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Amilla Maldives to become world’s first accessibility and inclusion certified resort

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The Maldives is renowned for its paradisiacal isolation. But the sandy island paths, beaches, water jetties, villas and restaurants across the archipelago have for too long remained the exclusive domain of non-disabled visitors, excluding this as a dream-destination for guests with additional mobility, sensory or cognitive requirements, who would come if they only believed they could.

So Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences has made a commitment to embrace ‘total-guest-inclusion’ and is undergoing training and assessment from Inclucare, accessible and inclusive hospitality experts, to ensure that everyone will be able to enjoy the island to the max. This will upskill and empower every single member of the Amilla team to deliver inclusion excellence at every single moment of a guest’s experience.

Inclucare officials are auditing the entire resort island to identify any physical adjustments or adaptations that can be made to authentically establish Amilla, and the Maldives, as an accessible and inclusive dream-destination for all.

Amilla is now on target to soon become the first Inclucare-certified resort in the world. British TV personality and disability advocate, Sophie Morgan, will be a special guest at the resort and will host the Inclucare inauguration ceremony on July 26th. This special date happens to be Maldives’ Independence Day, and also the culmination of Amilla’s Maldives Cultural Week.

Sophie will be working towards obtaining her PADI Open Water certificate at Amilla’s dive centre with Dive Butler International, which is also working towards Inclucare certification.

Sophie said: “Knowing that disabled people are, for the first time, going to be able to experience the paradise that is the Maldives, and that our needs will be taken care of throughout our stay, is beyond transformative. Amilla is leading the way in inclusive travel, expanding our world as a result, and I’m delighted to be part of this momentous occasion.”

Amilla already had many easy-access ground floor villas, with wide doorways and accessible showers, as well as a beach wheelchair and a floating wheelchair for swimming and in-villa phones for the hearing impaired that light up when they ring.

New innovations on the cards at Amilla include deaf-alert systems, adaptive yoga and snorkelling adventures, and sensory touch, aroma and sound experiences through the jungle for vision-impaired guests. And there will also be another groundbreaking addition: ‘calming spaces’, for regulating sensory input. They will allow guests on the Autism spectrum, with learning difficulties, or dementia, to control their emotions, reducing anxiety and stress.

Director and proud Maldivian, Gahthan Halleem commented, “This is something close to our hearts; differences are welcome and we aim to make everyone feel at home here. We hope that this collaboration, including the learning by our local team members, will also translate back into the local community.”

Inclucare is the vision of Richard Thompson, himself spinal cord injured, and for decades a leading authority and advocate of ‘total-guest-inclusion’ in global travel, hospitality and leisure. Together with the team of travel, technology and education experts at Inclucare, Richard and his colleagues have created a complete ecosystem of services, solutions and support that is set to transform the landscape of travel opportunities for disabled people – who make up one in six of the earth’s population.

Richard says, “Inclucare is the culmination of more than two decades of endeavour in removing barriers to travel freedoms, equity and inclusion for disabled people across the globe.”

“We are therefore excited, proud and privileged to partner, support and certify Amilla’s commitment to creating a genuinely inclusive island paradise in the Indian Ocean. And in doing so, position themselves as world leaders of inclusion in luxury… and the Maldives as a destination that now everyone can dream about”.

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Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

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At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.

Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.

Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.

The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.

For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.

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Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

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Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.

According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.

To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.

Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.

The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.

Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.

Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.

According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.

Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”

The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.

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October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

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As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.

Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.

The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.

Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.

For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.

October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.

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