Featured

Go it alone at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives with new solo traveller package

Published

3 years ago

March 4, 2023

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, is delighted to launch the ‘Go it Alone at Gili’ package, a spoiling set of new offerings specially curated for solo travellers. From photography masterclasses and snorkelling with the island’s marine biologist to sensory supper in the dark with toes in the sand, there is nowhere better on earth to switch off solo style, learn a new skill and reconnect with oneself this season.

‘We have seen growing numbers of solo adventurers flocking to our island paradise in recent years to enjoy the stunning natural beauty, abundant activities, world-class dining and spa,’ said Gili Lankanfushi’s General Manager, Nicolas Khairallah. ‘With this in mind, we have sought to elevate the experience even further with an exclusive new range of expert-led activities which guarantee to take our guests on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.”

Alongside the new activities, solo travellers will receive a range of added benefits including complimentary return speedboat transfers, an 11% reduction on all items from the Gili boutique, daily sunrise yoga sessions, complimentary spa access and water sports. The ‘Go it Alone at Gili’ experiences include:

Sensory Supper in the Sand

Gili Lankanfushi’s sensory supper sees diners transported to a secret island location to embark on a true gourmet adventure. With blindfold at the ready, feet in the sand and cutlery in hand, individuals are invited to take a leap of faith as their private chef serves up a surprise menu. Once the blindfolds are on, the diner will experience a heightening of all other senses, from the inviting aromas of the food to the sound of the lapping waves, before they are invited to guess the dishes as they savour each flavour – with no distractions!

‘Me-Time’ at Meera Spa

Solo travellers will feel the weight of the world melt away as they enter Gili Lankanfushi’s tranquil overwater Meera Spa. Here, a blissful 120-minute stress-alleviating massage awaits, taking place in one of the spa’s famous glass-bottomed treatment rooms. Following their treatment, guests can enjoy a restorative spa juice made with ingredients from Gili’s organic garden, healthy Gili cuisine and free access to the steam and sauna facilities. Those wishing to indulge in further soul searching can book additional holistic therapies including meditation, reiki, crystal and ancient singing bowl sessions, and enjoy daily complimentary sunrise yoga sessions.

Slumber with the Stars

For a truly unforgettable experience, individuals will have the opportunity to spend a magical night with just the stars for company on their very own star bed. Upon request, the Mr/Mrs Friday private butlers can make up the daybeds on the private roof terrace of each villa with luxurious linens, setting the scene with candlelight, champagne for one and strawberries. Best night’s sleep of one’s life, guaranteed!

Maldivian Cooking Masterclass

At Gili Lankanfushi, aspiring chefs can return home with the ultimate souvenir… A few new recipes to bring home! Under the expert guidance of Chef Hari and his talented culinary team, guests will learn how to create traditional Maldivian fish curries, sushi rolls, and their favourite signature dishes, before enjoying the fruits of their labour with classmates.

Snorkelling Excursion with Resident Marine Biologist

Accompanied by Gili Lankanfushi’s resident marine biologist, adventurers will don a snorkelling mask and a pair of fins and head to the 15-metre drop-off zone at the edge of the house reef. There, they will discover vibrant coral walls inhabited by small sharks and colourful schools of fish, turtles, and rays. The expert guide will help snorkelers identify the array of aquatic life, day and night, and explain the significance of Gili’s Coral Line projects and other ecological underwater initiatives.

Gili Goes Photogenic Island Excursion

Budding photographers will revel in the opportunity to capture their tranquil surroundings during Gili Lankanfushi’s photography masterclass! Camera-in-hand and accompanied by the island’s resident photographer extraordinaire, guests will be taken to the most picturesque spots on the island, where sea life, flora and fauna thrive, and taught the necessary techniques to create precious keepsakes from their trip.

Castaway Sunset Dolphin Cruise

Castaways can make like Robinson Crusoe with this bucket-list opportunity to spot local wildlife, eat canapés and enjoy a drink or two with fellow explorers as they enjoy a two-hour sunset sailing experience. Departing at dusk to coincide with the migration of the dolphin from the atoll to catch their supper in the deep sea, sailors will create memories to last a lifetime aboard this traditional Maldivian Dhoni cruise.

Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy. The award-winning eco-resort celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2022, following a complete refurbishment of all 45 villas in 2019.

Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,397/$1,722 based on a one-person staying in a Villa Suite with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com

Featured

JOALI BEING launches global campaign ‘Joyful Journeys of Well-Living’

Published

8 hours ago

November 15, 2025

m@ldives

JOALI BEING, the world’s first well-being island, has announced the launch of its new global brand campaign titled “Joyful Journeys of Well-Living.” The campaign celebrates the art of self-discovery, inviting travellers to reconnect with their inner selves through bespoke and transformative experiences.

Building upon JOALI BEING’s core philosophy of the “Joy of Weightlessness,” the campaign embodies the essence of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. It encourages guests to explore holistic pathways designed to restore balance and inspire personal growth.

Joyful Journeys of Well-Living serves as an invitation to travellers seeking meaningful change and renewal. The campaign narrates stories of individuals discovering joy through purposeful living, mindful connection, and immersive well-being experiences at JOALI BEING.

The visuals capture the island’s tranquil landscapes and nurturing spaces — from oceanfront sanctuaries to treetop villas and transformative healing sessions led by resident experts. The campaign presents JOALI BEING as more than a destination; it is a journey towards well-being, creativity, and self-transformation.

