News
Beond brings in first aircraft

Beond, the pioneering luxury leisure airline, saw its debut aircraft land at Velana International Airport on Monday. The arrival, tracked to have originated from Hyderabad, India, marked a significant moment for the airline venture.
Greeted with a water salute on the runway, Beond, a joint venture between Maldives’ Simdi Group and Dubai’s Arabesque, positions itself as the world’s first high-end leisure airline. It’s set to commence flight operations this November and is currently accepting bookings through its website.
The airline’s initial destinations include Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Zurich, Switzerland; and Munich, Germany. Beond offers three ticket options: Delight, Bliss, and Opulence.
CEO Tero Taskila announced plans for expanding the airline’s offerings, with three more destinations scheduled for March and another three in early summer next year. Booking for these upcoming destinations will open later this month.
Tero emphasised the current availability of bookings exclusively through the website and mentioned the ongoing development of a mobile application. He also noted successful collaborations with global travel agents in recent weeks.
The future holds the addition of Bangkok, Thailand; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Milan, Italy with the arrival of a second aircraft. Further expansion, featuring Shanghai and Beijing, China, along with another European destination, will accompany the introduction of a third aircraft.
Beond’s flights will be operated by the A-320 family, offering 44 seats in an all-premium configuration. The airline promises a spacious interior with premium comfort seats. Over the next five years, Beond plans to grow its fleet and expand its list of destinations.
Awards
The St. Regis Maldives recognised among Maldives’ top 10 hotels in DestinAsian 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, an exquisite sanctuary of unparalleled luxury, has been voted as one of the Top 10 Best Hotels in the Maldives by the esteemed readers of DestinAsian in the recently concluded 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. This prestigious recognition underscores the resort’s commitment to delivering world-class hospitality, exceptional service, and immersive island experiences that captivate global travelers.
The DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards is an annual accolade celebrating the finest in luxury travel, as determined by the discerning readers of DestinAsian magazine. Recognizing excellence in hospitality, service, and guest experiences, the awards highlight the best hotels, resorts, airlines, and destinations across Asia and beyond. Being named among the Top 10 Best Hotels in the Maldives is a testament to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s dedication to providing an unparalleled guest experience.
Nestled in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a secluded paradise where avant-garde architecture meets the untouched beauty of the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, powder-soft beaches, and crystal-clear waters, the resort offers an unparalleled escape in one of the world’s most coveted destinations.
Featuring 77 luxuriously appointed villas, each designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings, the resort redefines opulence with private terraces, pools, and breathtaking ocean or garden views. Among its signature accommodations, the overwater John Jacob Astor Estate stands out as an epitome of grandeur, boasting three lavish bedrooms, a private gym, and dedicated massage rooms. Meanwhile, the beachfront Caroline Astor Estate enchants with panoramic views, a sprawling 67-square-meter infinity pool, and refined living spaces.
Guests at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort can immerse themselves in an array of curated experiences, from exploring the vibrant marine ecosystem through snorkeling and diving to indulging in bespoke yacht excursions aboard Norma, the resort’s private luxury yacht. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, the resort spearheads coral restoration programs led by its dedicated Marine Biologist, ensuring the preservation of its breathtaking underwater world.
Renowned for its hallmark St. Regis Butler Service, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to set new standards of hospitality, seamlessly blending adventure, relaxation, and impeccable service. This latest recognition by DestinAsian readers further solidifies its reputation as one of the premier luxury retreats in the Maldives.
Family
Lily Beach Resort introduces egg-citing Easter programme

This Easter, escape to the luxurious shores of Lily Beach Resort & Spa, where an exciting lineup of experiences awaits. From exclusive excursions, wellness activities, themed dining, to weekly evening entertainment, get ready for the holiday of a lifetime, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
Located in the beautiful South Ari atoll, Lily Beach is home to a thriving house-reef of exquisite marine life. From small colourful anemones to friendly sea-turtles, the 360 degrees of beautiful underwater views provide endless opportunities for guests to indulge in and explore the beauty underneath.
This year, to make our Easter an extra special one, we are delighted to welcome Silke Deininger, a certified fitness trainer with years of experience leading dynamic and engaging fitness classes.
Specialising in customised group fitness programs for luxury resorts worldwide, Silke is dedicated to helping guests stay active, healthy, and energised throughout their stay.
With a passion for fitness, Silke has built a career around creating inspiring workout experiences that cater to all levels. Whether by the pool, on the beach, or in the resort’s fitness space, her sessions offer a perfect balance of muscle-building, fat-burning, and relaxation during this Easter.
Guests at Lily Beach can immerse themselves in an array of unforgettable experiences this Easter. From exploring the resort’s thriving house reef and snorkelling through vibrant coral gardens to embarking on an exclusive turtle tour, the natural beauty of the Maldives awaits. For those seeking adventure on the open water, a sunset dolphin safari or a serene evening cruise offers breathtaking views. Meanwhile, active travellers can stay energised with water sports, and full-body workouts at the resort’s tennis court. To unwind, guests can also enjoy a relaxing, rejuvenating massage at our unique, overwater, Tamara Spa. With unobstructed views, and glass bottom flooring to view the playful fish underwater, the spa is favourite for our guests.
Families can look forward to an enchanting Easter egg hunt, where children can search for hidden treasures scattered throughout the resort. Creative minds will be engaged in arts and crafts sessions, allowing young guests to express their creativity and craft memorable souvenirs. For the more adventurous, sandcastle building competitions on the pristine beaches provide fun-filled challenges under the Maldivian sun. Additionally, interactive storytelling sessions will captivate imaginations, immersing children in tales of wonder and adventure.
These thoughtfully curated activities ensure that every family member experiences the magic of Easter in paradise, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. The Turtle Kids Club hosts a range of interactive experiences, from crab races to kite flying, ensuring endless fun throughout the holiday.
Guests can indulge in a feast for the senses with themed dining experiences, including ‘Seafood Extravaganza,’ ‘Maldivian Night,’ and ‘Mediterranean Feast’ at the buffet restaurant Lily Maa. Evenings come alive with captivating performances, from live bands and Balinese dancers to the rhythmic beats of Maldivian Bodu Beru drummers. Guests can also enjoy Hollywood movie nights under the stars or dance the night away at the lively DJ parties at Vibes. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or quality family time, Lily Beach Resort & Spa ensures an Easter celebration filled with magical moments.
For more information, click here. For bookings, please click here.
Action
Nova Maldives, PADI partner for transformative Ocean Adventure Week with India Black this July

