Featured
Marriott Bonvoy portfolio resorts in Maldives celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, Earth Day

Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives recently celebrated two important events that fell over the same weekend this year – Earth Day and Eid Al-Fitr. Four of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives offered a range of exciting, fun-filled, and meaningful activities to mark the occasions. The resorts showcased their sustainability initiatives and cultural traditions while offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in Maldivian culture.
To commemorate Earth Day, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invited 17 students from Sh. Funadhoo School to discover and learn about the resort’s sustainability initiatives. The students enjoyed a special island tour that showcased the resort’s waste management plant, water bottling plant and JW Garden, a serene sanctuary that blends the beauty of nature with the art of gastronomy. A session on marine life and conservation efforts led by the resort’s marine biologist was also conducted. To mark the event, as a token, all students received a branded glass bottle and an agave plant from the JW Garden.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa continued its coral planting activity this Earth Day. The resort invited guests to participate in a coral planting activity led by in-house marine biologist Kate Sheridan from Reefscapers. More than 25 guests participated in fixing coral fragments onto a giant frame enough for 120 pieces of coral fragments. The initiative, which started in February 2020, has resulted in over 25,000 coral fragments spawning from 15 different species. Guests also had the opportunity to adopt a coral and promote reef habitats.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa also celebrated Eid Al-Fitr with a thoughtful celebration that embraced togetherness. Associates and their families enjoyed a day filled with family bonding activities, including making paper lanterns, canoe races and traditional Maldivian games such as Thin Mugoali and Faiga Thalhaa. The day concluded with a Kula Koadi Parade where associates dressed in colourful costumes marched around the resort accompanied by the upbeat rhythm of Boduberu. The evening was highlighted by an Around-The-World tantalising buffet dinner at Feast accompanied by a live band.
W Maldives also celebrated Eid Al-Fitr with a special oceanfront fire grill dinner at the resort’s FIRE Beach with premium cuts and seafood under the stars. As the celebrations continue through the week, guests will also be whisked away to the resort’s private island, Gaathafushi, on April 28th for a castaway Eid celebration accompanied by sumptuous cuisine and live DJ.
In celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort added to the festivities by organising a traditional Maali Parade on the island. The parade featured lively drummers and dancers, who delighted guests with their colourful costumes and rhythmic beats. The resort also invited children from Thulhaadhoo, a nearby island, to participate in the festivities, adding to the sense of community and inclusivity. The Maali Parade was a wonderful way for guests to immerse themselves in Maldivian culture and experience the island’s unique traditions.
To know more about Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in Maldives click here. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com
Awards
Multiple SATA nominations for Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Two renowned Maldivian resorts, Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, have been nominated across multiple categories at the 2025 South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), a prestigious recognition of excellence in hospitality and tourism across the region.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has secured nominations in the following categories:
- Leading All-Inclusive Resort
- Leading Family Resort
- Leading F&B Resort
These nominations highlight the resort’s sustained commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality, dining, and family-oriented experiences. As a trailblazer in all-inclusive luxury in the Maldives, Lily Beach offers a refined guest experience through its award-winning Platinum Plan, which includes à la carte dining, curated excursions, wellness services, and an extensive selection of premium wines—crafted to suit the needs of today’s discerning traveller.
Guests at Lily Beach can enjoy a variety of dining options across venues such as Tamarind, Lily Maa, Vibes, AQVA, Teppanyaki, and Les Turquoise d’Aqua. The resort’s wine list has been recognised with a Wine Spectator Award. This August, Lily Beach will host Michelin-starred Chef Igles Corelli for an exclusive ‘Flavour’ dining experience.
A preferred destination for families, the resort features a lively Kids’ Club, the Vibes Family Pool, and year-round entertainment suitable for all ages. A range of activities is available, including tennis, water sports, nightly shows, and treatments at the Tamara Spa. Located adjacent to the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the resort also offers extraordinary opportunities to swim with whale sharks and manta rays, as well as explore a vibrant 360° house reef.
The nominations reflect Lily Beach’s enduring focus on culinary distinction, family-friendly amenities, and meaningful island experiences.
Voting for Lily Beach Resort & Spa is open until 15th July 2025.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, located in the remote and unspoilt Haa Alifu Atoll, has also earned nominations in three categories at SATA 2025:
- Leading Beach Resort
- Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel/Resort
- Most Romantic Resort
Well known for its generous villa sizes and natural surroundings, the resort offers a private and tranquil setting ideal for couples, honeymooners, and families seeking relaxation away from busier destinations. Villas are set among dense tropical greenery and some of the Maldives’ most pristine beaches.
Guests can explore a diverse culinary offering across five restaurants, featuring beachfront fine dining and overwater options. With a focus on fresh seafood and international cuisine, each meal is enhanced by the island’s calm atmosphere and attentive service.
Hideaway is also one of the few natural islands in the Maldives with a double house reef, giving guests direct access to rich marine life from the shore. For those who enjoy staying active, the resort’s Recreation Centre includes tennis courts, a golf simulator, padel, pickleball, a putting green, indoor badminton, beach sports, a waterpark, and a gym.
The Hideaway Spa provides treatments based on Balinese and Ayurvedic traditions, delivered in a serene garden setting. Romantic beachfront dinners and private villa experiences further contribute to the resort’s reputation as a leading destination for couples.
With a focus on space, privacy, and personalised service, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an experience rooted in the natural beauty of the Maldives, catering to both leisure and wellness seekers.
These nominations collectively reflect the commitment of both resorts to delivering exceptional hospitality, distinctive dining, and memorable stays in the Maldives.
Voting for Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is open until 15th July 2025.
Featured
Villa Park named leading family resort in Maldives by Travel + Leisure

