Featured
Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives focuses on wellness In 2022

Cheval Blanc Randheli, the Maldivian Maison of LVMH group Cheval Blanc, is launching a series of new wellness retreats designed for post-pandemic travel.
With so many exceptional island hideaways opening across the archipelago, it can be challenging for a resort to stand out in the Maldives. Rather than chasing trends, Cheval Blanc Randheli continually draws new and returning travellers back with its lavish accommodation and lifestyle offering fusing French l’art de vivre with an idyllic Indian Ocean setting in the Noonu Atoll. This experience defined by gastronomy, the breath-taking design of Jean-Michel Gathy and a spa offering the Maldives’ only Guerlain rituals is continually enhanced with new concepts immersing guests in life on the island.
Following pandemic lockdowns and addressing the increased demand for retreats benefitting both mental and physical wellness, the coveted island resort has developed a series of immersive wellness retreats to be launched in early 2022. This follows on from the creation of a new yoga and meditation program that the Maldivian Maison first launched for travellers returning to the archipelago in 2021.
Cheval Blanc Randheli is spread across six islands where white sand shores meet the vivid turquoise water of the lagoon and are backed by palm trees and lush tropical vegetation. One of these islands is dedicated to the Cheval Blanc Spa with access only possible by sailing across from the main island on the resort’s traditional dhoni.
The spa island’s jetty leads to a high-ceilinged ocean-view arrival area facing onto the island’s private white sand beach. The open-fronted Spa Bar with oceanfront pool lies to one side and paths to the other side of the beach lead through verdant greenery to a collection of ocean-facing spa villas and other wellness amenities including a thermal suite, hammams, a yoga deck and orchidarium – orchids run throughout the spa’s wellness concept.
Specific Guerlain wellness rituals, specially conceived for the Maldives resort, range from the After-Diving Experience and Randheli Sun Ritual to Orchidée Impériale Guerlain treatments. Yoga sessions span everything from Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa to aerial yoga, therapeutic yoga for healing, weight-loss yoga, power yoga and both sunrise and sunset sessions and meditation covers a range of approaches including Pranayama and mindfulness.
The yoga retreats run between three and five days and aim to bring balance to your life through the expertise of the on-island yoga master, Puneet Sharma. The three-day yoga retreat comprises a consultation followed by sunrise meditation, morning and afternoon yoga, a breathing session, mindful walking, use of the thermal facilities, aerial yoga discovery, sunset meditation, singing bowl meditation and a 60-minute massage. The five-day retreat also includes chakra healing and activation, breathing yoga flow, a 60-minute hammam treatment, 90-minute beauty lift facial and a 45-minute Watsu session.
The soon-to-be-launched immersive wellness retreats, which are being created in partnership with Guerlain, will combine the experiences had on these yoga and meditation retreats with additional personalised treatments and tailored wellness cuisine, which is to be created by the resort’s accomplished chefs wherever you are in the gastronomy focused resort.
Additional enhancements to the resort experience include the recent introduction of the Maldives’ first surf simulator and the transformation of the resort’s impressive kids’ club. Excursions add to the overall resort experience, with yacht trips taking guests out to see dolphins at sunset or to dive and snorkel in the archipelago’s marine-life-rich waters.
Awards
Nova Maldives wins global acclaim with 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award

Nova Maldives has been honoured with the prestigious 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor, placing the island resort among the top-rated properties globally and affirming its status as a firm favourite among travellers.
This accolade is particularly significant given the Maldives’ dynamic and world-renowned resort landscape, where excellence is continually redefined. The award gains further weight as it is based entirely on authentic guest reviews—submitted by visitors who experienced Nova first-hand and shared reflections on the care, connection, and comfort they encountered during their stay.
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, is a trusted resource within global traveller communities. It derives its credibility from millions of genuine reviews and insights contributed by real guests.
Since its establishment, Nova Maldives has remained dedicated to crafting transformative guest experiences, underpinned by a philosophy of laidback luxury, community connection, and personal wellbeing. The resort’s commitment to soft luxury creates a tranquil sanctuary where guests can foster deeper connections with nature and the local culture. Through heartfelt service, cultural immersion, and strong environmental initiatives—including marine conservation and coral restoration—Nova offers experiences infused with warmth, belonging, and a broader mission.
Being named among Tripadvisor’s standout global properties underscores Nova’s steadfast dedication to outstanding hospitality and the expertise of its devoted team. Every dish, dive, and guest interaction reflects the genuine care invested in making each stay unforgettable. At Nova, the destination is elevated by the passion and commitment of its people.
“This award recognises the entire Nova community, both our guests and team,” said General Manager Abdulla Aboobakuru. “It’s a celebration of shared experiences, and we deeply value individual feedback from our guests. Going forward, Nova will continue creating soulful, rooted moments that touch hearts and stand the test of time.”
Nova’s commitment to sustainability and conscious travel is evident in its ongoing initiatives, including coral reef restoration, wellness diving programmes, mindful culinary offerings, and educational collaborations with local schools, PADI Aware, and the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. The resort continues to set an example for balancing impact with indulgence, inviting travellers to engage in enriching, sustainable experiences through a variety of interactive workshops and community-led activities.
Featured
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo earns prestigious spot in TripAdvisor’s top 10% global hotels

