Featured
W Maldives offers extravagant island holiday
W Maldives, located on the magical Fesdu Island, offers a holiday where guests can wake up to the sound of waves against the infinity pool, white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and one of the best house reefs in the Maldives.
An unforgettable setting for weddings, intimate gatherings and special occasions, the Island Takeover package transforms the dreamlike island into the most creatively curated getaway beyond the wildest of imaginations.
From the moment guests step onto the heart-shaped island playground, they are welcomed by the only Music Curator in the Maldives, while playful guest rooms and innovative cocktails and cuisine create a cutting-edge experience.
Making the island a personal playground, guests on the buyout package will have access to all 77 private villas located both on the beach and overwater, each with its own plunge pool and sundeck, for up to 150 lucky guests.
Six creative gourmet restaurants and lounge bars serving up cuisines from seafood to Maldivian dining, and overwater treatment rooms at AWAY Spa, await those who come to live it up at W Maldives where every day brings something new. Buyout guests also get to fuel their stay with a delicious daily breakfast at KITCHEN Restaurant, the all-day dining bistro where the best of the world’s breakfasts await.
Whether guests are looking to unwind or wind it up, there is much to choose from when passing the precious hours in this secluded hideaway including usage of selected non-motorised water sports activities to getting down under, snorkelling or scuba diving in one of the region’s best house reefs where reef sharks are just one of the species to spot in the breathtaking underwater world.
Guests can sail away into the blues of the Indian Ocean with blissful day escapes or get a taste of adventure aboard the island’s own luxury 25-meter two cabin sailing yacht, ESCAPE, where whale shark sightings await at sunset or guests can create a personalised adventure under the stars with an overnight diving experience.
The villas are a perfect blend of W’s innovative architectural design and contemporary living aesthetics with island village simplicity. Each of the 77 villas feature a mesmerising white sandy beach access or a magical over ocean experience, a BOSE sound system, 46” plasma screen TV, spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, private plunge pool, outdoor tropical showers and day beds for limitless laps of luxury. Smooth, stylish interior design and all the modern gadgetry one could possibly need are an integral part of the appeal.
Guests on the island will feel the absolute VIP experience offered on the lagoon-dotted haven, where no task is too small, no ask too big. The motto is at the essence of the service at W, where guests have ‘whatever you want, whenever you want it’.
Island buyout rates start from $190,000 per night.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
-
Cooking1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
News1 week agoThe Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
-
Cooking1 week agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
-
News1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives welcomes visiting Thai healer for spa residency
-
News1 week agoBeneath and beyond the reef, Machchafushi Island tells a story of nature
-
Action7 days agoEri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
-
Action7 days agoSirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
-
News1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu unveils ‘Kodhipparu Escapes’ promotion


