News
Marriott Bonvoy resorts in Maldives sweep major awards at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023
Travel + Leisure South East Asia Hong Kong & Macao recently unveiled its prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 winners in Bangkok on 5 June 2023 to celebrate the brands and people shaping the travel industry.
Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of luxury hotels in the Maldives collected 8 awards in total. The awards are based on the votes of Travel + Leisure South East Asia readers and they celebrate excellence in the luxury travel industry and highlight the exceptional experiences offered by the resorts.
- Top 10 Best Resorts – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives has secured a position among the top ten best resorts in the Maldives, showcasing its commitment to providing unparalleled luxury and exceptional guest experiences.
- Top 5 Best Resort Spas – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands: Recognised for its exceptional The Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering guests a sanctuary of rejuvenation and wellness amidst breathtaking surroundings.
- Top 5 Most Outrageous Villas – The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: The John Jacob Astor Estate at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been recognised as one of the most outrageous in the Maldives, setting a new standard for luxury accommodations.
- Top 5 Best GMs – Idu Ribeiro, W Maldives: Idu Ribeiro, General Manager of W Maldives, has been honoured as the best general manager in the Maldives for the second consecutive year. His exceptional leadership and management skills play a vital role in creating unforgettable guest experiences.
- Top 5 Best GMs – Marc Gussing, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa: Travel + Leisure also paid tribute to Marc Gussing for leading a winning team and for putting the Maldives on the forefront as an ideal destination.
- Top 5 Best House Reefs – W Maldives: W Maldives has been acknowledged for its breathtaking house reef, offering guests unparalleled opportunities to explore the vibrant marine life of the Maldives on their doorstep.
- Top 5 Best Family Hotels – JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa: Praised as one of the top ten best family hotels, the resort provides a range of amenities including the FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins Kids Club and fun-filled activities for families to create cherished memories.
- Top 5 Best Resort Pools – JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa: The stunning swimming pool at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa has been commended for its beauty and elegance, providing guests with the ultimate relaxation and leisure experience.
Managing Director, Marriott International Luxury Asia Pacific (excluding China), Oriol Montal, expressed his delight at the outstanding performance of the four luxury resorts in the Maldives.
“We are honoured to receive this accolade from Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023. These awards are a testament to the unparalleled dedication of our associates in providing extraordinary experiences for our guests and will motivate us to continue delivering exceptional experiences,” he said.




Marriott Bonvoy’s luxury portfolio of resorts in the Maldives comprises of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa and W Maldives, each located on their own private island and offering the ultimate dream getaway.
For further information, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com/Maldives
Cooking
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives announces Easter residency by Chef Dimitry Eremeev
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection, invites guests to experience Easter through a refined celebration of gastronomy, creativity, and island discovery. Set within the untouched beauty of Huvadhoo Atoll, the resort unveils a thoughtfully curated programme designed to inspire connection, indulgence, and a sense of wonder.
At the heart of the celebration is an exclusive residency by Chef Dimitry Eremeev, who will be in residence from 30 March to 6 April 2026. Bringing his distinctive culinary perspective to the island, Chef Dimitry introduces Alchemy of Flavours—a concept where each dish becomes a story, blending art, flavour, and technique into a journey that surprises and delights.
Chef Dimitry is a highly regarded culinary talent known for his expertise in both Pan-Asian and European cuisine. As part of the renowned Maison Dellos, he brings a refined approach shaped by diverse gastronomic influences, seamlessly combining eastern traditions with western techniques. His career includes experience at prestigious institutions such as the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation and the celebrated Café Pushkin, reflecting a deep understanding of global culinary trends and a commitment to excellence.
During his residency, guests can experience a series of curated culinary events beginning with Sunset Cocktails with Chef Dimitry, an intimate Easter prelude where guests meet the chef against the backdrop of Maldivian sunsets and gain insight into his culinary philosophy.
The celebrations continue with a Four-Hands Dinner at the Fire Pit, where Chef Dimitry collaborates with in-house Executive Chef Harpal Singh. Set beneath the stars, this open-air dining experience unfolds as a dynamic exchange of flavours, where smoke, spice, and storytelling create a memorable evening.
A Wine Dinner at the Private Dining Room (PDR) offers a more refined experience, pairing hand- selected wines with Chef Dimitry’s imaginative creations. Each course is designed to guide guests through a sensory journey of flavour, texture, and aroma.
Beyond the culinary programme, Easter at The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives embraces the spirit of island living through a diverse collection of experiences. From creative workshops and family- friendly moments to ocean adventures and opportunities for relaxation, the programme reflects the resort’s philosophy of curated individuality and meaningful connection.
The Easter programme encourages guests to discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Maldives through a thoughtfully designed series of experiences. From exploring vibrant house reefs and nearby uninhabited islands to engaging in creative and wellness activities, each moment is crafted to inspire a sense of wonder, celebration, and effortless indulgence in a truly secluded island setting.
For any reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at ak.mlehp.reservations@marriott.com or +960 682 8800
Family
JA Manafaru launches Easter programme with family-focused experiences
This spring, the magic of the Maldives meets the joyful charm of Easter with a specially curated family getaway at JA Manafaru. Designed to help guests make the most of the island experience, the Residences Offer combines spacious villa living with thoughtful touches such as a dedicated butler, seamless arrivals, and curated daily moments. Adding to the sense of occasion, the resort will host a series of lively Easter celebrations and egg-themed activities, filling the island with playful moments for guests of all ages.
At JA Manafaru, luxury is defined by personalised service and meaningful gestures that create a sense of ease, knowing everything has already been taken care of. This attention to detail begins the moment guests touch down at Velana International Airport, where dedicated CIP airport service ensures a smooth arrival. From there, guests are whisked away by seaplane, a transfer that is complimentary for stays of five nights or more, soaring above the Maldives’ turquoise lagoons and coral atolls for a journey that feels like an adventure in itself.
