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Maldivian Air Taxi to start scheduled seaplane flights

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Maldives Promotion House – Maldivian Air Taxi (MAT) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Maldives to start scheduled seaplane flights to the local islands. At a special ceremony Minister of Transport & Communication, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed signed the MOU on behalf of the government and Lars Erik Nielson, Chairman of Maldivian Air Taxi signed the MOU.

Government have been discussing with MAT for a while and now they have agreed for to start the scheduled flights. Government agreed to waive navigation and concession charges. They also discussed on other concessions. “Very soon people living in remote corners of the country will start enjoying the flights. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Nielson for his personal efforts” Said Dr. Shamheed.

Lars Erik Nielsen said now they are making ground arrangements to start the flights and hope to begin flights within next month. “We have not decided on ticket fares as yet. Normally seaplane fares are expensive, but we expect to keep it at an affordable level for the people”. He further said they have enough seaplanes and crew for the new operation and will start as soon as the arrangements are done.

According to Dr. Shamheed, destinations for the flights are Fonadhoo Island in Shaviyani Atoll, Alifushi Island in Raa Atoll, Kaashidhoo Island in Male’ Atoll, Muli Island in Meemu Atoll and Kudahuvadhoo Island in Dhaalu Atoll. “These islands have no air connection. Seaplane flights to these islands will also connect to nearby islands. Our target is to start flight at the earliest possible” said Dr. Shamheed.

MAT is a privately owned seaplane operator and has been operating in Maldives since 1993. Until now they have only operated as a charter flight operator to the resort islands. This will be the first scheduled seaplane flights to start in Maldives. There are also seven airports in the country and they are serviced by Maldivian and FlyMe.

 

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St. Regis Maldives expands and upgrades Two-Bedroom Family Villa

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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.

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Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé

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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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Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026

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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.

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