Featured
Rekindle romance at Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio resorts in Maldives
Regarded as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, the Maldives is known for its quixotic beauty – sugar sand beaches and crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean. It is considered a luxury escape for good reason, where painted sunrises melt into fiery sunsets, and the only decisions one has to make is whether to take a dip in a private pool or the ocean.
Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives present the ideal backdrop and setting to celebrate love with curated romance packages to make your escape truly magical. The resorts invite guests to make time for each other – from intoxicating adventures on the water, to sun-kissed spa days and starry-night dinners, romance is never far away at these resorts in the Maldives that bring all the ingredients together to create a vista for a perfect romantic rendezvous, from exchanging the words ‘I Do’ at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, getting wed in style at W Maldives, designing an amorous beach proposal at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, to embarking on a secluded honeymoon at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.
Each of the resorts is located on its’ own private island, creating an exclusive and peaceful environment, almost as though they were designed for couples to spend carefree time together where they can delight in moonlit picnics, soothing massages and crafted experiences in one of the world’s most romantic retreats.
Uncover some of the best stops to breathe in the beauty and celebrate the love and experiences that you’d never forget.
Memorable moments for two at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
With amethyst sunsets against azure blue waters and every second customised to one’s most wishful likes, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a sliver of paradise on the crescent shaped Shaviyani Atoll, the perfect setting for a commitment ceremony, a renewal of vows or a romantic getaway. The resort is well-known for its’ bespoke experiences, from petal-covered pathways leading towards the gentle waves, local drummers keeping the beat and dreamy beach dinner set-ups as the sun explodes into a million colours dipping into the horizon. Guests are invited to celebrate memorable moments as they indulge in a luxurious setting overlooking the mesmerising turquoise waters with private romantic dinners, cocktails and a spa treatment.
His & Her at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa includes:
- Villa with private pool
- Daily breakfast for two persons at Aailaa restaurant
- One-time interactive Steak Masterclass at the Overwater Shio restaurant with red wine pairing, followed by a BBQ session and plating techniques
- One-time Ultimate Aromatherapy Treatment, signature massage for two persons at the overwater Spa by JW
It’s a date at W Maldives
Set in the middle of the Indian Ocean, W Maldives is surrounded by a white sandy beach, pristine turquoise waters and one of the most amazing house reefs in Maldives, home to unscripted diversity of marine life, unmistakably a utopia for couples. Whether one is looking for an intimate getaway or a renewal of vows, W Maldives will fuel the guests’ lust for life and make their stay truly extraordinary. Guests can even have the ultimate Maldivian castaway experience and Say I-do at Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ very own secluded island residing just a stone’s throw away from the main island. W Maldives invites guests to indulge in a luxurious dreamy escape for two in tropical paradise, with exceptional romantic dinners and pampering massages overlooking the idyllic ocean in overwater treatment rooms at the AWAY® Spa.
The It’s A Date Package at W Maldives includes:
- Daily breakfast for two at KITCHEN
- One bottle of Champagne to be served in the room
- One 60-minute massage for two at AWAY® Spa (Choice of DETOX or Jet Lag massage) per stay
- One 3-course private dinner for two at Coral Terrace per stay (excluding beverages)
Romantic retreat at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa sits in the middle of a shimmering turquoise lagoon and is postcard-perfect with swaying palms kissing white sandy beaches. Its’ ocean view and overwater villas are the perfect getaway spots for a bit of romance. Be it a proposal or just a romantic getaway – the five-star resort elevates it all to make a stay paradise-like. The dedicated team will orchestrate a romantic set-up while the couple indulges in snorkelling, diving or just lazing by their private plunge pool; from a beautiful décor featuring a gazebo made of flowers on the edge of azure waters, soulful music and Champagne. Simply set the scene in a place of surreal beauty, and let the connoisseurs lead the way. Within the enchanting orchard of lush foliage and exotic flowers of the resort there is also a special garden to commemorate the love and commitment between two individuals. Couples are exclusively invited to eternalise their love by hanging a customised engraved wooden plate with their names on a dedicated Honeymoon tree in the garden.
The Romantic Escape package at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa includes:
- Accommodation in a premium over-water bungalow or villa
- An indulging couple treatment at the award-winning Shine Spa: 50-minute traditional aromatherapy massage for two, followed by a choice of two additional treatments: express facial, body scrub or body wrap.
- A 5-course private degustation dinner under the stars paired with a selection of premium wines
Dreamy getaway at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort sits in the Unesco Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, surrounded by the Indian Ocean offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a magical underworld and be privy to the stunning coral reefs and exotic fauna of the Baa Atoll. A honeymoon here promises understated glamor— dinner under starlight on silky white sands, Maldivian offerings, Champagne to blur the edges, and of course indulgent spa treatments in dreamlike settings. Heavenly Spa by Westin™ features uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, almost drowning you in liquid serenity. Honeymooning here checks every box a beach-loving couple looking to celebrate the romantic side of life.
The Romantic Escape package at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort includes:
- Daily breakfast at Island Kitchen
- Access to the arrival lounge at the Seaplane Terminal
- Romantic welcome amenities upon arrival
- One time floating or in-villa dining breakfast
- Dinner at Island Kitchen or Hawker and once at The Pearl every four days
- The Art of Love experience by Heavenly Spa (60 minutes couple massage, 30 minutes facial, and 30 minutes heavenly bath with sparkling wine and romantic decoration)
- One time Barbeque Destination Dining for two (supplement applicable for wine pairing)
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Use of snorkeling equipment and ocean kayaks (up to two hours)
To know more about couple getaway offers at the resorts click here and for further details on Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives click here.
