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.
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO in the Maldives have been awarded The JOINT GOLD winner of the ‘Best All-Inclusive Hotel for Families’ in the inaugural Junior Travel Awards 2026.
This significant win comes in the primary year of these brand-new awards, hosted by Junior magazine—one of the UK’s most influential family titles. Renowned for expertly curating essential advice for the parenting journey, Junior is a trusted authority that champions premium brands and businesses of all sizes.
In awarding GOLD to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the award recognises that: “The all-inclusive offering at both resorts is refreshingly complete with dining, spa treatments, snorkelling trips, and daily activities all included, letting families focus on spending time together instead of planning”.
The judges continue, “Accommodation can suit families of every size and the thoughtfully planned two-bedroom villas offer privacy for parents and space for children, while playful overwater suites with slides add a sense of adventure without losing sight of comfort or design. Everything feels considered, from layouts to location”.
The Junior Travel Awards judges could see that children are incredibly well catered for at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. Both resorts offer spacious and engaging kids’ clubs, guided marine excursions with resident biologists, complimentary bicycles, and an array of water sports to ensure all ages can be entertained. For slightly older children, the teens can explore the lagoon or dive into activities, while the younger children enjoy calm, shallow waters and soft white beaches.
Furthermore, the experience is defined by unparalleled personal service. Each villa is assigned a dedicated butler, known as a Hiyani, who is available 24/7 via WhatsApp. This ensures that every guest request, whether grand or simple, is transformed into a flawlessly seamless and effortless moment.
Bonita Turner, editor of Junior commented “Having experienced both resorts, it’s hard to choose one over the other. However, for families, I’d confidently point you toward Bolifushi, home to the largest kids’ club in the Maldives, no less! Both are set in out-of-this-world surroundings, where every little luxury you could want from a dream getaway is right in front of you – no pressure, no purse, and truly no place like it.”
THE OZEN COLLECTION is also featured by the UK’s premier tour operators, including Best at Travel, Inspiring Travel, Elegant Resorts, Virgin Holidays, Carrier, and Destinology. Together with these esteemed partners, the premium brand is redefining the future of family luxury travel, transforming the all-inclusive experience into a seamless journey of joy, discovery, and unforgettable connection.
Overnight rates at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI start from USD 2,295, two sharing an Earth Pool Villa with the RESERVE™ Plan, including complimentary luxury catamaran transfers to and from Velana International Airport, Malé. Overnight rates at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO start from USD 1,646 two sharing an Earth Villa with the INDULGENCE™ Plan, including complimentary luxury speedboat transfers to and from Velana International Airport, Malé.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli has unveiled two new dining experiences this February: the beachfront Sunk in Sand Dining Experience and the interactive Hotpot Lunch and Dinner. Designed to enhance the island’s Privé collection offering, the new concepts centre on intimacy, shared moments, and flavour-led exploration, launching alongside the resort’s Valentine’s and Lunar New Year celebrations.
The newly introduced Sunk in Sand Dining Experience was officially unveiled during the Valentine’s celebrations, beginning with a beachfront breakfast concept. Guests can begin their day with a curated breakfast served directly on the shoreline, seated within the sand itself with uninterrupted views of the horizon. Complemented by a bottle of sparkling wine, the experience offers an intimate setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian coastline. Priced at USD 250 per couple for breakfast, the concept extends beyond morning dining, allowing guests to reserve the experience at any time of day, including specially curated sunset and evening moments.
The new Hotpot Lunch and Dinner further expands the resort’s culinary offerings, with a selection of premium ingredients, aromatic broths, fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables. This dining experience centres on shared dining and interactive enjoyment. Guests may choose between a Vegetarian Hotpot at USD 99 or a Meat & Seafood Hotpot at USD 155. Launched alongside the island’s Lunar New Year celebrations, the offering provides visitors with an opportunity to experience flavours traditionally associated with the festive season, aligning the dining concept with the cultural highlights observed at the resort.
Together, these new dining experiences reflect Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s continued focus on diversifying guest experiences through thoughtful culinary innovation. By pairing immersive settings with flavour-led concepts, the resort continues to evolve its dining landscape while creating moments that complement both seasonal celebrations and everyday island stays.
Angsana Velavaru has been nominated in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, a reader-voted programme recognising luxury travel experiences across the Asia Pacific region.
The resort has been shortlisted in two categories: Best Resorts for Families and Best Resort Pools. The nominations highlight destinations that deliver consistent guest experiences while adapting to the expectations of contemporary travellers.
Located within a private lagoon in South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru offers an island environment designed to encourage shared experiences. The resort features a collection of beachfront and overwater villas, supported by a range of guest services and recreational activities tailored for families. Experiences include lagoon-based activities, marine exploration, and creative and cultural programmes for younger guests.
Pools form a central part of the resort’s guest offering. Integrated into the island’s natural landscape, they provide settings for both quiet leisure and family use, with views across the surrounding lagoon. The design and placement of the pools contribute to the overall guest experience and remain a defining feature of the resort.
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific are determined by reader votes, with winners selected based on guest preferences and travel experiences across the region. Voting for the 2026 awards is currently open, and Angsana Velavaru is among the resorts nominated in its respective categories.
For voting:
-
Culture1 week agoKuda Villingili presents family-focused Eid al-Fitr experience in Maldives
-
Featured1 week agoSun Siyam Resorts marks Valentine’s season with multi-resort celebrations
-
Love1 week agoCOMO Cocoa Island, COMO Maalifushi unveil Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day celebrations
-
Featured1 week agoCoco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu curate distinct Valentine’s escapes
-
News7 days agoJW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in island luxury
-
Featured5 days agoYear of the Horse celebrations across Sun Siyam’s Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle resorts
-
Action7 days agoInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience
-
Love6 days agoAzur rooftop at JEN Maldives sets stage for Valentine’s Day dining