News
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.
News
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort unveils festive season programme with beachside Christmas, Gatsby-themed New Year
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort unveils its Festive Season programming with “Golden Nights, Timeless Lights,” a celebratory series inspired by the glamour and spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Running from December 22, 2025, through January 6, 2026, the calendar blends sparkling beachfront moments with wellness-forward experiences that capture the magic of the season in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Festivities begin on December 22 with a tree-lighting ceremony that sets the tone for a fortnight of golden evenings and joyful gatherings. On December 24, a Christmas Eve Cocktail Party invites guests to dress to dazzle while sipping signature concoctions crafted by the resort’s mixologists. Christmas Day brings a special appearance from Santa Claus and a warm meet-and-greet for families, complemented by a full program at the Westin Family Kids Club, including gingerbread house decorating, Christmas bingo, and more.
The season crescendos on December 31 with The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, a barefoot beach celebration where vintage elegance meets island flair. Guests can expect an exquisite international buffet, a live swing band, a mesmerizing fire dance performance, and a dazzling fireworks finale to welcome 2026 in an unforgettable way.
Throughout the holidays, the resort’s Move Well and Play Well ethos takes center stage. Sunrise yoga, energizing beach workouts, the scenic runWestin program, and various complimentary recharging activities offer restorative balance to evenings of celebration. Guests can also venture out on unforgettable excursions to explore an underwater world teeming with marine life, or paddle leisurely on complimentary ocean kayaks. For rejuvenation, guests are invited to indulge in a relaxing treatment at Heavenly Spa by Westin™, an overwater sanctuary with a glass floor and sweeping ocean views.
The resort’s five distinctive restaurants and bars will host a series of themed dinners, each showcasing fresh flavors and thoughtful pairings. Whether gathered for a sparkling cocktail at sunset or a family meal under the stars, guests will discover a season of connection and well-being wrapped in the tropical warmth of Maldivian nights.
To secure your year-end getaway and for more information, visit westin-maldives.com. Click here to see the full festive calendar at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.
Awards
Grand Park Kodhipparu celebrates trio of honours at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has been recognised with three prestigious accolades at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, reaffirming its position as one of the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury destinations.
The resort was named Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Indian Ocean, while its signature Firedoor Fine Dining Restaurant received the award for Best Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant in the Indian Ocean. In addition, The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives was honoured as the Best Luxury Boutique Spa in the Indian Ocean, celebrating its personalised approach to wellness and relaxation.
The World Luxury Awards, established to acknowledge excellence in the luxury travel and hospitality industry, recognise outstanding achievements across hotels, resorts, spas, and restaurants worldwide. Each year, winners are selected through public voting, reflecting the voice and appreciation of guests from across the globe.
In a statement marking the occasion, the resort expressed gratitude to its guests and team members: “We are honoured to be recognised with three prestigious recognitions in the 2025 World Luxury Awards. As we celebrate this achievement, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our cherished guests for choosing us as your sanctuary in the Maldives, and to our dedicated team for their unwavering passion and commitment to creating moments of joy, care, and connection.”
Nestled in North Malé Atoll, just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu combines contemporary design with Maldivian charm, offering an island escape defined by luxury, sustainability, and heartfelt hospitality.
Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives claims five major titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives celebrates an extraordinary achievement at the prestigious 2025 World Luxury Awards, earning multiple accolades that highlight the property’s dedication to excellence, creativity, and heartfelt Maldivian hospitality.
This year, Ifuru Island Maldives has been recognized as the Best Luxury All-Inclusive Property in Maldives, the Best Luxury Family Beach Property in the Indian Ocean Islands, and the Best Luxury Wedding Property in the Indian Ocean. These remarkable distinctions reaffirm Ifuru Island’s commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for guests whether it’s a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a dream island celebration.
The island’s tranquil wellness sanctuary, Xanadu Spa, was also celebrated for its exceptional approach to holistic wellbeing, receiving the titles of Best Luxury Beach Property Spa in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Wellness Spa in the Indian Ocean. With its serene location, thoughtfully curated treatments, and focus on mindful rejuvenation, Xanadu Spa continues to redefine luxury wellness in the Maldives.
Adding to the island’s success, The Waterfront, Ifuru Island’s signature dining venue, was honored as the Best Luxury Waterside Restaurant in the Indian Ocean and the Best Luxury Property Restaurant in the Indian Ocean Islands. Showcasing New World cuisine, The Waterfront combines innovative flavors with global influences, complemented by breathtaking ocean views and exceptional service creating an elevated dining experience that embodies the spirit of the island.
“These awards are a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication of our entire Ifuru Island family,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Every recognition reflects the commitment of our All Stars to deliver authentic, joyful, and unforgettable experiences for each guest who steps onto our island.”
Nestled in the breathtaking Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives is a vibrant all-inclusive private island property where natural beauty meets heartfelt hospitality. With spacious villas, diverse dining experiences, the award-winning Xanadu Spa, and its very own private airport, the island offers a seamless and spirited Maldivian escape designed for connection, celebration, and pure joy.
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