Featured
Colours of OBLU offers new year ‘Friendmoon’ trip
By Atmosphere and Colours of OBLU Resorts is offering a plethora of exciting activities and adventures in the Maldives to celebrate the new year with one’s closest friends and make one’s ‘Friendmoon’, a trip to remember.
Conveniently accessible from the UAE by a four-hour flight, the magical private islands of the Maldives offer the most fabulous activities for those looking to enjoy the new year with a secluded island retreat. The four- and five-star luxury resorts provide an incredible island escape surrounded by some of the world’s most splendid natural settings.
The Maldives are a paradise for divers, surfers and sailors. For the less ‘active,’ you can enjoy snorkelling, or simply relaxing in lagoons teeming with marine life. Later, you can take a sunset cruise where you may even spot a pod of dolphin. In the evening, feast on some of the most delectable dishes at the resort’s award-winning restaurants.
For those looking simply to unwind, a pampering, blissful treatment at one of the resort group’s spas can help to relax and recharge, or you can simply chill out with a good book at one of many spots indoors or out with your choice of beverage.
Explore wellness at its best
This new year, step into the world of wellness along with your favourite people on the planet. Start your holistic journey at the ELENA Spa, which is part of all the By Atmosphere and Colours of OBLU Resorts. The spa offers a range of wellness and fitness activities from morning yoga to aqua aerobics.
At ELE | NA, the tranquil Akiri Spa by Mandara at Atmosphere Kanifushi features a range of treatments fusing spa traditions from India, Bali, Hawaii, and Thailand. The spa at the OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi offers a 100% sustainable community experience.
Get a glimpse of the world under the sea
Plunge into the ocean depths and explore the most exotic and colourful marine life with your besties. The OBLU NATURE Helengeli island is a favourite spot for divers and marine life enthusiasts along with being a top location among the best resorts for snorkelling in the Maldives. Discover the underwater wonders with SSI and PADI courses and ocean excursions that suit all abilities and interests or kayak over crystal clear waters, zip across the lagoon on jet skis, or float and soak in the golden sunshine.
Feast on the finest culinary delights
Explore a world of exquisite flavours at the By Atmosphere and Colours of OBLU resorts. With standout bars with poolside seating as well as hammocks and swings, you can while the day away with friends. When you’re hungry, sumptuous buffet spreads with a selection of Asian, European, and Maldivian favourites with live cooking stations, grills, fresh seafood, and delicious desserts await at all the resorts. Coupled with light all-day meals and specialty restaurants, you will not go hungry.
Fitness with Friends
The By Atmosphere and Colours of OBLU resorts have fitness centres overlooking the ocean. The resorts have also curated an activities program to fill your days with special things to do, where experts can arrange fitness sessions such as aqua aerobics, body sculpting, and cardio and strength training for your group. Dart games, tennis, football, and chess tournaments are some of the other fun experiences to explore with your best buddies.
Featured
Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
-
News5 days agoananea Madivaru Maldives unveils personalised island concierge experience
-
Drink1 week agoRare vintages meet island luxury: Glenelly Estate takes over RAAYA and VARU by Atmosphere
-
Cooking1 week agoGili Lankanfushi Executive Chef Hari releases plant-based cookbook celebrating sustainable cuisine
-
News1 week agoCentara unveils Festival of Lights celebrations across Maldives resorts
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Vilu Reef celebrates 28 years with new beach club and Italian restaurant
-
Action1 week agoDaniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa and Donna Vekić head to St. Regis Maldives for tennis series
-
Cooking1 week agoHeritance Aarah brings Chiang Mai’s The House by Ginger to Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoOZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI to host Diwali celebrations in November


