News
Westin doubles down on sleep with refreshed product, enhanced design, and globally acclaimed wellness programming
In a significant move to reinforce its reputation as a leader in the wellness hospitality sector, Westin Hotels & Resorts, a member of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has announced the global debut of its next generation Heavenly® Bed. This new iteration of their iconic bed is designed to offer guests an even more restorative sleep experience, an essential component of Westin’s 360-degree wellness approach.
The debut comes as the sleep sector is experiencing tremendous growth, projected to expand by over $400 billion through 2028. Recognizing sleep as a cornerstone of well-being, Westin has incorporated feedback from sleep experts, associates, and guests to refine the Heavenly Bed. Since its original launch in 1999, the Heavenly Bed has sold over 500,000 units, proving its popularity among travelers seeking unparalleled comfort.
“An industry benchmark was set with the launch of our legacy Heavenly Bed in 1999, and it now serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to provide the very best sleep experiences for guests around the world,” said Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Marketing and Brand, Marriott International. “Understanding the devoted fanbase the legacy bed has garnered over the years; our goal was to listen and carefully review every aspect of the guest and associate experience, ensuring each update was both intentional and impactful. We are confident that it will exceed the expectations of both loyal and future Westin guests across the globe and again raise the bar for the comfort of our guests.”
The next generation Heavenly Bed features several enhancements aimed at elevating sleep quality. These include a plush-top mattress with an innovative silver fiber weave, temperature-regulating gel-infused memory foam, and hypoallergenic bedding components. The new design also incorporates a charcoal blanket and full-frame piping on pillowcases, delivering a warm, residential feel and a sophisticated aesthetic.

Experience the Next Generation Heavenly Bed at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Travelers eager to experience the new Heavenly Bed can do so at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, one of the prime destinations in Westin’s global portfolio. Nestled on the stunning Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this resort offers a perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and adventure.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort features a range of accommodations including overwater villas and beachfront suites, all designed with a focus on wellness and comfort. Each room is now equipped with the next generation Heavenly Bed, ensuring guests enjoy a superior sleep experience amidst the serene beauty of the Maldives.
In addition to the upgraded sleeping arrangements, the resort provides an array of wellness amenities. Guests can indulge in holistic treatments at the Heavenly Spa by Westin™, participate in fitness activities at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, and savor nutritious and delicious meals at the resort’s dining venues.
For those looking to blend luxury travel with wellness, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort represents an ideal getaway. Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings, partake in water sports and excursions, or simply relax and rejuvenate, all while enjoying the comfort of the new Heavenly Bed.
With its commitment to enhancing the well-being of its guests through innovations in sleep technology and design, Westin Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard for wellness in hospitality. The introduction of the next generation Heavenly Bed is a testament to this dedication, promising travelers an unparalleled sleep experience that extends beyond their stay and into their overall well-being.
Featured
Love loud and laid-back: Valentine’s Day across CROSSROADS Maldives
At CROSSROADS Maldives, Valentine’s Day is designed as a full-day celebration that extends beyond a single romantic dinner, unfolding instead as a journey of connection, creativity and shared discovery. Set across two interconnected islands linked by a tranquil lagoon, the destination invites couples to shape their own rhythm of romance, moving fluidly between moments of energy, playfulness and quiet reflection.
Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé, CROSSROADS Maldives offers a multi-island Valentine’s escape that combines barefoot island living with a contemporary sense of togetherness. From sunrise through to starlight, couples are encouraged to explore experiences that engage both body and mind.
At SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, the day begins with a sunrise couple’s fitness run along the shoreline, followed by guided snorkelling experiences and pool-based wellness sessions. As the pace builds, playful activities take centre stage, including aqua zumba, beach and pool volleyball, water polo and a light-hearted couple’s “Amazing Race” around the island.
Creative expression forms an integral part of the programme, with hands-on workshops such as coconut painting, tie-dye art, cocktail and mocktail masterclasses, and relaxed karaoke sessions at the swim-up bar. For couples seeking slower, more intimate moments, SAii Spa offers extended Valentine’s journeys for two, featuring shared rituals, massages, facials and private bathing ceremonies, concluding with champagne and chocolate indulgences.
One of the most personal experiences takes place at the clay studio at The Marina @ CROSSROADS, where couples spend time shaping a single ceramic piece together. The finished item is kiln-fired and, if guests depart before completion, shipped to their home as a lasting keepsake of their time together.
Across the lagoon, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives presents a contrasting atmosphere with its Love Loud, Live Proud Valentine’s programme. Dance-led fitness sessions, couple-focused pool games and sunset partner yoga transition into beachfront dining, live music and Latin-inspired performances beneath the night sky.
As part of the celebrations, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has introduced the LOVE ROCKS Valentine’s offer, providing couples with the opportunity to extend their stay beyond the day itself. The offer includes savings of up to 35 per cent, with bookings available from 12 January to 10 February 2026 for stays between 10 February and 31 March 2026.
As evening falls, Valentine’s dining experiences unfold across the destination’s beach and open-air venues, ranging from intimate multi-course dinners and relaxed barbecues to DJ-led beach parties at Hard Rock Cafe. Rather than centring on a single moment, Valentine’s Day at CROSSROADS Maldives is defined by a series of experiences chosen by each couple, allowing the celebration to feel personal, flexible and unhurried.
