News
Embark on journey of wellness at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives
Nestled amidst the breathtaking turquoise waters of the North Malé Atoll, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives presents an unparalleled wellness experience, inviting guests to embark on a journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic well-being in one of the world’s most stunning locations. Conveniently located just a 30-minute comfortable speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives sets the stage for guests seeking both tranquillity and adventure.
Every year on June 8th, people from all over the globe come together to celebrate Global Wellness Day. Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has shared its Global Wellness Day 2024 celebrations, embracing the theme of “Living in Harmony with Nature” and extending an invitation to guests from around the globe to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world. As part of the celebration, the resort is excited to announce a special 3-day programme from June 8 to June 10. This year’s theme, #MAGENTANATURE, highlights the significance of fostering our connection with nature and seeking inspiration from the beauty of the natural world.
All guests are invited to join at sunrise on June 8 to start Global Wellness Day 2024 celebrations. Breathe in the invigorating ocean air and bask in the warm embrace of the morning sun before heading over to The Restaurant, where every guest will receive a healthy drink to prepare them for an insightful day ahead in nature. The restaurant’s breakfast buffet is organic and nature-based, but the culinary team has elevated the healthy offerings at the buffet for this year’s Global Wellness Day. The team invites guests to participate in an immersive nature walk from 1600 hrs to 1730 hrs, where they will learn about the various plants and trees on the island. This walk will provide guests with information about the plants’ benefits to both humans and the environment, as well as their unique uses. The nature walk will end at the beach, where guests will plant a tree to commemorate GWD 2024. The spa team will expertly guide guests on how to prepare their own Maldivian scrubs, the benefits of ocean water, and how the locals still use natural herbs, sand, and salt water for medicinal and medical purposes. The experienced fitness team then invites guests to an outdoor fitness bootcamp.
The expert yogis and fitness trainers will also guide the guests with outdoor fitness activities during the 3 days. The Kuda Fiyo Kids Club also offers activities that promote children’s well-being, such as wellbeing walks, nature scavenger hunts, outdoor mini-Olympics, and arts and crafts inspired by nature and the environment.
This special 3-day programme offers guests the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul amidst the serene beauty of the Maldives.
At the heart of the resort lies a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation—the idyllic private island spa. Here, guests can embark on a journey of wellness with an array of treatments and activities designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul. From guided yoga and meditation classes to top-of-the-line Technogym equipment and skilled fitness trainers at The Gym, guests can discover inner peace and enhance their overall well-being.
One of the resort’s standout offerings is hydrotherapy, a special wellness practice set in the largest pool in the Maldives. Led by trained experts, guests can immerse themselves in the restorative properties of water through gentle motions and exercises, creating a calming haven to relieve chronic pain, relax, and enhance general well-being.
The ancient wisdom of yoga is celebrated at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, where a variety of yoga classes are available to suit all levels and preferences. Whether it’s sunrise yoga to start the day on a harmonious note or sunset yoga to unwind and destress, guests can explore the limitless potential of body, mind, and spirit under the guidance of experienced yogis. From Asana and Pranayama to Vinyasa flow, the resort offers a variety of yoga practices tailored to individual needs.
Fitness enthusiasts can choose from a diverse range of fitness and training programmes, including aqua fitness, cardio kickboxing, bootcamp circuits, CrossFit, and more. Private sessions are arranged for guests looking for personalised attention and tailored fitness programmes to meet their individual needs and goals.
The resort also offers a family wellness package, allowing families to prioritise health and well-being while enjoying quality time together. Against the backdrop of lush beaches and beautiful sand, expert trainers guide guests through personalised yoga and fitness sessions.
With its pristine surroundings, world-class facilities, and personalised approach to wellness, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives aims to provide guests with an unforgettable journey towards holistic well-being, leaving them refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired.
View Kuda Villingili’s Global Wellness Day Programme here: https://bit.ly/KudaVillingili-GlobalWellnessDay
Awards
Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa receives global wellness award
Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives has been awarded the Best Traditional Healing Spa 2026 title at the Luxuri Awards, recognising its consistent approach to wellness rooted in time-honoured practices and thoughtful guest care.
Set within the tranquil surroundings of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, Mandara Spa has built a reputation for offering restorative experiences that draw on traditional Balinese healing techniques. The recognition reflects the team’s continued focus on creating a calm, unhurried environment where each treatment is delivered with care, precision, and attention to detail.

