News
Unwind this holiday season at Villa Haven
As the festive season approaches, Villa Haven in the breathtaking South Ari Atoll is set to welcome guests with an experience steeped in warmth and charm. With its enchanting theme of “Heavenly Haven,” the resort promises to blend the joy of Christmas, the anticipation of New Year’s, and the serene spirit of Orthodox Christmas into a vibrant tapestry of island life.
Picture this: travelers arriving and being enveloped by the soothing sounds of the ocean, greeted by the genuine warmth of Maldivian hospitality. One can imagine a couple rolling out their yoga mats on the beach, ready to greet the day with a sunrise session that draws them into the quiet beauty of the morning. As the sun gently rises, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold, guests find relief from their holiday rush, embracing the tranquility that only a place like this can provide.
As day transitions into night, the island buzzes with energy. Guests gather for Holhu Ashi Tales, a charming experience where locals share mesmerizing stories of Maldivian folklore around a crackling fire. Laughter fills the air as each tale unfolds, deepening their connection to the cultural heritage of the islands. It’s a time when strangers become friends, all drawn together by the magic of storytelling.
Dining at Villa Haven is an adventure in itself, with the culinary offerings promising unforgettable flavors. At Husk, renowned for its focus on fire-cooked dishes, guests dive into the flavors of Abaarana—an extraordinary meal that showcases the island’s culinary treasures. Conversations spring forth as everyone shares their impressions of beautifully grilled fish and tender meats, all served in an inviting atmosphere that encourages lingering over dishes prepared with a loving touch.
Just a few steps away, YUZU beckons with a different kind of culinary delight. This overwater Japanese restaurant offers an exquisite selection of sushi and beautifully crafted dishes that nourish both the body and spirit. As patrons relish their meals, laughter resonates throughout the elegant dining space, enhanced by breathtaking views of the shimmering lagoon that stretch endlessly before them.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, the excitement builds. The gala night promises elegance and jubilance, transforming the resort into a stunning celebration. Guests mingle, exchanging stories and recounting their favorite moments from the year gone by, all while basking in the sense of togetherness that fills the air. The spirit of joy and camaraderie is palpable, encapsulating the essence of the holiday season.
Once the festivities transition into Orthodox Christmas, a more reflective atmosphere takes hold. At Eden’s Essence, guests are invited to explore their creative sides by crafting personalized fragrances from exotic oils. Each unique scent becomes a cherished memento, a small piece of the paradise they experienced during their stay.
At Villa Haven, the holiday season is not just about breathtaking scenery or luxurious accommodations; it’s about the connections forged and the memories created. The beauty of the Maldives enhances the warmth of shared experiences, reminding visitors that each moment spent here is a celebration of life. Here, the joy of the season shines brightest when shared with others, making it a truly magical escape that lingers in the heart long after the celebrations end.
Imagine your favourite music festival—but swap muddy fields for white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. In April 2026, acclaimed electronic duo The Presets will trade stadiums and festival crowds for an exclusive beachfront series of shows at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, offering fans an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime island escape curated by Music in Paradise.
From Coachella to Splendour in the Grass, The Presets—Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes—have made their mark on the global stage. But this time, they’re doing things differently. From 11–18 April 2026, fans will experience a week of sun-drenched luxury capped off by three electrifying live performances, including a sunset DJ set on the beach and an exclusive rooftop party at the resort’s Sunset Bar.
“We’re beyond excited to host The Presets at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Their energy, talent, and incredible live shows are a perfect match for our vibrant island setting. Guests can expect something truly unforgettable.”
With a career spanning two decades, The Presets are electronic music royalty in Australia. Their breakout 2008 album Apocalypso went triple platinum and produced the festival anthem “My People.” With multiple ARIA Awards, APRA Songwriter of the Year titles, and collaborations like the RAKA EP with Golden Features under their belt, the duo continues to shape the sound of electronic music worldwide.
Their 2018 album HI VIZ soared to the top of iTunes within hours of release and included hits like “Do What You Want” and “Martini,” both nominated for major Australian music prizes.
Fans can now secure the Early Bird Gold Experience Package for A$3,790 per person (twin share) for seven nights in a Beach Villa—saving over $1,000. This VIP experience includes:
- Entry to 3 Nightly Exclusive Events
- 3 Intimate Performances
- Meet & Greet with artists
- Professional Photo with artists
- Music in Paradise Welcome Bag
- Music in Paradise Event Poster
- Event commemorative t-shirt
- Return shared Speedboat airport transfers
- Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
- Delicious buffet breakfast daily at Kandooma Café
- Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, and replenished daily
- Complimentary snorkel trip & use of snorkelling gear
- Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee
Additional packages offering different villa types are also available exclusively from Music in Paradise here. All packages exclude airfares.
Embudu Village, one of Maldives’ most cherished island resorts, has been awarded the Travelife Gold Certification, a globally recognised mark of excellence in sustainable tourism. The certification encompasses a resort’s environmental footprint, impact in the community, as well as labour standards, and the protection of biodiversity.
Embudu Village previously held the Travelife Silver Certification. Following a recent evaluation, though, the resort successfully met Travelife’s comprehensive criteria for Gold Certification. This accomplishment reflects Embudu’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Travelife, a leading international sustainability certification body for hotels and resorts, evaluates properties against a strict checklist. Certification is awarded after an in-depth, on-site audit conducted by an independent auditor. The findings undergo a comprehensive quality assurance review before Travelife confers certification status.
Expressing his gratitude in receiving the certification, Ramsay Perera, General Manager of Kaimoo Resorts, said: “Our team is thrilled to be recognised with the Travelife Gold Certification. This reflects our longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism and protecting the natural beauty of Maldives.”
As one of the Maldives’ pioneering resorts, Embudu continues to lead by example, proving that authentic island hospitality can go hand in hand with sustainable practices. With the Travelife Gold Certification, Embudu Village strengthens its promise to offer guests a meaningful holiday experience in the heart of the Maldives.
Building on Amilla Maldives’ recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, Javvu Spa is celebrating its own honour in this prestigious global listing.
Nestled within the island’s lush jungle and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Javvu Spa offers a peaceful retreat where modern wellness gently blends with nature’s rhythms. This recognition is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the spa team’s dedication and Amilla’s ongoing focus on personalised, intuitive care for the wellbeing of its guests.
This honour follows Amilla Maldives’ own recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, positioning the resort as one of a select group of destinations worldwide to be acknowledged for both its resort and spa. The dual recognition reflects a thoughtful commitment to excellence across the guest experience, from island living to holistic wellness.
Javvu Spa’s inclusion in the 2025 Star Awards further strengthens its role as a leading wellness destination in the Maldives, offering guests a serene sanctuary to restore, reconnect and renew.
-
Awards1 week agoOZEN LIFE MAADHOO ascends to elite global ranks with Tripadvisor ‘Best of the Best’ 2025
-
Awards1 week agoAtmosphere Hotels & Resorts shine in Tripadvisor’s 2025 awards
-
News1 week agoReconnect with loved ones at Coco Bodu Hithi, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
-
Awards1 week ago2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards: Kagi Maldives ranks in top 10% globally
-
News1 week agoAll ages welcome: Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives unveils Essens Spa for holistic well-being
-
Awards1 week agoVilamendhoo Island Resort: A 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winner
-
Awards1 week agoHurawalhi Island Resort shines in 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice® rankings
-
Awards1 week agoTripAdvisor names Meeru Maldives a top 10% hotel worldwide for 2025