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Jumeirah Olhahali Island introduces private sandbank debuts with exclusive menu of experiences

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Jumeirah Olhahali Island redefines Maldivian seclusion with exclusive private sandbank experiences, just a five-minute speedboat ride from the resort. Set against the backdrop of untouched shores, the new programme of experiences invites guests to craft their own island escape, from adrenaline-fuelled adventures to tranquil wellness rituals and bespoke celebrations.

Serving as a launch point for exhilarating marine discoveries, the sandbank invites guests to explore the wonders of the Maldives. Snorkelling excursions reveal vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, while thrill-seekers can ride the waves on a jet ski, pausing to take in the vast seascape before diving into crystalline waters. For those drawn to the depths of the sea, a guided scuba experience unveils the rich biodiversity of the Maldivian reefs, while kitesurfing sessions offer an adrenaline-fuelled dance with the wind above the shimmering expanse of the Indian Ocean.

From romantic proposals to intimate wedding ceremonies, and milestone events, the sandbank transforms into a venue where the ocean serves as both stage and witness. Bespoke touches – including live band performances, exquisite floral arrangements, and underwater photography sessions – ensure each celebration is a moment to remember.

Culinary connoisseurs can savour gourmet delights with a sandbank picnic, indulging in curated delicacies such as beef tortilla wraps, smoked salmon sandwiches, and freshly baked vanilla bean cheesecake, surrounded by endless shades of blue. As the day transitions to night, the ‘Sunset to Stars Culinary Journey’ presents and intimate barbecue dinner beneath a starlit sky, where a private chef works on a personalised menu tableside, for an unforgettable dining experience.

For those seeking balance and renewal, the ‘Renewal Under the Stars’ experience unfolds as the sky deepens into twilight, with the rhythmic hush of the waves and a soft ocean breeze carrying the scent of salt and frangipani. A 90-minute Balinese or deep-tissue massage, enriched with nourishing vegan Sodashi oils, melts away tension, followed by a meditative Tibetan sound healing session, where the gentle vibrations of singing bowls harmonise with the lull of the tide.

As dawn paints the horizon in soft hues of gold and rose, the ‘Oceanic Balance Retreat’ invites guests to reconnect with mind and body. Guided by the resort’s resident yogi, each private session flows with the rhythms of the sea. Breathing in the fresh ocean air, guests move through yoga postures designed to energise or restore, followed by guided meditation that invites stillness, presence, and deep connection to the natural world.

For more information about the resort, please visit here.

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Atmosphere Core secures British Airways Holidays awards across five Maldives resorts

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Atmosphere Core has announced that five of their resorts in the Maldives; VARU by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, have been recognised with the prestigious British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award 2025.

This accolade reflects consistently high guest satisfaction, recognising hotels that excel in service delivery, quality of facilities, and the overall holiday experience. Extended only to the top 8% of hotels worldwide, it underscores the strength of the brand’s diverse portfolio, from signature Holiday Plans to adults-only escapes and immersive, nature-inspired island retreats.

Under Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, VARU by Atmosphere and Atmosphere Kanifushi continue to set benchmarks in elevated hospitality. VARU by Atmosphere offers a contemporary island experience with seamless inclusions and warm Maldivian service, while Atmosphere Kanifushi is known for its expansive setting, lush tropical surroundings, and wide range of experiences catering to both families and couples.

Within the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO each present distinct island escapes. OBLU SELECT Sangeli blends contemporary design in a stylish and tranquil setting. OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a romantic, adults-only retreat thoughtfully designed for couples, centred around intimacy and curated experiences. OBLU NATURE Helengeli stands out for its rich marine life and exceptional house reef, offering an immersive experience for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.

“We are truly honoured to receive the British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award across multiple resorts within our portfolio. This recognition, driven by genuine guest feedback, is a testament to the passion and dedication of our teams who consistently go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences,” said Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core. “It reinforces our commitment to delivering distinctive and memorable stays across every island, tailored to different guest journeys.”

This achievement further strengthens Atmosphere Core’s position as a leading hospitality brand in the Maldives, driven by guest-centric service, innovation, and authentic island experiences.

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The Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package

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The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.

The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.

The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.

The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.

The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.

The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.

Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.

Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.

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Kandolhu Maldives announces culinary collaboration with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti

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Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.

The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.

Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.

Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.

The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.

A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.

On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.

Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.

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