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Exclusive inclusives at Centara

Maldives Promotion House – Although fully inclusive accommodation was not a new concept, Centara decided to sprinkle some five-star-dust over their Centara Grand Island Resort&Spa Maldives by creating the Ultimate All-Inclusive package that offered just about every luxury available, all included under the initial payment.
Using the theme that guests could “leave their shoes and their cash behind”, Centara offers a range of goodies that would make anyone’s eyes widen: champagne breakfasts served until mid-morning, eat at any one of the resort’s three restaurants (Thai, Italian and international) for lunch and dinner, an open-bar service from 10 am until midnight serving cocktails, beers, spirits and with no less than 22 wines to choose from, a mini bar in the room replenished daily, a sundowner cocktail party every evening, live entertainment, a credit of USD100 per person per day to spend in the spa village, water sports equipment, windsurfing lessons, off-island excursions… and more.
All taken care of up front, so that guests can relax without worrying about the cost.
“We really went all out to give people what we thought they want,” says Chris Bailey, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Centara Hotels&Resorts in Bangkok.
“A lot of thinking went into this, and we even created a social media campaign asking people to add their own ideas. We offered a great prize for the winner, with a free holiday on the island. A lot of good feedback came from that.”
Mr. Bailey says that the Ultimate All-Inclusive idea has taken off in a big way.
“Centara Grand Island was our first overseas resort, and the Maldives has become a very important destination for our strategic growth plan. We have now opened our second resort in the Maldives, and a third is under construction.”
Mr. Bailey says that the Ultimate All-Inclusive concept is suitable for Centara Grand Island, because it is a resort designed for couples and families and is self-contained in its South Ari Atoll setting. The second Maldives resort, Centara Ras Fushi Resort&Spa Maldives, has a different guest profile, and is only 15 minutes by speedboat from the capital, Male.
“Centara Ras Fushi is an adult-focused resort, and with the ease of travel to and from the island there is going to be a good deal more flexibility for our guests in what they choose to do,” he says.
“Consequently, we came up with the idea of a Half Board Plus concept, which again is a cashless one, and along with the accommodation includes breakfast and dinner, with an open bar during evening mealtimes.
“As the island will attract mostly couples, singles travelling together, and small groups, the concept allows people to enjoy a good evening out on their own or with friends, without worrying about the bill.
“Along with the Half Board Plus concept we offer an All-Inclusive package, which includes all meals and a full open bar served from 11 am to 11 pm daily. This is not the Ultimate All-Inclusive of Centara Grand Island, but we feel it is more in tune with the requirements of our Centara Ras Fushi guests.”
Centara sees the entire Indian Ocean region as being important to its growth plans, and has also newly opened a resort in Mauritius.
Centara Poste Lafayette Resort&Spa Mauritius has a beachfront location on the east side of the island, and is offering a Half Board Plus rate and an All-Inclusive rate, under the same program as Centara Ras Fushi.
“What we are finding with these concepts is that guests really like the idea of enjoying all the pleasures of the resort without having to worry about the credit card at the end of their trip,” says Mr. Bailey. “It really does have an air of exclusivity about it, and we shall certainly be using the concept at other of our properties in due course.”
Featured
Sun Siyam Iru Veli debuts Wellness in Motion Week with beach runs and expert-led yoga

Sun Siyam Iru Veli recently hosted its inaugural ‘Wellness in Motion Week,’ welcoming guests, local wellness leaders, and global experts for a curated celebration of movement, mindfulness, and holistic reconnection in the heart of the Maldives. The week-long programme attracted over 150 participants, offering a series of transformative events aimed at promoting deeper wellbeing in harmony with nature.
To commemorate Global Wellness Day, the island held the first-ever Maldives Wellness Run in partnership with iRunners Maldives on June 14th. Set against the stunning backdrop of the shoreline, the 4-kilometre beach run featured over 85 guests and team members, who completed an invigorating course around the island. Embracing the theme #ReconnectMagenta, participants were encouraged to connect with themselves, their community, and the surrounding environment through intentional movement and breath.
Central to the week were intimate Mind & Body sessions led by two international wellness experts. Marina Violinha, a holistic women’s health and fitness specialist, conducted a sunset yoga session and an interactive talk at Magoodhoo Beach, guiding attendees in exploring feminine strength and emotional balance. Meanwhile, Shane Seery, an award-winning executive health coach, offered functional movement coaching on the resort’s tennis courts, combining personalised support with outdoor flow.
On June 20th, 88 team members took part in a sunrise yoga session led by the resort’s spa team. This gathering aligned with the global theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ highlighting the resort’s commitment to wellbeing as a shared value among both staff and guests.
The week concluded on International Yoga Day (June 21st) with a serene sunrise yoga and wellness ceremony at Turtle Beach. Facing the Indian Ocean, participants welcomed the day in stillness and unity.
Through Wellness in Motion Week, Sun Siyam Iru Veli underscored its dedication to offering meaningful, restorative experiences where nature, culture, and conscious living converge. From sunrise yoga sessions and barefoot beach runs to expert-led coaching and immersive spa rituals, the resort continues to redefine island wellness and rejuvenation.
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Hideaway Beach Resort unveils new indoor pickleball court for wellness enthusiasts

