News
Exclusive private island escape at Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Nestled within its own pristine lagoon on the serene southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort announces an extraordinary opportunity: the option to hire the entire island for an exclusive, unparalleled private paradise experience. For the first time, guests can indulge in a fully customised luxury retreat, whether for a romantic escape, a multigenerational family holiday, or an unforgettable gathering with friends for a special occasion.
A Bespoke Private Island Experience
The opportunity for a complete buyout allows guests to immerse themselves in the island’s microcosm, with total privacy and the freedom to tailor their experience exactly as they desire. The resort’s enviable position in the Raa Atoll, a dedicated manta ray sanctuary, offers unique access to one of the world’s most spectacular marine environments. The colourful coral house reef teems with black tip sharks and turtles, and manta rays are frequent visitors between December – April each year as they migrate between the atolls during the northeast monsoon months. Guests will have exclusive use of the resort’s on-site Manta Trust team, with private snorkelling and diving sessions tailored to their experience level. From swimming alongside majestic manta rays and whale sharks to curated excursions led by expert marine biologists, the possibilities for an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience are limitless.
Luxurious Accommodation & Personal Service
The resort boasts 81 Beach, Lagoon, and Overwater Villas and Residences, each thoughtfully designed to harmonise with the island’s natural beauty. Guests can choose from a variety of options, ranging from beach villas, overwater villas with infinity pools, and spacious beachfront residences. Allowing for a variety of room configurations and set-ups for different types of travellers, accommodation on the island is exquisite, with something for everyone in a group, whether they prefer to watch the sunset over the vast Indian Ocean laid out before them, or bask in morning bliss with sand beneath their toes from the first step outside the villa.
- Villas: Overwater Pool Villa, One Bedroom Lagoon Pool Villa, Sunset Overwater Pool Villa, One Bedroom Sunset Lagoon Pool Villa, Beach Pool Villa, Family Beach Pool Villa, One Bedroom Sunset Beach Pool Villa, Two Bedroom Family Lagoon Pool Villa, Two Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villa
- Residences: Two Bedroom Overwater Pool Residence, Two Bedroom Beachfront Pool Residence, Three Bedroom Overwater Pool Residence, Three Bedroom Lagoon Pool Residence, Three Bedroom Royal Beachfront Pool Residence
Every villa is appointed with expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, a dedicated butler service, private pools, luxurious BYREDO amenities, and a signature pillow menu to ensure personalised comfort.
World-Class Culinary Experiences
Guests with exclusive island use will enjoy additional dining experiences. The resort’s gourmet culinary offerings showcase exquisite global flavours with a Maldivian touch, featuring:
- The Lighthouse Restaurant: A fine dining experience with 360-degree island views
- The Fish Market: An interactive sea-to-table kitchen where guests can select fresh seafood with guidance from expert chefs
- Café Umi: For whiling away the days underneath the palms, a casual dining experience at Café Umi offers a relaxed atmosphere
- Teppanyaki Experience: An exquisite fusion of Japanese-inspired dishes, cooked and served by master chefs
- The Wine Cellar: Private tastings featuring the world’s finest vintages, delivered by a master sommelier
- Sunset Bar: Champagne sommeliers and handcrafted cocktails make this overwater idyll an exceptional spot to watch the sun go down
- Pool Bar: Swim up and cool down with a cocktail at the Pool Bar, located in the main activity hub of the resort
- The Retreat: An adults-only enclave offering cocktails and finger food, alongside peace and serenity to those who escape here
- The Collective’s Culinary Classes: Hands-on cooking experiences for budding chefs at The Collective, a laid-back dining option and pizzeria
Guests booking an island buyout will have the option to personalise their dining experiences at every moment, with bespoke menus, themed banquets, and exclusive chef-curated dining under the stars. Anything is possible with the resort’s devoted culinary team.
Adventures Beyond Imagination
There are extensive activities available to guests which can all be curated with an Island Buyout experience. With things to do above and below the surface of the surrounding ocean, thrill-seekers and peace-seekers will be kept happy. The marine centre is open all day every day, and offers activities including snorkelling, fishing trips, boat cruises and even underwater photography. Windsurfing, motorised water sports, catamaran sailing and diving courses are also available for those looking to experience some adventure on the water.
- Ocean Activities: Dolphin cruises, sunrise fishing, night snorkelling, turtle safaris, boat rental, paddle boarding, PADI dive courses and much more!
- Watersports: Kayaking, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing, Jet Skiing, X Jet Blade, Parasailing
- Recreation Schedule: Can be completely tailored for Island Buyouts but includes aerial yoga, aqua aerobics, table tennis, sound healing
- Planet Trekkers Kids Club: Designed for children aged 4-12, Planet Trekkers blends interactive games, creative arts and crafts, and exciting mini expeditions, inspiring budding marine biologists and curious explorers alike
- Teen Programme: A dedicated teen activity offering including cooking classes, diver certification, young spa and more!
Finding Tranquility
AVI Spa is the resort’s wellness haven, offering guests a place to truly unwind and relax in an overwater setting. Perched above the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean, the AVI Spa has been designed to inspire relaxation, rejuvenation, and restoration. Within its six light-filled treatment villas, the soothing sounds of the ocean set the stage for deep relaxation, as expert therapists guide guests through indulgent, holistic wellness rituals. With signature brands including Biologique Recherche, Eminence Organics, Margaret Dabbs London and Kerstin Florian, the spa offers an extensive treatment menu to suit all skincare and relaxation needs.
Seamless Arrival & Exclusive Buyout Inclusions
Upon arrival in Male, guests are welcomed by the resort’s Airport Representatives and escorted to the Seaplane Terminal, where the private InterContinental seaplane lounge awaits, for a seamless transfer to the island. For large group arrivals, the resort provides a dedicated concierge service to ensure smooth check-ins, luggage handling, and customised welcome experiences.
The exclusive island hire includes:
- Daily gourmet breakfast
- Complimentary use of resort facilities, including the Fitness Centre, Yoga Pavilion, and Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club
- Welcome amenities, including sparkling wine and a selection of sweet and savoury treats
- Complimentary non-motorised water activities and snorkelling equipment
Rates for exclusive island buyouts start from USD 1,6 million, inclusive of 17% GST, 10% Service Charge, and a Green Tax of USD 12 per person per night. For inquiries and reservations, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
Local
Atmosphere Foundation supports 1,440 households, 3,599 students in 2025
The Atmosphere Foundation has published its inaugural annual report, bringing together the stories and results of its work across the Maldives during 2025. The report documents a year shaped by close collaboration with island councils, schools, universities, community organisations and individuals working to create lasting opportunities within their communities.
Established as the community and sustainability arm of Atmosphere Core, Atmosphere Foundation works by listening to communities and supporting ideas grounded in local priorities. The Annual Report 2025 offers a detailed account of this approach in action, covering initiatives in education, livelihoods, health, community wellbeing and environmental protection.
During the year, the Foundation worked alongside 47 implementing partners and engaged 37 experts across its programmes. Its initiatives supported more than 1,440 households and 3,599 students across 38 schools and two universities. The Foundation also conducted 91 training sessions, engaged 913 parents through awareness programmes and provided skills development opportunities for 463 teachers.
Environmental action remained a major focus. Through the Foundation’s flagship Bamboo for Climate Mitigation project, 3,722 bamboo plants were planted across 48 islands in every atoll of the Maldives. The programme has involved more than 23 community groups and 18 island councils. At the Vaikaradhoo Bamboo Park, the local council extended the initiative by replanting 200 bamboo cuttings across the island, demonstrating how a supported project can grow under community ownership.
The Foundation also partnered with the Maldives National University on a scientific study examining how different bamboo species grow in island environments. The research will help establish a stronger body of local knowledge to guide future cultivation and understand bamboo’s potential ecological role in the Maldives.
Alongside its environmental programmes, the Foundation supported practical routes towards income generation. In HDh. Vaikaradhoo, a soft toy initiative involving 14 households began producing fabric turtles and crabs for young guests visiting Atmosphere Core resorts.

