News
Marriott Bonvoy unveils ‘Beyond Ordinary’ with luxury getaways to Maldives
Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of luxury resorts in the Maldives presents ‘Beyond Ordinary’ suite package, inviting guests to embark on an unparalleled journey of discovery amidst the enchanting allure of the Indian Ocean. Guests can experience the epitome of opulence at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.
Ideal for families or a group of friends traveling together, the ‘Beyond Ordinary’ package inspires travelers to experience the ultimate blend of luxury and space with a variety of exquisite suite and multi-bedroom collections, specially curated resort experiences, and the opportunity to earn 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Experience Beyond Ordinary at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Families are invited to immerse themselves in the unique island life at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, where the legendary Ritz-Carlton service of its distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen and cherished moments await. Guests will begin their journey with the traditional Sangu shell blowing upon arrival, evoking ancient Maldivian traditions. An ‘Aris Meeha’, inspired by royal court traditions, provides dedicated island butler service, ensuring every need is seamlessly met. As the sun sets, guests can enjoy the Defining Moment with a traditional Bodu Beru drum performance and a flaming ceremony marking the transition from day to night.
The ‘Beyond Ordinary’ package offers exceptional inclusions for two adults and two children, including half-board dining featuring exquisite flavors at select restaurants, a bespoke wellness experience with a family aerial yoga session, a private Maldivian cooking class, and a ‘Cities Under The Sea’ snorkeling trip guided by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program Naturalists. Families can choose from elegantly designed Two Bedroom Water or Beach Pool Villas, which feature separate living and dining areas with kitchenettes, two full bathrooms, and breathtaking infinity pools with integrated sundecks. For a truly extravagant getaway, guests can elevate their stay at The Ritz-Carlton Estate, a private beach residence offering exclusive cove access and stunning sunset views.
Visit the website at ritzcarlton.com/maldives or book your stay here.
Escape to Paradise at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort invites guests to indulge in luxury beyond the ordinary with the ‘Summer Escape to Paradise’ package at the Maldives’ finest address. Set against the backdrop of the alluring turquoise waters and pristine white sands, its premium two to three-bedroom villas offer an eco-conscious sanctuary of elegance and tranquility for groups and families. Each villa features private pools, panoramic beach views, state-of-the-art entertainment and luxurious amenities. The two-bedroom Knickerbocker and Cesar Balsa villas, perched elegantly on the white-sand beach, provide seclusion amidst natural island surroundings. The beachfront three-bedroom Caroline Astor Estate boasts a 67-square-metre private pool and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, with a terrace adjoining an ethereal living room. For the pinnacle of luxury, the John Jacob Astor Estate, one of the Maldives’ largest overwater villas, accommodates up to 10 guests with a private gym, cinema room, spa suites, infinity pool, and expansive outdoor terrace, ensuring unparalleled group comfort and relaxation.
The ‘Summer Escape to Paradise’ package encompasses full-board dining, an intimate private cooking class, personalized wellness screening, exclusive access to the Blue Hole Pool for hydrotherapy at the award-winning Iridium Spa, family movie nights under the stars, an educational dolphin exploration, a professional family photography session, complimentary creative arts and eco-adventure activities for kids, and a full range of complimentary services for guests. Along with the quintessential St. Regis Butler Service – a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to excellence – a dedicated St. Regis Butler is available to curate tailored experiences and meet every need of the guests.
For more information, visit the website at stregismaldives.com or book your stay here.
A Moment to Treasure at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
Edging the azure waters of Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa welcomes families to its natural island paradise with stylish duplex villas featuring private pools, expansive decks, uninterrupted ocean views, and private ‘Thakuru’ butler service. A multigenerational luxury family retreat, the resort boasts Two-Bedroom Duplex Beach Pool Villas spanning 285sqm, among the Maldives’ most spacious accommodations, perfect for a family of five. Each villa offers secluded beachfront serenity amidst lush foliage, where parents can relax poolside while children play on the soft white sand washed by the Indian Ocean’s gentle surf. For smaller families, its Duplex Overwater Pool Villas offer 274sqm of contemporary design, providing ultimate privacy and tranquility with direct access into the crystal blue lagoon.
