News
Virgin Atlantic inaugurates direct flights from London Heathrow to the Maldives
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.
News
JEN Maldives Malé celebrates Eid with traditional breakfast and rooftop offering
Eid is a time of connection, tradition, and shared moments, and at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La, the occasion is marked with a thoughtfully curated breakfast experience designed to bring people together in a setting that feels both refined and welcoming.
The highlight of the morning is a carefully prepared breakfast spread that leans into local tradition. The Maldivian corner brings forward familiar favorites, with both classic and Barabo Mashuni adding a comforting authentic touch. But it is the Kulhi Boakiba that truly stands out rich, flavorful, and unmistakably tied to Eid. It is the kind of dish that instantly feels like home for some, and a memorable discovery for others.
Beyond the local classics, there is plenty to explore. The live cooking stations add a sense of theatre to the experience, where dishes are prepared fresh and just the way you like them. From Fathu Bisgandu and perfectly prepared Egg Benedict to a choice of eggs made to order, every plate is served with care. Guests can also enjoy a selection of freshly made dosa, pancakes, crepes, and waffles, paired with a variety of preserves and nuts, bringing a delightful mix of comfort and indulgence to the table.
Lighter options such as fresh fruits, yogurts, and wholesome selections offer a refreshing balance, making it easy to take your time and enjoy the morning at your own pace.
And just when you think the experience ends at breakfast, it gently continues at Azur rooftop.
For those looking to stretch out the celebration, the rooftop pool offers a completely different mood calm, open, and unhurried. With the pool package, guests can spend relaxed hours by the water, enjoying a brunch menu and a glass of iced lemon tea while taking in views over Malé and the ocean beyond. Perfect for kids and families, it creates a space where everyone can unwind and enjoy the day at their own pace. It is easy, it is laid-back, and it feels exactly like how Eid afternoons should be.
If you are looking to spend Eid in a way that feels both familiar and thoughtfully elevated, this is an experience worth gathering for.
For both pool package and breakfast reservations, guests can WhatsApp +960 779 9323 or call 3300888.
News
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort launches immersive experiences to enhance meaningful travel
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites travellers to experience the Maldives with greater intention through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™, Marriott International’s enhanced guest experience program across Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC). Spanning almost 100 experiences across nearly 80 hotels in 12 APEC markets, the program enables guests to forge deeper connections with the destinations they visit, encouraging cultural discovery, community connection, and meaningful impact.
Rooted in Westin’s wellbeing philosophy, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort brings together restorative experiences and thoughtful hospitality through three immersive journeys that celebrate Maldivian heritage, everyday island life, and the resort’s natural environment.
The Lost Art of Lacquer
An invitation to preserve one of the Maldives’ most treasured cultural crafts, The Lost Art of Lacquer spotlights Liyelaa Jehun, an age-old lacquer handicraft tradition now at risk of disappearing. Once practiced across the islands, this intricate wood-carving and lacquer artistry survives primarily in Thulhaadhoo, where only a small number of craftsmen continue the practice today.
In partnership with local artisans, guests are welcomed to observe the delicate process firsthand and participate in a hands-on workshop from some of the last remaining lacquerware craftsmen in the Maldives. Available every Friday, the experience culminates in guests creating their own lacquerware piece, while also playing a direct role in supporting local craftsmen and keeping this important cultural heritage alive.
Immerse in the Maldivian Way of Living – A Local Island Excursion
Created in partnership with the resort’s Dive Center partners, AQUA, this local island excursion offers guests a thoughtful opportunity to experience the Maldives beyond the luxury resort setting. By visiting cultural and historical landmarks, family-run small businesses, local markets, community institutions, and educational centers, guests gain a more authentic understanding of daily life, traditions, beliefs, crafts, and culture.
Designed to move beyond touristy highlights, the excursion fosters meaningful connections, allowing guests to engage with local communities and discover a richer, more realistic perspective on the Maldivian way of life, while contributing positively to the places they visit.

Discover Miriandhoo – An Island Tour
Set amid the tranquil beauty of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers an enriching island tour that reveals the ecology, cultural heritage, and environmental significance of the island. Guests explore shaded coastal paths and learn about indigenous plants and local wildlife, while also going behind the scenes to understand the resort’s sustainability systems. From visits to the resort’s renewable energy system, water bottling plant, and composting system, this experience offers practical insight into how everyday actions and responsible systems can protect fragile island environments.

To learn more about Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ experiences at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, or plan a restorative island getaway, visit westin-maldives.com.
Business
BBM renews as Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards under multi-year agreement
Hotelier Maldives has announced Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as the Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 under a multi-year agreement, reaffirming one of the longest-standing partnerships behind the publication’s flagship hospitality recognition platform.
The 2026 edition marks the third consecutive year that BBM has served as Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards, having supported the event in the same capacity since its launch in 2024. BBM has also backed Hotelier Maldives’ second flagship event, GM Forum, every year since 2023, with 2026 set to mark its fourth year as a Silver Partner of the forum.
The continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to recognising the people behind the Maldives’ tourism industry while supporting platforms that encourage industry dialogue, leadership and professional development.
Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 entered its public voting phase on 15 March 2026, with voting set to remain open for one month. Winners will be announced at the gala ceremony on 26 April 2026 at NIVA Kurumba Maldives.
Commenting on the partnership, Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said: “BBM has been a valued partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards since the very beginning, and we are pleased to formalise this continued support through a multi-year agreement. Their decision to return as Title Partner for a third consecutive year reflects not only the strength of our relationship, but also a shared belief in the importance of recognising the people who drive excellence across the Maldives’ hospitality industry.
“BBM has also consistently supported GM Forum over the years, making them one of the most committed partners across our event platforms. We are proud to continue working together as we strengthen both Hotelier Maldives Awards and GM Forum as annual fixtures for the industry.”
AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of BBM, said: “At BBM, we have always believed that a strong hospitality industry is built by strong people, and Hotelier Maldives Awards provides an important national platform to recognise the professionals whose work often takes place behind the scenes. We are pleased to continue as Title Partner of the awards under this multi-year agreement, while also extending our support to GM Forum for a fourth consecutive year.
“As a company that has grown alongside the Maldives’ hospitality sector, we value opportunities that celebrate talent, encourage professional pride and contribute to the long-term development of the industry. Our continued partnership with Hotelier Maldives reflects that commitment.”
Bestbuy Maldives is one of the country’s leading importers and distributors, serving the hospitality, HORECA and retail sectors with a broad portfolio of international brands. The company positions itself as a partner to the Maldivian hospitality industry, supplying products from around the world across key business verticals including resorts, foodservice and retail.
Hotelier Maldives Awards continues to recognise the contributions of resort-based hospitality professionals across the Maldives, highlighting both individual excellence and team performance. The awards programme remains the country’s only dedicated recognition platform focused on professionals working in resort operations. The current public voting round allows industry stakeholders, colleagues, guests and the wider public to take part in selecting this year’s winners.
The growing list of confirmed partners for Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 includes Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as Title Partner, Dhiraagu as Platinum Partner, Storm Events as Organising Partner, NIVA, Kurumba Maldives as Host Partner, Souvenir Marine as Transport Partner, ALIA as Associate Sponsor, and Lightsout Studios as Associate Partner. More partners and sponsors will be announced soon.
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