Divers from Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives recorded a whale shark sighting last month during a dive at Kandooma Thila in South Malé Atoll.
The encounter took place on 13 April during a guided dive led by Dive Centre Manager Ibrahim Shaan. The whale shark, estimated to be approximately six metres in length, is believed to be a juvenile aged between eight and 15 years. The animal remained in the vicinity of the divers for more than 30 minutes before leaving the area.
Shaan said the whale shark entered the dive site calmly, circled alongside the group and remained present for an extended period. He described the encounter as one of the most notable experiences observed at the site.
Whale shark sightings are considered uncommon in South Malé Atoll, where the species is not typically resident. They are more frequently associated with the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, one of the primary aggregation areas for whale sharks in the country.
The Maldives is regarded as a key destination for whale shark encounters due to environmental conditions including warm waters, nutrient-rich currents and seasonal plankton blooms. Whale sharks are filter feeders and migrate across large distances, often following food sources.
The sighting at Kandooma Thila is understood to be linked to broader migratory movement through the atoll system, with the animal potentially following plankton concentrations or feeding opportunities created by ocean currents.
Kandooma Thila is known for its coral-covered structure, current-driven conditions and marine biodiversity, factors which may attract larger pelagic species on a temporary basis.
Following the sighting, the resort has submitted photographs and video footage to the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) for potential identification through its national database. Whale sharks can be identified through unique spot patterns located behind the gills and along their flanks.
The MWSRP’s Big Fish Network database has recorded more than 800 individual whale sharks in the Maldives, contributing to long-term research on migration patterns, population dynamics and species health.
Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing and Sustainability at the resort, said the data collected would support ongoing research and conservation efforts. She noted that such information contributes to understanding seasonal movement patterns, assessing environmental conditions and informing marine protection measures.
The resort has also reiterated the importance of responsible interaction with marine wildlife. Recommended practices include maintaining distance, avoiding physical contact, refraining from flash photography and ensuring appropriate buoyancy control.
Boat strike incidents remain a recognised threat to whale sharks in Maldivian waters, highlighting the need for careful vessel operation in areas where marine life is present.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is located approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport and provides access to multiple dive sites in South Malé Atoll. The resort also operates a Dive Free programme, offering up to two complimentary dives per day for certified divers staying a minimum of three nights.
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has announced its “Eid in Harmony” programme for Eid al-Adha, scheduled from 27 to 29 May 2026, offering guests a series of curated experiences centred on dining, cultural elements and leisure activities.
The programme is designed to provide a structured yet relaxed approach to the celebration, with a focus on shared experiences and engagement with the island environment. According to the resort, the initiative aims to bring together cultural traditions and hospitality offerings within a resort setting.
A central feature of the programme will be the Eid al-Adha Feast, a dining experience presenting a selection of dishes prepared for the occasion. The event will be set in a themed environment reflecting elements associated with Eid.
The resort will also introduce an “Eid Gift with Purpose” initiative, positioned as a gesture aligned with the values of giving and reflection associated with the occasion.
In addition, guests will have the option to participate in a Guest Archery Competition, offering a recreational activity designed to complement the island setting and provide an alternative form of engagement during the celebration period.
Alongside the programme, the resort has launched an “Eid Island Escape” offer, which includes a range of inclusions for guests staying during the period. These include a 30-minute jet lag recovery massage, daily breakfast at Raha Market, dinner on a dine-around basis across selected restaurants, and a one-time floating breakfast experience.
In a statement, the resort’s management said the programme is intended to reflect the values of togetherness and reflection associated with Eid al-Adha, while offering guests opportunities to spend time with family and participate in shared experiences.
Through the three-day programme, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort is presenting Eid al-Adha as a combination of dining, leisure and cultural activities within a resort environment.
Reethi Faru Resort has received Green Globe certification, recognising its compliance with international standards for sustainable tourism.
The certification reflects the resort’s stated commitment to responsible hospitality, with a focus on environmental management, social responsibility and operational practices across the property.
Green Globe certification is awarded following an assessment based on established sustainability criteria and verified through independent third-party audits. The standard reviews performance in areas including environmental management, energy efficiency, resource conservation, community engagement and sustainable operations.
With the certification, Reethi Faru Resort joins a group of hospitality operators worldwide that have met Green Globe’s sustainability requirements and demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improvement in tourism practices.
In a statement, the management of Reethi Faru Resort said the recognition reflects the resort’s continued focus on preserving the natural environment of the Maldives while maintaining the guest experience. The management added that sustainability forms part of the resort’s daily operations.
The Green Globe standard includes more than 40 core criteria supported by over 380 compliance indicators, providing a framework for assessing sustainability performance in the hospitality sector.
-
News1 week agoAdaaran Select Hudhuranfushi’s Mandara Spa expands wellness offering with athlete-inspired recovery treatments
-
Awards1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli recognised with 10 honours at Life Saving Leadership Awards
-
Action1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives launches guided manta ray excursions to Hanifaru Bay
-
Culture1 week agoEid al-Adha at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa blends family togetherness with island luxury
-
News1 week agoCentara Mirage Lagoon Maldives introduces lagoon daycation package
-
Drink1 week agoAsia’s top mixology talent to lead cocktail takeover at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll
-
Action5 days agoCanareef Resort highlights sea turtle conservation on World Turtle Day
-
Culture5 days agoCocoon Maldives brings Maldivian culture to life for Eid Al-Adha Celebrations