News
Reconnect and revitalise: discover wellness retreats at Marriott Bonvoy Resorts in the Maldives
Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives invites guests to celebrate the 8th annual World Wellness Weekend from September 20-22, 2024, with a series of immersive activities designed to promote holistic well-being. This global event, hosted at 8,000 venues across 160 countries, encourages wellness enthusiasts to reintegrate regular physical activity into their routines after the summer break, similar to New Year’s resolutions in January.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, will offer guests a chance to rejuvenate both body and soul with a weekend of revitalising experiences amid stunning surroundings in the North Malé Atoll. The festivities begin with Laughter Yoga in the peaceful Mystique Garden, followed by a Glow with Gua Sha Workshop at the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Spa, and Evening Stretching on the beach. Saturday kicks off with a high-energy Beach Body Blast, Grounded Yoga at Uthuru Garden, and a fun Dance Party Workout. The weekend closes on Sunday with serene Floating Sound Healing at EAU Bar, a creative Mindfulness Painting session, and a Healthy Drinks Master Class, all designed to foster relaxation and wellness.
At The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, guests will enjoy a tranquil three-day wellness retreat on a private island, surrounded by lush rainforest and pristine beaches. The program includes Morning Yoga & Meditation, TRX Workouts, and wellness workshops such as Ayurvedic healing and massage techniques. Other activities feature Kickboxing, Anti-Gravity Yoga, and unique therapies like Tok Sen Thai Therapy at the resort’s Iridium Spa. The retreat offers a blend of dynamic fitness, such as Beach Boot Camps, and restorative practices like Chakra Yoga to help guests recharge in luxurious surroundings.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites guests to embark on a weekend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Highlights include “Run by JW,” a scenic run along the white-sand beaches, followed by meditation and a cool-down session. Day two offers an immersive Skincare Workshop focused on tropical skincare, including DIY face masks. The weekend wraps up with a lively Aqua Aerobics session at Pool 18, blending fitness and fun in the serene infinity pool, ensuring guests leave feeling restored and refreshed.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa in the Lhaviyani Atoll encourages visitors to embrace mindfulness and vitality through a range of complimentary wellness activities. The weekend starts with Sunset Yoga & Meditation on Friday, creating a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Saturday’s program includes an energising Animal Flow session on the Sunrise Deck, blending fitness with the beauty of the Maldives. The retreat concludes with a DIY Scrub Workshop, where guests craft their own exfoliating treatments tailored to their skincare needs.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, invites guests to enjoy a holistic wellness weekend rooted in the resort’s five pillars of well-being. Activities include Water Volleyball, a signature RunWESTIN through tropical gardens, and a calming Yoga Nidra session on Friday. Saturday features a Nature Walk and a Craft Your Own Healthy Drink workshop. Sunday offers a Beach Zumba session and a soothing Breathing Workout, along with friendly tennis matches. Guests can also access the 24/7 WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio and unwind in the award-winning Westin Heavenly® Bed, enhanced by the Sleep Well Lavender Balm for a restful night.
At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, guests can participate in a series of wellness activities that encourage well-being and community. Each morning begins with Daily Morning Yoga at the serene Yoga Pavilion, setting a mindful tone for the day. Saturday features a Boot Camp session at the Outdoor Gym, blending strength and cardio for an invigorating workout. Sunday includes Aqua Aerobics at the Main Pool, followed by an Aqua Volleyball match at Kakuni Beach, fostering connection and fun among guests as they enjoy the weekend’s vibrant atmosphere.
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Baros Maldives sets festive calendar of dining, culture and marine experiences
Baros Maldives will welcome guests for its festive season from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, with a programme centred on the island’s natural surroundings, Maldivian heritage and a series of culinary, marine and cultural experiences.
The programme will combine Christmas and New Year traditions with activities inspired by island life, including ocean excursions, local cultural experiences, festive dining and wellbeing sessions.
The season will begin with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, followed by a series of activities introducing guests to festive traditions and Maldivian culture. These will include a Christmas cookie workshop, an Ocean, Coconut & Spice cooking class, a Maldivian Heritage Evening and an Island Christmas Market.
Marine experiences will remain a central part of the festive programme. Guests will be able to join a Sunrise Nooma sailing experience, take part in fishing trips at sunrise or twilight, explore the house reef with the resort’s marine team or join a dolphin-watching cruise.
Private yacht excursions, visits to local islands and trips to Malé will also be available for guests wishing to explore beyond the resort.
Baros Maldives will also offer a series of culinary experiences throughout the festive period. These will include a Sake Pairing Dinner, a Great Gatsby-themed five-course dinner and a Champagne Dinner inspired by the Seven Seas.
Other dining experiences will include a Butcher’s Block buffet, an Omakase tasting lunch and a Master Chef Tuna Carving Show & Tasting. Guests will also be able to take part in wine discovery experiences, cocktail-making sessions and an Island Crafted Cocktails programme.
On Christmas Eve, guests will gather at The Lighthouse for a cocktail reception before continuing to Lime for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.
Christmas Day will feature breakfast, festive activities and time for guests to enjoy the beach, lagoon and other island experiences with family and friends.
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a Gala Dinner, live entertainment and the countdown to 2027.
New Year’s Day will start with a celebratory brunch, followed by a selection of wellbeing and dining experiences. These will include a beachfront degustation dinner accompanied by live violin and saxophone performances.
Younger guests will also have a dedicated programme of festive activities, including mocktail-making, Christmas cookie workshops and island-based activities designed for families and children.
Throughout the season, Baros Maldives will host live music, marine presentations, yoga and meditation sessions alongside its wider programme of dining, recreation and ocean experiences.
The festive programme is intended to reflect the character of Baros Maldives by combining Christmas and New Year celebrations with the island’s marine environment, culinary offering and Maldivian culture.
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Niva Kuramathi announces ‘A Tropical Festive Season’ for year-end celebrations
From 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, Niva Kuramathi will mark the festive season with “A Tropical Festive Season”, a programme of dining, entertainment, outdoor activities and family experiences shaped around the island setting.
The programme will make use of Kuramathi’s natural surroundings, including its house reef and sandbank, alongside its 12 restaurants and seven bars.
The festivities will begin on the evening of 21 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the sandbank. Guests will be welcomed with drinks and live music at sunset, followed later in the evening by a traditional Bodu Beru performance.
On 28 and 29 December, the resort will host a traditional Maldivian Market, featuring Bodu Beru drumming, a folklore parade and locally made artisanal crafts.
Christmas Eve festivities
Christmas Eve celebrations will begin on the sandbank at sunset, with welcome drinks and Christmas carols. Santa Claus and his elves will also make an appearance before guests gather for a gala buffet dinner.
The evening will conclude with an outdoor screening of a classic Christmas film under the stars.

