Featured
JW Marriott’s latest Maldivian retreat opens in Kaafu Atoll
JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 luxury hotel brands, has announced the opening of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, marking the second JW Marriott resort in the Maldives. Situated in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon and only 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, the resort provides an idyllic sanctuary designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit in a tropical oceanic paradise.
Bruce Rohr, Vice President & Global Brand Leader of JW Marriott, highlighted the resort’s dedication to blending luxury with holistic well-being, emphasising its ability to offer a peaceful escape where every detail inspires balance and rejuvenation. He noted that with the Maldives’ natural beauty as a backdrop, the resort aims to provide an exceptional experience that resonates with guests seeking tranquility, mindfulness, and world-class service.
Featuring 80 thoughtfully designed private pool villas, including 47 overwater pool villas, the resort combines traditional island aesthetics with contemporary luxury to foster a deep connection with nature. Each villa is designed for relaxation, offering expansive terraces, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, and access to pristine lagoons. The Three-Bedroom Ocean Residence, positioned above the turquoise waters, provides an unparalleled sanctuary, blending luxury with breathtaking views. This elegant residence caters to families and groups of friends, offering a refined space to connect and create lasting memories while enjoying panoramic ocean vistas.
The resort’s architecture, envisioned by Turkish architect Cuneyt Bukulmez of Atolye4N, seamlessly integrates Maldivian design with modern elements inspired by the island’s natural beauty. The arrival jetty, modelled after the graceful flight of the Maakana heron, sets the tone for the resort’s aesthetic. The villas reflect traditional Maldivian ‘Gedhoru’ huts, featuring kajan roofs, vibrant turquoise doors, and neutral-toned interiors. Thoughtful design elements, including Maldivian lacquerware crafts and contrasting textures, contribute to a serene and harmonious retreat.

Committed to sustainability, the resort has partnered with INVENA in a groundbreaking environmental initiative. This collaboration introduces a 30-meter-long underwater coastal structure, designed with the Self-Assembly Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to mitigate wave action and prevent beach erosion. Additionally, the structure fosters vibrant marine ecosystems by creating reef habitats that attract diverse fish and coral species. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with this innovative project, contributing to scientific efforts addressing climate challenges.
The resort features seven distinct dining venues and bars, offering a diverse culinary experience that showcases global flavours and high-quality ingredients.
Veyo, the international restaurant, provides a menu celebrating fresh ingredients and panoramic views. Wahoo, the infinity pool bar, offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere with refreshing beverages and aromatic dishes. Athiri, the resort’s signature steakhouse, boasts a striking two-story design inspired by ocean waves, where premium cuts of meat are served with breathtaking Indian Ocean views. Nikkei, perched above, presents a vibrant bar experience with craft cocktails and light bites influenced by Peruvian, Japanese, and European traditions. Riva delivers a sophisticated interpretation of Indian Ocean cuisine, blending Indian, Sri Lankan, and Maldivian flavours in a contemporary fine-dining setting. Pure focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the island’s natural bounty, with herbs such as rosemary, mint, basil, thyme, and sage harvested directly from the JW Garden. Tito’s, a deli and patisserie, offers an array of handcrafted delights, including chocolates, macarons, truffles, cakes, and pastries designed to indulge the senses.
For those seeking exclusive dining experiences, the resort provides bespoke private dining options in intimate settings, allowing guests to create unforgettable culinary memories.

The overwater Spa by JW offers renewal through exclusive treatments featuring BABOR’s precision skincare products, making it the first spa in the Maldives to collaborate with the brand. The signature treatment, Ocean Bliss, incorporates BABOR’s prestigious anti-aging skincare range, SeaCreation, enriched with deep-sea active ingredients for a transformative wellness experience.
Fitness and wellness enthusiasts can enjoy sunrise yoga sessions, a state-of-the-art fitness centre overlooking the ocean, and a lap pool. For adventure seekers, the resort offers marine activities such as snorkelling, diving, and tailored ocean excursions. Additional experiences include dolphin safaris, parasailing, and sunset cruises for those seeking relaxation and serenity.
The resort’s meticulously designed public spaces provide moments of tranquility for reflection, helping guests restore balance and focus. Whether indulging in gourmet cuisine, unwinding at the spa, or engaging in ocean adventures, every aspect of the resort is designed to inspire renewal and connection.

The resort embraces the joy of togetherness with its Family by JW program, which offers thoughtfully curated experiences that encourage families to create lasting memories. Designed to cater to guests of all ages, the resort features a dedicated Kids’ and Teens’ Club, a colourful playground, and a child-friendly swimming pool to ensure younger visitors are entertained and engaged.
The JW Kids’ Club offers enriching activities designed to educate and inspire children through exploration and play. Families can participate in interactive cooking classes, using fresh, sustainably grown produce from the JW Garden. The garden not only supplies ingredients for the resort’s cuisine but also serves as a space for guests to reconnect with nature through gardening. Through a combination of vibrant adventures and shared moments of creativity, the Family by JW program ensures a memorable and joyful experience for all generations.
Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, emphasised the resort’s commitment to reflecting the timeless beauty of the Maldives while providing an unforgettable journey. He stated that the goal is to offer guests a true sanctuary where luxury and well-being converge. With JW Marriott’s signature warmth and hospitality, the resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the magic of the Maldives, nurturing both mind and body.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
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