News
Amilla Maldives announces Autumn wellbeing retreats
Sustainable luxury resort Amilla Maldives is embracing the autumn season with residencies by love-based TCM therapist, yogi and textile artist Consuelo Saroyan, and experienced naturopathic doctor Tridendra Shakya, offering guests an inspiring journey of reflection, restoration, enhanced mindfulness and profound tranquillity.
Consuelo and Dr. Shakya will be in residence at the resort’s Javvu Spa throughout August and October/November respectively, providing personalised wellbeing experiences encompassing acupuncture, breathwork classes, energy healing workshops, personalised consultations, and retreats rooted in their respective specialisms.
Conscious Body Therapy to Chakradarshan Yoga with Consuelo Saroyan (1 – 31 August 2024)
With 18 years of study and experience leading immersive retreats worldwide, holistic healer and yoga trailblazer Consuelo Saroyan blends ancient wisdom with modern techniques in her signature Conscious Body Therapy and Chakradarshan Yoga method. Drawing on centuries-old practices, Consuelo has curated a treatment menu for mind, spirit and body that ranges from Namikoshi Shiatsu and Shamanic drum journeys to group Mandala art rituals and different forms of yoga practice.
A transformative blend of ancient Tui Na techniques and contemporary methods, Consuelo’s signature Conscious Body Therapy invites Amilla guests to embark on a journey where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) meets innovation, releasing tension and revitalising energy flow through cupping, meridian stimulation, and the use of Gua Sha tools. In her Namikoshi Shiatsu Therapy sessions, Consuelo provides a short consultation before applying pressure with thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows, and feet to stimulate the body’s meridians and promote relaxation (both 75 minutes; USD250++ / approx. GBP195++ per person).
Chakradarshan Yoga, which balances the body’s energy centres and revitalises the chakras through carefully curated poses and movements; Yin Yoga, targeting connective tissue and fascia through prolonged intentional holds; and Pranayama and Meditation are all available as private or group sessions (60mins; starting from USD45++ / approx. GBP35++ per person). Guests seeking emotional release and spiritual connection can join Consuelo on a private Shamanic drum journey (60mins; USD180++ / approx. GBP140++), where rhythmic beats elicit a trance-like state to unlock the deeper consciousness.
On 4 August and 19 August respectively, Consuelo will also invite guests to gather for a serene group meditation circle under the new or full moon (60mins; USD45++ / approx. GBP35++ per person).
Holistic Medicine with Dr Tridendra Shakya (1 October – 30 November 2024)
Experienced Medical Doctor and naturopath Dr Tridendra Shakya brings over 17 years of expertise in holistic medicine, specialising in a diverse range of therapies including acupuncture, cupping, manipulative massage, reflexology, stress management through breathing techniques and therapeutic yoga.
With a holistic approach to healing, Dr Shakya offers comprehensive care aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Treatments and therapies available to Amilla guests during his two-month residency include acupuncture for pain management, weight loss or facial rejuvenation (60mins; USD289++ / approx. GBP224++); and Acu-massage, a deeply remedial TCM-based treatment combining acupuncture and Marma Point Massage to release pain and tension from the back and neck (90mins; USD389++ / approx. GBP301++).
Guests can also experience ancient yogic practices including Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation also known as ‘psychic sleep’ (45mins; USD169++ / approx. GBP131++); Yogic Cleansing (120mins; USD389++ / approx. GBP301++); and Vedic Sinus Cleansing, comprising three detoxifying yogic kriyas followed by acupuncture and deep relaxation techniques to purify and boost the immune system (120mins; USD389++ / approx. GBP301++).
Ideal for those suffering from insomnia, snoring or sleep apnoea, Dr Shakya’s three-step Sleep Well package (120mins; USD389++ / approx. GBP301++) comprises acupuncture, conscious breath restraint and effervescent foot bathing to widen airways, and improve lung function and blood circulation. The Head to Toe Reviver (90mins; USD289++ / approx. GBP224++) meanwhile uses reflexology techniques to energise and invigorate mind and body.
Guests can also opt to enhance any of Dr Shakya’s therapies with cupping, auricular seed acupuncture, lymphatic Marma facial massage or electrical stimulation (from USD45++ / approx. GBP35++).
For further information regarding upcoming wellbeing residencies at Amilla Maldives, please click here.
Action
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience
Nestled in the pristine waters of the Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort introduces Swim with Nurse Sharks, a new guided marine experience offering guests a rare opportunity to encounter these gentle creatures in their natural lagoon habitat.
Located just minutes from the island, the calm, shallow waters provide ideal conditions for observing nurse sharks at rest and in motion. The one-hour experience operates three times a week by speedboat and is designed for small groups, making it suitable for families and confident swimmers seeking a meaningful connection with the ocean.
Guided with care and respect for the environment, the experience reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine awareness and responsible interaction with wildlife. Guests gain insight into the behaviour of nurse sharks while exploring one of the region’s few accessible snorkelling sites dedicated to this species.
Available at USD 95++ per person, with special rates for children under 12, Swim with Nurse Sharks adds a distinctive new chapter to the resort’s immersive ocean experiences.
For more information on “Swim with Nurse Sharks” at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, please visit the resort’s website.
