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.
News
Summer of connection, discovery at Jumeirah Olhahali Island

Jumeirah Olhahali Island invites guests to experience a summer unlike any other – one that celebrates connection, creativity, and discovery across the shores of North Malé Atoll in the Maldives. From May through August, the all-villa retreat introduces an inspired seasonal programme where every generation can create lasting memories through immersive dining, shared adventures, and revitalising wellness rituals.
A Season of Flavour
A highlight of the summer season, the resort will host an exclusive culinary residency from 7 to 12 June in collaboration with restaurant Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, the celebrated Indian dining destination from Jumeirah Al Qasr in Dubai. For six evenings, 35 guests can enjoy an intimate, flavour-rich tasting experience spotlighting both beloved and lesser-known regional Indian dishes, reimagined with a modern twist.
The summer calendar continues with vibrant dining occasions, including the Eid International Market Night on 6 June and an Omakase Coffee Series from 6 to 10 June.
Beyond these highlights, guests can also embrace the island’s broader dining journey, whether savouring wood-fired pizzas with toes in the sand at Shimmers, discovering Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei plates at Kayto, or indulging in destination dining with beach barbecues, floating breakfasts, and private sandbank picnics.
Adventures for Every Generation
Families are at the heart of the island’s summer programming with a joyful mix of opportunities to reconnect through movement, exploration, and play. Returning favourites include the Olhahali kite festival (9 June, 15 July, 6 August), which fills the skies with colour and delight, and Kids’ Summer Olympics (6 June, 4 July, 21 July, 11 August), adding a playful sense of camaraderie with water polo in the Shimmers pool. New additions like the mini badminton tournament (3 June, 18 June, 8 July, 20 August) and weekly penalty shoot-outs (Tuesdays in June) bring plenty of friendly competition.
Younger guests can take part in lifeguard-led swimming classes throughout August from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, providing a fun way to build confidence and skills in the water. Meanwhile, teens and adults can opt for guided watersport camps led by seasoned instructors, mastering the waves with knee boarding, water skiing, and wakeboarding lessons.
Evenings unfold under the stars with beach cinema nights, where families gather for outdoor movies, camp-style snacks, and laughter shared on the shores of the island’s pristine beaches.
Wellness in Rhythm with Nature
From sunrise yoga to curated spa journeys, the season also offers a renewed focus on well-being at the resort’s Talise Spa. From 16 May to 30 June, visiting practitioner Dr. Aradhana offers therapies rooted in naturopathy, including Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage, shamanic cleansing, yogic detox, and therapeutic sound healing. Her approach blends ancient practices with modern healing techniques, guiding guests into deeper awareness and balance.
Daily movement is encouraged with 1-hour Technogym Bootcamps on Mondays and Thursdays, where panoramic views energise high-impact sessions.
Artful Moments Inspired by the Sea
At MURACA Art Studio, named after the Maldivian word for coral, families are invited to express their creativity in a wide collection of immersive art sessions. In August, a resident ceramicist will lead hands-on pottery workshops, inspiring creativity and mindfulness through tactile expression.
Bringing added ease to summer travels, the resort offers a collection of tailored savings and privileges for villa stays. The Jumeirah Escapes Offer includes up to 20% off private villas, with an additional 5% savings for Jumeirah One members, plus a perk of added benefits. For larger families, the Jumeirah Signature Escapes Offer features hotel credit of USD 200 or USD 400 when booking the resort’s two- or three-bedroom retreats. For more information or to reserve a summer escape, visit here.
Meditation
Angsana Velavaru unveils new wellness journeys with Shubhangi Chauhan

Angsana Velavaru, a secluded island retreat in the South Nilandhe Atoll, unveils a new chapter in its guest experience this May with the launch of a curated wellness yoga programme – a purposeful and poised invitation to return to the essential of wellbeing. Rooted in the resort’s ongoing commitment to mindful, holistic travel, the offering marks a quiet evolution that creates spaces not only to unwind, but to reconnect with oneself in meaningful, grounded ways.
Designed with quiet intention, the new yoga programme blends classical techniques with contemporary needs. Complimentary morning and afternoon sessions guide guests through Sunrise Flow, Breath & Balance, and Hatha Yoga – practices that anchor the body and reset the nervous system. Each class is held in an open-air pavilions or beachfront space, where the movement of the ocean and the softness of natural light lend their own quiet support.
For those seeking more immersive practice, chargeable sessions explore deeper dimensions of stillness and release – from Pranayama and Yin Yoga to guided Meditation and Restorative Sunset Yoga. The programme is supported by trained instructor who focus not on performance, but on personal connection and presence. Private sessions are also available, offering tailored approaches for guests who wish to explore their practice more intimately – whether for physical balance or emotional clarity.
Wellbeing at Angsana Velavaru extends beyond the mat. Tucked within the island’s lush greenery, the award winning Angsana Spa offers a distinctive approach to bodywork and healing. Treatments are rooted in time-honoured Asian traditions and delivered with intuitive care. From soothing body polishes to tension releasing massages, each therapy is designed to restore energy gently and naturally. Warm, grounding hospitality and the spa’s contemporary design create an atmosphere of calm- where the body can soften and the mind can finally slow.
To mark Global Wellness Day from 13 to 15 June, Angsana Velavaru welcomes Shubhangi Chauhan, certified holistic wellness coach and founder of WITHIN, for a special guest residency. Her personal story – a transformative journey from physical burnout to deep self-discovery – now forms the foundation of global movement supporting mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Today, WITHIN is home to a team of 23 practitioners, offering coaching, emotional support, and mindset guidance across continents.
During her residency, Shubhangi will lead a thoughtfully curated programme featuring strength and breathwork sessions, yoga for flexibility and inner balance, and a Wellness Circle exploring mental clarity, nutrition, and community care. A signature session – a blindfold Free Flow Dance followed by Yoga Nidra – invites guests into a rare space of surrender and emotional release.
The collaboration reflects broader philosophy at Angsana Velavaru – that wellbeing is not about routine but rhythm. Not about escape, but return. And that sometimes, the most powerful transformation happens not in movements but in stillness.
At Angsana Velavaru, wellness is an experience of depth, presence, and purpose. Reconnect with your inner rhythm through yoga, discover healing through spa rituals and take part in a transformative wellness collaboration on an island made for renewal.
To learn more about Shubhangi’s residency programme and secure your place for Global Wellness Day, visit the resort’s website.
Awards
TripAdvisor honours Ifuru Island Maldives in top 10% of hotels for 2025

Ifuru Island Maldives has announced that it has been recognised as a winner in the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025, placing the resort in the top 10% of hotels worldwide.
This achievement celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travellers around the globe, having earned outstanding traveler reviews on Tripadvisor over the past 12 months. Ifuru Island Maldives stood out by delighting guests with its warm hospitality, vibrant experiences, and the one-of-a-kind Exclusively Yours Premium All Inclusive concept.
“We are thrilled to receive this award, especially because it comes directly from our guests’ feedback,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Our passionate team pours their heart into creating unforgettable moments for every guest, and this recognition is a true reflection of their dedication and the magic of our island.”
Ifuru Island Maldives has quickly become a sought-after destination for travellers looking to connect, unwind, and celebrate life in style. With its unique Exclusively Yours Premium All Inclusive offering, guests enjoy a seamless holiday experience filled with culinary variety, curated entertainment, and a vibrant social lifestyle concept that brings people together. From spacious suites with direct beach access to immersive island experiences and warm, genuine service, Ifuru Island delivers exceptional value for money without compromising on quality or guest satisfaction.
Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards honour travellers’ favourite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and activities around the world. Winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings over a 12-month period.
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