News
Le Méridien Maldives Resort celebrates return of signature Au Soleil programme

Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is inviting travellers to embrace a glamorous summer mindset through its returning Au Soleil programme and newly launched rosé sorbet.
Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa has teamed up with social media’s favourite chef and tastemaker – Meredith Hayden – to bring to life a Rosé infused sorbet as a nod to the brand’s quintessential invitation for travellers to chase the endless summer and create lasting memories complete with lazy, rosé-filled afternoons.
Inspired by the preciousness of caviar ice baths and the cocktail sidecar, this perfect scoop-and-sip combo is served in a custom-designed Sorbet Sidecar. The glass cone, reflective of a classic ice cream cone, holds the sorbet scoop and sits atop a stemless wine glass filled with rosé. The glassware duo is presented on a sunshine-coloured tray, with an Au Soleil wooden cradle designed to hold the cone while sipping the rosé.
Beginning this July, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa will invite travellers to soak in the summer season, both on- and off-property:
Sip, Savour and Stay
From sun-kissed day with a glass of rosé, global jet sets visiting Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa will be able to capture the spirit of Au Soleil in a variety of ways:
- Beginning July 10 through October 31, will offer a special Au Soleil stay package that includes daily breakfast and a complimentary Le Scoop by Le Méridien gelato or sorbet.
- Embodying the idea that the sun never sets on the jet set, celebratory moments include Au Soleil Sunset Sessions and special Paella & Sangria dinners in Riviera Tapas & Bar and Au Soleil sunset picnics on the beach or on the resort’s private island – Bodu Finolhu.
- A modern twist to classic games traditionally enjoyed outdoors during warm weather days, such as the iconic seaside pastime of backgammon, as well as tic-tac-toe, poolside chess and chic modernist-style Jenga sets. Guests at Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa can take advantage of the giant chess board in The Hub.
- Le Scoop by Le Méridien, featuring various flavours of gelato and sorbet reminiscent of a glamorous, sunny summer spent on the French Riviera. Flavours include locally grown Papaya & Lime Sorbet. Ice-creams on offer include classic Mint & Choco Chip and Basil ice-cream. All are made from using the freshest ingredients harvested in Le Meridien Maldives’ own greenhouse.
- A distinctive on-property design aesthetic, evoking the spirit of Au Soleil and the playful glamour of endless European summers for travellers all year round.
- A How to Summer Guide that captures the unspoken rules of a perfect day Au Soleil, whether on the beach or in the town, including Sun Safety tips from the brand’s amenity partner MALIN+GOETZ.
Bring Au Soleil Home
Because Au Soleil is a state of mind that allows travellers to summer and savour the good life wherever they are and whenever they want, Shop Le Méridien, the new retail offering from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques, features coveted summer items so that consumers can bring Au Soleil home.
General Manager,Thomas Schult, commented: “We are thrilled to introduce the Au Soleil programme at Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, which encapsulates our ethos of living the ‘good life’. We hope guests will enjoy lazy Mediterranean inspired Rosé afternoons at the resort.
Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalisation and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.
Prices based on 2 adults sharing an overwater villa with pool, including daily buffet breakfast start from $850 per couple.
For more information about Au Soleil by Le Méridien, please visit www.lemeridien.com/ausoleil and follow along on social media with #LMAuSoleil. Also visit: Chase Endless Summers with Le Méridien | Marriott Deals
Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives wins Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort at Golden Travel Awards 2025

Ifuru Island Maldives has been officially named Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort Maldives 2025 by the prestigious Golden Travel Award, recognising the resort’s exceptional guest experience and innovative all-inclusive offering. The resort distinguished itself through its commitment to redefining the premium all-inclusive concept with a bold combination of curated adventures, gourmet dining, and a true sense of luxury.
Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it celebrates the dedication and passion the team invests in creating unforgettable moments for every guest. He emphasised that the resort’s experience is designed to offer guests the freedom to relax, explore, and feel truly at home, all within the comforts of a premium all-inclusive package.
Ifuru Island Maldives has quickly established a strong reputation with its thoughtfully crafted ‘Exclusively Yours’ Premium All-Inclusive package. With a fresh approach to luxury and authenticity, the resort continues to resonate with modern travellers who seek both comfort and meaningful connections.
This acknowledgment from the Golden Travel Award further solidifies Ifuru Island’s growing reputation as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive and experience-driven destinations.
Action
Game on! Upcoming Meyyafushi unveils Maldives’ first overwater padel court

Get ready for a unique sporting experience in paradise! Meyyafushi Maldives, the highly anticipated new resort from the owners and operators of Fushifaru Maldives, has teased an extraordinary amenity on its social media channels: an overwater padel tennis court. Set to open in October 2025, Meyyafushi Maldives is already generating buzz, and this innovative addition is sure to elevate its appeal.
Building on the established success of Fushifaru Maldives, known for its intimate atmosphere and stunning natural beauty in Lhaviyani Atoll, Meyyafushi Maldives promises a similar commitment to exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences. While details about the new resort have been gradually unfolding, the recent reveal of the overwater padel tennis court marks a significant and exciting development.
Padel tennis, a popular racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton, is gaining traction globally. However, Meyyafushi Maldives is taking the game to a whole new level – literally. Imagine the thrill of a friendly (or perhaps a fiercely competitive!) match with the breathtaking backdrop of the turquoise Maldivian waters stretching out beneath the court. The social media post showcasing the court hints at a truly exceptional spot to engage in some active fun with loved ones while soaking in the unparalleled scenery.

This pioneering amenity underscores Meyyafushi Maldives’ dedication to offering distinctive and memorable experiences for its guests. It signals a resort that is not only focused on relaxation and natural beauty but also on providing unique and engaging activities. The overwater padel tennis court is poised to become a signature feature, attracting sports enthusiasts and those seeking novel ways to enjoy their Maldivian getaway.
As Meyyafushi Maldives gears up for its October 2025 opening, the introduction of the first overwater padel tennis court in the Maldives adds another compelling reason to anticipate its arrival. This innovative amenity promises a memorable and picturesque sporting experience, further solidifying the resort’s position as a noteworthy addition to the Maldivian hospitality landscape.
Business
BBM: Stronger hospitality platform via Hotelier Maldives Awards, culinary development

Since 1990, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has been at the core of the Maldives’ hospitality supply chain. More than a distributor, BBM has become a trusted partner in shaping talent, raising standards, and building long-term capacity across the industry.
That commitment continues in 2025 through its title sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards, and its growing investment in culinary development and cross-industry collaboration.
Supporting the Ecosystem, Not Just the Event
BBM is the preferred partner for over 60 international brands. However, its true value lies in how it supports the people behind the brands. From chefs and service staff to back-of-house professionals, BBM works across the sector to create real impact.
This year, the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 expands its recognition with four new categories:
- Watersports Personality of the Year
- Diving Personality of the Year
- Airport Representative of the Year
- Resort Manager of the Year
These additions reflect a simple belief. Everyone who shapes the guest experience deserves to be seen. Not just the visible few. Everyone.
Hotel Asia and the Rise of Culinary Confidence
For more than two decades, BBM has served as the main sponsor of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge, endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).
This platform has consistently raised the bar by bringing over 25 WACS A-Grade international jurors to the Maldives each year. Through this effort, local chefs get to test their skills on a global scale.
To further encourage excellence, BBM launched the Chairman’s Trophy, awarded annually to the most promising Maldivian chef:
- 2023 — Chef Mohamed Adhil
- 2024 — Chef Ahmed Mazim
Each name marks a growing movement. Maldivian chefs no longer compete to participate. They compete to win.
Backing Global Exposure for Local Talent
BBM has directly sponsored Maldivian chefs to represent the country at global events, including:
- HOFEX 2017 in Hong Kong, where Chef Ahmed Fatheen and Chef Ismail Naseer earned silver
- La Sial 2018 in Abu Dhabi, where Chef Mohamed Adhil won both gold and silver
- FHA 2018 in Singapore, supporting emerging talent
- Asian Pastry Cup 2018, where Chef Aminath Hameed was recognized as a pioneering female chef
- Chinese Cuisine World Championship 2019, where Chef Ahmed Mazim won bronze
- World Chefs Congress and Expo 2022, where BBM sponsored six MNU students under its Building Young Talent initiative
Creating Spaces for Knowledge Transfer
Beyond competitions, BBM hosts world-class chefs to lead pro bono Masterclasses, including:
- Chef Bruno Ménard, holder of three Michelin stars
- Chef Edwin Leow, gold medalist at the IKA Culinary Olympics
These sessions are designed to be open, practical, and rooted in the everyday reality of resort kitchens.
Recognition with Purpose
BBM’s sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 is part of a larger support system. These awards are not marketing. They are memories. They capture the faces, names, and efforts of those who make the Maldives one of the most admired hospitality destinations in the world.
“When people are seen, they rise,” said Ali Afrah Hassan, Head of HR, Admin, and Corporate Affairs at BBM. “This platform is our way of saying you matter. Not just once a year, but every day you show up to serve.”
Whether through product support, recognition, training, or infrastructure, BBM is building something larger than supply chains. It is helping shape the culture of Maldivian hospitality.
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