In a milestone moment for the resort, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has officially unveiled its new Ocean Signature Villas with Pool and Slide during an exclusive launch event attended by local media, partners and VIP guests.

The unveiling was led by Sun Siyam Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, who introduced the resort’s most ambitious villa transformation to date. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection, has added 50 new overwater villas collectively known as the Ocean Signature Villas with Pool and Slide, comprising 48 one bedroom and two two-bedroom retreats.

Marking the resort’s most significant transformation in years and its boldest design statement to date, this new chapter invites guests into a world where the playful and the peaceful coexist, elevated by warm Maldivian hospitality and experiences rooted in genuine island sophistication.

Designed for those who seek both connection and space, the Ocean Signature Villas with Pool and Slide are available in one and two-bedroom configurations and command the finest lagoon vistas and uninterrupted sunrise to sunset views. Whether travelling as a couple or a family, the setting feels equally suited to quiet seclusion and shared adventure. Inside, the interiors are as considered as the setting. A hidden privacy divider and expansive lounge with 65″ display sit alongside a discreet integrated pantry for effortless in-villa dining. Dramatic arch details run throughout, and the layout flows naturally from the bedroom through to the dressing area and into an open-plan bathroom complete with a freestanding tub and dual vanities. Each bedroom has its own private en-suite and 50″ TV for quieter moments.

Outside, the sun-drenched decks are a destination in their own right. A signature overwater hammock looks out across the lagoon, a secluded pool offers a more private place to unwind, and an exhilarating 11-metre water slide provides the kind of moment that tends to feature heavily in the holiday recap. It is a rare balance to strike, genuine luxury that also knows how to have fun.

“Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is where the Sun Siyam story began, so this moment is especially meaningful for us. As we enter a new chapter, our focus remains simple: creating exceptional experiences while staying true to the warmth and hospitality that define who we are,” said Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Sun Siyam.

Aiming to introduce a refined design language to the resort, Sun Siyam partnered with international interior design consultants Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero who are the Founders and Creative Directors of the London-based Studio Sixty7, to lead the transformation in bringing this distinctive concept to life. The interiors are defined by a rich aesthetic character, where natural textures and softly sculpted curves mirror the movement and serenity of the azure Maldivian waters.

“Studio Sixty7’s vision for this new luxury overwater villa in the Maldives balances calm minimalism with bold expression. White timber-paneled walls create a light, serene backdrop, contrasted by a deep blue ceiling that reflects the richness of the surrounding ocean. Arched ceiling details guide movement through the space, echoed in the soft, curved forms of the bespoke timber joinery. Recessed lighting is seamlessly integrated to enhance the architecture, casting a warm, subtle glow. Locally made artwork adds depth and authenticity, grounding the design in its Maldivian context. The result is a refined, immersive escape at that feels both tranquil and distinctive.” says Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, Founders of Studio Sixty7.

“Our goal was to create something truly beyond exceptional. Working alongside award-winning creative minds, we are debuting a series of overwater signature villas that possess a completely renewed soul and appearance,” says Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Iru Veli. “These overwater villas are entirely unique to the Maldives, offering a diverse range of grand sizes and rare structural layouts. Each is meticulously designed to serve as an immersive, luxurious sanctuary where avant-garde design meets the timeless beauty of the surrounding ocean.”

Officially unveiled on 15 June by Sun Siyam Founder, Chairman and Managing Director Hon. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed during the resort’s exclusive “A New Rhythm of the Reef” launch event, the Ocean Signature Villas signal a bold new chapter for Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. Blending imaginative design, immersive experiences and heartfelt Maldivian hospitality, they introduce a fresh rhythm to island living while honouring the spirit that has defined the resort since its beginnings.

For more information or to explore exclusive offers, visit the Sun Siyam Vilu Reef website.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives by The Centara Collection, has announced its recognition in the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards Best of the Best for 2026, placing the resort among the top 1% of listings worldwide.

This highest tier of Tripadvisor recognition celebrates properties that consistently captivate travellers through exceptional experiences, as reflected in authentic reviews shared by guests over the past 12 months. The award stands as a global benchmark of guest satisfaction and trust.

