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Maldives bucket list experiences with Crown & Champa Resorts
The Maldives’ leading resort collection brings out-of-the-ordinary experiences, unique encounters, and new ways to explore that aim to reignite the passion for travel and inspire bucket list dreams.
Crown & Champa Resorts, the leading resort collection in the Maldives, has revealed bucket list adventures travellers can look forward to, whether seeking new authentic experiences or booking their first post-lockdown getaway.
From swimming with whale sharks and scuba diving to luxury yachting and lifestyle retreats, it is time to make these holiday dreams come alive.
Luxury yachting with Kudadoo
Discerning travellers can enjoy bespoke excursions and romantic celebrations aboard Kudadoo Maldives Private Island‘s luxury yacht, Bella.
Embark on a search for pelagic species out in the blue water, seek out an uninhabited island for a picnic lunch, or admire the star-studded Maldivian sky while sipping champagne – these moments of magnificence are waiting to be unfolded.
Dream island escape with Hurawalhi
Alongside 5.8, the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant, the naturally chic Hurawalhi Island Resort also has its private sandbank called Dream Island, located just a short boat ride away and amidst the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean.
Offering that ‘luxury castaway’ island experience, guests can enjoy their own island paradise and spend the day exactly as they wish, whether that leads them to the relaxation under the sun, exploration of the spectacular life beneath the surface, or simply the enjoyment of endless ocean views.
Wellness retreat with Kagi
Holidaymakers seeking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit may find themselves in the well being-focused paradise of Kagi Maldives Spa Island, a true sanctuary for the senses that offers the perfect setting to slow down and immerse into self-discovery and self-care.
Guest can dive into a world of wellness with the resort’s ‘Lifestyle Retreats’, which feature yoga and meditation, relaxing massages, and holistic healing, alongside nutritious meals and locally-inspired excursions.
Touch of romance with Veligandu
Honeymooners and romantic couples will enjoy a myriad of intimate experiences in the secluded haven of Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, voted a top romantic hotel in Asia and the Maldives: from adoring magical sunsets, indulging in a private dinner on a tranquil beach, opting for a private cruise, or enjoying a renewing spa treatment together.
Manta ray encounters with Komandoo
Nestled amid Lhaviyani Atoll’s manta hotspots, the adults-only (18+) Komandoo Island Resort & Spa is the perfect island retreat from which to experience magical adventures with manta rays, the queen of the ocean.
Although year-round sightings are common, these majestic creatures can be seen frequently from November through April, feeding on plankton and swimming around the rich waters of the Maldives.
Guests can turn their regular diving and snorkelling excursions into an adventure of a lifetime.
Shipwreck diving with Meeru
With an incredible diversity of marine life, there is no denying that the Maldives is a sought-after destination for a world-class scuba diving experience.
The palm-fringed paradise of Meeru Island Resort & Spa in North Malé offers a range of dive excursions, including diving amongst the wrecks.
Divers and adventure seekers alike will be mesmerised by an out of this world undersea environment with sunken ships teeming with aquatic life.
Touch of romance with Veligandu
Swimming alongside these gentle giants of the ocean is high on the bucket list experiences of many travellers to the Maldives.
Being the largest fish in the sea, snorkelling or diving with whale sharks is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The adventurer’s paradise of Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, located just about an hour Dhoni boat ride away from Maamigili Island, a premier Whale Shark Point in South Ari Atoll, affords guests the chance to swim with and even take photographs of these marvellous creatures.
Swim with sea turtles with Kuredu
The vibrant Kuredu Island Resort & Spa enjoys a desirable location in Lhaviyani Atoll, within easy reach of the largest community of green sea turtles in all of the Maldives.
Just a short boat trip away, guests of all ages can find themselves in the crystal-clear waters around Kuredu Caves, home to an abundance of marine turtles and other oceanic life.
Dolphin spotting with Innahura
Boasting the largest lagoon in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, the laid-back paradise of Innahura Maldives Resort is a natural playground for water sports enthusiasts and enchanting marine creatures such as dolphins.
Innahura is an excellent destination from which to experience hopeful dolphin encounters.
When lucky enough, guests joining one of the resort’s ocean excursions will have the opportunity to set their sights on these playful cetaceans jumping in the distance or swimming right next to the boat.
