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10 bucket list experiences to make your 2023 dream getaway in Maldives unforgettable

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With more than a thousand splendid islands and the 26 coral atolls brimming with marine life, a dive into the unfathomable sea or sprawling across the sun-lounger on the powdery sand, the reasons to visit Maldives are unending. The destination lends itself seamlessly to suit all types of travellers from being a romantic hideaway, to a multi-generational getaway, for a best friends trip, to diving, a wellness retreat or even for the ones looking to go solo and these four resorts from Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio in the Maldives, give one a chance to tick off bucket-list things to do, in a bucket-list destination.

Experience a scenic seaplane or speedboat ride over the blues

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is located a swift 15-minute speedboat ride from Male International airport, while JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offer guests the chance to get on a seaplane and fly above the iconic shades of blue of the Maldives. Whether one chooses to soar in the skies, or ride the waves getting to these private island resorts is an experience to remember in itself.

Stay overwater

Ever dreamt of waking up to the sounds of the sea and nothing but sights of endless blue ocean around you? That could be your reality at these resorts from Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio in the Maldives. Pick from the Duplex Overwater Pool Villa at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa with two levels of luxury or the WOW Ocean Haven at W Maldives with two bedrooms, an oversized plunge pool and an overwater hammock. The Overwater Villas at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort boast a large glass floor in the main living space that provide a viewing area to admire the diverse Maldivian marine life below while the Water Bungalows at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa provide an intimate deck to soak in romantic sunsets with your loved one.

Snorkel with turtles, swim with whale sharks, freedive with mantas

W Maldives sits above one of the best house reefs in the Maldives. The heart-shaped luxury playground is home to hundreds of species of marine life ready to be explored. Accessible from anywhere on the resort, one can jump in with snorkelling gear at any time and have the adventure of a lifetime by swimming with reef sharks and turtles just outside their villas, an experience they will never forget. For those looking to venture into deeper waters the diving and watersports center DOWN UNDER & WAVE offers a myriad of water activities and excursions, including the opportunity to swim with Whale Sharks! The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, located in Baa Atoll, the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, presents guests the chance to get up-close-and-personal with manta rays at the world’s largest natural manta feeding destination. Guests have the rare opportunity to snorkel with the gentle giants at the protected site of Hanifaru Bay just 18 kilometres from the resort, which can attract more than 100 rays around the time of the full moon, between June to October. Up to seven species of turtles can also be found nesting along the island’s pristine sandy beaches and may, at times, include threatened and critically endangered species such as the green turtle, hawksbill turtle and leatherback turtle.

Start your day with floating breakfast

An insta-worthy moment that one can never get enough of is a beautifully set up breakfast – not in bed, but in the pool! Each having villas with private pools, Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives give guests the ultimate in luxury and indulgence with lavish floating breakfast experiences, with a touch of colour, and a splash of fun.

Indulge in an overwater spa treatment

It’s all about seascapes and relaxation when it comes to the Maldives, and a spa experience here is definitely a not-to-miss. The Heavenly Spa at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort exudes an intimate and serene ambience that allows guests to reflect on their destination with panoramic views of the ocean, while Spa by JW at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a tropical sanctuary where luxury and indulgence blend seamlessly offering a range of therapies inspired by some of the world’s most ancient practices to ensure wellbeing in mind, body, and spirit.

Travel with a purpose: Adopt coral, go coral

Marriott International’s Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy program aspires to shift the way vacations are perceived – from pure leisure to a value-adding opportunity that allows travellers to explore and build deeper connections in local communities. The Adopt a Coral initiative at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to participate in a fun and interactive coral-fragment plantation activity in an effort to promote reef habitats and generate new coral. The activity is led by experts and offers a hands-on experience to participants while also providing an alternative business to the 250 inhabitants whose sole previous source of employment was fishing. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers guests an experience to be able to contribute meaningfully to the community by promoting the traditional art of lacquer to travellers coming to the Maldives, making it profitable and helping to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Liyelaa Jehun (art of lacquer) for future generations with an interactive workshop with local lacquer workers, to learn the art and help preserve one of the oldest traditional crafts in the Maldives.

Cherish memorable family moments

Traveling with children is now even easier with the FAMiLY BY JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa where children can enjoy 100 exciting activities. Families can partake in activities such as FAMiLY Pizza Making, Scavenger Hunt & Treasure Opening, Hide & Seek, Movie Nights at the Pirate Ship, and many more such weekly activities, which feature both indoor and outdoor options. Family vacation goals are all about creating memories and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa makes them easier than ever with the paradise island’s own Sheraton Side by Side Family Programme.

Gastronomical delights

With each resort offering a unique setting and a wide array of destination dining experiences curated based on cuisines, locations and occasions, one can prepare to sink their feet into pristine sand and relish a romantic private barbecue dinner on the beach, or enjoy a family movie night under the stars by the ocean or even sail out and escape on a boat for sunset cocktails. A unique and culturally significant experience offered at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa includes a private ‘Malafaaiy Dinner’ served on a stunning beach location where signature Maldivian dishes are carried to the table along with local drummers, singing, dancing and clapping to native songs, guests are also invited to join in the fun. Apart from six creative gourmet dining venues and lounge bars, the destination dining options at W Maldives range from a private dinner at the beach or coral terrace and barbecue dinners with a private chef, to experiences aboard the yacht, ESCAPE, or at Gaathafushi, a private castaway island that’s just a stone’s throw away from the resort.

Rekindle romance with custom engraved wooden plate or underwater

Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives present the ideal backdrop and setting to celebrate love and unique experiences to make an escape here truly magical. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa boasts a “Honeymoon Garden”, a special garden to commemorate the love and commitment between two individuals. Honeymooners are exclusively invited by the resort’s General Manager to an evening cocktail event every Tuesday and Friday, eternalising their name on a custom engraved wooden plate that is then ceremoniously hanging to the proud standing tree in the garden. Couples who are looking for a creative way to amplify their wedding vows, can dive into romance at W Maldives. The resort, which sits upon one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, offers ‘Deep Love’ – an underwater wedding package with a backdrop that is unmatchable – submerged in a heart-shaped paradise, surrounded by reef sharks and turtles for an experience one will never forget, and all while wearing traditional attires, if guests choose to.

Sail out into the sunset

Guests can get sailing and experience the Maldives at it’s best – in the middle of the ocean with nothing but endless blues and stunning sunsets to keep you company. Go fishing in a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat, or chase a pod of dolphins – a memory for a lifetime. Take an excursion to a nearby island for an untouched snorkelling experience or just enjoy a luxury yacht cruise and toast to magnificent sunsets.

To know more about the Marriott Bonvoy Portfolio of resorts in Maldives click here. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com

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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

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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.

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Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

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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

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Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

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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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