Countdown to 2027
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin at sunset with cocktails on the sandbank.
A gala dinner will then be served across Farivalhu, Malaafaiy and Haruge restaurants before the countdown to 2027. Fireworks will mark the arrival of the New Year, while live music and DJ performances will continue at Fung Bar and Sand Bar.
Festive activities
Throughout the festive period, Niva Kuramathi will offer a programme of recreational, culinary and entertainment activities.
Guests will be able to take part in moonlit yoga sessions on the sandbank, sand sculpting, Sip & Paint evenings for couples and fire dance performances.
Sporting activities will include beach volleyball, a football match between the Niva Kuramathi team and guests, as well as kayak, pedal boat and stand-up paddleboard races.
The entertainment programme will also include wine tastings, karaoke, music trivia, live music and DJ evenings.
Cooking classes will be held at Kobe, where guests will be able to take part in sessions centred around the restaurant’s open kitchen experience.
The festive programme is designed to allow guests to participate in scheduled activities while also having the option to spend time at leisure.
The season will conclude on 1 January 2027 with a late-morning brunch and the first house reef dive of the year.
Festive programme for children
Bageecha Kids Club will host a separate festive programme for younger guests, combining recreation, creative activities and environmental learning.
Activities will include treasure hunts, splash pad games, cookie-making, arts and crafts, eco workshops, nature exploration, holiday films, karaoke, bracelet-making and gardening in the resort’s hydroponic garden.
Children will also be able to take part in scavenger hunts, mini-Olympic games, yoga and disco dancing, as well as shared lunches and dinners with other young guests.
On Christmas Eve, the programme will begin with a family photograph session, followed by gingerbread house decorating, writing letters to Santa, a palm-leaf handicraft workshop and outdoor games.
Christmas morning will feature a pyjama party with musical games and pool activities. Later in the day, families will gather at Athiri Deck to welcome Santa Claus, who will distribute gifts to children.
New Year’s Eve activities for younger guests will take place during the afternoon, with music and games around the pool followed by a children’s disco as part of the resort’s final celebrations of 2026.
News
Atmosphere Core unveils ONE BANYAN Amaraa Faru as 10th Maldives resort
Atmosphere Core, a leading hospitality company with roots in the Maldives, announces the signing of its 10th resort in the archipelago nation, ONE BANYAN Amaraa Faru An Atmosphere Hotel, Maldives, set to open in March 2027. Housed within the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, the property will be positioned under the ‘An Atmosphere Hotel’ sub-brand and will be the first resort in the ONE BANYAN series of co-branded island resorts in the Maldives bringing a distinctive and independent character to the portfolio.
Commenting on the announcement, Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said, “As demand for the Maldives continues to grow and diversify, we are seeing travellers seek stays that are luxurious yet tailored to their individual needs, and purchasing decisions increasingly shaped by the quality of experiences rather than amenities and services alone. With Amaraa Faru, we bring our brand ethos of ‘A New Experience Awaits’ to life, while also responding to this evolving demand. At this resort, guests can look forward to a lavish yet grounded sophistication inspired by the natural rhythm, culture and people of the islands.”
ONE BANYAN is conceived as a unique co-branded concept within Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, designed to bring together individual resort identities while allowing each property to retain its own character. The name Amaraa Faru brings together two cultural references with ‘amaraa’ inspired by the Sanskrit word associated with eternity or immortality, while ‘faru’ means reef in Dhivehi, evoking a connection with marine life and the ocean.
The first of the series, ONE BANYAN Amaraa Faru, will offer freedom and flexibility rather than overly formal luxury. As ‘An Atmosphere Hotel’ sub brand, it is shaped by the spirit of its place, with a distinctive story, rhythm and sense of belonging. The concept is designed for today’s free-spirited explorer, responding to a growing desire for experiences that feel inspiring and have a lasting impact.

