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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island unveils first look following expansive multi-million dollar renovation

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As the Maldives celebrates its 50th anniversary as a tourist destination this year, one of the idyllic islands’ first luxury resorts, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island officially unveils its extensive renovation with never-before-seen spaces offering beautifully reimagined accommodations including 50 new overwater villas, as well as food & beverage venues and Over-water Spa.

Following an extensive multi-year redevelopment, the resort’s now-complete refurbishments elevate Conrad Maldives Rangali Islands’ signature hospitality with thoughtful experiences and refreshed interiors.

Reputed for forward-thinking innovation in the design space as home to the world’s first underwater residence, the Muraka, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s refreshed offerings continue to showcase impeccable design capabilities that put a spotlight on the unique natural surroundings of the South Ari Atoll.

As part of its Grand Relaunch, guests of the twin-island resort can expect:

  • 50 refreshed Overwater Villas in Rangali Island
  • Revamped Over-water Spa and brand new Gym
  • Elevated dining experiences with makeovers to three celebrated restaurants and bars
  • Brand new Teens Club and enhanced Kids Club
  • Overwater Villas in Rangali Island

The 50 refreshed overwater villas on the Rangali Island side of the resort have been revitalised to include stylish new interiors, combining integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and direct access to a private sun deck.

The updated villas demonstrate the resort’s signature style of simplicity and laid-back luxury through clean lines and muted tones that emphasise the breath-taking surrounding landscape.

Offering a minimalist aesthetic, the interior design gives the space a natural, bright, and airy feel intended to focus on the beauty just outside of the villa. Neutral hues and natural textures come together to highlight the stunning azure blues of the surrounding South Ari Atoll, and an open floor plan structure offers unparalleled views from every room. Exposed beams and matching wooden ceiling fans in the space are layered with various woodwork throughout augmenting the feeling of openness and elevating the classic Maldivian overwater villa, which originated at the hotel. Large mirrors are used throughout to maximise light and reflect the gorgeous scenery.

Characterised by spaces that transition naturally from indoors to outdoors, renovated villas offer brand new furnishings, appliances and reimagined interior architecture that elevates the hotel’s already-top notch accommodations. Promoting a sense of harmony with the environment, the new design aims to awaken but not overwhelm the senses and provide absolute privacy and exclusivity.

Over-water Spa

The new Conrad Maldives Over-water Spa preserves the overall look and feel of the celebrated spa while offering refreshed reception and treatment areas alongside brand new indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces.

The first of its kind to open in the Maldives, the Over-water Spa offers a fully immersive experience from start to finish, invigorating mind, body and soul through practices from soulful mediation to therapeutic pampering. As a result of the renovations, the passage between the resort and the spa will seamlessly transition guests through a portal into an open-air cocoon of wellness and elevated consciousness for a truly alchemizing experience.

In collaboration with ISUN, Conrad Maldives’ Over-water Spa has created an exclusive treatment offering comprised of 17 rituals inspired by the unique setting, bringing guests to a higher state of consciousness and wellbeing through connection with the natural environment.

To bring the vision of the refreshed spa to life, Conrad Maldives worked with Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, acclaimed firm that is celebrated for their work in hospitality and wellness design. For the interior design, Conrad Maldives once again partnered with Tokyo-born, New York-based architect Yuji Yamazaki, who was the designer of the resort’s Muraka residence, the world’s first underwater villa.

In addition to the spa, a brand new and fully equipped gym will be available at the adults only island.

Restaurants and Bars 

The hotel’s restaurants and bars have been thoughtfully enhanced to consider guest experience above all else. The renovated dining venues include Atoll Market, an all-day dining buffet restaurant featuring live cooking stations, Rangali Bar, a relaxed social hub offering lunch, dinner or cocktails, and Vilu Restaurant at Rangali Island, an open-air restaurant located on the edge of the lagoon.

Kids & Teens Clubs

Now offering expanded and refreshed facilities for guests across all generations, the hotel’s relaunch includes the unveiling of a brand new Furaavaru Club (Teens Club) and Majaa Explorer’s Hub (Kids Club). Located on the lively, family-centric Rangali-Finolhu Island, the new spaces occupy an expansive complex offering engaging experiences for adolescents and children.

Entertainment

Halloween and Autumn celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

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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.

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Featured

Soneva Fushi awarded SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality 2025

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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.

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Awards

Minor Hotels celebrates multiple wins at TTM Awards 2025

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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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