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Celebrate Lunar New Year: 9 auspicious activities at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa invites guests to participate in nine delightful activities throughout the week of January 23 to 29, 2025. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to celebrate a season of joy and good fortune, while honouring traditional spring customs. Within the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Snake is associated with wisdom, renewal, and growth, making 2025 the perfect year to embrace new beginnings and positive transformations.
- DIY Fireworks Workshop: Guests can create colourful paper fireworks to be displayed throughout the week and illuminated during a special ceremony to symbolise a bright start on New Year’s Day.
- Chinese Calligraphy Class: Enjoy a session where guests can learn to write New Year wishes such as “happiness” and “harmony” in traditional Chinese calligraphy.
- Dim Sum Masterclass at Habitat: Delight in the process of creating authentic dim sum as a skilled chef demonstrates the art of making crystal dumplings, symbols of fortune and prosperity, along with flavourful barbecued chicken buns. Following the demonstration, guests will share in a family-style lunch, savouring these delicious creations.
- Chinese Tea Tasting at Sip Tea Lounge: Experience a curated tea tasting that fosters social connections and cultural appreciation. Sample a diverse selection of black, green, white, and oolong teas, including smoky Lapsang Souchong, aged pu-erh, delicate Buddha’s Tears, mellow Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, the imperial White Silver Needle, and the renowned Iron Goddess of Mercy oolong.
- Savour Seasonal Signature Drinks and Hot Pot Specialties: Resident mixologists have crafted a selection of signature cocktails in auspicious shades of red, gold and orange, infused with happiness and vitality. These include Lunar Bloom, an enchanting fusion of house-made pink gin and hibiscus tea syrup, and Shanghai Glamour, a sophisticated blend of sesame-washed vodka, lemongrass, and strawberry cordial. Zero-proof options are also available in all restaurants and bars. A longstanding staple of Chinese home cooking and a symbol of family harmony, the hot pot is a simmering, aromatic broth, served with a medley of thinly sliced meats, fresh seafood, and vegetables. Each hot pot set is accompanied by chilli, peanut, ginger scallion, and garlic and soy dipping sauces. A curated collection of hot pot menus, aptly named Mountain’s Bounty, Ocean’s Harvest, and Fields of Plenty, is available for dinner at Aura Pool Bar from January 29 to February 28, 2025.
- Dress Up in Chinese Traditional Attire: Guests who wish to experience wearing traditional Chinese garments can visit the immersive booth at Habitat and choose from a selection of satin cheongsams (high-necked dresses), silky men’s vests, child-sized Tang jackets with mandarin collars, and two-piece hanfu – translated to “Han clothing” – suits. A festive backdrop, decorated with evocative Chinese lanterns, completes the scene. Enjoy a complimentary photo session, inclusive of an instant-camera photo.
- Welcome Good Fortune: Meet the robust God of Prosperity on his island tour, and write wishes to hang on the traditional wishing tree.
- Watch the Vibrant Lion Dance: Catch the lively parade through the island.
- Ring in New Year’s Day: Enjoy sundowner cocktails, followed by a sumptuous reunion dinner buffet under starry Maldivian skies at Beach Shack. Richly symbolic favourites include vegetarian Hokkien fried noodles for longevity, grilled fish with ginger and scallion-infused sauce for abundance, golden spring rolls for prosperity, and snow fungus soup representing hopes for a sweet future.
The purpose-built Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives, introduces a selection of New Year activities, in addition to its regular schedule of sports camps and pajama parties, art sessions, pool games and pirate cruises. The festive program includes classes in cherry blossom painting, traditional dance and Mandarin, workshops in crafting festival masks and headbands, Chinese charades, lantern making, and paper cutting art.
Springtime breathes fresh life and renewed radiance. Discover the spa’s seasonal treatments.
The Goddess of Serenity Journey begins with a 30-minute body cleansing ritual, followed by a signature massage and divine glow facial.
For the Well-Groomed Gentleman, the spa offers a muscle melt massage and pedicure, accompanied by a luxurious hot towel wrap and a comfortable shave.
The Cosmic Calm Experience is designed for young guests, with a mini stardust glow facial, age-appropriate aromatherapy massage and a mindful constellation meditation led by a wellness specialist.
An extensive Sleep Wellness menu is designed to ease the mind and body into a state of deep and rejuvenating slumber. Options include a calming signature massage on the spa’s Skye deck; an evening hammam ritual in the modern hammam room; or an in-villa session incorporating guided meditation, yoga and breathwork.
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly on the hotel’s website will have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors app.
For more information or to make reservations, guests may visit Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa or call +960 664 63 64.
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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils surf-focused luxury escape for 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites travellers to embrace the rhythm of island life with the launch of its new Surf & Relax Offer — a thoughtfully curated experience blending world-class surf, elevated dining, restorative wellness, and unforgettable adventures in the heart of the Maldives.
Located just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in the North Malé Atoll, Kuda Villingili is home to the Maldives’ longest left-hand barrel wave, Chicken’s Break, making it one of the region’s most sought-after surf destinations. Framed by the resort’s philosophy of Time & Space Redefined, the new offer presents a seamless balance between thrill and tranquillity, designed for both experienced surfers and those discovering the sport for the very first time.