This summer, Nova Maldives, the soulful island resort, is proudly partnering with the world’s leading scuba diving organisation, PADI, to host a unique ocean adventure week from 13 to 20 July, in celebration of PADI’s 11th Women’s Dive Day on 19 July 2025.
Nova & PADI’s Transformative Ocean Adventure Week will be co-hosted by PADI AmbassaDiver, conservation advocate, and broadcaster India Black, and PADI Regional Manager for the Maldives Matt Wenger, inviting ocean lovers from around the world to immerse themselves in diving, conservation, and community, while discovering the transformative power of the ocean and promoting sustainable diving practices.
Taking place at Nova’s stunning South Ari Atoll location, this event will feature guided dives, marine conservation workshops, and sustainability-focused training. Guests will have the rare opportunity to explore the protected pristine waters of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), witness diverse marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks, and deepen their understanding of ethical diving and ocean stewardship.
Leading the way alongside PADI AmbassaDiver India Black is PADI Regional Manager Matt Wenger, who brings nearly three decades of experience as a PADI Pro. Now in his tenth year overseeing PADI’s presence in the Maldives, Matt has played a key role in expanding PADI’s reach across both luxury resorts and emerging local island destinations. His dedication to sustainability and marine conservation aligns closely with PADI’s Three Pillars of Change, ensuring that responsible diving and environmental awareness remain at the heart of this experience. A passionate storyteller and advocate for ocean conservation, India Black has dedicated her career to inspiring people to adventure further, care for themselves, and protect the planet. Having spent time rehabilitating sea turtles in the Whitsundays, paddling 110km across Hawaii’s Alenuihaha Channel, and championing marine protection initiatives worldwide, her connection to the ocean runs deep. For India, the water has always been a place of healing and personal growth, and she hopes this event will encourage others to experience the same. With Matt’s deep expertise in the Maldives diving scene and India’s mission to connect people with the ocean, this event promises to be an inspiring, educational, and immersive week for all participants.
“The ocean has given me so much — peace, perspective, and connection — and I’m so passionate about helping others find that too,” says India Black. “This week is about more than just diving; it’s about learning how we can all play a part in protecting the marine world while building unforgettable memories in it.”
Hosted at Nova’s soulful island resort located in the breathtaking South Ari Atoll, the event offers guests a curated programme of conservation-focused activities, dives, and educational workshops designed to deepen their understanding of ocean protection. With India and Matt’s expertise, throughout the week, guests will experience:
- Manta Quest Snorkelling – Head off in search of majestic manta rays in their natural habitat.
- Whale Shark Snorkelling – Swim alongside the Maldives’ gentle giants in an unforgettable encounter.
- Turtle Quest – Discover the Maldives’ endangered sea turtles while learning about conservation efforts to protect them.
- Ocean Clean-Up Dive – Take hands-on action by removing marine debris from the reef.
- Blue Planet Movie Nights – Unwind under the stars with screenings of BBC’s Blue Planet series, deepening appreciation for the underwater world.
- Marine Conservation Talks & Workshops – Attend presentations on whale shark research, coral conservation, and PADI AWARE’s initiatives[ma1] , exploring sustainable diving and marine protection.
- Women’s Dive Day Celebration – A special PADI Women’s Dive Day event to encourage and empower more women to embrace diving and ocean conservation.
As partners of the MWSRP (The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme) and accredited by Manta Trust as Responsible Manta Tourism Operator Nova is proud to support the conservation of the Maldives’ beautiful gentle giants. At the heart of the event is a commitment to sustainable tourism, ocean conservation, and community connection, values that align closely with India’s own mission. Having built a platform dedicated to encouraging others to adventure further, love themselves better, and protect the planet, India hopes to inspire attendees to see themselves as stewards of the ocean.
“My journey with the ocean has shaped who I am today, and I’ve learned that once you truly connect with the sea, you can’t help but want to protect it,” she says. “I’m so excited to dive alongside Nova’s guests, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully spark that same love for the water in them.”
Nova’s General Manager, Abdulla Aboobakuru, adds: “This event embodies everything we stand for at Nova — community, connection, and sustainability. Partnering with PADI and India Black gives us an incredible opportunity to not only showcase the natural beauty of the Maldives but also inspire guests to become lifelong ocean advocates.”
The Nova x PADI Transformative Ocean Adventure Week from 13 to 20 July 2025 is available to book exclusively through Nova , with limited spots available. Full Board Plus rates start at USD 493/night in a Beach Villa and USD 694/night in a Water Villa (inclusive of tax) based on two adults sharing when booked direct.
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