News
Minor expands presence in Maldives with new NH Hotels resort at Kuda Rah

Minor Hotels, a leading hospitality group with more than 550 hotels in 56 countries, has announced the arrival of the first NH Hotels & Resorts branded property in the Indian Ocean, with NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort set to open its doors on 01 September 2024.
Located in South Ari Atoll, approximately 25 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé, NH Maldives Kuda Rah will offer marine enthusiasts unparalleled access to some of the world’s most spectacular diving and snorkelling sites. Right in their backyard holidaymakers will find the legendary Kuda Rah Thila, an underwater pinnacle teeming with vibrantly coloured soft corals and frequented by majestic marine life like blue striped snappers, turtles, napoleons and even the occasional white tip or grey reef shark.
The atoll is also a well-known hotspot for some of the Maldives’ largest marine wildlife, meaning whale shark and manta ray spotting adventures – along with more than 50 established dive sites – are only a short boat ride away from the resort.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort is an intimate hideaway, with just 51 modern deluxe suites and villas, each boasting an inner courtyard or beach-facing pool, and generously sized between 90 to 231 square metres. Inside, a calming blend of solid wood floors, a palette of chalky whites and creams with ocean-blue accents, and charming pitched roofs create a restful space that celebrates Maldivian topography.
Culinary experiences at NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort unfold to unhurried rhythms of the ocean. Sea Spray, overlooking the resort’s central infinity pool, offers sustained vitality throughout the day, with a menu that zigzags from breakfast favourites to inventive vegetarian dishes. Glow, the chic bar and lounge, ensures thirst-quenching beverages and delectable snacks are never far away. At Malaa, a captivating open-air show kitchen, guests can explore seafood-driven Maldivian cuisine through cooking classes accompanied by captivating music performances. For the ultimate indulgence, in-villa or bespoke beachside dining experiences can be arranged on request.
At the spa, the treatment menu is a holistic fusion of serenity and energy, with a focus on traditional Balinese and Thai massages alongside therapeutic options infused with local touches. Three tranquil treatment rooms, each equipped with a private steam room and Jacuzzi, offer a haven of relaxation, complemented by a dedicated manicure and pedicure room. A state-of-the-art gym caters to fitness enthusiasts, ensuring a healthy routine is seamlessly maintained. Young guests will be entertained at the dedicated indoor kids’ club, and babysitting services provide peace of mind for parents.
Christophe Adam, General Manager of NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, said: “We are proud to introduce NH Kuda Rah Resort Maldives as the first NH branded property in the Indian Ocean. Our resort is designed to provide guests with an intimate experience that is deeply connected to the natural beauty of the Maldives. Whether it’s diving at the renowned Kuda Rah Thila, enjoying the serene surroundings from their private villas, or embarking on watersport adventures like parasailing, we are dedicated to ensuring that every moment spent here is unforgettable.”
The resort caters to a wide range of interests, making it easy for guests to pause their busy lives and fall into a relaxed routine. Honeymooners can explore the beauty of the Maldivian archipelago through island hopping excursions, while families can delve deeper into the underwater world with exceptional diving and snorkelling experiences, as well as participating in coral planting initiatives, contributing to the restoration of the vibrant local ecosystem. Meanwhile, whale shark excursions and big game fishing expeditions promise unforgettable adventures infused with adrenaline.
“Minor Hotels has long been one of the largest global hospitality operators in the Maldives, a destination of immense strategic importance for our group,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International. “Adding to our luxury portfolio, the introduction of NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort marks our first upscale property in the archipelago, as we expand our reach and deliver a stunning Maldives experience to guests seeking the perfect blend of indulgence and accessibility. This property represents our commitment to diversifying our portfolio while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that our guests have come to expect from Minor Hotels.”
The opening of NH Kuda Rah brings Minor Hotels’ portfolio of properties in the Maldives to eight, and follows the debut of NH Collection to the archipelago last year. It also marks the third resort property globally under the NH Hotels & Resorts brand, following NH Marina Portimao Resort in Portugal and the opening last year of NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort in Thailand.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort is accessible via a 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé, followed by a 5-10 minute transfer by speed boat or traditional Dhoni.
For further information about NH Kuda Rah Resort Maldives, please visit https://world.nh-hotels.com/en/nh-maldives-kuda-rah.
Cooking
The Nautilus Maldives’ unscripted dining: A revolution in ultra-luxury hospitality

Luxury travel is moving beyond service—it’s moving toward liberation. The Nautilus Maldives pioneers culinary freedom and is the world’s first resort without meal times, where chefs co-create indulgence with guests, anything, anytime, anywhere.
A Pioneer of schedule-free, personality-driven dining
The Nautilus is not just another luxury resort in the Maldives; it is rewriting the rules of fine dining. Its “Unscripted Dining” concept makes it the most liberated, guest-centric culinary experience in the world.

The Nautilus’s Chefs Are Always In
Unlike traditional luxury resorts, dining at The Nautilus isn’t bound by restaurant hours, menus or venues. Chefs serve as co-creators of indulgence, working with guests to turn moods, whims, or even Instagram posts into one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Haute cuisine at 2 a.m., ramen by the beach at sunset, or a Michelin-style degustation menu on a private sandbank — The Nautilus chefs deliver, as at The Nautilus, the kitchen never closes. For jet-lagged travellers, this means ultimate convenience and comfort: breakfast at dusk, dinner at dawn, or spontaneous midnight feasts.

