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Endless summer fun in the sun at Dhawa Ihuru Maldives
Set on an idyllic private island in North Male’, which is just 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Dhawa Ihuru is the ideal destination for an endless summer fun in the sun. A charming paradise in its true sense, it is an eco-friendly luxury resort with one of the best house reefs in the Maldives. Guests will be mesmerised by the azure waters, powdery white sand and breathtaking panoramas.
As part of the Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading independent, multi-branded hospitality groups, the recently rebranded resort (formerly known as Angsana Ihuru) fuses imaginative design, absolute comfort and seamless technology into a single stay experience, which caters to the emerging design-savvy travellers that seek distinctive experiences in stylish and unique destinations.
In line with the brand’s “active wellbeing” motivating characteristic, Dhawa Ihuru ensures an energising and revitalizing stay. For the thalassophiles, they will be thrilled to join the guided snorkelling trips or snorkelling safari. They can also attend interesting talks conducted by the marine biologist that covers the diverse underwater life and marine conservation topics, which educate guests about the environmental challenges the Maldives is facing like coral bleaching. By participating in marine conservation efforts, such as coral planting, guests can help in propagating the house reefs.
With its island playground ambience, various ocean experiences await guests – from kayaking, catamaran sailing and wind surfing to diving and traditional fishing. For guests who would like to socialise over drinks and snacks, Nest, the all-day self-service chill out zone is the place to be.
For families with little VIPs, a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities await them at the Kids Club – from building sandcastles to T-shirt painting, treasure hunts, and beach games. While they are under the care of well-trained attendants, couples can opt to work out together at Activa, a fully-equipped gym with stunning sea views, or indulge in a rejuvenating signature body massage.
With all-inclusive packages, guests are spoilt for sumptuous culinary treats to international cuisine and the freshest catch of the day at the Riveli Restaurant, local bites and cocktails at the Velaavani Bar and Nectar, the Japanese bento box-style in-villa dining. Further, the new Twin Island dine-around concept allows them to explore premium dining at its sister resort, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
While guests take in the beautiful sight around with the softness of the sand on their toes, the rhythmic drum beats accompanied by enigmatic dance performance of the Boduberu takes over – taking them to an unforgettable experience of the heart of the Maldivian music, which African roots can be traced all the way back to the 11th century. In the local Dhivehi language, “bodu” means big, and beru “beru” means drums, bringing unparalleled energy to the crowd. Hence, no guest leaves the island without clapping and dancing along.
With an equilibrium of tranquility and leisure, guests at Dhawa Ihuru can be as private or as social as they wish. For minimum three nights’ stay at Dhawa Ihuru, guests can take advantage of 20% discount, plus one-time complimentary sunset cruise and return speedboat transfers for two persons with the Stay More, Pay Less offer, which also includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a selection of free-flowing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This ongoing offer is valid for bookings and stays until December 31, 2024.
For queries and reservations, guests can visit www.dhawa.com.
The Indian Ocean provides consistent surf conditions throughout the year, but each September, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa hosts the Surfing Champions Trophy at the Sultans break. The event is scheduled to return from 4 to 11 September 2026, bringing together professional surfers, guests and spectators.
Now in its 14th edition, the Surfing Champions Trophy is an invitation-only event featuring professional surfers competing across three board disciplines: single fin, twin fin and thruster. The competition takes place at Sultans, a reef break in North Malé Atoll, with Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa serving as the base for participants, officials and attending guests.
The line-up for the 2026 edition will be announced in stages in the coming months.
The event was first held in 2011, with Mark Occhilupo winning all three divisions and the Grand Champions Final. Since then, previous winners have included Damien Hardman (2012), Taylor Knox (2013), Dave Rastovich (2014), Shane Dorian (2015), Taj Burrow (2016, 2017 and 2024), Josh Kerr (2018 and 2019), Kelly Slater (2022), and Joel Parkinson (2023).
