News
W Hotels redefines luxury with unveiling of fully reimagined W Maldives

W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, has unveiled a highly anticipated bold new era for W Maldives, redefining the escape with a stunning renovation that blends contemporary luxury with the island’s untamed beauty. Designed for the modern traveler, this evolution amplifies the brand’s signature energy, offering a distinctive blend of authentic cultural experiences, creative design, and a deep connection to the enchanting spirit of the Maldives.
“We are not simply unveiling a completely renovated resort; we are redefining our signature, liberated approach to destination-driven luxury with this newly reimagined hotel,” said George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, W Hotels. “W Maldives has been transformed for both global travelers and locals alike, offering meaningful experiences and a deep dive into the cultural richness of these islands. We’ve created a haven that reflects the dynamic energy of this world-class, coveted destination while setting a new standard for W Hotels Escapes globally.”

The experience begins the moment guests touch down by seaplane, greeted by the escape’s signature Arrival Jetty, where crystal-clear waters and a sleek, arched design set the tone for what’s to come. A hidden bar with uninterrupted views of the house reef offers an instant taste of island indulgence. From there, the brand’s signature Living Room welcomes guests into an open-air sanctuary, where soaring ceilings, bold colors, and natural textures frame endless ocean views.
Inspired by the Maldives’ marine life and lush flora, the renowned Miaja Design Group has reimagined 77 villas into stylish hideaways. Overwater villas take cues from the patterns of majestic whale sharks, while beach villas channel the intricate textures of mangroves, each space designed to balance tranquility and adventure. For larger groups, the first-ever Supreme Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas and Oasis Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas offer expansive living spaces and private pools, perfect for creating unforgettable moments. A highlight of the transformation is the addition of two new Oasis Two-Bedroom Beach Villas, each featuring exhilarating water slides that seamlessly connect the second floor to an impressive private pool, effortlessly merging refined luxury with playful indulgence.
Dining at W Maldives is an immersive culinary experience. Each newly redesigned venue conceptualized by EDG Design, takes guests on a journey through global flavors, crafted with the freshest local ingredients and inspired by the island’s rich culinary heritage. At FISH, the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant, guests can indulge in a sustainable ocean-to-table concept set above the serene Indian Ocean. FIRE presents a relaxed beachside smokehouse, serving expertly grilled dishes framed by the tranquil coastal surroundings, while KITCHEN, the all-day dining venue, fuels guests with a daily breakfast spread and hearty international favorites. Throughout the year, W Maldives will host exclusive pop-ups, featuring world-renowned chefs, each adding a bold new twist to the dining scene.

As the sky ignites in hues of gold and amber, SIP — W Maldives’ overwater Latin American-inspired bar — invites guests to unwind with signature cocktails, savor an array of Nikkei dishes, while taking in the island’s most spectacular sunset views. At WET Deck, sun-drenched days flow into electric nights, where signature cocktails, light bites, and vibrant beats set the scene. Shifting shades of green mosaic tiles ripple like the tide, while state-of-the-art lighting pulses to the rhythm of live music. At the heart of it all, the Splinterworks Vertex water slide — a sculptural masterpiece and the first of its kind in the Maldives — redefines poolside fun with its sleek, mirror-polished steel reflecting the island’s serenity. Built-in water jets keep it cool under the Maldivian sun, inviting guests to take the plunge into a world where relaxation and high-energy revelry collide.
For wellness enthusiasts, the brand’s signature AWAY Spa reinvents the traditional rituals of a zen-like spa, offering a modern and social immersion into health and wellness. The sanctuary offers a collection of thoughtfully curated treatments in four overwater couples’ treatment rooms, each equipped with its own steam facility. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating experiences while soaking in soothing ocean views.

