Featured
Milaidhoo Maldives introduces new ‘mood dining’ experience

A private oasis set over 13 acres in the Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo’s pristine beauty is an incredible location to switch off from the outside world.
This year, guests can benefit from new and improved ‘Mood Dining’ offerings — a series of dining and wellness packages based on the theory that certain foods can affect body chemistry and, in turn, alter a person’s mood. ‘Moods’ include ‘Rise and Shine’, ‘Get into the Milaidhoo Mood”, ‘Deep Sleep’ and newly introduced ‘Revitalise and Reset’.

Consisting of thoughtfully curated food and drink menus paired with wellness activities, the programmes will evoke energised moods, increase concentration and even help to tackle ‘brain fog’ and anxiety post Covid.
Meal settings also help to shape moods, with dining options on deserted sandbanks in the middle of the ocean, on the beach or in the privacy of the guests’ villa.
‘Getting into The Milaidhoo Mood’
For those looking to overcome jetlag and ease into the holiday mindset, ‘Getting into The Milaidhoo Mood’ offers just that.
The programme begins with a 60-minute TheraNaka African Awakening Massage at the resort’s over-water Serenity Spa.
Massage movements incorporate breathing techniques to awaken the body’s senses and align both body and mind, and the treatment is followed by a Breathwork Session with the resident Yogi.
In the evening, guests can enjoy a sushi tocused dinner aimed to ease digestion with dishes rich in vitamins, omega 3 and nutrients on their private villa deck.
‘Revitalise and Reset’
Aimed specifically towards Covidl9 related health problems such as burnout, anxiety and respiratory issues, guests can now opt for the brand-new ‘Revitalise and Reset’ mood, which extends across two to four days. Guests can create their own schedule for the chosen days with a range of relaxing and respiratory focused treatments to fit their needs.
Brain fog and feelings of anxiety are targeted during a 30-minute breathing workshop led by Milaidhoo’s resident Yogi.

Taking place at sunrise, the magical setting aids an incredibly focused practice. Guests will understand and learn to control their breathing to release any builtup physical and psychological tension and prepare them for the day ahead.
The development of self-awareness and self-control through breathing can also help guests overcome stressful and challenging situations in their daily lives.
A private sunrise yoga session and meditation on the secluded sandbank can be arranged, followed by a healthy breakfast to continue the peaceful mindset, and daily detox juices or teas are on offer throughout the programme, cleansing the body physically.
Perfect for relaxing in-between activities, guests can ease into a comforting bath during the programme, featuring soothing Elemis spa products and rehydrate on fresh fruit juice and roasted coconut slices, grown on the island.
A 30-minute gentle dry-skin brushing treatment is also included, which increases lymphatic circulation and prepares the skin before completely switching off for a 1 hour 30-minute, full-body intuitive massage.
‘Deep Sleep’
Choose the ‘Deep Sleep’ mood to enhance sleeping patterns and maximise an undisturbed night’s sleep.
The programme begins with a peaceful 90-minute Swedish Massage in the early evening to physically relax the entire body and ease muscle tension.
Atter that, a light and early dinner of chicken or reef fish is served
in the guests’ villa with a menu designed to encourage sleep. Following this, Milaidhoo’s resident Yogi leads a private moonlight meditation session on the deck of their villa to calm and slow the mind.
The evening ends with a scented candlelit bath, helping the body temperature to fall and induce a feeling of sleepiness.

‘Rise and Shine’
Alternatively, the ‘Rise and Shine’ programme brings guests into the day feeling healthy and full of energy.
The day begins with an early private yoga class in the Yoga Pavilion, a 30-minute mud application to relieve muscle ache, steam, hot shower and a 45 minutes TheraNaka Vigor Back Massage, all before breakfast.
The wholesome spread and important fuel for the day follows and includes fresh, tropical fruit, yoghurt, seeds, nuts, caviar, smoked salmon, and other island delicacies.

