News
Autograph Collection Hotels debuts in Maldives with The Halcyon Private Isles: Signature retreat of individuality, immersion
Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, has announced the opening of The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection. Inspired by the myth of Alcyone, the resort’s name evokes the “halcyon days” – a time of peace, golden light, and unhurried discovery. The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection invites guests to step into a modern-day retreat that honours the elegance of the past while embracing the individuality of the present.
Set amid the clear waters of Gaafu Alifu Atoll, about ninety minutes by seaplane from Malé, this resort marks the brand’s debut in the Maldives and introduces a refined expression of individuality – where discovery is reimagined through immersive experiences, intuitive service, and architectural craftsmanship. Located across two pristine private islands, fringed by vibrant coral garden and turquoise lagoons, The Halcyon Private Isles offers guests a rare opportunity to connect deeply with nature, heritage, and one another. Drawing inspiration from 19th-century explorer H.C.P. Bell, the resort honours the spirit of exploration and curiosity with timeless artistry and a distinct sense of place.
“The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives exemplifies the Autograph Collection ethos of individuality and immersive storytelling,” said Gautam Bhandari, Senior Vice President, Hotel Development & Operations for Singapore & Maldives, Marriott International. “From its exquisite design language to its intuitive service, every detail invites guests to slow down and engage meaningfully within the destination. It is a celebration of authenticity wrapped in refined elegance and thoughtful design.”

A Design Language of Stillness, Simplicity, and Soul
Intentionally crafted as a modern homage to the Maldivian seascape, the resort’s architecture flows with the rhythm of the ocean. A tranquil palette of grey-blues, natural timbers, and organic textures blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Open-plan spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and generous outdoor decks ensure uninterrupted ocean views with a connection between indoor and outdoor living. Handcrafted elements, inspired by island traditions and maritime heritage, evoke a sense of calm discovery throughout.

Spacious Villas: Secluded Sanctuaries for Modern Explorers
The Halcyon features 38 private villas, each an expansive sanctuary that combines thoughtful design with uncompromising comfort. Among the largest in the region, the villas range from 220 to over 1,250 square meters, offering abundant space for privacy, relaxation, and elevated island living. Guests may choose from a variety of accommodations, including:
- Island Villas – Nestled in tropical foliage, offering garden seclusion and direct beach access.
- Overwater Villas – Set above calm lagoons, with private decks and direct steps into the ocean.
- Two Bedroom Ocean Villas – Ideal for families or group travel, offering expansive living and dining spaces, multiple terraces, and uninterrupted ocean panoramas.
- The Halcyon Grand Estate – A three-bedroom modern manor, where gracious living commands the lagoon, including a rooftop terrace for effortless entertaining and direct lagoon access.
Each villa is a personal retreat, featuring private infinity pools and handcrafted interiors that reflect the island’s maritime heritage.




Butler Service: Personalised, Discreet, and Deeply Considered
From the moment of arrival, guests are paired with a dedicated Halcyon Butler – a discreet yet intuitive presence who orchestrates every element of the stay. Services include, but are not limited to:
- Curated guest itineraries tailored to individual interests, from sunrise rituals to stargazing sessions.
- Marine Butler-led excursions including private diving, snorkeling, and traditional line fishing.
- Bespoke in-villa dining with personalized menus crafted by the Executive Culinary Team.
- Customised wellbeing schedules including private yoga or meditation sessions, individually tailored spa treatments, and recovery therapies.
- Seamless coordination of milestone celebrations, private events, and surprise moments.
Whether arranging an uncharted island exploration, a rare bottle of wine, or a private poolside candlelit dinner, the butler ensures every request is graceful, intuitive, and a reflection of the resort’s dedication to craft.

Curated Culinary Experiences: Taste, Place, and Customisation
Dining at The Halcyon is a sensory journey and a curated expression of place, where flavour and storytelling converge. The resort brings quiet elegance and authenticity to island dining, with each course thoughtfully composed for the well-travelled palate. Guests can explore a variety of dining experiences that celebrate flavour and setting in equal measure. Thari, the all-day venue, serves international and island-inspired dishes, while Yuzu brings a refined blend of Peruvian and Japanese flavours to the lagoon’s edge. Evenings unfold beneath the stars at The Firepit, where chefs prepare flame-grilled specialties, or at Yapa Sunset Bar, known for creative cocktails, tapas, and freshly prepared sashimi with South American and Japanese influences. Bell Bar, named in honour of explorer H. C. P. Bell, captures the quiet glamour of a bygone age with signature cocktails and rare spirits that tell stories of journeys and discovery.
Beyond the main venues, guests can indulge in bespoke private dining experiences, curated to taste, tailored to dietary, cultural, or celebratory preference and chosen setting, creating lasting memories:
- In-Villa Dining – Multi-course menus designed by the Executive Culinary Team, served by candlelight on the terrace or floating in the villa’s private infinity pool.
- Beachfront Dinners – An on-the-beach setting beneath the stars, with tiki torch lights, fine wine pairings, and personalised décor.
- Overwater Dining Pavilions – Private decks with panoramic views, where every course is timed to the sunset and tide.
- Champagne Sandbank Experiences – Accessed by private boat, featuring chef-grilled cuisine, vintage Champagne, and unmatched privacy.

Immersive Discovery: Crafted for Curiosity
Echoing the spirit of the Golden Age of travel, The Halcyon’s curated experiences transport guests to a Maldives untouched by time. Led by marine experts and Halcyon Butlers, each journey is designed to leave a lasting imprint — whether exploring vibrant reefs with a Resident Marine Biologist, engaging in traditional line fishing aboard a Dhoni, or discovering the atoll through water sports and private charters. Young guests are invited into their own world of wonder through a supervised children’s programme that balances purpose and play. Activities include marine biology workshops, eco-focused beach games, and junior coral planting — all designed to spark curiosity and foster respect for the natural world.
Wellbeing in Rhythm with Nature
Beyond the overwater Halcyon Spa, the resort offers a holistic wellness programme rooted in natural balance and island wisdom, with offerings ranging from sunrise yoga and sound therapy to couples’ connection journeys that include energy balancing sessions and shared intention-setting rituals. Guests can also book full-day or multi-day wellness itineraries with personalised nutrition, movement, and sleep optimisation programme.

A Signature Maldivian Retreat by Autograph Collection
With its distinctive design, intuitive service, and extraordinary setting, The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection is a celebration of distinct perspective, immersive storytelling, and soulful design – Exactly Like Nothing Else. Here, every villa is a private retreat, every experience is tailored, and every moment invites deeper connection – with nature, with others, and with oneself.
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection participates in Marriott Bonvoy®, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International, allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the resort and across the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a personalised and seamless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.
For reservations and more information, please visit the hotel’s website.
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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