Island Goers
Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi: a destination in paradise
By Matt G. He is a young professional from the United States with a background in arts and education. Matt loves to travel the world in search of beautiful destinations and unique travel experiences. He also enjoys cycling, writing and photography. He is also a writer for The Joys of Traveling.
Maldives Promotion House – Have you ever had a dream so real that when you woke up it took you a few minutes to realize it wasn’t? Well, as I sit here back in my day to day routine, having just come from the reality of the Maldives I have a similar feeling. It is not that my experience was imaginative, but kind of surreal. This is the first time that both prior to and after a travel experience I have vivid images of an unbelievable place racing through my mind. When speaking about the Maldives images of fantastic island destinations come to mind. The place is characterized by picture perfect scenes of the gentlest and soothing shades of white powdered sands and sea colors from deep blue to glowing sapphire. If one is tempted to think that photos like this are retouched, I can assure you they are not. The Maldives are thousands of little islands gathered into many atolls and each one offers scenes of resplendent beauty. That is why every hotel in these parts has developed its own piece of paradise. The setting in such pristine and surreal surroundings is the primary inspiration for the overall greatness one can expect to find. From these majestic views each of the hotels have created a sensorial journey all inside one compact destination. I had the pleasant opportunity to savor one such slice of paradise recently: The Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort and Spa.
The best way I can begin to describe this experience is by relating just how unique it was getting here. Maldives is not something you just up and go to. Even if you have the resources to decide to go at any time, it is a far away place and requires at least some planning to arrive. The flight to Male is quite far. I couldn’t help but realize that I was on a large aircraft headed for what seemed like tiny specks of land in a huge ocean. Upon arrival in the international airport, the journey was just beginning. The next step on the trip was a sea plane transfer to my destination of choice. Waiting in the Hilton lounge at the seaplane terminal was a great introduction to the hospitality and luxury I could expect at the destination. The lounge is spacious and has an atmosphere of relaxation and quiet. There are comfortable sofa beds on which you can enjoy views of the seaplane harbor or watch any range of television, all the while enjoying a wide selection of snacks and drinks. The attentive staff are sure to make you feel welcome and will even give you a massage to help you enter your next flight unburdened and carefree. The seaplane experience was a great thrill, especially if one loves flying like I do. In our modern age of jumbo liners and lengthy check in processes it was a delight to simply get on board and go. It felt like a real throwback to the early years of aviation, the golden years of just fifteen passengers and low flying over a tropical seascape. Forty five minutes later I had arrived to my first taste of heaven on earth.
Disembarking the seaplane I was immediately met on the jetty by an employee assigned to be my host. I didn’t have a single care for my bags as they were carefully whisked away to my room. After enjoying a complementary welcome drink in the Water’s Edge Bar by the lagoon, my personalized hotel representative (who would be my easily reachable contact for the entire stay) speedily checked me in and gave me an interactive orientation of the hotel, the island and all the facilities via ipad. I was then shown to my room, a deluxe seaside villa. What does a mansion in heaven look like you may be asking? Well, first there is a beach, you know the one you’ve seen gracing the covers of countless travel magazines since they were first put in print. And what a view it is. The layout is perfect from your beachfront gazebo to your covered villa porch right to the master bed, there is a clear line of sight to that iconic space where land and sea meet with overwhelming grace and charm. The villa itself is a large structure with a rounded shape. The interior has high ceilings made of delicate wood and the floors and walls are a series of relaxing shades of white and cream colors. The bed is soft and large and it is complemented on one side by a pillowed sitting area built into the wall and on the other by a spacious desk space and minibar. The room comes equipped with internet and a great entertainment system. Behind you villa is perhaps the gem of the whole masterpiece, your own private garden and relaxation area. This outdoor area is where the shower and bathroom facilities are located too. Indulge in your own backyard I spa as your open garden space is enclosed with high walls, a gazebo bed and a Jacuzzi for round the clock relaxation. The villa is a perfect getaway with all the pleasures one could hope for under one roof.
The hotel itself has an amazing layout. There is good use of space over the whole island of Iru Fushi without ever disrupting the natural feel of the dense tropical vegetation and the wide beaches and lagoons maintained by mother nature. Each morning I would savor the barefoot walk either along the beach or through the interior footpaths to the Iru Restaurant where a sumptuous breakfast was served. I found as well that there several lodging options on the island. There are beach villas, deluxe beach villas, overwater bungalows and a couple specialty retreats like celebrity, hidden and aqua. The overwater bungalows are an exceptional way to enjoy a holiday by living above the calming sea.
