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Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort reopens
In the southern corner of the Maldives an idyllic paradise can be discovered, surrounded by the crystal-clear Indian Ocean, and offering the legendary service of Raffles.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is now open, welcoming guests from July 16 to experience unadulterated luxury in one of the world’s largest and most remote natural atolls.
Spanning across two islands, the resort offers 38 magnificent beachfront and overwater villas abundant with space. The unmatched open and airy rooms come at the pleasure and privilege of being the islands’ sole resort, boasting seclusion unlike any other.
Reflecting the natural beauty of the island, rooms are enhanced with beautiful soft sky blue and duck egg, adorned with luxurious furnishings including the famed Raffles’ writer’s desk. Guests can marvel at the vibrant sea life bustling below the glass panel on the terrace of the overwater villas.
Situated close to the equator results in the peak display of the natural environment, with sparkling waters and soft, pearly sand. The brilliant habitat lends itself to unbelievable diving and snorkelling experiences, rife with dynamic marine life and the entire ocean to explore.
With endless activities crafted for the adventurous and curious souls, plunge into thrilling watersports or big game fishing, or take part in paradisical excursions.
Build confidence through diving courses with experienced instructors and truly explore all that the vast, magical waters have to offer.
For the calmer dispositions looking to rejuvenate, look to the Raffles Spa, where guests can unwind in a haven of serenity. Set over the water and open to the sky above, submit to native ingredients and ancient rituals, revelling in their therapeutic power.
A marine utopia, wherever guests stay, the best of the Maldives is at their disposal. The resort invites you to discover and understand one of mother nature’s most beautiful masterpieces.
Explore the resort’s two remarkable house reefs, led by a unique Marine Butler, who is available to all guests and will happily lead snorkelling tours around the astoundingly clear waters, abundant with colourful wildlife.
The resort is an ocean-lover’s paradise, as the on-site is passionate, resident Marine Biologist, Dr Giulia Pellizzato. Connecting guests to the marine environment directly, she gives educational presentations, as well as daily snorkelling trips. With over 10 years’ experience of research studies and diving, you are invited to participate in her coral growth and seawater monitoring projects, and witness the beauty of the Maldives truly come to life.
Feel the awe of the Raffles experience from the first steps into Male, with a warm traditional welcome. Receive the VIP treatment with the Raffles butler service, intuitive, discreet and personalised to every need.
Immerse in the finery of the restaurants and bars, and enjoy the freshest ingredients blending to create the perfect mix of international and local cuisine. Experience Thari, where guests can enjoy an open, relaxed atmosphere on the beachfront. Firepit serves delicious barbecue bursting with flavour, while Yuzu offers diverse Nikkei cuisine.
Bask in the glow of the sunset at Yapa Sunset Bar or head to Long Bar for the world’s most prestigious beverages, set in the most tranquil, elegant ambiance.
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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