News
Villa Park named leading family resort at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2024
																								
												
												
											Villa Park has been recognised at the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier family resorts in the Maldives. Nestled in the tranquil South Ari Atoll, Villa Park seamlessly blends luxury with natural beauty, offering an idyllic retreat for families.
Renowned for its commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices, Villa Park provides a sanctuary where families can unwind and reconnect with nature. The resort is surrounded by stunning white beaches and vibrant marine life, inviting guests of all ages to explore. Children especially delight in encounters with majestic mantas and whale sharks, creating unforgettable memories.
From exhilarating underwater excursions to tranquil moments by the poolside, the resort presents a diverse array of activities designed to captivate all guests. The luxurious accommodations at Villa Park offer a haven of comfort and elegance, complemented by personalised service that exceeds expectations.
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards highlight Villa Park’s excellence in hospitality, recognising its family-friendly environment and dedication to wellness. This accolade reaffirms Villa Park’s position as a leader in providing exceptional family vacations that harmonise luxury with the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Experience the magic of Villa Park, where adventure, relaxation, and cherished family moments await, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
For more information and to book your summer escape, visit the Villa Resorts website at villaresorts.com.
Featured
Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright
														Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.
At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.
The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.
Drink
SO/ Maldives unveils Creation Wines five-course pairing evening
														SO/ Maldives will host an exclusive Wine Dinner in collaboration with Creation Wines, led by Carolyn and Glenn Martin, founders of the South African winery. The event will take place at Lazuli Beach Club on 5 November 2025, from 18:30 to 22:00, with a beachfront setting designed for an evening of fine wine, culinary craft and storytelling.
Guests will be served a five-course menu, each course created by the SO/ Maldives culinary team to complement selected vintages from Creation. From the first pour to the final course, the pairings highlight a shared commitment between SO/ Maldives and Creation Wines to creativity, authenticity and the art of living well.
Guided by Carolyn and Glenn Martin, the evening will explore the relationship between food and wine, with insights into their winemaking approach, the vineyard, and their journey from South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to the Maldives.
Creation Wines combines an ancient landscape with a modern estate driven by innovation. Its team draws on the Hemel-en-Aarde terroir to produce wines that aim to be vibrant and expressive, with each bottle telling a story of balance and harmony.
At SO/ Maldives, contemporary design and artistic sensibility provide the backdrop for imaginative experiences. The Creation Wine Dinner reflects this approach, bringing together gastronomy, style and narrative in a single event.
“This dinner is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and connection,” said Nyoman Suandari, Director of Culinary at SO/ Maldives. “Each pairing is designed not only to delight the palate but also to evoke emotion—to capture the essence of both land and sea, and of the artistry that unites us.”
Awards
Amilla Maldives recognised for accessible travel at Travel for Every Body Awards
														Amilla Maldives has received further recognition for its dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, being Highly Commended in the ‘Accessible Travel Initiative – Accommodation’ category at the inaugural Travel for Every Body Awards by Selling Travel.
Launched this year, the Travel for Every Body Awards celebrates individuals, initiatives, organisations, and campaigns that are making a positive impact on the accessible travel industry, highlighting progress and inspiring further change.
As the world’s first IncluCare-certified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to enhance its facilities and services to meet the diverse accessibility needs of its guests. The resort goes beyond full wheelchair accessibility, offering features designed for guests who are hearing or visually impaired. Team members have also undertaken MyHappyMind training to better support guests with hidden disabilities such as autism and ADHD. In partnership with Dive Butler, Amilla has established an accessible dive centre, and introduced pool hoists, ramp access, and personal guides to facilitate inclusive participation in activities such as snorkelling, Dolphin Discovery, and fishing excursions. Within its dining venues, adaptive cutlery, tailored menus, and staff trained in supporting guests with dysphagia ensure a thoughtful and inclusive culinary experience.
This recognition joins Amilla Maldives’ growing list of accolades, including being named among the Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025; and being one of only five Maldivian resorts featured in the FORBES Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality 2025 programme. Both the resort and its Javvu Spa were also honoured in the FORBES Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, underscoring Amilla’s commitment to excellence and meaningful guest experiences.
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