Connect with us

News

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort introduces refurbished overwater villas with new category

Published

on

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.

Drink

Asia’s top mixology talent to lead cocktail takeover at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll

Published

on

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort invites guests to discover an immersive three-night cocktail journey this June, featuring acclaimed mixologist Navjot Singh. Taking place across the resort’s distinctive venues from June 17 to 19, 2026, the exclusive bar takeover will present a curated series of innovative tropical cocktail experiences inspired by island living, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

Led by Navjot Singh, Beverage Program Leader at Lair Bar, the experience brings one of Asia’s most celebrated contemporary cocktail programs to the Maldives. Recognised as No. 8 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, Lair Bar is renowned for its innovative approach to mixology, blending luxury spirits, creativity, and immersive storytelling. Navjot himself was recently crowned World Class India 2025, cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s leading talents.

Joining him is Nakul Dev, Senior Bartender at LAIR BAR, whose creative approach is deeply inspired by the flavours and ingredients of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. With over six years of experience in hospitality and cocktails, Nakul is known for crafting ingredient-driven drinks that reflect the essence of the mountains and local produce from his hometown. His passion for flavour development and exploration of new techniques brings an additional layer of creativity and depth to the collaboration.

Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the takeover will unfold across three distinct venues, each offering its own atmosphere and cocktail narrative. At Nikkei Bar, guests will enjoy an exclusive sunset activation where thoughtfully crafted cocktails elevate golden-hour moments with refined tropical flavours and interactive guest experiences. Wahoo Bar will host an elegant beachfront evening inspired by the serenity of the coast, pairing curated tropical cocktails with breathtaking sunset views and laid-back sophistication. The final experience will take place at JW Garden, where a “Garden to Glass” concept celebrates locally grown ingredients such as basil, lemongrass, and pandan, highlighting sustainability and creating an immersive journey.

“We are thrilled to welcome Navjot Singh to JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort for this exclusive guest bartender series,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager. “His expertise, creativity, and dedication to craft reflect our commitment to offering guests immersive moments that are aligned with our philosophy of contemporary luxury.”

Each cocktail hour has been carefully designed to reflect the spirit of the island through a contemporary lens, blending tropical influences with modern techniques and storytelling. Through this collaboration, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort continues to elevate its culinary and beverage programming, offering guests meaningful and memorable experiences rooted in connection, discovery, and craftsmanship.

Learn more about JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort here.

Continue Reading

Culture

Eid al-Adha at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa blends family togetherness with island luxury

Published

on

This season, as families from across the globe gather to honour the blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites multi-generational travellers to celebrate the spirit of sacrifice, gratitude, and togetherness on the pristine shores of Shaviyani Atoll. Embracing the essence of this holy celebration, the resort has curated a deeply meaningful Eid experience, seamlessly aligned with its ongoing “Family Fun Summer” offer, giving loved ones the perfect framework to slow down, connect, and nourish the soul in an island sanctuary.

An Eid Culinary Awakening at Aailaa

Celebrating the occasion with gastronomic elegance, the resort’s vibrant all-day dining venue, Aailaa, will be transformed into a festive sanctuary alive with the warmth and spirit of Eid. Guests can look forward to a special Eid corner during breakfast, featuring traditional morning delicacies. As the day unfolds, a curated festive menu takes centre stage, showcasing rich, comforting flavours such as Chargrilled Lamb Chops and Beef Kofta Kebab.

The specialty of the day belongs to a true masterpiece: the ROYAL PRELUDE – Slow-Cooked Lamb Paya Shorba. A traditional, gelatinous aromatic broth simmered overnight, it is infused with Kashmiri saffron, delicate herbs, and finished with a golden, crispy onion garnish, offering a deeply comforting taste of heritage.

Spaces Crafted for Togetherness

At the heart of the experience is a commitment to providing a space for families to be truly present. The resort’s Overwater Duplex Villas and Two-Bedroom Duplex Beach Villas with Pool serve as private havens of comfort, specifically designed to cater to the nuances of multigenerational living. These sanctuaries are complemented by the intuitive care of Thakuru service and the freedom of complimentary bicycles, allowing guests to explore the island’s lush landscapes at a leisurely, intentional pace.

The journey extends beyond the villa, offering a curated collection of activities that celebrate the spirit of discovery. Younger guests are invited to the Family by JW™ Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives, with over 100 programs to spark curiosity and play. For a deeper connection to the environment, the JW Garden provides a tranquil setting for families to engage in culinary classes, offering a literal ‘farm-to-table’ experience that fosters a deeper harmony with the natural world.