Over the years, the competition has also featured a range of international surfers, including Carissa Moore, Maya Gabeira, Tom Curren, Rob Machado, Layne Beachley, Bethany Hamilton, Mikey February, Jeremy Flores and Jadson Andre.
The 2025 edition saw Tahitian surfer Michel Bourez secure victory despite sustaining a hamstring injury during the event. He won both the thruster division and the Grand Champions Final, achieving the only perfect score of the competition in the closing moments of the final. Other participants included Owen Wright, Jesse Mendes, Craig Anderson and Maldivian wildcard Ismail Rasheed.
In parallel with the event, the resort offers the “Surf’s Up” package, which includes coaching sessions with Tropicsurf professionals, guided surf trips, daily yoga sessions, spa treatments, and accommodation with transfers. The package is available to guests seeking to participate in surf-related activities during the event period.
Updates on the 2026 competition, including participant announcements, will be released through official channels of the Surfing Champions Trophy and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.
JOALI has announced a partnership with retired footballer Fara Williams, who will visit JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING this April to lead a series of football-related activities for guests and the local community.
Fara Williams is among the most capped players in English football history, with 172 international appearances for the England women’s national team. Over the course of her career, she represented clubs including Chelsea and Charlton Athletic, and captained Everton to victory in the Premier League Cup in 2008 and the FA Women’s Cup in 2010.
As part of the initiative, Williams will host a football workshop for girls from Dhuvaafaru Island on 11 April 2026. The session is intended to support the development of women’s football in the Maldives and reflects JOALI’s engagement with communities in Raa Atoll.
In addition, family-focused football sessions will be held for resort guests on 13 April at JOALI Maldives and on 17 April at JOALI BEING. These sessions will provide children and families with the opportunity to participate in football activities guided by Williams.
JOALI Maldives offers villas starting from USD 3,256 per night for two guests sharing a Water Villa with Pool on a bed and breakfast basis. At JOALI BEING, villas start from USD 3,162 per night for two guests sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a bed and breakfast basis.
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has unveiled Moon Over Kodhipparu, a month-long programme of curated lunar-inspired experiences scheduled to take place throughout May 2026. Drawing on the natural rhythm of the moon, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives through a series of immersive activities designed to foster connection to self, others, and the surrounding island environment.
Set against the Indian Ocean, the programme structures each significant lunar phase as a distinct experiential segment. The Flower Full Moon at the beginning of the month introduces a theme of renewal, with activities including guided sound healing sessions, sunset cruises that extend into moonlit lagoon journeys, and oceanfront dining experiences.
Midway through the month, the Super New Moon presents a contrasting focus on stillness and reflection. Guests are invited to participate in beachside wellness sessions, starlit cruises under dark skies, and night fishing experiences guided by the natural rhythm of the sea.
The programme concludes with the Blue Moon on 31 May, marked by a series of experiences centred on celebration and connection, including couples’ spa treatments, lagoon cruises, and curated dining experiences under moonlight.
In addition to these key lunar events, the programme runs throughout May with a range of experiences integrated into the resort offering. Evening options include private beach lounge settings illuminated by lanterns, alongside a selection of botanical cocktails reflecting the changing tones of the night sky. The resort also offers tailored private dining and proposal arrangements, as well as a Mother’s Day concept that enables guests to arrange personalised experiences for travelling family members.
The programme reflects a broader trend in luxury travel towards experience-led stays. At Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, this is reflected through the integration of wellness, dining, and ocean-based activities into a structured programme designed to create continuity across the guest experience.
Guests are able to access the programme through the resort’s “Night on Us” offer, available for bookings made until 30 April 2026. The offer includes two complimentary nights on a six-night stay, allowing guests additional time to engage with multiple phases of the programme. It is valid for stays through 31 October 2026.
Located approximately 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives offers overwater villas, a house reef, and a range of curated experiences that reflect the natural and cultural setting of the Maldives.
Through Moon Over Kodhipparu, the resort continues to expand its experience offering by aligning guest activities with natural cycles and structured programming.
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