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Celebrate sustainability, exclusive offers, meaningful connections at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru, renowned for their luxury hospitality and sustainability ethos, continue to set benchmarks in eco-luxury experiences, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Named Top 10 Maldives Resort by DestinAsian 2025
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has been honoured as one of the Top 10 Best Maldives Resorts at the prestigious DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, voted by luxury travellers from Asia-Pacific region. This accolade underscores the resort’s commitment to delivering authentic barefoot eco-luxury experiences while championing environmental conservation and fostering deep connections within the local community.
Exclusive Offer: Stay More, Pay Less, Save up to 30%
Guests planning an extended tropical getaway can now take advantage of the enticing “Stay More, Pay Less” offer available at both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru. This special promotion invites travellers to indulge longer in unparalleled luxury and experience the Original Maldives while enjoying savings of up to 30%, 100 USD resort credits along with other additional exclusive benefits. Full details of these exceptional offers can be found on the resorts’ official websites:
A Memorable Media Iftar Gathering
On 20 March 2025, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru proudly hosted a special Media Iftar Gathering to express heartfelt appreciation for the immense contributions of local media partners. The evening commenced with a warm Iftar at Sangu Garden, followed by a tranquil gathering at Madi Hiyaa – paying tribute to the media’s vital role in shaping and promoting Maldivian tourism both locally and beyond.
Honouring Earth Hour 2025
Reflecting a profound commitment to sustainability, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru joined millions worldwide in observing Earth Hour on 22nd March. Guests and associates began the evening with a serene sunset meditation. Following this peaceful reflection, a soulful acoustic performance illuminated by candlelight captivated attendees. As the resort lights dimmed, the shoreline came alive with beautifully illuminated 60+ signage, symbolising global unity in conservation and underscoring the powerful impact of collective, purposeful action.
Community Clean-up at Huraa Island
Reaffirming their dedication to environmental stewardship, associates and guests from both resorts joined the local community on Huraa Island for a significant clean-up effort. Working closely with the Huraa island council and local residents, the enthusiastic team collected nearly 100 kilograms of waste from critical mangrove areas. This monthly initiative reflects Banyan Tree Group’s ongoing commitment to “Embracing the Environment,” consistently demonstrated over the past 30 years.
Empowering Future Conservationists
In support of cultivating the next generation of marine conservationists, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru hosted an educational visit from Himmafushi High School. Students and teachers participated in an interactive coral biology workshop, which included insightful sessions on the “Story of the Maldives,” marine conservation, and practical coral micro-fragmentation training. The programme concluded with students planting 110 coral fragments in the resort’s nursery, reinforcing their role as future environmental stewards.
Whether you’re seeking serene sanctuary, enriching experiences, or a deeper connection with the natural world and your loved ones, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru invite you to escape, explore, and rediscover the Original Maldives in barefoot eco-luxury.
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Maldives’ Dhigurah ranked among world’s 10 most valuable beaches
Dhigurah in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll has been ranked among the world’s 10 most valuable holiday beaches, with its stretch of sand assigned an estimated value of MVR 2.9 billion (€162.7 million) in a study by luxury villa holiday specialist CV Villas.
The island placed eighth in the global ranking, ahead of Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The study calculated the hypothetical cost of owning some of the world’s best-known beaches by valuing the sand as coastal land. The figures do not represent sale prices or suggest that the beaches are available for private purchase.
Dhigurah was the only Maldivian beach included in the global top 15. Known for its long sandbank and proximity to whale shark habitats in South Ari Atoll, the inhabited island has become a destination for guesthouse tourism, diving and marine excursions.
Florida’s Siesta Beach topped the global ranking with an estimated value of €1.08 billion, followed by Pampelonne Beach in France at €843 million and Praia da Falésia in Portugal at €573.2 million.
Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands was ranked fourth at €376.4 million, while Bondi Beach in Sydney completed the top five with an estimated value of €365 million.
Hannah Marshall, luxury travel destination expert and marketing manager at CV Villas, said the research highlighted the role of location in determining coastal land values.
“Everyone has a beach that means something to them, so there’s something fun about seeing what those stretches of sand might be ‘worth’ if you valued them like the land behind them,” Marshall said.
