Featured
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.
Featured
Villa Nautica’s festive glow: Yoga at sunrise, fireworks at midnight
Villa Nautica will embrace the festive spirit from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, offering guests an easy island rhythm that flows from bright mornings by the water to music-filled evenings on the sand. The season begins with illuminated beaches and relaxed barbecues, gradually building through creative afternoons and live performances. Christmas Eve will feature a gala dinner, followed by Santa’s arrival on 25 December. The celebrations will culminate in a vibrant New Year’s Eve countdown with fireworks, before settling into a calm reset on New Year’s Day and concluding with Orthodox Christmas.
The programme balances practicality with a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Mornings will bring sunrise yoga, family pool activities, and interactive cooking sessions, while evenings will feature poolside soirées, wine-paired dinners, and sunset cruises. With simple yet photogenic settings, the lagoon and sky take centre stage in shaping the mood. Guests—whether couples, friends, or families—can participate freely without losing the island’s easy pace.
For younger visitors, the festivities will centre around the kids’ club, where cookie and cupcake decorating, beach games, origami and craft sessions, storytelling, and cosy movie nights will take place. Small groups and attentive care ensure that creativity and play remain the focus, allowing parents to enjoy uninterrupted moments around the island.
A highlight of the season will be the Champagne Lucky Draw & Disco. From 1 to 31 December, each bottle of champagne purchased at resort bars or restaurants will serve as an entry to the draw. Guests are advised to keep their entry stubs for the live draw, held at 01:00 during the New Year’s celebration, where the prize will be a seven-night stay in a Water Villa for two.
Throughout the festive period, private experiences will feel as memorable as the larger celebrations. Guests may enjoy candlelit dinners on the sand, floating breakfasts, or early morning snorkelling sessions to begin the year anew. Whether seeking a lively shoreline celebration or a quiet evening stroll beneath lanterns and palms, Villa Nautica offers an atmosphere where every festive moment can glow in its own way.
Featured
JOALI BEING launches global campaign ‘Joyful Journeys of Well-Living’
JOALI BEING, the world’s first well-being island, has announced the launch of its new global brand campaign titled “Joyful Journeys of Well-Living.” The campaign celebrates the art of self-discovery, inviting travellers to reconnect with their inner selves through bespoke and transformative experiences.
Building upon JOALI BEING’s core philosophy of the “Joy of Weightlessness,” the campaign embodies the essence of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. It encourages guests to explore holistic pathways designed to restore balance and inspire personal growth.
Joyful Journeys of Well-Living serves as an invitation to travellers seeking meaningful change and renewal. The campaign narrates stories of individuals discovering joy through purposeful living, mindful connection, and immersive well-being experiences at JOALI BEING.
The visuals capture the island’s tranquil landscapes and nurturing spaces — from oceanfront sanctuaries to treetop villas and transformative healing sessions led by resident experts. The campaign presents JOALI BEING as more than a destination; it is a journey towards well-being, creativity, and self-transformation.
Each guest journey at JOALI BEING is founded on the resort’s Four Pillars of Well-Being — Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy. Through tailored programmes, guests can embark on integrative wellness experiences encompassing sound therapy, movement and fitness, hydrotherapy, nutritional guidance, and energy-healing sessions curated by specialists.
The island features a series of advanced well-being spaces, including:
- CORE: a movement and fitness zone
- AREKA: a transformative treatment centre
- KAASHI: a hydrotherapy hall
- SEDA: a sound-healing room
- Ocean Sala: an open-air meditation and relaxation deck
Each space is designed to nurture a profound connection with nature and the self.
The Joyful Journeys of Well-Living campaign has been conceptualised and produced by JOALI BEING’s in-house team in collaboration with creative partners and visual storytellers from across the globe. The multi-platform campaign integrates film, digital, and print media to convey JOALI BEING’s ethos — a celebration of joy, transformation, and harmony.
The visual narrative draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Maldives, reflecting JOALI BEING’s immersive design philosophy. The imagery captures the rhythm of the ocean, the play of light, and the flow of energy that define the spirit of the island.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins Best Waterside Hotel at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2026
Coco Bodu Hithi has been recognised on the global stage, winning Best Waterside Hotel (Riverside, Lakeside, Seaside) at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026, held on 3 November 2025 in the UK. It is the second consecutive year the resort has been honoured by the publication, following last year’s win for Best Service, reaffirming its focus on heartfelt Maldivian hospitality and refined island living.
Described by Condé Nast Johansens as an “over-water, over-indulgent Maldivian island outpost,” Coco Bodu Hithi offers an intimate retreat of comfort and calm. The resort’s 32 Water Villas and 24 Coco Residences, each measuring 184 square metres and featuring private pools, provide secluded spaces set above the lagoon, where nature, design, and comfort come together to reflect the island’s romantic ambience.
Known for contemporary design infused with Maldivian heritage, the resort continues to welcome travellers seeking time by the sea, complemented by culinary collaborations with celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs. The experience balances privacy and comfort throughout a guest’s stay. With turquoise waters, quiet spaces, and experiences designed for connection and shared discovery, the resort presents a considered take on island living.
Located 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the island combines accessibility with seclusion—close enough for convenience, yet removed for privacy and serenity. As part of Coco Collection, the resort offers bespoke experiences, attentive service, and sustainable practices, shaping stays that feel personal and reflective of relaxed, authentic island life.
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