News
Marriott Bonvoy’s resorts win major awards at Travel + Leisure 2024 Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024
Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau unveiled the winners of its prestigious 2024 Luxury Awards in Bangkok on June 13, 2024, celebrating the best in luxury travel and hospitality across Asia Pacific. The 2024 Luxury Awards cover more than 20 categories across 15 countries and territories, highlighting the diverse landscape of luxury travel in the Asia-Pacific region.
The top-ranked winners in the top-10 and top-5 lists exemplify excellence in upscale travel, as voted by readers of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of luxury hotels in the Maldives has received exceptional recognition, earning a total of seven awards across six prestigious categories.
- Best House Reef in Maldives: W Maldives has been recognized for its unrivalled house reef, inviting guests to explore a haven of magnificent reefs and vibrant marine life just steps away from the beach, within its crystal-clear lagoon.
- Top 10 Best Resorts in Maldives: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and W Maldives have secured places among the top ten resorts in the Maldives, praised for their exceptional service and unparalleled luxury guest experiences.
- Top 5 Best Resorts for Families in Maldives: JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, a multigenerational luxury resort and home to one of the best kids clubs in the Maldives, has been ranked among the top five family resorts in the Maldives.
- Top 10 Most Outrageous Villas in Maldives: The John Jacob Astor Estate at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has secured a prestigious place among the top 10 most outrageous villas in the Maldives. This pinnacle of luxury accommodation accommodates up to 10 guests and features exclusive amenities such as a private gym, cinema room, spa suites, infinity pool, and extensive outdoor terrace.
- Top 10 Best Resort Spa in Maldives: The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has been recognized for offering guests a luxurious wellness journey set within its distinctive ring-shaped sanctuary, inspired by ancient Chinese yin and yang philosophy.
- Top 10 Best Resort Pools in Maldives: JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa’s infinity pool has been named among the top 10 resort pools in the Maldives. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the infinity pool provides guests with the ultimate relaxation and leisure experience.
Marriott Bonvoy’s luxury portfolio in the Maldives includes The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa and W Maldives, each situated on its own private island, offering guests the ultimate dream getaway.
For more information, visit www.marriottbonvoy.com/maldives.
News
‘Around the World in Wonder’ brings culture, cuisine, celebration to Amilla Maldives
The festive season is in full swing at Amilla Maldives, where the island has come alive with Around the World in Wonder, a journey through global cultures, flavours and traditions. Inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration runs from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to explore the world without leaving the island.
A meaningful early highlight of the programme was Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December, marked by a festive cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a Maldivian Night with bodu beru performances. The celebrations continued with the Tree Lighting Ceremony, which formed the glowing centrepiece of an Italian-themed Masquerade Ball. The evening unfolded with Viennese waltz performances and a fire show, while carolers filled the air with gentle festive melodies.
Christmas Eve turned its focus to France, featuring the lively Dance of the Can-Can, a festive buffet and aerial hoop performances. On Christmas Day, Argentina took centre stage as Santa arrived by yacht and rolled into the festive train buggy, leading a joyful island parade and gift-giving moments. The day continued with a festive brunch celebrating flavour, fun and festive cheer.
Festivities will build towards New Year’s Eve, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party and Global Carnival Event, including live performances from the Hamilton Band, bongo beats, soaring saxophone, acrobats and fire dancers, culminating in a countdown to 2026 under the Maldivian night sky.
Every detail has been thoughtfully prepared by the Amilla Maldives team, allowing guests to relax, explore and celebrate in a setting shaped by nature, warmth and wonder.
Click here to explore the full festive programme at Amilla Maldives. For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.
News
Christmas at Fushifaru Maldives begins with tree lighting, Boduberu, kids’ activities
Fushifaru Maldives welcomed the Christmas season in grand style, beginning with a mesmerising tree lighting ceremony on 20 December set against the serene sunset at Thundi, accompanied by live music and tantalising canapés to mark the start of the celebrations. The holiday season runs from 20 December to 6 January, offering a variety of family-friendly activities, including cupcake decorating, pool parties, Boduberu classes, sandcastle making, and tennis classes for the little ones.
On Christmas Eve, 24 December, guests enjoyed a truly unforgettable celebration. The evening began with Santa’s arrival and a sunset aperitif with kids’ gift-giving, followed by a Christmas Gala Dinner featuring an extensive selection of international cuisines. Seafood lovers delighted in a live grilled station featuring jumbo prawns, lobsters, fishes, clams, octopus, and many more, all beautifully displayed on the Maldivian Dhoni boat, alongside a dedicated Japanese corner offering fresh sashimi, oysters, and other delicacies.
For dessert, the chefs presented a heavenly assortment including mousses, crème brûlée, tiramisu, macarons, meringues, soufflés, and many more, ensuring every guest indulged in a sweet finale. The night culminated in a vibrant disco by DJ Elton and a breathtaking performance by Anastasia Gordienko, a talented hula hoops, LED, and aerial gymnastics performer, leaving guests in awe and perfectly closing the Christmas Eve celebration.
News
Villa Nautica hosts Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan for holiday stay
Bollywood filmmaker and celebrated choreographer Farah Khan marked the festive season with a holiday escape to the Maldives, staying at Villa Nautica and experiencing the island’s signature mix of warmth, privacy, and ocean-side celebration.
A defining creative force in Indian entertainment, Farah Khan has shaped some of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable on-screen moments, from iconic dance sequences to blockbuster storytelling. Widely regarded as one of Bollywood’s most influential choreographers, she has worked across more than 80 films and received major recognition for her craft, including India’s National Film Award for Best Choreography and multiple Filmfare Awards.

Farah’s impact extends beyond choreography. As a director, she is known for beloved mainstream hits including Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, and Happy New Year, bringing together spectacle, humour, and heart with a style that audiences instantly connect with. She is also a familiar face to viewers through television and entertainment formats, where her sharp wit and straightforward personality have made her a standout on screen.
Villa Nautica is located on Lankanfinolhu Island in the North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, making it an easy choice for travellers planning a festive season getaway in the Maldives. The resort is known for its yacht-life inspired spirit, shimmering lagoons, and a vibrant range of ocean experiences, including diving and watersports, paired with relaxed island luxury for all-day unwinding.
-
Entertainment7 days agoHulhumalé’ set for New Year festivities as Visit Maldives and partners launch preparations
-
News1 week agoJW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa introduces new island cycling experience
-
Action1 week agoA season of discovery at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
-
News5 days agoNH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort reopens after six-month renovation
-
News6 days agoYasmeen Alsaeed to host Madifushi Private Island’s New Year’s Eve gala night
-
News5 days agoBarceló Nasandhura to host New Year’s Eve gala dinner with live music, fireworks views
-
Awards6 days agoAngsana Velavaru recognised as Best Foreign Hotel by Russian Traveler Awards
-
News5 days agoJEN Maldives by Shangri-La to host New Year’s Eve celebrations with Kuala Lumpur giveaway