HOW: Milaidhoo can be easily reached via a 30-minute seaplane from the international airport in Male or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo domestic airport in Baa Atoll, followed by a 15-minute speedboat to Milaidhoo.
Rates start from $1,625 per night in a Water Pool Villa on a half board basis, based on two sharing. Mood Dining programmes are one day experiences that start from USD 435 per person and can be individually enhanced and red customised upon request. ‘Revitalise and Reset’ can be used across two to four days and costs USD 1170.
For reservations or more information, please visit www.milaidhoo.com, call the reservations team on +960 660 0484 or email reservations@milaidhoo.com.
Entertainment
Halloween and Autumn celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is preparing to welcome guests to a week-long Autumn Festival with Halloween-themed celebrations running from 30 October to 5 November. The programme features a variety of activities designed for families, couples, and individual travellers, with events ranging from treasure hunts and creative workshops to wellness sessions and exclusive dining experiences.
The celebrations begin on 30 October with a beachside Tabata workout followed by a pumpkin carving workshop at La Locanda. Activities for children and teens include the Magic of Mantas virtual reality exploration, Haunted Brick Builders, and the Autumn Costume Fashion Show. Parents are invited to a cocktail gathering on the shore before the evening concludes with a Culinary Maestro dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Max Strohe, as part of the resort’s Masters of Crafts series.
On 31 October, guests may join a morning Dynamic Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden or take part in a turtle snorkelling excursion. Children between four and twelve are encouraged to join the Flying Fox Quest, a Halloween-themed nature walk, while older children embark on an Island Treasure Quest. Seasonal workshops such as wreath decoration and creative pumpkin carving are available, and the day concludes with a Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt across the island and a Halloween Feast at La Locanda.
As the week progresses, the festival highlights wellness and creativity. Under the Masters of Crafts programme, mobility coach Anthony Green will host sessions on posture, flexibility, and spinal health. Seasonal crafts for younger guests include galaxy-themed pumpkin art, Halloween decorations, wand-making, and mask workshops. Family activities extend to Autumn Carnival Stalls, Magic Hat bowling, and themed cooking sessions. Evening entertainment includes a magic show, a piñata party, and further culinary experiences led by Chef Max Strohe.
The festival concludes on 5 November with a Vinsaya Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden, an art class featuring batfish designs on tote bags, and a children’s treasure hunt. Families are invited to join the Boos and Brews Halloween Dhoni Cruise before the celebrations end with a Luxury Sunset Cruise.
Through this programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, combines seasonal festivities with wellness, creativity, and gastronomy, offering guests a diverse celebration of autumn and Halloween in the Maldives.
Featured
Soneva Fushi awarded SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality 2025

