Royal Island has been named Best Dive Resort at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising an underwater experience shaped by one of the Maldives’ richest marine environments and a dive operation built around discovery, expertise and a genuine respect for the ocean.

Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Royal Island sits surrounded by coral gardens, channels and thilas alive with reef fish, turtles, rays and sharks. Its location places some of the atoll’s most rewarding dive sites within easy reach, while the island’s own house reef makes the underwater world feel less like an excursion and more like an extension of the resort itself.

At the centre of it all is diveOceanus, Villa Resorts’ specialist diving brand. At Royal Island, the operation is remarkably comprehensive. Complete beginners can take their first breaths underwater through Discover Scuba Diving, while certified divers can progress through PADI courses all the way to Divemaster. Dedicated programmes extend to children, advanced and Nitrox diving, refresher courses and freediving, with private instructors and private dive boats available for those wanting a more individual experience.

The facilities make it easy to build diving into the rhythm of a stay. House reef and training dives run throughout the day alongside scheduled two-tank and afternoon boat dives, with night diving available by arrangement. A full range of equipment is available, including dive computers and underwater cameras, while certified Nitrox divers receive complimentary Nitrox fills. Freedivers are equally well catered for, with dedicated courses, coaching, equipment and open-water sessions.

Beyond diving, Royal Island is exceptionally placed for some of the Maldives’ great marine encounters. Hanifaru Bay is approximately 25 minutes away, where seasonal plankton blooms bring extraordinary gatherings of manta rays and, at times, whale sharks. As the season changes, diveOceanus also operates manta snorkelling journeys into neighbouring Raa Atoll, extending opportunities for encounters across much of the year.

That access comes with responsibility. Marine conservation has long been part of diveOceanus across Villa Resorts, with coral restoration programmes established at Villa Nautica, Villa Park and Royal Island alongside reef monitoring, clean-ups and guest education. At Royal Island, the team maintains coral nurseries in the lagoon and house reef and involves guests directly in coral planting and restoration. It has also led wider reef-cleaning initiatives alongside the Baa Atoll Council and Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, extending that work beyond the island itself.

What sets Royal Island apart is the completeness of the experience. The house reef, the wider Baa Atoll, the expertise and facilities of diveOceanus, and the conservation work happening quietly alongside it all create something deeper than a collection of good dive sites. The Best Dive Resort title recognises an island where life below the surface has always been central to the experience.

Araamu Spa at Villa Nautica has been named Best Spa at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising a wellness experience shaped as much by its surroundings as by the treatments themselves.

Hidden within a quiet corner of the island, Araamu Spa feels like a world of its own. Dense tropical greenery surrounds winding pathways, flowers spill into shaded courtyards and the pace of Villa Nautica gradually falls away. It is lush, calm and deeply restorative, a space designed to shift the mood almost as soon as you enter.

Araamu is the dedicated spa and wellness brand of Villa Resorts, with its philosophy carried across the collection. Rooted in relaxation, rejuvenation and a more holistic approach to wellbeing, each Araamu Spa brings together experienced therapists, traditional healing practices and contemporary wellness in settings that remain closely connected to nature. The Villa Nautica spa menu describes the experience as a journey towards restoring balance through classic treatments, Ayurvedic therapies and beauty care.

At Villa Nautica, the experience is particularly immersive. A robust collection of body therapies, facials, Ayurvedic treatments and island-inspired rituals sits alongside flower and herbal bath ceremonies, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam facilities. The spaces themselves are part of the ritual, with private courtyards, tropical planting and moments of complete quiet creating an atmosphere that feels more like a hidden garden sanctuary than a conventional resort spa.

At the heart of the menu is Swept Away, Araamu’s signature experience inspired by the purifying energy of the ocean. The journey begins with warming ginger lemonade, a detoxifying foot ritual and deep breathing before moving through Himalayan salt therapy, scalp reflexology, cool salt-stone massage and a warm herbal vitality bath. It is deliberately transformative, moving through heat, scent, touch and stillness before ending with fresh papaya and time simply to be.

What makes Araamu Spa at Villa Nautica memorable is not one treatment or facility on its own. It is the way everything works together: the greenery, the flowers, the warmth, the stillness and the feeling of being completely removed from the outside world. The Best Spa recognition reflects an experience that does not need to be loud to leave an impression.

The breathtaking JA Manafaru beckons travellers from across the Kingdom to enjoy an island escape to the Maldives. With its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, private pools, and personalised experiences, it is the ideal setting to celebrate the occasion. Located in the Haa Alifu Atoll, the picturesque resort offers a collection of beachfront and overwater villas, spacious private residences, six distinctive dining venues, and Calm Spa Sanctuary, alongside a wide range of experiences for families, friends, and groups. This Saudi National Day, travellers can choose from three exclusive offers, including complimentary nights, group benefits, and added privileges when staying in the resort’s largest private residences.

The Ultimate Group Getaway

The perfect opportunity for a well deserved break, The Ultimate Group Getaway makes it easy to share the best of JA Manafaru with your nearest and dearest. Spacious villas with private pools provide plenty of room to relax, while curated dining, wellness, cultural, and marine experiences give every member of the group something to enjoy. Thoughtful benefits, including a complimentary villa when booking five or more, hosted dining and excursions, group yoga, and a Maldivian cooking experience, make this an ideal choice for a memorable island gathering.

