Featured
Renovated Anantara Veli Maldives Resort reopens with fresh, wellness-centric identity

Offering a reimagined adult-only experience set amid crystalline lagoon waters, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort reopened on 1 December 2022 following nine months of extensive renovations. With revamped accommodations, including the introduction of a new Beach Pool Villa room category, a new Villa Host service for all guests, newly redesigned restaurants and a hammam added to the wellness-focused spa, the 67-villa Maldivian playground is all set to cradle couples into vacation mode.
Set on a stunning natural island in the South Malé Atoll, surrounded by a pristine lagoon, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort boasts an unspoiled setting that inspired New York-based designer Yuji Yamazaki to develop a renovation concept rooted in nature and wellness. To keep guests at one with the environment while giving them a sense of intimate seclusion, Yamazaki added an extra layer of privacy to the entire stay experience – from self-sufficient villa and spa designs to restaurants infused with modern takes on no-walls tropical living.

Meticulously designed to keep the curious eye out, overwater villas at Anantara Veli Maldives are a study in serene functionality. With cool powder tones and organic patterns borrowed from nature, these private cocoons offer long soaks in a standalone tub, blissful outdoor rain showers and Villa Host service. All villas have been fully renovated in traditional-meets-contemporary tropical style, using a natural palette of wood and stone, cool fabrics and rattan finishes and the latest in high-tech comforts.
The resort’s brand-new Beach Pool Villas are set directly on soft white sands and come with sliding glass doors that open onto a private pool flanked by a cushioned daybed, an open-air living and dining space, and an island-style bedroom surrounded by tropical foliage. The most exclusive of Anantara Veli’s villa categories, each of the six new Beach Pool Villas offers 148 square metres of luxurious space, with direct beach access and the utmost in privacy.

The relaunch of Anantara Veli also sees the introduction of a new wellness concept which allows guests to book a personalised Wellness Villa experience. Enhanced with light, sound and scent therapy that changes the ambience from day to night, the villa comes with Ayurvedic spa amenities, an earthing mat for meditation, and a wellness minibar with herbal teas, healthy shakes and wholefood snacks. All stays in a Wellness Villa include a wellness consultation upon arrival, daily yoga or personal training session, a healthy cooking class, and 20% savings on treatments at Balance Wellness by Anantara.
Offering multi-day wellness retreats alongside consultations with the resident naturopath and nutritionist, personal trainer, yoga and lifestyle coach, Balance Wellness by Anantara is an oasis of healing in the tropical heart of the resort. Surrounded by nature, the spa goes beyond the traditional spa experience with wellness options ranging from Ayurvedic and holistic treatments, to the latest in epigenetics, sound healing and IV therapies. The brand new Moroccan hammam offers authentic treatments using marocMaroc products, while its facial and body therapies use exclusive skincare brand 111Skin of Harley Street, London. Balance Wellness by Anantara features five treatment suites, a nail salon, a medical spa, Shirodhara treatment bed, steam room and sauna, indoor and outdoor showers, and a relaxation garden with hot and cold plunge pools.

With numerous dining venues, guests can enjoy the finest cuisines from across the globe while learning about old and new world wines from the resort’s Wine Guru. Cumin offers cuisine from Sri Lanka, India and Maldives, while the stylishly refurbished Origami serves modern Japanese fare including teppanyaki and robatayaki. Poolside, Dhoni Bar specialises in Mediterranean tapas, with coffee and smoothies by day and Champagne and signature cocktails after dark.
Poised over water on the edge of a lagoon and outer reef, Baan Huraa delights with coconut curries from Thailand’s southern provinces and spicy dishes from the north. On neighbouring sister island Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Sea.Fire.Salt serves expertly grilled meats and fresh fish and seafood from the local waters, whilst Aqua delivers wholesome Italian fare. Breakfast is served a la carte overlooking the ocean at Cumin, with a variety of wellness options included on the menu. Guests also have the freedom to dine outside the restaurants thanks to Anantara’s signature Dining by Design experience with private chef, butler and sommelier.
Whether seeking serenity or reconnection, travellers will find a wide array of water- and land-based activities. Guests can enjoy the thrills of underwater discovery with Aquafanatics, the resort’s resident watersports partner, catch a wave during the surf season with resident experts Tropicsurf, and join the resort in its habitat preservation efforts by adopting a coral as part of Anantara’s sustainability programme with the resident marine biologist.
On land, there is a fully-equipped fitness centre, in addition to an outdoor gym, a tennis court and dedicated spaces for volleyball, badminton, table tennis, chess and Pétanque. Guests can also book fitness sessions with the personal trainer or try their hand in the new boxing ring. Holidaymakers looking for quieter pursuits can book a Spice Spoons cooking class, meditate or practice yoga at the ocean-facing pavilion, or lounge by the infinity-edge swimming pool.
Located 21 kilometres south of Velana International airport, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is only 30 minutes by speedboat, available 24 hours a day.
Lead in rates from USD 750 per room per night on a half board basis, excluding tax. For more information or to make a reservation, call +960 664 4100, email velimaldives@anantara.com or visit www.anantara.com/en/veli-maldives
Featured
Award-winning Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives launches indulgence winter offer

Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives recently announced scooping up the title of “Best Boutique Resort in Maldives” for the second consecutive year, awarded by the Travel Trade Maldives which comes as no surprise as it is one of the best destinations to experience the unreal sunsets you will ever see while projecting extravagant character and easy-going exotica.
What’s really shaking things up this holiday season at this cozy luxury boutique island resort is that you will be spoiled for choice with one beach for every day. That is right – home to four beautiful beaches, Wai, Veli, Dhigu, and Divehi, all with their unique character – letting you sunbathe, snorkel, windsurf, and cycle overwater around the island to your heart’s content. Touching down at Kodhipparu, adventure seekers can revel in countless opportunities for wild coral reef dives, parasailing up the sky for a bird’s-eye view of the lagoon, or even simply zen out to sunrise and sunset with the resident yogi.
To celebrate the win, and to rev up the appetite with seaside excursions, the resort announced the launch of the exclusive “Kodhipparu Indulgence” offer with an unparalleled dining experience and a consequential gourmet coma that is fully worth every penny you’ve spent on your extravagant holiday.
Set your seaside expedition dreams to a reality, with attractive offerings from the resort-owned marine sports centre as well as the luxury overwater spa, that will have you wanting to extend your holiday. What’s more, you get to enjoy complimentary roundtrip speedboat transfers saving you quite a few pennies on your vacation.
The little explorers with big dreams are welcome to stay and dine free of charge sharing the room with the parents, whether it is by spending their time decorating some yummy cupcakes or catching a kiddies movie under the stars with popcorn.
If you are looking for a romantic touch, with an ample amount of floating rose petals in your pool, or a swoon-worthy proposal set up at a secret corner of the island out of bounds to others or even a candle-lit dinner on the secluded beaches with you and your beau, all you have to do is message your lifestyle host to work the magic and make it happen for you. With the Kodhipparu dedicated lifestyle host service, everything is just a message away.
As is all good things, this offer is only for a limited time period, so make use of this exclusive indulgence package at Grand Park Kodhipparu comes with an amazing 35% discount on all villa categories.
Simply head over to https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/offers/winter-getaway/ to book your holiday with a flair of fun, freedom, and serenity that is promised to make you keep coming back for more!
An Insider
Abdulla Wisam: A journey of excellence and growth in the Maldivian hospitality industry

