News
Reimagined paradise: New era for W Maldives
Nestled on the picturesque, heart-shaped Fesdu Island in North Ari Atoll, W Maldives is just a 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé. The resort offers an idyllic escape from the everyday, inviting guests to immerse themselves in lush greenery, the vibrant hues of the Indian Ocean, and pristine white-sand beaches.
With its turquoise lagoons, powdery beaches, and a renowned house reef, W Maldives epitomises luxury and natural wonder. Now, following an extensive renovation, the resort has elevated its offerings to provide an even more memorable experience for guests.
As the first W Hotel to embrace the brand’s global rebranding initiative, W Maldives has redefined its 77 overwater and beach villas with a “bio-boho” design philosophy. This approach seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious connection with the island’s natural surroundings.
Guests can choose from one-bedroom overwater villas with private pools or opt for two-bedroom overwater villas, ideal for larger groups. On the beach, the redesigned villas include one-bedroom options and the newly introduced Oasis Beach two-bedroom villas, catering to families who prefer direct beach access.
The transformation extends to the resort’s culinary and social spaces. Guests can savour a variety of cuisines:
- Fish: An overwater restaurant specialising in fresh, ocean-to-table dining.
- Sip: Offering Nikkei cuisine and Latin American-inspired cocktails.
- Fire: A beachside barbecue haven.
- Kitchen: An all-day dining bistro with live cooking stations for a casual yet immersive experience.
Public areas have also been reimagined, blending playfulness and sophistication to reflect the resort’s vibrant personality.
W Maldives is committed to sustainability, introducing initiatives such as eliminating single-use plastics, utilising a biogas plant to recycle food waste, and planning an in-house herb and fruit plantation by 2025. These efforts align with the resort’s vision of reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing self-sufficiency.
While W Maldives doesn’t feature traditional children’s facilities, the resort offers a wealth of family-friendly activities. Families can enjoy water sports, private yacht excursions, or exploring the house reef together. For adults, facilities like the Away Spa, fitness centre, and private escapes to the nearby Gaathafushi Island offer unparalleled relaxation and indulgence.
The house reef at W Maldives is a diver’s dream, located just a short swim from the villas. From encounters with reef sharks and rays to glimpses of the resident turtle, Bob, the underwater world here is truly captivating. Guests can snorkel, dive with the guidance of the Down Under Dive Centre, or embark on night snorkelling adventures for a unique perspective of marine life.
Whether seeking adventure, tranquility, or a mix of both, W Maldives is ready to welcome guests to its reimagined paradise. With its vibrant transformation, this luxurious escape promises to create cherished memories in the stunning Maldivian setting.
Action
Naomi Cavaday hosts exclusive tennis camp at JA Manafaru
Tennis enthusiasts of all levels are encouraged to participate in an engaging five-day tennis camp hosted by former British tennis star Naomi Cavaday, as part of JA Manafaru’s ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’
From January 1st to 5th, 2025, Naomi Cavaday will provide expert coaching to both adults and children at the resort’s tennis court from 4 to 5 pm daily. With a career that includes competing at Wimbledon and in all four Grand Slam tournaments, Naomi offers players a unique opportunity to receive personalised guidance from a former WTA professional. Whether participants are beginners or advanced players aiming to refine their skills, her competitive spirit and passion for coaching promise to elevate their performance.
The tennis camp aims to deliver an inspiring and dynamic experience for all participants, offering a chance to learn from Naomi’s extensive expertise. Guests will benefit from high-quality coaching and gain valuable insights into the sport, all within a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Jason Kruse, General Manager at JA Manafaru, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Naomi Cavaday to host our tennis camp as part of our ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’ Her vast experience and genuine love for the game will undoubtedly inspire guests of all ages, helping them improve their skills and enjoy a memorable tennis experience during their stay.”
Naomi Cavaday, a former British tennis player, turned professional in 2006 and competed in WTA events and all four Grand Slam tournaments. She represented Great Britain as the number one player in the Billie Jean King Cup and has achieved significant victories, including matches against top players such as Venus Williams and Martina Hingis. Beyond her playing career, Naomi is a respected commentator for Sky, Eurosport, and the BBC, where she shares her expertise with global audiences. As a coach, she is dedicated to mentoring and developing new generations of tennis players.
Celebration
Amilla Maldives’ 70s-inspired New Year’s bash lights up the island
Amilla Maldives welcomed 2025 with a 70s-inspired celebration, combining disco energy with the island’s natural charm.
The evening began with pre-dinner cocktails, allowing guests to mingle and build anticipation for the festivities. A lavish buffet dinner followed, featuring a diverse array of flavours served under the starlit Maldivian sky.
The main stage, dramatically positioned over the resort’s main pool, became the focal point of the celebration. Guests filled the dance floor, enjoying live performances that infused the night with vibrant energy and wonder. Highlights of the evening included a captivating fire show and a dazzling LED display that enthralled attendees.
As midnight approached, the renowned Bjorn Again tribute band took the stage, performing ABBA’s iconic hits and leading the countdown to the New Year. The celebration reached its peak at the stroke of midnight, as a spectacular fireworks display illuminated the sky.
The festivities continued with an after-party, where lively beats and a bustling dance floor kept the energy alive well into the early hours. Guests embraced the spirit of joy and togetherness, celebrating the arrival of a new year.
Amilla Maldives’ Disco Fever New Year’s Eve event served as a grand conclusion to a year of remarkable experiences, setting a vibrant tone for 2025.
Featured
New Year’s miracle: turtle hatchlings grace Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
The first dawn of the New Year marked more than a fresh start at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, as nature staged a remarkable event: three tiny turtles emerged from their delicate shells. Guided solely by instinct, these hatchlings began their journey toward the vast Indian Ocean, captivating both guests and staff with the enchantment of the moment.
Numerous eggs had been carefully laid on the island, and under the diligent care of the resort’s marine biology team, led by Tharushi Pitigala, the fragile eggs were closely monitored and protected to ensure the safety of these precious new arrivals. Anticipation had been growing for weeks, with guests eagerly seeking updates on the eggs’ progress. Reflecting on the event, Tharushi expressed her excitement, stating, “Seeing them emerge and instinctively head towards the sea is nothing short of miraculous. Each turtle plays a vital role in sustaining the ocean’s delicate ecosystems, from keeping seagrass beds healthy to supporting coral reef biodiversity.”
In the following days, an even greater spectacle unfolded. One by one, the remaining hatchlings emerged, their tiny shells cracking open to reveal new lives ready to venture into the ocean. Guests once again gathered to witness the mesmerising sight of these delicate creatures taking their first steps into the sea.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has long been recognised as a haven for marine life, boasting one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs. Over the years, the resort has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to marine conservation, engaging in coral propagation projects and reef health monitoring. These initiatives have cultivated an environment where marine life flourishes, from vivid coral gardens to the green and hawksbill turtles that call the island home.
Events like these underscore the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and foster a deeper connection between humanity and the ocean. At Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the turtle hatchings are more than natural occurrences—they serve as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the beauty and balance of the world’s oceans.
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