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Bold fusion of music, island vibes: W Maldives to host W PRESENTS with Pretty Girl

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W Maldives is setting the tone for bold, creative escapes with the launch of W PRESENTS, W Hotels global live music series spotlighting a diverse mix of emerging and established artists designed to connect guests to the rhythm of the island. On 28 March 2025, the series is coming to the shores of W Maldives’ Gaathafushi private island, featuring Australian-born, London-based electronic artist, Pretty Girl, whose live performance will transform the island into an immersive soundscape.

Known for her unique ability to blend house, UKG, and techno into emotive and dynamic soundscapes, Pretty Girl’s music captures the energy of a destination like W Maldives. Her live set will reflect the essence of the island, creating a synergy between rhythm and the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean. As the waves lap the shore and the sun dips below the horizon, Pretty Girl’s music will provide the soundtrack to an evening that balances creativity and connection.

While music takes the lead, the evening will also feature elevated culinary and cocktail collaborations. Chef Yoshizumi Nagaya, renowned for his contemporary creations and the only Japanese chef in Germany to run two Michelin-starred restaurants, will bring his expertise to the table. At W Maldives, Chef Nagaya will showcase his ability blending traditional techniques with modern innovation through a spread of delicious bites during W PRESENTS as well as an exclusive menu inspired by the resort’s Nikkei-influenced SIP bar on 26 March 2025.

Adding a Mediterranean twist to the night of W PRESENTS is Marco Dongi, the creative force behind one of Bangkok’s top bars, The House on Sathorn. A master mixologist and beverage consultant with over a decade of experience, Dongi has crafted signature cocktails for some of the world’s top hospitality brands. His approach combines bold flavours with an artistic touch, ensuring each drink not only complements the night’s culinary journey but also elevates the overall experience.

W PRESENTS is more than an event; it’s an extension of W Maldives’ commitment to bold programming and unforgettable experiences. The resort’s bio-boho design—drawn from the island’s lush flora and vibrant marine life—sets the stage for an evening that embodies its ethos: fearless, creative, and inspired by its surroundings.

“Music is woven into the fabric of W Maldives, and W Presents amplifies this connection,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “This event is more than a performance—it’s a celebration of the island’s vibrant energy, combining sound, culinary artistry, and design in a way that’s uniquely W.”

Join the revelry when you stay at W Maldives and take advantage of The Original Wavemaker early bird offer.

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Save big on paradise: Sun Siyam Resorts’ limited-time Black Friday offers

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Sun Siyam Resorts has announced the launch of its highly anticipated annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale, offering exclusive rates across its properties in the Maldives. The promotion is valid for bookings made between 1 November and 1 December 2025.

This limited-time opportunity allows travellers to experience the Maldives at special discounted rates, with unique offers tailored to each resort in the group.

Guests can enjoy up to 45% off on Siyam World’s 24-hour WOW! All-Inclusive package. The offer includes a complimentary floating breakfast and villa upgrade, subject to availability, alongside the resort’s wide range of experiences and activities.

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, guests can enjoy free or half-price seaplane transfers, floating breakfasts, two-for-one spa treatments, and signature excursions such as dolphin cruises and snorkelling tours. Families benefit further, with children under 12 staying and dining free of charge.

Travellers can save up to 30% on all villas and receive a complimentary seaplane transfer for one guest on stays of four nights or more at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. Additional perks include complimentary water sports for children, spa upgrades, and early check-in or late check-out subject to availability. Children under 16 stay and dine free.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef offers complimentary seaplane transfers, a 60-minute couple’s spa treatment, and floating breakfasts. Children under 12 stay free, with further benefits including dinner dine-around options, early check-in, and special honeymoon amenities.

Guests can enjoy up to 50% off round-trip speedboat transfers, or free transfers for stays of five nights or more in pool villas at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. The offer also includes a floating breakfast, 25% off spa treatments, 30% off à la carte dining, and additional discounts on water sports and diving.

Travellers are encouraged to secure their island getaway before 1 December 2025, as these offers are available for a limited period only. 

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Celebration

Experience Diwali in paradise with Villa Nautica’s beachside celebrations

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Villa Nautica is set to celebrate Diwali with a vibrant programme that combines colour, craft and coastal charm in a private island setting. The resort’s schedule of experiences invites guests to take part in festive activities throughout their stay, blending traditional customs with a contemporary beachside flair. Highlights include poolside rangoli, children’s craft sessions, henna artistry, a shoreline feast, and lively Bollywood-inspired entertainment after sunset. All activities are designed to be drop-in, allowing families and couples to enjoy the festivities at their own pace.

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Velana International Airport by direct speedboat transfer, Villa Nautica offers an easy arrival experience suited to both short getaways and longer holidays.

Food plays an integral role in the celebrations, with a festive spread inspired by regional Indian flavours. Guests can expect approachable options for all ages alongside opportunities to sample new dishes, served in a relaxed, oceanfront atmosphere.

Families are well catered for, with spacious accommodation choices such as the Two Bedroom Beach Villa with Two Pools and the Two Bedroom Ocean Suite with Pool, both offering proximity to the lagoon and ample space for relaxation. Younger guests can take part in creative sessions at the Wavy Navy Kids Club, including guided card-making and lantern-crafting workshops.

