News
Rebalance with traditional Eastern therapies at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives
From Indian Ayurveda to China’s acupuncture, traditional healing practices have long been at the heart of Nepalese wellness traditions. Bringing them to the Maldives is the renowned Nepalese wellness practitioner Dr. Tridendra Shakya, who will be consulting and treating guests staying at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives as part of an exclusive residency on February 17 – March 31.
Dr. Shakya, who comes with almost two decades of experience in various modalities, is an expert in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as possessing extensive yogic knowledge. His tailored treatments, ranging from acupuncture to breathwork, often incorporate modern therapies to support stress management, address sleep disturbances and alleviate anxiety.
Acupuncture’s healing touch
Acupuncture, the practice of triggering specific points on the skin with fine needles, is one of Dr. Shakya’s specialties. Guests suffering from chronic pain will benefit from traditional acupuncture, while those looking to rejuvenate naturally can try an anti-aging treatment that stimulates collagen, improves circulation and promotes a youthful glow through needle application.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shakya’s popular acupuncture-based weight loss session targets food cravings, and his yogic cleansing therapy helps to detox, supports digestion and enhances gut immunity. Acupuncture is also at the heart of this exclusive Sleep Well package that works in combination with breathwork and a foot bath, and the three-step Acu-Massage treatment that adds in cupping and Marma point massage.
In flow with yoga
Yoga enthusiasts can rebalance with Yoga Nidra, which works by calming the nervous system to improve sleep. Other options include customised therapeutic yoga that deploys breathwork, supportive postures and mindfulness techniques to address physical and emotional concerns; and Motion Meditation blending Tai Chi and Qi Gong to enhance vitality and balance.
Awards
Villa Park secures second straight HolidayCheck Award
Villa Park has been recognised with the HolidayCheck Award 2026 for the second consecutive year, reflecting continued guest trust and consistently strong feedback.
Set on one of the Maldives’ largest natural islands in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) region, Villa Park is a standout choice for families seeking a lush, activity-filled escape. With tropical greenery woven throughout the island, long stretches of beach, and a wide range of experiences to suit every age, the resort offers the space and variety that make family travel feel effortless. From active lagoon days to slower, restorative moments, families can shape each day around what matters most to them.
Villa Park is also home to an extensive range of Beach Pool Villas, offering picture-perfect settings designed for easy indoor-outdoor living. Surrounded by palms and gardens, these private stays deliver the bright, tropical backdrop guests return for and love to capture.
For families, the island experience is elevated further by Park Players, positioned as the Maldives’ largest kids’ club, with a dedicated world of play, creativity, and discovery. The combination of nature, space, and things to do across the island continues to shape Villa Park’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ most trusted family resorts.
Love
Azur rooftop at JEN Maldives sets stage for Valentine’s Day dining
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is set to mark Valentine’s Day with a curated rooftop dining experience at Azur Rooftop, combining ocean views, live music and a specially designed menu for couples.
Taking place against the backdrop of the Malé skyline and the Indian Ocean, the Valentine’s Day dinner is designed for couples seeking an intimate yet lively evening. The experience begins with a Tropical Sweetheart welcome drink, blending strawberry, lime and honey, followed by an amuse-bouche served as a shared moment between partners, featuring romesco mousse in a rye tart.
The dinner continues with a selection of starters including Indonesian chicken satay with peanut sauce and a chilled watermelon coconut gazpacho. A passion fruit and mango sorbet is served as a palate cleanser ahead of the main courses.
For the main course, guests may choose between roasted chicken with thyme and beet jus, seared seabass with smoked paprika mashed potatoes, or beetroot risotto finished with burrata. The dining experience concludes with a dessert sequence titled Kiss Me Goodnight, accompanied by petit fours such as dark chocolate passion bites and strawberry rose macarons. Illy coffee, teas, chilled juices and soft drinks are also included.
Live music performances by Akku will accompany the evening, adding to the rooftop ambience created by soft lighting, décor and panoramic views.
The Valentine’s Day dinner at Azur Rooftop is priced at USD 110 per couple, inclusive of all taxes and service charges. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +960 330 0888.
Action
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience
Nestled in the pristine waters of the Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort introduces Swim with Nurse Sharks, a new guided marine experience offering guests a rare opportunity to encounter these gentle creatures in their natural lagoon habitat.
Located just minutes from the island, the calm, shallow waters provide ideal conditions for observing nurse sharks at rest and in motion. The one-hour experience operates three times a week by speedboat and is designed for small groups, making it suitable for families and confident swimmers seeking a meaningful connection with the ocean.
Guided with care and respect for the environment, the experience reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine awareness and responsible interaction with wildlife. Guests gain insight into the behaviour of nurse sharks while exploring one of the region’s few accessible snorkelling sites dedicated to this species.
Available at USD 95++ per person, with special rates for children under 12, Swim with Nurse Sharks adds a distinctive new chapter to the resort’s immersive ocean experiences.
For more information on “Swim with Nurse Sharks” at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, please visit the resort’s website.
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