Featured
Gourmets can embrace unrivalled overwater dining at Baros Maldives

Wild-hearted bon vivants can enjoy the most memorable epicurean experiences surrounded by the idyllic island beauty of Baros. With four overwater dining venues, connoisseur guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to indulging in the finest gourmet fare in the most quintessentially Baros style.
Baros’ iconic Lighthouse Restaurant should be the first port of call for exceptional overwater dining. Built on stilts that extend into the lagoon, the Lighthouse provides the ultimate place from which to embrace the awe-inspiring sunset or romantic dinners under star-speckled skies.

The menu offers guests anything from seafood symphonies to unique Maldivian fusion gourmet dishes that draw on Asian and Mediterranean flavours.
The authentic, creative and artfully created dishes can be enhanced further by the ultimate wine pairing on the recommendation of the in-house sommelier.
Exceptional fine dining fare, wine sourced from the best regions across the globe, classical elegant service and the sights and sounds of the cerulean lagoon — this is the place for a gourmet dining experience par excellence.

For guests who would like to experience an extraordinary overwater dining experience, the Piano Deck is a sensational option. Perched atop the grand-piano shaped deck surrounded entirely by the mesmerising lagoon, this is the ultimate place to enjoy gourmet dishes to the sights and sounds of the endless Indian Ocean.
Floating breakfasts are another sensational option for private overwater dining with an undeniably immersive flair. Best enjoyed in a Water Pool Villa, pre-selected breakfast dishes are delivered to the villa and served in the pool — enjoyed over the lagoon and in the water itself, this experience is as memorable as it is novel.
Last, but certainly not least, guests can voyage into the deep blue aboard the resort’s very own Maldivian dhoni, Nooma. Created to resemble the original Maldivian sailing boats and enhanced with modern creature comforts, guests can sail into the sunset while enjoying gourmet meals they will never forget. An authentic experience — made even more magical when the dolphins come out to play — a meal aboard Nooma is sure to be unforgettable.
All of these overwater dining experiences have been carefully created to not only leave an indelible memory, but to be wonderfully romantic. And one thing is for sure, this tropical oasis is certainly the place for a little romance; we are proud to announce that Baros has just been named “The Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort” by the World Travel Awards for the 9th year in a row.
The Maldives Icon – Baros is an award-winning luxury private island resort in the Maldives, a short 25-minute speedboat ride from Maldives International Airport. This tropical haven is home to 75 sophisticated villas framed by a seemingly endless powder-soft white beach and a glittering lagoon surrounded by a world-class house reef. It’s paradise personified.
Welcoming guests since 1973, Baros has spent decades honing its services and cultivating its environment, making it the Maldivian Icon. An award-winning resort, and a member of Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, Baros is celebrated for its authentic spirit, legendary service, outstanding comfort and understated elegance.
HOW: Rates at Baros start from $733 per night in a Deluxe Villa, including breakfast, excluding taxes. To make a booking or for more information, visit www.baros.com or contact the resort directly at reservations@baros.com or on +960 664 26 7.
Featured
Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.
Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.
Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.
South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.
Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.
Entertainment
Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.
The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.
Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.
Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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