News
Beond to Elevate Inflight Entertainment Experience with Apple Vision Pro
Beond airline is set to elevate the inflight entertainment experience by offering Apple’s innovative content platform, Apple Vision Pro, to select passengers starting July 2024.
Passengers traveling with Beond to the enchanting destination of the Maldives will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in the cutting-edge Apple Vision Pro during their flight. This revolutionary offering will complement Beond’s unparalleled onboard content selection, immersing passengers in captivating experiences that showcase the best of the Maldives.

Tero Taskila, Chairman, and CEO of Beond, expressed enthusiasm about this pioneering initiative, stating, “The introduction of Apple Vision Pro will revolutionize the inflight entertainment experience, and we are proud to be the first to offer it to our esteemed passengers. Alongside our extensive library of inflight content, including movies and games, Beond will curate breathtaking footage highlighting the exquisite resort destinations and activities awaiting travelers in the Maldives. This inflight experience aims to build anticipation for our passengers, enhancing their journey from start to finish. Introducing Apple Vision Pro is another stride in our commitment to delivering a premium travel experience.”
This announcement comes on the heels of Beond’s recent acquisition of its second aircraft and the successful launch of commercial passenger services in 2023, connecting Munich, Zurich, and Riyadh to Malé, Maldives. Beond is set to expand its route network further, with plans to introduce flights from Milan, Dubai, and Bangkok to the Maldives in mid-2024, all featuring a luxurious all-lay flat seating configuration.
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
-
Cooking6 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
Action1 week agoMichael Owen leads Easter football camp at Avani+ Fares Maldives
-
News1 week agoThe Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
-
Action1 week agoRadisson Blu Maldives image shortlisted for Monaco environmental award
-
Cooking6 days agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
-
Business1 week agoCoca-Cola Maldives launches World Cup-themed promotion
-
News1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives welcomes visiting Thai healer for spa residency
-
Featured1 week agoOne year on: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives marks milestone