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a multi-award-winning luxury destination located in the northern Maldives in Haa Alifu Atoll, has unveiled a new addition to its exceptional wellness and recreation amenities: an indoor pickleball court, housed within the newly established Hideaway Pickleball & Badminton Centre.
This latest enhancement further expands the resort’s impressive array of recreational activities, underlining its commitment to health, fitness, and the concept of active luxury living.
The indoor pickleball facility offers rental options for rackets, shoes, and balls, along with the flexibility to book the court either with or without a coach or hitting partner. The court has been professionally surfaced to ensure optimal playing conditions. As a chargeable experience, it guarantees premium quality, privacy, and personalised service.
This new addition complements a wide selection of fitness and recreational facilities already available at the resort, including badminton within a newly renovated, spacious fitness centre, a fully equipped games room with foosball, table tennis, and billiards, and a Fitness Bar serving protein shakes and other wellness beverages. These amenities ensure a wide range of engaging experiences, regardless of weather conditions.
The resort’s full spectrum of sporting and wellness offerings now includes:
- Indoor Golf Simulator
- Putting Green
- Fitness Centre
- Water Sports
- Games Room
- Wellness Studio
- Basketball
- Football
- Beach Volleyball
- Floating Aqua Park
- Padel
- Table Tennis
- Pickleball
- Badminton
These facilities place Hideaway among the top 5-star luxury resorts in the Maldives, distinguished by one of the most extensive sports offerings in the region.
In addition to its active pursuits, Hideaway also features the tranquil Hideaway Spa, nestled within the island’s lush tropical surroundings. Each spa treatment is designed as a holistic ritual, complemented by natural soundscapes—rustling palms, birdsong, and gentle breezes—to promote deep relaxation and rejuvenation for both body and mind.
Renowned for its 360-degree privacy, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is enveloped in verdant vegetation and offers expansive, well-separated villas. Each villa includes a personal butler to provide tailored service, reflecting the resort’s philosophy that true luxury lies in space and seclusion. Guests can also enjoy immediate access to the island’s double house reef, ideal for snorkelling and marine exploration just steps from the shore.
With its blend of untouched natural beauty, exclusive privacy, and heartfelt Maldivian hospitality, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa continues to redefine luxury in the Maldives—offering exceptional experiences across wellness, adventure, and relaxation for the discerning traveller.
Featured
Kuda Villingili’s iconic pool honoured in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been ranked among the Best Resort Pools in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. This prestigious accolade, determined by votes from discerning travellers across the region, comes at a time of dual celebration for the resort as it marks its fourth anniversary.
Located in the picturesque North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili has garnered a reputation for its seamless blend of design, immersive experiences, and strong sense of community. Central to the resort’s appeal is its iconic 150-metre swimming pool—the largest in the Maldives. This architectural masterpiece redefines leisure and stands as a social and visual centrepiece of the island.
Encircled by swaying palms, luxurious daybeds, and jacuzzis, the pool connects effortlessly to the resort’s trio of lively bars and eight globally inspired restaurants. It is more than a swimming area; it is a meticulously designed space offering distinct zones to cater to diverse guest preferences. These include a 50-metre Olympic-sized lap pool for fitness enthusiasts, dedicated areas for daily aqua fitness and yoga sessions, jacuzzis tucked beneath tropical greenery, and shallow zones tailored for children. The pool also transforms into a romantic setting for candlelit dinners beneath the stars, offering couples a unique dining experience under the Milky Way.
Deepa Manuel, General Manager of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, commented on the recognition, “This award is a testament to our commitment to creating unforgettable, design-led experiences with heartfelt Maldivian hospitality. The pool was designed to bring people together—from families and fitness lovers to couples and solo travellers. It’s where our guests laugh, connect, and relax. To be ranked among the top three Best Resort Pools by Travel + Leisure readers just as we celebrate our fourth anniversary is a beautiful affirmation of what we have created here.”
Further affirming its status, Kuda Villingili also recently received the Reader’s Favourite Overseas Hotel award at the Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards 2024, underscoring its growing popularity across key Asian markets.
Kuda Villingili continues to push the boundaries of luxury island living, rooted in wellness, connection, and authenticity. The resort boasts eight exceptional dining venues offering 11 global cuisines, including the signature beachfront Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Mar-Umi and Earth, which celebrates Maldivian and vegetarian dishes. Guests also enjoy access to a wellness-focused private island spa, an active surf culture with proximity to the famed Chickens Break, and 75 luxurious villas and residences—many featuring private infinity pools and offering spaces for both solitude and meaningful connection.
Whether guests are swimming laps at sunrise, soaking in a jacuzzi beneath the stars, or toasting during a floating dinner at dusk, the pool at Kuda Villingili offers more than just a recreational space—it embodies an experience. This recognition from the Travel + Leisure Awards reflects the heartfelt appreciation of guests who consistently celebrate not only the beauty of the resort but the soulful experiences it provides.
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