News
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort introduces refurbished overwater villas with new category
Set on a stunning natural island in the South Malé Atoll, surrounded by crystalline lagoon waters, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort reintroduces its Over Water Villas with a full facelift following four months of extensive renovations. With an overhaul in the interiors, plus the installation of four new pools, the Maldivian playground is all set to cradle couples and families into vacation mode.
Drawing inspiration from the forms of a Maldivian boat and its journey over the serene Maldivian waters, the design concept for the over water villas revolves around the theme of “Sailboat Serenity”. Stephen O’Dell from the award-winning architecture and interior design firm, SODA (Thailand) Ltd., together with his team translated the concept into the interior design by reflecting the fluid lines and soothing ambiance of a boat journey, creating a space that blends the beauty of the surrounding water inside a villa that aims to offer relaxation and comfort to the guests.

Suspended over the crystal-clear lagoon surrounding a stunning natural island, the interior of the 40 over water villas is adorned in a colour scheme that creates a natural feel to the villas. Warm neutral tones used to set a soothing sense for guests are balanced with subtle accents of blue in the furnishing to reflect the water. On the outside, a fun yet clever play of space is defined with the addition of over water hammocks in the Sunrise and Sunset Over Water Villas.
Achieving a balance between functionality and design for a resort villa is a unique challenge for interior designers, but Stephen and his team have managed to provide spaces of practical comfort and ensure the villas serve as a Maldivian sanctuary for guests to unwind, unplug, relax, and rejuvenate in the island paradise.

The relaunch of Anantara Dhigu’s over water villas also sees the introduction of four new Deluxe Sunset Over Water Pool Villas. The transformation of the existing Sunset Over Water Villas with an addition of a much larger infinity pool increases the inventory of its much sought-after sunset-facing pool villas. The most exclusive of Anantara Dhigu’s over water villa categories, each of the villa offers 129 square metres of luxurious space, with direct access into the crystal blue waters of the lagoon.
Following the completion of the Over Water Villa refurbishments, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort has several renovations in the pipeline for the year, including the addition of an exclusive bar, The Yellow Fin Club. The new bar will add to the resort’s numerous dining venues, where guests can enjoy the finest cuisines from across the globe while learning about old and new world wines from the resort’s Wine Guru. From expertly grilled meats, and fresh fish and seafood from the local waters at Sea.Fire.Salt. to a wholesome Italian fare at Aqua, as well as breakfast and themed dinner buffets at Fushi Café, guests are spoiled for choices.

On neighbouring sister island Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, Origami serves modern Japanese fare including teppanyaki and robatayaki, whilst Cumin offers dishes from Sri Lanka, India and Maldives, and Dhoni Bar specialises in Mediterranean tapas. Poised over water on the edge of a lagoon and outer reef, Baan Huraa delights with coconut curries from Thailand’s southern provinces and spicy dishes from the north.
Guests also have the freedom to dine outside the restaurants thanks to Anantara’s signature Designer Dining by Anantara experience with a private chef and sommelier.
Whether seeking serenity or reconnection, travellers will find a wide array of water- and land-based activities. Guests can enjoy the thrills of underwater discovery with Aquafanatics, the resort’s resident water sports partner, catch a wave during the surf season with resident experts Tropicsurf, and join the resort in its habitat preservation efforts by adopting a coral as part of Anantara’s sustainability programme with the resident marine biologist.
A tennis court and dedicated spaces for volleyball, badminton, table tennis, chess and Pétanque, plus a fully equipped fitness centre keeps guests occupied on land. Guests can also book fitness sessions with a personal trainer or try their hand in the boxing ring. Holidaymakers looking for quieter pursuits can book a Spice Spoons by Anantara cooking class, rejuvenate in the overwater Anantara Spa, or lounge by the infinity pool.
Located 21 kilometres south of Velana International airport, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is only 30 minutes by speedboat, available 24 hours a day. For more information or to make a reservation, call +960 664 4100, email dhigumaldives@anantara.com or visit here.
Cooking
Where every meal becomes a memory at Machchafushi Island Resort
At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives by The Centara Collection, dining extends far beyond the restaurant. It unfolds as a sensory journey where place, flavour and emotion come together in perfect harmony. Surrounded by the shimmering waters of South Ari Atoll, every shoreline, every sunset and every tranquil stretch of sand becomes part of an immersive culinary landscape, shaped by the rhythm and beauty of the island.

