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Virgin Atlantic inaugurates direct flights from London Heathrow to the Maldives

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Today, Virgin Atlantic launched its latest direct flight route, linking London Heathrow to the Maldives. The inaugural flight, operated by Virgin Atlantic, touched down at VIA early this morning at 07:40 am local time, signifying the commencement of an exciting new era in air travel between the United Kingdom and the Maldives. Passengers aboard the Virgin Atlantic aircraft were greeted with a warm traditional Maldivian Bodeberu welcome ceremony, featuring captivating cultural dance performances.

This new service is set to operate three times a week, with Virgin Atlantic’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which boasts a total of 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy Delight, Classic, and Light seats. Travelers will have a range of options to suit their preferences and budgets.

For those seeking the utmost in luxury, Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class offers fully flat beds and an onboard bar, providing a fine dining experience and an opportunity to network with fellow travelers. Premium customers can relax in their luxurious leather armchairs, complete with a 38” seat pitch, and enjoy the perks of priority boarding and welcome drinks. Regardless of the cabin class chosen, all passengers will enjoy complimentary food and beverages, over 300 hours of entertainment, and a warm welcome from Virgin Atlantic’s renowned cabin crew.

Mr. Mahjoob Shujau, CEO & Managing Director of MACL, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “As the operator of Velana International Airport, we are excited to welcome the prestigious and customer-centric airline, Virgin Atlantic. This inaugural flight marks a significant milestone in the enhancement of air travel connections between the United Kingdom and the Maldives. We look forward to a prosperous partnership with Virgin Atlantic as we continue to elevate the travel experience for our passengers.”

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, shared his excitement, saying, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to launch our flights between the United Kingdom and the Maldives with our new thrice-weekly service, as we continue to expand our growing collection of winter sun destinations. We are proud to be able to offer more opportunities for our customers to experience the Maldives and are looking forward to welcoming them to this breathtaking and one-of-a-kind destination. The collaboration between MACL and Virgin Atlantic reflects the shared commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences and fostering stronger air connectivity between the United Kingdom and the Maldives.”

Caron Rohsler, British High Commissioner to the Maldives, also expressed her delight, stating, “I am delighted that Virgin Atlantic has today started operating direct flights from London Heathrow to Maldives. Maldives is a top holiday destination for British tourists. Brits have consistently featured among top 3 nationalities visiting Maldives for many years. The UK Government has worked with the Government of Maldives for many years now on airport safety and aviation security. I look forward to continuing our partnerships in Maldives, especially as the airport expansion progresses. Tourism is an important pillar of the Maldivian economy, and I hope this milestone today will contribute to continued growth in convenient and comfortable travel between our countries. Visitors are encouraged to read the FCDO’s travel advice and to buy travel insurance to enjoy the best possible holiday experience.”

The Virgin Atlantic Inaugural event was attended by the British High Commissioner to the Maldives and senior members of MACL, along with senior members of the local agent, Voyages Maldives. This new route promises to strengthen the connection between the United Kingdom and the Maldives, offering travelers a remarkable journey to one of the world’s most picturesque destinations.

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InterContinental Maldives celebrates Women’s Day through creative expression

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As travellers increasingly seek experiences that go beyond indulgence, blending creativity with personal enrichment, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort presents a distinctive celebration of International Women’s Day, where art becomes a form of empowerment.

On 8 March 2026, the resort unveils Ocean Muse: A Women’s Day Atelier, an intimate, atelier-style jewellery art workshop designed exclusively for women. Led by the resort’s Resident Artist, Anastasia Medvedeva, this immersive experience invites participants to design their own 925 silver jewellery piece, incorporating authentic Maldivian sand, delicate shells, and ocean-toned pigments, a wearable reflection of island beauty and personal expression.

Set within The Collective’s Art Studio, the experience elevates Women’s Day beyond celebration, offering a rare opportunity for creative ownership. Each piece is handcrafted in collaboration with a jewellery couturier, transforming raw island elements into a timeless keepsake shaped by the hands and story of its creator.

Complementing the atelier is a thoughtfully curated selection of wellness rituals at AVI Spa, including a Ladies’ Glow Facial Experience and a woman-only Sound Healing Session, gentle offerings designed to restore radiance and emotional balance.

Together, these experiences reflect a growing global movement toward artful travel, where creativity, mindfulness, and meaningful connection define luxury.

At InterContinental Maldives, International Women’s Day becomes not only a celebration of strength, but an invitation to create, to pause, and to honour one’s own evolving narrative.

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Family

Royal Island introduces Easter escape with up to 25% savings

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For travellers who prefer Easter with a softer pace and a more intimate sense of place, Royal Island offers a boutique island retreat in Baa Atoll, part of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Available under Villa Resorts’ Easter Offer, guests can enjoy up to 25% savings when booking direct, with an Easter Escape that also includes exclusive direct booking benefits and 50% off domestic flight transfers for Royal Island.

Royal Island’s charm is in how quickly it helps you ease into island life. It’s not a resort built around a busy schedule, but one that encourages the simple rituals that make a holiday feel restorative: slow mornings by the lagoon, barefoot afternoons that drift from beach to shade, and evenings that arrive gently with the sound of the ocean. The boutique scale keeps everything feeling personal, warm, and unforced.

Accommodation reflects that same sense of calm. The resort’s Beach Pool Villas bring privacy and space into the holiday, with indoor-outdoor living and your own pool just steps from the shoreline, ideal for couples seeking quiet togetherness or families wanting comfort without feeling far from the sea.

Easter at Royal Island can be made especially memorable through private dining, with intimate set-ups that feel true to the island’s character, simple, beautiful, and focused on the people you are sharing the moment with. Families are also well catered for, with younger guests enjoying their own island adventures at Starfish Kids Club, giving parents time to unwind while children stay happily engaged.

With its boutique feel, biosphere setting, and island-first rhythm, Royal Island is an invitation to celebrate Easter in the Maldives in a way that feels gentler, more personal, and genuinely unhurried.

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Food

A short escape from Malé: Iftar by the ocean at Villa Nautica

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This Ramadan, Villa Nautica invites guests to gather for an overwater Iftar experience at Lagoon Restaurant, offering a relaxed setting to break fast just a short journey from Male’. Located a quick speedboat ride from Malé, the resort’s close-to-city convenience makes it an easy choice for families, friends, and teams looking for a peaceful island atmosphere without a long transfer.

Set over the water, Iftar by the Ocean is designed around variety, bringing together a generous spread that balances Ramadan favourites with a broader mix of flavours, so guests can return across the month and still find something new to enjoy. The experience is welcoming and unhurried, shaped by warm service, open views, and the simple comfort of sharing a table at sunset.

Iftar is priced at USD 59++ per adult, with children aged 3 and under dining free and children aged 4–11.99 receiving 50% off. For group gatherings, discounts apply for reservations of 12 adults or more, making it well suited for corporate Iftars and larger family meet-ups. Return transfer between Malé and Villa Nautica is included.

For more information, please visit villaresorts.com.

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