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Veligandu Maldives unveils its five-star rebirth

Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has announced the reopening of Veligandu Maldives Resort Island, unveiling its transformation into a five-star luxury destination. Situated in the scenic North Ari Atoll, the resort is accessible by a 25-minute seaplane journey or a 60-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. Following extensive renovations, the resort now offers elevated experiences while preserving its rich heritage.
First established in 1984 as one of the Maldives’ pioneering resorts, Veligandu has been renowned for its natural beauty and exceptional hospitality. The recent upgrades have enhanced its offerings, seamlessly blending Maldivian authenticity with modern luxury.
Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader of CCR, described the reopening as a significant milestone for the group. He noted that the transformation reflects a commitment to delivering world-class experiences, combining natural beauty with contemporary sophistication. Guests are invited to rediscover Veligandu and create lasting memories in this enhanced paradise.
The resort now features 100 villas, including 47 Ocean Pool Villas with glass floors showcasing the crystalline waters below, 28 Ocean Villas, 16 Jacuzzi Beach Villas, and 9 Beach Villas. These accommodations are designed with tropical-inspired interiors, king-size beds, private porches, and modern amenities, including 55- or 65-inch flat-screen TVs.
General Manager Fathuhulla Ibrahim expressed excitement about welcoming guests back to the resort, emphasising its ability to provide unforgettable experiences for both loyal patrons and first-time visitors.
Veligandu offers a rich culinary journey, catering to diverse tastes through its thoughtfully curated dining options. Highlights include the artistry of teppanyaki at Madivaru Teppanyaki Grill, fresh seafood at Raalhu, and a fusion of Asian and international cuisines at Dhonveli’s buffet-style restaurant. Additional offerings include tapas and salads at Thundi and bespoke destination dining experiences, such as meals on the beach or under the moonlit sky. The resort’s dine-around all-inclusive package provides unrestricted access to all dining venues, while flexible beverage plans enhance half-board and full-board stays.
Guests can engage in an array of activities, from snorkelling and diving with manta rays and sea turtles to land-based pursuits like pickleball, padel tennis, and biking trails. Thrill-seekers can enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking at the Ocean Water Sports Centre. For those seeking relaxation, the overwater Himeyn Spa offers holistic treatments and a yoga pavilion, while the resort’s marine biologist leads conservation efforts and educates guests on marine ecosystems.
As part of its reopening, Veligandu joins CCR’s prestigious ultra-luxury collection, which includes Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Maldives Island Resort, Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa, and Jawakara Islands Maldives. Known for its lush vegetation and timeless charm, Veligandu remains a standout property that showcases the Maldives’ natural beauty without artificial enhancements.
Veligandu Maldives Resort Island now invites guests to experience a harmonious blend of breathtaking natural surroundings and refined luxury, offering unforgettable moments for all who visit.
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Barceló Nasandhura celebrates World Chocolate Day with sweet surprises in Malé

This July, Barceló Nasandhura is offering guests a taste of the sweeter side of life through a series of limited-time dessert experiences in the heart of Malé.
In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the hotel hosted a Chocolate Indulgence Station in the Nasandhura Lobby on 7th July. Held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the event featured handcrafted chocolate desserts and tastings led by Head Pastry Chef Mohammed, a certified Continental Judge in Pastry Arts. The occasion attracted a delightful mix of in-house guests and walk-in visitors, who also enjoyed a specially curated photo setup and the opportunity to purchase exclusive, limited-edition treats.
Additionally, from 4th to 7th July, a dedicated Chocolate Dessert Station was presented at the Oivaru dinner buffet, located on the hotel’s third floor, offering a decadent addition to the evening dining experience.
To conclude the month’s celebrations, guests will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on all ice creams at Alimas Coffee Lounge from 20th to 26th July. Featuring house-made flavours, this offering provides the ideal way to cool off and indulge during the warm island afternoons.
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Dive into sustainable luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Baa Atoll

