Featured
3 weeks of magical adventure: Festive highlights at JW Marriott Maldives Resort
This festive season, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa had brought guests to magical adventure to craft memorable togetherness at year end. Fulfilling experiences from themed nights, extravagant dining, wellness sessions, fun activities for littles ones to entertainment and more, there was lots to look forward to this festive season. The resort curated three weeks of festive extravaganza for guests of all ages. Here are the highlights.
Around the World
The resort kicked off the season with “Around the World” night featuring an eclectic collection of sensational culinary delights. From the Indo-Pacific coast to the Mediterranean coast to South Africa, guests indulged their taste buds on a world tour.
Lobsters & Champagne
The resort’s Executive Chef Bir Yadav combined the finest Champagnes paired with an exquisite buffet including live station with yellow fin tuna, Maldivian lobsters and endless seafood. A sumptuous buffet was served along with a live performance that took the guests to a true gastronomic adventure.
Boduberu – Maldivian NightOne of the most authentic ways to immerse ourselves in the Maldivian culture is by discovering the traditional musical performance of boduberu. Guests experienced a unique Maldivian night with a delicious buffet of local dishes, accompanied by traditional boduberu drums and native songs. Under a starry night, or the boduberu team flashed an unparalleled energy and allowed guests to connect to the Maldivian music.
Christmas Eve – Santa’s Hunt and Gala Dinner
From arriving on a jet-ski to gifting presents, Santa Claus made it special for the little guests – there was a twinkle in their eyes and a vibrant holiday cheer all around. The end of the day was filled with live entertainment throughout the night and a range of delicious dishes crafted by the culinary team.
New Year’s Eve – Pirates of the Indian Ocean
Inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean Saga, the resort took guests to a journey like no other. Unique and paired with infinite Ocean views, all guests embarked on a voyage with the emblematic characters of the saga including Captain Jack Sparrow, Davy Jones and Elizabeth Swann.
This night of wonder promised guests a magical atmosphere, surrounded by pirates all over the island, with celebrations and entertainment, as well as a sumptuous feast to lead guests to ring in 2023.
Zaika
This Indian night was not to be missed if you are an adventurous gourmet or if you consider Indian delicacies as the comfort of home. The resort’s Indian chefs crafted an abundant culinary extravaganza around the flavours and colours of India. Guests were greeted by hosts wearing beautiful saris, while the entire venue was dressed in colours that embody the vibrant culture of India.
For further information and reservations, please visit: Luxury Resorts in Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives | JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
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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