Featured
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils new exquisite experiences amid reopening

The award-winning five-star property, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort announces the unveiling of new, exquisite experiences as it resumes operations on July 16, following a brief 45-day closure for a property rejuvenation. The highly anticipated reopening of the Vommuli Island resort welcomes guests back to Maldives’ finest address where the highest standard of luxury hospitality and unforgettable moments await.
With the goal of refining the guest experience, accommodations underwent an attractive refreshment with an installation of new wood, roofs, decks and paint finishes. The appealing property changes were conceived to match and enhance the unparalleled excellence of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli’s signature services, world-class amenities and superior program offerings.
“We are thrilled to welcome our valued guests back to paradise as we introduce new and opulent innovations to Vommuli Island,” said Vincent Pauchon, General Manager at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “We have taken this time to thoughtfully reconceive our programming putting a special emphasis on fresh, unique concepts in the health & wellness, lifestyle, food & beverage and sustainability spaces.”
Following the property enhancements, guests can expect an elevated and impeccable private island stay that is emblematic of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli. For added allure, extensions for ALBA beach and all beach villas have been completed. Furthermore, a reef breaker has been installed in the lagoon, creating calmer waters for guests staying in overwater villas, recreational water activities, and to aid in reef rejuvenation, among other purposes.

In addition to the resort’s property updates, the world-renowned Iridium Spa, has introduced an Ayurveda Monsoon Stay package targeting those seeking extravagant wellness offerings complete with opulent, top-of-the-line treatments during the monsoon season, when the benefits of Ayurveda are greater than ever. Debuting on August 3rd, the 7-day and 14-day packages include a variety of innovative services for the body and mind under the guidance of Ayurvedic Physician and Spa Manager, Dr. Sudhi Suresh. The package also includes an expansive array of activities and treatments using herbal plants from the Ayurveda garden that will take guests on a transformative journey. Also included in the package are individual wellness consultations, daily group yoga, aqua aerobics, TRX, Tabata, beach boot camp classes and Ayurvedic sessions such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara and Choornaswedana. Lastly, enlightening wellness workshops, and an indulgent, anti-ageing caviar facial are featured in the Ayurveda Monsoon Stay package.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli will launch an exclusive Art Retreat. Hosted by Denise Schmitz, founder of We Love Art, the 3-day immersion begins with a welcome orientation and drink followed by sunset cocktails and dinner at Orientale. In addition to intimate painting sessions with Denise, the itinerary includes an array of thoughtful activities, such as sunrise and anti-gravity yoga, relaxing treatments at Iridium Spa, decadent dining, and unforgettable activities including a Turtle Quest and champagne sabering.
Cocktail connoisseurs and travelers alike are sure to appreciate the uniquely distinctive, new Bar Program, set to unveil in August. Featuring a captivating “Violet Hour” ritual and New York-inspired cocktails, the new program pays homage to the legacy and glamor of the original House of Astor. This extraordinary celebration of the art of drinking features a selection of 40 cocktail recipes inspired by five New York neighborhoods, merging the stylish charm of Manhattan with local infusions to create exquisite original creations.
In addition to this enchanting delight, the five-star property is further enriching its impressive culinary concepts with the introduction of a new restaurant concept, T-Pan. The artistic touch of presentations, exquisite ingredients, and the apogee of the art of simplicity are imbued in the gracious art of T-Pan. Located in a serene garden at the ledge of the white sand beach with breathtaking views of the Azure Indian Ocean, epicureans will relish in the wabi sabi Japanese Zen’s Celestial philosophy of appreciating beauty of imperfection, revered subtle nuanced and transience of all elements and journey of discovering the senses. Slated for its grand opening in November, T-Pan will offer Omakase menus with flavors of the finest ingredients from the Maldives and around the globe. Guests can enjoy exquisite Japanese whiskies and the finest collections of gins, beers, and specially curated tasting flights, meticulously directed by the chief mixologist. Teas from Boutique Japanese tea houses and bespoke Sakes from the world-famous Sake house Dassai are also must-have indulgences to be enjoyed above the rest.
The destination’s idyllic, natural environment is elevated by the finest expression of luxury that promises nonpareil relaxation and extraordinary moments. Set on more than 22-acres, the resort’s 77 transcendent villas scattered through the island each offer a plunge pool and private entrance for an unparalleled degree of seclusion and privacy. The premium two- and three-bedroom villas – including the famed John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest overwater villa in the Maldives – are perfectly poised for families and groups looking for a destination retreat to escape to.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is nominated as Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2022, Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2022, Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2022, Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort 2022, Maldives’ Leading Honeymoon Resort 2022, Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2022, Maldives’ Leading Luxury Island Resort 2022 and Maldives’ Leading Luxury Resort 2022 by World Travel Awards.
Culture
Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to discover real island living in Kihadhoo

