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Amari Raaya Maldives unveils RAAYA: Luxurious private yacht for unforgettable seafaring experiences

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Amari Raaya Maldives, the luxury destination resort nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, has introduced its latest addition to redefine the concept of opulent escapades – the extraordinary private yacht, Raaya.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime as Raaya promises an unparalleled castaway paradise experience. This 20.98-metre luxury yacht, accommodating up to 20 guests across 4 cabins, beckons those seeking the epitome of luxury and style on the open seas.

Key highlights:

  • Tailored Experiences: Raaya can be requested for an array of bespoke experiences, from full-day private charters with VIP services including an on-board private chef and waiter, to exclusive ‘Chasing the Sunset’ evening cruises featuring breathtaking golden sunsets. Alternatively, revel in the romance of a Champagne breakfast, whilst the sun-kissed morning unfolds against the gently lapping ocean. As the day transitions to night, savour the magic of a private dinner on the upper deck, where every detail is curated to perfection. Raaya provides the vessel for unforgettable memories, where each sip and bite is a celebration of life’s finest moments.
  • Arrive and Depart in Luxury: Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary as Raaya is available for charter for private airport transfers. Seamlessly blending sophistication and comfort, guests can ensure their luxurious castaway journey begins from the moment they touch-down in Male and continues as they depart back for the airport after their stay at Amari Raaya Maldives.
  • Luxury Beyond Compare: Guests can indulge in a world of luxury with spacious, elegantly appointed cabins, providing stunning sea views and personalised services. The yacht features state-of-the-art technology, a fully stocked bar, and a highly experienced crew committed to ensuring the ultimate comfort for guests stepping onboard.
  • Culinary Delights: Savour delectable culinary creations prepared by world-class chefs. Gourmet dining experiences unfold under the stars on deck and in stylish dining areas, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance.
  • Secluded Castaway Adventures: Dive into crystal-clear waters, explore vibrant coral reefs, snorkel alongside diverse marine life, or relax on secluded beaches accessible only by Raaya. Every day promises a new adventure in untouched natural beauty.
  • Wellness Oasis: Guests can unwind and rejuvenate with selected spa treatments carried out by a personal spa therapist and even enjoy yoga sessions with the azure blue waters as a backdrop.

Whether chartering for a private airport transfer or creating unforgettable memories with champagne breakfasts and private dinners on the upper deck, Raaya stands as the epitome of luxury, inviting guests to step aboard and be captivated by a world of opulence and adventure.

Amari Raaya Maldives, which opened this year on 1st August 2023, is a luxurious destination resort committed to providing unparalleled experiences in the heart of the Indian Ocean. With the launch of Raaya, the resort continues to set new standards for unforgettable moments, style, and a personalised service. Raaya adds to the wealth of activities and experiences already on offer at Amari Raaya Maldives, from diving with the certified PADI instructors to spot the local sea turtles – or swimming with whale sharks, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing or kayaking. As well as a multitude of sport facilities, the resort also offers two pools, a gym, mini-golf, paddle tennis, wild mangrove forest trails and sky-high watchtower views.

Cooking

W Maldives welcomes acclaimed ‘Dessert King’ Reynold Poernomo for Flavours Unscripted culinary takeover

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W Maldives is turning up the flavor dial this August with a high-profile culinary collaboration that is equal parts bold, artful, and wildly indulgent. As part of the resort’s Dare To Taste programming under the Flavors Unscripted series, W Maldives will welcome acclaimed chef and culinary creative Reynold Poernomo for a two-part takeover on August 10 and 12, 2025. This exclusive collaboration is set to redefine island dining—one plate at a time.

Born in Indonesia and raised in Sydney, Chef Reynold is no stranger to pushing culinary boundaries. A self-taught prodigy who rose to fame as a finalist on MasterChef Australia, he quickly became known as the nation’s “Dessert King” for his intricate, art-driven creations. In 2016, he co-founded KOI Dessert Bar with his family, which has since become one of Sydney’s most iconic culinary destinations with a cult following. The brand expanded in 2017 with KOI Dessert Kitchen, a production space that also hosts exclusive masterclasses and guest chef collaborations. Reynold’s approach to food is anything but ordinary—his plates are immersive, imaginative, and unapologetically bold. This August, he brings that same creative fire to W Maldives.

The main event unfolds on August 12, when guests will have the rare opportunity to experience Chef Reynold’s culinary artistry firsthand at FISH, the resort’s signature overwater venue renowned for its sustainable ocean-to-table fine dining. For one night only, Chef Reynold will present a specially curated three-course dinner inspired by island ingredients, global technique, and his unmistakable visual flair. Guests can expect bold plating, layered flavors, and a few unexpected turns—this is Reynold unleashed, Maldives-style.

As part of this exclusive collaboration, W Maldives presents Marriott Bonvoy Moments–a once-in-a-lifetime experience for members to bid on a Private Castaway Dining Experience with Chef Reynold, paired with a luxurious four-night villa stay in a Premier Overwater One-Bedroom Villa from August 9 to 13, 2025. The package includes roundtrip shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport, daily breakfast, and a one-time signature treatment at AWAY Spa for the bid winner and their guest.

