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SC Capital Partners and Reethi Beach Resort collaborate with MWSRP for the second consecutive year

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For the second consecutive year, Reethi Beach Resort has renewed partnership with Maldives Whale Shark Research Program (MWSRP) with the support extended by the resort’s parent company, SC Capital Partners Pte Ltd., a local program with a global impact.

Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) was founded with the mission of understanding the population dynamics of the whale sharks in the Maldives and how these fit into the species’ existence in the wider world. The charity’s objectives are to promote, for the benefit of the public, the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the whale shark and marine biological diversity.

Despite being the biggest fish in the ocean, the threats the whale shark faces today are many and almost entirely caused by human impact. It is difficult to quantify the exact number of whale sharks alive today, however their populations have fallen by 50% and are actively in decline.

The need for protection is on the rise as whale sharks contribute immensely towards managing our marine ecosystem. The nature-based motivation of conserving these species ultimately feed into the economic motivations for protecting them. The more economic value we, as a local society, see in protecting nature and its processes, the more the human race will benefit globally from a sustainable future. It is to note that whale shark tourism directly contributes to local livelihoods here in Maldives and provides an alternative income to fishing whale sharks and other sharks. As mentioned before, whale sharks play a role in balancing the marine ecosystem.

The reasons to protect whale sharks are clear and very beneficial for our livelihoods. The whale shark has been protected by law here in Maldives since 1995. Today with the help of organizations such as MWSRP through collaborative efforts from stakeholders similar to SC Capital Partners Pte Ltd and Reethi Beach Resort, community-driven initiatives have worked towards putting protection into practice and making it as efficient as possible, since this joint venture took flight last year.

As part of this partnership with MWSRP, SC Capital Partners Pte Ltd and Reethi Beach Resort will jointly sponsor the MWSRP once again to conduct intensive research in the famous Hanifaru Bay renowned for its Manta gathering and whale shark aggregations. The partnership will also include sponsored educational trips for local young Maldivians to create both awareness about marine biodiversity conservation as well as potential job opportunities.  While being based at Fonimagoodhoo island due to the resorts close proximity to the only UNESCO Biosphere situated in Maldives, Reethi Beach Resort is delighted to be part of this program and further strengthening their stance on its commitment to sustainability in the hospitality industry and paving the way towards a more holistic approach towards upholding its core values on sustainability. The team from MWSRP will be supported by Ocean Fantics (a water sports and dive centre) based on the island, who will play a key role in the upcoming research project, in helping them navigate and collect data both on land and sea. 

As one of the founding members of the Baa Atoll Resorts United (“BAARU”), which collaborates with resorts in Baa Atoll to discuss and address environmental issues collectively, Reethi Beach Resort is delighted to once again support MWSRP through the support extended by  SC Capital Partners Pte Ltd. to continue in supporting the research and conservation of these gentle giants. SC Capital Partners Pte Ltd is committed to investing responsibly and meaningfully to enhance and protect the value of their assets. They integrate ESG best practices into their operations and assets such as using energy, water and waste efficiently, generating renewable energy, and improving biodiversity conservation.  Through adopting group sustainability practices, Reethi Beach Resort has also been awarded the Green Globe Certification. As part of the collaboration with MWSRP, along with Reethi Beach Resort, SC Capital extends its support beyond the Maldivian archipelago in globally supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030.

Honeymoon

Sun, sand, searches: Maldives tops charts for 2025 newlyweds

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In an era where the quest for the perfect “romantic getaway” has surged by 83% in global Google searches year-on-year, the Maldives has been unequivocally named the top destination for newlyweds. According to new UK search and booking data from travel experts Travelbag, the island nation remains the most coveted long-haul honeymoon spot for 2025.

To determine where couples are heading to celebrate their nuptials, Travelbag’s specialists analyzed average UK Google search volumes alongside year-on-year booking trends from April 2024 to April 2025. The results highlight a clear winner, with the Maldives’ enduring popularity shining through.

Despite fierce competition from other idyllic locations, the Maldives holds the top rank with a staggering 19,200 average UK annual searches and a steady 5% year-on-year growth in bookings. This demonstrates the nation’s unshakable position as the quintessential honeymoon paradise in the minds of couples.

Here are the top long-haul honeymoon destinations according to Travelbag’s data:

  1. Maldives: 19,200 annual searches; 5% booking change
  2. Seychelles: 10,560 annual searches; 50% booking change
  3. Bali: 12,000 annual searches; 0% booking change
  4. Zanzibar: 8,640 annual searches; 86% booking change
  5. Costa Rica: 5,760 annual searches; 10% booking change
  6. St Lucia: 5,760 annual searches; -20% booking change
  7. Dubai: 3,840 annual searches; 30% booking change
  8. Antigua and Barbuda: 2,040 annual searches; 75% booking change
  9. Banff: 360 annual searches; 100% booking change
  10. Kyoto: 240 annual searches; 400% booking change

While destinations like Kyoto and Banff show remarkable growth in booking percentages, their search volumes indicate they remain niche choices compared to the mainstream appeal of the Maldives.

Danny Hugill, the designated Maldives destination expert at Travelbag, shared his advice for couples planning their romantic escape.

