News
Escape to naturally better festive at JA Manafaru
Set in the pristine northernmost atoll of the Maldives, JA Manafaru is set to unveil a captivating array of festive activities, running from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2025. This enchanting experience is complemented by an authentic Maldivian escape designed to enchant every guest.
Begin your Christmas Eve with the grand reveal of a magnificent gingerbread house, followed by a delightful Christmas evening cocktail reception. The evening will culminate in a spectacular Christmas Gala Dinner at Kakuni, crafted to create joyful memories with loved ones.
On Christmas Day, awaken to a sumptuous Christmas Brunch, perfect for savouring festive culinary delights. The celebrations continue with a lively Christmas Cookie Decorating session at CoolZone and the eagerly awaited arrival of Santa Claus, who will spread cheer and joy to guests of all ages. Enjoy the festive spirit further with a selection of Christmas carols.
The festive excitement extends beyond Christmas with a variety of engaging events. Highlights include a spirited Pool Party, a fun-filled Karaoke Night, and an exclusive Organic Wine & Food Pairing Dinner at The Cellar. Guests can also ring in the New Year at a vibrant New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party, hosted by the acclaimed DJ Tom Green from the United Kingdom.
This year’s festive programme features an exceptional line-up of talent. Experience the enchanting performances of Ina, a multi-skilled artist from Barcelona, marvel at the magical artistry of Yang Wei, and be thrilled by the fire performances of Iván Romero.
JA Manafaru’s offerings extend beyond exceptional dining to encompass a diverse range of family-friendly activities, fitness programmes, and engaging events, including a unique Foraging Dinner. Guests can reconnect through various wellness workshops, such as the Sugar-Free Wellness Cooking Class and Kombucha Workshop at the Veli Bar. Personalised training sessions and sports coaching are also available, featuring dedicated football and tennis camps for all ages. The festive celebrations continue into the first week of January, highlighting the Ded Moroz Arrival Cocktail and an Orthodox Christmas Gala Dinner.
The resort’s opulent accommodations blend seamlessly with the stunning natural landscape. Guests can choose from a variety of spacious villas, each featuring a private pool for the ultimate in relaxation. The resort boasts seven exceptional venues, offering diverse à la carte menus that cater to various dietary preferences, experience authentic Maldivian cuisine, as well as themed nights that celebrate vibrant global flavours. An extensive collection of over 150 wines, cocktails, and beverages enhances the dining experience, further enriched by the “Dine Around” programme, which allows guests the freedom to enjoy any restaurant on any evening, all while embracing sustainable dining through homegrown and homemade initiatives.
With over 55 complimentary activities, from exhilarating water sports to educational initiatives at the Cool Zone kids’ club, there is something for everyone. Arrive in style via a scenic 70-minute seaplane journey or a swift domestic flight followed by a speedboat ride.
Create unforgettable festive memories amid stunning natural beauty at JA Manafaru. From indulging in exquisite cuisine and participating in revitalising wellness activities to embracing the joyful spirit of the season through thoughtfully curated events, JA Manafaru offers a Truly Naturally Better Festive Season.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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