Featured
#SenseTheMoment at Angsana Velavaru, an all-inclusive premium resort
With its turquoise lagoon stretching off into infinity in the virtually untouched South Nilandhe Atoll, spacious island-based villas and stilts over the water, exquisite dining experiences, 101 activities to choose from such as watersports, diving lessons, rejuvenating spa treatments and beyond, Angsana Velavaru, an all-inclusive premium resort, offers the best stage to #SenseTheMoment and create beautiful memories with loved ones, family and friends.
Comfort Meets Privacy, Space and Style
Angsana Velavaru offers a harmonious combination of comfort, privacy, space, and style. The resort has 113 villas – 79 units on the main island, and 34 units over the water.
For guests who wish to be close to the picture-perfect white sand beach, all the beach accommodations namely Beachfront Villa, Beachfront Infinity Pool Villa, Beachfront Family Pool Villa, Deluxe Beachfront Pool Villa and Velavaru Two-Bedroom Pool Villa feature direct access and lush vegetation, stimulating wall art and vibrant colours with quality furnishings, as well as generous indoor and outdoor spaces.
The resort’s flagship beach villa, Angsana Three-Bedroom Villa Pool Villa consists of two separate huts, featuring two king size en suite bedrooms, additional twin room and a spacious dining room. It also highlights a private garden with a 5 x 3 x 1.3 metres infinity pool – ideal for hosting intimate celebrations, such as sunset cocktail parties or private barbecues. The Thai sala located at the beachside promises to leave a feeling of an ultimate private paradise experience.
Adding to the sense of unparalleled premium experience, Angsana Velavaru boasts of an exclusive collection of water villas, dubbed to be the very first of its kind in the Maldives. Situated over the water with idyllic views of the magnificent Indian Ocean, this spacious two-storey villa offers a classic Maldivian escape that discerning travellers have always been dreaming of, which is consists of InOcean Pool Villa, Deluxe InOcean Pool Villa and the impressively elaborate Deluxe InOcean Two- Bedroom Pool Villa.
Spread across 287 square meters of indoor and outdoor spaces, the two-storey Deluxe InOcean Two-Bedroom Pool Villa, the resort’s flagship overwater villa is a two-bedroom residence. This “oasis of luxury for family or group of friends” has a prime ocean address, surrounded by vibrant marine life – with direct access to the coral reef. Guests can jump into an infinity pool stretched right above the clear ocean waters, take a nap in an ocean-suspended hammock, or get a suntan on a wooden poolside deck. Designed in exotic symmetry, this residence features a king-sized bedroom with an adjoining lavish bathroom and ensuite twin-size guestroom.
The rooftop sala is perfect for private gatherings such as barbecues or sunset champagne and canapés. An airy terrace equipped with a dining set up and sunbeds complete a picture of tropical elegance. To complete the feeling of escapism, a 9-metre-long infinity pool with endless horizon views serves as the best spot to indulge in a floating breakfast.
Exquisite Dining Experiences
At Angsana Velavaru, guests are spoilt in exceptional dining experiences – from authentic Maldivian flavours to rich Indian, flavourful Asian, and elegant international cuisines, set out in mesmerising locations alongside warm service from the associates of different countries and nationalities to cater to diverse mix of guests.
Guests are welcomed with an enchanting convergence of ocean and gastronomy. Guests looking for a casual beachfront dining can visit Kaani Restaurant where they can choose an enticing buffet spread or meticulously crafted à la carte menu options that will surely tantalise their taste buds.
At Funa Restaurant, an overwater restaurant, guests can savour the flavours of world-class Pan-Asian cuisine – consisting of classic favourites from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam with a modern twist. Having the beautiful Maldivian sunset as backdrop, this restaurant is not to be missed.
Azzurro Restaurant and Bar is another overwater restaurant to visit that sits in the InOcean Villa Cluster that presents Mediterranean-inspired and vegetarian dishes.
For those who wish to bask in the sun and lounging by the pool with awe-inspiring views at Kuredhi Pool Bar. Imagine this. Sipping favourite cocktails or mocktails while holding a loved one’s hand.
For more exquisite and incomparable dining experiences, guests can take a notch higher – either winding down the day on a floating dining platform amid the lagoon or indulging in a night of culinary delight under the stars.
All-Inclusive Premium Options
With various all-inclusive options available, Angsana Velavaru caters to every guest’s preference. Offering complimentary minibar, which is replenish daily upon guests’ request, ach all-inclusive meal plan is exclusively designed to embrace all elements of a gastronomic and recreational holiday in the Maldives.
All-Inclusive Dine and Plus include daily breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with 45 varieties of bubbly and cocktails, 15 varieties of mocktails, vitamin boosters and smoothies. Additionally, All-Inclusive Style and Max cover a range of premium spirits and wines, as well as dine-around option.
Meanwhile, All-Inclusive Play, Plus and Style provide nightly credits to guests for a maximum of 10-night stay. The credits are applicable to pampering body massages or exhilarating activities.
Find out more about the All-Inclusive Premium Options by visiting: All-Inclusive Resort Meals in Maldives | Angsana Velavaru.