Surrounded by flourishing reefs and pristine islands with the whitest of soft sands and crystal-clear waters, Coco Collection – a leading resort brand in the Maldives – invites guests to delve into the extraordinary underwater world of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Nestled within the crown jewel of the Maldives, the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is renowned for its commitment to everyday sustainability. Setting the standard for sustainable luxury, the resort has once again been recognised as the Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2025, marking its third consecutive win at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
While the resort continues its efforts to protect and preserve a thriving marine ecosystem, it also encourages guests to immerse themselves in a range of signature marine experiences, all guided by resident Marine Educator Rosalie Bailie and supported by its long-standing partnership with the Olive Ridley Project.
The signature marine experiences include:
- Guided Snorkelling – Guests may explore the house reef or venture to nearby coral gardens with expert guides. These excursions cater to all skill levels and often include sightings of green sea turtles, parrotfish, and, depending on the season, manta rays and eagle rays. Guests may also encounter hawksbill turtles grazing on coral at nearby turtle points.
- Coral Planting & Restoration Workshop – Conscious travellers are invited to participate in meaningful conservation work through coral planting. With the guidance of the Marine Educator, guests can affix coral fragments onto reef frames which are then placed on the seabed, helping to regenerate damaged reefs and enhance marine biodiversity.
- Discover Scuba Diving – From beginners to advanced divers, the island provides access to over 30 dive sites across the region, led by certified PADI instructors. Guests may dive among coral pinnacles, explore historic wrecks, and visit iconic spots such as Hanifaru Bay, famous for sightings of manta rays and whale sharks.
- ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre Tour – Home to the Maldives’ first fully equipped, veterinary-run sea turtle rescue centre, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers guests the chance to engage with rescued turtles recovering from injuries or entanglements. Through this partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, guests can feed turtles, learn about conservation challenges, adopt a turtle, and contribute to protecting this endangered species.
- Night Snorkelling – For a truly unique underwater adventure, the resort offers night snorkelling excursions led by the Marine Educator. As the reef transforms after sunset, guests will discover a different side of marine life, spotting lionfish, resting parrotfish, and other nocturnal sea creatures illuminated by torchlight.
Located in one of the world’s most spectacular hubs of marine biodiversity, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu promises an unforgettable escape. With the Discover Coco offers, travellers can enjoy 35% savings on their villa stay, making it the perfect time to plan an extraordinary Maldivian getaway.
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Timeless romance awaits at award-winning Coco Bodu Hithi

Nestled in the heart of the Malé Atoll, the Maldivian-owned resort Coco Bodu Hithi warmly welcomes couples to embrace romance and tranquillity this summer in one of the world’s most idyllic island getaways.
Far removed from the bustle of city life, Coco Bodu Hithi serves as a sanctuary where intimacy, nature, and luxury coexist in perfect harmony. Designed for couples in search of meaningful moments, the island offers a captivating escape – from peaceful barefoot strolls and shared experiences to thrilling adventures.
Recently named the Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort at the 2025 World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year, Coco Bodu Hithi artfully blends modern comforts with traditional Maldivian charm. The resort boasts 98 expansive villas, each offering direct access to either the beach or lagoon. Thoughtfully designed to ensure privacy and relaxation, every villa promises a sense of seclusion and serenity.
Amongst the resort’s most celebrated accommodations are the Beach Villa with Pool and the iconic Coco Residence, both of which offer sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. These settings provide a picture-perfect backdrop for couples to reconnect, with each moment shaped by a spirit of warm island hospitality that is both personal and unmistakably Maldivian.
Honoured as the Best Service Resort at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025, Coco Bodu Hithi presents a carefully curated selection of personalised romantic experiences. Guests may begin the day with a floating breakfast in their private pool, enjoy a five-course candlelit dinner beneath the stars at Pergola, or embark on a serene sunset cruise – each moment tailored to celebrate connection in the most memorable ways.
Celebrated by Weddings & Honeymoons magazine as one of the Top 50 Honeymoon Resorts in the World, Coco Bodu Hithi offers an exquisite backdrop for couples to honour their love. The thoughtfully designed Forever Yours Package delivers a romantic destination wedding experience in the Maldives, with a dedicated team attending to every detail. The package seamlessly blends the island’s natural beauty with traditional elements, all personalised to reflect the couple’s unique story, style, and preferences.
With its heartfelt hospitality, refined elegance, and awe-inspiring surroundings, Coco Bodu Hithi offers the ideal setting to begin a new chapter of togetherness – a private Maldivian paradise where timeless romance truly comes to life.
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