News
Ifuru Island Maldives opens on Sept 23
The Maldives’ best kept secret is set to be revealed this September, as independently owned private sanctuary, Ifuru Island Maldives, makes its surprise debut.
Opening on 23 September in the stunning Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island fosters a playful and social atmosphere, offering the first permanent skydiving dropzone in the destination, sunset views from every room, and its own private airport.
Conceived to make every moment unforgettable, challenge the ordinary, and awaken the spirit of adventure, the resort features a wealth of amenities and experiences, including an array of bars and restaurants; Xanadu Spa; skydiving over the Indian Ocean and diving with sharks below the waves. What’s more, with its new ‘Exclusively Yours’ approach to premium 24-hour all-inclusive offerings, guests can truly relax knowing everything has been taken care of.
A total of 147 beach suites and villas will offer breathtaking sunset views and contemporary interiors, outdoor spaces, and ample natural light in which to bask. Guests opting for a Sunset Beach Suite or Sunset Beach Villa can also enjoy direct access to the white sandy beach and glistening turquoise waters. For a truly elevated experience, the Sunset Beach Villas with Pool offer a private beachfront location with a personal pool and stunning terrace.
Arranged as a series of ‘Retreats’ and ‘Villages’ – small coteries that perfectly balance seclusion and sociability – Ifuru Island’s accommodation provides a host of exclusive resort-within-resort possibilities, making it ideal for milestone celebrations and multigenerational gatherings.
With six restaurants and four bars, guests can make the most of the all-inclusive, dine-around experience and embark on a culinary journey as they savour a range of dishes. Meticulously created by the resort’s talented chefs, menus offer a harmonious fusion of local Maldivian ingredients and international flavours. Guests can choose to dine at one of two à la carte restaurants – The Waterfront, which serves fresh Asian dishes with an infusion of Mediterranean flavours and South American notes, and Palm Grill, a rustic grill steak house that also serves locally-caught fresh fish and vegan creations to tantalise tastebuds.
The Social House is the hub of the island, bringing guests together and delivering an impressive menu that combines the best dishes from around the world. Hubba Hubba Bar is the place to go for upbeat vibes and light cocktails, while Pool Side offers a selection of exceptional pizza by the metre and The Beach Club provides a boho beach atmosphere.
The resort also offers a range of adrenaline pumping activities for guests to immerse themselves in. Making the exhilarating most of its very own private airport, Ifuru Island has teamed up with 21k-jump World Champion skydiver Will Penny to create the Maldives’ first permanent skydiving dropzone. Between the beginning of November and the end of March, guests can take to the sky before enjoying a captivating skydive over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Those who prefer to plunge below the water can enjoy a surf or a dive with several species of sharks that call these beautiful waters home.
For those seeking a gentler pace, Ifuru Island Maldives offers a range of excursions and experiences, including dolphin watching, sunset cruises, island hopping, cultural immersions, stargazing and serene snorkels below the waves to witness the region’s stunning marine life.
Guests wanting to get active on land won’t be disappointed either, as the resort offers a range of facilities, including water sports, a Night Tennis & Multi Court and 24-hour fitness centre. Younger guests can let their imaginations soar and immerse themselves in the wonders of the Maldives at the Coconut Kids Club and Little Explorers Club.
For friends, families and groups seeking a retreat that forges bonds as much as cherished memories, Ifuru Island Maldives is the perfect destination.
Ifuru Island is committed to infusing magic into every moment by transcending expectations, elevating the awe-inspiring beauty of the island and delivering warm hospitality at every opportunity, creating endless opportunities for guests to discover their perfect holiday.
For more information: www.ifuruisland.com
News
Cinnamon Maldives updates book direct offer to let guests choose tailored experiences
Travellers continue to return to the Maldives in search of clear lagoons, warm hospitality and meaningful experiences that reflect both the destination and their personal interests. As visitor expectations evolve, research shows a growing preference for stays that feel tailored rather than standardised. A recent Mews survey reports that 68% of travellers prefer personalised experiences instead of generic rewards, with even stronger interest among Gen Z and affluent travellers.
Recognising these preferences, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Maldives has refined its Book Direct value offering. The updated structure allows guests who book directly to select two curated experiences from each resort’s personalised list while also receiving resort credits for stays of three nights or more. This credit can be used across dining, wellness and recreational activities, giving guests the freedom to shape their time on the island according to their interests and pace.
Members of Cinnamon Discovery, the brand’s loyalty programme, can access an expanded set of Book Direct benefits based on their membership tier. Silver members may select two experiences, Gold members may select three experiences and Platinum members receive all experiences listed at the resort they book.
- Four course dinner by the beach
- Island hopping adventure
- Dolphin safari
- 45 minute spa treatment
Resort credit available: USD 150 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more
- Four course dinner by the beach
- Balinese massage
- Island hopping adventure
- Guided swim and snorkel session
Resort credit available: USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
- Sunset fishing
- Island hopping adventure
- Sparkling bottle of beverage
- 1 hour double kayak experience
Resort credit available: USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
- Four course dinner by the beach
- Balinese massage
- Sunset fishing
- Dolphin safari
Resort credit available: USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more
For more information on Book Direct benefits, detailed terms and eligibility, guests are encouraged to visit Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
Cooking
Chef Frank Fol leads plant-based culinary programme at ananea Madivaru Maldives
ananea Madivaru Maldives is hosting Chef Frank Fol, founder of We’re Smart World and a recognised figure in plant-based gastronomy, for a dedicated culinary programme aimed at strengthening and refining the resort’s plant-based dining concepts.
Chef Fol is visiting the island from 8 to 14 December, working closely with the culinary team to develop and enhance plant-forward offerings across the resort’s dining experiences. The programme focuses on integrating contemporary plant-based techniques with locally relevant ingredients and presentation styles, aligning with evolving guest preferences for balanced and conscious dining.
As part of the visit, an internal tasting menu is scheduled to take place, bringing together Chef Fol and the resort’s senior leadership. During the session, Chef Fol will present a selection of plant-forward dishes developed throughout his stay, offering insight into his culinary philosophy and approach to modern vegetable-led cuisine.
ananea Madivaru Maldives stated that the collaboration is intended to support the continued development of its food and beverage concepts, with a particular emphasis on broadening high-quality plant-based options available to guests across its restaurants.
Following the tasting session, the resort will issue a formal press release outlining the programme outcomes, including details of the dishes, concepts, and future plans. Visual assets and supporting media materials will also be made available as part of the official announcement.
The visit forms part of ananea Madivaru Maldives’ wider efforts to evolve its culinary offerings in line with global dining trends while maintaining a strong focus on quality, creativity, and guest experience.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
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