News
Sanctuary for her at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru
This May, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru honour the spirit of motherhood with a curated collection of peaceful, rejuvenating experiences. Designed to celebrate connection, well-being, and serene moments together, each offering invites families to pause, reflect, and share time in a true sanctuary for the senses.
From restorative spa rituals to fun-filled adventures and curated family experiences, the celebration is a graceful tribute to the women who give endlessly.
Honouring Her Gracefully: A Tribute to Mothers; 10–25 May 2025
Celebrate the women who give endlessly with bespoke experiences rooted in well-being, gratitude, and intentional joy.
Stay More, Pay Less: A Gift of Time Together
Create more moments that matter with the Stay More, Pay Less offer – perfect for families and multi-generational travellers seeking an extended holiday. This exclusive promotion rewards longer stays with greater value, encouraging families to slow down, unwind, and enjoy family bonding time together.
Exclusive offer for Banyan Tree Spa and 8lement Spa
At the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa and 8lements Spa, mothers are welcomed into a haven of serenity and rejuvenation. A signature treatment is paired with a complimentary private yoga duo session, offering a moment of rest and reconnection between family members. Mums can also enjoy 30% off hand-crafted ceramic products from Banyan Tree Gallery.
Banyan Tree Connections: A Curated Journey for Togetherness
Now available from May 2025, the Banyan Tree Connections programme offers a holistic, regenerative experience designed to celebrate the heart of family. As part of the Mother’s Day offering, this immersive well-being journey invites Mum and her loved ones to reconnect through guided rituals, mindful movement, and shared moments in nature. Thoughtfully crafted to inspire presence, nurture bonds, and honour what matters most, it is a sanctuary of connection in every sense.
Marine Adventures & Family-Bonding Moments
Celebrate the joy of discovery with 30% off watersports and marine activities for Mum – from guided snorkelling and topcat catamaran sailing to exciting discovery guided snorkelling trips for magical rendezvous with turtles and stingrays. These vibrant experiences are designed to spark connection, adventure, and shared wonder across one of the best house reefs and lagoons of the Maldives.
Curated Experiences That Inspire
Embark on a series of intentional and uplifting guest experiences curated to bring loved ones closer. Enjoy 20% off a collection of excursions including snorkelling safaris, Kahan’bhu day cruises, sunset sails, and full moon night snorkelling—each designed to awaken the senses, delight in the present, and foster a deeper connection with nature and each other.
Taste of Love: Mother’s Day Cooking Competition; 11 May 2025
On 11 May, Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invite families to gather for a heartfelt culinary celebration. Fathers and little ones will come together to craft a heartfelt dish in honour of Mum, who takes her place as the cherished guest judge. The afternoon unfolds in a spirit of joy, creativity, and shared connection—concluding with a delightful family award that celebrates togetherness, laughter, and inspired moments.
Vesak Celebration at Saffron; 10–12 May 2025
In honour of Vesak – the sacred day marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha—Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru presents a reflective culinary journey at its signature Thai restaurant, Saffron.
Guests are invited to savour a specially curated set menu dinner, offered with both vegan and non-vegan options, thoughtfully crafted with locally inspired flavours to reflect the spirit of the occasion—mindful, nourishing, and deeply rooted in tradition.
A Shared Responsibility: Celebrating Earth and Ocean
As stewards of nature and champions of regenerative travel, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru invite guests to celebrate not only love, but also intention—through experiences rooted in sustainability, purpose, and harmony with the environment.
Full Moon Lights Out; 12–15 May
In alignment with our sustainability mission, both islands switch off non-essential lighting from 6:30 p.m. to sunrise. Guests are invited to dine beneath the stars, practise meditation by moonlight, or set sail on a Kahan’bhu full moon cruise—an enchanting experience in harmony with nature’s rhythms.
World Biodiversity Day; 22 May
Discover the richness of the reef with complimentary guided snorkelling, led by our dedicated Marine Lab team. These immersive sessions aim to spark awareness, appreciation, and awe for the underwater world that surrounds our sanctuary.
World Turtle Day; 23 May
Participate in educational workshops on turtle and fish identification and join a Save the Reef trip—supporting the removal of coral-eating starfish and nurturing the health of this delicate marine ecosystem.
News
Atmosphere Kanifushi celebrates one year of Essens Spa
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives has marked a significant milestone as Essens Spa celebrates its first anniversary. Since its launch in June 2025, Essens Spa has redefined the luxury wellness landscape in the Maldives, welcoming guests of all ages on a transformative journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal set against the breathtaking natural beauty of Kanifushi Island.
Over the past year, Essens Spa has established itself as one of the most sought-after wellness destinations in the premium Maldives segment. Nestled amidst lush tropical foliage and a tranquil beachfront, the spa has delivered thousands of immersive wellness journeys, holistic rituals, and signature treatments to guests from around the world, earning recognition for its unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and care.
In its first year, Essens Spa has carved a distinctive identity within the Maldives wellness space. As the only spa in the premium segment to offer ELEMIS BIOTEC facials, Essens has set a new benchmark in advanced skincare, with therapies including ultrasonic peels, microcurrent sculpting, and LED light therapy attracting discerning global travellers.