As part of the Residences Offer, guests can enjoy up to 30% savings on their stay while spending their Easter break in one of three opulent hideaways, such as the stylish overwater Two Bedroom Ocean Residence with Family Infinity Pool, surrounded by uninterrupted panoramas of the Indian Ocean. The Two Bedroom Beach Residence with Two Private Pools offers a refined two-storey beachfront sanctuary, while the Three Bedroom Beach Residence with Two Private Pools elevates the experience even further with its own private spa pavilion featuring a steam room and sauna, making it ideal for larger families.
Setting the tone for a truly magical Easter celebration in the Maldives, guests are welcomed with a bottle of bubbly and a generous fruit basket on arrival. Throughout your stay, a dedicated Thakuru, the resort’s private butler, is also on hand to quietly take care of every detail, allowing families to settle in and savour each moment together. Thoughtful touches continue with personalised tags waiting on the island bikes, daily turndown amenities, and a complimentary laundry service before departure, ensuring the experience feels effortless from start to finish.
Guests visiting over the Easter weekend can also look forward to a joyful programme of seasonal festivities on Sunday, April 5th, designed to get the whole family involved. The celebrations begin at 11.00am with the grand arrival of the Easter Bunny, setting the tone for a day filled with playful moments and sweet surprises. Afterwards, guests can hop over to Kakuni for a lavish Easter feast featuring seasonal dishes, decadent desserts, and a lively egg-smashing activity for kids.
Little ones can continue the adventure with an exciting island-wide Easter egg and treasure hunt, followed by a visit to the petting zoo, where they can spend time with the resort’s fluffy bunnies. As the day winds down, Easter-themed turndown amenities await in guest villas, adding a final hint of festive magic to the evening.
At JA Manafaru, Easter is less about grand gestures and more about the small moments that bring families closer, like sharing a meal, laughing together, or watching the sun set after a day well spent. Secure your Easter family getaway now and experience a one-of-a-kind celebration that feels joyful, relaxed, and quietly unforgettable.
For bookings and more information, please visit the resort’s website.
News
Ifuru Island Maldives partners with Toddy to launch lifestyle collection
Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled a vibrant new collaboration with Toddy, bringing together contemporary design and authentic island storytelling in a limited-edition lifestyle collection. Thoughtfully curated to reflect the rhythm and color of modern Maldivian living, the collection introduces three distinctive creations: sunglasses, quick-dry beach towels, and lenticular postcards.
The Ifuru x Toddy sunglasses are a bold expression of island artistry, drawing from the kaleidoscopic hues of the Maldivian reef and the unmistakable vibrancy of the parrotfish. Designed for both style and performance, the lightweight Mas (Ainu) shades feature polarised TAC lenses with anti-glare technology and 100% UV400 protection. Crafted with flexible yet durable frames, anti-slip detailing, and protective lens coatings to resist saltwater corrosion, they offer a seamless blend of innovation and effortless sophistication, equally suited for sun-drenched days and ocean-bound adventures.
The quick-dry beach towels reinterpret an icon of Ifuru Island, the resort’s signature three palm trees. Both emblematic and understated, the design is paired with highly functional craftsmanship. Made from absorbent microfiber, the towels are exceptionally quick-drying, lightweight, and compact, designed to move effortlessly from beach to lagoon. With sand-off technology woven into their structure, they offer a refined yet practical solution for guests seeking comfort without compromise, ensuring the island stays with you, but the sand does not.

Completing the collection, the lenticular postcards offer a poetic tribute to the rhythm of island time, shifting from sunlit brilliance to the deep, glowing tones of sunset. With imagery that transforms in motion, each piece captures the fleeting beauty of a single day in paradise, reimagined as an interactive and enduring keepsake.
“This collaboration is a celebration of Maldivian talent and storytelling,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Partnering with Toddy allows us to showcase local artistry while creating meaningful, design-led pieces that resonate with our guests long after their stay.”
Founded by siblings Fayaz and Riyaz, Toddy has grown from humble beginnings into a proudly Maldivian brand rooted in storytelling. Inspired by generations of cultural narratives from ancient seafaring legends to mythical tales, each design carries a sense of history reimagined through a modern lens, positioning Toddy as a distinctive voice within the region’s creative landscape.
“Working with Ifuru on this was something special. We got to take the feeling of the island and turn it into a small collection, each piece carrying a bit of its colour, movement, and calm. At Toddy, we’ve always believed the best things you take with you are the ones that hold a memory. These are made to travel, but more importantly, to bring you back to those moments at Ifuru. Big thanks to the team for trusting us to help tell their story through design,” shared Riyaz.
The Ifuru x Toddy collection is available exclusively at Ifuru Island Maldives, offering guests a unique opportunity to connect with the destination through thoughtfully designed, locally inspired pieces.
-
Family1 week agoEaster in Maldives: COMO Cocoa Island and Maalifushi launch curated festivities
-
News1 week agoLoredana to attend Caravela opening at NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort
-
Family1 week agoConrad Maldives Rangali Island introduces Roarsome-themed adventure programme
-
Cooking1 week agoAnantara Veli unveils all-female Michelin guest chef series
-
News1 week agoJEN Maldives Malé celebrates Eid with traditional breakfast and rooftop offering
-
Culture6 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi marks Eid with cultural celebrations and community spirit
-
Meditation1 week agoOne&Only Reethi Rah’s five-star spa unveils Spring wellness programme
-
Family6 days agoW Maldives launches Easter celebration with kayak races and beach feast