“The Maldives is the ultimate honeymoon destination, offering a mix of luxury, seclusion, and natural beauty,” he stated. “For a truly romantic and peaceful honeymoon, consider visiting between December and April, when there is plenty of sunshine and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxing on white-sand beaches and exploring vibrant coral reefs. At this time of year, temperatures range between 24°C and 31°C, so you’ll need to make sure you pack your sunscreen.”

Hugill also highlighted the diverse activities that await newlyweds: “Relaxation and romance take centre stage here. You can enjoy day-diving trips or head out on a glass-bottomed kayak together. But if you’re looking for something more exciting, there are plenty of watersports available on the islands, including water skiing and parasailing. You could even try a Maldivian cooking class to take some culinary skills back home with you.”

This latest data from Travelbag solidifies the Maldives’ esteemed status, proving that its unique blend of breathtaking scenery and luxurious intimacy continues to capture the hearts of couples worldwide, setting the standard for honeymoon destinations in 2025 and beyond.

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Awards

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s spa secures top 3 spot in Travel + Leisure Asia’s 2025 Luxury Awards for Maldives

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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has been recognised as the #3 Best Spa in the Maldives in the Travel + Leisure Asia Luxury Awards 2025, reaffirming its place as a refined, award-winning sanctuary that embodies Banyan Tree’s timeless promise – a Sanctuary for the Senses.

Tucked within the picturesque, lush surrounds of North Malé Atoll, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites travellers to rediscover the romance of travel and experience the Original Maldives—a place where time slows, nature heals, and presence is restored.

Pioneering the spa movement in the Maldives, Banyan Tree Spa was established in 1995 as the first international luxury resort-based spa in the Maldives. Guided by a vision to offer holistic, intuitive healing in harmony with nature, the spa continues to lead as an icon of tropical wellness and quiet rejuvenation.

At the heart of this distinction is the resort’s reimagined Banyan Tree Spa & Wellbeing (https://www.banyantree.com/maldives/vabbinfaru/spa/banyan-tree-spa-vabbinfaru ) philosophy – a holistic refuge where the rhythms of island life restore the senses, and each ritual is intuitively crafted to align mind, body, and soul. Treatments are delivered by therapists who undergo more than 600 hours of dedicated training at the Banyan Tree Spa & Wellbeing Academy, where the wisdom of ancient Asian healing is honoured and preserved.

Signature Spa Journeys combine locally grown botanicals, intuitive touch, and the soothing cadence of the ocean to awaken stillness and presence. The renowned Banyan Tree Spa Signature experience is at once enchanting and rejuvenating, designed for complete physical, mental, and spiritual renewal – an oasis for those seeking more than rest: a return to self.

Banyan Tree’s wellbeing philosophy embraces the belief that everyone aspires—and deserves – to live well. At its core is a dedication to purposeful, regenerative living, where personal and environmental wellbeing are deeply intertwined. Through healing in harmony with nature – one is gently invited to reconnect with self, others, and the natural world.

“As we celebrate 30 years of barefoot eco-luxury at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru this year, this recognition is a tribute to our passionate therapists and reflects the essence of what we offer – a sacred place for renewal, reconnection, and a return to inner calm.”
— Elias Pertoft, General Manager, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru

This accolade arrives as the resort deepens its commitment to sustainability, local culture, and community empowerment. The recently launched Banyan Tree Connections programme furthers this mission, offering intuitive, regenerative experiences for those seeking grounding, growth, and greater meaning through intentional travel. (https://www.banyantree.com/maldives/vabbinfaru/offers/banyan-tree-connections )

Whether arriving in search of stillness or awakening, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru remains an inviting, tranquil haven – a place to reignite the senses, honour ancient traditions, and rediscover what it means to feel whole.

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Awards

Minor Hotels’ Maldives resorts sweep Travel + Leisure accolades for unrivalled luxury

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Minor Hotels has prominently showcased its strength in the Maldivian luxury resort market, securing a remarkable number of accolades at the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. The group’s resorts in the Maldives were highly celebrated, reinforcing their position as leaders in the nation’s competitive hospitality landscape.

Leading the charge was Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, which achieved recognition across five distinct categories. The Baa Atoll resort was ranked among the best in the region, securing the #5 spot for ‘Best Resorts’ and the #4 position for its vibrant ‘Best House Reefs’. Its pool was named the 5th ‘Best Resort Pool’, and its Anantara Spa was listed as the 5th ‘Best Resort Spa’. The resort also earned a place for its luxurious accommodations, with its villas ranked #6 in the ‘Most Outrageous Villas’ category.

The recognition for Minor Hotels extended to its other properties in the archipelago. Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort was also lauded as one of the top resorts in the region, placing at #8 in the ‘Best Resorts’ category.

Spa and wellness, a key pillar of the Maldivian tourism offering, saw further wins for the group. The Anantara Spa at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort was distinguished as the #4 ‘Best Resort Spa’ in the Asia Pacific, highlighting its excellence in providing world-class wellness experiences.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives also received significant praise. The resort’s exclusive ‘The Crescent’ was ranked #10 in the ‘Most Outrageous Villas’ category. Furthermore, the property’s leadership was celebrated, with General Manager Hafidh Al Busaidy being named the 5th ‘Best General Manager’ in the Maldives, a testament to the high standards of service and management at the resort.

These numerous awards, voted for by Travel + Leisure’s discerning global readership, underscore the strong appeal and exceptional quality of Minor Hotels’ portfolio in the Maldives, celebrating their commitment to luxury, service, and unique guest experiences.

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