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Jawakara Islands Maldives opens: 2 islands, 1 resort, multigenerational experiences

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Jawakara Islands Maldives opened its doors on Sunday, offering an adventurous bolthole where multigenerational travelers can collaborate, indulge and rejuvenate. This is the latest opening in the Crown & Champa Resorts portfolio which includes Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Maldives, and Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa in its luxury collection.

Jawakara is a 290-villa, ‘One Island, One Resort’ Maldivian concept. Just 40 minutes either by luxury speedboat from Madivaru domestic airport in Lhaviyani Atoll or 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport, the five-star getaway comprises two separate islands – Mabin and Dheru – connected by an oversea walkway.

Jawakara will be managed as one resort with a focus on family-friendly and multigenerational experiences. Guests can choose to have an action packed schedule from surfing, diving, motorised and non-motorised watersports including kite surfing, kayaking and many more and snorkelling to golf, paddle and football tournaments on a full-sized pitch with much more in between. Alternatively, there are two Suhla spas, a big kids club, a yoga retreat and two infinity pools.

Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager, Jawakara Islands Maldives, comments: “Jawakara is designed to be every family’s dream for a luxury getaway – every detail has been thought of for all generations alike for an all-encompassing offering that will define Jawakara as the pioneer for luxury multi-generational travel in classically Maldivian surroundings.”

Activities

Mabin Island is home to the Jawa Kids Club, available to children staying in all accommodation types. The Jawa Kids programme is packed with exciting and age-appropriate activities from mini golf, football and paddle tennis instruction to child-friendly spa treatments to lessons in the art of sushi making and mocktail mixology. The programme includes opportunities for children to learn about Maldivian culture through music, dance, art, and even how to fish using traditional Maldivian methods as well as sustainability workshops and exploring the ocean with the in-house marine biology expert.

Jawakara is one of the very few luxury resorts in the Maldives where guests can surf. The surf school will provide equipment and lessons to guests looking to catch the perfect wave. Jawakara also offers a wealth of other water activities for families; from guided diving and snorkelling trips to paddleboarding and kayaking as well as the opportunity to complete certifications at the PADI five-star training centre alongside jetskiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, sofa-rides, windsurfing, kayaks and catamaran sailing.

Other facilities include two infinity pools overlooking the ocean, a kid’s pool; artificial turf courts for football (futsal); paddle tennis, tennis and badminton courts; a fitness centre; a volleyball court; and a 9-hole golf course, the biggest in the Maldives.

Accommodation

Mabin is home to 202 villas, while Dheru comprises 88 villas, totalling 110 Beach Villas, 90 Beach Pool Villas and 70 Water Pool Villas. This includes 10 two-bedroom Villas on Mabin which can be converted into a twin or triple room for larger groups or families. In addition, there are 5 three-bedroom beach pool villas which sleep up to 8 people on Dhehru. Two of the bedrooms have outdoor bathrooms while the middle bedroom has an indoor bathroom. These villas offer families flexible sleeping arrangements and are ideal for multigenerational holidays, large families, families who wish to bring a nanny or for two families holidaying together.

Each villa is complete with a king-size bed, private sun-decking, a 48-inch flatscreen TV with the latest movies, and indoor bathroom with a rain shower, creating a space filled with both privacy and spaciousness where time slows down and families can truly relax and connect.

Dining

There is a variety of dining experiences available for all tastes. ‘MOLO’ à la carte restaurant, located on Mabin Island invites guests to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine, while ‘HIDEOUT RESTAURANT’, is an upscale international fast-food restaurant that offers an innovative take on comfort classics such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. SAIMA and AILA serves indoor and al fresco all-day buffets in an open-air dining room with live cooking stations. Mabin also boasts a choice of 3 bars, namely Nika Bar, Bonthi Bar, and Molo Bar.

Guests can enjoy buffet-style dining at ‘THE VELA RESTAURANT’ on Dheru or opt for á la carte Asian-Pacific cuisine ‘UMI 海 RESTAURANT’ at the heart of the walkway connecting the two islands to enjoy a unique dining experience whilst watching the sunset on the Indian Ocean horizon. The ‘THILA BAR’ has a spectacular view from on high and ‘UMI 海 BAR’ treats you to an awe-inspiring panorama of the Jawakara House Reef and lagoon, setting the stage for a memorable drink experience.

Wellness

Two Sulha Spas – one with 8 double treatment rooms located in the tropical jungle of Mabin island and the other with 6 treatment rooms and a yoga retreat that sits above the crystalline Jawakara lagoon – offer an Ayurveda spa and wellness experience that harnesses Asian massage techniques alongside organic products to create a truly natural approach.

Curating a stay

Mabin Island offers something for everyone with a premium all-inclusive package, or full board, half board or bed and breakfast only. Pre-opening starting rates are from $600 per room based on double occupancy on a bed & breakfast basis.

Dheru island offers a fully all-Inclusive, intimate island escape. Pre-opening starting rates are from $992 per room based on double occupancy.

Three-bedroom villas starting rate for the opening period is US$2400 for 5 people, with additional charges of US$692 for each extra person per night with a total maximum of 8 people on an all-inclusive basis.

“I would always say that Jawakara will make a difference in the market with its offerings and unique concept. Jawakara caters for everyone’s needs, and is not limited to just one segment. It’s a very large five-star, family friendly and active Resort,” emphasised the Director of Sales and Marketing at Crown & Champa Resorts, Ahmed Shaheen.

Food

JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La launches new culinary direction at Azur

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A newly reimagined menu at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La’s Azur unfolds as a thoughtful expression of place, an exploration of flavour guided by nature, grounded in community, and elevated through a global perspective. More than a collection of dishes, it tells a story, one of origin, craftsmanship, and a philosophy that values authenticity as much as innovation.

