Featured
Elevate your family escape at Marriott Bonvoy portfolio resorts in Maldives
As travel sentiments gradually improve for destinations that have established themselves as open and safe, there’s no better time to look at fabulous vacation experiences for families or friends seeking to get away and spend quality time together.
The Maldives, open to all, has shown why they’re much more than a honeymoon paradise and in fact, represents one of the most amazing family and multi-generational resort vacation destinations imaginable, with kids clubs to keep the little ones entertained all day and jaw-dropping spacious villas to let mom and dad kick back in stylish peace.
Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives is extending preferred rates and exclusive inclusions when guests book premium villas and suites for stays over four nights onwards.
Families will be spoilt for choice between JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort
For families traveling with children, the ‘Togetherness’ pillar truly comes alive with the FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins Kids Club at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.
Featuring 100 activities, the architecture of the kids club is inspired by the underwater theme – a puzzle of beach huts, with designs of the sea meeting the jungle and fascinating landscapes – all provide an element of discovery in every room.
It is also equipped with an over 13 meters long pirate ship, arts and crafts tools, reading spaces, games and educational activities to provide children of all ages, hours of unfiltered fun and entertainment.
A thoughtfully planned programme integrates nostalgic family activities like Family Balloon Twisting, Treasure Hunt, Family Cupcake Decorating and Pizza Making, which encourages parents and kids to partake in creating tributes of love.
In addition to the recreational facilities, the luxurious five-star resort features two different pool areas catered to both kids and adults.
The FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins Kids Club pool area, divided into a small splash zone and a larger 60 cm deep section, is the centre of fun in the sun.
Complementing all these happenings is delectably crafted food- that is exciting, tasty and nourishing.
Guests over 18 years of age, enjoy an adults-only infinity pool area at Pool 18 located at the tip of the Vagaru Island.
The Stay Longer & Pay Less package at the resort is the ideal option for families looking for an extended stay with exciting inclusions.
When booking a stay for ten nights or more in their spacious Duplex Pool Villas, overwater or by the beach, families can enjoy a host of benefits including a floating breakfast, private dinner, and complimentary seaplane transfers for two adults, lunch experiences, sunset cocktails and more.
The two-storey Duplex Pool Villas showcases expansive space with a private pool, wooden decking, panoramic views of the ocean, twin-bedded guestroom and a separate lounge area upstairs.
To book: jwmarriottmaldives.com

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort
Family vacation goals are all about creating memories and the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa makes them easier than ever with the paradise island’s own Sheraton Side by Side Family Programme.
Activities such as Adopt a Coral lets guests be part of a coral conservation tour where a coral fragment planting activity helps to restore the reef habitat.
After the fun and interactive experience, the resort’s marine biologist places these coral fragments in the water so they can have their growth monitored.
Kids then get a coral frame tagged with a unique serial number that is displayed on a dedicated website so they can follow its progress. Alternatively the programme lets guests watch experts climb and de-nut a coconut tree before sampling the freshest coconut water they’ve ever tasted, take a snorkelling safari or join marine biologists to have all those burning questions on sharks, rays and more, answered.
The Ocean Pool Villas of the resort are located at the east point of the island and offer an idyllic tropical vegetation hideaway for those seeking absolute privacy. The villa comprises a floor-to-ceiling window that opens to a private recreational deck with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, complete with its own swimming pool, sun lounger, and hammock.
The Stay More, Pay Less promotion at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa offers preferred pricing on any over water rooms when guests stay for seven nights or more.
This offer includes daily buffet breakfast and dinner, three pieces of laundry per day, 20 percent savings on Food and Beverage and Shine Spa.
Complimentary shared and scheduled return transfers by speedboat are also included.
Featuring an expansive recreational deck, complete with a lap pool, an over-water net, and comfortable sun loungers, the Water Suite boasts floor to ceiling windows for dramatic views of the Indian Ocean. The two bedrooms on either end of the suite are brought together by a spacious open-plan living and dining area; equipped with a kitchenette making it ideal for family gatherings or intimate cocktail parties.
To book: sheratonmaldives.com

