Featured
Ifuru Island launches exclusive retreats for families and groups
Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the launch of four spectacular island retreats: three 20-Bedroom Family Retreats and the expansive 32-Bedroom Island Reserve, which stands as the largest of its kind in the world. Specifically designed for families and groups seeking extraordinary experiences, these retreats seamlessly blend luxury, comfort, and tropical adventure. Whether guests are looking to relax in style or participate in thrilling excursions, Ifuru Island offers a remarkable getaway for all.
The 20-Bedroom Family Retreats consist of three distinct units: Ocean Retreat Island Reserve, Island Retreat Reserve, and Seaside Retreat Island Reserve. Each unit features five charming duplexes, with two spacious rooms on the upper floor and two on the lower floor, providing the perfect setting for families to reconnect and unwind.
Guests can enjoy the vibrant private outdoor social lounge, which serves as an ideal space for sharing meals, sipping cocktails, and enjoying quality time together. Whether engaging in friendly competitions or exchanging stories over drinks, this retreat fosters the creation of cherished memories. It offers a perfect balance of comfort and togetherness, making it an idyllic choice for family getaways.
For larger gatherings, the 32-Bedroom Island Reserve—featuring the stunning Reef Retreat Island Reserve—caters to every need. Each suite is beautifully furnished to serve as a sanctuary of comfort, allowing guests to relax in style. With breathtaking views and an array of luxurious amenities, the Island Reserve is perfect for big families and groups seeking their own piece of paradise. The expansive living areas, exceptional service, and picturesque surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable experiences together.
Both retreats come fully equipped with a range of amenities to ensure that every stay is nothing short of extraordinary:
- Welcome Goodies: Guests receive a warm island welcome in every suite.
- Group Transfers: Private domestic transfers for 50 to 60 guests are available for those arriving on the same flight.
- Personal Island Buddy: Each group is assigned a dedicated Buddy to cater to all their needs.
- Family Sunset Cocktails & BBQ: Families can gather for an unforgettable evening in the Sunken Lounge.
- Cocktail & Mocktail Class: Guests can learn to craft their own drinks in a fun and interactive session.
- The Waterfront Lunch & Sunset Hi-Tea: A delightful lunch followed by afternoon tea on the deck is offered for guests to enjoy.
- Choose Your Adventure: Guests can choose between a sunset cruise or a local island excursion.
- Scavenger Hunt: A fun activity that encourages a little friendly competition.
- Wellness Activities: Group yoga or sound healing sessions are available to help guests unwind.
- Sports & Recreation: Guests can participate in beach volleyball or make use of the tennis/multipurpose court.
- Tree Planting Activity: A heartwarming opportunity to give back to the island through tree planting.
- Movie Night: A cozy film night can be enjoyed at the private cinema.
- Photo Session: A 20-minute photo reel session allows guests to capture special moments.
- Laundry Service: Complimentary laundry service for five pieces per room is provided to keep wardrobes fresh.
- Departure Gift: Guests receive a thoughtful memento to remind them of their island getaway.
Located just steps away from pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, these retreats invite guests to explore beach activities, immerse themselves in local culture, or simply relax under the sun.
Whether planning a family reunion, a celebration, or a chance to reconnect, the 20-Bedroom Family Retreats and 32-Bedroom Island Reserve provide the perfect backdrop for laughter, love, and unforgettable experiences.
In addition to these exceptional retreats, Ifuru Island Maldives features 147 sunset suites and villas, 6 dining options—including 2 signature restaurants and 4 bars—offering a 24-hour premium all-inclusive experience. The resort is also home to the Maldives’ first permanent Skydive dropzone, providing a truly unique attraction for thrill-seekers.
Featured
‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.
The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.
During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.
“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.
“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”
The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.
The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.
Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards
Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.
Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.
The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.
This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.
The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.
“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.
Action
Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme
Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.
Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.
On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.
The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.
The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.
At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.
Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.
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