Education initiatives ranged from improving preschool learning environments to placing locally relevant books in schools and libraries. The Foundation supported the printing of 1,000 copies of the Dhivehi children’s book Ainee aai Velaa, created with the Olive Ridley Project Maldives, and contributed towards 1,000 copies of Atoll and Island Formation in the Maldives. The latter was distributed free of charge as an educational resource for students across the country.
Health and community care programmes included 779 vision screenings and screenings for 112 people through community-based hearing camps. Other initiatives addressed healthy ageing, nutrition, non-communicable diseases and domestic violence awareness, reflecting the range of needs identified through the Foundation’s community partnerships.
Commenting on the report, Ismail Faseeh, Senior Vice President of Atmosphere Foundation, said: “Real change does not happen alone. It grows when communities, councils, educators and partners come together, each bringing their own knowledge and strengths. This report is a reflection of the trust communities have placed in us and of what becomes possible when people work towards a shared purpose.”
Rather than presenting support as a one-way contribution, the report recognises the communities and partners who shaped each initiative. Eighteen focus groups were conducted during the year to better understand community needs and help ensure that programmes remained locally relevant.
Through the publication of its first annual report, Atmosphere Foundation aims to provide a transparent record of its progress while recognising the many people and organisations behind it. Together, the projects illustrate how practical support, shared knowledge and local ownership can help good ideas take root and grow.
News
Finolhu brings ‘Magic by the Sea’ to Maldives for festive season 2026
This festive season, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, invites guests to embrace the wonder of Magic by the Sea, an imaginative celebration of togetherness, discovery and island living. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort will transform its celebrated Island Playground into a world of festive enchantment, where cherished traditions meet contemporary creativity, exceptional gastronomy and the carefree spirit of the Maldives.
Unfolding from 21 December 2026 through early January 2027, the festive programme brings together an inspiring collection of experiences designed for guests of all generations. From sun-drenched days exploring the island’s natural beauty to atmospheric evenings beneath the stars, the celebrations capture Finolhu’s distinctive approach to luxury: vibrant, expressive and effortlessly relaxed.
At the heart of the festivities is a celebration of connection. The season begins with the traditional Festive Tree Lighting, bringing guests together for an evening of music, entertainment and holiday cheer against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Christmas takes on a distinctly tropical character, with Santa Claus making a special island arrival, while elegant Christmas Eve celebrations and a spectacular New Year’s Eve gala bring a sense of occasion to the shores of Finolhu. As the year draws to a close, live performances by the international Goldsingers, captivating entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display set the stage for an unforgettable welcome to 2027.
Gastronomy remains central to the festive experience, reflecting Finolhu’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ leading culinary destinations and its recent recognition as Best Culinary Resort at the TTM Awards 2026. Throughout the season, guests can discover a diverse collection of dining experiences that celebrate international flavours, local ingredients and the pleasure of sharing memorable moments around the table. From refined festive gala dinners and exclusive Anguru dining experiences to relaxed beachfront gatherings, seafood specialities and vibrant culinary celebrations, each occasion is thoughtfully designed to complement the island’s extraordinary setting.

