News
An Unforgettable and Inspiring Day to Celebrate Women and Local Culture at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives
In honor of International Women’s Day, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives hosted a celebration dedicated to promoting inclusion, empowerment, and the achievements of women while paying significant importance to the vibrant culture of the Maldives.
The event, held on March 8th, 2024, showcased a series of workshops highlighting various local women-led industries of Maldives, followed by a therapeutic art session and delectable snacks and drinks.
Amongst the unique traditions and cultures of Maldives, one of the most pleasing ones to the eye is certainly the traditional attire of Maldivians called Kasabu Libaas which translates to “dress”. Kasabu boavalhu, the embroidered part of the dress elaborately decorates the neckline with a technique, slowly fading into history today called Kasabu Viyun. The entire procedure is one of the most fascinating aspects of Maldivian culture featuring a short wooden stout vase-like structure called a Gathaa Fai.
In the local language, the art of weaving is called “Thundu Kunaa Viyun” (reed mat weaving) and is considered a dying form of art that originated from the Gadhdhoo island. One large mat takes approximately one month to weave, which probably is the reason that it is not practiced by the youth today. However, the ladies at the resort got the chance to learn the rich history of the local culture and the significance that the local women held in society then and today to uphold the economy by doing their part.
In addition to the workshops, guests were treated to a delectable selection of canapes and women’s day inspired drinks along with a therapeutic art workshop held by the resident artist “Kadek” providing an opportunity to enjoy rhythmic movements and to let the inner stress flow out of the body with every stroke of the brush, where the guests were able to explore their creativity and express themselves through the subtle language of art.
“As a luxury boutique resort in the Maldives, we are honored to be part of a rich culture where women of all walks of life bring color and energy into the society in numerous unspoken ways,” said Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of the resort.
“At Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, we strive to be an equal opportunity employer by inspiring inclusivity to eliminate all gender barriers and stereotypes by encouraging women to join our team. We believe in creating not only a safe workplace for women but also, our female guests with heightened privacy, be it whether you are on a solo trip or traveling with your girlfriends”.
This event was part of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives’ commitment to promoting and uplifting females as well as local talent. The resort is dedicated to providing its guests with authentic experiences that allow them to connect with the local culture and community.
News
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa reimagines island experience with resort-wide makeover
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has announced an exciting new chapter with a comprehensive resort-wide refurbishment. The transformation reimagines accommodations, dining venues, public spaces, and guest experiences while preserving the lush island environment that has defined the resort for generations. To celebrate this transformation, travellers are invited to experience the renewed island retreat with an exclusive long-stay offer. For a limited time, guests who book five nights or more will enjoy complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers on any available package, making it easier to discover one of the Maldives’ most naturally abundant private islands, located just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport.
Long before the Maldives became one of the world’s most sought-after luxury destinations, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa had established itself as a place where genuine hospitality and nature coexist in perfect harmony. While many islands have been developed in recent years, Sheraton Maldives has had the rare privilege of allowing its landscape to flourish over time, creating a mature tropical sanctuary that cannot be replicated overnight. Today, the resort is building on that legacy with thoughtful enhancements that elevate the guest experience and preserve the character that has always made the island distinctive.

The island is home to nearly 200 varieties of tropical plants, 18 species of orchids, and more than 600 coconut trees, creating a vibrant ecosystem that welcomes guests from the moment they arrive. At its heart stands a magnificent banyan tree that has flourished for more than a century, a living reminder of the island’s rich heritage and enduring connection to the Maldivian landscape. The island’s tropical landscape has developed over decades and is home to native flora, abundant birdlife, and shaded pathways that distinguish it from many newer developments across the Maldives.
Alongside its ongoing sustainability initiatives, the resort’s current refurbishment has been carefully designed to enhance what guests have always loved about the island. Guestrooms and villas are being refreshed with contemporary design and enhanced comforts. Restaurants, bars, recreational facilities, the kids’ club, and public spaces are also being reimagined to create a more seamless and refined guest experience.

Every enhancement aims to meet the evolving expectations of today’s travellers while maintaining the warmth, authenticity, and natural charm that define Sheraton Maldives. Guests can relax on powder-soft beaches, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, enjoy diverse culinary experiences, and unwind at Shine Spa for Sheraton. Every stay balances timeless island charm with modern luxury.
“At Sheraton Maldives, our story has always been about bringing people together in an extraordinary island setting,” said Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. “Our refurbishment is an investment in the future of the resort, ensuring our guests enjoy modern comforts while preserving the island’s extraordinary natural beauty and the heartfelt hospitality that have defined Sheraton Maldives for decades. We are excited to welcome returning and first-time guests to experience a timeless destination that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.”

