Featured
Sparkling season of giving awaits at Dusit Thani Maldives
Unforgettable end-of-year getaways are on the agenda at the five-star Dusit Thani Maldives Resort for the 2022-23 season.
The season starts with illuminations on Wednesday, 21 December, as guests gather for a traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Sand Bar, complete with canapés and cocktails. More celebrations follow on Christmas Eve, with sunset drinks and a special dinner starring festive dishes from around the world at The Market. The big day kicks off with a leisurely Champagne breakfast and a visit from Santa on the beach.

The energy stays high throughout the season with White Parties at Sand Bar and a family-friendly celebration at The Maldives’ biggest infinity pool. Meanwhile, gourmands will enjoy a selection of special dinners, from a lobster barbecue served by the sea on 21 December to a Wine & Dine menu of delectable dishes paired with wines from around the world, served on Christmas Day and 2 January.
The ever-popular Thai Street Food Festival returns to award-winning Benjarong restaurant with authentic Siamese flavours at live cooking stations, and Amazonian Night promises jungle-themed banqueting in a canopy-covered South American wonderland. New culinary adventures this year include a Mongolian BBQ and Hawaiian Beach Night at The Market.

Younger guests and families come together on 28 December for the Kids Carnival on the beach – an afternoon of exciting activities, from sack, spoon, and dizzy races to volleyball, games, and musical chairs. For those seeking a more peaceful pace, a complimentary yoga and sound bath meditation session encourages a sense of renewed bliss. Devarana Wellness also presents a range of special spa offers.
When it comes to New Year’s Eve, the resort pulls out all the celebratory stops with a rustic tropical beach party in a stunning setting festooned with island flora and featuring a range of spectacular entertainment. The Chef Parade kicks off the evening, followed by traditional Maldivian performances, a sizzling Latin dance show by three-time Norwegian champions Lars and Vivian, and fireworks at midnight. DJ Oly (ranked among the Top 50 Best Female DJs in Asia) fills the dance floor with after-party hits.

The festive season comes to a close with the celebration of the Orthodox Christmas marked by a special cocktail party and sumptuous feast.
“The team and I are excited to welcome our guests for festive wonders and sparkling celebrations to ring in the New Year,” said General Manager Jacques Leizerovici.
For more information on the festive season at Dusit Thani Maldives, please contact resmaldives@dusit.com
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.
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