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Kurumba Maldives celebrates 51st Birthday as the pioneer in hospitality
Kurumba Maldives, the iconic island resort and the first resort or hotel in Maldives, marked its 51st year of establishment on 3rd October with festivities for its guests. The celebrations were an amalgamation of delightful experiences, blending tradition and luxury, making it a night to remember.
At Thila, the resort’s signature dining, a special cocktail was crafted for the occasion symbolising the resort’s rich history and its commitment to offering unparalleled experiences to its guests. Guests were also treated to live food stations, featuring an array of scrumptious finger foods, reflecting the resort’s culinary expertise and its aim to provide gastronomic delights to all.
Andrew Jansson, the General Manager of Kurumba Maldives, expressed his appreciation of guests for “another amazing milestone to celebrate: another year of creating everlasting memories with our loyal repeat guests, as well as countless new friends that have been made this year.” He added that “the passion and dedication of the team remain as strong as ever, and we look forward to creating more special moments.”
To add a touch of excitement to the evening, a raffle draw was organised for the guests. The draw featured an array of prizes that showcased the resort’s offerings, including lavish dinners at its renowned restaurants and indulgent spa vouchers, ensuring the winners experienced the best of Kurumba.
The 51st-anniversary celebrations reinforced Kurumba Maldives’ position as the pioneer in the hospitality industry. The resort has been at the forefront of offering luxurious and unforgettable experiences to its guests for over five decades. With its pristine beaches, lush tropical gardens, and award-winning dining, Kurumba Maldives remains a quintessential Maldivian destination, renowned for its timeless elegance and impeccable service.
Kurumba Maldives: A Legacy of Excellence
Kurumba Maldives has played a pivotal role in the development of the Maldivian tourism industry. Established in 1972, the resort was the first of its kind in the country, and it has since set the standard for luxury and hospitality in the Maldives.
Over the years, Kurumba Maldives has welcomed guests from all over the world, including celebrities, royalty, and heads of state. The resort has also been the host of numerous high-profile events, such as the Miss World pageant and the Maldives Fashion Week.
Kurumba Maldives is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. The resort has implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as using solar energy, recycling and composting waste, and planting trees and mangroves.
Kurumba Maldives is truly a unique and special place. It is a resort that offers guests the opportunity to experience the best of the Maldives, from its pristine natural beauty to its rich culture and heritage.
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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