Here, dining is reimagined as a collection of deeply personal encounters. From the romance of The Love Hut and the serenity of a shoreline champagne breakfast to the barefoot elegance of a private beach dinner beneath the stars, each experience has been thoughtfully created to celebrate meaningful moments in extraordinary surroundings.

While each occasion offers its own distinct character, together they form a seamless expression of the Machchafushi experience. Cuisine responds naturally to its setting, evolving with the changing light, the gentle ocean breeze and the atmosphere of each moment. Every detail is carefully considered, creating experiences that feel effortless, authentic and impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The Shoreline Breakfast welcomes the day with quiet celebration, where the ocean sets the pace and simplicity becomes the ultimate expression of island living. Intimate beachfront dining offers a more secluded experience, where refined cuisine is paired with the natural beauty of the shoreline and the gentle rhythm of the ocean. The Barefoot Beach Dinner embraces understated elegance, where exquisite dishes are enjoyed with the softness of sand beneath your feet and the stars overhead. At The Love Hut, thoughtfully curated dining becomes part of life’s most meaningful milestones, creating memories that linger long after the moment has passed.

Across every experience, the culinary philosophy remains beautifully consistent. Menus are intentionally refined and understated, allowing the setting, the occasion and the company to remain at the heart of each encounter. Every dish is designed to complement its surroundings rather than compete with them, creating a style of dining elevated through simplicity, authenticity and a genuine sense of place.

Together, these experiences define the essence of Machchafushi. They blur the boundaries between dining, celebration and island living, where every meal becomes part of a larger story shaped by nature and heartfelt hospitality. Here, the ocean is more than a backdrop; it is an integral part of the experience, influencing every flavour, every atmosphere and every lasting memory.
More than a collection of dining experiences, this is the spirit of Machchafushi expressed through cuisine. A destination where exceptional food, breathtaking surroundings and meaningful moments come together effortlessly, inviting every guest to become part of an unforgettable island story.
News
Oaga Art Resort completes first phase of reboot ahead of August return
Oaga Art Resort Maldives returns on 1 August 2026 following a brief operational hiatus, unveiling an island-wide refresh that enhances the way guests eat, stay, unwind and explore, while staying true to the artistic spirit that has defined the resort since its opening.
More than a refurbishment, this reboot reflects Oaga’s philosophy that creativity is always organically growing. Over the past few months, the resort has reimagined some of its most loved spaces, introduced entirely new experiences, and laid the foundation for the next phase of its growth.
A More Comfortable Stay
The resort’s Haruge and Bodu Haruge villas return with refreshed interiors designed to enhance both comfort and functionality. Guests can expect more complete and thoughtfully curated furnishings, expanded lounge seating, dedicated vanity areas, and carefully considered details that make each villa feel even more like a home by the sea.
A Bigger, Bolder Kaa Kada
The most significant transformation can be found at Kaa Kada, Oaga’s main restaurant.
Now larger than ever, the restaurant introduces expanded indoor and outdoor dining areas, an elevated buffet experience and a spacious new bar. The culinary offering has also evolved through a collection of dedicated food stations celebrating flavours from around the world, including Asian cuisine, Mediterranean favourites, vegetarian selections, grilled specialties and seafood, alongside an extensive Maldivian cart.
Guests looking for a late-night bite will also find the return of Dhan Kada, serving comforting midnight favourites from 11:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.
Private dining spaces, upgraded guest facilities and a more seamless restaurant layout complete the new experience.