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has been honoured with a prestigious accolade, being named among the top 10% of hotels worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. This esteemed recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and earning rave reviews from travellers across the globe.
Selected from hundreds of thousands of listings, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s inclusion in the prestigious list is a testament to its dedication to offering authentic, heartfelt experiences for its guests. The resort’s personalised service and its ability to deliver unique, memorable stays have made it a favourite among travellers seeking tranquility and authenticity.
Situated in the pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is an adults-only boutique resort that blends local Maldivian culture with modern luxury. The resort features 68 beautifully designed villas that offer guests the ultimate in privacy and comfort. Known for its house reef teeming with vibrant marine life, the resort provides an immersive experience in the Maldives’ natural beauty. Guests can explore the coral reefs, enjoy a variety of international dining options, and indulge in a genuine sense of discovery.
With its focus on providing a serene escape for couples and solo travellers, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has become a cherished destination for those looking to unwind and recharge in an idyllic setting. Its recent recognition from TripAdvisor further underscores the resort’s exceptional reputation in the hospitality industry.
Featured
Americans dreaming of Maldives: honeymoon searches soar in 2025 rankings

Maldives has once again secured its place as one of the world’s most coveted honeymoon destinations, ranking second globally among Americans planning their post-wedding getaways in 2025.
According to a new study by UK-based swimwear brand Pour Moi, which analysed Google search data across the United States, the Maldives received 73,700 annual searches from honeymooning Americans eager to escape to its world-famous turquoise waters and luxury overwater villas.
The Indian Ocean paradise trails just behind Seychelles, which claimed the top spot with nearly 75,000 searches. Greece, Costa Rica, and Italy rounded out the top five.
The research examined over 490 global destinations to uncover where newlyweds are dreaming of heading this year. With its postcard-perfect beaches, serene lagoons, and opulent resorts offering private pools, spas, and gourmet dining, the Maldives continues to stand out as the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation, and indulgence.
“This stunning group of islands remains one of the most sought-after spots for couples who want an unforgettable start to married life,” said Marina Nicoli, Marketing Manager at Pour Moi. “The Maldives offers that rare combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and luxury that honeymooners crave.”
While entire countries were ranked based on interest, individual destinations within these countries also caught the spotlight. Santorini, Greece, emerged as the top individual honeymoon destination, followed by Bali in Indonesia and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. However, the Maldives’ reputation as an all-encompassing destination—offering entire islands as private resorts—cements its appeal to Americans looking for the perfect blend of privacy and pampering.
The Maldives’ second-place ranking highlights a continuing trend among U.S. couples seeking intimate, far-flung getaways. Pour Moi’s findings show a shift away from traditional city escapes toward nature-rich retreats that promise rest, romance, and Instagram-worthy moments.
Top 10 Countries for U.S. Honeymoon Searches in 2025:
- Seychelles – 74,960 searches
- Maldives – 73,700 searches
- Greece – 49,100 searches
- Costa Rica – 47,000 searches
- Italy – 36,900 searches
- Thailand – 25,800 searches
- Fiji – 25,600 searches
- Japan – 24,500 searches
- New Zealand – 18,300 searches
- Iceland – 15,180 searches
With the Maldives already a firm favourite among international travellers, this new data reaffirms its global status as a dream destination—especially for couples ready to celebrate the start of their forever.
-
Action1 week ago
India’s Sunrisers Hyderabad cricket team hits pause with Maldives retreat
-
News1 week ago
NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi offers free speedboat transfers for Summer 2025
-
Business1 week ago
BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market
-
News1 week ago
Barceló Nasandhura opens as Male’s largest hotel
-
Action7 days ago
Napoli back on top of Serie A as De Laurentiis celebrates in Maldives
-
News1 week ago
Conrad Maldives welcomes guests to celebrate Golden Week with curated experiences
-
Awards7 days ago
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa earns triple nominations at 2025 World Travel Awards
-
News4 days ago
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort launches artist in residence programme with Cambodia-based artist FONKi