Featured
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas unveils expansive private pool residences collection
Setting a new precedent in naturally inspired design and luxurious living in the greatest aquatic paradise on earth, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has launched its collection of the largest private pool residences in the world with the renovation completion of the resort’s two-bedroom over water pool residences.
A multi-million-dollar project which started in 2020 with the redesign of its four-,three- and two- bedroom beach pool residences, this exclusive collection of Maldivian accommodation experiences, comprising of seven, is the pinnacle of palatial seclusion, ideally suited for multi-generational vacations and larger group travel.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the island encircled by a pure white shoreline, the renovation of the residences saw a careful preservation of the element of space while marrying a light and airy interior refit with smart technology home comforts. Thus, creating a balance between an utterly brand-new look and maintaining a welcoming familiarity which repeat guests have come to expect in the resort’s 10th year of service excellence.
Two-Bedroom Overwater Pool Residences
Perched over a crystal-calm lagoon and offering commanding views of the Indian Ocean, both units of Anantara Kihavah’s Two-Bedroom Over Water Pool Residence were completed in early 2021.

The quintessential Maldivian experience, these over water retreats generously spaced at 1,500 sqm, feature floor-to-ceiling windows across its entirety, guaranteeing vast views of shades of blue.
Outfitted with a professional working kitchen in the living and dining room, each ensuite bedroom at either end features ample individual outdoor living space, whilst the infinity pool and shaded outdoor dining salais the ideal hangout for shared leisure activities with family or friends.

With fitness and wellness being a bigger focus than ever in the modern-day traveller’s needs, the redesign of these residences saw the addition of a gym fully equipped with the latest in TechnoGym machinery, and a couple’s spa treatment room.
Both rooms are fitted with retractable blinds, allowing for ample sunlight by day and unfiltered stargazing at night.
While relaxing with a signature Anantara Spa massage, a peek into the marine life in abundance just beneath the residence, is made possible with the strategic placement of glass panels underneath plush spa treatment beds.

Glass-bottomed whirlpool bathtubs have also been fitted in each bathroom, providing therapeutic massages and astounding underwater views even during bath time.
Staying true to the heritage of the Maldives, each residence features Kajanthatched palm roofs and Balau hardwood flooring spanning the entire length of its expansive outdoor deck, accompanied by netted hammocks suspended over water.
Tiled in natural Sukabumhi stone, the infinity pool presents an ever-shifting overtone of green and blue with each movement of the sun, mirroring the hues of its turquoise-coloured surroundings.
Four, Three-, Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Residences
At a commanding 2,000 sqm, the crown jewel in this collection is the Four-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence.

A connecting door set at the end of a lush garden pathway, adjoins a standalone villa fitted with its own ensuite, infinity pool and dining pavilion, with the main wing of the residence.
A capacious layout smartly optimised for creating shared memories or moments of solitude, this four-bedroom sanctuary comfortably accommodates up to eight adults and four children, or 12 adults.

In testament to the premise of luxury at its most spacious, the collection’s remaining beachfront hideaways start from 1,330 sqm for the two-bedroom option to 1,770 sqm for the three-bedroom residence.
Cradled by lush foliage and bright bougainvillea accents, occasional sights of coconut trees jutting through floors or ceilings is testament to the resort’s commitment toward preserving the natural beauty of the island, while optimising each residence’s space.

Like the over water pool residences, each beachfront residence’s architecture reflects Kajanpalm roofs and Balau decks.
The newly extended swimming pools, measuring 20 metres x 6 metres for the four-bedroom retreat and 16 metres x 6 metres for the two- and three- bedroom residences, are now fitted with massage jets, while an outdoor Sala Thai provides shaded relief for lounging and dining.
The simple yet elegant façade belies the intricate redesign within.
A light neutral palette uplifts a previously dark wood scheme, presenting an atmosphere that is at once comfortable and relaxed, yet modern and luxurious.

Rattan details, woven straw carpets, Maldivian motifs and teak wood furniture further accents the distinctively tropical vibe of each room. Floor-to-ceiling doors of the main living and dining area effortlessly slides open for sweeping views of the tropics.
Further embodying island living at its most luxurious, a water feature wall designed to mimic that of a real waterfall, is the highlight in each revamped bathroom newly fitted with intelligent toilet technology.

Wellbeing and fitness are also not forgotten – with each residence outfitted with its own private double-bed spa treatment room and gym featuring a complete range of fitness equipment.
With a dedicated Villa Host to attend to every need, and a Wine Sommelier, Personal Chef and Baby-Sitting service on request, a stay in one of these residences is a promise of a truly private escape.
Featured
‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.
The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.
During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.
“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.
“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”
The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.
The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.
Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards
Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.
Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.
The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.
This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.
The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.
“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.
Action
Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme
Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.
Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.
On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.
The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.
The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.
At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.
Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.
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