Find your perfect paradise in the Maldives with Crown & Champa Resorts.
Crown & Champa Resorts caters to every purpose of travel and connects travellers with a passion for a life fully lived to the best of this idyllic destination, offering world-class hospitality, thoughtful and attentive service, and authentic Maldivian experiences.
The diverse collection of properties includes Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Kagi Maldives Spa Island, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, Innahura Maldives Resort, and one city hotel, Champa Central Hotel.
Visit www.crownandchamparesorts.com or email info@crownandchamparesorts.com.
Excursions
Discover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026
Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a new collection of curated dive packages, inviting guests to explore the exceptional underwater world of the Maldives through programmes designed for beginners, aspiring divers and certified enthusiasts alike.
Located in the pristine waters of Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides access to vibrant house reefs, calm lagoon conditions and several of the region’s most celebrated dive sites, including the renowned Ifuru Thila. The newly launched dive packages are crafted to combine professional training, guided exploration and the convenience of a premium island stay.
The collection begins with an introductory diving experience tailored for first-time divers seeking to discover the underwater world in a safe and relaxed setting. Guests undergo lagoon-based training before progressing to the house reef, offering an ideal entry point into scuba diving with no prior experience required.
For guests ready to advance further, the resort offers a globally recognised scuba certification course. Designed for confident swimmers and snorkellers, the programme includes professional instruction, open water dives and an internationally valid certification, opening access to dive destinations worldwide.
Certified divers can choose a three-day dive escape that highlights the best sites in Raa Atoll. Featuring guided morning dives across renowned locations, the experience showcases the atoll’s rich marine biodiversity, striking reef structures and clear waters.
“Diving is an essential part of the Maldivian experience, and we wanted to create a collection that feels both accessible and exceptional,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Whether it marks a guest’s first dive or their next significant underwater journey, these packages are crafted to offer confidence, comfort and memorable experiences beneath the surface.”
All dive packages may be booked alongside the resort’s premium accommodation offerings, including the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive meal plan, daily resort touches, complimentary non-motorised water sports, snorkelling equipment and return domestic flight transfers for qualifying stays.
The dive packages are available for booking and travel throughout 2026 and must be confirmed ahead of arrival. Package rates apply in addition to accommodation and are subject to availability.
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Niyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue
Niyama Private Islands Maldives now offers what is considered the most luxurious surf experience in the Maldives, enhanced by the introduction of its new Surf Shack — a stylish beachfront hangout serving gourmet bites, drinks, sunset views and lively parties.
Known as Nature’s Playground, the resort has long attracted surf professionals from around the globe. Located in the southern Maldives, where swells are at their strongest, it is a preferred base during peak surf season. Waves break directly on shore, with additional surf spots accessible within minutes by speedboat.
Niyama’s signature waves roll in at Vodi Point, situated on the westernmost tip of its twin islands. It is here that the resort has unveiled the new Surf Shack, designed to make time off the waves equally appealing. The thatched-roof venue encourages a barefoot, relaxed atmosphere, offering an upper deck for sunset viewing and picnic-style seating below. Reflecting Niyama’s sustainability ethos, Area Chief of Engineering Michael Patrick Slevin notes that 75 per cent of construction materials were repurposed, blending beach casual with environmentally conscious design.
Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes served from service windows, with a menu inspired by iconic surf destinations worldwide: Australian fish and chips, Indonesian satay, Mexican nachos and Japanese takoyaki. The drinks list pays tribute to rum, featuring an extensive collection and signature cocktails inspired by renowned surf breaks.
While the Surf Shack maintains a laidback feel during the day, the beachfront transforms at dusk as the tides shift and the DJ elevates the atmosphere. The resort’s rum and reggae Sundays have already become a celebrated weekly event.
Surfers at Niyama can design their days as they wish — chasing waves or relaxing ashore. The Surf Centre offers equipment and guidance, while Drift by Niyama provides recovery treatments to soothe muscles, repair sun-exposed skin and restore energy. Resident professional surfers remain available to advise on technique and wave conditions.
“The new Surf Shack forms part of the renewed Niyama experience, which includes significant refurbishments across the resort, inventive culinary additions and a greater emphasis on active living and wellness,” said Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “With more developments on the way, we look forward to sharing what comes next.”
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Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season
Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.
Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.
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