Featured
The Signature Collection by Hideaway: Redefining luxury at Hideaway Beach Resort

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has announced the launch of an iconic brand for the world’s most discerning traveller, seeking bona fide opulent experiences.
The Signature Collection by Hideaway will offer secluded luxury and villa-style living on the far Northern Point of the 33-hectare island. It is a novel concept – a ‘resort within a resort’ – in one of the most sought after, award-winning destinations in the world: The Maldives.
The Signature Collection by Hideaway features nine ultra-luxurious villas, offering the sophisticated luxury traveller a unique sense of exclusivity and indulgence.
All the villas have been designed with Middle Eastern influences and finishing touches with an enhanced signature architectural style inspired by five-star villa living combined with ‘barefoot luxury’.
Signature Beach Residence with Sunrise Pool
The most luxurious single bedroom beach residences on the island. It offers opulent Middle Eastern interiors and finishes and is the exemplar of privacy and seclusion.
At 350 sqm (just under 4000 square feet), luxury guests can indulge in the stylish, spacious interiors that are filled with wonderous inclusions like a king-sized marble bathtub, a handcrafted wooden private deck leading onto a private swimming pool, and direct access to the luminous white sandy beaches.



Grand Beach Residence with Sunrise Pool (Three-Bedroom Villa)
The open-plan, unique villa offers an air of exploration, with a blend of Middle Eastern styles and textures, complimented by artisan-made furniture and enticing glass fittings.
These villas are set at 700 sqm (just over 7500 square feet), offering sophisticated, signature designer-style living.
The crowning glory of this villa is the recessed gazebo in the large curved private swimming pool, with an expansive wooden deck and direct private access to the classic Maldivian beaches and turquoise waters of the island’s North Point.
Well-being is key, with private outdoor treadmill and exercise bike located on the expansive wooden deck, offering spectacular ocean views, which is complimented with floor to ceiling mirror style television experience, which reflects the splendour of the natural surroundings.
Guests can then go on to indulge themselves in a relaxing sauna bath, conveniently located nearby in the villa, to feel well rested after the workout.



Sultan Beach Residence with Sunset Pool (Four-Bedroom Villa)
At 1100 sqm (almost 12000 square feet), this villa offers an elite private luxury residence experience.
Guests will enjoy contemporary designs, with floor to ceiling glass windows that provide a luminous interior and exemplary ocean views across the spatial and secluded Northern Atoll.
Access is gained through a private entrance, which leads into a spacious living area and outdoor wooden deck – the ideal location for lounging at sunset.
A unique feature of this villa is the distinctive water slide feature that extends into the scintillating and ostentatious swimming pool with a Gazebo, truly a unique concept in the Maldives.
The captivating outdoor wooden deck boast a luxurious living area, with plush sunbeds and designer couches and Signature umbrellas on each side.
The four-bedroom villa is comprised of private bedrooms, all offering a standalone suite with walk-in rain showers. Two of the bedrooms offer king-size beds, while the other two bedrooms feature luxurious double beds.
Well-being is also a key element of the experience in this villa as guests can enjoy a private indoor gym with modern, state of the art treadmill and designer equipment available, which is all complimented by an indulgent and relaxing steam bath right inside the villa.
This is the ultimate restorative needed to rejuvenate after a strenuous workout while enjoying the experience together with loved ones.


The Signature Collection of villas are all complimented by the finest dining, bar, and lounge area, found at The Oasis. Here, guests will be invited to delight in al fresco dining experiences, with local and international culinary dishes, all prepared and hosted by world-renowned Chefs. The experience will be paired with personalised Signature Collection choice wines and rare champagnes.
The private library in The Oasis offers a comfortable spacious interior and contemporary furnishings, which is complimented with the ‘Signature Collection’ hand-picked selection of local Maldivian books, filled with inspiration, culture and history of the Maldives.
Soak up the unhindered views across the Indian Ocean from the lounge area, while relaxing in comfort and style and enjoying the finest of drinks.
Find a moment’s reprieve to take it easy, relax, and recharge around a little pool shaped like ‘an oasis in the desert’. In the evenings the space is turned into one where guests can socialise and trade stories and is purposed to become the ‘best watering hole’ at the resort.



A host of privileges accompany a stay with The Signature Collection, such as private check-in and check-out services, all Signature Guests will be hosted by private butlers during their stay, preferential reservations in the resort’s restaurants, exclusive access to The Oasis, and many more.
Signature Collection guests will be invited to choose from the list of activities that are available at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, whether it is world-class scuba diving, private sundowner cruises, or stand-up paddle boarding.
Hideaway Spa is surely the most sought after; located just moments away from the collection, offering ultra-indulgent experiences with exquisite Asian treatments, combined with tailor made packages.
In addition, there are multiple dining experiences and bars, a litany of wellness and fitness experiences in the sports complex (like yoga, golf simulator, basketball, and tennis), and a Water Sports Centre with a floating aquatic water park.
“The Signature Collection will offer the luxury 5-star discerning traveller an experience that exudes exclusivity and privacy, combined with the captivating and unspoiled beauty of Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. The collection is the ideal escape for those who wish to retreat from the modern world in style,” Group Director of Sales and Marketing Desislav Gospodinov said.
The Signature Collection is set to be unveiled in early November. More detailed information will be provided over the coming weeks for the luxurious brand located at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, which has been awarded The Best Luxury Hideaway Resort in the Maldives by Luxury Lifestyle Awards in 2021, offers a secluded and private villa style experience and is a mere one hour and 25-minute private seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, just a stone’s throw away from the country’s capital – Male.
For all booking enquiries and sales related enquiries, please email Desislav Gospodinov, and copy the resort’s dedicated Signature Reservations Team, who will be on hand to facilitate your requests: desislav@lilyhotels.com or reservations@signaturecollectionmaldives.com
Please visit The Signature Collection by Hideaway website, by following www.signaturecollectionmaldives.com.
Culture
Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to discover real island living in Kihadhoo