“What comes through is how much location drives the figure: a beach in St-Tropez or on Siesta Key carries a value that a quieter shore — even just as beautiful — simply won’t.”
While Siesta Beach had the highest total estimated value, The Baths on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands recorded the highest value per square metre, at €8,846. Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda was the most affordable beach assessed, at approximately €199 per square metre.
News
Reiki Master Nikki begins August residency at Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa
Amilla Maldives is hosting holistic wellness practitioner Nongluck Chuaychuang, known as Nikki, for a month-long residency at the resort’s Javvu Spa.
Running from 2 to 30 August 2026, the residency offers guests a collection of treatments focused on physical relaxation, energy alignment and mental wellbeing.
A Reiki Master and sound healing specialist, Nikki has practised at luxury wellness destinations around the world. During her residency at Amilla, she is offering treatments tailored to guests’ individual needs, with sessions designed to release physical tension, support energy flow and encourage relaxation.
“True healing begins when we give ourselves the space to slow down, listen within, and return to our natural rhythm,” Nikki said.
The programme includes The Nikki Essence, her signature holistic massage, as well as Reiki Energy Healing, which focuses on subtle body alignment.
Guests can also take part in sound bath journeys using Tibetan and crystal bowls, or book intuitive bodywork sessions designed to provide restorative release.
The residency forms part of Javvu Spa’s wellness programme, which incorporates treatments and practices intended to support physical and emotional balance.
Sessions are available at Javvu Spa throughout the residency, with advance reservations recommended.
Meditation
Reconnect with nature at Milaidhoo Maldives this World Wellness Weekend
This September, Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to press pause and reconnect with what matters most. From 18th to 20th September, the boutique island retreat in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will mark World Wellness Weekend with a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences celebrating movement, mindfulness and the simple joy of being immersed in nature.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing isn’t centred on strict routines or quick fixes. It comes naturally through the island’s slower pace, the restorative power of the ocean, time spent outdoors and fresh, nourishing cuisine inspired by the Maldives. On the small island, guests are gently encouraged to switch off, breathe deeply and savour each moment.
This philosophy is reflected at Serenity Spa, where a dedicated team of therapists and wellness practitioners share a deeply personal approach to wellbeing. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored, blending time-honoured healing traditions with genuine care to help guests relax and restore themselves.
To celebrate World Wellness Weekend, Milaidhoo has created a three-day programme of complimentary and signature experiences, from sunrise yoga and aqua meditation to aerial wellness sessions and a workshop on mental wellbeing led by visiting practitioner Dr Lim Xiang Jun, who combines traditional healing wisdom with modern medical knowledge. Guests and the Milaidhoo Family members will also come together for Moving Together, a relaxed community jog along the Water Villa Jetty, celebrating the wellbeing that comes from sharing experiences with others.
Programme of activities as follows for the World Wellness Weekend:
Friday, 18th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
Begin the day with a gentle yoga practice surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the ocean.
11.00 – Mental Wellbeing and Stress Management Workshop
Yoga Pavilion | Complimentary | 45 minutes
Led by Dr Lim Xiang Jun, visiting practitioner at Milaidhoo. A Modern Traditional Doctor, Dr. Lim combines traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge, sharing practical approaches to managing stress and supporting mental wellbeing.
19.00 – Moonlit Sound Journey
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A calming evening experience using sound and vibration to encourage deep relaxation beneath the Maldivian night sky.
Saturday, 19th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Aqua Workout
Compass Pool
A refreshing water-based workout to energise the body and mind.
11.00 – Group Aerial Yoga Flow
$35++ per person (minimum 4 guests)
A guided aerial yoga session combining movement, balance and mindful breathing.
16:30 – Moving Together
Water Villa Jetty | Complimentary
A one-hour relaxed jog along the Water Villa jetty, open to all guests and Milaidhoo Family members, celebrating movement and connection.
Sunday, 20th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
11.00 – Aqua Sonic Meditation
Compass Pool | Complimentary
A unique meditation experience combining the calming environment of water with soothing sounds.
15.00 – Aerial Thai Wellness
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A gentle wellness session inspired by Thai therapeutic movement techniques.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing is not something to be added to island life, it is naturally part of it.
This World Wellness Weekend, guests are invited to take time for themselves, discover new ways to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of being fully present.
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