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RAAYA by Atmosphere: Celebrating a year of castaway adventures

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Against the backdrop of a broader surge in global travel, with the Maldives welcoming a 9% year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025, RAAYA by Atmosphere proudly marks its first anniversary this July. With international recognition and a growing reputation for creating memories that linger, RAAYA enters its second year with a sense of quiet pride and renewed purpose.

Away from the crowd, hidden in the tranquil Raa Atoll, the island resort has, in just one year, established itself as a haven of understated indulgence, nature-inspired design, and thoughtfully curated experiences for discerning travellers from around the world. Since opening its doors on 4 July 2024, the resort has welcomed over 13,000 guests from across the globe, each discovering a castaway narrative that delights all ages.

At the heart of RAAYA’s concept is the story of Seb – a shipwrecked artist who finds refuge on the island, embracing its natural beauty, drawing inspiration from its wild charm, and living off the land until his eventual rescue. This whimsical tale shapes the island experience, weaving through its design, activities, dining, and family-friendly adventures.

From its 167 beach and overwater villas thoughtfully placed amidst fragrant gardens and turquoise waters, to its six exceptional dining venues, the resort has quickly become a sought-after escape for couples, families, and friends alike. The RAAYA Residence, with its private infinity pool and panoramic ocean views, remains a pinnacle of privacy and sophistication.

RAAYA by Atmosphere’s debut year has also brought accolades. Most notably, being recognised in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025, placing it in the top 10% of global listings based on genuine traveller reviews. Adding to its honours, the resort was also awarded “Opening of the Year” at the Travel Time Awards in Moscow, just nine months after its launch, a testament to the team’s dedication and the resort’s unique positioning as an experiential destination rooted in storytelling and sustainability.

Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, said, “RAAYA was designed to be more than just a resort. It’s a place of stories, of moments that matter. We are deeply grateful to our guests, our team, and our global travel partners who have embraced this vision and made our first year so rewarding. This is just the beginning.”

Awards

Three Cinnamon Maldives resorts ranked among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide

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Multiple resorts within Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives have been recognised in the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards 2026, with Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon ranking among the top 10% of hotels worldwide based on traveller reviews.

Presented annually by Tripadvisor, the Travellers’ Choice Awards recognise hospitality businesses that consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences, based entirely on authentic reviews and ratings shared by travellers over a 12 month period. As one of the travel industry’s most respected accolades, the awards reflect the genuine experiences of millions of guests from around the world.

Together, the three resorts showcase the breadth of experiences available across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, from surfing and family holidays to contemporary island escapes and some of the Maldives’ most celebrated diving experiences.

Commenting on the achievement, Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager – Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, said: “Receiving recognition through the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the guests who have experienced our resorts. I would like to sincerely thank our guests for choosing Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives and for taking the time to share their experiences, as well as our colleagues whose commitment to excellence has made this achievement possible.”

Spanning four distinctive island experiences across the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts offers guests the opportunity to discover the destination in different ways, from world renowned surf breaks and family adventures to tranquil luxury escapes and exceptional diving experiences. This latest recognition further reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering authentic hospitality, personalised service and unforgettable moments in one of the world’s most sought after destinations.

Further strengthening its global presence, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) through Cinnamon DISCOVERY, giving guests access to an extensive network of hotels, exclusive member rewards and meaningful travel experiences while connecting international travellers to the brand’s distinctive collection of resorts across the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

With the upcoming winter season offering the perfect time to experience the Maldives, guests can also take advantage of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ latest Winter Offer, which includes complimentary return transfers for two on stays of seven nights or more when booking directly.

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JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa welcomes Anshuka Parwani for exclusive wellness retreat

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To honour National Wellness Month, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa has announced an exclusive partnership with India’s most celebrated holistic health pioneer and celebrity wellness mentor, Anshuka Parwani. Designed as an invitation for travellers to slow down, practice self-care, and immerse themselves in the healing power of nature, this bespoke collaboration introduces a transformative two-day wellness activation on August 14 & 15, 2026.

Anshuka Parwani’s journey from a commercial pilot to the founder of AnshukaYoga has made her one of the most trusted names in modern wellness. Certified in yoga therapy, restorative practices, and aerial yoga, she is renowned for her highly personalised, therapeutic approach to fitness and emotional alignment. As the go-to wellness mentor for Bollywood’s top elite, including Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, Anshuka has built a formidable media presence as a TEDx speaker, magazine cover star, and global brand ambassador. Through her digital platforms, she passionately reveals traditional yogic philosophies, making holistic health feel both deeply aspirational and effortlessly accessible.

