News
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort celebrates remarkable first year

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa celebrates its first birthday with a variety of island activities.
The 109 all-pool villa resort marked the expansion of Hilton’s award-winning flagship brand into one of the world’s most sought-after destinations when it opened on July 1, 2022, introducing an array of thoughtful amenities new to the archipelago.
Recently voted among the Top 10 Resorts in the Maldives at the 2023 Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, the resort continues to welcome the next generation of travelers with elevated experiences and exceptional Hilton hospitality.
“As we begin our second year of operations, we are committed to delivering an even more outstanding overall experience at Hilton Maldives, where meaningful reconnections are made and lasting memories are created,” said Gaurav Thakur, General Manager.
The Amingiri Birthday Party
The birthday celebration kicks off on July 1, 2023 with a vibrant tropical-themed pool party, complete with watermelon and citrus popsicles, giant inflatables, fun games and mermaids at Aura Pool Bar. The social heartbeat of the resort, Aura’s beachfront pool and ocean panorama are a stunning backdrop to music by resident DJ Maryna.
Little holidaymakers have their very own kids’ corner in the pool and evening party at Krakengiri Kids’ Club, filled with crafts and games. There will be a mini magic show, and popcorn and birthday cake will be served.
Adventurous guests can join the exciting treasure hunt that follows, and search around the island for buried prizes.
An eventful afternoon ends with cocktails hosted by the general manager. The team of talented resident mixologists will be showcasing the sparkling Jumhooree Spice, a rum-based cocktail infused with a blend of local spices, tea, passionfruit and coconut, barrel-aged to perfection in the Cocktail Lab.
The after-party takes place from 9:00 pm onwards, with an entertainment lineup featuring guest DJs and a fire show.
A collection of birthday pralines will be given during the evening turndown service. These come in flavors inspired by signature desserts at each of the restaurants: green tea-infused white chocolate from Sip Tea Lounge; hazelnut imperial from Habitat; vanilla and cheese from Origin; tiramisu from Aura; and smoky citrus from Beach Shack.
The celebration continues through to July 15, with all guests staying at the resort receiving special savings off selected salon treatments, watersports and food and beverage, as well as complimentary photography during the ever-popular Try Mermaid and Try Scuba sessions.
Guests will also be able to explore several installations by well-known Maldivian artist Rappe, who maintains an art studio on the island. These include a paper art gate, as well as a full exhibit of curated pieces. Called “Ehtherevari’, the exhibit takes its name from a Dhivehi word for the calm waters enclosed by surrounding reefs, and highlights the delicate nature of the marine ecosystem.
For more information or to make reservations, guests may visit Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa or call +960 664 63 64.
Awards
Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.
Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.
Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:
- Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
- Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
- AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
- Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
- Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
- The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
- Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.
The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.
General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”
The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.
Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.
With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.
Awards
Readers’ favourites: Anantara Kihavah, Niyama Private Islands earn top honours in Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Awards

Two Minor Hotels’ Maldivian resorts — Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas and Niyama Private Islands Maldives — have been recognised among the best in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, one of the travel industry’s most respected accolades.
The two resorts, both under Minor Hotels’ luxury Anantara brand portfolio, were featured in the Indian Ocean category of this year’s awards. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas was ranked No. 9 by readers of Condé Nast Traveller UK, while Niyama Private Islands Maldives secured the No. 10 spot in Condé Nast Traveler US.
These rankings reaffirm the enduring appeal of Minor Hotels’ Maldivian portfolio, celebrated for combining exceptional natural settings with world-class hospitality and distinctive guest experiences.
Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offers a blend of barefoot luxury and marine discovery. The resort is renowned for its award-winning underwater restaurant, SEA, and a diverse collection of private pool villas surrounded by one of the archipelago’s most vibrant house reefs.
Meanwhile, Niyama Private Islands Maldives, set across twin islands Play and Chill in Dhaalu Atoll, continues to define laid-back luxury in the Indian Ocean. Known for its pioneering underwater club Subsix, family-friendly vibe, and innovative wellness and dining concepts, the resort offers an experience where adventure meets serenity.
“These accolades reflect the passion and dedication of our teams across the Maldives,” said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels. “We are proud to see our Maldivian resorts recognised by travellers from around the world, reaffirming their status among the most desirable island destinations globally.”
The 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards highlight Minor Hotels’ growing global presence, with a total of 45 accolades across its Anantara, Avani, NH Collection, and Elewana brands — the group’s strongest performance to date.
News
Villa Park invites travellers to enjoy up to 20% off Maldivian escapes

Villa Park invites travellers to experience the warmth and wonder of the Maldives this winter with its Winter Escape Offer, giving guests up to 20% off stays. Set in the South Ari Atoll, one of the country’s largest natural islands, Villa Park blends adventure, relaxation, and genuine Maldivian hospitality across a lush landscape surrounded by turquoise lagoons.
Guests can choose from family beach villas, beach pool villas, and water villas, each designed to capture the island’s light and tranquillity. The highlight of the resort’s collection is the Two-Bedroom Beach Pool House, the largest residence on the island, featuring a private pool, ocean views, and direct beach access. It is the ideal choice for families or friends seeking space, privacy, and comfort.
Recognised as one of the Best Family Resorts in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025, Villa Park is home to the Park Players Kids Club, the largest in the Maldives. The club offers creative workshops, outdoor adventures, and engaging activities that inspire imagination and connection for children of all ages.
Days at Villa Park are filled with discovery, from whale shark excursions in the nearby marine reserve to treetop dining at ZERO, the island’s garden-to-fork restaurant where ingredients are grown on site. The Araamu Spa offers a peaceful sanctuary inspired by traditional Maldivian healing practices, while sunset cruises and beachside cocktails add to the rhythm of island life.
Sustainability is at the heart of Villa Park’s philosophy. The Green Key-certified resort produces solar energy to power island operations and runs a hydroponic garden that supplies fresh produce to its kitchens. It also operates an in-house glass-bottle facility to eliminate single-use plastics and has implemented comprehensive recycling and waste management systems. These efforts ensure that each stay supports a healthier, more sustainable Maldives.
Guests who book directly at villaresorts.com enjoy exclusive benefits, flexible booking terms, and the best available rates.
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