Milaidhoo Maldives, a boutique luxury resort situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, has unveiled its latest signature offering – the Local Island Tour – a meaningful and intimate cultural experience that provides guests with a genuine insight into everyday life in the Maldives.
Nestled amidst the natural splendour of Baa Atoll, celebrated for its vibrant marine biodiversity and unspoilt local islands, this new experience extends beyond the boundaries of the resort. Guests are invited to journey just 15 minutes by boat to Kihadhoo, a serene and authentic island where tradition, community and simplicity remain firmly embedded in daily life.
Upon arrival, visitors are immersed not only in a new landscape but in a slower, more deliberate way of life. Much like the ethos of Milaidhoo, where barefoot luxury is designed to encourage presence and connection, Kihadhoo exudes its own quiet charm – a lifestyle shaped by nature, calm and community. Along its sandy paths, occasionally crossed by a scooter or two, time appears to slow down. It is a place grounded in authenticity and understated beauty.
The experience is personally guided by Ali “CR” Niushad, a Kihadhoo native and esteemed member of the Milaidhoo team. Acting as both host and storyteller, CR offers guests the rare opportunity to experience the island not as tourists, but as warmly welcomed friends. The visit begins with a traditional greeting from local flower girls dressed in Maldivian attire, setting the tone for an encounter steeped in culture and sincerity.
As the tour unfolds, guests are met with the everyday sights and sounds of the island: children waving in the distance, neighbours exchanging greetings, the rhythmic sweep of a broom, the gentle clatter of cooking utensils, and women gathered in joali seats, softly conversing in the afternoon light. A walk through Kihadhoo reveals vividly painted doors on homes – reminiscent of the colourful doors of Milaidhoo’s own villas – reflecting the island’s quiet charm and creative spirit.
This is not a traditional sightseeing excursion; it is an immersion into the heartbeat of island life. Guests enjoy fresh coconuts at a small, family-run café, visit the local school and community centres, and spend time in CR’s family home, sharing stories and perspectives. Each moment is organic, heartfelt, and grounded in sincere human connection.
In an era where travellers increasingly seek meaningful and mindful experiences, Milaidhoo’s Local Island Tour captures the spirit of slow travel: an invitation to pause, observe, and engage with respect and curiosity.
Experience Highlights:
- Price: USD 95++ per person (minimum of four guests)
- Inclusions: Return boat transfers, traditional island welcome, guided walk with CR, refreshments (fresh juice or coconut), visits to village landmarks, and a selection of homemade Maldivian snacks with tea or coffee
While Milaidhoo offers refined barefoot luxury that nurtures a sense of inner calm, Kihadhoo presents the soulful essence of Maldivian island life. Together, they create a compelling contrast – sanctuary and simplicity, elegance and authenticity.
This experience is more than a cultural outing. It is a return to the original purpose of travel: to connect, to learn, and to be changed in quiet, unforgettable ways.
Cooking
From garden to gourmet: Dusit Thani Maldives celebrates local, responsible cuisine

Widely recognised as a premier luxury resort in the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives is redefining the concept of sustainable dining. Central to the resort’s culinary ethos is a strong commitment to sourcing ingredients locally and responsibly, crafting exceptional, globally inspired dishes that reflect the natural abundance of the Maldivian archipelago.
Located just a short stroll from the resort’s kitchens, the organic Chef’s Garden thrives with fragrant herbs, edible flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Ingredients such as lemongrass, basil, papaya, and chillies are carefully hand-harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring that vibrant flavour and freshness are brought directly to the plate.
All fish featured on the resort’s menus is sustainably sourced from within the Maldives, provided by local fishermen who utilise traditional, low-impact fishing techniques. Wherever possible, produce is also procured from Maldivian farmers—an approach that supports island communities, reduces carbon emissions, and celebrates the rich biodiversity of the atolls.
“Our approach is rooted in a respect for the land and sea,” explains Executive Chef Olivier Portret. “Every dish reflects the story of the Maldives—not just its flavours, but its culture and its people. We want guests to experience something truly meaningful with every bite.”
Guests can enjoy these thoughtfully sourced ingredients across a variety of dining experiences, from fine Thai cuisine at Benjarong, to freshly grilled seafood served al fresco at Sea Grill, or even through interactive cooking classes led by the resort’s culinary team.
Through this garden-to-table philosophy, Dusit Thani Maldives offers more than exceptional cuisine—it fosters a deeper connection to place, purpose, and the planet. This commitment not only sets the resort apart as one of the finest in the Maldives, but also as a destination where sustainability and luxury exist in perfect harmony.
Action
Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.
This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:
- 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
- 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
- 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.
These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.
Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.
This immersive day features:
- Guided dives to the shipwreck
- Underwater treasure hunts
- Marine conservation talks
- Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals
The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.
Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.
- 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
- 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
- 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.
The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.
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