Soneva Fushi, situated within the Maldives’ Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has been named winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. The accolade is one of two special awards announced ahead of the official ceremony on 30 October. The award is based on votes from more than 800 members of the Academy, who were asked to identify the hotel where they experienced their single-best hospitality moment within the two-year voting period.
The award recognises the quality of service that ensures guests feel cared for throughout their stay. It celebrates the work of a property and its entire team, acknowledging excellence in areas ranging from reception and housekeeping to amenities and food and beverage services. Voters were asked to consider ambience, unique experiential elements, and the warmth of the hospitality on offer.
Soneva Fushi, the original Soneva resort and regarded as the model for barefoot luxury, is located on one of the Maldives’ largest and least developed islands. The resort comprises 71 private villas, either set amidst dense jungle or positioned above the ocean. Guests are invited to embrace a slower pace of life, with experiences ranging from deserted island picnics and wellness treatments at Soneva Soul to curated events under the Soneva Stars calendar.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said: “This award celebrates the foundation of hospitality and honours the emotional connection that guests have with a hotel and its team. For three decades, Soneva Fushi has been delivering memorable service at the highest level that puts the guest at the heart of every interaction. A mainstay of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list since the awards’ inception, Soneva Fushi is a worthy winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award, setting a benchmark of all-encompassing excellence one stay at a time.”
Each villa offers extensive indoor and outdoor living space, private pools and ocean views. A distinctive feature of the resort is its Barefoot Guardians – dedicated butlers assigned to each villa to provide personalised service. Available at all times, they arrange every aspect of the guest experience, from zipline adventures and snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay to stargazing at the observatory or dining in one of 14 restaurants. The Barefoot Guardians also manage the Soneva Stars calendar, which hosts international chefs, wellness specialists and sporting figures.
Antony Paton, General Manager of Soneva Fushi, said: “This award belongs to the entire team at Soneva Fushi. It is a reflection of our shared purpose to create moments of joy, connection and wonder every single day. Being recognised by The World’s 50 Best Hotels affirms that the quiet magic we strive for is not only felt by our guests, but remembered. And that, to us, is the greatest reward.”
Giancarlo Mancino, Chief Executive Officer of SeiBellissimi, added: “At Soneva Fushi, hospitality is a seamless extension of a lifestyle deeply rooted in sustainability, wellness and mindful luxury. Founded with a slow life philosophy, every experience here is a tribute to living in harmony with nature, honouring health-conscious principles, and crafting each moment with genuine care. This devotion to sustainable elegance and the art of well-being is the perfect mirror of SeiBellissimi’s own values: Italian craftsmanship, conviviality, and a respect for quality that goes beyond the ordinary.”
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 ceremony will take place at Old Billingsgate in London on Thursday 30 October, where Soneva Fushi will formally receive the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award.
Awards
Minor Hotels celebrates multiple wins at TTM Awards 2025

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group operating nine resorts in the Maldives, has announced that three of its properties were recognised at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2025. The annual awards celebrate achievements across 28 categories, with winners selected through votes cast by guests and travel partners.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives received the award for Best Family Resort. The property is known for offering experiences for all ages, with facilities including a playground, splash park, and gourmet kitchen at its children’s club, alongside an extensive schedule of activities. Young guests are provided with age-appropriate experiences such as snorkelling safaris, cooking classes, surf lessons, and outdoor cinema evenings.
Accommodation includes a variety of spacious villas and pavilions, such as the newly renovated Deluxe Family Beach Pool Villa. Combined with diverse dining options, recreational activities, and personalised service, the resort seeks to provide both adventure and relaxation for families.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort was named Best Beach Resort, reflecting its setting of white sands, turquoise lagoons, and coconut groves within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort offers contemporary villas, including Beach Pool Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas, with direct beach access.
Since opening in 2023, Avani+ Fares has aimed to introduce a laid-back approach to Maldivian holidays, combining modern design with the natural environment. Guests can participate in activities ranging from water sports and wellness to dining and cultural programmes.
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort was awarded Best Dive Resort, recognised for its accessible house reef and marine biodiversity. Located close to the shoreline, the reef offers opportunities for snorkellers and divers of all levels, with frequent encounters with species such as reef sharks, turtles, rays, and tropical fish.
The resort also provides access to the dive sites of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, where PADI-certified instructors guide guests through channels, thilas, and reef walls.
In addition to these three awards, Minor Hotels’ properties received 12 finalist nominations across seven categories. These included its newest addition, NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, which was shortlisted in three categories.
The group’s nominations at the TTM Awards 2025 were:
- Best Beach Resort: Avani+ Fares and NH Collection Maldives Havodda
- Best Family Resort: Niyama, Avani+ Fares, and NH Maldives Kuda Rah
- Best Boutique Resort: NH Maldives Kuda Rah
- Best Culinary Resort: Niyama
- Most Picturesque Resort: NH Collection Maldives Havodda
- Best Surf Resort: Niyama
- Best Dive Resort: Avani+ Fares, NH Collection Maldives Havodda, and NH Maldives Kuda Rah
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