The Social Hub Gets a New Stage
At Raa Baa, the resort’s vibrant gathering place has been thoughtfully expanded to welcome even more moments of connection.
Building on the introduction of Oaga’s new Arcade earlier this year, Raa Baa continues to evolve as the island’s social heart. The former Jeymu Café seating has been transformed into a spacious indoor lounge, creating a relaxed environment for arriving and departing guests. Additional seating, expanded guest facilities including a dedicated washroom for day-use guests, and a larger performance stage further enhance the space, offering an even better setting for Oaga’s live music, performances, artistic showcases and community gatherings.
The main pool at Raa Baa has also been refreshed with bolder, brighter tones, while its extension allows more guests to enjoy the poolside experience comfortably. Together with the upgraded spaces and expanded facilities, Raa Baa’s evolution creates even more opportunities to connect, play and unwind from day into night.
Welcoming La’ Fuh Dan
Joining Oaga’s dining collection for the first time is La’ Fuh Dan, a new sunset-side Italian specialty restaurant overlooking the beach.
The menu combines beloved Italian classics with locally inspired creations that celebrate Maldivian ingredients through a contemporary Italian lens. Beside the restaurant, guests will also discover a new van bar serving cocktails and refreshments, creating another social space to enjoy the island’s famous sunsets.

Enhancing Every Corner of the Island
The Oaga Art Resort reboot extends beyond accommodation and dining.
Guests will discover larger, more comfortable spaces at the Hoara X-Centre, making it even easier to embark on excursions and island adventures. Families can enjoy upgraded facilities at Fiyoh Kids Club and Ollie’s Farm, while Hoba Spa returns with an elevated treatment menu inspired by the rhythms of the sun and moon, blending wellness with Maldivian traditions.

The Story Continues
The August reopening marks the first phase of Oaga’s continued reboot in progress.
Later this year, the resort will introduce a collection of new overwater villas, including an entirely new villa category on the island’s sunrise side, further expanding the accommodation offering while preserving Oaga’s signature focus on art, culture and authentic Maldivian experiences.
As guests return from 1 August, they can expect the same warm hospitality, vibrant creativity and unmistakable character that define Oaga Art Resort, now reimagined through this reboot.
The reboot doesn’t end here. More enhancements, new spaces and exciting reveals will be unveiled over the coming weeks.
Awards
RAAYA by Atmosphere recognised at International Sustainability Awards 2026
RAAYA by Atmosphere has announced its recognition as a winner at the International Sustainability Awards 2026, celebrating the resort’s commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.
At the heart of the award is RAAYA by Atmosphere’s on-site composting programme, introduced in April 2024. All wet organic waste, including fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells, is processed on the island and converted into nutrient-rich compost for landscaping. Garden waste such as leaves, grass cuttings and plant trimmings is also composted instead of being discarded.
Today, approximately 600 kilograms of organic waste is converted into compost each month, with no food waste leaving the island. This has reduced the need for off-island transportation and disposal, saving approximately USD 2,400 each month while lowering the emissions associated with waste transfers. Most of RAAYA by Atmosphere’s waste is now sorted and managed in-house, with a garbage transfer vessel required only once every two months to transport recyclable materials.

Commenting on the achievement, Mario Stanic, General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, said, “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition at the International Sustainability Awards 2026. Sustainability is deeply embedded in our vision and guides every decision we make, from protecting our natural surroundings and embracing responsible operations to creating meaningful experiences for our guests. This award is a testament to the passion and commitment of our entire team, whose dedication enables us to make a lasting positive impact while delivering exceptional Maldivian hospitality.”
The initiative is part of a wider commitment to sustainability across RAAYA’s operations. The resort’s solar power production increased from 382,856 kWh in 2024 to 1,541,286 kWh in 2025. Solar energy now accounts for 21% of the island’s total energy needs, up from 8% the previous year. The resulting reduction in carbon emissions nearly doubled, rising from 541 metric tonnes to 1,097 metric tonnes.

As a Green Globe Certified resort, RAAYA by Atmosphere continues to build on this progress through responsible waste management and resource conservation. Future plans include introducing a glass crusher to repurpose waste glass for construction and a green waste shredder to strengthen the island’s circular waste-management system.
The award recognises a team effort that turns everyday operational decisions into measurable results. For RAAYA by Atmosphere, sustainability is a part of the island experience, in how the island operates, grows and protects its natural environment.
RAAYA by Atmosphere is a 167-key private island resort in the pristine Raa Atoll, offering a distinctive blend of adventure, creativity and authentic Maldivian hospitality. The exclusive RAAYA Plan™ seamlessly blends the stay with the finest world cuisine, premium beverages, spa and wellness therapies, ocean experiences and curated artistic interludes. Balancing indulgence and relaxation with an engaging island lifestyle that encourages outdoor fun, nature exploration and immersive experiences for couples, families, and friends alike.
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