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
Joy Island Maldives marks third anniversary with week of island celebrations
Joy Island has announced its third year anniversary celebration.
The week-long celebration will start from 28 September to 4 October 2026, bringing together a vibrant programme of wellness, entertainment and island experiences designed to create memorable moments for all guests.
The celebrations will begin on 28 September with Sunrise Energy Flow Yoga, setting the tone for a week of joyful experiences. The opening evening will feature spectacular fire shows and a tropical welcome, inviting guests to come together and celebrate the beginning of this special milestone.

The main anniversary celebrations on 1 October will feature a series of signature experiences, beginning with Golden Sunset Cocktails, where guests can unwind and enjoy refreshing drinks as the sun sets over the island. This will be followed by the Anniversary Gala Dinner, hosted by Chef Koyi Tanabe offering a unique culinary experience.
The highlight of the evening will be the much-anticipated Anniversary Party, featuring live music, entertainment and an energetic atmosphere as guests come together to celebrate three years of Joy Island.

Throughout the week, guests can enjoy a vibrant programme of activities, includingJoy Beach Olympics, Stand-Up Paddle Relay Fun, Sunset DJ Sessions, Family Fashion Show, Mixology Competition and White Party. Younger guests can take part in bracelet-making, kite flying, pizza tossing, beach games and a Farewell Tree Planting Ceremony. Together, these experiences will create a vibrant celebration filled with fun, creativity, connection and unforgettable island memories.

The celebrations will also welcome distinguished guest personalities, adding an extra touch of culinary and wellness excellence to this special milestone at Joy Island Maldives. Among the featured guests will be Chef Koyi Tanabe, Executive Chef of Salvaje Dubai and Arrogante Dubai joining as the visiting chef, and Imran Zulfikar, a Wellness and Lifestyle Coach specialising in deep-tension release therapy joining as the visiting practitioner.

“Joy Island’s third year anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the memories we have created together with our guests, partners and team members,” said Bandula Thilakarathne, Resort Manager at Joy Island. “This milestone reflects our continued commitment to delivering genuine hospitality, meaningful experiences and moments of joy that stay with our guests long after their holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone to a celebration filled with happiness, connection and the vibrant spirit of Joy Island.”

As Joy Island celebrates 3 years of creating memorable experiences in the Maldives, the resort looks forward to welcoming guests to an anniversary week filled with laughter, discovery, relaxation and celebration. At Joy Island, the spirit remains simple: “Keep Calm and JOY Your Life.”
Awards
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI celebrates retention of MICHELIN Key
In the rarefied realm of the MICHELIN Key, with nearly 500 bestowed worldwide across a multitude of extraordinary properties, true distinction is found not in abundance, but in scarcity. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is counted among just 15 resorts in the Maldives to receive this coveted honour, a distinction that speaks volumes about its unwavering commitment to excellence.
While international hospitality superpowers have long staked their claim on the Maldives, there remains room for something more intimate, a vision both all-encompassing and uncompromising. THE OZEN COLLECTION, an exclusive luxury brand within the island nation, has nurtured a flagship that stands shoulder to shoulder with the most recognisable names in the region. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI commands its own private island and lagoon in the South Malé Atoll, where a curated collection of suites, villas, pavilions, and RESERVES redefines the art of refined Maldivian living.

The MICHELIN Key serves as a powerful endorsement of the brand’s philosophy of refined elegance, one where every aspect of the guest journey is meticulously curated, from the moment of arrival to the final farewell. At its heart lies the signature RESERVE™ Plan, a comprehensive paradigm of all-encompassing indulgence that ensures a seamless continuum of bespoke experiences: unlimited gourmet dining across multiple specialty restaurants, a curated selection of premium international beverages, and the dedicated service of a private Hiyani butler who anticipates every desire with discreet precision.