Applicable for direct bookings made through the Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives website, the Surf & Relax Offer is available for stays in Beach Villas with Private Pool and Water Villas with Private Pool (Sunrise and Sunset) for a minimum of four nights, with bookings open until 31 October 2026 using offer code KVSURF. The offer combines immersive surf experiences with moments of indulgence and relaxation. Guests staying in Beach Villas with Private Pool or Water Villas with Private Pool (Sunrise and Sunset) will enjoy USD 100 resort credit per villa, while guests staying seven nights or longer will receive a total of USD 300 resort credit during their stay. Resort credit can be redeemed towards dining experiences, spa treatments, and excursions.
The offer includes complimentary return shared speedboat transfers, daily breakfast at The Restaurant, and daily three-course dinner experiences across five of the resort’s signature dining venues — SPICE, EAST, EARTH, FIRE, and OCEAN. Guests will also enjoy a one-time three-course dinner at the award-winning Mar-Umi, celebrated for its Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and theatrical dining experience. Additional dining at Mar-Umi is complemented with a 15% discount under the Half Board meal plan.
Beyond the waves, the experience extends into wellness and island discovery. Guests can unwind with a 60-minute Deep Tissue Massage per adult at the resort’s private island spa, explore the vibrant marine life surrounding the island through the KV Faru Snorkelling Excursion, enjoy a traditional Sunset Fishing Excursion, and take part in a Cocktail Class at Raalhu Bar overlooking the surf.

For surf enthusiasts, the offer includes 15% savings on surfboard rentals and surf trips to nearby breaks including Cokes, Lohis, Sultans, Jails, and Ninjas. Beginner surfers can enjoy 25% savings on surf beach lessons and water lessons, while guests looking to capture their surf journey can also enjoy 15% savings on surf photography packages. Complimentary early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability, further enhance the ease of the island escape.
Whether chasing perfect swells at sunrise, slowing down through restorative wellness rituals, or simply embracing the laid-back rhythm of island life, Kuda Villingili’s Surf Offer presents a fresh perspective on the Maldives — one where adventure, connection, and serenity exist effortlessly side by side.
Discover Kuda Villingili’s latest special offers here, including the Surf Offer, here.
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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort combines marine adventure with wellness-focused island stays
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, a five-star holistic wellness sanctuary nestled in the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, invites travellers to experience one of the Maldives’ most spectacular seasonal phenomena. From May through October, guests can witness the extraordinary feeding gatherings of manta rays that turn the waters of Hanifaru Bay into a world-renowned stage for marine life.
Just 45 minutes from the resort, Hanifaru Bay is among the planet’s most remarkable manta aggregation sites, famed for its “cyclone feeding” behaviour as mantas glide, spiral, and swoop through nutrient-rich waters in an awe-inspiring underwater ballet. With more than a thousand manta rays recorded in the bay, and the Maldives home to the world’s largest studied manta ray population, this protected sanctuary offers an unforgettable bucket-list opportunity to snorkel alongside these gentle giants.

