News
Seaside Collection opens .Here, an ultra-private two-island resort in Maldives
Designed to reimagine luxury travel within the Maldives, the new, ultra-bespoke private islands of .Here is now open and welcoming guests. The luxurious private island retreat will set new, unmatched standards in the world of travel and redefine hospitality for the contemporary luxury traveler with intuitive service, transformative experiences, and total seclusion. Set across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere, .Here will attract the world’s most incisive travellers, offering understated luxury, with a touch of fun – where each guest is at the very heart of everything.
Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, known for its exceptional snorkel and dive offerings and home to a plethora of diverse sea life, the two islands will comprise nine residences with a dedicated bar and restaurant providing inventive fusion flavours from around the world.
The amenities of neighbouring property, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort will also be available to guests staying at .Here – perfect for those seeking freedom of movement and a chance to balance tranquil seclusion with vibrant adventure.
“.Here embodies a refined vision of exclusivity in the Maldives,” says Gregor Gerlach, Co-owner of Seaside Collection. “By seamlessly integrating bespoke hospitality with thoughtful sustainable design, we have created a sanctuary that invites discerning travelers to engage deeply with the natural beauty and tranquility that define this extraordinary destination.”
Designed by Kulör Group, .Here’s innovative architecture gracefully follows the island’s natural contours, offering breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from every residence. From the outset, eco-conscious luxury has been a guiding principle, with passive cooling systems, minimal site disturbance, responsibly sourced materials, and reef-safe construction practices woven into the design. The seamless fusion of beachfront and overwater living creates expansive decks, panoramic ocean vistas, and an immersive connection with nature. Signature elements include natural materials, dynamic circulation flows, and sightlines carefully curated to trace the sun’s path, resulting in spaces that are as intuitive to inhabit as they are visually stunning.
“.Here started as a very personal idea—we wanted to create something that felt both imaginative and deeply intimate,” says Anouchka Gerlach, Co-owner of Seaside Collection. “From the way the islands are laid out to the shape and flow of the residences, everything was designed to stir emotion and spark a sense of discovery. It’s less about simply getting away, and more about finding a real connection – with the surroundings, with yourself, and with the moment.”
Steven Phillips, General Manager of .Here and sister luxury Resort, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, shares “.Here is not about scale or spectacle; it is about intimacy, intention, and genuine emotional connection. With just nine extraordinary residences spread across two pristine islands, we have created a sanctuary where every detail is personal, every experience thoughtfully curated, and every guest feels truly understood. Our team takes immense pride in delivering bespoke service that allows guests to simply arrive, breathe deeply, and feel completely at home in one of the world’s most remarkable natural settings.”

Somewhere
Stretching across the entire width of the island, the vast residences will straddle both land and sea and deliver the very best of Indian Ocean living with an overwater and beach residence concept all in one, designed to cater to those who do not want to choose. Hugging the two-storey residences and taking center stage are the expansive 45 to 47 metres suspended sky infinity pools complete with waterfalls. Five of the residences feature three splendid en-suite bedrooms, sleeping up to eight adults, indoor and outdoor living area, a bar, a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor Big Green Egg, and more than 1,200 square metres of living space. The remaining two residences are larger, offering an additional bedroom (four) for up to 11 adults. Alongside the 1,400 square metres of space, guests can enjoy a dedicated Roohu (butler), the island’s water sports centre offering motorised and non-motorised activities, a Dyson hairdryer and airwrap, and 24-hour in-residence dining.

Nowhere
Comprising two main residences, is intended to be booked as a whole private experience – fortifying a new era of exclusivity and privacy. The first is an exceptional over-water villa spanning more than 1,000 square metres, three bedrooms and a 15 metres private swimming pool. Undoubtedly, it will be the five-bedroom Presidential Residence boasting more than 2,400 square metres of space, a 28 metres swimming pool, and its own private beach that will be the most impressive and distinguishing property at .Here. With ample space for up to 24 adults, Nowhere is also home to Fehi Wellness, the resort’s fitness centre, and a water sports centre.
Wellness
Located on Nowhere, Fehi Wellness, which takes its name from the local Dhivehi word for “green”, features multiple treatment rooms and a yoga chamber and is accessible only to those staying on Nowhere. For those staying on Somewhere, all treatments can be carried out from the comfort of their residence.
At Fehi, utterly bespoke treatments and wellness programs are personalised for every guest. The concept of duality is also reflected within the spa offering, where ancient traditional therapies are combined with cutting-edge technologies and world-class experts. Example treatments include heated salt stone and cold jade nephrite stone massage, and aquatic plantar reflexology.

Roohu
The island’s unparalleled and intimate hospitality is brought to life with their dedicated Roohu – meaning soul in Dhivehi – butler service for every residence, there to curate personalised, one-of-a-kind, and rare experiences. At the heart of Roohu’s ethos lies the power of discretion and customisation, acknowledging the uniqueness of every guest’s wishes.
