Connect with us

Featured

Live suite life at Marriott Bonvoy’s Maldives retreats: Elevate family escape with preferred rates, inclusions

Published

on

Shimmering against the azure Indian Ocean, fringed with glistening coastline and vibrant reefs, the Maldives is a sparkling archipelago, home to thousands of coral islands and marine life. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives have curated exclusive packages for guests to gaze across the uninterrupted horizon from spacious retreats, offering the finest private amenities and unrivalled personal service. The Maldives, has once again revealed why they’re much more than a honeymoon paradise and in fact, represents one of the most amazing family and multi-generational resort vacation destinations imaginable, with kids clubs to keep the little ones entertained all day and jaw-dropping spacious villas to let mom and dad kick back in stylish peace.

Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives is extending preferred rates and inclusions when guests book premium villas or suites for stays over four nights onwards. Families will be spoilt for choice between JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

For families traveling with children, the ‘Togetherness’ pillar truly comes alive with the FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. Featuring 100 activities, the architecture of the kids club is inspired by the underwater theme – a puzzle of beach huts, with designs of the sea meeting the jungle and fascinating landscapes – all provide an element of discovery in every room. It is also equipped with an over 13 meters long pirate ship, arts and crafts tools, reading spaces, games and educational activities to provide children of all ages, hours of unfiltered fun and entertainment. A thoughtfully planned program integrates nostalgic family activities like Family Balloon Twisting, Treasure Hunt, Family Cupcake Decorating and Pizza Making, which encourages parents and kids to partake in creating tributes of love.

In addition to the recreational facilities, the luxurious multi-generational features two different pool areas catered to both kids and adults. The FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club pool area, divided into a small splash zone and a larger 60 cm deep section, is the center of fun in the sun. Complementing all these happenings is delectably crafted food- that is exciting, tasty and nourishing. Guests over 18 years of age, enjoy an adults-only infinity pool area at Pool 18 located at the tip of the Vagaru Island.

The Stay Longer & Pay Less package at the resort is the ideal option for families looking for an extended stay with exciting inclusions. When booking a stay for ten nights or more in their spacious Duplex Pool Villas, overwater or by the beach, families can enjoy a host of benefits including a floating breakfast, a beach dinner, and complimentary seaplane transfers for two adults, lunch experiences, sunset cocktails and more. The two-storey Duplex Pool Villas showcase an expansive space with a private pool, wooden decking, panoramic views of the ocean, twin-bedded guestroom and a separate lounge area upstairs.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Family vacation goals are all about creating memories and the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa makes them easier than ever with the paradise island’s own Sheraton Side by Side Family Programme. Activities such as Adopt a Coral let guests be part of a coral conservation tour where a coral fragment planting activity helps to restore the reef habitat. After the fun and interactive experience, the resort’s marine biologist places these coral fragments in the water so they can have their growth monitored. Kids then get a coral frame tagged with a unique serial number that is displayed on a dedicated website so they can follow its progress. Alternatively the program lets guests watch experts climb and de-nut a coconut tree before sampling the freshest coconut water they’ve ever tasted, take a snorkelling safari or join marine biologists to have all those burning questions  on sharks, rays and more, answered.

The Elevate Your Stay promotion at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa offers preferred pricing on any over water rooms when guests stay for seven nights or more. This offer includes daily buffet breakfast and dinner, three pieces of laundry per day, 20 percent savings on Food and Beverage and Shine Spa and complimentary shared and scheduled return transfers by speedboat. For those traveling with family, the luxurious two-bedroom Water Villa might be an ideal option featuring an expansive recreational deck, complete with a lap pool, an over-water net, and comfortable sun loungers, the Water Suite boasts floor to ceiling windows for dramatic views of the Indian Ocean. The two bedrooms on either end of the suite are brought together by a spacious open-plan living and dining area; equipped with a kitchenette making it ideal for family gatherings or intimate cocktail parties.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Then comes The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, situated in the stunning Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Its’ kids program boasts exciting workshops that encourage kids to ‘Sea Clearly’ by learning about and appreciating the stunning natural world around them. That means exploring pristine white sand beaches, snorkelling the azure waters to see the mind-blowing diversity of sea life including encountering the majestic manta rays up, close and personal at the nearby Hanifaru Bay, parasailing for the more adventurous, fishing or maybe just playing games and sports which are themed around sustainability and the ocean.

