Featured
Go it alone at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives with new solo traveller package
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
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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