Epicurean Experiences
At the island’s restaurant and bar, Safar, meaning “journey” in Dhivehi, extensive dining options have been thoughtfully curated to ensure every palate is satisfied at any given moment of the day. Resident chefs are on hand 24 hours a day to curate bespoke menus which can be enjoyed in the privacy of their residence or at the overwater restaurant. From fine dining to casual fare such as picnics on the beach and barbecues on the residence deck, each culinary experience is a sensory exploration.
Design
The island’s design and interiors have been meticulously chosen by the award-winning British design studio, Muza Lab. Duo Inge Moore and Nathan Hutchins are responsible for creating some of the world’s most incredible spaces, and this project will be no exception. Taking inspiration from the textures, shapes, and colors of the natural world, interiors such as natural carved timbers, stone, and marble, all nod to Maldivian local treasures like the Dhoni boats and the Feyli sarongs.
.Here can be reached via a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight direct from Velana International Airport in Malé. To find out more, please visit: here-maldives.com.
News
‘Endless Summer’ brings wellness and family escapes to Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Known for its turquoise lagoons and impossibly soft white sands, the Maldives continues to rank high on the bucket lists of travellers in search of an ideal island escape. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites travellers to plan their next escape through its exclusive ‘Endless Summer’ offer, designed for those seeking perpetual sunshine, effortless island living, and holistic wellness.
For a limited time, guests can escape to this year-round summer paradise and recharge in the resort’s wellness sanctuary with a comprehensive package that transforms an ordinary vacation into an extraordinary wellness journey. This exclusive offer is valid for two guests and available to book from now until February 28, 2026, with a minimum four-night stay, for stays through December 20, 2026.
The Endless Summer offer features a Full Board meal plan that ensures guests are nourished throughout their stay, with daily breakfast at Island Kitchen and their choice of lunch and dinner at either Island Kitchen or Hawker. The culinary experience is further elevated with a one-time dinner at The Pearl, the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, where guests can savour expertly crafted dishes while taking in breathtaking ocean views.
Families are especially welcome with this offer, as children under 12 eat free, making it an ideal choice for memorable multi-generational getaways. Each stay also includes USD 150 in resort credit, allowing guests to personalise their experience with spa treatments, excursions, or special dining.
The wellness-focused package invites guests to embrace the resort’s complimentary recharging activities, including rejuvenating Yoga sessions, invigorating scenic running routes, and fun-filled water volleyball. Young travellers can enjoy enriching experiences at the Westin Family Kids Club, while fitness enthusiasts have 24/7 access to the state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, ensuring wellness routines remain uninterrupted.
For those drawn to the Maldives’ legendary marine life, the package includes complimentary snorkelling equipment and one-hour kayaking sessions, perfect for exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of Baa Atoll. Guests can also enjoy the multipurpose court, offering additional opportunities for active recreation during their stay.
Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort presents a holistic wellness retreat inspired by nature and designed for shared moments of restoration. Contemporary overwater and beach villas provide generous space for couples and families, while nearby Hanifaru Bay draws marine enthusiasts each year with its seasonal gatherings of manta rays. Those seeking cultural immersion can join the resort’s weekly Liye Laajehun workshops, discovering traditional Maldivian craftsmanship as part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy.
Whether planning a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a restorative solo retreat, the Endless Summer offer delivers an unforgettable island experience in one of the Maldives’ most pristine locations. Begin your journey at westin-maldives.com.
News
Kandooma champions collaboration as cornerstone of sustainability progress
At a time when the global tourism industry is being called upon to take greater responsibility for its environmental and social footprint, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is reinforcing a clear message: meaningful sustainability progress is not possible in isolation. Collaboration, transparency and partnerships are essential to achieving long-term impact.
In 2025, the resort placed sustainability and regeneration firmly at the centre of its operations, taking the decisive step to be independently audited as part of the process to achieve Green Globe certification. According to General Manager Mark Eletr, the process underscored the importance of working alongside like-minded partners to tackle some of the Maldives’ most complex sustainability challenges – particularly waste management.
“Waste is one of the most difficult aspects of sustainability for any island resort, but it is also a destination-wide challenge,” said Eletr. “As an archipelago, the Maldives faces unique constraints, and no single resort can solve these issues alone. Collective effort and shared responsibility are critical.”
Eletr emphasises that guest education is a critical first step in effective waste management and resource conservation, alongside working closely with procurement partners to reduce packaging and replace materials such as polystyrene and single-use plastics with more sustainable alternatives.
“It’s an uncomfortable reality we face, but education is fundamental to addressing these challenges,” he said.
“Many visitors don’t always realise that the Maldives is an island nation where each resort operates like a self-contained village, responsible for everything from wastewater treatment and drinking-water production to the management of all waste streams. There are no quick fixes – only sustained action, cooperation, and a collective willingness to rethink how we operate.”
