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SIX & SIX introduces HIRIGAA private island at DHON MAAGA MALDIVES
																								
												
												
											Some words hold more than meaning. In Dhivehi, Hirigaa is such a word. A porous coral stone, once lifted from reef and shore, was shaped by hand and set with care. With it, Maldivians built faalan, raised Miskiy, and gave homes their foundation. Admired for its beauty, chosen for its strength — the name held within it a sense of permanence, of labour, of memory.
Now the word has returned. Not as artefact, but as a secret place. HIRIGAA is the private island within DHON MAAGA, part of the SIX & SIX portfolio opening in late 2026. It is not a third island, but the soul of the second — a sanctuary folded into DHON MAAGA’s larger story, where privacy is not absence, but stillness.
In Maldivian tradition, the Maavadin were master craftsmen, their knowledge spanning reef stone, wood, and ornament. They understood how to work with stone and wood — shaping each line with instinct, proportion, and purpose. Their role was not only to create, but to ensure that what was made endured: a philosophy of permanence, carried through every line and joint. Step inside the oldest Miskiy in the Maldives and their presence remains. Chisel strokes on stones. Timber beams worked with patience. Carvings filtering light and shadow across walls that still stand. What they built endures because it was shaped not for spectacle, but for continuity.
HIRIGAA carries that essence forward. Its architecture rests rather than rises. Lines are measured, spaces allowed to breathe. Not built to impress on arrival, but to hold, to last, to belong.

At DHON MAAGA, villas rise in two elemental forms — TERRA, drawn from land, and AETHR, suspended above water. Within HIRIGAA, these signatures are echoed in three colossal villas: one oriented toward the sunset on its own private beach; and two elevated above waters at equal height, each with panoramic views that embrace the horizon.
Beyond the villas, the island offers two distinct dining experiences, each reflecting a different expression of island life. The first is an overwater pavilion, where meals unfold above the water, light moving gently across the surface. Complete with a pool and slide, it balances playfulness and refinement. Dining flows seamlessly into leisure — a subtle reflection of shared feasts, where generosity is effortless and warmth lingers softly.
The second is a secluded dining space set within the island, shaded by palms and cooled by ocean breezes. Tables rest beneath the canopy, lanterns casting soft light across sand and timber. This is dining in its most intimate form — a private ritual, where conversation lingers and connection to place is felt in every detail.
A spa offers treatments in harmony with the island’s natural rhythm, complemented by a steam room and sauna. A private gym and a study provide space for retreat, while a large living area amplifies the sense of privacy and scale. Behind these visible spaces lies the unseen rhythm of a self-sufficient island: a full-service kitchen designed for ceremony as much as preparation, where the abundance of dishes reflects a spirit of giving; a dedicated service building with living quarters for four Edhurun; discreetly placed storage and laundry; and a private faalan hidden among the foliage for effortless arrivals. Nothing is excessive. Everything is considered.
Hospitality is lived through the Edhurun — intuitive Maldivian mentors whose presence is enduring yet quiet, guiding through memory and care not by instruction. They do not manage guests. They remember them. A light adjusted before dusk. A dish returned without request, recalled from a celebration long past. The Edhurun are part of the Rayyithun — the People of the Islands — whose philosophy shapes every SIX & SIX property. Presence is not performance. It is translation. It is memory, carried forward.
The Rayyithun continue to shape island life: Masverin bringing in the catch, women preparing over fire, Beruverin keeping rhythm, Raaverin drawing sweetness from the palms, children’s voices carried on the wind at dusk. They are the living soul of the islands.
Each island in the SIX & SIX collection reveals a different expression of this philosophy. RAH GILI MALDIVES, opening in Q1 of 2026, introduces guests to the Rayyithun in their most welcoming form. Here, the way of life is shared. Guests join the rhythm directly — dining at the Maakeyolhu restaurant, where a malaafaiy stretches wide with dishes to share, replenished as naturally as the ocean’s flow. The day’s catch rests alongside recipes passed through generations, each bowl an act of welcome. Drums rise at dusk, rituals unfold at the water’s edge, and the spirit of community is open and inclusive.
At DHON MAAGA, that same philosophy is amplified. Abundance takes monumental form, drawn from the cornucopia — a symbol of continuous giving that informs the island’s spatial rhythm. Line-caught tuna is elevated alongside refined pairings, dishes presented with elemental flair, and architecture itself becomes a vessel of offering. Not opulence for display, but a way of showing that giving has no end.