W Maldives is more than just a luxury escape — it’s a vibrant playground where adventure and serenity coexist. Home to an award-winning house reef, one of the Maldives’ finest, the resort offers unparalleled snorkeling and diving experiences teeming with marine life just steps from the shore. Beyond the reef, guests can set sail to Gaathafushi, the resort’s secluded private island, for an intimate castaway experience under the stars. Whether indulging in high-energy water sports, embarking on bespoke guided excursions to nearby islands, or immersing in the rhythms of local culture, every moment is designed to inspire discovery and connection.
The resort’s transformation transcends the physical, embracing a philosophy of experiential travel. New programs, such as Dare to Taste, take guests on seasonal culinary journeys that celebrate local flavors with inventive twists, while exclusive collaborations with acclaimed global chefs and mixologists elevate the dining experience. Rise & Energize presents a year-round array of fitness and wellness activities, designed to invigorate the body and renew the spirit through dynamic fitness sessions and mindful practices.

Sustainability is central to the resort’s ethos. The transformation incorporates eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices throughout its design and operations. The resort is home to one of the largest biogas plants in the Maldives, alongside a flourishing fruit and vegetable garden, all part of its commitment to be self-sustaining by 2026. Guests can revel in luxurious experiences, knowing they’re making a positive impact on both the environment and local community.
With its grand unveiling, the newly reimagined W Maldives stands as a beacon of adventure and refined luxury. Crafted as a sanctuary where relaxation seamlessly merges with exploration, the resort invites guests to curate unforgettable experiences in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

“The reimagined W Maldives embraces the deep cultural heritage of the Maldives, blending it with the resort’s modern design to create an immersive, elevated experience,” says Amila Handunwala, General Manager, W Maldives. “Our goal is to offer guests a unique opportunity to connect with the traditions of the Maldives, from its rich history and cultural rituals to its natural beauty, while enjoying the bold, creative energy that W Hotels is known for. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the soul of the destination, inviting guests to explore, discover, and unwind in a truly exceptional setting.”
Cooking
The Nautilus Maldives’ unscripted dining: A revolution in ultra-luxury hospitality

Luxury travel is moving beyond service—it’s moving toward liberation. The Nautilus Maldives pioneers culinary freedom and is the world’s first resort without meal times, where chefs co-create indulgence with guests, anything, anytime, anywhere.
A Pioneer of schedule-free, personality-driven dining
The Nautilus is not just another luxury resort in the Maldives; it is rewriting the rules of fine dining. Its “Unscripted Dining” concept makes it the most liberated, guest-centric culinary experience in the world.

The Nautilus’s Chefs Are Always In
Unlike traditional luxury resorts, dining at The Nautilus isn’t bound by restaurant hours, menus or venues. Chefs serve as co-creators of indulgence, working with guests to turn moods, whims, or even Instagram posts into one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Haute cuisine at 2 a.m., ramen by the beach at sunset, or a Michelin-style degustation menu on a private sandbank — The Nautilus chefs deliver, as at The Nautilus, the kitchen never closes. For jet-lagged travellers, this means ultimate convenience and comfort: breakfast at dusk, dinner at dawn, or spontaneous midnight feasts.

Why Plan a Meal When You Can Invent It?
Culinary freedom defines The Nautilus. Guests aren’t simply dining – they are designing their own experience in real time. From lobster benedict in bed at midnight to cocktail-paired tasting menus under the stars, everything is on the table – literally. It’s a rejection of routine and predictability, elevating emotional dining as the new luxury. Guests are invited to experience food as emotional expression, with each dish crafted in the moment and shaped by imagination.

An Island Without Meal Times – Radical Hospitality for the Ultra-Individual
The Nautilus rebels against hospitality norms: no schedules, no restrictions, no compromises.
Its philosophy embodies the future of ultra-luxury hospitality: total guest freedom, spontaneity, and personalised indulgence.