A secluded retreat within the island’s natural landscape in Meemu Atoll, the spa introduces a subtle touch of Bali through its open, calming design. Comprising four double treatment villas and a dedicated manicure and pedicure area, the space is designed to encourage guests to fully disconnect and unwind. The spa experience is shaped by a blend of signature Mandara Spa therapies and ELEMIS treatments, a British luxury skincare brand known for combining advanced scientific formulations with naturally derived ingredients.

This recognition at the Luxuri Awards 2026 highlights Mandara Spa’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful wellness experiences, while reinforcing Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ broader focus on thoughtful, experience-led hospitality across its Maldives portfolio.

For those looking to experience this award-winning wellness offering, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is currently extending a seasonal offer with added travel benefits. Guests can enjoy complimentary round-trip domestic flight transfers on stays of seven nights or more, and complimentary one-way transfers for shorter stays. The offer is available for bookings made until 31 October 2026, with stay dates valid from 1 April 2026 to 31 October 2027.
Cooking
The Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu
The wait is over. The Standard, Maldives is set to celebrate the opening of Onda, a bold new Mediterranean dining destination redefining island dining, on 5 April 2026.
Designed for sharing, lingering, and celebrating, Onda brings a fresh rhythm to the island’s culinary scene, blending vibrant flavours with The Standard’s signature approach: elevated, expressive, and never overdone. Named after the Italian word for wave, Onda captures a sense of movement, flow, and effortless energy.

From the moment guests arrive, the restaurant invites them to let go of convention and lean into a dining experience that feels vibrant, relaxed, and deeply connected to its surroundings. This is Mediterranean cuisine stripped of pretence: bold, fresh, soulful, and designed to be shared.

A Concept Rooted in Flow and Freedom
Onda was conceived as an antidote to traditional resort dining. There are no rigid rituals here, no formal stiffness, just the pleasure of great food, good company, and a front-row seat to the Indian Ocean. The concept is built around the idea of flow: the flow of waves, of conversation, of plates moving effortlessly from kitchen to table.

“Onda is a pure expression of The Standard’s playful, unconventional spirit,” says Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Maldives. “We didn’t want to create another ‘fine-dining’ restaurant. We wanted something alive, a place that feels exciting, approachable, and rooted in flavour. Our ambition is for Onda to be recognised as the best Mediterranean restaurant in the region, delivering not just incredible food, but an experience that’s energetic, flowing, and full of life.”

Guests can savour a selection of fresh creations, including Bouillabaisse Scampi, offering a harmonious balance of umami depth and the freshness of the sea; Red Snapper Crudo with Citrus and Daikon, highlighting the purity of Maldivian waters with subtle Mediterranean accents; and Wahoo Carpaccio with Black Pepper and Tomato, a familiar classic reimagined with vibrant simplicity and restraint. Each plate reflects a collective commitment to generosity, balance, and pleasure.

Design Inspired by a Day at Sea
The design of Onda mirrors the feeling of being out on the water. Light, open, and breezy, the space is shaped by natural textures, fluid lines, and an effortless indoor-outdoor connection. Every element, from the seating layout to the ocean-facing views, is designed to draw guests into the surrounding seascape.
As daylight fades, Onda transitions seamlessly from sun-lit lunches to golden-hour dinners, with the ocean setting the pace. The atmosphere is elevated yet easy, striking a balance between refined design and relaxed island energy, a signature hallmark of The Standard brand.

The People Behind the Plate
At the heart of Onda is a belief that memorable dining is shaped not only by what is served, but by the people who bring it to life. From the kitchen to the floor, Onda is driven by a team united by craft, curiosity, and a shared respect for ingredients, tradition, and the rhythm of island life.
Beyond the cuisine, it is the atmosphere and human connection that define the Onda experience. Service is guided by The Standard’s signature human touch: warm, intuitive, and genuinely attuned to each guest. The team moves with ease and personality, creating an environment that feels welcoming, relaxed, and alive, where energy flows naturally from table to table.