Within HIRIGAA, abundance becomes more intimate still. Meals unfold in silence: a table set on the deck at sunset, an overwater pavilion with water moving gently below, a dish remembered and returned without asking. Dining is not performed but anticipated — a ritual of presence shaped by memory. Privacy is freedom, and freedom allows abundance to arrive quietly, in its own rhythm.
Guests of the private island may fully experience the resort, with access to all eight dining venues, immersive wellness rituals, and curated encounters — their stay never limited, only enriched. Or they may choose to remain within their sanctuary, surrounded by complete privacy.

Laith Pharaon, Co-Founder and CEO of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, said: “HIRIGAA is more than a name. It is a word that carries the weight of Maldivian heritage — the craft of the Maavadin, the rhythm of community, the quiet strength of memory. In choosing it, we recognise our responsibility to preserve what is foundational while translating it into an experience that speaks to today’s traveller. Every island in our collection must embody not just beauty, but meaning. HIRIGAA reflects that belief — that true luxury endures when it is rooted in culture.”
Marc Gussing, Director of Operations, added: “When we place a name like HIRIGAA within our portfolio, we are not simply naming a destination — we are safeguarding a legacy. Each island must embody a character that is distinctive, respectful, and true to its cultural environment. By giving this name to the private island at DHON MAAGA, we ensure that Maldivian heritage is experienced, not only remembered.”
The Maldives has long been described in metaphor: an island shaped like a turtle, wise and unhurried. Another compared to a pearl, hidden and rare. Others imagined as havens, untouched and still. HIRIGAA does not compete with these. It does not need metaphor. It is foundation itself — a word that predates the industry, safeguarded and returned to living use.
Each island in the SIX & SIX collection stands on its own, yet all are guided by a shared rhythm — where time moves without rush, culture is held with care, and design is intentional.
RAH GILI MALDIVES: community and rhythm.
DHON MAAGA MALDIVES: scale and form.
HIRIGAA at DHON MAAGA: privacy, shaped to endure.
Not one alike, but all aligned — not through uniformity, but through meaning.
HIRIGAA is more than a private island. It is a legacy of the Rayyithun. It remembers the Maavadin who guided others in the shaping of stone and wood, who worked with mastery and care. It honours fishermen who read the current, women who welcomed with fire, children who carried rhythm into tomorrow. It affirms that permanence lies not in wealth or invention, but in the memory of care.
This is not branding. It is remembering.
HIRIGAA is part of DHON MAAGA MALDIVES.
It is privacy with presence. Stillness with scale. Memory with meaning.
Not a third island, but the grounding of the second.
Something older.
And something that will remain.
News
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives launches biggest 11.11 offer yet
														This 11.11, the award-winning Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces its most generous direct booking offer to date. Guests who book directly from 1 to 14 November 2025, for stays until 31 March 2026, will receive complimentary one-way transfers and enjoy all Book Direct benefits. From four-course beachfront dinners and rejuvenating spa sessions to island-hopping excursions, dolphin safaris, and resort credits, guests can experience up to USD 500 in added value across the collection’s four distinctive Maldivian resorts.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, the Gold Award winner for Leading Surf Resort, offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation for families seeking a fun-filled island escape which is a 20-minute speedboat ride away from Malé. With 152 rooms across seven diverse categories, the resort caters to every family’s preference. Younger guests can enjoy splashing about in the pool, while adults unwind with soothing spa treatments or cocktails by the Rayvilla bar to catch the best sunset.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
Located in the untouched Vaavu Atoll, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is the recipient of the Gold Award for Leading Beach Resort. Its distinctive manta ray-inspired design gracefully extends over the lagoon, creating one of the most visually striking settings in the Maldives. With 90 stylish rooms and a comprehensive all-inclusive offering, guests can savour world-class dining at Marlin, where each dish is thoughtfully paired with fine wines in an intimate setting of just ten tables.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
Recognised as the Leading Adults-Only Resort, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives redefines serenity and seclusion. From 1 November onwards, the resort welcomes guests to an exclusive haven designed for couples and honeymooners. Enhancing the guest experience even further, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives will soon unveil a series of new additions, including two exciting restaurants, a sports and recreation hub with padel ball, and a relaxing waiting lounge designed for guests to unwind in comfort between arrivals and departures.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
For those who dream beneath the surface, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon reveals an underwater world unlike any other. Celebrated by Lonely Planet for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, the island is a haven for divers and snorkellers of all levels, from curious beginners to seasoned adventurers. With dive sites encircling the island and effortless ocean access, guests can experience the thrill of exploring vibrant coral gardens, spotting graceful reef sharks, and even embarking on mesmerising night dives that bring the reef’s nocturnal life to light.