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Then comes The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, situated in the stunning Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Its’ kids programme boasts exciting workshops that encourage kids to ‘Sea Clearly’ by learning about and appreciating the stunning natural world around them.
That means exploring pristine white sand beaches, snorkelling the azure waters to see the mind-blowing diversity of sea life, parasailing for the more adventurous, fishing or maybe just playing games and sports which are themed around sustainability and the ocean.
The Heavenly Escape package at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to discover exclusive benefits when they stay in the Two Bedroom Villas and Residence.
One can enjoy a floating breakfast, turtle snorkel, a private cinema experience and much more, set against breath-taking ocean venues including a Yoga session and access to Access to Westin Family Kids Club and WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio.
For family stays, the generously sized two-bedroom villa with pool is popular for its beachfront location and ocean views. The private deck and plunge pool provides the perfect space for children to enjoy. Covering almost 300sqm and sleeping up to four, this suite is inclusive of one king sized and two double Westin Heavenly Beds bed plus a signature Heavenly Bath.
At 500 sqms, the spacious Heavenly Beach Residence with pool is the largest on offer at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. The 17-metre-long pool offers your own private place to take a dip and cool off, swim a few laps, or relax in the gorgeous sunshine on your private deck.
To book: westin-maldives.com

W Maldives
Why should kids have all the fun?
W Maldives is an adult’s playground offering one of the best house reefs in the Maldives and a range of experiences to fuel the lust for life, ignite an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat.
One can sail off into the sunset on the most romantic nautical getaway or go on a private overnight cruise with their BFFs on the luxurious ESCAPE.
The resort also offers the opportunity of having your very own secluded island for a few hours of picnic in the sun or even overnight under the stars, for a real magical Cast Away experience.
The Suite Escape at W Maldives includes a return shared seaplane transfer for up to four persons, daily dinner for four persons, a private guided snorkelling trip, spa credit and laundry service when staying in the WOW Ocean Escape or Extreme WOW Ocean Haven for four or more nights.
Designed to be the ultimate getaway, the Extreme WOW Ocean Haven takes relaxation – or entertaining – to the extreme.
With floor-to-ceiling windows that slide aside, an indoor/outdoor lounge area and glass-panelled floors that reveal lagoon fauna below, one can repose in the huge master suite, recline in the signature W king bed and gaze at panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
The twin-bedded Junior Suite with a private second bathroom is the perfect choice for a getaway with friends looking to chill in style.
To book: wmaldives.com

To know more about the Suite Retreats offer click here and for further details on Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in Maldives click here. Marriott Bonvoy members can also enjoy a variety of benefits across resorts like savings on food and beverage as well as spa treatments. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com.
Awards
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives secures Best Resort of the Year title at AHA Asia Hotel Awards
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has been named Best Resort of the Year at the 2026 AHA Asia Hotel Awards, held at Capella Bangkok in Thailand. The recognition places the resort among leading hospitality properties across Asia, acknowledging its approach to luxury hospitality, guest experiences, design and service.
The award was presented during the 15th edition of the ceremony, which marked a milestone in the programme’s history. Established in 2010 by LIFESTYLE Magazine as the CHA China Hotel Awards, the programme expanded in 2026 to become the AHA Asia Hotel Awards, bringing together hotels and resorts from across the region.
The decision to host the gala in Bangkok for the first time reflected the programme’s broader ambition to recognise achievements in hospitality beyond China. The ceremony brought together hospitality leaders and industry representatives to celebrate achievements in luxury accommodation, resort experiences, design, wellness and service.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives received the Best Resort of the Year award in recognition of its approach to providing guest experiences that combine contemporary design, personalised service and a connection to the island’s natural surroundings.
“To receive this recognition alongside some of Asia’s most respected hospitality names is a proud moment for all of us at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager.
“Our island has its own character, and we have always believed that the most meaningful experiences come from allowing guests to discover it at their own pace. This award belongs to our team, whose care, dedication and genuine warmth bring that philosophy to life every day. We are equally grateful to our guests for choosing to share their time and special moments with us.”
Located in Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives features 41 beachfront villas, 36 overwater villas, three two-bedroom beach villas and the Boduge Residence. Each accommodation category includes a private pool, with designs intended to offer privacy while maintaining a connection to the island’s landscape and surrounding Indian Ocean.
The resort offers a range of experiences centred on its location, including guided house reef exploration with marine experts, underwater activities and opportunities to learn about Maldivian traditions through cultural programmes.
Its dining experiences include seafood and international cuisine, as well as private dining arrangements on The Shack, a secluded sand cay. Spa Alila offers treatments and wellness programmes designed around relaxation and wellbeing.
“An award such as this reflects the dedication of many people working together, often through the smallest details that guests may never see,” said Jamal Ahmed, Resort Manager.
“We take great pride in creating an atmosphere where service feels personal and unforced, and where every guest feels genuinely welcomed. It is especially rewarding to see the efforts of our colleagues recognised on a regional stage.”
The latest recognition follows another achievement for Alila Kothaifaru Maldives in 2026, when the resort received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. The accolade places the property among the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide based on traveller reviews and ratings.
The two awards recognise the resort’s performance from both industry and guest perspectives, reflecting its focus on service standards, guest satisfaction and experiences connected to the Maldivian environment.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives continues to focus on delivering personalised hospitality, maintaining service standards and developing experiences that allow guests to explore the natural and cultural attractions of the Maldives.
Cooking
Barceló Nasandhura Malé partners with Ministry of Crab for rooftop dining experience
Barceló Nasandhura Malé has announced an exclusive two-night gastronomic pop-up collaboration featuring the celebrated flavours of Ministry of Crab at B.Heaven Rooftop on 13 and 14 November 2026.
Created by internationally acclaimed chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa, Ministry of Crab is a distinguished fixture on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Known also for Carne Diem Grill at Crossroads Maldives, the country’s only restaurant featured in 50 Best Discovery this year, Chef Dharshan’s culinary philosophy will be brought to life in Malé through an extraordinary showcase of iconic Sri Lankan mud crab and freshwater prawn specialities.

