News
Niyama Private Islands Maldives unveils transformed resort

Niyama Private Islands Maldives has revealed its THIS IS NIYAMA transformation – extraordinary with fully refurbished villas and facilities, heightened levels of luxury, new experiences that immerse guests in all the beauty of the Maldives, and a newfound sense of freedom – an invitation for guests to live life on their own terms, unscripted and unbound.
Since its unveiling in 2012, Niyama has made its mark on the Maldives with its bold playfulness. Now, it ups the ante, as effortless luxury is draped with the avant garde, the surreal, the one of a kind. The new Niyama sees the stylish and thoughtful evolution of the resort’s villas, restaurants and leisure facilities across twin islands Play and Chill, infusing each with an energy uniquely Niyama.

Evolved accommodations: A new aesthetic
The resort’s accommodations are, with a lightened palette, all-new furnishings, high-design comfort and sleek technology. Expanded interiors offer more room to relax and reconnect.
The beach villas, spacious playgrounds where guests are free to simply be, now glow with the colours of sunset, while high-tech toys include espresso, popcorn and entertainment all at the touch of a button.



Overwater villas, meanwhile, swirl in blue and turquoise as sky and ocean melt into one. Days drift with the tide, bringing sightings of makanaa, reef sharks and the sea turtle that calls the lagoon below home.
Each villa blends seamlessly with its surrounds, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening directly onto beach or a private sundeck, and outdoor bathing quintessential Maldives, as guests flit from one setting to another, free to roam at will.



Evolved culinary journeys: From the treetops to the ocean depths
Dining in the treetops reaches new heights at Nest, the resort’s avant-garde restaurant with the sizzle of teppanyaki and spice of Southeast Asia. Redesigned and relandscaped to fully immerse guests in the wild, lush jungle comes alive at dusk with the faint glow of lights and the call of birds.

Six metres below the ocean’s surface, Subsix unveils the world’s first underwater Nikkei tasting experience, each of five courses as surreal as the setting, corals dappled by sunlight and reef sharks and sea turtles circling above.
There is also Dune, the ultimate beach chill, with chic lounging by the pool by day, a new menu with the fire of the Maldives a highlight, and cocktails and shisha until sunset.

Then there is sunset at the Surf Shack, a hideaway on the very western tip of Play now expanded, where the roar of the surf, the beats of the DJ, the warmth of rum, and fellow free spirits all come together to create pure magic.

An active lifestyle: On guests’ own terms
With world-class waves breaking right on shore (a left-hander), a pro in residence, and epic surf safaris unlike anywhere else, Niyama offers the Maldives’ most luxurious way to surf. The new marine centre, meanwhile, features hands-on conservation activities for guests, a way to leave their mark on one of the most beautiful places in the world, led by the resident marine biologist.
The kids’ club has also evolved, with a splash park in a clearing in the jungle, climbing wall, slides and trampolines. Daily schedules are packed with snorkelling and sailing with dolphins, with gourmet lunches and mini-spa treatments in between.
“At Niyama, we want our guests to feel free, to explore, play and connect with kindred spirits and nature on their own terms,” says Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of the resort. “To that end, every detail has been rethought through, and facilities and experiences evolved. THIS IS NIYAMA reimagines the Maldives experience, inviting guests to write their own stories.”
News
NH Collection Maldives Havodda named Best Dive Resort at TTM Awards 2025

NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort has been named Best Dive Resort in the Maldives at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2025. The annual program recognizes excellence across 26 categories, with leading properties from across the country competing for titles that highlight the best of Maldivian hospitality. This year, NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort was nominated for Best Beach Resort, Best Dive Resort, and Best Picturesque Resort, securing the top accolade in diving. The recognition follows last year’s win as Best Beach Resort, placing the resort among a select group of properties recognized for consecutive achievements.
The TTM Awards are voted on by both guests and travel partners, making them one of the most trusted industry benchmarks in the Maldives. This combination of professional endorsement and genuine guest and travel agant feedback ensures that the awards reflect experiences that are both memorable and meaningful. NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort’s victory confirms its reputation as a leading destination for divers and snorkellers, celebrated for having one of the finest house reefs in the country.
Guests have long described the house reef of NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort as the best in the Maldives. The reef sits just steps from the beach, providing easy shore entry for both snorkelling and diving. It is home to vibrant coral formations, healthy hard coral cover, and a wide range of marine life. Blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, and green turtles are frequently seen, while rays glide along the reef walls. Large schools of jackfish, fusiliers, and snappers gather in the currents, and macro enthusiasts find Maldives anemonefish, nudibranchs, and reef critters along the reef flats. The variety and accessibility make it a highlight for both beginners and experienced divers.
Beyond the reef, the resort offers quick access to the rich dive sites of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Within short boat rides, divers reach channels patrolled by grey reef sharks and eagle rays, thilas blanketed in soft and hard corals, and dramatic reef walls where batfish and turtles congregate. Seasonal rare encounters with manta rays add to the excitement, while the relative remoteness of Gaafu Dhaalu means dive sites remain less crowded than those in the central atolls.
The PADI-certified Dive Center at NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort ensures that every experience is professional, safe, and environmentally responsible. Multilingual instructors lead daily guided dives, refreshers, and introductory programs, while also offering specialty courses such as night diving and underwater photography. Group sizes remain small, ensuring personal attention, and every guest receives a briefing on reef-friendly practices before entering the water. This commitment to safety and sustainability has played a key role in building the trust and loyalty of guests.
“This recognition belongs to our guests and to our dive team,” said the management of NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort. “Winning Best Beach Resort in 2024 and now Best Dive Resort in 2025 reflects the complete experience our island offers. Above the water, guests enjoy wide beaches, lush greenery, and unmatched views. Beneath the surface, they find one of the richest marine environments in the Maldives. We are proud of this balance and remain committed to preserving our reef while creating extraordinary memories for every guest.”
Guests booking their next stay at NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort can look forward to multi-dive packages for certified divers, introductory and refresher programs for beginners, private guided dives with underwater photography services, and guided snorkel safaris and marine talks for families. With its consecutive award-winning status and unmatched natural setting, the resort continues to deliver experiences that reflect both the beauty of the Maldives and the spirit of the NH Collection brand.
News
Barceló Nasandhura Malé unveils exclusive residences