“During peak season, it’s possible to witness dozens, sometimes over 100 manta rays, feeding in the bay, with occasional whale shark sightings, especially around the full moon,” shared José Daniel González, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort’s resident marine biologist.
Beyond Hanifaru Bay, the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is celebrated for thriving reefs and abundant marine biodiversity. Divers and snorkelers can explore coral gardens filled with colourful reef fish, including batfish, fusiliers, and eagle rays, while dolphins are frequently spotted from the island. The resort also offers traditional line fishing and a wide range of watersports, from jet ski adventures to guided snorkelling experiences with turtles.

For guests who would like to learn more about the underwater world, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort hosts engaging marine education, including weekly marine biology presentations. Led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, these sessions highlight local ecosystems, marine conservation, and responsible tourism, helping guests connect more deeply with the island’s natural beauty.
After a day of exploration, guests can unwind with Westin’s signature wellness programs, from rejuvenating rituals at the overwater Heavenly Spa to energising movement at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. Guests can also enhance post-adventure restoration with the WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending Program, which includes the Recover and Recharge Kit by Hyperice, designed to ease muscle fatigue and help the body reset. Evenings promise restful comfort in one of the resort’s 69 spacious villas, complete with the award-winning Heavenly® Bed and curated Sleep Well amenities.

Those looking to visit the Maldives for this extraordinary season, or throughout the year, can benefit from the Escape to More package, which includes a complimentary upgrade to an All-Inclusive meal plan featuring three meals daily, unlimited beverages, and a restocked minibar, plus kids under 12 dine free.
For more information, please visit westin-maldives.com.
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Milaidhoo Maldives marks decade milestone with week-long anniversary celebration
Milaidhoo Maldives marks a defining milestone this year as it celebrates 10 years of barefoot informality, heartfelt hospitality and deeply personal island stories in the heart of the Maldives.
To mark this occasion, the Milaidhoo Family invites guests, friends and loyal guests to join a week-long anniversary celebration from 23rd to 29th November 2026, a carefully curated journey through the experiences, people and traditions that have shaped the island over the past decade.
Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo was born as a sanctuary of reinvented luxury, where connection matters more than convention and where every experience is shaped by nature, culture and human warmth. Ten years on, it remains a place defined not by grandeur, but by meaning – a home for those who seek the true Maldives.
This anniversary celebration reflects the essence of Milaidhoo: intimate, soulful and guided by the rhythm of island life. Each day has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate the pillars that define the island: ocean, well-being, gastronomy, culture and community – bringing them together in a week of shared moments and meaningful encounters.
Days begin with champagne sunrise cruises aboard Saima, the traditional dhoni, followed by guided snorkelling across the flourishing house reef and immersive marine conversations that reflect Milaidhoo’s long-standing commitment to ocean stewardship. Coral planting experiences invite guests to leave a lasting contribution to the reef that sustains the island.
At Serenity Spa, restorative rituals unfold throughout the week, from breathwork journeys to sound healing, embracing the island’s philosophy of wellbeing, where stillness and simplicity become the greatest luxuries of all.
Culinary experiences take centre stage, celebrating both Maldivian heritage and global artistry. Highlights include a Maldivian night at Azure, a traditional Malaafaiy feast at Ba’theli and a 10-course Japanese-inspired wine-pairing dinner at Chef’s Table. The celebrations culminate on 29th November 2026 with the “10 years, 10 food stalls” gala dinner, followed by live entertainment and fireworks over the Indian Ocean.
“This milestone is not only a celebration of Milaidhoo but also of every guest, colleague and friend who has become part of our story,” said Paul van Frank, General Manager. “Milaidhoo has always been shaped by genuine connection and this week is our way of honouring the shared memories that have brought this island to life over the past 10 years.”
Exclusive anniversary experiences will also be available throughout 2026, including A decade of you, a romantic celebration designed for couples marking milestone wedding anniversaries in decades – 10, 20, 30 years and beyond – with meaningful island moments that reflect their journey together; and 10 years, 10 nights, 10 privileges, an immersive Milaidhoo journey featuring a collection of bespoke experiences personally curated by the Milaidhoo Family.
As Milaidhoo enters its next chapter, its essence remains unchanged: a sanctuary of island soul, where guests arrive as visitors and leave as part of something far more enduring.
Milaidhoo invites the world to return home and to celebrate not just 10 years of history, but the beginning of many more stories still to be written.
Explore the full programme of celebrations and experience 10 years of Milaidhoo island soul, beautifully brought to life.
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