For an island so remote and relatively small the infrastructure is stunning and the variety is impressive. There are several restaurants and bars on the island and their menus are as extensive as anyone would find in a major city. There is even an impressive wine cellar with a sizable collection. Those who have a Hilton Gold membership can expect a complementary happy hour on the beach every night and a gift of a bottle of wine for the room among other benefits. The hotel facilities are varied and impressive. There is luxury shopping, recreation facilities, a library, a kids center, a family pool and a serene adults only pool as well. For sports there is a tennis and a badminton court, a golf simulator and a gym. The gym would be the one flaw that I found in my entire experience here. It is quite small and the machines are outdated, it could definitely use some upgrading.
Water sports are a must at the beach and there are ample opportunities for them here. It would be a shame to come all this way and not to get out into some of the world’s most pristine waters. If Maldives is beautiful above the surface then what’s below is certainly the other half of that equation. Here in the turquoise reefs one will find untouched corals and scores of fish and aquatic life. The dive center is a great way to suit up and head out to sea or even to learn to dive. One can also borrow snorkeling gear from the hotel here, something I enjoyed doing every day. The water sports center offers all non motorized sports like windsurfing kayaking and much more complimentary and one can rent any number of motorized excursions like wakeboarding, jet skiing and big game fishing during the day.
The Spa is a focal point for the hotel so much so that it makes up part of the official name. The Spa is like a resort within the resort. The setting is in the central area of the island where one can splash into refreshing privacy and undergo a real rejuvenation. The entrance to the spa is a unique pathway that winds through a mysterious garden and opens up into a tranquil atrium of pleasant smells and cooler temperatures under a lush canopy. There are steam and sauna areas, hot and cold plunge pools and a whole selection of private villas for massage and therapy treatments all in view of nature’s finest displays.
The best thing I have taken from my experience of the Maldives is that heaven can really be a place on earth. The reality is that there are lots of opportunities to experience the luxury and comforts of the Maldives, but every experience is unique and each island is heavenly not only because it exists, but because you are there to enjoy it. I am glad to have found my piece of heaven, a place that I was able to marvel at and experience all in one. The Hilton Maldives was my taste of heaven on earth and I can assure you that it is waiting to welcome and wow you as well.
Dhigurah in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll has been ranked among the world’s 10 most valuable holiday beaches, with its stretch of sand assigned an estimated value of MVR 2.9 billion (€162.7 million) in a study by luxury villa holiday specialist CV Villas.
The island placed eighth in the global ranking, ahead of Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The study calculated the hypothetical cost of owning some of the world’s best-known beaches by valuing the sand as coastal land. The figures do not represent sale prices or suggest that the beaches are available for private purchase.
Dhigurah was the only Maldivian beach included in the global top 15. Known for its long sandbank and proximity to whale shark habitats in South Ari Atoll, the inhabited island has become a destination for guesthouse tourism, diving and marine excursions.
Florida’s Siesta Beach topped the global ranking with an estimated value of €1.08 billion, followed by Pampelonne Beach in France at €843 million and Praia da Falésia in Portugal at €573.2 million.
Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands was ranked fourth at €376.4 million, while Bondi Beach in Sydney completed the top five with an estimated value of €365 million.
Hannah Marshall, luxury travel destination expert and marketing manager at CV Villas, said the research highlighted the role of location in determining coastal land values.
“Everyone has a beach that means something to them, so there’s something fun about seeing what those stretches of sand might be ‘worth’ if you valued them like the land behind them,” Marshall said.
“What comes through is how much location drives the figure: a beach in St-Tropez or on Siesta Key carries a value that a quieter shore — even just as beautiful — simply won’t.”
While Siesta Beach had the highest total estimated value, The Baths on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands recorded the highest value per square metre, at €8,846. Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda was the most affordable beach assessed, at approximately €199 per square metre.
The spirit, colour, and traditions of a Maldivian island Eid will take centre stage this festive season as Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) prepares to deliver immersive daily coverage of the Eid celebrations from Raa Atoll Meedhoo, bringing one of the country’s most vibrant cultural festivities to audiences around the world.
Beginning on 26 May, Visit Maldives will provide daily coverage from the island across its social media platforms and digital channels, continuing through 30 May. The initiative will showcase the atmosphere, traditions, and community celebrations that define Eid in the Maldives, offering audiences a deeper connection to the cultural identity of the islands beyond their well-known luxury experiences.
Throughout the five-day coverage, Visit Maldives teams will provide daily updates, feature segments, and behind-the-scenes storytelling from the island, capturing traditions that continue to shape community life across the Maldives. The campaign aims to position Maldivian culture and heritage as a central part of the destination experience while highlighting the unique character of local island communities.
Among the key traditions featured is Vedhuma Dhiyun, a longstanding custom where groups of islanders formally seek permission from community elders and leaders to begin Eid festivities. The practice reflects the strong communal values and cultural continuity preserved within island life.
