beach where he embarks on a fishing expedition with the resort manager Denise Schmidt and her husband Ali Amir.
The adventure concludes with Quest meeting “the Godfather of Maldivian diving”, Hussain Rasheed, the frst PADI course director in the country. Rasheed takes Quest snorkelling while sharing his belief that only through a snorkelling mask can one truly begin to appreciate the beauty of marine life and how it ties to the DNA of the Maldives.
Additionally, Visit Maldives carried out a promotional campaign with CNN in 2020.
During this campaign, the destination was promoted via “Five reasons to Insta love Maldives” vignette and a video showcasing the luxury offerings of the destination, followed by the launch of “30 seconds of calm Maldives”, which showcased the serenity of the destination.
Prominently, the destination has been featured on the CNN weather watch which substantially reaches a large audience across the globe.
The main objective of this campaign is to promote Maldives as a “safe haven” and highlighting the importance of protecting the delicate environment of the country.
For this year on the global platform, Visit Maldives has currently been carrying out joint campaigns with Expedia and TripAdvisor.
Visit Maldives together with the tourism ministry has also recently launched the “I’m Vaccinated” campaign in order to share a positive message regarding the vaccination of staff working in the tourism sector as well as promoting the initiatives undertaken to ensure the Maldives remains one of the safest destinations in the world for travellers.
Maldives has welcomed a total of 298,570 travellers by March. India, Russia and Ukraine are currently the top three top source markets.
The steady increase in the arrival figure indicates a healthy recovery of the tourism industry and the Maldives is on-track to achieve pre-pandemic arrival figures.
Featured
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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