In the heart of the stunning Maldives, where luxury resorts and crystal-clear waters come together to create a paradise on Earth, there are individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every guest’s experience is nothing short of exceptional. One such individual is Abdulla Wisam, whose remarkable journey in the hospitality industry is a testament to his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to providing the best possible service to guests.
Abdulla Wisam’s journey in the hospitality industry began right after completing his schooling. In 2003, he embarked on his professional career by joining Dhoveli Beach Resort & Spa, where he gained his first taste of the world of hospitality. It was here that he discovered his passion for creating memorable guest experiences and building relationships with visitors from around the world.
After his initial foray into the industry, Wisam’s career path continued to evolve. His dedication and hard work caught the attention of industry leaders, leading him to take on roles of increasing responsibility. His time at Meeru Island Resort saw him as an Outlet Cashier and Night Auditor, roles that allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the operational aspects of a resort.
Wisam’s determination and eagerness to learn led him to the iconic Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where he started as a Recreation Attendant. Over time, he showcased his exceptional skills in guest relations and management, and he was promoted to the position of Front Office Supervisor. His journey with Four Seasons served as a stepping stone for what was to come next.
In 2014, Wisam joined the W Maldives, a resort known for its luxurious offerings and unparalleled guest experiences. Starting as a Welcome Team Leader, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his impeccable guest service skills and innate leadership abilities. His promotion to Guest Experience Manager was a testament to his ability to not only meet but exceed guest expectations. He was then transferred to The St. Regis Maldives as the Assistant Front Office Manager with the pre-opening team.
As his career trajectory continued its upward trajectory, Wisam took on the role of Front Office Manager at prestigious resorts such as Milaidhoo Island, Raffles Maldives, and The Standard Maldives. These roles allowed him to refine his management style, hone his problem-solving skills, and contribute to the overall success of each resort.
Wisam’s journey eventually led him to COMO Cocoa Island, a resort renowned for its unparalleled luxury and exquisite attention to detail. Joining as the Front Office Manager, he embraced the challenges and responsibilities that came with the position. His dedication, combined with his innate ability to create genuine connections with guests, led to his promotion as the Director of Rooms.
Wisam’s journey in the Maldivian hospitality industry is a remarkable tale of perseverance, growth, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. His diverse roles, spanning from recreation to guest experience management, have equipped him with a holistic understanding of the industry. His commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to delivering top-tier service have not only benefited the resorts he’s been a part of but have also contributed to elevating the reputation of Maldives as a premier luxury travel destination.
As Wisam continues to shape the guest experience landscape at COMO Cocoa Island, one can only imagine the heights he will reach and the impact he will make on the ever-evolving hospitality industry of the Maldives. His journey stands as an inspiration to aspiring hoteliers and a testament to the boundless opportunities that await those who are truly passionate about their craft.
Fan Club
A remarkable tale of wanderlust: Naito Takashi’s 103rd journey to the Maldives

The azure waters of the Maldives have long been a magnet for travelers seeking paradise on Earth. Among these wanderers, one name stands out – Naito Takashi, a Japanese tourist whose boundless enthusiasm for the Maldives has led him to visit this tropical haven a staggering 103 times. His unwavering love for this island nation, coupled with its mesmerizing beauty, has turned his visits into a remarkable testament to the allure of the Maldives.
For the past 24 years, Naito Takashi has visited Maldives between three to five times annually, embarking on a journey that has spanned more than two decades. His tale is one of dedication, passion, and a deep-rooted connection with the captivating landscapes that the Maldives offers. Each visit is not just a vacation; it’s a renewal of his profound relationship with the natural wonders that have captured his heart.
Naito Takashi’s 103rd arrival to the Maldives was met with a warm and heartfelt welcome from none other than the Tourism Minister himself, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom. This gesture symbolizes the deep appreciation the Maldivian people have for their loyal and devoted visitors. The ceremony held aboard the M/V Blue of the Fun Azul Fleet was a fitting tribute to a traveler who has become an honorary ambassador of the Maldives.
The M/V Blue, Fun Azul Fleet, holds special significance for Naito Takashi. As an avid diver, he has found his perfect companion in this cruise boat specialized in diving charters. The vessel offers schedules tailored to explore the best dive spots around the Maldives’ islands, making it an ideal partner for a diving enthusiast like Naito Takashi. The crystal-clear waters of the Maldives have witnessed countless underwater escapades orchestrated by this intrepid traveler.
The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism has lauded Naito Takashi’s enduring passion for the nation’s beauty. Their tweet acknowledging his multiple visits serves as a testament to his unique and cherished relationship with the country. He has witnessed the ever-changing landscape of the Maldives, from its pristine beaches to its vibrant marine life, and has undoubtedly contributed to the thriving tourism industry.
Naito Takashi’s story also reflects the profound impact that travel can have on an individual’s life. His unwavering commitment to exploring the Maldives has not only enriched his own experiences but has also brought attention to the natural wonders of Maldives. It stands as a reminder that the act of traveling is not just about ticking off destinations from a bucket list; it’s about forming connections, fostering appreciation, and creating lasting memories.
As Naito Takashi continues his journey through the Maldives, his story resonates as an inspiration to fellow travelers and a tribute to the unyielding allure of this island paradise. His 103rd visit is not just a numerical milestone; it’s a celebration of an extraordinary bond between a traveler and a destination, a bond that has grown stronger with each passing year and promises to endure for years to come.
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