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JW Marriott Maldives Resort opens JW Garden

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JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa has announced the opening of its JW Garden, a peaceful and charming sanctuary that beautifully blends the marvels of nature with the art of gastronomy.

Designed as an ode to Alice Marriott’s love for gardening, JW Gardens at JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts around the world, offer guests a serene oasis that nurtures a variety of fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits, elevating their culinary experience to the next level.

With a total area of 3600 sq ft, the JW Garden reflects the resort’s commitment to sustainability and well-being. Culinary menus are specially crafted with the JW Garden in mind, with many fresh herbs and vegetables included in both food and beverages and the resort’s chefs employ holistic cooking methods that preserve the most delicious nutrients, ensuring guests savour the very best with every bite.

As a signature element of the JW Marriott experience, the JW Garden creates a sensory connection with the natural world, enlivening the spirit and rejuvenating the soul. The garden boasts a wide variety of herbs, vegetables and fruits grown all year round. Currently, the garden cultivates 10 herbs, 25 vegetables and 5 fruits, with a goal to increase this number in the coming year. Some of the herbs grown include sage, coriander and lemongrass, while fruits and vegetables like tamarind, mango, passion fruit, red amaranth, tomato and cabbage are also grown.

The JW Garden is managed by two talented associates of the resort, Mohamed Rilwan, the laundry manager, and Abdullah, the herb gardener, who have played a crucial role in its development. They were responsible for clearing the area, setting up the infrastructure and growing the plants.

The JW Garden is not just a garden, but an art project created through the hard work and dedication of Rilwan and Abdullah. Their passion for creating a sustainable and tranquil space for guests is evident in every aspect of the JW Garden and they hope that the garden will offer inspiration and a chance for one to connect with nature and ultimately with themselves.

Speaking more on what goes into maintaining the space, Rilwan said: “We believe in the importance of sustainability and taking care of our environment. We recycle all kitchen food scraps into compost and use only 100% organic fertiliser, which is homemade. The manual irrigation system used in the JW Garden not only conserves water but also helps us maintain the integrity of the soil.

“We are proud of our efforts and are happy to offer our guests dining experiences at our restaurants that are not only delicious but also environmentally responsible.” He added, “Even our welcome drink, Basil Vagaru, that is served to every guest on arrival uses the herb from JW Garden, and the oshibori as well incorporates ingredients from the garden as an essence.”

Located on Vagaru Island, Shaviyani Atoll, the luxurious multi-generational resort makes for a mesmerizing destination that focuses on holistic well-being and enriching, thoughtfully curated experiences.

The resort features 60 beach and overwater villas, all with private pools, spacious wooden decks and a wide array of amenities with personalised Thakuru (Butler) service. Eclectic dining experiences are offered throughout the resort’s five dining venues, three full service bars, a wine room, which houses 1,200 wine collections and private beach dinners.

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Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

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Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.

Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.

Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.

South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.

Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.

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Entertainment

Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.

The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.

Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.

Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.

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Excursions

From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

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