The celebrations will also spotlight Bodu Mas, one of the most recognised Eid traditions in the Maldives. Meaning “big fish” in Dhivehi, the celebration centres around a giant fish structure crafted from woven coconut palm leaves and ceremonially carried through the island in a lively communal gathering rooted in the Maldives’ seafaring heritage.
Another major highlight is Maali Neshun, a traditional performance where participants dress as mythical figures and spirits using handcrafted costumes made from coconut leaves and local materials. Accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of boduberu drums, the performances transform the island into a visually striking cultural celebration.
The campaign will additionally feature Koadi Kendun, a traditional community event centred around a decorated wooden structure crafted from coconut palm materials. The celebration combines performance, competition, and artistic expression, reflecting both longstanding traditions and evolving forms of island creativity.
Speaking about the initiative, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, noted that showcasing living traditions and community celebrations remains an important part of strengthening destination storytelling.
“The Maldives is shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by the traditions, people, and communities that continue to preserve our cultural identity. Through this campaign, we want global audiences to experience the warmth, creativity, and spirit of a Maldivian island Eid in an authentic and meaningful way,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support and collaboration of the people of Raa Meedhoo, particularly the communities of Hulhangu Avah and Irumathi Avah, along with the Raa Meedhoo Island Council, for their role in supporting and facilitating the initiative and helping bring the island’s Eid celebrations to wider international audiences.
Following the daily coverage period, Visit Maldives will continue the initiative through long-form storytelling content scheduled for release from next month onwards on its YouTube platform, offering in-depth features, interviews, and cultural narratives from Raa Meedhoo and its celebrations.
Through this campaign, Visit Maldives continues to expand destination storytelling by highlighting the Maldives as a place shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by its living traditions, island communities, and cultural heritage.
Set on the serene island of K. Himmafushi, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Cocomo Maldives is a tropical retreat where the rhythm of the waves guides your days. Whether you’re sharing sunsets as a couple, creating memories with family, or simply unwinding on your own, this laid-back beachfront haven invites you to relax, recharge, and embrace island life at your own pace.
Your Island Hideaway Awaits
At Cocomo Maldives, comfort meets simplicity across 27 thoughtfully designed rooms, each offering a calming blend of modern touches and tropical charm. Surrounded by palm-lined paths and just steps from the beach, every room features air conditioning, a private balcony or terrace, and all the essentials you need to unwind.
Choose the space that suits your journey:
- Deluxe Double Room – Compact and cozy, perfect for couples
- Superior Deluxe Room – A little more room for small families or close friends
- Premium Family Suite – Spacious and refined, ideal for those who want extra comfort
All rooms come with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, and a sleek ensuite bathroom.
And there’s more to look forward to – Cocomo will be expanding its accommodation inventory in the coming months, adding new rooms to welcome even more guests to this island.
World on a Plate
Rukuraa invites you on a flavourful journey with its carefully curated menu inspired by Pan-Asian and international cuisines. Dine indoors in a relaxed setting, or take your seat by the shore, where the breeze is soft, the waves provide the soundtrack, and every meal feels like a moment to savour.
Adventures at Cocomo
Adventure is always within reach at Cocomo. With its ideal spot on Himmafushi, the island offers direct access to some of the Maldives’ best marine experiences – from colourful coral reefs to the world-class Jailbreaks surf break just offshore. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or chasing your next thrill, our team is ready to help you plan every splash, paddle, and wave.
Conveniences That Make a Difference
Offering a range of thoughtful amenities to make your stay as comfortable and carefree as possible, including:
- Direct beach access with sun loungers
- A refreshing outdoor swimming pool
- 24/7 front desk and concierge support
- High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- Reliable airport transfers and daily housekeeping
Everything is designed to ensure a relaxed, hassle-free island experience from arrival to departure.
Exciting Additions Just Around the Corner
Cocomo Maldives is gearing up to introduce a vibrant new chapter in the Himmafushi experience, with expanded facilities set to open in the coming months. Guests can look forward to the island’s very first full-scale recreation hub, featuring:
- A tranquil spa offering relaxing massages and rejuvenating treatments
- A fun and inviting karaoke lounge
- A cozy shisha bar perfect for winding down
- A dynamic games arcade with billiards and classic favorites
- And the highlight – Cocomo Beach Club, a lively beachfront spot for music, cocktails, and golden hour vibes
These exciting additions are designed to make Cocomo more than just a stay – it’s a place to connect, celebrate, and create memories that last long after your footprints fade from the sand.
Whether you’re chasing serene escapes, weekend getaways, or fun-filled family adventures, Cocomo Maldives is your lively playground in paradise. Dive into crystal-clear waters, take a refreshing swim in the pool, ride the breathtaking surf, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the genuine warmth of island hospitality – your island home, Cocomo Maldives.
Discover more and plan your stay!
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