The Heavenly Escape package at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to discover exclusive benefits when they stay in the Two-Bedroom Villas and Heavenly Beach Residence. One can enjoy a floating breakfast, turtle snorkel, a one-time 90-minute Heavenly Spa Signature treatment for two and much more, set against breath-taking ocean venues including a yoga session and access to Westin Family Kids Club and WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. For family stays, the generously sized two-bedroom villa with pool is popular for its beachfront location and ocean views. The private deck and plunge pool provides the perfect space for children to enjoy. Covering almost 300sqm and sleeping up to four, this suite is inclusive of one king sized and two double Westin Heavenly® Beds bed plus a signature Heavenly Bath®. More lavish option will be the 500 sqms, Heavenly Beach Residence with pool, the largest on offer at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. The 17-metre-long pool offers your own private place to take a dip and cool off, swim a few laps, or relax in the gorgeous sunshine on your private deck.

W Maldives 

Why should kids have all the fun? W Maldives is an adult’s luxury playground offering one of the best house reefs in the Maldives with a range of experiences to fuel the lust for life, ignite an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. One can sail off into the sunset on the most romantic nautical getaway or go on a private overnight cruise with their BFFs on the luxurious ESCAPE. For those looking for even more secluded experience, a trip to Gaathafushi, the resort’s very own castaway island for a few hours of picnic in the sun or even overnight under the stars, is something magical that one shouldn’t miss.

The Suite Escape at W Maldives includes a floating breakfast, spa treatment, private sunset in-villa DIY BBQ and more – all good for up to four guests when staying in the WOW Ocean Escape or Extreme WOW Ocean Haven for four or more nights. Designed to be the ultimate getaway, the Extreme WOW Ocean Haven takes relaxation – or entertaining – to the extreme. With floor-to-ceiling windows that slide aside, an indoor/outdoor lounge area and glass-panelled floors that reveal lagoon fauna below, one can repose in the huge master suite, recline in the signature W king bed and gaze at panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The twin-bedded Junior Suite with a private second bathroom is the perfect choice for a getaway with friends looking to chill in style.

To know more about the Suite Retreats offer click here. To know more about Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in Maldives click here. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com

Featured

Huvafen Fushi partners with Forbes Travel Guide in pursuit of five-star status

Published

on

Huvafen Fushi, the resort internationally recognised for pioneering signature Maldivian luxury, has announced its official association with Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the only independent global rating system dedicated to luxury hospitality.

The decision marks a deliberate step for the resort, underscoring its commitment to meeting the gold standard of intuitive service on an international scale. After two decades of setting architectural and experiential milestones—such as unveiling the world’s first underwater spa and introducing the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar, Vinum—Huvafen Fushi is now focused on demonstrating its exceptional service culture against the industry’s most rigorous and objective criteria.

The resort’s ultimate aim is to attain the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating in 2026.

General Manager Noel Cameron stated, “For Huvafen, luxury is effortless and authenticity shines through. Our brand has always been about trailblazing and crafting moments that transcend the ordinary. Now, we’re putting our confidence to the test by inviting the global authority on luxury to evaluate the very core of our offering: the quality and consistency of how we make our guests feel.”

Unlike rating systems that rely on volume or guest reviews, the FTG evaluation process is entirely independent, with anonymous professional inspectors assessing properties based on up to 900 stringent standards. The criteria place significant weight on emotional connection and anticipatory service—the subtle, intuitive gestures that have long defined Huvafen’s approach.

This partnership marks a new chapter for Huvafen Fushi, reflecting its evolution towards uncompromising, verified excellence. It positions the resort to resonate even more strongly with discerning, forward-thinking travellers seeking authentic connection and meaningful transformation.

