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NAKAI Resorts reopen with fresh new look
The NAKAI Resorts are located in the Maldives on the homonymous islands of Alimathà (Vaavu atoll), Dhiggiri (Vaavu atoll) and Maayafushi (Alif Alif atoll).
All the three locations are surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and offer white sand beaches and spectacular diving sites.
During the last period of time, the NAKAI group has worked to renovate some of the most important areas of the Vaavu Atoll Resorts, such as the bungalows, the dining areas, the pools and the recreational zones.
The renovation work on the NAKAI Resort of Alimathà led to the showcase of new two-storey family accommodations, a new design restaurant with express cooking stations and enlarged spaces of the bar area.
The beach bungalows also underwent major renovations to structures, systems, roofs, covers and bathrooms while the expansion of the external decks of the overwater bungalows adds a new, endless view to the Ocean.
The renovation work also included the recreational facilities: new jet skis, a new paddle tennis court and a badminton court.
In Alimathà, the new infinity pool extends itself for 550 sqm into the beautiful horizon of Maldivian Ocean and sky and it can be considered the most attractive feature of the Resort. A large jacuzzi (10 pax), which enables the continuous flow of the water, has been installed with its power source being taken from the sea.
The Covid-19 pandemic forced the resort’s management to reorganise all the dining facilities. Following safety regulations, the restaurants have been made more spacious for its guests.
Last but not least, new work have been done on a new surveillance system, anti-fire system and internet services (new high-stability and high-speed internet line).
During the Covid-19 lockdown, the renovation work also included the NAKAI Resort of Dhiggiri: new toilets in the common areas and a refurbished main restaurant and main jetty.
The expansion of the island’s greenery and the building of a 100m long seawall will help the island maintain its shape and act as a form of protection from beach erosion. Inside the accommodations, the enhancement of the flooring of the beach bungalows and the fresh new coat of paint help making the rooms even more stylish.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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