He cites a simple but powerful example: “In many of our guests’ home countries, waste systems are highly advanced, with compulsory recycling, careful sorting, and specialised collection for hazardous items such as batteries. Here in the Maldives, we do not yet have safe, large-scale facilities to process certain materials. That is why we ask guests to take used batteries home with them, where they can be disposed of responsibly through established recycling systems.”
Rather than viewing these challenges as insurmountable, Kandooma has embraced collaboration as a catalyst for progress. While the resort acknowledges it is still early in its journey, Eletr believes sharing both successes and lessons learned is vital.
“For us at Kandooma, building partnerships has been transformative. Even small wins matter if they encourage others to take their first steps, adapt our ideas, or find solutions that work for them,” he said. “Opening ourselves up to scrutiny and criticism is part of that process. If we keep our efforts behind closed doors, we miss the opportunity to inspire change or discover better solutions together.”
During the Green Globe audit, Kandooma’s partnerships were closely examined, highlighting the role collaboration plays in strengthening sustainability outcomes.
In 2024, the resort partnered with Parley for the Oceans, supporting the Maldives tourism industry’s commitment to Parley’s AIR strategy – Avoid, Intercept, Redesign. Through this ongoing partnership, Kandooma actively intercepts plastic waste, participates in clean-ups on uninhabited islands, and continues to reduce single-use plastics across its operations, something that IHG Hotels & Resorts embraces globally as part of its Journey to Tomorrow.
In 2025, the resort established a partnership with Secure Bag, a company that purchases waste materials and transforms them into new, usable products. Guided by the belief that every resource deserves a second life, this collaboration supports a circular economy approach, reducing landfill impact while giving materials renewed purpose and value.
As a four-star resort, Kandooma recognises it does not have the same resources as ultra-luxury properties. Instead, it has embraced creativity and collaboration to support causes aligned with its values. One such partnership is with the Manta Trust, an organisation dedicated to the conservation of manta rays and their habitats.
Unable to fund a full-time, tertiary-qualified marine biologist on-site, the resort developed an alternative approach that engages guests directly. Kandooma introduced a collection of silver and gold manta ray pendants, with US$5 from every piece sold, donated to the Manta Trust.
“It’s a modest contribution, but it’s realistic, sustainable for our business, and it sparks conversations with our guests,” Eletr explained. “It brings people into the story of what we’re trying to protect and why it matters.”
Beyond this donation based effort, the resort also hosts the annual “Manta Month” each September to draw more attention to the graceful creatures which can be observed in their natural environment in the waters surrounding Kandooma.
As part of its commitment to openness, Kandooma has developed a publicly available Sustainability Guide, outlining key initiatives, partnerships and actions across environmental, social and governance areas. The guide known as the Green Book is accessible online and designed to inform guests, partners and industry peers alike.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is proud to be Green Globe certified, joining a global community of tourism businesses meeting one of the industry’s most respected sustainability standards. Green Globe certification requires verified compliance with more than 40 rigorous criteria covering environmental stewardship, social responsibility, cultural heritage and sustainable management, with a strong emphasis on transparency, continuous improvement and measurable outcomes.
Looking ahead, Kandooma remains committed to strengthening partnerships, engaging guests in responsible travel choices, and contributing positively to the protection of the Maldives’ unique natural and cultural heritage.
For more information, visit the resort’s website.
Cooking
Patina Maldives, Khyber unite for Holi festival dining experience
This Holi, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes iconic Indian restaurant Khyber for a three-night takeover that brings the spirit of the festival to life through shared tables, bold flavours and joyful connection.
Rooted in craft and culture, the collaboration brings together two brands that value authenticity, thoughtful hospitality and meaningful experiences. Khyber’s time-honoured recipes from India’s North-West Frontier meet Patina’s design-led, modern sensibility, creating a dining moment that feels both grounded and forward-looking.
More than a pop-up, the takeover is a celebration of heritage meeting place. Set against the Indian Ocean, guests are invited to gather, connect and mark Holi in a way that feels communal and elevated.
A name that for over five decades has embodied heritage and excellence, Khyber has become a cultural landmark, welcoming global travellers, dignitaries and tastemakers from around the world, including Shakira, Brad Pitt and, most recently, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“This association with Patina Maldives is a celebration of elevated hospitality,” said Sudheer Bahl and Ishaan Bahl, Founders of Khyber. “Both brands share a commitment to authenticity, excellence and crafting memorable experiences that go beyond expectations. With Khyber’s enduring legacy rooted in Indian heritage and culture, we are honoured to bring this rich narrative to one of the world’s most acclaimed resorts.”
Adding to the celebration, Tom Bray, Director of Lifestyle at Patina Maldives, shared, “This is about bringing people together through flavour, colour and easy island energy.”
Taking place from 3 to 5 March the experience features a festive menu designed to be shared and savoured, capturing the warmth and generosity of Holi.
To book email reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com, tel. +960 4000555, or visit the resort’s website.
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