From sweeping sea views to exclusive lifestyle amenities, the newly launched serviced residences offer a refined living experience. Overlooking the pristine Maldivian waters, Barceló Nasandhura Malé introduces an unparalleled residential offering in the vibrant capital.
Perfectly situated opposite the Henveiru Ferry Terminal and just ten minutes from Velana International Airport, these residences blend modern comfort with effortless access to the city’s cultural and business hubs. The property comprises 116 elegant apartments across seven distinct categories, including spacious two- and three-bedroom residences, luxurious duplexes, and a stunning penthouse.

Categories include:
- City 2 Bedroom Apartment
- City 3 Bedroom Apartment
- Sea View 3 Bedroom Master Suite
- Luxury Sea View 3 Bedroom Master Suite
- Sea Front 3 Bedroom Master Suite
- Luxury Sea Front 3 Bedroom Master Suite
- Penthouse

Residents enjoy access to diverse culinary experiences across three exceptional dining outlets, a snack bar, a fully equipped gym, a serene spa, and an inviting pool, creating a complete luxury lifestyle within the property. In addition, residents will enjoy exclusive benefits similar to hotel guests, ensuring a seamless blend of home-style living with premium hospitality services. This new offering combines sweeping views, premium finishes, and lifestyle amenities, making it ideal for those seeking a refined urban living experience without sacrificing the tranquility of island life.
For more information on the residences, exclusive benefits, or to arrange a viewing, please contact nasandhuramale.info@barcelo.com or call +960 331 3000.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives wins Best Beach Villa Resort title at TTM Awards

In a moment of proud celebration and well-deserved recognition, Milaidhoo Maldives has been named “Best Beach Villa Resorts” at the prestigious Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards & Gala 2025, held this year at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi. This coveted accolade affirms Milaidhoo’s place among the finest luxury destinations in the Indian Ocean, honouring the island’s dedication to authenticity, privacy and curated island living. As a reminder, Milaidhoo is currently ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor, further reinforcing its standing as a premier escape in the region.
Tucked within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo is a boutique luxury island where barefoot elegance meets the genuine spirit of Maldivian heritage. Guided by a philosophy of ‘reinvented luxury’, the island offers a deeply personal escape, crafted around each guest’s individual story.
At the heart of this recognition lie the signature Beach Pool Villas, thoughtfully designed for comfort, seclusion and aesthetic harmony with nature. Each villa is a generous 290 square metres, opening directly onto a private stretch of powder-soft sand and turquoise lagoon. The architecture reflects modern tropical elegance while embracing traditional Maldivian craftsmanship. Every piece of furniture, from the curved wooden loungers to the spacious four-poster bed, is custom-designed and handcrafted for comfort and flow, including a traditional Maldivian swing on the verandah and an outdoor shower elegantly styled with a dhoni pole, paying homage to the island’s seafaring heritage.
These villas are not just accommodation; they are living, breathing extensions of the island. The open-plan layout invites gentle sea breezes inside, while the high thatched roofs and natural materials mirror the tones and textures of the landscape. Indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly, from a deep soaking tub with views of the horizon to the shaded veranda ideal for afternoon naps or stargazing.
Beyond physical design, Milaidhoo’s island philosophy defines the guest experience. With only 50 villas on the island, each stay feels deeply personal. Guests are cared for by a dedicated Island Host, not just a butler, but a curator of moments, from floating breakfasts to private cinema nights under the stars.
Peacefulness is not an amenity at Milaidhoo; it is the essence of the island. Free from motorised watersports, parties or distractions, the island honours the rhythm of nature, the lapping of waves, the rustle of palm trees and the glow of sunsets unspoiled by interruption. Luxury is silence, space and soulful connection.
Winning the Best Beach Villa Resort award is not just a milestone but a motivation to keep redefining what meaningful luxury means in today’s world: authentic, culturally rooted and timelessly tranquil.
“We are truly honoured to receive this recognition from the TTM Awards. It reflects the passion and thoughtful design that define every detail of Milaidhoo, particularly our beach villas, beautifully envisioned by local architect Mohamed Shafeeq to embody barefoot informality and a deep connection to nature and the Maldives. This award is a tribute to our entire Milaidhoo Family and visionary leaders, whose dedication brings the island’s timeless Maldivian spirit to life,” said Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives.
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