Featured
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru blends romance and wellbeing in February Valentine’s programme
This February, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites travellers to celebrate love through a series of intimate and thoughtfully curated Valentine’s experiences, set against the natural beauty of the Original Maldives, where romance, inner renewal and mindful presence unfold with ease.
From 10 to 14 February 2026, the resort presents a refined Valentine’s programme designed for couples seeking meaningful connection and timeless romance. Central to the celebration is destination dining on a private sandbank, where an exclusive Valentine’s dinner is served on a secluded stretch of white sand, surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Beneath the stars and by candlelight, couples are invited to savour a carefully curated menu in an atmosphere of quiet intimacy.
Romance is further elevated at Madi Hiyaa, the resort’s Japanese restaurant, with a specially crafted four-course Valentine’s menu. The experience begins with a rose-inspired sparkling welcome cocktail, setting an elegant tone for the evening. At Naiboli Bar, candlelit tables, subtle Valentine’s touches and live music create an unhurried evening by the sea, allowing guests to linger and connect.
On 14 February, couples may deepen their celebration at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa through the Romantic Spa Retreat, a 120-minute experience designed for reconnection. Guests may choose between Sunrise Nourished or Sunset Relief, each combining a signature body healer, a full-body massage and a mini facial, complemented by light refreshments enjoyed in the privacy of the spa pavilion.
Throughout February, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru also offers the “From Stress to Stillness” wellbeing journey, inviting guests to restore balance through a personalised consultation and a thoughtfully curated programme that includes Auricular Therapy, Counter Tech Move rituals and Yogic Sleep (Yoga Nidra). Rooted in understated elegance and a holistic philosophy of wellbeing, the month becomes an invitation to celebrate love while fostering calm, reflection and mindful presence.
Valentine’s celebrations extend to Dhawa Ihuru, where couples are invited to mark the occasion through relaxed moments by the sea. On 14 February 2026, guests are welcomed at Velavani Bar with a rose sparkling Valentine’s drink before continuing the evening at Riveli Restaurant, where a special Valentine’s sweet corner adds a romantic highlight to the dining experience. Throughout the month, guests may also unwind at 8lements Spa, where soothing treatments encourage relaxation, balance and quiet renewal, complementing the spirit of the season.
Excursions
Manta season experience returns as InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau announces 2026 retreat
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced the dates for its 2026 Manta Retreat, following the programme’s strong reception in recent years. The retreat will take place from 24 to 27 March 2026, coinciding with the Maamunagau manta season, when juvenile manta rays are commonly sighted in the resort’s lagoon just offshore.
The resort will once again partner with The Manta Trust, one of the world’s leading manta ray research organisations, to co-host the retreat and offer guests an immersive, educational experience centred on marine conservation. The programme is designed for travellers seeking purpose-led experiences and a deeper understanding of manta rays within their natural environment.
Located on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and adjacent to a known juvenile manta ray aggregation site, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau provides direct access to key research and observation areas. During the retreat, guests will be able to participate in guided reef snorkelling, manta excursions led by The Manta Trust, coral restoration and planting workshops, and a series of educational sessions. Participants will also have the opportunity to adopt and name a manta ray as part of the conservation initiative.
The partnership between InterContinental Maldives and The Manta Trust has been in place since 2019. The retreat will be led by The Manta Trust’s base leader, Meral Hafeez, who will guide guests through manta ray encounters while sharing insight into the organisation’s ongoing research and conservation efforts in the surrounding waters. The programme offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at the daily work of the research team, including observing and recording manta ray behaviour.
In 2023, Maamunagau Lagoon was recognised as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA), identifying it as a vital habitat for manta rays and a priority conservation site. The lagoon continues to serve as a key research area for The Manta Trust, allowing guests to observe manta rays in their natural environment within close proximity to the resort. Certified divers are also catered for, with access to dedicated dive sites where manta ray cleaning stations can be observed, highlighting the complex marine ecosystems of the Maldives.
Beyond the retreat activities, guests can enjoy the resort’s overwater villas, unwind at AVI Spa, or explore its range of dining experiences.
The participation fee for the Manta Retreat is USD 1,550++ per night, per room, based on double occupancy, with a minimum stay of four nights. The package includes one manta ray research trip, guided house reef snorkelling, manta ray adoption, educational workshops, and accommodation in a luxury villa or residence on a half-board basis.
-
Entertainment3 days agoCraig David shares emotional Maldives moment after ‘Rise & Fall’ surprise at resort dinner
-
Food5 days agoMichelin-starred Italian chef Maurizio Bufi brings Lake Garda flavours to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
-
Featured1 week agoSt. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort curates timeless Valentine’s experiences with IVAR Jewellery
-
Action6 days agoAtaraxis Grand & Spa hosts integrated work-and-dive corporate retreat in Fuvahmulah
-
Drink1 week agoThe Nautilus Maldives hosts Gregor Zimmermann for three-day Easter gastronomic programme
-
Love1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu curates new ‘Romance in Paradise’ experience for couples
-
News1 week agoFushifaru Maldives unveils festive programme for Chinese New Year 2026
-
Cooking1 week agoJOALI BEING partners with Chef Kelvin Cheung for Lunar New Year residency