The journey extends beyond the villa, offering a curated collection of activities that celebrate the spirit of discovery. Younger guests are invited to the Family by JW™ Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives with over 100 programs spark curiosity and play. For a deeper connection to the environment, the JW Garden provides a tranquil setting for families to engage in culinary classes, offering a literal ‘farm-to-table’ experience that fosters a deeper harmony with the natural world.

Family Sun Summer Package

Designed for ultimate connection, the Family Fun Summer package offers a comprehensive escape with a USD 300 resort credit to be used toward spa treatments, signature dining, or island adventures. The experience includes daily breakfast, along with three-course lunches and dinners for two adults and children under 12 at select venues. Families can also enjoy a signature floating breakfast in the privacy of their villa.

For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website.

Continue Reading

News

Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi’s Mandara Spa expands wellness offering with athlete-inspired recovery treatments

Published

on

Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi is expanding its wellness offering with the launch of a new Recovery experience, developed in collaboration with Hyperice, the performance recovery technology brand trusted by elite athletes worldwide.

Created for today’s active traveller, surf community, and wellness-conscious guest, the new offering reflects Mandara Spa’s commitment to going beyond traditional spa experiences by integrating modern recovery solutions into luxury island hospitality. Designed to support the way contemporary guests move, recover, and experience wellbeing, the collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to wellness in one of the Maldives’ most iconic surf destinations.

Redefining Wellness for the Modern Guest

For over three decades, Mandara Spa has built its reputation on deep wellness expertise, drawing from Asian therapeutic traditions to create experiences that restore both body and mind. Today, that philosophy continues to evolve. As guest lifestyles shift through long haul travel, active pursuits, and a growing awareness of physical recovery, Mandara Spa is responding with intention by bringing contemporary wellness innovation into the heart of island hospitality.

The collaboration with Hyperice is a natural extension of that vision. By integrating performance recovery technology into its wellness offering, Mandara Spa continues to redefine the modern wellness experience, creating a space where guests can transition seamlessly from the surf, the airport, or a full day of activity into meaningful physical restoration.

Set within one of the Maldives’ most recognised surf destinations, the collaboration also reflects the growing connection between wellness, performance, and recovery within today’s surf culture. For athletes whose lifestyles revolve around endurance and longevity, recovery has become an essential part of sustaining both performance and wellbeing. A philosophy also shared by 11 Time World Surf League Champion Kelly Slater, who has long emphasised the importance of recovery throughout his career: “You’ll learn things that you don’t realize. You go in and have to work it out. It’s like a search and rescue tool for the body. For me, it’s a perfect recovery tool.”

This philosophy strongly aligns with Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi’s approach to modern wellness. The pursuit of longevity, whether for a professional surfer or a well-travelled guest, requires more than relaxation alone. It calls for recovery that is intelligent, intentional, and accessible. The new recovery experiences at the resort have been thoughtfully designed with exactly that in mind.

Recovery, Redefined — For Every Kind of Explorer

Active days and long journeys take their toll. These experiences are designed to change that.

  • Normatec Recovery Boots: Using dynamic air compression technology, the Normatec Legs deliver rhythmic pressure from foot to upper leg — stimulating circulation, reducing muscle fatigue, and accelerating recovery after physical activity. Whether you’ve spent the day in the surf or stepped off a long-haul flight, this treatment offers a meaningful reset: legs that feel lighter, looser, and ready for whatever comes next.
  • Quick Fix Muscle Release / Flight Recovery: A self-guided session using the Hypervolt percussive device — designed to release tension, restore energy, and ease the physical demands of an active day or extended travel. With simple guidance from spa staff, guests target the areas that carry the most stress, finishing the session feeling grounded, mobile, and at ease.

A Forward-Thinking Approach to Island Wellness

The collaboration with Hyperice marks another step in Mandara Spa’s evolving approach to contemporary wellness, combining the spa’s deep roots in traditional Asian therapies with performance-focused recovery technology designed for the way modern guests move through the world. It is an approach that honours Mandara Spa’s wellness heritage while continuing to look toward the future of guest wellbeing.

The recovery experiences at Mandara Spa have been thoughtfully designed to support both the surfer looking to extend time in the water and the traveller seeking to recover, recharge, and fully settle into island life.

By bringing Hyperice technology into the spa environment, Mandara Spa continues to demonstrate what has long defined the brand: an understanding of how wellness continues to evolve, and a commitment to meeting guests where they are through experiences that feel both restorative and relevant to modern lifestyles. The collaboration also reflects Mandara Spa’s ongoing openness to future partnerships that continue to shape the next generation of wellness experiences.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.