This 11.11, give yourself the gift of an island escape unlike any other and one where every sunrise feels new, every meal tastes of the sea breeze, and every resort at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts tells a story of its own. Whether you’re a solo traveller in search of tranquillity, a couple seeking a romantic retreat, or a family looking to create lasting memories, this offer invites you to discover four distinct Cinnamon island resorts, each with its own character and charm.
Book now via www.cinnamonhotels.com and let your next Maldivian adventure begin.
News
IHG launches Vignette Collection in Maldives with Noku Maldives
														IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, marking the debut of the Vignette Collection brand in the Maldives. The addition of Noku Maldives to IHG’s fast-growing Vignette Collection, a family of one-of-a-kind hotels in destinations to remember.
Set within the pristine waters of Noonu Atoll, Noku Maldives offers 50 private beach and overwater villas, many with pools, surrounded by powder-soft sands and turquoise lagoons. Each villa blends contemporary comfort with natural island materials, creating a serene retreat that captures the essence of barefoot luxury.
“We are thrilled to introduce Noku Maldives now as part of IHG’s Vignette Collection – a brand that celebrates individuality and authentic connection,” said Hussain Shahid, General Manager, Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection. “Over the past year, our team has been refining every touchpoint of the guest journey – from refreshed culinary concepts and immersive experiences to new signature rituals – to ensure our guests continue to experience the heartfelt Maldivian warmth that defines the resort experience.”
At the heart of the island’s hospitality are distinctive dining experiences that highlight regional flavours and fresh island ingredients. Palms Restaurant and Bar offers a relaxed beachfront setting where fire-grilled dishes and ocean views create an atmosphere of effortless indulgence, inspired by the day’s freshest catch. Thari blends the vibrant flavours of the Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, complemented by tropical cocktails in an inviting poolside setting. Guests may also enjoy private dining under the stars, castaway picnics on secluded sandbanks, romantic dinners on their villa decks, or floating breakfasts in the privacy of their pools — each moment designed to capture the intimacy and natural beauty of the island.
Noku Spa, set within a tranquil garden sanctuary, invites guests to embrace holistic wellness through treatments inspired by Maldivian healing traditions. Using natural ingredients such as coconut oil and local botanicals, each therapy is crafted to restore balance, relax the body, and uplift the spirit in harmony with the island’s serene surroundings.
Vignette Collection combines each property’s individual identity with the brand’s collective vision to offer a more authentic travel experience. Each property is unique, yet united through key hallmarks Memorable Rituals and ‘A Means For Good’.
Memorable Rituals – bespoke to each Vignette Collection property – connect guests with the hotel’s unique identity, locality, and cultural landscape. Guests of the resort are invited to Island Echoes, where they gather barefoot by a bonfire at dusk for a storytelling experience where legends of seafarers and island spirits come alive beneath the stars.
Means For Good initiatives weaved throughout all Vignette Collection properties represent each hotel’s commitment to responsibility, community engagement, and local culture. With a commitment to tailoring initiatives to suit the unique character of each hotel, they partner with non-profit organizations to contribute positively to the local ecosystem.
At Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection the resort’s commitment to community and environment is reflected through initiatives such as the weekly Fisherman’s Visit, where a local fisherman shares his daily catch to support nearby schools and women’s committees. The philosophy extends beneath the waves through coral regeneration and sea turtle rescue projects, in partnership with local NGOs, allowing guests to adopt coral fragments and contribute to reef preservation.
Since its launch in 2021, Vignette Collection has become one of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fastest-growing luxury and lifestyle brands, offering purpose-led stays in distinctive destinations around the world. With 19 hotels open and 34 more in the pipeline, the brand continues to expand its presence in key markets including Japan and China.