Creativity also finds its place within Magic by the Sea, with Finolhu’s Art Lab offering opportunities for guests to explore artistic expression inspired by the surrounding ocean. A highlight of the season is the collaboration with Casa Adams, founded by ceramic artist Araceli Adams, whose hands-on pottery experiences invite guests to discover traditional techniques and create personal keepsakes inspired by the colours, textures and beauty of the Maldives. Alongside these artistic encounters, an engaging programme of painting, craft workshops and creative experiences encourages guests of all ages to embrace their imagination.
For families, the festive season promises a world of discovery and adventure. Finolhu’s Oceaneers Club and Teens Hut will host an extensive programme of experiences tailored to younger guests, from festive baking and treasure hunts to creative workshops, sporting challenges and island explorations. Family-friendly competitions, interactive entertainment and shared adventures offer opportunities for parents and children to connect, while dedicated experiences for teenagers introduce a contemporary mix of music, photography, creativity and outdoor activities.
Beyond the festivities, the natural beauty of Baa Atoll provides the setting for moments of exploration and renewal. Guided snorkelling experiences with Finolhu’s Marine Biologist offer a closer connection to the remarkable marine environment, while ocean-inspired educational activities introduce younger guests to the importance of marine conservation. For those seeking a gentler rhythm, sunrise yoga, meditation, wellness experiences and peaceful moments by the sea provide a welcome balance to the season’s lively celebrations.

As daylight gives way to golden sunsets, Finolhu’s signature social spirit comes alive. Beachfront cocktail gatherings, sunset celebrations, live music, DJ performances and the resort’s celebrated White Parties create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and refreshingly playful. Whether enjoying a leisurely afternoon at Crab Shack, gathering with loved ones on the sandbank or dancing beneath the stars, guests are invited to experience the festive season at their own pace.
Framed by turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches and Finolhu’s iconic two-kilometre sandbank, Magic by the Sea offers more than a traditional festive escape. It is an invitation to rediscover the joy of being together, embrace new experiences and create lasting memories in one of the Indian Ocean’s most extraordinary island settings.
With its distinctive blend of creativity, gastronomy, wellness and spirited entertainment, Finolhu welcomes guests to celebrate the season in true Island Playground style, where every day brings a new discovery and every evening holds the promise of something magical.
For more information and reservations, visit www.finolhu.com.
News
Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa marks eight years in Maldives with special guest experiences
Eight years of island moments, memorable stays, and Maldivian hospitality come together this November as Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa celebrates its eighth anniversary with a month of special experiences, culminating in a gala evening on 7 November.
Set against the turquoise waters of Noonu Atoll, the celebrations reflect what makes time at Kuredhivaru distinctive: the freedom to slow down, reconnect, and discover the island in unexpected ways.

The anniversary gala will begin with cocktails on Bodumas Beach before guests gather for dinner at Onu Marche. Live music, DJ performances, a special address from the General Manager, and the traditional cutting of the anniversary cake will bring the evening together in a festive celebration of the resort’s journey.
Throughout November, guests can also discover Eight Experiences for Eight Years, a collection of curated dining, wellness, and ocean adventures. Highlights include private dining in the resort’s Secret Garden, a castaway picnic on a nearby private island, and Cinema Underthe Stars, where a movie unfolds beneath the Maldivian night sky.

For those seeking a slower pace, multi-day spa journeys offer moments of renewal and relaxation. Guests looking for adventure can take to the waves with special offers on jetskiing or even explore the breathtaking underwater world with their first Discover Scuba Diving experience.
The celebrations extend beyond dining and wellness, with recreational activities and friendly competitions bringing guests together through beach sports, stand-up paddleboarding, fitness challenges, and family games.
More than marking a milestone, the eighth anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the experiences and connections that have shaped Kuredhivaru over the years. From quiet moments by the lagoon to evenings shared beneath the stars, the resort’s November programme invites guests to make new memories while celebrating eight years of island living.

For any reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.
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