The signature Essens Spa Journey—a 150-minute immersive ritual featuring a coconut scrub, full-body massage, traditional haircare ritual, and coconut milk bath using locally sourced Maldivian ingredients—has become one of the resort’s most celebrated experiences. Equally acclaimed is the Healing Touch Massage, which uses warm Maldivian sand compresses to deliver deep relaxation and restoration.
Beyond individual treatments, Essens Spa has evolved into a holistic wellness destination offering yoga sessions, Ayurvedic programmes, detox rituals, couples’ therapies, and a comprehensive salon experience. Each offering reflects the spa’s core philosophy: wellness is not a moment, but a journey.
A defining pillar of Essens Spa has been its commitment to inclusive wellness. From thoughtfully curated Kids Spa Experiences introducing younger guests to self-care, to Teen Wellness Rituals supporting balance and well-being, and intimate Couples’ Journeys designed for connection, Essens Spa has created a rare sanctuary where every member of the family feels welcome. This inclusive approach has resonated strongly, with families forming a meaningful segment of the spa’s growing loyal clientele.
The first anniversary also reflects a moment of heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the collective effort behind Essens Spa’s success. From the dedication of the spa team and the continued support of the resort’s operations, to the invaluable contributions of partners and collaborators, Essens Spa stands as a testament to shared commitment and passion. At its core lies a belief in creating meaningful, lasting experiences for guests, guided by inspiration, teamwork, and a deep-rooted vision that continues to evolve with every passing year.

Commenting on the occasion, Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives said “When we launched Essens Spa, our vision was to create a space where every guest regardless of age could genuinely reconnect with themselves and the natural world around them. One year on, that vision has become a reality, and it has surpassed even our own expectations. The warmth and dedication of our spa team, combined with the extraordinary natural setting of Kanifushi, has made Essens Spa a truly special place. We are deeply proud of what has been built here in just one year, and we are excited about the chapters still to come.”
Kamroon, from the ownership, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, added, “Essens Spa was born from a deeply personal belief that true luxury is not simply about beautiful spaces or exceptional service, but about how a place makes you feel when you leave it. From the very beginning, our intention was to create a wellness sanctuary that carried the soul of the Maldives within every treatment, every ritual, and every moment of stillness it offers its guests. One year on, seeing Essens Spa flourish touching the lives of so many guests from around the world fills me with immense pride and gratitude. This is only the beginning of a journey we have always believed in deeply.”
As Essens Spa enters its second year, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives remains committed to further elevating its wellness offering. Plans are underway to introduce new signature rituals, expanded Ayurvedic programmes, and curated wellness retreats designed to meet the evolving needs of its global guests.
This anniversary marks not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but also a renewed commitment to the journey ahead—one defined by healing, intention, and the timeless beauty of the Maldives.
Awards
Sirru Fen Fushi secures dual nomination in Condé Nast Traveler Awards
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has been nominated in both the Condé Nast Traveller (UK) and Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, reflecting recognition across two of the travel industry’s established global platforms.
The annual awards highlight hospitality brands based on guest feedback, with nominations reflecting performance across areas such as service, design, wellness and overall guest experience.
Located within one of the Maldives’ larger resort lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi is known for features including the Coralarium, an underwater art installation, as well as its approach to sustainability and wellness. The resort said the dual nomination reflects its continued focus on delivering guest experiences aligned with international expectations.
According to the property, its offering combines accommodation, dining and wellness programmes within a natural island setting, supported by service and curated activities.
In a statement, resort management said the nomination acknowledged both the contribution of its team and the support of its guests.
“We are honoured to be nominated in both editions of the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards,” the resort said. “This recognition is a testament to our dedicated team and the heartfelt support of our guests. We remain committed to creating experiences that resonate long after our guests return home.”
Voting for the Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards and Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Readers’ Choice Awards is open until 30 June 2026.
Action
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort adds padel court to wellness offering
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has introduced a new padel court as part of its ongoing development of wellness and recreational facilities, expanding its racquet sports offering alongside the existing tennis court at Vommuli House.
The addition reflects increasing global interest in padel and forms part of the resort’s approach to providing activity-based experiences for guests within its island setting. Located within landscaped surroundings, the court is available for both casual play and structured sessions, including coaching with a resident padel professional.
According to the resort, the facility is intended to cater to a range of skill levels and provides an option for guests seeking to incorporate physical activity into their stay.
The introduction of the padel court is part of a broader expansion of the resort’s wellness programme. Guests also have access to fitness and wellbeing activities including Tabata and boxing sessions, reformer Pilates, and guided yoga and meditation classes held at the Yoga Sala.
In addition, the resort has upgraded its fitness centre with equipment from Technogym, including the Artis Cardio, Skillrun and Strength series. The facility is designed to maximise natural light and views of the surrounding ocean environment.
The upgraded gym also includes the Technogym Checkup System, which provides assessments of body composition, posture and performance, allowing for the development of personalised fitness programmes for guests.
Through these additions, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to expand its wellness and recreation offering, with a focus on integrating fitness, sport and wellbeing into the guest experience.
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