When: Available for stays until October 30^th

Offer Inclusions:

• A bottle of sparkling grape upon arrival
• Book five villas and receive one additional villa complimentary
• For dinner at the Wine Cellar, every 10 guests booked includes one complimentary guest
• For group excursions, every 10 guests booked includes one complimentary place
• Complimentary airport transfers for stays of seven nights or more
• Daily minibar replenishment
• Group yoga sessions designed to restore balance and connection
• A personalised facial skin analysis to assess hydration, pigmentation, and overall skin health
• A 30-minute masterclass at Calm Spa Sanctuary, where guests can learn to create their own bath tea using herbs from the spa garden
• Complimentary non-motorised watersports throughout the stay
• A guided Maldivian cooking experience, where guests prepare traditional dishes for lunch

Terms & Conditions:

• Minimum stay of five nights applies
• A deposit equal to 25% of the total stay is required at the time of booking

For more information, click here.

Stay Five Nights, Pay for Four

For travellers seeking a longer island escape, Stay Five Nights, Pay for Four promises an extra night in paradise, allowing guests to savour more time soaking up the beauty of the Maldives. Throughout the stay, enjoy JA Manafaru’s powder-soft beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and dedicated children’s and teens’ activities, alongside personalised service from a private butler. With daily breakfast, a choice of dining upgrades, a complimentary experience, and a host of watersports and wellness activities, the offer makes an extended island holiday even more rewarding.

When: Available for stays until October 30^th

Offer Inclusions:

• One complimentary night when staying five nights or more
• Additional 10% savings for JA DISCOVERY members
• Daily complimentary breakfast
• Half Board or All-Inclusive upgrade at preferred rates
• Enjoy one experience once per stay: a sunset dolphin cruise or teppanyaki dinner at White Orchid
• Complimentary airport transfers when staying seven nights or more
• Sparkling grape on arrival
• Personal butler service throughout the stay
• Complimentary group yoga sessions
• Complimentary non-motorised watersports
• Daily activities programme for kids and teens

Terms & Conditions:

• Minimum stay of five nights applies
• JA DISCOVERY member savings are subject to membership terms
• Subject to availability at the time of booking
• Additional terms and conditions may apply

For more information, click here.

Three Bedroom Royal Beach Residence

The Three Bedroom Royal Beach Residence at JA Manafaru is an extraordinary 5,800 sqm private sanctuary and the largest three-bedroom residence in the Maldives. An exceptional choice for families and groups seeking space, privacy, and comfort, it accommodates up to six adults, three children, and two infants. The residence features expansive indoor and outdoor living areas, a private beach, multiple pools, a dedicated spa pavilion, and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Dedicated Thakuru service ensures every stay is tailored to each guest, with personalised attention and thoughtful touches throughout.

Made for guests who want to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms, the residence features a private bar, shaded cabanas, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, and a dedicated beachfront setting for leisurely days by the sea. Guests can also unwind in the spa pavilion with its sauna and steam room, explore the island by bicycle, or gather for memorable evenings beneath the stars.

Maldives Private Residence Escape 

JA Manafaru’s Maldives Private Residence Escape is an exceptional opportunity to experience the resort’s spacious two and three-bedroom private residences with added privileges to elevate every moment. Combining the comfort of a private home with the personalised service and world-class amenities of a luxury island resort, and surrounded by uninterrupted ocean views, guests can enjoy the generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, incredible infinity pools, and the freedom to experience the Maldives at their own pace during a five night stay.

Each stay is enhanced by a dedicated personal butler, ensuring a seamless and highly personalised experience throughout, alongside a complimentary CIP airport meet-and-greet service, allowing guests to bypass standard immigration and baggage collection queues for a smoother, more effortless arrival and departure. Guests can also enjoy an intimate stargazing session and movie under the stars, available exclusively for bookings made via the official booking link on the JA Manafaru website, allowing them to further soak up the beauty of this stunning destination.

Spend time exploring the island by bicycle, enjoying curated marine and cultural experiences, or simply unwinding in complete privacy. Thoughtful touches, including a bottle of bubbly and fruit basket on arrival, daily turn-down amenities, complimentary laundry services, and priority restaurant reservations, add further convenience, while complimentary seaplane transfers ensure everything is covered from arrival to departure. 

When: Available for stays until December 23^rd 

Offer Inclusions: 

• 30% savings on stays for JA DISCOVERY members 
• Accommodation in a two or three-bedroom private residence 
• Private outdoor infinity pool 
• Bottle of bubbly and fruit basket on arrival 
• Personal butler throughout the stay 
• Complimentary seaplane transfers 
• Complimentary airport meet-and-greet service 
• Personalised bicycles 
• Daily amenities during turn-down service 
• Complimentary laundry service for up to 50 garments per stay 
• Priority restaurant reservations 

Terms & Conditions: 

• Valid for stays of five nights or more 
• Subject to availability at the time of booking 
• JA DISCOVERY member savings apply where applicable 
• Additional terms and conditions may apply 

For reservations and more information, click here.