News
W Maldives welcomes Ku Nakanelua as the retreat’s W Insider
W Retreat & Spa Maldives has announced the appointment of Ms. Ku Nakanelua as the retreat’s W Insider – W Hotels’ adaption of a concierge, the W Insider gives the retreats guests access to all that Maldives has to offer in terms of W Happenings, entertainment, sightseeing and once in a lifetime activities whilst in the Maldives.
Ku, a native of Hawaii brings to the Maldives a wealth of experience, including 8 years of service with W San Francisco and W Hollywood in the United States. With a passion for fashion Ku created her own modeling agency. Ku left America for the fashion capital of Milan, where she was able to learn Italian whilst studying German and Japanese.
Haroon Mohamed Welcome Manager, says “Guests at W Maldives expect an experience that is a universe away from the norm, quite often their trip to the Maldives is to celebrate a special occasion such as their honeymoon or anniversary and they want ‘Insider Access’ to the Maldives and to the retreat – with Ku as our W Insider, we will be able to amplify our guests experience throughout their stay at W Maldives”.
Ku’s Insider Tips:
- Experience electric views as the sun dips over the crest of the Indian Ocean while sipping on a signature cocktail specially prepared by W Mixologist at SIP, the retreats sunset lounge bar.
- Escape to Gaathafushi – the retreats own private island. A short speedboat ride to the deserted island is yours to explore for a few hours, or a full day. A real ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience.
- Snorkel the island with a guide from WAVE – W’s watersports team. The coral reef around AWAY Spa is a favorite of many guests where the underwater scenery is just steps away from the shoreline.
- W Maldives infinite nights come to life when night snorkeling around the house reef. One of the very best in the Maldives. You will be surprised by the vibrant and pulsating fluorescent colors of our underwater guests.
- Turn up the heat as the sun goes down every Monday, energize with Brazilian beats, indulge with Cuban cigars and savor stylish mojitos while hanging out beach side.
Ku said “I am thrilled to join W Maldives and in true W Insider fashion, I’m promising to deliver an exclusive experience that will be both unexpected & extraordinary. Come and join me in the Maldives.”
W Maldives is a tropical playground in the Indian Ocean perfect for relaxing, playing, and recharging for your next adventure. Connect with inner peace and go along with the pace of island life. Succumb to an inviting concept of dazzling blue waters, spectacular reefs and pristine sands infused with style and soul.
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.
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.
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.
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