Families can choose from a variety of half-board culinary options: international cuisine at Aailaa for all-day dining, alfresco Italian dining by the pool at Fiamma, or authentic Thai treetop dining at Kaashi. Young guests can enjoy over 100 activities at FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club, one of the biggest kids clubs in the Maldives. The ‘Beyond Ordinary’ package also includes a 50-minute Ultimate Aromatherapy signature treatment at the award-winning Spa by JW for two guests. A highlight of the inclusion is a unique destination dining experience around a sunken outdoor Tandoor & Tawa at RIHA, offered once during their stay. Families can indulge in a private eight-course menu that blends Indian and Western flavors, taking them on a culinary journey from Kashmir to Madurai, Goa, Rajasthan, and Bengal.
For more information, visit the website at jwmarriottmaldives.com or book your stay here.
Book your four-night stay in any one of the three resorts in the Maldives by August 17, 2024, to enjoy daily sumptuous breakfasts and dinners, alongside rejuvenating wellness journeys. What’s more, 20,000 bonus points will be credited to your Marriott Bonvoy account. Valid for stays until June 30, 2025.
Awards
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru celebrated as a top 4 resort in Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler 2025
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has announced its recognition as one of the Top 4 Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. The accolade serves as a meaningful tribute to the resort’s 30th anniversary — celebrating three decades of barefoot eco-luxury, sustainability, and heartfelt hospitality, values that remain at the core of Banyan Tree’s philosophy of a Sanctuary for the Senses.
Since 1995, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has defined the essence of the Original Maldives — a serene haven where turquoise waters meet soft white sands and architecture breathes in harmony with nature. Each of its 48 all-pool villas is a reflection of the island’s deep connection to local culture and sense of place, thoughtfully crafted with eco-conscious, sustainable design that celebrates the natural beauty of the Maldives. More than a destination, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a barefoot sanctuary for the senses, rooted in sustainability and local heritage — a place where nature, culture, and a deep sense of belonging come together to craft an unforgettable Maldivian journey.
This recognition follows the resort’s recent success at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, where it was named Leading Eco-Friendly Resort — reaffirming its unwavering commitment to sustainability from design to daily operations. From renewable-energy practices and eco-conscious, sustainable architecture to its pioneering Marine Lab, the first resort-based facility of its kind in the Maldives, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru remains a symbol of environmental stewardship and dedication to marine conservation across the region.
Together with its award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, recognised by Travel + Leisure Asia Awards 2025, the resort continues to champion holistic wellbeing — weaving mindfulness, nature, and Maldivian heritage into every guest experience.
As the resort marks this significant milestone, the honour stands as a celebration of its people, its purpose, and its promise — a living legacy of sanctuary, sustainability, and belonging that has defined Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru for 30 years.
For more information about the resort, explore here.
News
Avani+ Fares Maldives invites guests to celebrate ‘Tales of the Maldives’ this festive season
As the festive season approaches, Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the rhythm and heritage of island life through “Tales of the Maldives”, a celebration of local traditions forming part of Avani Hotels & Resorts’ global “Travelling Traditions” campaign.
The initiative encourages travellers to celebrate the holidays through the customs and rituals unique to each Avani destination. Across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean, guests are invited to exchange familiar festive routines for authentic cultural encounters — and in the Maldives, Avani+ Fares transforms the season into an island story woven with rhythm, flavour and craftsmanship.
At Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, “Tales of the Maldives” highlights the country’s deep-rooted artistic and communal heritage. Guests can join traditional Boduberu drumming circles on the beach, participate in storytelling sessions under starlit skies, and discover the legends that have shaped island life for generations.
