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Visit Maldives unveils Tales of Maldives stories
For the first time ever, Visit Maldives unveiled “Tales of Maldives” stories to a global audience through a special Facebook Live Event held on 20th October at 8PM MVT.
A total of 9 short films exploring the folklore and folktales of the Maldives were showcased during the 1 hour event. In order to entice viewers, a raffle sponsored by Radisson Blu Maldives was held and the lucky winner won a free vacation to the Maldives.
Throughout the past few years, we have realised that there is an important need for us to promote and showcase our folklore and folktales, stories, and tales of magic and wonder. Our stories are interwoven with our natural breathtaking beauty, it is a crucial element of what makes up the “Maldivian” identity.
We produced “Tales of Maldives” , a series of short films showcasing some of our most captivating stories, to carry on the tradition of powerful story-telling. From the well-known tales of Don Hiyala and Alifulhu to the role of magic and the supernatural in Maldivian society, we delved deep into the Maldivian landscape to tell stories of romance, intrigue, magic, and wonder.
“We are a collection of fantastic tales that provide a glimpse into our rich history and culture, and it is imperative that we pass these stories down. As our forefathers had done before, we are here to pass down these stories to you,” stated Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director of Visit Maldives.
The event showcased nine stories from Maldivian folklore – The First Coconuts, The Giant Triton Shell, Maldivian Magic, Dhon Hiyala and Alifulhu, Communal Spirit in Maldives, Satho Raha, Bodu Niyama Thakurufaanu, Body Mas Meeha and The Legend of Koimalaa.
These stories will create a deep rooted emotional connection and love among our target audiences to the Maldives and its people, culture, folklore, natural assets and experiences appealing to both locals and foreigners.
The stories will also kick-start a journey towards achieving a highly powerful brand resonance and identity.
The story is one element of a series of campaigns we are conducting to tell stories that resonate and market the Maldives as the magical paradise that we are known for.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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