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Lily Beach again crowned ‘Best of the Best’ All-Inclusive Resort in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards

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Lily Beach continues to prove it is the ‘best of the best’ for a safe, stress-free, and unforgettable vacation. Due to the favourable reviews by guests themselves, the pioneer of All-Inclusive Resorts in the Maldives has yet again won the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2022 ‘Best of the Best’ Award in the All-Inclusive category. As a result of its commitment to offering an unparalleled and consistent guest experience, as demonstrated by its ‘Platinum All-Inclusive’ plan, Lily Beach has been awarded by Tripadvisor the honour of being deemed the 13th Best of the Best All-Inclusive Resort in the World and 3rd Best of the Best All-Inclusive Resort in Asia.

Since 2002, the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards are given to venues that consistently receive exceptional reviews over a 12-month period and are ranked in the top 1% of properties. Nestled among its luxury industry peers, Lily Beach is honoured to receive this award, which is the highest recognition given by reputed platform Tripadvisor.

As their Group Director of Sales & Marketing Desislav Gospodinov attests: “We are delighted and grateful to our guests for allowing us this outstanding recognition. Since the beginning, Lily Beach has been a leading provider of all-inclusive experiences, and with our Platinum All-Inclusive plan we go a step further, by including a selection of complimentary excursions together with our premium food and drinks as part of the offering. However, the key ingredient of our success is our associates who go above and beyond to ensure that our guests’ stay to be as memorable as possible.”

Not only does Lily Beach offer a great selection of premium liquors, alongside a wide selection of food and drinks, but it goes the extra stretch to entertain guests with leisure and sporting activities, and daily evening entertainment. From live bands to Balinese dance, there is always something happening at the resort to surprise or inspire a smile. Not only that, this destination which is a short scenic seaplane ride away from the airport is also located in a prime area perfect for Whale Shark sightings as well.

Of late the resort has been stepping up its game in offering a higher value all-inclusive offering to their guests by having guest practitioners visit the resort such as Guinness World Record Holder in Football Freestyle – Marcel Gurk who visited the resort during Easter to teach guests of all ages the wonder and fun of learning new football skills and upcoming Wellness Festival happening next month in tandem with the Global Wellness Day where multiple Wellness Practitioners will be at the resort to offer their services for guests to have novel wellness experiences while in the Maldives.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury five-star all-inclusive resort located on Huvahendhoo Island in South Ari Atoll, just a short 25-minute flight by seaplane from the capital Malé and Velana International Airport. This proximity, as well as the reputation of its legendary Platinum All-Inclusive plan, make it a sought-after destination in an area renowned for its spectacular natural beauty.

Since its establishment, the resort has strived to offer a truly memorable vacation experience for families and couples alike, with staff taking pride in exceeding all expectations. With its warm and unpretentious luxury hospitality, it promotes the feeling of being part of the resort family – a home away from home in the paradise of the Maldives. Lily Beach invites you to experience what the ‘Best of the Best’ has to offer for yourself – the delectable food, detailed service, and secluded and safe luxury at Lily Beach Resort & Spa await you, where you may come as a stranger but will surely leave as a friend!

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Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

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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.

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Entertainment

Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

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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.

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Excursions

From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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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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