Each guest journey at JOALI BEING is founded on the resort’s Four Pillars of Well-Being — Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy. Through tailored programmes, guests can embark on integrative wellness experiences encompassing sound therapy, movement and fitness, hydrotherapy, nutritional guidance, and energy-healing sessions curated by specialists.

The island features a series of advanced well-being spaces, including:

CORE: a movement and fitness zone
AREKA: a transformative treatment centre
KAASHI: a hydrotherapy hall
SEDA: a sound-healing room
Ocean Sala: an open-air meditation and relaxation deck

Each space is designed to nurture a profound connection with nature and the self.

The Joyful Journeys of Well-Living campaign has been conceptualised and produced by JOALI BEING’s in-house team in collaboration with creative partners and visual storytellers from across the globe. The multi-platform campaign integrates film, digital, and print media to convey JOALI BEING’s ethos — a celebration of joy, transformation, and harmony.

The visual narrative draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Maldives, reflecting JOALI BEING’s immersive design philosophy. The imagery captures the rhythm of the ocean, the play of light, and the flow of energy that define the spirit of the island.

Awards

Coco Bodu Hithi wins Best Waterside Hotel at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2026

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

m@ldives

Coco Bodu Hithi has been recognised on the global stage, winning Best Waterside Hotel (Riverside, Lakeside, Seaside) at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026, held on 3 November 2025 in the UK. It is the second consecutive year the resort has been honoured by the publication, following last year’s win for Best Service, reaffirming its focus on heartfelt Maldivian hospitality and refined island living.

Described by Condé Nast Johansens as an “over-water, over-indulgent Maldivian island outpost,” Coco Bodu Hithi offers an intimate retreat of comfort and calm. The resort’s 32 Water Villas and 24 Coco Residences, each measuring 184 square metres and featuring private pools, provide secluded spaces set above the lagoon, where nature, design, and comfort come together to reflect the island’s romantic ambience.

Known for contemporary design infused with Maldivian heritage, the resort continues to welcome travellers seeking time by the sea, complemented by culinary collaborations with celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs. The experience balances privacy and comfort throughout a guest’s stay. With turquoise waters, quiet spaces, and experiences designed for connection and shared discovery, the resort presents a considered take on island living.

Located 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the island combines accessibility with seclusion—close enough for convenience, yet removed for privacy and serenity. As part of Coco Collection, the resort offers bespoke experiences, attentive service, and sustainable practices, shaping stays that feel personal and reflective of relaxed, authentic island life.

Featured

‘Unlimited Play – Eat. Sip. Repeat.’: New Premium All-Inclusive at The Standard, Maldives

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

m@ldives

The Standard, Maldives, the stylish and unconventional resort in Raa Atoll, announces the launch of its most generous offering yet: the Premium All-Inclusive package, timed to complement its highly anticipated Festive 2025 programme. Titled “Unlimited Play – Eat. Sip. Repeat,” the package is designed to provide guests with a hassle-free, elevated island experience, ensuring every moment is infused with fun and luxury without reaching for the wallet. The move reinforces The Standard’s commitment to offering unscripted fun and memorable stays in the Maldives.

The Premium All-Inclusive

The Premium All-Inclusive package covers all daily meals across four dining venues, including the signature specialty restaurants. At the heart of the offering is the unlimited premium beverage programme: guests can enjoy free-flowing Champagne; choose from over 50 premium wines, prosecco, and sparkling selections from around the world; and access top-shelf spirits with crafted cocktails and mocktails available all day and into the late-night hours at Todis and by the pool.

Beyond dining, the package includes further inclusions. Every villa receives a daily replenished, fully stocked mini bar featuring two bottles of premium wine, two spirits, and four beers. For stays of six nights or more, the Ultimate Indulgence is unlocked, granting each adult a complimentary 45-minute spa treatment—either a restorative massage or a DIY hammam experience. In addition, guests receive one complimentary Adventure Time excursion per stay, selecting from a sunset fishing trip, a lucky dolphin cruise, or a romantic sunset cruise.

Festive Season 2025

As the year draws to a close, The Standard, Maldives invites guests to join the Festive 2025 celebrations, an immersive programme that transforms the island into a lively setting of parties and bespoke gastronomy. From Christmas Eve through the New Year, the resort’s playful spirit will feature uniquely Standard activities, decorations, and a curated line-up of entertainment for guests of all ages.

Highlights of the Festive 2025 calendar include exclusive themed beach parties, culinary journeys crafted by international chefs, and dedicated events for families. The celebrations will culminate in a high-energy New Year’s Eve gala with performances, fireworks over the lagoon, and dancing to ring in 2026 in The Standard’s signature style.

“At The Standard, we believe true luxury means freedom; freedom to play, indulge, and live in the moment without a second thought. Our new Premium All-Inclusive is all about that: seamless, generous, and fun. From Champagne breakfasts to late-night cocktails, it’s the easiest decision guests will ever make on holiday,” said Justin Swart, General Manager, The Standard, Maldives.

The Standard, Maldives aims to offer a celebratory experience this year by coupling the convenience of the Premium All-Inclusive with its Festive 2025 programming, setting the stage for a holiday season where preferences are catered to from the first welcome bubbles to the last dance of the New Year.