News
IHG signs Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection, opening in 2026
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection with partner Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Gateway Maldives Pvt Ltd, a leading tourism development company in the Maldives.
Set to open in late 2026, the resort will feature 52 land and overwater villas, offering guests soulful, immersive stays on Vaagali island – a boutique jewel in the Indian Ocean shaped by the legacy and devotion of a Maldivian family. This treasured sanctuary will now welcome a new generation of travellers seeking one-of-a-kind stays.
Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will expand IHG’s presence in the Maldives, joining Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, and further building the company’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in the region alongside its Six Senses and InterContinental brands.
Shi’ai Liang, Senior Director, Development, South East Asia & Korea, IHG, said: “In partnership with Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd, we are delighted to introduce a beautiful new all-villa resort in the South Malé Atoll – a destination renowned for some of the best diving sites in the world, just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will invite travellers to rediscover the authentic Maldives of the past by seamlessly integrating luxury, design and cultural authenticity, while accentuating guest connection and purpose. Vignette Collection is the perfect brand to bring to life everything that makes this island extraordinary, creating an outstanding addition to IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle footprint in the country.”
Statement from the Owners: “As a family, Vaagali has been part of our lives for decades a place of memory, discovery, and deep connection. For us, this island has always been a sanctuary, lovingly shaped by our parents and founders, Mr. Hussain Shareef and Mrs. Fathimath Naseema, whose vision, integrity, and devotion to Maldivian hospitality continue to guide and inspire us.”
Opening Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection to the world is profoundly meaningful. We are honoured to partner with IHG to share the island’s history and soul with guests who seek something personal, authentic, and rooted in place. Vaagali has always been defined by its raw beauty, quiet serenity, and the freedom it gave us as a family and we are committed to preserving these qualities in every detail of the guest experience. We look forward to welcoming travellers to Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection, where heartfelt hospitality, cultural heritage, and the natural essence of the Maldives come together in a way that is both refined and deeply authentic.”
Defined by its untouched natural beauty and intimate scale, the island features naturally formed underwater caves – a rare geological wonder that reveals its ancient origins and offers guests a remarkable marine exploration experience. Immersive nature encounters invite guests to reconnect with the environment, with themselves, and with the traditions that shape Maldivian island life.
The resort will spearhead initiatives including coral restoration, reef-health monitoring, responsible energy and waste management, reduced single-use plastics, and the protection and regeneration of native vegetation. Locally sourced materials and craft-led design elements further reinforce its commitment to responsible development.
Guests will choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom pool villas all with a yoga pavilion, complemented by a 3,000-square-metre spa which includes aqua wellness facilities and wellness programmes, a natural freshwater swimming pool, a sports complex with paddle courts, kids club and five unique dining experiences.
Maldives tourism remains strong, with 1.7 million international arrivals from January to October 2025 – a 10% year-on-year increase, and placing the country on track to reach its target of 2.3 million arrivals this year.
Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will be IHG’s sixth property in the Maldives, joining Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives, Six Senses Laamu, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection and Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. Since its launch in 2021, Vignette Collection has attracted owners seeking the strength of IHG’s global platform while preserving each hotel’s individuality. Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will join a growing portfolio of 68 open and pipeline properties, strengthened by recent openings in Dubai, Lima, Osaka, and Shanghai.
News
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives marks Thai New Year across island portfolio
This April, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives invites guests to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Songkran, rooted in its rich Thai heritage, in a setting where turquoise lagoons and white sand shores meet time-honoured traditions. As a brand deeply inspired by Thailand’s culture and hospitality, Centara brings the essence of the Thai New Year to its collection of distinctive island resorts, where each celebration reflects authenticity, warmth, and a true sense of togetherness.
Across the Maldives, Songkran is thoughtfully reimagined through immersive experiences that honour these traditions while embracing the natural beauty of the islands, creating moments of joy, connection, and celebration. From family-friendly festivities to intimate beachfront gatherings, each resort offers a unique interpretation of Songkran, where water becomes a symbol of renewal and togetherness, and every experience is curated for you and yours.
At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, celebrations unfold in a lively, family-centric atmosphere. Days are filled with playful water activities, beachside games, and vibrant poolside gatherings, while afternoons bring the energy of a colourful Songkran carnival by the sea. As the sun sets, guests are invited to savour the bold and authentic flavours of Thailand through immersive dining experiences, where the spirit of the festival comes alive in a setting designed for shared moments and lasting memories.
At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, the celebration embraces both tradition and togetherness. Guests can take part in a vibrant beachfront parade and traditional Thai games, capturing the joyful essence of Songkran against the backdrop of the island’s serene lagoon. As evening falls, the festivities continue with an enchanting Thai-inspired dining experience, complemented by cultural performances and lively entertainment. Younger guests are also invited to join in the celebration through playful and imaginative activities, ensuring a truly inclusive experience for all.
For those seeking an adults-only escape this Songkran, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers a unique take on the celebration. Inspired by the Thai concept of joy and togetherness, the resort brings guests together through light-hearted beachside experiences and playful moments by the sea. Evenings unfold into vibrant culinary journeys and lively entertainment, where music, flavour, and atmosphere combine to create a celebration that is both elegant and spirited.
This Songkran, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives presents a celebration that goes beyond tradition, where each moment is an invitation to reconnect, to celebrate, and to create memories that linger long after the festival ends.
News
St. Regis Maldives expands and upgrades Two-Bedroom Family Villa
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has introduced its newly reimagined Two-Bedroom Family Villa, thoughtfully redesigned to offer an elevated experience for families looking to balance privacy with shared time together in a pristine natural island setting.

Now expanded from 334 square metres to an impressive 380 metres meters, the villa features an additional 66 square metres of refined indoor living space. This enhancement creates a more generous environment for families to gather, relax, and spend time together in comfort.

The layout has also been thoughtfully arranged, with a master bedroom located on the ground floor offering direct ocean views, while the second bedroom is positioned on the upper level and features two beds—ideal for children or friends travelling together.

Seamlessly blending contemporary design with the surrounding environment, the villa is fully equipped with intuitive iPad controls, allowing guests to personalise lighting, climate, and entertainment at the touch of a button.

At the heart of the transformation is the villa’s outdoor experience. The private pool, previously 15 square metres, has been re-envisioned as a striking 30-square-metre infinity pool, seamlessly extending toward the horizon and framing expansive views of the Indian Ocean. The beachfront has also been enhanced, offering a wider, softer stretch of pristine sand that flows effortlessly from the villa’s deck to the turquoise lagoon beyond.

True to the St. Regis legacy, guests will also enjoy the signature St. Regis Butler Service, ensuring that every detail of their stay is thoughtfully anticipated and effortlessly delivered—from personalised dining arrangements to bespoke island experiences.
Spacious, elegant, and serene, the redesigned Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa with Pool, offers a comfortable and well-balanced setting for families and friends to relax and reconnect, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives.
For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
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