Featured
Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023 social media competition kicks off with 50+ free trips to Maldives
Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) is excited to announce that the social media competition to select 50+ participants for MMPRC’s largest event held in the Maldives this year, the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023, is now open! The competition will be open from 27th February to 25th March 2023.
The Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023, to be held from 30th May to 2nd June, brings together 50+ content creators from around the world to ‘Weave Your Maldivian Story’ at the largest gathering of travel writers, journalists, bloggers, influencers, and media experts in the Sunny Side of Life this year. We invite them to experience & explore our island nation and express their thoughts through videos, photos, articles & social media posts. The 50+ content creators will be selected through a Social Media Competition launched today.
The Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023 is styled under our ‘Redefining MICE’ concept; a relaxed atmosphere at the beach at Crossroads Maldives. Enjoy the conference beneath palm trees with your toes in the sand, barefoot amidst the endless blues of the ocean and the resplendent horizon. Participants of this conference will have the opportunity to take part in interesting discussions with renowned international storytellers on relevant and trending topics, such as sustainable efforts in tourism, the role of social media in marketing promotions, and more.
Attendees at the conference can take part in breakout sessions where they can learn about sustainable tourism, Maldivian culture, heritage, and learn about Maldives fisheries in gastronomy sessions, and more. The conference will also feature pop-up stalls from leading artists in the Maldives. The stalls will showcase authentic Maldivian products and the skill of the talented local artisans. To conclude the event, a gala dinner has been arranged for the storytellers, speakers, and VIP guests at the Crossroads Maldives Beach Club with live music and more.
At the end of the conference, the winners of the social media competition will get the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty, experiences, and hospitality of the Maldives. They can enjoy the best of what the Sunny Side of Life has to offer as per their preferred choice of activities.
Participants may enjoy experiences ranging from snorkelling with mantas and whale sharks to watersports, culinary tours, island-hopping, and even sandbank picnics. The sideline experiences will be conducted at the following 08 different regions of the Maldives, each with its distinctive features, activities, and experiences.
- Baa Atoll
- Dhaalu Atoll
- Laamu Atoll
- Ari Atoll
- Lhaviyani & Noonu Atoll
- Gnaviyani Atoll
- Malé Atoll
- Seenu Atoll
Those who wish to be invited to this conference, are required to create a unique piece of content showcasing their content creation skills while answering this question on their social media accounts (Facebook or Instagram, or both!) and then fill in and submit the application form on our website storytellers.visitmaldives.com as per the guidelines. For a complete step-by-step guide on how to apply, visit the competition page on our website storytellers.visitmaldives.com/contests.
Visit Maldives will review the submissions and select the top 50+ to attend the conference, where they will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and experience the beauty of the Maldives firsthand. All 50+ winners will be invited to attend the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023, along with 3 days and 2 nights (or this may vary) of authentic experiences in 08 unique regions of the Sunny Side of Life. All tickets, including international flights, domestic transfers, accommodations and meals will be provided on FOC basis.
For more information, please contact storytellers.visitmaldives.com/contact-us
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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