News
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in island luxury
This Eid Al-Fitr, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, a luxury multigenerational resort nestled on the serene shores of Vagaru Island in the Shaviyani Atoll, invites guests to celebrate Eid Mubarak through a crafted collection of experiences that honour tradition, connection, and the joy of togetherness.
To elevate the festive celebration, the resort presents its limited-time Eid Escape to Paradise offer, featuring USD 300 resort credit per stay, along with daily breakfast, a three-course lunch, and a three-course dinner for two at select restaurants. A one-time floating breakfast, served in the privacy of the villa, adds an indulgent highlight to the experience. Families travelling with children under 12 enjoy complimentary accommodation and meals, creating the perfect setting for meaningful celebrations amid refined island luxury and warm hospitality.
With 60 spacious villas, each featuring a private pool and panoramic views of the turquoise waters. Guests can choose between beachfront serenity or the tranquillity of overwater living. Attentive service by a personal Thakuru (butler), ensuring every detail is tailored to their needs. Additionally Guests are also invited to explore the natural beauty of the island by bicycle, encouraging unhurried discovery across the island’s lush pathways.
Relax, Recharge, and Reconnect
To mark the festive occasion, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to gather and celebrate through moments of connection and shared experience. Festivities begin with a curated “Around the World” buffet at Aailaa, our beachfront restaurant, bringing global flavors together in a warm, intended for loved ones to come together.
Dining remains at the heart of the guest experience across the resort’s five distinctive venues, each offering a refined expression of global cuisine. From the precision of Japanese artistry at Hashi and classic Western favourites at Fiamma, to the elevated treetop Thai dining experience at Kaashi, creating meaningful moments around the table throughout the Eid celebration.
Families are welcomed at Family by JW™ Little Griffins Kids’ Club, offering more than 100 immersive weekly activities, that encourage creativity and discovery, while teens enjoy their own dedicated space at the Teen Lounge. Parents may retreat to Spa by JW, an overwater sanctuary designed to soothe both body and mind, featuring six couple’s treatment rooms and a private deluxe suite
Guided by the JW philosophy of mindfulness, the resort presents experiences that bring families together, including hands-on cooking classes using fresh produce from the JW Garden, guided snorkelling through vibrant coral gardens, beachside cinema evenings, family yoga, sandcastle activities, and Maldivian cultural dinner.
This Eid, guests are invited to celebrate togetherness, presence, and meaningful moments, set against the tranquil rhythm of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s signature understated luxury.
The Endless Summer package elevates the stay with a USD 300 resort credit per stay, complemented by daily breakfast, a three-course lunch, and a three-course dinner for two at select restaurants. A one-time floating breakfast served in the privacy of the villa adds an indulgent highlight, while a 60% reduction on food at Hashi and Shio invites guests to explore the resort’s culinary offerings. Complimentary non-motorised watersports provide effortless enjoyment on the lagoon, alongside the attentive service of a dedicated Thakuru (personal butler), complimentary bicycles, and a one-time 30-minute photography session with one printed keepsake to preserve moments in paradise.
Action
Avani+ Fares Maldives to host Michael Owen’s football camp for second year
Michael Owen’s Football Camp is returning to Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort for a second year, running from 31 March to 3 April 2026 as part of the resort’s Easter holiday programme. Following a strong debut in 2025, the camp will once again see children and teens join the former England striker for hands-on coaching sessions on Fares Island in Baa Atoll.
Designed for kids and teens aged 5 to 13, the four-day camp combines daily training sessions, skills development and team challenges, led by Michael Owen. The programme ends on a high with a celebratory finale, with certificates, medals and jersey signings for every participant. The camp is complimentary for all guests staying at Avani+ Fares Maldives during the event, and each registered participant will receive an official Football Kit, including two sets of customised jerseys, shorts and socks.

Building on the strong response from families last year, the 2026 Football Camp sits within Avani+ Fares Maldives’ broader Easter line-up, pairing structured sports sessions with relaxed island time. Beyond the pitch, younger guests can dip in and out of island adventures at AvaniKids and the Teens Club, with creative arts and crafts and dedicated spaces designed around their age group. Mealtimes are part of the fun too, with Petit Bistro, the resort’s kids-only restaurant, created just for younger guests.
For families keen to get out on the water together, Avani+ Fares Maldives is set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, with snorkelling along the house reef right off the island and a full menu of water sports and dive experiences at this award-winning dive resort.
Commenting on the upcoming camp, Michael Owen said: “Coming back to Avani+ Fares Maldives feels like a natural next step after the energy and enthusiasm we saw at the first camp. It is a special environment for families and the camp is all about helping kids build confidence, develop their skills and most importantly enjoy the game together. I am really looking forward to being back on the island in 2026.”

Avani+ Fares Maldives is designed with families in mind, with a wide mix of accommodation styles to suit different group sizes and travel plans. Options range from interconnecting Pavilion rooms for easy togetherness, to Beach Pool Villas with outdoor space for daytime downtime, alongside over water villas set above the lagoon. For families travelling as a bigger group, the resort also offers spacious two and three bedroom Over Water Pool Residences, with generous living areas and room to spread out between activities.
Package rates start from USD 3,500 for a family of four, including accommodation, seaplane transfers and football camp registration. Based on two adults and two children sharing on a bed and breakfast basis, includes taxes and fees. To book, visit www.avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives, email fares@avanihotels.com or call +960 660 1660.
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