Featured
Estithmar Holding to develop new Rosewood Hotels-branded ultra-luxury resort in Maldives
Estithmar Holding, the Qatari investment company known for its commitment to excellence, is embarking on an exciting new project to develop one of the world’s most luxurious resorts in the Maldives.
The new resort, which is scheduled to open in Q1 2025, will be managed by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the ultra-luxury global hospitality brand, and developed by Estithmar Holding’s subsidiary, Royal Resorts. The Rosewood property is set to be an architectural masterpiece, featuring approximately 120 independent beach and overwater villas, one- to five-bedroom villas, all with private pools and a select number located on private islands. This project represents the epitome of luxury and sophistication and will undoubtedly become one of the most sought-after destinations for discerning travellers from around the globe. The total investment is $343 million.

The centre of the resort will host several specialty world-renowned restaurants, a wellness facility, a beach club, and several amenities that are guaranteed to give guests an unforgettable experience. With a focus on experiential luxury, the Rosewood resort in the is set to provide guests with a distinctive and unparalleled experience.
The Maldives has long been regarded as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, with high occupancy sustained throughout the year. The rates of return on investment in the tourism field in the Maldives are among the highest in the world, making it an ideal location for investors seeking to make a substantial return on investment.
Estithmar Holding has a proven track record in the tourism sector in Qatar, including Al Maha Island in Lusail, Maysan Resort in Aspire, and Katara Hills Resort in Katara. This latest investment in the Maldives is a testament to the company’s commitment to developing world-class tourism destinations.

Commenting on the investment, Chairman of Estithmar Holding, Moutaz Al Khayyat, said: “The investment opportunities in the Maldives are highly flexible, and the investment environment is encouraging and plays an active role in stimulating the global private sector to innovate a number of projects that enhance tourism and entertainment programs.”
“The Maldives is an ideal location for a Rosewood property, and we are looking forward to bringing our A Sense of Place philosophy to life in this incredible destination,” said Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
“We are pleased to partner with Estithmar holdings on this ambitious project, which is sure to raise the bar for ultra-luxury experiences in the Maldives.”
The Rosewood resort in the Maldives is set to become the ultimate destination for luxury travelers, combining the unparalleled experience of Rosewood and its expertise in operating more than 30 hotels in 16 countries around the world. Guests are sure to be left in awe of the stunning architecture, breathtaking views, and exceptional service that this resort will offer.
Featured
Eid celebrations at SO/ Maldives blend Arabic tradition and Maldivian culture
SO/ Maldives is inviting global travellers this season to reimagine Eid not merely as a holiday, but as an immersive island escape. Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé, the fashion-forward private island retreat sets the stage for a celebration where cultural heritage, contemporary luxury and tropical glamour come together.
At the centre of the festivities is an authentic culinary experience at Hadaba, the resort’s award-winning Arabic restaurant. Guests are offered Levantine flavours, artisanal mezze and traditional recipes presented with a modern approach, creating a setting for shared dining and celebration. As part of the resort’s dine-around concept, Hadaba can be included in a wider culinary journey across the island, allowing guests to experience Arabic cuisine alongside the resort’s other dining venues.
As evening falls, celebrations move to Lazuli Beach Club, where shisha rituals and Arabic-inspired refreshments are served in a beachfront setting. Traditional performances are complemented by Maldivian Boduberu drumming and fire dance displays, creating a cultural programme designed to appeal to international travellers seeking meaningful experiences.
Across the island, Eid is marked through a series of curated activities aimed at encouraging connection and creativity. Cultural workshops, including palm-leaf artistry and henna sessions, offer opportunities to explore heritage, while younger guests are engaged through themed crafts, interactive games and sweet treat decorating. The overall atmosphere remains celebratory while maintaining a relaxed pace that reflects the resort’s character.
Beyond the festive programme, the resort positions the long weekend as a fully immersive island retreat. Guests stay in beach and overwater villas featuring private pools and ocean views, with interiors inspired by high fashion. Time is spent between spa treatments, lagoon activities, beach club experiences and sunset dining, balancing celebration with seclusion.
To mark the season, the resort has introduced two limited-time stay offers. The One Night on Us offer provides savings of 33 per cent on stays of three nights or more, along with daily breakfast, complimentary transfers and spa privileges. The Soo Summer package offers preferential rates combined with spa experiences, curated dining inclusions and additional benefits for water villa stays.
