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S Hotels’ Maldives resorts begins accepting cryptocurrencies as payment

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S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the flagship hospitality arm of Thailand’s Singha Estate PCL, constantly strives to drive the hospitality industry forward and cater for a new generation of guests.

This pioneering company has now taken another big stride into the future by becoming one of the first hotel groups in the world to start accepting cryptocurrencies as payment.

S Hotels & Resorts has announced a ground-breaking new partnership with FTX, a leading cryptocurrency trading platform, to enable its customers to book and pay for their stays using virtual online currencies.

Initially, S Hotels & Resorts’ two award-winning properties in the Maldives – SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – will welcome cryptocurrencies from 1st October 2021, becoming the first resorts in the country to do so.

Nestled in the idyllic Kaafu Atoll, SAii Lagoon Maldives is a tropical lifestyle retreat for millennially-minded guests, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is the iconic music-themed brand’s first Maldivian property.

Both resorts were honoured in the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021.

They form part of CROSSROADS Maldives, a breath-taking integrated resort that features a wealth of world-class facilities, including diverse dining, wellness, water sports, diving, eco-sensitive excursions, oceanfront events and more.

As the first resorts in the Maldives to accept cryptocurrencies, SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives are creating fresh opportunities for forward-thinking guests to book their festive holidays in the Maldives, which is fully open for international travel.

Vacations at these two world-class resorts can be paid for in USD Coins (USDC) and Tether tokens (USDT), with more cryptocurrencies expected to be added in future.

Bookings must be made directly with each property’s reservations department: rsvn.lagoon@saiiresorts.com for SAii Lagoon Maldives and rsvn@hrhmaldives.com for Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Payments can be arranged securely, from anywhere in the world.

There benefits of cryptocurrencies are manifold; they will expand the number of payment options offered by S Hotels & Resorts, targeting new and potentially untapped sectors of the market, while helping hotels to drive a greater number of direct bookings.

They will also appeal to a new wave of Gen Y and Gen Z consumers, who operate in the online space and appreciate the convenience of virtual transactions.

“At S Hotels & Resorts, we are constantly seeking new ways to connect with our customers and remove barriers to travel. We fully understand that in today’s world, an increasing number of consumers are turning to cryptocurrencies as a secure and stress-free way of paying for goods and services. As an innovator in the hospitality space, we are excited to start working with FTX and enable virtual currencies at our two resorts in the Maldives. We hope to expand this partnership to even more of our award-winning hotels and resorts around the world in future,” said Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Executive Officer, S Hotels & Resorts.

“Looking ahead, we will continue to roll out new and flexible solutions that enhance all aspects of our guest journey, from planning, payment and booking to in-stay experiences, bespoke services, community activities and more. We want to become the hospitality provider of choice for a new generation of customers.”

Founded in 2018, FTX is a global cryptocurrency exchange that has partnered with a wide range of leading virtual currency firms, including Circle, Sequoia and Paxos, among others.

It is also a responsible company, having donated more than US$10 million to charities in the last three years. This perfectly aligns it with S Hotels & Resorts’ own extensive CSR commitments.

S Hotels & Resorts joins a growing number of cutting-edge companies that now accept cryptocurrencies as a payment option, including Microsoft, Rakuten, AT&T, Twitch and Virgin Galactic.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts

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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.

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JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia

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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.

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Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa

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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.

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