Featured
Vakkaru Maldives named World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort for third consecutive year

Multi-award-winning island sanctuary, Vakkaru Maldives, was recently named the World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort at the 29th World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. Ever since it opened, it has become the romantic escape every honeymooner dreams off – a private island paradise where you can swim in turquoise waters, lounge on powdery-soft white sand beaches and sip a cocktail while looking out over the horizon. The latest accolade only proves that the resort has all the right ingredients for a dreamy honeymoon, a destination wedding, or even a renewal of vows.
You get the first glimpse of your romantic getaway as the seaplane descends towards “island of coconuts” in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Tiffany-blue waters gently lap at soft diamond-white sands. Groves of coconut trees surrounded by verdant tropical foliage form the core of this reef island. At the western end, a half-moon of thatched villas juts into the shallow lagoon, curving around one of the blue holes. It truly is heaven on earth.
The 113 villas and residences, whether on the beach or over the water, all offer complete privacy. For honeymooners, the One Bedroom Overwater Pool Residence designed for next-level indulgence is the perfect choice with its private infinity pool with splendid views of the endless ocean and sunset, separate living room and luxurious space for rest and relaxation. It is stocked with all the requisites for a luxe vacay, from an espresso machine, luxury bath amenities, bicycles, and yoga mats. A private butler takes care of any whims and fancies.
The resort has five alfresco restaurants, two bars, a wine cellar, and Merana, the opulent overwater spa, because you have to eat, drink and spa in between looking into each other’s eyes. Additionally, other romantic dining experiences can be customised as per the couple’s request – by the beach, on the secluded sandbank, in your villa, on a luxury yacht, or even in the middle of the jungle and in the Organic Garden.
The luxurious overwater Merana Spa with its extensive menu of pampering treatments is the ideal place for couples to refresh and rejuvenate. Spa time can also be combined with a relaxing sound healing session or just unwinding in the outdoor relaxation area.
While leaving your luxury villa might be hard, the extensive list of experiences the resort offers is hard to ignore. Couples can team to take on the resort tennis pro on the iconic cobalt-blue courts or enjoy the exhilarating options available at Splash water sports centre, including parasailing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, PADI dive excursions and a discovery tour of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, aboard a luxury yacht.
Elated at the hat trick win this year, Iain McCormack, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives, said: “We are honoured to be named the world’s leading resorts for honeymooning couples for the third consecutive year. This award adds to our long list of accolades at World Travel Awards, including Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort and Indian Ocean’s and Maldives’ Leading Suite for the Vakkaru Overwater Residence. It’s a recognition that affirms our status and position in the industry, which means so much to us because it’s a direct reflection of our dedication to creating exceptional experiences for our guests.”
“To celebrate this great milestone, we invite all our in-house guests to join our awards party and share in our immense joy and gratitude for all the support we have received from our loyal guests over the years,” he added.
Experience timeless romance on this island paradise with our special “Idyllic Romance Package” designed for honeymooners or couples seeking to reconnect. Starting from US$1,322++ per night for a minimum stay of five nights, you can enjoy heavenly culinary experiences, adventurous excursions and pampering spa treatments designed for you and your loved one.
For more information, contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com or visit vakkarumaldives.com.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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