Milaidhoo Maldives, a boutique luxury resort situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, has unveiled its latest signature offering – the Local Island Tour – a meaningful and intimate cultural experience that provides guests with a genuine insight into everyday life in the Maldives.
Nestled amidst the natural splendour of Baa Atoll, celebrated for its vibrant marine biodiversity and unspoilt local islands, this new experience extends beyond the boundaries of the resort. Guests are invited to journey just 15 minutes by boat to Kihadhoo, a serene and authentic island where tradition, community and simplicity remain firmly embedded in daily life.
Upon arrival, visitors are immersed not only in a new landscape but in a slower, more deliberate way of life. Much like the ethos of Milaidhoo, where barefoot luxury is designed to encourage presence and connection, Kihadhoo exudes its own quiet charm – a lifestyle shaped by nature, calm and community. Along its sandy paths, occasionally crossed by a scooter or two, time appears to slow down. It is a place grounded in authenticity and understated beauty.
The experience is personally guided by Ali “CR” Niushad, a Kihadhoo native and esteemed member of the Milaidhoo team. Acting as both host and storyteller, CR offers guests the rare opportunity to experience the island not as tourists, but as warmly welcomed friends. The visit begins with a traditional greeting from local flower girls dressed in Maldivian attire, setting the tone for an encounter steeped in culture and sincerity.
As the tour unfolds, guests are met with the everyday sights and sounds of the island: children waving in the distance, neighbours exchanging greetings, the rhythmic sweep of a broom, the gentle clatter of cooking utensils, and women gathered in joali seats, softly conversing in the afternoon light. A walk through Kihadhoo reveals vividly painted doors on homes – reminiscent of the colourful doors of Milaidhoo’s own villas – reflecting the island’s quiet charm and creative spirit.
This is not a traditional sightseeing excursion; it is an immersion into the heartbeat of island life. Guests enjoy fresh coconuts at a small, family-run café, visit the local school and community centres, and spend time in CR’s family home, sharing stories and perspectives. Each moment is organic, heartfelt, and grounded in sincere human connection.
In an era where travellers increasingly seek meaningful and mindful experiences, Milaidhoo’s Local Island Tour captures the spirit of slow travel: an invitation to pause, observe, and engage with respect and curiosity.
Experience Highlights:
- Price: USD 95++ per person (minimum of four guests)
- Inclusions: Return boat transfers, traditional island welcome, guided walk with CR, refreshments (fresh juice or coconut), visits to village landmarks, and a selection of homemade Maldivian snacks with tea or coffee
While Milaidhoo offers refined barefoot luxury that nurtures a sense of inner calm, Kihadhoo presents the soulful essence of Maldivian island life. Together, they create a compelling contrast – sanctuary and simplicity, elegance and authenticity.
This experience is more than a cultural outing. It is a return to the original purpose of travel: to connect, to learn, and to be changed in quiet, unforgettable ways.
Cooking
From garden to gourmet: Dusit Thani Maldives celebrates local, responsible cuisine

Widely recognised as a premier luxury resort in the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives is redefining the concept of sustainable dining. Central to the resort’s culinary ethos is a strong commitment to sourcing ingredients locally and responsibly, crafting exceptional, globally inspired dishes that reflect the natural abundance of the Maldivian archipelago.
Located just a short stroll from the resort’s kitchens, the organic Chef’s Garden thrives with fragrant herbs, edible flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Ingredients such as lemongrass, basil, papaya, and chillies are carefully hand-harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring that vibrant flavour and freshness are brought directly to the plate.
All fish featured on the resort’s menus is sustainably sourced from within the Maldives, provided by local fishermen who utilise traditional, low-impact fishing techniques. Wherever possible, produce is also procured from Maldivian farmers—an approach that supports island communities, reduces carbon emissions, and celebrates the rich biodiversity of the atolls.
“Our approach is rooted in a respect for the land and sea,” explains Executive Chef Olivier Portret. “Every dish reflects the story of the Maldives—not just its flavours, but its culture and its people. We want guests to experience something truly meaningful with every bite.”
Guests can enjoy these thoughtfully sourced ingredients across a variety of dining experiences, from fine Thai cuisine at Benjarong, to freshly grilled seafood served al fresco at Sea Grill, or even through interactive cooking classes led by the resort’s culinary team.
Through this garden-to-table philosophy, Dusit Thani Maldives offers more than exceptional cuisine—it fosters a deeper connection to place, purpose, and the planet. This commitment not only sets the resort apart as one of the finest in the Maldives, but also as a destination where sustainability and luxury exist in perfect harmony.
Action
Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.
This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:
- 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
- 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
- 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.
These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.
Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.
This immersive day features:
- Guided dives to the shipwreck
- Underwater treasure hunts
- Marine conservation talks
- Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals
The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.
Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.
- 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
- 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
- 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.
The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.
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