Set within one of the Maldives’ most naturally expressive islands in South Ari, Machchafushi is defined by its living reef, rich marine biodiversity, and the quiet presence of its 200-year-old Banyan Tree, Ummeedhu. The island offers an experience shaped by discovery, where overwater and beachfront living, a diverse culinary journey, and wellness come together with the underwater world, island heritage, and the natural rhythm of life in seamless harmony.

“We are deeply honoured to be recognised among the world’s most exceptional destinations, as chosen by the travellers who experience Machchafushi first-hand,” stated Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. “This island is not defined by its scenery alone, but by the emotions it evokes, the sense of wonder beneath the sea, the stillness beneath the Banyan Tree, and the memories created in between. This recognition belongs to our guests, whose journeys give meaning to our story, and to our team, whose passion brings the island’s spirit to life every day.”

“Congratulations to Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives on its Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award: Best of the Best win for 2026,” said Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer, Tripadvisor Group. “Earning a place among the top percentage of listings globally is no small feat. It reflects the lasting impression made on travelers who took the time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. Travelers look to Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best as a trusted guide to the world’s top destinations and experiences. We hope this recognition helps inspire even more visitors in 2026 and beyond!”

This achievement reaffirms Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives as a destination where nature, authenticity, and experience converge to create lasting impressions.

Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is building on the success of its Summer Lagoon Living campaign with the introduction of Summer Made Seamless. Rather than introducing a separate package, the promotion adds new benefits to the resort’s existing Bed & Breakfast, Half Board and Full Board rate plans, allowing guests to enjoy more value and flexibility throughout their stay.

Celebrating the simple pleasures of island life, Summer Lagoon Living encourages guests to slow down, reconnect and discover the joys of unhurried days spent by the lagoon. The newest addition to the seasonal campaign removes some of the practical barriers to travel while adding meaningful value throughout the guest journey.

Just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the award-winning island retreat is introducing a collection of enhanced inclusions that allow guests to focus less on planning and more on enjoying quality time with loved ones, embracing wellbeing and immersing themselves in the beauty of the Maldives.

The new enhancements apply across Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives’ standard direct booking offers and are designed to add value without requiring guests to select a separate promotional package. Available for new direct bookings throughout the summer season until 30th September 2026, the promotion rewards guests with enhanced inclusions based on their chosen meal plan:

• Book Bed & Breakfast for three nights or more and enjoy complimentary return speedboat transfers.
• Book Half Board and receive a complimentary upgrade to Full Board.
• Book Full Board and receive a complimentary upgrade to All-Inclusive.

In addition, all guests can begin and end their days with complimentary sunrise and sunset group yoga sessions, embracing the restorative rhythm of life by the lagoon.

“Summer Lagoon Living is about rediscovering the luxury of time,” said Liz Smailes, Director of Marketing at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives. “With Summer Made Seamless, we’ve taken that concept a step further by simplifying the travel experience and adding thoughtful benefits that allow guests to focus on what matters most: spending time together, unwinding and creating lasting memories.”

The announcement follows the resort’s recent recognition in the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, placing Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives among the top 10% of hotels worldwide. The accolade reflects the guest experiences that sit at the heart of Summer Lagoon Living: meaningful connection, authentic hospitality and time well spent.

Whether snorkelling the vibrant house reef, enjoying leisurely breakfasts overlooking the Indian Ocean from Edge restaurant, unwinding at the award-winning spa or simply watching the colours of sunset dance across the lagoon from Breeze bar and restaurant, guests are invited to experience the resort’s philosophy of Connected Island Luxury—where luxury is measured not by excess, but by meaningful experiences and genuine connection.

From sunrise yoga overlooking turquoise waters to evenings spent sharing stories beneath starlit skies, every element of the Summer Lagoon Living campaign has been designed around one simple aspiration: helping guests leave feeling better than the day they arrived.

Summer Made Seamless:

• Book Bed & Breakfast (minimum three nights) and receive complimentary return speedboat transfers.
• Book Half Board and receive a complimentary upgrade to Full Board.
• Book Full Board and receive a complimentary upgrade to All-Inclusive.∞ Complimentary sunrise and sunset group yoga sessions.

These enhancements can be combined with the resort’s existing direct booking benefits, providing guests with greater value while maintaining the flexibility to choose the board basis that best suits their style of holiday.