News
Eight irresistible reasons to trade Winter for Maldives

The Maldives, with its powder-soft sands and shimmering turquoise waters, becomes even more alluring during the festive season. Bathed in golden light, the islands feel like an endless summer’s day, where time moves at the unhurried pace of the tides. It is a moment made for resetting and recharging, for treasuring personal connections in a setting far removed from the everyday. Whether toasting to the New Year beneath a canopy of stars, indulging in oceanfront luxury, or surrendering to the serenity of island life, Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of private island resorts presents a meaningful gift for those who plan ahead.
From intimate villas on remote atolls to vibrant escapes just a short speedboat ride from Malé, travelers are invited to embrace the spirit of celebration with the limited-time Festive Early Bird offer. Available to book until October 15, 2025, the offer includes oceanfront villa stays in postcard-perfect settings, New Year’s Eve celebrations and seasonal festivities, daily breakfast, daily resort credits, complimentary non-motorized water sports, and thoughtful touches unique to each resort. Valid for stays from December 15, 2025, to January 10, 2026, it is an invitation to trade winter’s chill for barefoot luxury and sun-soaked serenity.
Island Journeys by Speedboat: North and South Malé Atoll
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes guests to a season where time slows and the stars shine more brightly with its Celestial Festive Escape package. Mornings begin with breakfast at La Locanda, setting the tone for days shaped by indulgence and discovery. With daily resort credits, time can be spent lingering over gourmet dining, raising a glass to the sunset, or retreating to The Ritz-Carlton Spa for a rejuvenating ritual. The discreet care of a dedicated ‘Aris Meeha’ island butler ensures every moment flows effortlessly, while the calm lagoon invites exploration with complimentary non-motorized water sports. Here, the festive season becomes an art form, every detail considered and every experience curated with care.
At JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the Festive Early Bird package marks its inaugural season of celebration, blending serene seclusion with a joyful island spirit. After a leisurely breakfast at Veyo, guests may choose to use their daily resort credit for a private beach dinner under the stars, a rejuvenating spa treatment, or a tranquil sunset cruise across the lagoon. Complimentary non-motorized water sports open the door to the atoll’s opalescent playground, while the warm care of a dedicated ‘Safeeru’ ensures each detail is flawlessly arranged. Festivities extend beyond the shore with a group excursion—snorkeling among vibrant marine life or spotting dolphins at play—and a professional photography session provides a keepsake to carry the magic of the Maldives home.
Framed by lush tropical gardens with powdery sands just steps away, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa welcomes the season with its Festive Early Bird package, where convivial dining and family-friendly fun take center stage. Days unfold with breakfast, lunch, and dinner across a variety of venues, complemented by specialty dining at Baan Thai or Sea Salt using dining credits. Fresh juices and aromatic coffees accompany every meal, and children under twelve dine with compliments when joining their parents. Complimentary shared speedboat transfers set the tone for a stress-free arrival, while each day presents opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, or friendly matches on the tennis court. A 15% savings on spa treatments adds a restorative note to the celebration.
Secluded Horizons: Dhaalu and Shaviyani Atolls
Understated luxury defines the Exquisite Festive Retreat at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, set on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll where unspoiled beaches meet the azure Indian Ocean. Breakfast at ALBA begins each day, followed by the freedom to shape the hours ahead entirely to personal desire. Daily resort credits create opportunities for elevated dining, curated wine pairings, or transformative treatments at the Iridium Spa, while complimentary non-motorized water sports reveal the prismatic life beneath the waves. The signature St. Regis Butlers orchestrate each moment with quiet precision, ensuring the holiday unfolds as seamlessly as it is memorably.
A multigenerational haven in the secluded beauty of Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa celebrates the season with its Festive Splendor package. Breakfast at Aailaa sets a relaxed pace, leading into days enriched by daily resort credits—perhaps for a romantic dinner on the beach or a spa ritual at Spa by JW. Complimentary non-motorized water sports encourage exploration, from paddleboarding across the lagoon to kayaking over crystal-clear waters. Family by JW Little Griffins Kids Club, one of the Maldives’ largest, keeps younger guests joyfully engaged with over a hundred activities, while couples savor quiet moments along the shore. A professional photography session preserves the spirit of the season, and the attentive service of a ‘Thakuru’ personal butler ensures every detail is perfectly considered.
Underwater Spectacle: North Ari, Baa, and Lhaviyani Atolls
With its Festive Favors package, W Maldives stages a bold, playful take on the holiday season, where one of the Maldives’ most celebrated house reefs lies just beyond the villa deck. Mornings start with breakfast at KITCHEN, flowing into leisurely lunches and dinners across vibrant venues, while the in-room W Mix Bar answers midday cravings. Daily resort credits bring the freedom to craft each day’s pleasures, from a blissful escape at AWAY® Spa to an ocean adventure or a castaway evening with sunset cocktails on Gaathafushi private island. Between festivities, the reef beckons with kaleidoscopic marine life, offering a natural playground for those whose festive spirit thrives with a splash of seawater.
In the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to Celebrate Festive with its Early Bird package, a wellness-focused retreat where rejuvenation meets discovery. A complimentary upgrade from breakfast to half board sets the stage for nourishing evenings, while children under 12 enjoy a complimentary stay and dining. Spa treatments are enhanced with a 20% savings, and days may be spent kayaking across the atoll’s azure waters, capturing memories in a professional photo session, or joining the resort’s program of recharging activities. The Westin Family Kids Club keeps younger travelers happily occupied, ensuring the whole family departing renewed, reconnected, and enriched by a holiday to remember.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa ushers guests to its Festive Season in Paradise amid the pristine beauty of the Lhaviyani Atoll, presenting a seasonal celebration at this chic, eco-conscious hideaway. Breakfast starts each day, followed by the flexibility to use daily resort credits on pleasures such as a signature spa treatment, a beachside lunch, or a sparkling rosé. The festive calendar offers a curated program for all ages, and from December 16 to 21, guests can join energizing padel clinics led by internationally acclaimed champion Juani Mieres. Between celebrations, the atoll’s crystal-clear waters await—perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling—before cooling down with a scoop of homemade Le Scoop sorbet, a sweet finish to days where family, fun, and festivity converge.
Visit their website to discover more about Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives or click here to start planning your festive escape now.
Awards
Hulhule Island Hotel wins South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel at SATA 2025

Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has announced that it has been awarded the Gold Award for “South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel” at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. This recognition underscores the hotel’s longstanding reputation as the premier gateway to the Maldives, providing seamless hospitality experiences for travelers.
Held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, the 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards welcomed industry leaders and esteemed delegates from across the region to celebrate outstanding achievements in hospitality and tourism.
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is the region’s most prestigious platform dedicated to recognising excellence in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Launched to elevate industry standards and celebrate the diverse offerings across South Asia, SATA honours outstanding achievements by businesses, individuals, and destinations that shape and inspire regional tourism. With participation from six nations – Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives – SATA has become a symbol of unity and collaboration in one of the world’s most culturally rich and geographically diverse regions.
Ali Shakir, Group General Manager, commented on the award by saying, “Winning the Gold Award as South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel reinforces our promise of being more than just a transit hotel. Hulhule Island Hotel stands as the gateway to the Maldives, where comfort, convenience, and heartfelt hospitality meet. This achievement is dedicated to our passionate team who consistently go beyond expectations to create memorable experiences for every guest.”
Hawwa Fareesha, Hotel Manager of Hulhule Island Hotel added, “We are honored to receive the Gold Award for Best Leading Airport Hotel. This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our exceptional team and the strong leadership of our Group General Manager. Thank you to all our staff – your passion and commitment continue to set us apart.”
Strategically located just minutes away from Velana International Airport, Hulhule Island Hotel stands as the Maldives’ premier airport hotel, offering comfort and convenience to both leisure and business travelers. The property features a wide range of modern facilities including well-appointed rooms, multiple dining venues, recreation options, and event spaces, all designed to provide a seamless transition for travelers entering or departing the Maldives. Known for blending efficiency with warm Maldivian hospitality, HIH has become the preferred choice for international passengers, airline crews, and corporate guests alike.
News
Madifushi Private Island named Best New Resort at SATA 2025

Madifushi Private Island has announced its recognition as the Silver Award winner in the “South Asia’s Best New Hotel/Resort” category at the prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. This marks the first time Madifushi Private Island has participated in the awards, making the achievement even more significant.
The 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards was held at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together distinguished leaders and representatives from across the region’s travel and hospitality industry.
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is the region’s premier platform dedicated to recognising excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Launched to elevate industry standards and celebrate the diversity of offerings across South Asia, SATA honours outstanding achievements by businesses, individuals, and destinations that shape and inspire regional tourism.
With participation from six nations – Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives – SATA has become a true symbol of unity and collaboration in one of the world’s most culturally rich and geographically diverse regions.
Commenting on the recognition, Ali Shakir, Group General Manager, said “We are honoured to see Madifushi Private Island recognised on such a prestigious regional stage. This award is a proud moment not just for our resort but also for the Maldives. It validates our commitment to delivering authentic, meaningful, and memorable experiences.”
Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island, added “Being recognised as South Asia’s Best New Resort is a testament to the efforts put in by our wonderful team over the past 12 months. Given the remote, picturesque, peaceful, and serene location of Madifushi Private Island, along with our dedicated and well-established team working towards the common goal of providing serene wonders to our valued guests, we aim for the pinnacle of private island awards in the years to come. The direction from our Group General Manager, Mr. Ali Shakir, is on track towards us becoming the best private island in the Maldives.”
Nestled in the pristine waters of Meemu Atoll, Madifushi Private Island is an exclusive luxury retreat that blends natural beauty with refined hospitality. The island offers secluded beachfront and overwater villas, world-class dining experiences, and tailored wellness programs. Its unique positioning as a sanctuary of serenity makes it ideal for couples, families, and discerning travelers seeking both privacy and adventure. With a strong focus on sustainability and Maldivian-inspired experiences, Madifushi Private Island continues to redefine serene luxury in the Maldives.
Action
Maldives welcomes first PADI TecRec Dive Center

The Maldives has reached a new milestone in its diving industry with the launch of the country’s first PADI TecRec diver training center. Established by Aquaventure Dive Center in Addu City, the facility marks the beginning of a new era for technical diving in the Maldives, creating opportunities for divers to explore greater depths beyond recreational limits.
As the first of its kind in the region, the PADI TecRec center is fully equipped to offer a wide range of technical diving courses, from entry-level Discover Tec programs to advanced Tec 50 certifications. The center’s team of PADI-certified technical instructors are prepared to guide both recreational divers who are curious about technical diving and experienced divers looking to challenge their skills.

With access to some of the most spectacular underwater environments in the world—including deep wrecks, current-swept channels, and uncharted reefs—the Maldives is now firmly positioned on the global map as a destination for serious technical divers.
“This is more than just a certification—it’s an opportunity to experience the Maldives like never before,” said Marc Kouwenberg of Aquaventure Dive Center.
In addition to courses, Aquaventure offers technical diving equipment and custom expedition packages designed for those ready to take the plunge into the Maldives’ most adventurous underwater landscapes.
Contact:
Marc Kouwenberg
WhatsApp / Viber: +960 797 4310
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