A Shared Vision of Culinary Freedom
“True luxury is freedom,” says Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus. “Our Unscripted Dining concept is a direct reflection of that belief. By removing the limits of time and menus, we invite our guests to experience food not as routine, but as a deeply personal journey of indulgence and expression. Today’s ultra-luxury travellers seek authenticity and individuality above all else. The Nautilus leads this shift, offering a radical departure from scripted hospitality. Every meal becomes a story co-created with the guest, a promise of spontaneity and soulful connection.”
To find out more about The Nautilus visit www.thenautilusmaldives.com.
Entertainment
Halloween and Autumn celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is preparing to welcome guests to a week-long Autumn Festival with Halloween-themed celebrations running from 30 October to 5 November. The programme features a variety of activities designed for families, couples, and individual travellers, with events ranging from treasure hunts and creative workshops to wellness sessions and exclusive dining experiences.
The celebrations begin on 30 October with a beachside Tabata workout followed by a pumpkin carving workshop at La Locanda. Activities for children and teens include the Magic of Mantas virtual reality exploration, Haunted Brick Builders, and the Autumn Costume Fashion Show. Parents are invited to a cocktail gathering on the shore before the evening concludes with a Culinary Maestro dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Max Strohe, as part of the resort’s Masters of Crafts series.
On 31 October, guests may join a morning Dynamic Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden or take part in a turtle snorkelling excursion. Children between four and twelve are encouraged to join the Flying Fox Quest, a Halloween-themed nature walk, while older children embark on an Island Treasure Quest. Seasonal workshops such as wreath decoration and creative pumpkin carving are available, and the day concludes with a Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt across the island and a Halloween Feast at La Locanda.
As the week progresses, the festival highlights wellness and creativity. Under the Masters of Crafts programme, mobility coach Anthony Green will host sessions on posture, flexibility, and spinal health. Seasonal crafts for younger guests include galaxy-themed pumpkin art, Halloween decorations, wand-making, and mask workshops. Family activities extend to Autumn Carnival Stalls, Magic Hat bowling, and themed cooking sessions. Evening entertainment includes a magic show, a piñata party, and further culinary experiences led by Chef Max Strohe.
The festival concludes on 5 November with a Vinsaya Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden, an art class featuring batfish designs on tote bags, and a children’s treasure hunt. Families are invited to join the Boos and Brews Halloween Dhoni Cruise before the celebrations end with a Luxury Sunset Cruise.
Through this programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, combines seasonal festivities with wellness, creativity, and gastronomy, offering guests a diverse celebration of autumn and Halloween in the Maldives.
News
A quiet force for sustainability: Island produce at Ayada Maldives

Set within the vibrant Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives continues to set itself apart, not just as a destination for discerning travellers, but as a resort committed to responsible luxury. Beyond the palm-fringed villas and crystal-clear lagoons, there is a quiet but powerful movement taking place behind the scenes: one that embraces island farming, sustainable operations, and meaningful community partnerships.
At the heart of this vision is Ayada’s flourishing “Secret Garden”, an expansive green haven where herbs, vegetables, and tropical fruits are grown using eco-conscious techniques. From fragrant basil and lemongrass to nutrient-rich leafy greens, the garden supplies the resort’s kitchens with hyper-local ingredients, ensuring that guests experience fresh, flavourful dishes that reflect the richness of the Maldives.

The resort also works hand-in-hand with farmers from nearby islands, offering support and guidance in organic farming practices, composting, and water-efficient growing methods. This collaboration not only enhances the culinary offering at Ayada but also strengthens local island economies and food security across the region.
Sustainability at Ayada is holistic. Energy is managed with precision, wastewater is treated and repurposed for irrigation, and organic kitchen waste is composted. Even the design of villas takes inspiration from natural Maldivian architecture, using locally sourced materials to blend seamlessly with the island’s surroundings.
What sets Ayada apart is the seamless integration of sustainability with the guest experience. Whether strolling through the garden, enjoying a farm-to-table meal, or simply knowing that their stay supports environmental stewardship, guests walk away with more than memories, they become part of a broader story of conservation and care.
In a world where sustainability is becoming essential, Ayada Maldives continues to lead with purpose, proving that true luxury can and should leave a lighter footprint.
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