Culinary experiences take centre stage, featuring Maldivian dishes cooked over coconut husks — a nod to the traditional island kitchen — while local artisans host hands-on workshops in lacquer work and weaving, offering guests a chance to learn the crafts that define Maldivian creativity.
Avani+ Fares extends the celebration to younger guests through AvaniKids and Teens Club, where children can take part in foam parties and learn how to build miniature dhonis, the traditional Maldivian fishing boat. These activities not only entertain but also help instil an appreciation for local heritage in the next generation of travellers.
Recently recognised as the Best Beach Resort at the TTM Awards, Avani+ Fares Maldives continues to blend relaxation with cultural engagement. Surrounded by a vibrant house reef teeming with parrotfish, rays and turtles, the resort embodies the natural beauty and community spirit that the Maldives is known for.
The “Travelling Traditions” programme reinforces Avani’s philosophy of balance — connecting modern travellers with the timeless customs that bring destinations to life. In the Maldives, that connection is found in the beat of Boduberu, the scent of coconut smoke, and the stories shared beneath a canopy of stars.
News
Velaa Private Island introduces newly redesigned Kuredhi Residence by Winch Design
Velaa Private Island has unveiled the highly anticipated redesign of the Kuredhi Residence, a secluded four-bedroom beachfront villa reimagined by the renowned London-based studio, Winch Design. Situated on an untouched stretch of ivory-white sand, the exclusive residence offers a serene retreat that captures the essence of tropical island living with refined sophistication.
Tucked within lush vegetation and overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the redesigned Kuredhi Residence offers a seamless blend of barefoot luxury and contemporary comfort. Its interiors exude gentle, beach-inspired elegance, brought to life through natural textures, soft oceanic hues, and spacious, light-filled rooms. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and soaring beamed ceilings allow the surrounding landscape to flood the space, effortlessly blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living.
A tactile, organic palette of fine woods, soft linens, and artisan finishes establishes a calming tone throughout the villa. Swirling, shell-inspired textured lacquers, patinated metals echoing the effects of sea air, and seaweed-like woven raffia details create an environment that feels both grounded and ethereal.

The design narrative unfolds through a curated selection of distinguished furnishings and artworks. In the living area, a grand Minotti Hamilton sofa anchors the space, complemented by Soave lounges by Piegatto, whose sculptural silhouettes add artistry and balance. Textured carpets by JAB introduce softness and visual warmth, grounding the composition.
Art further defines the villa’s character. Sculptural works by Linda Bird in the living room provide narrative depth and tactile intrigue, while textile wall sculptures by Anne Kyyrö Quinn in the bedrooms evoke serene, dimensional qualities inspired by nature. Along the staircase, an organic wall installation from the Phillips Collection mirrors the movement of the sea, reinforcing the dialogue between art and environment.
Outdoors, Meridiani Claud Open Air sunbeds extend the crafted elegance beyond the interiors, merging comfort and sophistication effortlessly. At the heart of the residence lies an expansive open-plan living area that opens onto a private terrace. A stunning infinity pool and hot-tub cabana are framed by tropical greenery, while the open-air dining space, featuring artisan-crafted finishes and sculpted wood chairs, sets the stage for intimate barefoot gatherings.
The redesign represents a true collaboration between Velaa Private Island and Winch Design, delivering an immersive island experience that combines modern luxury with natural charm.

Wayne Milgate, General Manager of Velaa Private Island, commented that the collaboration with Winch Design embodies the spirit of Velaa—elevated, intimate, and deeply connected to the natural world. He noted that the redesigned Kuredhi Residence sets a new benchmark for private villa luxury in the Maldives.
Winch Design is a globally leading multi-disciplinary design studio, specialising in bespoke residential homes, commercial properties, superyachts, and private jets. For nearly four decades, Winch Design has brought clients’ unique visions to life, crafting exceptional homes on land, in the air, and at sea.
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