Featured
AIDA brings over 2,000 tourists to Maldives in major economic boost
Maldives recently welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA, carrying 2,139 tourists. Operated primarily for Swiss, Austrian, and German visitors, the ship arrived on December 8, 2024, from Muscat, Oman. This visit marks the first cruise ship arrival since regulatory changes were implemented at the request of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).
The AIDA’s stopover is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists is likely to benefit various businesses, including restaurants, souvenir shops, local dhonis, guesthouses, and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé. This surge in activity is anticipated to further solidify the Maldives’ position as a leading cruise destination in the region.
This milestone underscores the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. Beyond its economic impact, the AIDA’s visit is expected to enhance foreign reserves and contribute to broader national economic growth. The vessel is scheduled to depart the Maldives on December 9, 2024, at 6 PM, after a brief yet impactful visit.
The Maldivian tourism industry continues to thrive despite global challenges. This achievement follows recent accolades, including being named the World Travel Awards’ (WTA) World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and earning the title of World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time. The successful introduction of cruise tourism marks the beginning of a promising new chapter, with future visits poised to further invigorate the industry and local economy.
Celebration
A Soaring Festive: celebrate the season in style at Ifuru Island Maldives
This festive season, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to a tropical paradise celebration under the theme ‘A Soaring Festive.’ Taking place from December 21, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the event promises a vibrant, entertainment-filled program designed to create joy, excitement, and lasting memories.
Catering to diverse preferences, A Soaring Festive offers an array of experiences, from dynamic nightlife and unique performances to relaxed island vibes, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Renowned DJ Rawlo will headline the nightly entertainment, captivating audiences with high-energy performances and dynamic beats. Breaking away from conventional DJ stereotypes, Rawlo’s electrifying sets promise to keep guests dancing under the stars until late into the night.
Adding to the festive lineup, the talented duo Synthetic Seduction—comprising Evgeniya and Olcay—will deliver versatile performances, including soulful saxophone melodies, lively DJ sets, and engaging duo band shows. Whether guests are enjoying cocktails by the pool or dancing on the sand, this duo creates the perfect ambiance for both relaxation and high-energy fun.
For those seeking visual artistry, Jonas and Aygul will dazzle with awe-inspiring fire shows, mesmerising LED displays, skillful juggling acts, and elegant belly dancing. Their multi-faceted performances promise to light up the island with unforgettable entertainment.
Complementing the headline acts, ‘A Soaring Festive’ features a variety of activities designed to enhance the holiday experience. Guests can participate in beach games, competitions, and themed culinary events that celebrate the flavors of the season, ensuring a celebration filled with joy and excitement.
Featured
New deep-sea fish species discovered in Maldives: Chromis Abadhah
In a breakthrough for marine science, a new species of fish has been discovered in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Named Chromis Abadhah, the species derives its name from the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, meaning perpetual, symbolising the ongoing commitment to planetary conservation. The name also acknowledges the support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, which funded the research.
The fish was first spotted near Maafilaafushi in the Kaafu Atoll. Subsequent studies revealed that the species inhabits multiple regions of the Maldives, ranging from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll. Researchers documented the fish in eight distinct locations, indicating that it may be distributed across various parts of the country.
Chromis Abadhah resides at depths between 95 and 110 metres, in the mesophotic zone, where sunlight begins to fade. This habitat sets it apart from other species in its family, which are typically found in shallower waters of around 30 meters.
The new species belongs to the ‘Dan’ba’ family, a group of damselfish commonly found in Maldivian seas. However, Chromis Abadhah is distinct from its relatives in several ways:
- Unlike other Chromis species, it lacks the characteristic black cross line near the neck.
- Its upper shell comprises 14 bones, compared to the typical 13 seen in related species.
While other Chromis species, such as Chromis axillaris, Chromis pelora, and Chromis woodsi, are found in various parts of the world, Chromis Abadhah appears to be endemic to the Maldives, making it a unique addition to the region’s biodiversity.
The study was a collaborative effort involving Maldivian experts and international scientists. To better understand the species, researchers captured four specimens using a specialised net. Their findings, published in a scientific paper, highlight the importance of deep-sea exploration in uncovering hidden marine treasures.
The identification of Chromis Abadhah underscores the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity and the critical role of research in its preservation. This discovery also emphasises the importance of protecting deep-sea habitats, which often harbour unique and endemic species.
-
Lifestyle1 week ago
Maldives: The new haven for over-55 travelers
-
News7 days ago
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives receives Wellness Heaven Award 2026 nominations
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Kurumba Maldives, Marvin Humes ring in 2025 with exclusive beachfront DJ set
-
Featured1 week ago
Villa Resorts partners with Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy to expand GCC presence
-
Action1 week ago
JOALI BEING hosts inspirational tennis workshops with Sascha Zverev, Alexander Zverev Foundation
-
Business1 week ago
BBM, Lifebuoy empowers hygiene practices among Maldivian children
-
News1 week ago
Dream island getaway at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives to locals, expats
-
Action1 week ago
Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives