News
Ifuru Island Maldives creates ultimate private group sanctuary
Ifuru Island Maldives is inviting families, friends, and groups to rediscover the joy of travelling together through its newly introduced large-scale island retreats: the 20-Bedroom Family Retreats and the world’s first and only 32-Bedroom Island Reserve. Designed for reunions, celebrations, multi-generational escapes, or group adventures, these retreats offer a rare opportunity to enjoy a private island-style experience with abundant space, comfort, and personalised service.
20-Bedroom Family Retreats
Guests may choose from three distinct options—the Ocean Retreat Island Reserve, the Island Retreat Reserve, and the Seaside Retreat Island Reserve. Each comprises five thoughtfully designed duplexes, offering two rooms upstairs and two downstairs. These expansive retreats allow guests to enjoy privacy when required, while providing generous communal spaces for shared moments.
At the heart of every retreat is a large outdoor social lounge, created for relaxed gatherings, shared meals, games, cocktails, and quality time with those who matter most.
32-Bedroom Island Reserve
For larger groups or milestone occasions, the Reef Retreat Island Reserve features an exceptional 32-bedroom enclave capable of hosting up to 60 guests in one private setting. Elegantly furnished suites, spacious social areas, and an effortless sense of luxury come together to create a setting ideally suited for big families, celebrations, and group getaways.
Each retreat booking offers an extensive range of amenities, activities, and services tailored for group enjoyment, including:
- Welcome goodies in every suite
- Private domestic group transfers for 50–60 guests
- A dedicated Island Buddy to coordinate the stay
- Family sunset cocktails and a BBQ in the Sunken Lounge
- Cocktail and mocktail classes
- Waterfront lunch and sunset high tea
- Choice of a sunset cruise or a local island excursion
- Group scavenger hunt
- Group wellness session: yoga or sound healing
- Access to beach volleyball and tennis/multi-purpose court
- Tree-planting activity
- Private cinema movie night
- 20-minute group photo session
- Complimentary laundry (five pieces per room)
- Departure gift for every guest
These inclusions ensure that groups can share meaningful experiences while enjoying the convenience and warmth of Maldivian hospitality.
Ifuru Island Maldives features 147 sunset suites and villas, along with six dining venues—including two signature restaurants and four bars—offered within its 24-hour Premium All-Inclusive experience. Whether for a long-awaited reunion, a milestone celebration, or a private group holiday, the resort’s new retreats provide the space, privacy, and personalised service to create unforgettable shared memories.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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