Villa Park has been recognised as one of the Maldives’ top family resorts at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, reaffirming its reputation as a premier destination for families seeking meaningful island escapes. Located in the South Ari Atoll, the resort blends barefoot luxury with a range of immersive experiences tailored for guests of all ages.
The resort offers activities that span from encounters with whale sharks and manta rays to moments of relaxation on the island’s powder-soft beaches. Among its family-oriented facilities is Park Players, one of the Maldives’ largest kids clubs, designed to provide a creative, nature-based environment where children can play, learn, and explore. Meanwhile, parents can unwind at Araamu Spa or dine on sustainable, plant-based cuisine at Zero Restaurant.
Villa Park also features the widest selection of beach pool villas in the country, offering spacious and comfortable accommodations suited to multi-generational travellers. Sustainability is integrated across the guest experience, with initiatives such as solar-powered operations and farm-to-table dining underscoring the resort’s commitment to responsible hospitality.
This accolade from Travel + Leisure highlights Villa Park’s continued efforts to deliver high-quality, family-friendly holidays where nature, comfort, and lasting memories converge in one of the world’s most iconic island destinations.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours

Angsana Velavaru, part of the esteemed Banyan Group, has secured prestigious placements in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, ranking #8 for Best Resort Pool and #3 for Best General Manager in the Maldives. These accolades underscore the resort’s dedication to outstanding service, thoughtfully crafted accommodations, and guest-centric innovation.
Located in the unspoiled South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru features 113 villas—79 of which are equipped with private infinity pools. Among them are the celebrated Beach Villas and the signature InOcean Pool Villas, which extend elegantly over the lagoon’s turquoise expanse. Each villa is designed to offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature with both privacy and style.
Central to the resort’s social ambiance is the Kuredhi Pool Bar, a lively and inviting venue that offers more than just refreshments. It serves as a communal hub where guests can enjoy curated experiences such as DJ nights, aqua aerobics, and wellness sessions. This programming reflects the resort’s vision of merging serenity with social vibrancy.
Spearheading this success is General Manager Ahmed Zahir, who was recognised as the #3 Best General Manager in the Maldives. Zahir’s inspiring career began three decades ago as a Laundry Supervisor and has since evolved into a historic milestone—becoming the first Maldivian General Manager within the Banyan Group. His leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of local culture, empathy, and hands-on experience across resort operations.
“This recognition is not only an honour—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a team and as an industry,” Zahir shared. “I’m proud to lead with values shaped by the Maldives itself: resilience, hospitality, and heart. At Angsana Velavaru, we aim to deliver something genuine and lasting—for our guests, our people, and our community.”
Under Zahir’s stewardship, Angsana Velavaru has fostered a culture rooted in authenticity, local empowerment, and purposeful guest engagement. The resort remains committed to evolving as a destination that honours tradition while embracing forward-thinking experiences.
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