Featured
Sharman Joshi chooses Hideaway, Lily Beach for Maldives family getaway
Renowned Bollywood actor Sharman Joshi, along with wife Prerana Chopra and their children are currently resort-hopping at Lily Hotels in the Maldives.
Joshi is quite popular in India and beyond, coming from a family that boasts a long line of actors.
He himself has acted in several Bollywood hits like Style (2001), Rang De Basanti (2006), Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), Golmaal Returns (2008), and most recently Mera Fauji Calling (2021).
He is probably most famous for his role as Raju Rastogi in the internationally acclaimed film 3 Idiots (2009), a coming-of-age comedy that became the highest grossing Indian film at that time. It is considered a perfect movie with a great message about education that is enjoyed by audiences around the world – an instant Bollywood classic for sure.

Everyone needs a break from both the stressors of work and school, and the Joshi family is no exception.
After the Maldives, the renowned luxurious island retreat situated just next door reopened its doors to the Indian market in July, it was the perfect timing for the family to enjoy a relaxing vacation.
First up on their trip was Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
A hidden jewel tucked away deep in the Maldives, Hideaway offers the rare opportunity to experience true luxury and seclusion – exactly what the Joshi family wanted.
Located on Dhonakulhi Island in Haa Alifu Atoll, this five-star resort is one of the largest, with pristine, untouched, and picturesque island settings throughout. This meant that there was much fun to be had for the whole Joshi family exploring the resort where space meets privacy.
Joshi shared glimpses of this paradise on his Instagram, with snapshots of family time in their villa’s pool, bicycling around the island, and a couple’s photo with his wife, surrounded by scrumptious looking food.

The family chose Lily Beach Resort & Spa as the second stop on their grand Maldivian tour.
Lily Beach is a luxury all-inclusive five-star resort located on Huvahendhoo Island in the South Ari Atoll, just a short 25-minute flight by seaplane from the capital Malé and Velana International Airport.
This proximity, as well as the reputation of its legendary all-inclusive plan – The Platinum Plan, make it a sought-after destination.

The Joshis have had a blast with plenty of watersports for everyone, an ocean adventure with unforgettable sightings of whale sharks and manta rays, a massage day at Tamara Spa, and a healthy sampling of Lily Beach’s out-of-this-world dining experiences – including Tamarind, the award-winning Indian/Thai fusion restaurant that all Indian guests are raving about after visiting.
The all-inclusiveness, diverse food options, a variety of leisure and sporting activities, and world-class service from both Hideaway & Lily Beach create the perfect vacation whether it be romantic experiences for couples or fun times for families, there is something for everyone – If you ask the Joshi family after their relaxing and rejuvenating time in the paradisical Maldives, they will surely tell you the same.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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