News
The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives unveils jam-packed Golden Week programme
With China’s hedonistic Golden Week fast approaching, the team at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is turning the island into a fun central during the week of 1-7 October. The daily-changing lineup of activities promises to keep everyone on their toes with sunrise yoga, social mixers, lantern-making classes, canoe racing, late-night karaoke sessions and so much more.
- Day 1: Rising bright and early, adults can channel their inner Zen master with hatha yoga at the spa. Meanwhile, youngsters will be getting their craft on with lantern making, before joining parents at Todis Beach for a lively social mixer. New friendships will blossom over delectable Chinese fare from Kula’s generous buffet, complete with festive décor and a fire show on the beach.
- Day 2: After rolling glutinous rice balls under a pasty chef’s supervision, guests can find inner peace with crystal healing, tuck into the day’s catch at Kula’s seafood buffet and end the day on a high note with a 90s karaoke at Beru Bar.
- Day 3: For adults, there is a hands-on massage masterclass at the spa, while kids will be busy crafting symbols of luck from paper at the kids’ club. After feasting on Chinese delicacies at Guduguda, an alfresco cinema with Oscar-worthy beach views will be screening the latest hits under the stars.
- Day 4: Sunrise yoga kicks off another day in paradise. Kids can get messy making dumplings while adults turn fresh coconuts into tropical cocktails. After dark, BBQ Shak will host a casual dinner with live music followed by Boduberu Bash – a traditional Maldivian drum dance around the bonfire on the beach.
- Day 5: Pint-sized and adult winners of the sandcastle competition will be toasted at The Standard pool party. Meanwhile, wellness-minded guests can decamp to Baby Island for private sunset yoga (USD 55 per person). For dinner, Kula will take everyone’s taste buds on a world tour, and numbers will get wild at Todis Bar during an evening session of Not Your Standard Bingo.
- Day 6: Energized by aqua Zumba, guests can continue the excitement at The Standard Pool Party led by a resident DJ. Additionally, there are rice paper roll masterclasses, colorful mud scrubs, a fusion of American, Mexican and Japanese dishes at Kula, and a mesmerizing LED show at Todis Beach.
- Day 7: It’s Monday, but thanks to a Bachata Bash, everyone will be dancing like it’s Friday. Alternatively, holidaymakers can rebalance with sound meditation at The Spa, watch their offspring race in canoes, and end the day with grilled delights at Kula, followed by groovy tunes at Beru Bar.
To enhance your stay during this festive period, enjoy our Stowaway package. Stowaway – Long Stay offers extended stays with perks like free seaplane transfers, 20% off dining and bars, 20% off at The Standard Spa, and more, so you always have a lay of the land and sea.
Special Golden Week drinks will be offered at all venues. Activities are complimentary for the resort guests, unless stated otherwise.
For more information about The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, please visit https://www.standardhotels.com/maldives/happenings/golden-week-maldives.
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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