To mark this exciting new chapter, guests who book for five nights or more will receive complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers on any available package. Whether choosing a bed and breakfast escape or a curated dining package, every eligible booking includes this exclusive benefit. The offer provides added value and convenience from the moment they arrive in the Maldives.
Guests can be among the first to experience the next chapter of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa by booking directly through the resort’s official website at www.sheratonmaldives.com or by contacting the reservations team at Sheraton.Maldives@sheraton.com.
Action
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef introduces guest-led coral restoration initiative
Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, is inviting guests to leave behind more than memories. This World Nature Conservation Day (28th July 2026), the boutique island retreat officially launched its signature ‘Adopt-a-Coral’ initiative, giving travellers the opportunity to play an active role in restoring one of nature’s most precious underwater sanctuaries.

Driven by Sun Siyam Resorts’ overarching sustainability program, Sun Siyam Cares, this initiative provides a hands-on opportunity to safeguard the fragile aquatic landscapes of the South Nilandhe Atoll. Guests become active participants in the restoration process, carefully attaching live coral fragments onto specially designed nursery frames under the guidance of the resort’s marine experts. These structures are then carefully placed in nursery zones across the lagoon to flourish and rebuild vital habitats.

To commemorate the launch, guests enjoyed an interactive morning event featuring bespoke refreshments and a symbolic frame planting ceremony. Long after returning home, guests continue receiving personalised updates, allowing them to witness the growth of the very coral they helped restore, creating a lasting connection with the island and its surrounding waters.

“Our reef is the heart of our island, and protecting it is a responsibility we proudly share with every guest who visits us,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager. “By giving our guests the opportunity to plant coral, we offer them a meaningful way to leave our sanctuary even better than when they arrived. It is a genuine privilege to empower our visitors to play a direct role in building a more resilient ecosystem while forging a lifelong bond with the Maldives.”
The Adopt-a-Coral initiative forms a key part of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s long-term sustainability vision, seamlessly combining luxury island hospitality with meaningful conservation efforts, guest participation, and community engagement. The resort’s spectacular house reef is home to an extraordinary diversity of coral formations, tropical fish, turtles, and countless other species, making its protection essential for future generations.
Action
Fushifaru Maldives offers access to Lhaviyani’s manta ray hotspot
One of the Maldives’ most anticipated marine spectacles has arrived – manta ray season is returning to Lhaviyani Atoll. As plankton-rich waters attract these gentle giants, the atoll transforms into a haven for unforgettable underwater encounters. Graceful, curious and inspiring, manta rays can often be spotted gliding effortlessly through the turquoise waters, creating magical moments for both snorkelers and divers.
Whether you’re taking your first plunge beneath the surface or you’re a seasoned ocean explorer, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of swimming alongside these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Think vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life and crystal-clear lagoons. Manta ray season offers an unforgettable experience that captures the true wonder of the Maldives.
One of Lhaviyani Atoll’s most renowned manta ray sites is Fushifaru Thila, located just three minutes by boat from Fushifaru Maldives. This protected dive site is home to a natural manta cleaning station, where cleaner wrasse and other small reef fish remove parasites and dead skin from the mantas. Watching these gentle giants gracefully circle the cleaning station as they pause for their underwater “spa treatment” is a truly remarkable sight and one of the highlights of diving in the Maldives.
-
Awards6 days agoThree Cinnamon Maldives resorts ranked among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide
-
Meditation1 week agoSix Senses unveils ‘The Yin Way’ retreat at Kanuhura
-
Culture1 week agoMaagiri Hotel celebrates Independence Day with special dining offers
-
News1 week agoELE|NA, Mandara Spa and RIU RENOVA SPA join World Wellness Weekend activities in Maldives
-
Awards1 week agoCarne Diem Grill by Dharshan becomes Maldives’ sole entry in 50 Best Discovery 2026
-
Action1 week agoNova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day with diving, education and reef restoration
-
Drink1 week agoTHE OZEN COLLECTION and Champagne Guy Charbaut return with annual Champagne Week
-
News1 week agoDJ Liliana Reagan returns to headline Niva Dhigali’s New Year’s Eve celebration