Completing the experience is a carefully curated beverage programme that mirrors the same sense of freshness and flow, ensuring that the spirit of Onda extends seamlessly from the first sip to the final moment. Together, the people behind Onda create an experience that feels purposeful yet effortless, rooted in connection, shaped by care, and designed to be shared.
A New Benchmark for Island Dining
Onda marks a new chapter for The Standard, Maldives, one that challenges expectations and sets a fresh benchmark for contemporary island dining. Guests and visitors are warmly invited to take their place at the table, share in the rhythm of Mediterranean flavours, and experience dining that is designed to be savoured, celebrated, and enjoyed together.

Whether for an intimate evening or a lively gathering, Onda welcomes all who appreciate good food, great company, and moments that linger long after the last bite. The new wave of Mediterranean dining has arrived at The Standard, Maldives. And Onda is here to stay.
Awards
COLOURS OF OBLU marks triple win in global guest-driven awards
COLOURS OF OBLU celebrates a triple distinction as OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi have been honoured with the HolidayCheck Award 2026, recognising the resorts among the world’s best-rated accommodations based entirely on verified guest reviews, while OBLU SELECT Lobigili has been awarded the DERTOUR Red Star Quality Award 2025.
The recognition places Lobigili among the top 150 most popular hotels worldwide within the DERTOUR Group portfolio. DERTOUR, one of Germany’s leading tour operators, bases this award on direct guest feedback and booking performance, highlighting exceptional holiday quality and guest satisfaction.
The HolidayCheck Awards are among the most recognised accolades in the travel industry, honouring hotels and resorts worldwide that consistently receive outstanding guest feedback. Organised by HolidayCheck, one of the leading travel review platforms in Europe, properties recognised through the awards stand out for delivering exceptional holiday experiences, high service standards, and memorable stays for guests across global destinations.

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, renowned for its thriving house reef and immersive diving experiences, achieved an impressive guest rating of 5.6 out of 6, reaffirming its status as one of the Maldives’ most loved island escapes. Guests praise its barefoot charm, warm hospitality, and easy access to vibrant marine life, while the resort’s ongoing coral restoration initiatives further enhance its commitment to preserving the rich underwater ecosystem, making it a favourite among nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts.
“We are honoured that OBLU NATURE Helengeli has been recognised with the HolidayCheck Award 2026. Known for its thriving house reef and authentic island charm, the resort offers guests a truly immersive Maldivian experience. This recognition from travellers is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unforgettable natural beauty that makes the island so special,” said Alain Trefois, General Manager, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO.
Meanwhile, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, achieved a strong guest rating of 5.4 out of 6, reflecting its growing appeal among families, couples, and groups. With its lively atmosphere, diverse dining, and value-driven offerings, the resort continues to attract travellers seeking fun, relaxation, and effortless island escapes.
In contrast, OBLU SELECT Lobigili offers a more refined, adults-only escape, designed for couples seeking privacy, romance, and elevated experiences, featuring the iconic ONLY BLU under ocean restaurant, further complementing the diverse appeal of the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio.
“Receiving the Award is a proud moment for our team at Ailafushi. Alongside this, the recognition of Lobigili highlights our strong partnerships with German tour operators and our ability to consistently deliver experiences that appeals for this key market segment. Our goal has always been to create a vibrant and welcoming island escape where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy the Maldives in a fun and effortless way. This recognition, based on genuine guest feedback, means a great deal to us and reflects the passion our team brings to every guest experience,” added David Alan Burley, General Manager, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili.

Complementing these achievements, this recognition further underscores Atmosphere Core’s strong partnerships with German stakeholders and its ability to consistently deliver experiences that resonate with this discerning market. Together, these accolades reflect the dedication of the exceptional teams across the portfolio, whose commitment to genuine hospitality and attention to detail continues to elevate guest experiences.
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