The unveiling of the refreshed menu was marked by an intimate gathering of partners, brought together for an evening of tasting and discovery. Rather than a formal presentation, the experience was designed as a sensory journey, where each course revealed the intention, depth, and evolution behind the culinary direction.

Guests were guided through a curated tasting experience that reflected the menu’s defining principles: clarity of flavor, respect for ingredients, and a seamless balance between intention and quality. Each dish spoke not only of technique, but also of provenance, where it came from, who cultivated it, and why it mattered.

At the heart of the menu are Azur’s rooted in nature (RIN) dishes, created with sustainability as a guiding principle. By prioritizing locally sourced ingredients, these dishes reduce environmental impact while strengthening the connection between the kitchen and the community.

While deeply rooted in the Maldives, the menu draws inspiration from global culinary traditions, weaving familiar flavors into something distinctly its own. The result is cuisine that feels both comforting and refreshing, inviting guests to explore while remaining beautifully familiar.

This philosophy reflects the guiding principles of Shangri-La, where hospitality is defined by genuine care and attentiveness, and excellence is measured not only in precision, but in how responsibly and meaningfully it is delivered.

At the same time, it carries the vibrant, contemporary spirit of JEN, effortlessly connected to its surroundings, shaped by the people and place it belongs to, and rooted in modern travel experiences that feel both relaxed and meaningful.

Dining at Azur is shaped as much by its setting as by its cuisine. Open skies, the gentle rhythm of the water, and the ever present blue create a rooftop atmosphere that defines the experience at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La. From this elevated space in the heart of the capital, dining feels open, relaxed, and naturally connected to its surroundings.

“Our menu is rooted in a sustainable philosophy, built around comforting, honest ingredients that connect with people on a deeper level. We focus on simplicity and flavour, letting each element shine without over complication. For me, creating a menu is about more than flavour and presentation. It’s about telling a story that respects both the environment and the community,” Chef Hardik Trehan said.

More than 50% of our produce is sourced locally from the Maldives, which allows us to work with fresher ingredients while supporting local farmers and fishermen. This not only enhances the quality of our dishes but also strengthens our connection to the community. For me, it’s about creating food that feels good, both in taste and in purpose bringing together comfort, sustainability, and a true sense of place.”

“The dessert selection at Azur beautifully blends locally sourced ingredients with refined international flavours, creating a unique and memorable experience. From Kashikeyo with screw pine, to the refreshing Tropical Wellness with coconut and fruits, and Dhonkeyo made from handpicked local bananas, each dessert reflects island authenticity,” added Pastry Chef Hameed.

“Thoughtfully crafted to suit every palate, the menu ranges from the richly indulgent Saffron Tres Leches to the decadent Molten Chocolate Lava. Whether light or indulgent, every guest is sure to find a favourite in this elegant collection.”

Here, above the rhythm of Malé, Azur finds its expression not as reinvention, but as refinement.

A space where nature, city, and cuisine come together effortlessly at the rooftop of JEN Maldives Malé. A place where dining feels unhurried, present, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

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Celebration

Sirru Fen Fushi to host Eid al-Adha celebration from 27–29 May

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has announced its “Eid in Harmony” programme for Eid al-Adha, scheduled from 27 to 29 May 2026, offering guests a series of curated experiences centred on dining, cultural elements and leisure activities.

The programme is designed to provide a structured yet relaxed approach to the celebration, with a focus on shared experiences and engagement with the island environment. According to the resort, the initiative aims to bring together cultural traditions and hospitality offerings within a resort setting.

A central feature of the programme will be the Eid al-Adha Feast, a dining experience presenting a selection of dishes prepared for the occasion. The event will be set in a themed environment reflecting elements associated with Eid.

The resort will also introduce an “Eid Gift with Purpose” initiative, positioned as a gesture aligned with the values of giving and reflection associated with the occasion.

In addition, guests will have the option to participate in a Guest Archery Competition, offering a recreational activity designed to complement the island setting and provide an alternative form of engagement during the celebration period.

Alongside the programme, the resort has launched an “Eid Island Escape” offer, which includes a range of inclusions for guests staying during the period. These include a 30-minute jet lag recovery massage, daily breakfast at Raha Market, dinner on a dine-around basis across selected restaurants, and a one-time floating breakfast experience.

In a statement, the resort’s management said the programme is intended to reflect the values of togetherness and reflection associated with Eid al-Adha, while offering guests opportunities to spend time with family and participate in shared experiences.

Through the three-day programme, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort is presenting Eid al-Adha as a combination of dining, leisure and cultural activities within a resort environment.

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Featured

Reethi Faru Resort awarded Green Globe certification

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Reethi Faru Resort has received Green Globe certification, recognising its compliance with international standards for sustainable tourism.

The certification reflects the resort’s stated commitment to responsible hospitality, with a focus on environmental management, social responsibility and operational practices across the property.

Green Globe certification is awarded following an assessment based on established sustainability criteria and verified through independent third-party audits. The standard reviews performance in areas including environmental management, energy efficiency, resource conservation, community engagement and sustainable operations.

With the certification, Reethi Faru Resort joins a group of hospitality operators worldwide that have met Green Globe’s sustainability requirements and demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improvement in tourism practices.

In a statement, the management of Reethi Faru Resort said the recognition reflects the resort’s continued focus on preserving the natural environment of the Maldives while maintaining the guest experience. The management added that sustainability forms part of the resort’s daily operations.

The Green Globe standard includes more than 40 core criteria supported by over 380 compliance indicators, providing a framework for assessing sustainability performance in the hospitality sector.

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