As evening falls, the island transforms with glowing lanterns, live beach entertainment, and a finale featuring popular Bollywood hits — creating a warm and welcoming way to mark the Festival of Lights in the Maldives.

Guests can also take advantage of Villa Resorts’ Winter Offer, which provides 20 percent off stays, combining festive celebration with seasonal value for couples, families, and friends planning a Diwali escape.

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Universal Resorts transforms into VERSA, unveiling NIVA as cornerstone of international growth strategy

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Universal Enterprises, parent company of Universal Resorts, which pioneered Maldivian hospitality over 50 years ago, on Monday announced the rebranding of its hotel management arm to VERSA Hospitality and simultaneously launched its new hospitality lifestyle brand, NIVA Hotels & Resorts.

This strategic shift transforms the independent family business from a respected and largely B2B-focused resort owner and operator into a globally recognised, consumer-centric hospitality brand designed for future growth into international markets.

Ahmed Umar Maniku, Managing Director of Universal Enterprises, said: “For over five decades, we’ve operated our iconic Maldives resorts very successfully and worked closely with our tour operating partners, pioneering the very concept of Maldivian resort life. We had a bold vision to share this extraordinary destination with the world, starting with the opening of Kurumba, the first resort in the Maldives, in 1972, and going on to create world-renowned resorts such as Baros, Kuramathi, Huvafen Fushi, Velassaru, Milaidhoo and Labriz. Now, as the global travel landscape evolves, it’s time for the group to step out, building brand recognition with our guests, partners and the wider industry. VERSA isn’t merely a new name; it’s a strategic repositioning to unlock the full potential of our resort portfolio and position the company for our future growth ambitions.”

This announcement coincides with the appointment of Visha Mahir, a second-generation member of the founding family and board director of Universal Enterprises, as Chief Executive Officer of VERSA Hospitality. Visha has held a number of senior leadership positions within Universal Enterprises for the past two decades, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Universal Resorts.

Visha Mahir, CEO of VERSA, added: “It’s a privilege and genuine honour to step into this role and lead our family business into this new chapter. Our story is woven into the very fabric of this island nation. Yes, we’re recognised as innovators in Maldivian luxury hospitality, but more importantly, we’ve built our reputation on authenticity and a deep connection to our home. Our aim at VERSA is to respect that precious past, ensuring that as we expand, our heritage and heartfelt service remain at the core of everything we do.”

NIVA: the cornerstone of VERSA’s new growth strategy

The creation of NIVA is central to the group’s transformation. As the new lifestyle-led hospitality brand, NIVA is positioned to be the company’s key vehicle for growth and market relevance.

Coined from the words ‘nourish’ and ‘viva’, NIVA reflects a new era of travel where emotional fulfilment takes precedence over status. It speaks to a new generation of travellers seeking genuine, unforced experiences, where the freedom to simply be nourishes life.

NIVA will unite six of Universal’s Indian Ocean properties, including the historic Kurumba in the Maldives and new destinations in the Seychelles, under one philosophy: to bring lightness back to travel. Rather than chasing curated perfection, NIVA will create spaces that allow for unplanned, unforced and unforgettable moments.

“The launch of NIVA is crucial to our evolution. It provides the common thread that links our key properties, ensuring that no matter the location, our guests instantly recognise our core values and feel confident in the consistent level of warm and authentic service they can expect. The creation of NIVA will help us scale our unique philosophy into new markets and the brand will be the engine of our international expansion strategy,” added Mahir.

The VERSA portfolio and vision

VERSA Hospitality is at the helm of the new structure, guiding the group’s direction and ambitions. The name, drawn from the word Universal, symbolises evolution: the ability to reveal new dimensions of destinations and chart a new course with a sense of timeless quality, while remaining firmly rooted in the company’s rich heritage.

The VERSA portfolio will be defined by two distinct yet complementary divisions: NIVA, a lifestyle-led hospitality brand, and a collection of iconic standalone destinations.

NIVA Hotels & Resorts

A new lifestyle-led brand, focused on giving guests cohesive, effortless and authentic experiences, will start with a portfolio of six resorts in the Maldives and Seychelles:

  • Niva Kurumba (Maldives)
  • Niva Velassaru (Maldives)
  • Niva Kuramathi (Maldives)
  • Niva Dhigali (Maldives)
  • Niva Labriz (Seychelles)
  • Niva Aria (Seychelles) – opening in 2026

THE VERSA COLLECTION – Unique and independent properties

This is a collection of distinct and acclaimed standalone destinations that Versa continues to curate, celebrating their individual characters and histories. The collection includes iconic Maldives resorts such as Baros, Milaidhoo, Huvafen Fushi and Kandolhu, and over time will expand to include more properties worldwide.

“When we created the business, it was never just about resorts; it was always about places: what they could become and what they could mean to someone,” said Mahir.

“The name VERSA captures this idea of transformation: islands became destinations, journeys became memories and moments became part of someone’s story. From the Maldives to the wider world, Versa will continue to reveal the true character of every place in our care, sharing it with the generosity that defines our hospitality.”

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