An Authentically Maldivian Setting
Promising enriching, immersive and authentic moments, ONE BANYAN Amaraa Faru will become the 9th resort worldwide within the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand. It is in Kaafu Atoll, accessible via a 45-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport. Framed by wide, luminous lagoons in layered shades of blue and green, the island lends itself to unhurried days by the water. Guests will have the privilege of an indulgent Holiday Plan, a signature of the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, encompassing dining, wellness, snorkelling and other tropical activities, all tailored to meet the most discerning expectations.

A Distinctive, Contemporary & Nature-Inspired Aesthetic
Aesthetics at Amaraa Faru will offer a fresh, contemporary design expression, introducing a new design language within the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Rooted in the island’s surrounding marine world, the design will draw inspiration from traditional palm-leaf craftsmanship, where coconut and palm fibres are woven into functional art. This traditional craft will be reinterpreted through couture elegance, with natural materials, locally influenced textures, Art Deco touches and eco-conscious finishes layered into a soothing palette of crème and soft greens.
Guests will choose from 118 beach and overwater villas, ranging from 100 m² standard beach villas to 164 m² family beach villas and 117 m² overwater villas, each with a private pool. Fluid indoor and outdoor spaces will create effortlessly stylish retreats, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the island’s natural rhythm.
An all-day dining restaurant will anchor the culinary offering, complemented by a relaxed main pool bar and three speciality restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences, ranging from vibrant Argentinian cuisine to a charming overwater Japanese dining experience.
Additional facilities will include a sprawling kids’ club, an ocean-view gym and fitness centre, a dive and water sports centre, and a promenade-style retail space. A spa and wellness centre by the company’s award-winning brand, ELE|NA Ayur, with overwater treatment rooms, a 40 m² saltwater pool, and sauna and steam facilities will round out the resort’s facilities.

Contemporary & Intuitively Innovative Experience
Technology will be seamlessly integrated throughout the guest journey. At its heart, the resort will foster a service culture that is smart, original and elevated. Resulting in a relaxed and elegant environment — modern in spirit yet grounded in the warmth and hospitality for which the brand is known.
Amaraa Faru will also incorporate solar energy solutions, water conservation systems, and a no-plastics approach, including in-house glass water bottling, aligning with Atmosphere Core’s broader commitment to sustainability.

A New Chapter for Atmosphere Core
Founded in 2013, Atmosphere Core has built a strong presence in the Maldives with nine operational resorts across three brands and two developments in the pipeline, including ONE BANYAN Amaraa Faru An Atmosphere Hotel. The company’s international journey continues with a heritage hotel now open in India and Italy, along with plans for over 20 upcoming properties across Europe and South Asia.
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