The highlight of the stay begins on August 10, with an intimate starlit dinner on Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ private castaway island, where Chef Reynold will personally host and curate a bespoke tasting menu. On August 12, the duo will receive front-row seats to his culinary showcase at FISH. With only one package available, anticipation is high and competition will be fierce.

To mark the collaboration, Chef Reynold will also unveil an exclusive signature dessert, created just for W Maldives and available on the menu for six months following his visit. Daring, decadent, and destined to be the most photographed dish on the island, it is a lasting tribute to this unforgettable partnership.

“There’s something electric about the Maldives—its textures, its moods, its light,” said Chef Reynold Poernomo. “This menu is my response to that. A dreamscape of flavor brought to life through technique, imagination, and a little island heat.”

Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives, added, “At W Maldives, we’re all about pushing boundaries—on the plate, behind the bar, and in the guest experience. Reynold brings a daring, creative energy that aligns perfectly with our vision. This isn’t just a dinner; it’s a story told in flavor.”

This collaboration is part of Flavors Unscripted, W Maldives’ platform for culinary expression where global tastemakers meet untamed island creativity and nothing is ever scripted. It is food without rules. Flavor without borders.

Tucked away in the heart of the North Ari Atoll and a 25-minute scenic seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, W Maldives is a bold luxury escape featuring 77 private villas—each with a plunge pool and unobstructed access to the Indian Ocean. Following a recent design refresh, the resort seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with the island’s raw natural beauty.

Members can now bid for a Private Castaway Dining Experience with Chef Reynold Poernomo and a four-night stay at W Maldives until July 21, 2025 through Marriott Bonvoy Moments.

Guests looking to stir things up in paradise can book the Stay, Dine, and Fly package, which includes daily breakfast, a three-course dinner, and roundtrip seaplane transfers. For more information, visit www.wmaldives.com or contact reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.

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Awards

JOALI Maldives ranked Asia’s best and No. 7 in world’s top 100

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JOALI Maldives has been named the #1 Resort in Asia and #7 Resort in the World in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025, reaffirming its place as one of the leading luxury destinations globally and the hallmark of excellence of the Maldives.

Each year, Travel + Leisure readers rate the world’s most exceptional hotels based on rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. JOALI Maldives’ consistently high ratings reflect an enduring commitment to thoughtful luxury and heartfelt guest experiences.

With an outstanding score of 99.46 this year, the resort stands among the highest-rated properties in the world in this year’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Guests praised every element of the experience, from the design of the villas to the warmth of the service, with one reader declaring Saoke, the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, as “the best food in the world.” This level of acclaim reflects not only exceptional facilities, but also the resort’s unwavering commitment to curating personalised, soulful journeys for every guest.

This award adds to an ever-growing list of honours for the resort. JOALI Maldives has proudly upheld Forbes Five-Star status consecutively, has been celebrated in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards most recently as the #1 Resort in the Indian Ocean, and continues to earn praise in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards and previous editions of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best.

“We are truly humbled by this recognition from Travel + Leisure readers,” says Shifaz Hassan, General Manager of JOALI Maldives. “It’s especially meaningful because it comes from our guests — many of whom return year after year, sharing heartfelt feedback about our island. Our team works with quiet dedication to anticipate needs, honour privacy, and create moments of true joy. The recognition reflects the connections we have built with our guests, and I am immensely proud of this achievement”

A beacon of creativity and conscious living in the Maldives, JOALI continues to elevate luxury hospitality by meaningfulness, beauty, and soul.

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Awards

Villa Park, Villa Nautica crowned among world’s top 100 hotels

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Villa Resorts has been recognised in the TopHotels “Top 100 Hotels of the Year 2024” list, with two of its properties, Villa Park and Villa Nautica, featured among the highest-rated hotels based on guest reviews from Russia and the CIS.

TopHotels is one of the most widely used hotel review platforms among Russian-speaking travellers, and its annual ranking reflects feedback from thousands of verified guests. Earning a place in this list highlights the strong appeal of Villa Resorts’ offerings in these markets and the high level of satisfaction experienced by guests throughout the year.

Villa Park, located in South Ari Atoll, is well known for its lush landscapes, vibrant marine life, and wide range of activities suited for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts. Villa Nautica, situated near Malé, offers a more energetic island setting with beachfront villas, lively experiences, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

While each resort offers something unique, both share the brand’s signature focus on heartfelt service, comfortable luxury, and a strong sense of place inspired by the Maldives.

This recognition reflects Villa Resorts’ longstanding relationship with guests from Russia and the CIS. The brand has continually invested in understanding the needs of these travellers, offering multilingual support and culturally considerate service across its properties.

With roots in the Maldives since the early 1980s, Villa Resorts remains one of the country’s most established hospitality brands. This recent acknowledgment from TopHotels reinforces its position as a trusted choice for international travellers seeking authentic island experiences grounded in comfort, care, and connection.

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