Set against the pristine, natural backdrop of the Shaviyani Atoll, the exclusive weekend itinerary is anchored by signature Sunrise and Sunset Yoga sessions hosted directly by Anshuka on August 14 & 15. Morning sessions will invite guests to greet the day with mindful breathwork and gentle, revitalising flows as the sun rises over the turquoise Indian Ocean. As twilight approaches, the evening rituals will transition into a soulful space for meditation, stillness, and deep inner reflection.

“True luxury is an environment where you can feel wholly present, nourished, and deeply connected to your surroundings,” said Mohit Dembla, General Manager. “We are incredibly proud to welcome Anshuka Parwani to our island sanctuary. Her therapeutic approach to well-being perfectly mirrors our commitment to delivering the legendary ‘JW Treatment.’ By fusing mindful movement with intentional, farm-to-table dining, we look forward to offering our guests a truly enriching environment to revitalise the mind, body, and spirit.”

Reflecting on the upcoming event, Anshuka Parwani shared, “I am absolutely thrilled to collaborate with JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, a destination that beautifully embodies mindful luxury. I cannot wait to lead our beachfront sunrise and sunset flows, creating a shared space for mindfulness and renewal in one of the most serene sanctuaries in the world.”

Extending the philosophy of holistic well-being from the yoga mat to the palate, the collaboration also highlights an exceptional Chef Collaboration. Anshuka is working closely alongside the resort’s expert culinary team to co-curate a custom wellness menu. Guided by clean eating and the farm-to-table principles of the property’s JW Garden, these nourishing, nutrient-rich dishes are crafted to leave guests feeling entirely fulfilled and revitalised. For travellers visiting later in the season, this limited-edition culinary selection will remain integrated into the resort’s dining menus for an entire month, available until September 30, 2026.

Nestled on the tranquil, natural Vagaru Island in the Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a sanctuary of mindful luxury. The resort features 60 elegantly appointed beach and overwater villas, each with a private pool and panoramic ocean views. Exceptional dining, rejuvenating spa rituals, and enriching activities for all ages are elevated by the attentive service of a dedicated Thakuru (butler), ensuring every detail is thoughtfully tailored to each guest’s needs.

For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website.

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Awards

Carne Diem Grill by Dharshan becomes Maldives’ sole entry in 50 Best Discovery 2026

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Carne Diem Grill by Dharshan has been named to the 50 Best Discovery 2026 collection, becoming the only restaurant in the Maldives to be featured in this year’s global selection. The listing places the restaurant before the global audience of travellers, luxury travel advisors and food enthusiasts who actively follow the 50 Best ecosystem.

Announced as part of the largest-ever expansion of 50 Best Discovery, the 2026 edition welcomed more than 650 new venues from around the world. The platform now showcases over 3,500 restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards across more than 800 cities and towns, serving as one of the world’s most respected expert-curated hospitality guides.

Published by the organisation behind 50 Best Restaurants, 50 Best Discovery is not a platform that establishments can apply to join. Every venue is selected following votes cast by members of the independent 50 Best Academies, comprising more than 3,000 chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, critics and hospitality experts from across the globe.

For Carne Diem Grill by Dharshan, the recognition reflects the strength of a concept built on consistency, craftsmanship and a clear point of view. Since opening at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives in 2020, the restaurant has remained committed to refining its craft rather than chasing trends, steadily establishing itself as one of the destination’s standout dining experiences.

At the heart of the restaurant is Ignis Maximus, Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s custom-engineered charcoal grill capable of reaching temperatures of up to 750°C. Developed specifically for Carne Diem Grill, it embodies the restaurant’s philosophy of Meat. Heat. Salt.–the belief that exceptional steak requires nothing more than outstanding ingredients, precise cooking and perfect seasoning.

That commitment to authenticity has attracted an international clientele, with guests from around the world sharing their experiences long after leaving the Maldives. Carne Diem Grill has also taken its signature live-fire cooking beyond the islands through acclaimed pop-up events in Colombo and Bangkok, each featuring an Ignis Maximus grill custom-built in the host country to faithfully recreate the restaurant’s distinctive cooking experience.

“To receive recognition from our peers through 50 Best Discovery is a tremendous honour–not only for Carne Diem Grill, but also for the Maldives as a culinary destination,” said Chef Dharshan Munidasa. “Carne Diem has always been about doing one thing exceptionally well. We have never tried to be another steakhouse. We’ve remained committed to our philosophy of exceptional ingredients, precision cooking and genuine hospitality, and it is incredibly rewarding to see that recognised on a global platform.”

The recognition also marks another significant chapter in Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s culinary journey. Following the international success of Nihonbashi–the first restaurant from Sri Lanka to be featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants; and Ministry of Crab, which has maintained a presence on the Asia’s 50 Best rankings and extended list for more than a decade, Carne Diem Grill becomes the third restaurant created by Chef Dharshan to be recognised by the organisation behind the prestigious 50 Best rankings.

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