Why Plan a Meal When You Can Invent It?
Culinary freedom defines The Nautilus. Guests aren’t simply dining – they are designing their own experience in real time. From lobster benedict in bed at midnight to cocktail-paired tasting menus under the stars, everything is on the table – literally. It’s a rejection of routine and predictability, elevating emotional dining as the new luxury. Guests are invited to experience food as emotional expression, with each dish crafted in the moment and shaped by imagination.

An Island Without Meal Times – Radical Hospitality for the Ultra-Individual
The Nautilus rebels against hospitality norms: no schedules, no restrictions, no compromises.
Its philosophy embodies the future of ultra-luxury hospitality: total guest freedom, spontaneity, and personalised indulgence.

A Shared Vision of Culinary Freedom
“True luxury is freedom,” says Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus. “Our Unscripted Dining concept is a direct reflection of that belief. By removing the limits of time and menus, we invite our guests to experience food not as routine, but as a deeply personal journey of indulgence and expression. Today’s ultra-luxury travellers seek authenticity and individuality above all else. The Nautilus leads this shift, offering a radical departure from scripted hospitality. Every meal becomes a story co-created with the guest, a promise of spontaneity and soulful connection.”
To find out more about The Nautilus visit www.thenautilusmaldives.com.
Entertainment
Halloween and Autumn celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is preparing to welcome guests to a week-long Autumn Festival with Halloween-themed celebrations running from 30 October to 5 November. The programme features a variety of activities designed for families, couples, and individual travellers, with events ranging from treasure hunts and creative workshops to wellness sessions and exclusive dining experiences.
The celebrations begin on 30 October with a beachside Tabata workout followed by a pumpkin carving workshop at La Locanda. Activities for children and teens include the Magic of Mantas virtual reality exploration, Haunted Brick Builders, and the Autumn Costume Fashion Show. Parents are invited to a cocktail gathering on the shore before the evening concludes with a Culinary Maestro dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Max Strohe, as part of the resort’s Masters of Crafts series.
On 31 October, guests may join a morning Dynamic Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden or take part in a turtle snorkelling excursion. Children between four and twelve are encouraged to join the Flying Fox Quest, a Halloween-themed nature walk, while older children embark on an Island Treasure Quest. Seasonal workshops such as wreath decoration and creative pumpkin carving are available, and the day concludes with a Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt across the island and a Halloween Feast at La Locanda.
As the week progresses, the festival highlights wellness and creativity. Under the Masters of Crafts programme, mobility coach Anthony Green will host sessions on posture, flexibility, and spinal health. Seasonal crafts for younger guests include galaxy-themed pumpkin art, Halloween decorations, wand-making, and mask workshops. Family activities extend to Autumn Carnival Stalls, Magic Hat bowling, and themed cooking sessions. Evening entertainment includes a magic show, a piñata party, and further culinary experiences led by Chef Max Strohe.
The festival concludes on 5 November with a Vinsaya Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden, an art class featuring batfish designs on tote bags, and a children’s treasure hunt. Families are invited to join the Boos and Brews Halloween Dhoni Cruise before the celebrations end with a Luxury Sunset Cruise.
Through this programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, combines seasonal festivities with wellness, creativity, and gastronomy, offering guests a diverse celebration of autumn and Halloween in the Maldives.
News
A quiet force for sustainability: Island produce at Ayada Maldives

Set within the vibrant Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives continues to set itself apart, not just as a destination for discerning travellers, but as a resort committed to responsible luxury. Beyond the palm-fringed villas and crystal-clear lagoons, there is a quiet but powerful movement taking place behind the scenes: one that embraces island farming, sustainable operations, and meaningful community partnerships.
At the heart of this vision is Ayada’s flourishing “Secret Garden”, an expansive green haven where herbs, vegetables, and tropical fruits are grown using eco-conscious techniques. From fragrant basil and lemongrass to nutrient-rich leafy greens, the garden supplies the resort’s kitchens with hyper-local ingredients, ensuring that guests experience fresh, flavourful dishes that reflect the richness of the Maldives.

The resort also works hand-in-hand with farmers from nearby islands, offering support and guidance in organic farming practices, composting, and water-efficient growing methods. This collaboration not only enhances the culinary offering at Ayada but also strengthens local island economies and food security across the region.
Sustainability at Ayada is holistic. Energy is managed with precision, wastewater is treated and repurposed for irrigation, and organic kitchen waste is composted. Even the design of villas takes inspiration from natural Maldivian architecture, using locally sourced materials to blend seamlessly with the island’s surroundings.
What sets Ayada apart is the seamless integration of sustainability with the guest experience. Whether strolling through the garden, enjoying a farm-to-table meal, or simply knowing that their stay supports environmental stewardship, guests walk away with more than memories, they become part of a broader story of conservation and care.
In a world where sustainability is becoming essential, Ayada Maldives continues to lead with purpose, proving that true luxury can and should leave a lighter footprint.
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