Beyond the table and the villa, the resort offers dedicated sanctuaries for wellbeing and connoisseurship. The award-winning ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa invites guests into transformative wellness journeys. Meanwhile, the exclusive CUVEÉ wine library, housing over 300 prestigious labels, offers a sophisticated enclave for curated tastings, where rare vintages and expert guidance converge.
Speaking on the recognition, Abnash Kumar, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, remarked: “To retain the MICHELIN Key is a profound honour. It is not simply an award, it reflects the passion and dedication that our team brings to every guest, daily. It speaks to our commitment to creating experiences that go beyond expectation, where every detail matters, every moment is meaningful, and every guest feels genuinely seen. This recognition belongs to them, and to the guests who inspire us to keep raising the bar.”

Each element of the island converges to create something rare: a holiday that feels both boundless and intimately yours. As OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI looks ahead, it does so with quiet confidence, continuing to redefine what it means to experience the Maldives at its most extraordinary.
Action
Hideaway Beach Resort combines running and wellness for World Wellness Weekend
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa successfully concluded the second edition of the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026 on Friday September the 18th as part of World Wellness Weekend, bringing together running, wellness and the spectacular natural surroundings of the beautiful all-natural Island of Dhonakulhi.
The event welcomed 68 runners, with esteemed athletes Sunny Schippers leading the 10K race and Clara Abbona leading the 5K race, inspiring participants through three scenic island runs (including a relaxing shake out run) surrounded by the turquoise waters and lush tropical landscape of Hideaway.

Held in line with World Wellness Weekend, the programme extended beyond running to embrace a more holistic approach to wellbeing. Participants enjoyed a series of wellness experiences, including sound healing with Naga Healing, Yoga with in-house instructor Shubham, alongside fitness sessions led by Shaffa – Fitness Expert from TfG, and Ask a PT and Physio sessions with Yoosuf as the Personal Trainer Consultant.
The second edition celebrated movement in all its forms, combining physical activity with recovery, mindfulness, and connection with nature. From the energy of the starting line to restorative wellness experiences, the event brought guests and participants together through a shared appreciation for healthier living.

Following another successful edition, the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run continues to build its identity as a unique resort island running and wellness experience, bringing together sport, community and the beauty of the Maldives at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
The initiative is endorsed by Visit Maldives and delivered in partnership with TFG as race partner, with race consultation, registration, timing, and bib services powered by TFG Races. Maldivian joins as transport partner, Coral Glass as content partner, and Sporting Vacanze as agent partner. This partnership reflects continued collaboration between tourism, aviation, media, sports, and lifestyle stakeholders in supporting wellness tourism in the Maldives.
Participants received a race timing bib powered by TfG Races, a partner goodie bag compiled of little treats by the partners, and the official Flora & Fauna Greenery Run T-shirt. Trophies were awarded to the top three male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K categories. And the esteemed 1st place winners all received a scaled Maldivian Flight model kit by Maldivian Airways.

“Following the success of the historic inaugural edition in 2025, we are delighted to run the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run in 2026,” said Mohamed Muzaffar Ahmed, Business Development Manager of Lily Hotels. “With the continued endorsement of Visit Maldives and the support of our partners, this event reflects the growing opportunity to position the Maldives as a destination for luxury wellness, sports, and active travel. Our ambition is to develop the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run into one of the country’s and inevitably the world’s leading luxury destination running events, offering participants an experience that is truly unique to the Maldives. I am proud of the fact that we are the first luxury running event focused on the sporting tourism niche which has trophies, timing, and medals making Lily Hotels yet another pioneer in experiences in the tourism sector.”

Maldives Hideaway Resort Run – The 2nd Edition might be over, but its revelry carries on with celebrating the runners on social media. In addition to that the resort is looking to clear the remaining stock of the runner’s kit which consists of a goodie bag, t-shirt, and medal via any resort guest running at least a 5k in the official mhrr2026 route at the resort during this year. More details will be available on their social media.

As an intended annual event after celebrating sunrise in the original run in 2025 and flora and fauna in this year, the resort aims to launch its theme for Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2027 – Visit Maldives Year Edition in February next year so stay tuned for any teasers about what they have got in store for the next edition of this spectacular destination running event with amazing views to be experienced by being there and experiencing running in a destination like no other.
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