Featured
Top journos from South Africa arrive in Maldives for fam trip
A media team from leading magazines and publications circulated in the South African market arrive in the Maldives for a familiarisation trip.
The media team, which includes journalists from Independent, Getaway Magazine, and Sunday Times will be in the country from 25th September to 2nd October.
These magazines are highly popular among the travel trade and travellers in South Africa and are published both on print, online and social media on a frequent basis.
The reach of these publications are in the millions, which provides Maldives the perfect opportunity to promote the destination as a safe haven for travellers from the South African market.
The media team from South Africa will be hosted in three properties in the Maldives: Fushifaru Maldives, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resorts and Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa.
During their stay in the host properties, the media team will get to enjoy the world renowned Maldivian hospitality and unique experiences.
The media team members will try spa and wellness treatments, discover cuisines from across the globe, get adventurous with exciting varieties of watersports activities including diving and snorkelling to witness first hand, the rich marine life of the Maldives.
Visit Maldives organised the trip as part of its efforts to increase Maldives’ popularity in the South African market to increase arrivals from this market and to broaden the destination presence by highlighting the destination’s sustainability and diverse experiences available for tourists in the country.
It also aims to increase engagement within the market, offering the latest information of the destination and the stringent safety measures in place.
This is the second FAM trip organised by Visit Maldives this year for the South African market. Visit Maldives also took part in WTM Africa which was held virtually this year.
Ongoing activities for this market includes a visibility campaign with Air Seychelles commemorating the airline’s weekly flight to the country.
As of September 16th, Maldives had welcomed 817,387 tourists, out of which 9,198 tourists were from South Africa.
Visit Maldives aims to keep the momentum of Maldives as a preferred destination in all source markets and new emerging markets, with focused marketing for different segments and groups of travellers.
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.
-
Business1 week agoFootball legends receive FIFA World Cup 2026 match balls signed by President Muizzu
-
Awards1 week agoAnantara Kihavah, Niyama recognised in Travel + Leisure reader awards
-
News1 week agoAvani+ Fares Maldives introduces poolside reads under global book club programme
-
News1 week agoJW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa introduces immersive island escape across land and sea
-
Cooking6 days agoSt. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort to host Asia’s culinary talents for ‘Across the Table’ dining experience
-
Awards1 week agoMachchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives wins ‘Best House Reef’ at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026
-
Family1 week agoArt, sport and island adventure shape JOALI Maldives Summer Camp 2026
-
Cooking7 days agoMichelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa


