News
Discover endless Maldivian, Thai authenticity at Centara’s Maldives resort
Looking for your next escape? Embark on an unforgettable journey to explore Maldivian Thai experiences immersed in unique underwater treasures at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa. Alternatively, explore the vibrance of Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa and discover an adults-only playground of alluring exclusivity with exclusive discounts up to 35%.
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa: Where Authenticity Meets Marine Marvels
Discover a captivating marine paradise at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, nestled within the enchanting South Ari Atoll. Your journey to this tropical haven begins with a mesmerising seaplane ride from Male, revealing pristine turquoise waters that invite exploration. Here, a healthy marine life thrives, and the resort boasts the acclaimed 2nd Best House Reef in Maldives, as honoured by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards for Asia Pacific 2023, which is located right on the doorstep of the resort.
Immerse yourself in the heart of this aquatic sanctuary, where coral-rich depths promise exhilarating experiences for divers and snorkellers. Explore underwater realm adorned with lively corals and exotic marine species, offering an unmatched encounter with the ocean’s captivating denizens. Dive into adventure with accredited Maldivian dive masters, exploring a historic shipwreck. The PADI Dive & Experience Course Centre caters to divers of all levels, offering learning programs and certification opportunities.
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, a five-star retreat, offers a range of accommodations seamlessly integrated with nature’s beauty. From Duplex Beach Villas to Premier Overwater Villas, and Premium Deluxe Sunset Overwater Villas to Two-bedroom Beach Villas with private pools, ideal for families, each design complements the stunning surroundings.
Savour an array of flavours at diverse dining establishments, from authentic Thai cuisine at Suan Bua to dreamy Italian creations at Azzuri Mare. Aqua Bar offers classic cocktails and sunset views, while our exclusive The Club elevates your stay experience of a resort within a resort. Complete your stay with wellness experiences at Spa Cenvaree, offering soothing treatments and beachfront yoga. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, Centara’s Coral Restoration Programs and with initiatives to preserve the pristine marine ecosystem, you can enjoy spectacular views and crystal-clear waters all year-round.
Paradise Found: Maldives Exclusive
For a limited time, seize the opportunity to save 35% on the Best Available Rates*, and if you’re a CentaraThe1 member, enjoy an additional 15% discount along with the extraordinary perk of earning triple points on all bookings.
Unwind and rejuvenate with a generous 20% discount on spa treatments and dining, while you can also relish the convenience of a 25% discount on Return Seaplane transfers. As the sun sets over the azure horizon, embark on a complimentary sunset boat excursion, a voyage that encapsulates the magic of the Maldives.
CentaraThe1 members can also earn triple points on bookings made between now and September 30th for stays until December 20th, 2023
When: Available for booking made from now till 30th September 2023 and stays from now until December 20th 2023.
Offer:
- 35% discount on best available rates
- 20% discount on spa treatments and dining
- 25% discount on return seaplane transfers
- CentaraThe1 members receive an additional 15% discount on their stay plus triple points on all bookings
- Complimentary sunset boat excursion
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa: A Vibrant Adult Only Playground
Indulge in the allure of exclusivity and passion at the Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, a vibrant adults-only playground for indulgence, connection, and rejuvenation. An escape offering a world tailored to their desires.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa transcends the ordinary, inviting you to embrace the extraordinary. It’s a place where you can rediscover the joy of spontaneity, create bonds with your partner that last a lifetime, make new friend and immerse yourself in an environment dedicated to your happiness. If you’re seeking a true escape, look no further, this is your ultimate canvas upon which to paint your story.
Surrounded by like-minded souls, the opportunities to connect are endless. Share stories over delectable culinary experiences, from contemporary Thai delicacies to Arabic specialities and Italian feasts, all meticulously prepared to tantalise your taste buds. For the playful evenings, enjoy exciting refreshments, cocktails and afternoon tea in a laid-back setting overlooking the oceanic blues.
Accessed by speedboat, this idyllic island retreat offers an intimate private villa experience complemented by tantalising culinary delights, while immaculate white sand beaches and a sparkling lagoon teeming with magnificent marine life lay the perfect setting for resort-wide activities, beach games, snorkelling, water sports, and some of the top dive sites in the Maldives.
To rekindle the flame of connection, whether you are newlyweds or long-time partners, unwind at the award-winning SPA Cenvaree.
Paradise Found: Maldives Exclusive
Experience a romantic getaway like no other at the enchanting Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. With an enticing 35% discount on Best Available Rates, this offer promises an unforgettable getaway that blends tranquillity and indulgence. For CentaraThe1 members, the allure deepens with an additional 15% savings on their stay along with earning triple points for every booking.
Guests can also delight their senses with a 20% discount on both revitalising spa treatments and delectable dining experiences, allowing you to savour the most tempting flavours and rejuvenate your spirit. With complimentary return transfers for guests staying a minimum stay of three nights, whether you’re yearning for a romantic escape, an unforgettable honeymoon, or simply a serene retreat, this is the perfect excuse to book your next escape today.
CentaraThe1 members can also earn triple points on bookings made between now and September 30th for stays until December 20th, 2023
When: Available for booking made from now till 30th September 2023 and stays from now until December 20th 2023.
Offer:
- 35% discount on best available rates
- 20% discount on spa treatments and dining
- Complimentary return seaplane transfers (3-night stay minimum)
- CentaraThe1 members receive an additional 15% discount on their stay plus triple points on all bookings
For more information, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com.
Awards
Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa receives global wellness award
Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives has been awarded the Best Traditional Healing Spa 2026 title at the Luxuri Awards, recognising its consistent approach to wellness rooted in time-honoured practices and thoughtful guest care.
Set within the tranquil surroundings of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, Mandara Spa has built a reputation for offering restorative experiences that draw on traditional Balinese healing techniques. The recognition reflects the team’s continued focus on creating a calm, unhurried environment where each treatment is delivered with care, precision, and attention to detail.

A secluded retreat within the island’s natural landscape in Meemu Atoll, the spa introduces a subtle touch of Bali through its open, calming design. Comprising four double treatment villas and a dedicated manicure and pedicure area, the space is designed to encourage guests to fully disconnect and unwind. The spa experience is shaped by a blend of signature Mandara Spa therapies and ELEMIS treatments, a British luxury skincare brand known for combining advanced scientific formulations with naturally derived ingredients.

This recognition at the Luxuri Awards 2026 highlights Mandara Spa’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful wellness experiences, while reinforcing Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ broader focus on thoughtful, experience-led hospitality across its Maldives portfolio.

For those looking to experience this award-winning wellness offering, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is currently extending a seasonal offer with added travel benefits. Guests can enjoy complimentary round-trip domestic flight transfers on stays of seven nights or more, and complimentary one-way transfers for shorter stays. The offer is available for bookings made until 31 October 2026, with stay dates valid from 1 April 2026 to 31 October 2027.
Cooking
The Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu
The wait is over. The Standard, Maldives is set to celebrate the opening of Onda, a bold new Mediterranean dining destination redefining island dining, on 5 April 2026.
Designed for sharing, lingering, and celebrating, Onda brings a fresh rhythm to the island’s culinary scene, blending vibrant flavours with The Standard’s signature approach: elevated, expressive, and never overdone. Named after the Italian word for wave, Onda captures a sense of movement, flow, and effortless energy.

From the moment guests arrive, the restaurant invites them to let go of convention and lean into a dining experience that feels vibrant, relaxed, and deeply connected to its surroundings. This is Mediterranean cuisine stripped of pretence: bold, fresh, soulful, and designed to be shared.

A Concept Rooted in Flow and Freedom
Onda was conceived as an antidote to traditional resort dining. There are no rigid rituals here, no formal stiffness, just the pleasure of great food, good company, and a front-row seat to the Indian Ocean. The concept is built around the idea of flow: the flow of waves, of conversation, of plates moving effortlessly from kitchen to table.

“Onda is a pure expression of The Standard’s playful, unconventional spirit,” says Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Maldives. “We didn’t want to create another ‘fine-dining’ restaurant. We wanted something alive, a place that feels exciting, approachable, and rooted in flavour. Our ambition is for Onda to be recognised as the best Mediterranean restaurant in the region, delivering not just incredible food, but an experience that’s energetic, flowing, and full of life.”

Guests can savour a selection of fresh creations, including Bouillabaisse Scampi, offering a harmonious balance of umami depth and the freshness of the sea; Red Snapper Crudo with Citrus and Daikon, highlighting the purity of Maldivian waters with subtle Mediterranean accents; and Wahoo Carpaccio with Black Pepper and Tomato, a familiar classic reimagined with vibrant simplicity and restraint. Each plate reflects a collective commitment to generosity, balance, and pleasure.

Design Inspired by a Day at Sea
The design of Onda mirrors the feeling of being out on the water. Light, open, and breezy, the space is shaped by natural textures, fluid lines, and an effortless indoor-outdoor connection. Every element, from the seating layout to the ocean-facing views, is designed to draw guests into the surrounding seascape.
As daylight fades, Onda transitions seamlessly from sun-lit lunches to golden-hour dinners, with the ocean setting the pace. The atmosphere is elevated yet easy, striking a balance between refined design and relaxed island energy, a signature hallmark of The Standard brand.