Now open for stays, room rates at Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection start from USD 613++ per night, inclusive of breakfast.
For more information and reservations, please visit the hotel website or email us at noku.reservations@ihg.com.
News
COMO Cocoa Island, Maalifushi invite guests to reconnect, rejoice, restore this festive season
														This festive season, COMO Hotels and Resorts invites guests to embrace the spirit of celebration in the Maldives, where the rhythm of the ocean sets the tone for a time of reflection, connection and joy. Both COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island have curated festive programmes that combine wellness, gastronomy, adventure and art — offering moments of stillness and celebration in equal measure.
From December 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026, guests can experience an unforgettable festive journey across two distinct islands — COMO Maalifushi, the only resort in the remote Thaa Atoll, and COMO Cocoa Island, an intimate private island in the South Malé Atoll. Together, they offer two unique ways to celebrate the season — one vibrant and family-oriented, the other serene and soulful — both grounded in COMO’s signature approach to holistic wellbeing and mindful living.
Festive Highlights at COMO Maalifushi
At COMO Maalifushi, guests are invited to celebrate amid a Winter Wonderland-inspired atmosphere. The festivities begin with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by champagne breakfasts on the beach, gala dinners with live music, and wellness sessions led by visiting practitioners.
Highlights include:
- Christmas Eve Gala Dinner and Santa’s Visit on Tai Beach, featuring a feast under the stars, live entertainment, and joyful family moments.
 - A series of immersive wellness sessions with visiting practitioners Anthony Mullaly and Anna Corisio, offering breath work, apnoea, and family-focused treatments at COMO Shambhala.
 - Festive feasts across the resort’s oceanfront venues — from the Italian Fiesta Buffet and East Asian Culinary Journey to the Sea, Fire, Land and Salt Feast and New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner themed “All That Glitters.”
 - Active celebrations including padel tournaments, sunset volleyball, and dolphin cruises through the Thaa Atoll.
 - The New Year’s Eve countdown on Madi Beach, culminating with fireworks, a live band and barefoot dancing by the water’s edge.
 
Throughout the season, guests can savour COMO’s distinctive approach to hospitality — intuitive, unhurried, and deeply personal. Every experience is designed to celebrate the beauty of connection — to the ocean, to others, and to oneself.
Festive Highlights at Como Cocoa Island
At COMO Cocoa Island, the season unfolds as a tranquil celebration of art, nature and mindfulness. Resort Manager Arta Rozefelde and her team invite guests to slow down and embrace island simplicity through creative and restorative experiences that honour the island’s serene setting.
Highlights include:
- A residency by internationally acclaimed artist Gregory Burns, with Paint with the Artist sessions and an open studio where guests can engage with art inspired by the island’s natural beauty.
 - Ocean adventures such as shark and turtle snorkelling, sunset cruises, house reef explorations, and UV night snorkelling under a canopy of stars.
 - Daily wellness rituals at COMO Shambhala Retreat, including yoga, meditation, and sound baths on the sandbank.
 - Intimate dining experiences such as the Christmas Eve Italian Feast, Maldivian Set Dinner, and the New Year’s Eve Party Under the Stars at Ufaa Restaurant.
 - Elegant moments of indulgence, from High Tea with a Twist and signature Negroni flights at Faru Bar to Brandy and Cigar nights overlooking the lagoon.
 
At Cocoa Island, guests are invited to celebrate in harmony with nature — through quiet joy, creative expression, and meaningful connection.
A Como Christmas: Mindful Celebration In The Maldives
Across both islands, COMO’s festive season is more than a holiday — it is a return to simplicity, presence, and shared joy. Guests are encouraged to reconnect with what truly matters: loved ones, nature, and wellbeing.
“The festive season at COMO Maldives is about balance — celebration and stillness, indulgence and renewal. Whether guests choose the family warmth of COMO Maalifushi or the serene intimacy of COMO Cocoa Island, they will find the same essence of our brand: thoughtful experiences, heartfelt hospitality, and timeless connection,” said Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives.
Each COMO resort moves to its own festive rhythm — where barefoot freedom meets ocean-inspired dining and moments of mindful wellbeing. Whether painting with the tides at Cocoa Island or celebrating beneath the fireworks at Maalifushi, every experience is a celebration of connection, crafted to leave memories as timeless as the islands themselves.
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