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

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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

Awards

RAAYA by Atmosphere wins Best Family Resort in Maldives at Travel Time Awards 2025

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RAAYA by Atmosphere has received its latest recognition at the Travel Time Awards, held in Moscow in August 2026, where the island resort was named “The Best Family Resort in the Maldives 2025”.

The award marks RAAYA’s second consecutive recognition from Travel Time, following its win as “Opening of the Year 2024”.

The recognition reflects the resort’s growing presence in the Russian travel market and its approach to family holidays in the Maldives, with a focus on shared experiences, exploration and activities designed for guests across generations.

Located on a private island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA is centred around the fictional story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist and adventurer whose narrative is incorporated throughout the resort experience. Guests can take part in island exploration, creative activities and ocean-based experiences, alongside family-oriented facilities and a range of dining options under The RAAYA Plan™.

The award was also presented during a visit to the resort by Russian film actress Katerina Shpitsa, known for productions including “Metro”, “The Crew” and “Poddubny”. During her stay, Shpitsa presented the Travel Time Awards 2025 accolade to RAAYA by Atmosphere General Manager Mario Stanic.

“Receiving this recognition for a second consecutive year is a proud moment for everyone at RAAYA,” Stanic said. “Winning the Travel Time Award 2025 for Best Family Resort is a wonderful recognition of what we stand for — bringing families together through shared experiences and lasting memories within a backdrop of a tropical island paradise.

“We are proud to create experiences that resonate with Russian families and families from around the world, offering a place to connect, discover and create memories together. We thank the awards team, our partners and our guests for their continued trust and support.”

The award adds to the international recognition received by RAAYA by Atmosphere since the resort opened in July 2024. The property has positioned its offering around experiential hospitality, design, family-focused programming and its castaway-inspired narrative.

RAAYA features 167 beach and overwater villas, a collection of dining venues and a range of land and ocean activities within its Raa Atoll setting.

With two Travel Time Awards in consecutive years, the resort continues to develop its position within the family travel segment in the Maldives.

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Cooking

International Chefs’ Day: Kabita Singh to cook live at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.

Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.

The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.

As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.

Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.

Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.

Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”

Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.

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Awards

TTM Awards 2026 names You & Me Maldives Best Adults-Only Resort

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You & Me Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s positioning, guest experiences and continued focus on adults-only hospitality in the Maldives.

The award was presented during the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards recognise achievements, innovation and contributions across the Maldivian tourism industry.

Located in Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives has established itself as an adults-only retreat catering to couples, honeymooners, friends and solo travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity.

The resort combines its island setting with accommodation, personalised service and experiences centred on romance, wellness, gastronomy and exploration, creating an intimate environment designed specifically for adult travellers.

The recognition comes as You & Me Maldives marks seven years of operations and welcoming guests from around the world.

“As we celebrate this important milestone, we are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, partners, and dedicated team members who have been part of this journey,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.

“These seven years represent not only growth and success, but countless love stories, memories, and unforgettable experiences created on our island. Receiving the ‘Best Adults-Only Resort’ award at the TTM Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.”

The Best Adults-Only Resort award further strengthens You & Me Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, recognising its focus on combining an adults-only concept with personalised service and island experiences.

Looking ahead, You & Me Maldives plans to continue developing its concept and guest experience through new activities, offerings and services, while maintaining its focus on the adults-only luxury segment in the Maldives.

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