The People Behind the Plate
At the heart of Onda is a belief that memorable dining is shaped not only by what is served, but by the people who bring it to life. From the kitchen to the floor, Onda is driven by a team united by craft, curiosity, and a shared respect for ingredients, tradition, and the rhythm of island life.
Beyond the cuisine, it is the atmosphere and human connection that define the Onda experience. Service is guided by The Standard’s signature human touch: warm, intuitive, and genuinely attuned to each guest. The team moves with ease and personality, creating an environment that feels welcoming, relaxed, and alive, where energy flows naturally from table to table.

Completing the experience is a carefully curated beverage programme that mirrors the same sense of freshness and flow, ensuring that the spirit of Onda extends seamlessly from the first sip to the final moment. Together, the people behind Onda create an experience that feels purposeful yet effortless, rooted in connection, shaped by care, and designed to be shared.
A New Benchmark for Island Dining
Onda marks a new chapter for The Standard, Maldives, one that challenges expectations and sets a fresh benchmark for contemporary island dining. Guests and visitors are warmly invited to take their place at the table, share in the rhythm of Mediterranean flavours, and experience dining that is designed to be savoured, celebrated, and enjoyed together.

Whether for an intimate evening or a lively gathering, Onda welcomes all who appreciate good food, great company, and moments that linger long after the last bite. The new wave of Mediterranean dining has arrived at The Standard, Maldives. And Onda is here to stay.
Awards
COLOURS OF OBLU marks triple win in global guest-driven awards
COLOURS OF OBLU celebrates a triple distinction as OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi have been honoured with the HolidayCheck Award 2026, recognising the resorts among the world’s best-rated accommodations based entirely on verified guest reviews, while OBLU SELECT Lobigili has been awarded the DERTOUR Red Star Quality Award 2025.
The recognition places Lobigili among the top 150 most popular hotels worldwide within the DERTOUR Group portfolio. DERTOUR, one of Germany’s leading tour operators, bases this award on direct guest feedback and booking performance, highlighting exceptional holiday quality and guest satisfaction.
The HolidayCheck Awards are among the most recognised accolades in the travel industry, honouring hotels and resorts worldwide that consistently receive outstanding guest feedback. Organised by HolidayCheck, one of the leading travel review platforms in Europe, properties recognised through the awards stand out for delivering exceptional holiday experiences, high service standards, and memorable stays for guests across global destinations.

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, renowned for its thriving house reef and immersive diving experiences, achieved an impressive guest rating of 5.6 out of 6, reaffirming its status as one of the Maldives’ most loved island escapes. Guests praise its barefoot charm, warm hospitality, and easy access to vibrant marine life, while the resort’s ongoing coral restoration initiatives further enhance its commitment to preserving the rich underwater ecosystem, making it a favourite among nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts.
“We are honoured that OBLU NATURE Helengeli has been recognised with the HolidayCheck Award 2026. Known for its thriving house reef and authentic island charm, the resort offers guests a truly immersive Maldivian experience. This recognition from travellers is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unforgettable natural beauty that makes the island so special,” said Alain Trefois, General Manager, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO.
Meanwhile, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, achieved a strong guest rating of 5.4 out of 6, reflecting its growing appeal among families, couples, and groups. With its lively atmosphere, diverse dining, and value-driven offerings, the resort continues to attract travellers seeking fun, relaxation, and effortless island escapes.
In contrast, OBLU SELECT Lobigili offers a more refined, adults-only escape, designed for couples seeking privacy, romance, and elevated experiences, featuring the iconic ONLY BLU under ocean restaurant, further complementing the diverse appeal of the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio.
“Receiving the Award is a proud moment for our team at Ailafushi. Alongside this, the recognition of Lobigili highlights our strong partnerships with German tour operators and our ability to consistently deliver experiences that appeals for this key market segment. Our goal has always been to create a vibrant and welcoming island escape where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy the Maldives in a fun and effortless way. This recognition, based on genuine guest feedback, means a great deal to us and reflects the passion our team brings to every guest experience,” added David Alan Burley, General Manager, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili.

Complementing these achievements, this recognition further underscores Atmosphere Core’s strong partnerships with German stakeholders and its ability to consistently deliver experiences that resonate with this discerning market. Together, these accolades reflect the dedication of the exceptional teams across the portfolio, whose commitment to genuine hospitality and attention to detail continues to elevate guest experiences.
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