Featured
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes spring in style
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands presents an unparalleled introduction to Spring with a week-long celebration designed to uplift spirits and indulge guests in pure luxury. From February 16 to 22, a diverse array of multigenerational experiences at this Indian Ocean retreat will encompass gastronomy, adventure, wellness, and discovery, all while immersing visitors in nature. Whether through awakening the senses on a gourmet journey, acquiring new skills on land and at sea, or achieving balance in mind and body, the ‘Spirit of Spring ensures a seamless transition from the winter season.
For families and groups of friends, The Ritz-Carlton Estate serves as the premier residence to welcome the arrival of Spring. This architectural masterpiece, designed by the renowned Kerry Hill Studio, features three villas and four bedrooms, offering a private beach retreat for up to 12 guests. Designed for celebrations, the estate boasts a 19-meter infinity pool, an outdoor entertainment pavilion, a private chef, a fire pit, and direct beach access. Guests staying here will also benefit from the impeccable service of the resort’s Aris Meeha butlers. Meanwhile, couples and smaller families can choose from an elegant selection of one- or two-bedroom ocean and beach villas.
With breathtaking views of the endless ocean, the resort’s Spring wellness experiences are curated to heal, nourish, and rejuvenate both body and mind. Sunrise yoga sessions at the Mystique Garden provide a refreshing start to the day, while Vinyasa flow classes energise participants. Face yoga and gua sha massage masterclasses equip guests with valuable wellness techniques. For those seeking an active start to the season, “Boxing Burn” and Tabata workouts on the beach boost energy levels, while professional tennis workshops on the resort’s state-of-the-art court prepare players for the upcoming season. The Ritz-Carlton Spa—often referred to as the “halo of happiness”—offers holistic treatments by Bamford, including a special 60-minute “Harmony Touch” healing massage for Spring. As the day winds down, sunset meditations on the recreation beach provide the perfect opportunity for relaxation.
Culinary experiences take centre stage both on and beyond the resort’s dedicated culinary island. Guests can savour an exclusive chef’s table omakase dinner at IWAU, featuring innovative Japanese cuisine under the stars. The holiday’s Arabian family-sharing dinner at Arabesque showcases rich Middle Eastern flavours, while The Beach Shack will host both a Spring beach barbecue highlighting smoky regional flavours and a twilight lobster feast.
The resort’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, founded by world-renowned oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau, introduces young guests to marine conservation through education and exploration. This Spring, workshops will examine the critical role of various marine species within underwater ecosystems. Younger children can enjoy marine life sponge painting, while adventurers aged 12-16 can explore the house reefs through snorkelling and GoPro expeditions. At Ritz Kids, junior guests will be entertained with an array of engaging activities, including treasure hunts, outdoor movie screenings, cooking and crafting sessions, and surfboard design workshops.
For adults, the resort offers immersive marine experiences, beginning with guided explorations of the reefs surrounding the Fari Islands. Led by the resort’s Dive Butlers, the holiday program includes exhilarating shark snorkelling and an awe-inspiring twilight dive into the vibrant underwater world at dusk. Families can also participate in the coral regeneration program, contributing to the growth of the reef’s flourishing coral nurseries.
Each day at the resort concludes with the signature Defining Moment, a tribute to the natural cycle of the sun. Hosted at the iconic Eau Bar, this ritual features the rhythmic beats of Boduberu drumming and the resonant call of the Sangu shell, creating a mesmerising atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to take in this enchanting moment with a sundown cocktail in hand.
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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