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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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Dive for free at Kandooma, just named Maldives’ leading dive resort

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been crowned ‘Maldives Leading Dive Resort 2025’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards, marking a major milestone as the inaugural winner of this newly introduced category.

The announcement was made at a glittering gala ceremony held on 29 June in Tanzania, attended by tourism and hospitality leaders from across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The accolade honours Kandooma’s commitment to exceptional diving experiences and innovation in accessible underwater tourism.

“We’re surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring marine life in the Maldives – it’s truly like diving in a living aquarium,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “From graceful manta rays and reef sharks to turtles, moray eels, and vast schools of tropical fish, our waters are teeming with life.”

Just minutes from the resort are world-class dive sites including Kandooma Thila, a renowned cleaning station for grey reef sharks; Guraidhoo Corner, famous for its strong currents and pelagic encounters; and Medhu Faru, where divers drift alongside vibrant coral walls. The close proximity of these sites allows for up to three dives a day – ideal for enthusiasts chasing underwater thrills.

Central to Kandooma’s diving success is its bold ‘Dive Free’ initiative – a game-changer for the scuba community. Guests who stay three nights or more and are certified divers receive two complimentary boat dives per day, including equipment and professional guidance.

“Diving can be an expensive pursuit, so we decided to flip the script,” Eletr added. “Our ‘Dive Free’ program removes the barriers and makes the underwater magic of the Maldives accessible to more people than ever.”

Kandooma’s on-site 5-star PADI dive centre offers courses for beginners through to advanced, specialty certifications and refreshers, as well as private excursions for underwater photography, night dives, and wreck explorations.

With its commitment to sustainability, marine preservation, and guest experience, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has proven that world-class diving doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag – just a sense of adventure.

For more information or to book a diving escape, visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com

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BBM, Mamee Food Services partner to elevate Maldivian dining with Asian Cuisine Engagement Week

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Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), a key supplier to the Maldives’ hospitality industry, in partnership with Mamee Food Services, has launched the Asian Cuisine Engagement Week. The programme, running from 29th June to 4th July 2025, is designed to introduce premium Asian sauces to the Maldives foodservice sector and upskill culinary professionals.

The official launch was held on Monday at BBM’s venue partner, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) at The Maldives National University (MNU). FHTS continues to be a key collaborator with BBM on industry events and culinary development. The event was attended by over 40 chefs from leading hotels and restaurants in Malé. Representatives from Mamee Food Services travelled to the Maldives to lead the session, which included live product demonstrations and technical training.

The focus of the initiative is the introduction of Mamee’s premium Asian sauces, including the Daebak range, which features a variety of Korean and East Asian flavours. The programme aims to support chefs in incorporating these new products into their menus, fostering innovation within commercial kitchens.

AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives, commented on the initiative, stating, “Our goal is to be a strategic partner for the culinary community in the Maldives. This collaboration with Mamee Food Services is a direct reflection of that commitment. By providing access to new products and facilitating hands-on training, we are investing in the skills of chefs and supporting the evolution of menu offerings across the country. This initiative aligns with our broader strategy to continuously elevate the culinary standards in the Maldives.”

He added, “We believe that introducing high-quality, authentic Asian flavours through our partnership with a globally recognised brand like Mamee will provide a new dimension to the dining experience for tourists and locals alike. This reinforces BBM’s role as a trusted partner for global F&B brands seeking to make a mark in the Maldivian market.”

Jennifer Chee, Director of Food Service at Mamee Food Service, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are incredibly excited to partner with Bestbuy Maldives to bring Mamee’s authentic Asian flavours to the vibrant culinary scene of the Maldives. This engagement week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how our premium sauces, particularly the Daebak range, can inspire creativity and elevate dishes in professional kitchens.”

“We believe that by working directly with chefs and providing hands-on training, we can truly empower them to explore new culinary possibilities and deliver exceptional dining experiences to their guests. We look forward to seeing the innovative ways Maldivian chefs will incorporate our products.”

Following the launch in Malé, a dedicated follow-up session will be held at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi for resort-based chefs. This session will include participation from properties within the Atmosphere Core group, providing hands-on training focused on the scalable integration of Mamee products into commercial resort kitchens.

Throughout the week, the culinary team from BBM and Mamee will conduct on-site visits and tastings at selected restaurants in Malé, offering further technical support and guidance.

This joint initiative between BBM and Mamee Food Services is set to drive menu innovation and provide culinary professionals in the Maldives with the tools and skills needed to meet evolving consumer tastes.

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Atmosphere Kanifushi named Best Family Resort in Indian Ocean for sixth consecutive year

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Atmosphere Kanifushi has once again been recognised as the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort’ at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year the island has received this prestigious accolade. This continued recognition highlights the resort’s unique appeal to both romantic couples and adventure-seeking families.

Commenting on the achievement, Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, noted that the island’s charm lies in its ability to strike a harmonious balance between tranquillity and excitement. “While some Maldivian resorts cater to serenity and others to a more vibrant, active scene, Atmosphere Kanifushi is all about equilibrium—offering peace and relaxation alongside engaging, family-friendly experiences,” he shared.

Nestled on a long, naturally beautiful island with lush vegetation and surrounded by a stunning turquoise seascape, Atmosphere Kanifushi owes its success not only to its natural setting but also to the dedication of its team. According to Bhoyroo, the recognition is a result of the team’s relentless commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for guests of all ages. “By intuitively understanding the needs of each guest, we ensure a seamless blend of high-touch service, relaxation, and fun, all while offering the true feeling of a castaway escape in paradise,” he said.

With one of the highest guest repeater rates in the Maldives, the resort continues to innovate in order to surprise and delight returning visitors. From refreshed culinary offerings to vibrant live entertainment, there is always something new to discover.

Most recently, Atmosphere Kanifushi unveiled its new Essens Spa, a concept that redefines relaxation and wellbeing. The spa features immersive wellness journeys, yoga and detox sessions, traditional healing rituals, and a full suite of salon services. In keeping with the resort’s inclusive approach to family wellness, the spa also offers a Kids Spa Experience, complete with playful treatments for children and specialised teen wellness rituals that nurture growing bodies, youthful skin, and emotional balance.

This latest award reinforces Atmosphere Kanifushi’s reputation as a premier destination for families seeking both luxury and adventure in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

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