Continue Reading

Celebration

Sun Siyam Olhuveli kicks off festive season with Charith N. Silva Cake Mixing

Published

on

Sun Siyam Olhuveli has ushered in the holiday season with a new twist on its much-loved annual Festive Cake Mixing event, held on 23 November. This year, the celebration was led by acclaimed Sri Lankan chef and viral social media personality Charith N. Silva, the creative force behind @wildcookbook and one of South Asia’s most influential culinary storytellers.

Charith, a sensation across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram with an audience of several million, is widely recognised for his bold fire-cooking techniques, visually striking outdoor food rituals, and distinctive, high-energy narrative style. He recently secured a coveted place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list in the Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink) category, underscoring his growing influence on contemporary food culture in the region. He is one of a new wave of young chefs blending local flavours with global inspiration and is the owner of the restaurant “Wildish” in Colombo.

Bringing his creative flair to Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Charith said, “Bringing my energy to Sun Siyam Olhuveli was surreal; the people, the Maldivian spirit, the flavour play, everything clicked into one unforgettable festive moment.”

This year’s cake mixing unfolded like an island celebration, complete with lively music, bursts of aromatic spices, and an energetic atmosphere. Resort teams and guests layered fruits, nuts, and spirits in a spirited display, with Charith driving the momentum through his trademark spontaneity. The result was a vibrant, social, and playful reimagining of a classic festive tradition.

Festivities continued on 24 November with an exclusive live cooking demonstration by Charith, giving guests the chance to experience his signature “wild” cooking style firsthand against the lagoon backdrop of the resort.

“This celebration reflects the new creative pulse of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. Charith brought an energy that aligns perfectly with our evolving lifestyle identity, making this year’s cake mixing one of our most memorable yet,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

With the festive season now in full swing, Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to join MYSTIVAL 2025–2026, the resort’s year-end celebration taking place from 21 December 2025 to 8 January 2026, featuring hypnotic beats, immersive dining, playful rituals, and a series of kaleidoscopic island experiences designed to inspire connection and celebration.

Continue Reading

Cooking

Cooking with culture: Maldivian Kandu Kukulhu at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Published

on

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Maldivian cuisine is celebrated not simply as nourishment but as an expression of island heritage and identity. Among its most significant traditions is the preparation of Kandu Kukulhu, the Maldives’ signature rolled tuna curry. Rooted in local custom and passed down through generations, the dish forms the centrepiece of the resort’s weekly Maldivian cooking classes, offering guests an intimate introduction to the flavours, techniques, and narratives that shape the islands. As part of the resort’s signature culinary journey, it brings Maldivian culture to life through authentic tastes and thoughtful storytelling.

Deeply embedded in local tradition, Kandu Kukulhu reflects centuries of craftsmanship and care. At Vilu Reef, the cooking class is led by the resort’s Maldivian chefs, who demonstrate each stage with the precision and intuition inherited through long-standing practice. Guests learn how to slice the tuna, layer it with aromatic spices, and bind the rolls with coconut or pandan leaf. As the curry gently simmers in coconut milk, its aroma fills the air, offering a vivid portrayal of everyday island cooking—an experience that resonates long after the final tasting.

Kandu Kukulhu, which translates to “chicken of the sea,” is a quintessential Maldivian tuna curry and a powerful tribute to the nation’s enduring connection to the ocean.

“Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s culinary story celebrates Maldivian heritage, moving beyond simply serving fresh seafood,” said Chef de Cuisine Mohamed Hameed, known as Chef Printey. “It is a connection to our islands, our people, and the traditions that shaped Maldivian cuisine. By sharing these methods, we bring our cultural narrative to life in the most sincere way.”

The cooking class forms a key part of the Maldivian Roots Signature Experience, which highlights the flavours, crafts, and cultural expressions that define the Maldives. It reflects Sun Siyam’s philosophy of celebrating island life through meaningful encounters and genuine Maldivian spirit. The experience is available to all guests at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and can be booked in advance during their stay.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.