Welcoming travellers from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond, the resort presents Eid as a global celebration where Arabic traditions, Maldivian culture and contemporary design are brought together. This season, guests are invited to exchange routine for island surroundings and experience Eid through a redefined island perspective.
Action
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef unveils expanded marine excursion portfolio
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, has introduced an expanded portfolio of water-based experiences designed to showcase the natural environment and marine life of the surrounding atolls. The enhanced programme combines exploration, activity and moments of calm, offering guests new ways to experience the Maldives through curated ocean journeys and personalised excursions.
Building on established activities such as Jet Car rides, SeaBob adventures and windsurfing, the resort has expanded its watersports offering to include private speedboat journeys and bespoke marine experiences. These additions are tailored for small groups seeking intimate and meaningful encounters with the ocean.
Available daily from the resort’s Watersports Centre, the new private speedboat excursions provide a personalised way to explore the hidden marine sites of Dhaalu Atoll. Designed for one to four guests, each journey offers flexibility and individual attention. Guests may choose from four-hour, five-hour or full-day itineraries, all of which include a freshly prepared barbecue lunch. From coral gardens to secluded sandbanks, the excursions highlight the region’s diverse marine landscapes.
The programme’s centrepiece is the Full Day Adventure Trip, which offers an extended exploration of key marine locations. Highlights include the Coral Garden, known for its biodiversity and reef formations; Turtle Point, where sea turtles are frequently sighted; and Nurse Shark Point, which provides opportunities to observe nurse sharks in their natural environment. The experience concludes with a beachside lunch on a private sandbank, set against uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
For guests seeking a balance between activity and relaxation, the Waves of Adventure and Calmness experience combines a private two-hour snorkelling safari or Jet Ski safari with a full-body massage at the resort. The programme is designed to transition smoothly from ocean exploration to restorative island time, reflecting the relaxed pace that characterises Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
As part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef continues to focus on personalised service and experiences rooted in the natural setting of the Maldives. Through its expanded watersports offering, the resort invites guests to engage with the marine environment while enjoying a sense of privacy, discovery and connection to the Maldivian seascape.
Featured
Yoko Kawaguchi to lead holistic wellness residency at Vakkaru Maldives
Vakkaru Maldives has announced the residency of acclaimed holistic practitioner Yoko Kawaguchi at Merana Spa, taking place from 17 March to 30 April 2026. The residency forms part of the resort’s ongoing focus on wellness, restoration and mindful living.
Grounded in Japanese healing traditions, Kawaguchi’s therapeutic philosophy centres on personalised care designed to calm the nervous system, release emotional tension and support the body’s natural restorative functions. Her integrative approach combines auriculotherapy (ear reflexology), aromatherapy, Reiki energy healing and targeted massage techniques to create treatments tailored to individual needs.
Guests may select from a range of core therapies offered during the residency. Highlights include the Tranquil Mind Ritual, which blends scalp massage, ear reflexology and energy work to ease tension and encourage emotional clarity. The Aroma Reiki Healing Touch treatment combines aromatherapy back massage with carefully selected essential oils and Usui Reiki to address both physical and emotional blockages. Auriculotherapy sessions focus on stimulating reflex points in the ears to support hormonal balance, immunity, nervous system regulation and overall wellbeing, with optional ear seeds available to extend the benefits beyond the treatment.
Alongside individual sessions, Kawaguchi will offer complimentary consultations and a programme of group wellness experiences. These include guided Reiki self-healing meditation and ear stretching massage sessions designed to promote relaxation and mental clarity, providing guests with simple techniques to support their wellbeing during and after their stay.
Hosted within the serene surroundings of Merana Spa, the residency offers guests an opportunity to pause, reset and engage in a deeper wellness journey, aligned with Vakkaru Maldives’ philosophy of understated luxury and holistic balance.
-
News1 week agoVentive Hospitality aligns Maldives portfolio with Green Fins marine sustainability platform
-
Business1 week agoFeydhoo Hall opens at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives as new event space
-
News6 days agoThe Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands launches conservation programme for environmental observances
-
Drink1 week agoProvence comes to Maldives with Château Minuty dinner at Milaidhoo Maldives
-
Business1 week agoBBM expands retail presence with new Hulhumalé outlet
-
Awards1 week agoDouble gold win for OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO at Junior Travel Awards
-
Cooking1 week agoFrom shoreline to hotpot: New dining experiences at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
-
Featured1 week agoCity Iftar experience curated at JEN Maldives by Shangri-La