Hosted against the panoramic ocean backdrop of B.Heaven Rooftop, this landmark commercial engagement brings Ministry of Crab’s world-renowned culinary philosophy to the Maldivian capital. Built on a foundation that prioritizes ingredient freshness above all else, Ministry of Crab operates under a strict “no-freezer” policy. The event will feature export-quality Sri Lankan mud crabs and majestic freshwater prawns flown in fresh for the two-day dining showcase.

“We are delighted to bring the iconic flavours to Barceló Nasandhura Malé this November,” said Enric Reina, Hotel Manager at Barceló Nasandhura Malé. “This partnership marks a significant milestone for both our hotel and the capital’s dining scene as we elevate the local epicurean landscape, offering our resident guests and Malé’s culinary connoisseurs a rare opportunity to experience award-winning gastronomy.”

Chef Dharshan Munidasa commented on the collaboration: “Maldives holds a special place in the regional food landscape, surrounded by the same pristine Indian Ocean waters that inspire much of my culinary work. Partnering with Barceló Nasandhura allows us to showcase our iconic Ministry of Crab signature dishes—from our Garlic Chili Crab to our hand-crushed Pepper Crab—alongside exclusive preparations crafted specifically for B.Heaven Rooftop.”

Over the course of this limited two-day engagement, guests will indulge in a curated menu highlighting Ministry of Crab’s flagship preparations.
Cooking
MICHELIN Guide 2026 recognises Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been included in the 2026 selection of the MICHELIN Guide, recognising the independently owned Maldivian resort for its hospitality, facilities and guest experiences.
The MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection features properties from around the world, assessed against five criteria: connection to the destination, architecture and design, quality and consistency of service, authenticity and character, and value for the experience offered.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili features 75 villas, including 36 overwater villas, each equipped with a private pool. The resort caters to couples, families and groups of friends, offering accommodation and facilities designed to accommodate different guest preferences.
The resort offers eight dining experiences, an overwater spa, a 150-metre swimming pool, and a range of sports and wellness facilities. Its location near Chickens Break, one of the Maldives’ established surfing destinations, provides guests with access to surfing activities alongside other water-based experiences.
Kuda Villingili has also received Green Globe certification for the third consecutive year, reflecting its efforts in environmental sustainability and community engagement.
“Being selected for the MICHELIN Guide is a meaningful recognition for Kuda Villingili and, above all, for our team. Every day, our ambassadors bring warmth, care and individuality to the guest experience. This recognition reflects the passion behind what we have created together and encourages us to continue evolving while remaining true to who we are,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives.
The resort’s hospitality concept focuses on providing guests with flexibility to personalise their stays through activities including surfing, wellness, dining and family experiences, as well as opportunities for relaxation.
The inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 hotel selection represents another development for Kuda Villingili as it continues to position itself within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector under its brand philosophy, Time and Space Redefined.
-
Awards5 days agoCinnamon Maldives resorts celebrate triple win at SATA 2026
-
Awards1 week agoAtmosphere Core wins Leading Resort/Hotel Brand and Hospitality Development Company titles at SATA 2026
-
Awards1 week agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives wins Best Luxury Resort Award at Asia Hotel Awards 2026
-
Featured1 week agoReethi Faru Resort reveals festive line-up of dining, entertainment and island experiences
-
News1 week agoJOALI BEING celebrates five years with culinary and sports residencies
-
Action1 week agoFour Seasons Resorts Maldives honoured for 25 years of marine conservation efforts at HICAP 2026
-
News1 week agoBanyan Tree Vabbinfaru unveils ‘The Secret Underwater Garden’ festive celebrations
-
Awards1 week agoELE|NA recognised for excellence in wellness hospitality at SATA 2026


