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Celebrity family break at Kanifushi Maldives

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The Marvin CoupleMaldives.net.mv – Marvin and Rochelle first came to Maldives in 2011 and got engaged. They returned to Maldives for honeymoon and this year they came again with their seven month old daughter for a family break. Here she shares about holiday experience in Maldives.

The Maldives have been the beautiful backdrop to the most special times of my life – so it should be no surprise to learn that they’ve become the No 1 holiday destination for me and my husband, Marvin. We first came here at the end of 2011 – and got engaged.

We loved it, and after we were married, there was only one choice for the honeymoon. We returned at the end of 2012 as Mr and Mrs Humes. Then, at the end of last year, we were back again, and this time as a trio, with our seven-month-old daughter Alaia-Mai. So what is it we like so much about the Maldives that has attracted us three times in three years?

A big thing for us, both being in the public eye, is that you can be sure of privacy. It’s also somewhere you feel very safe. Another draw is that everybody who works there treats you so warmly. Returning this time with Alaia-Mai, we really noticed how great people in the Maldives are with children. They all really wanted to make our visit a great experience.

Having been there twice before, we didn’t have any anxieties about taking Alaia-Mai, even though she was very young – and she enjoyed every minute of our time there because she got so much fuss! We flew out on the day after Boxing Day as I can’t bear that lull between Christmas and New Year. The break was tricky to organise because Marvin had just finished an especially busy time with the JLS farewell tour, and was lined up to take over as co-presenter of the new series of BBC1’s The Voice as soon as we got back.

Marvin and Rochelle

Thankfully, getting to the Maldives is surprisingly easy. We flew direct with British Airways to the islands’ capital, Male, and then boarded a seaplane to take us to the new Atmosphere resort at Kanifushi. I’m actually really scared of flying – I can get petrified, and was dreading the seaplane experience. But, funnily enough, I liked mal’ plane. One definite plus was that the landing on the sea was a much more gentle experience than touching down on a runway in a big jet. We didn’t really know what to expect from Atmosphere as it’s a brand new resort – but being in the Maldives, I knew that we were in for a treat.

And Kanifushi didn’t disappoint. What we most wanted to do once we’d arrived was to put up our feet up and switch off. The Maldives are definitely the place for this: there’s pure tranquillity everywhere. Every view looks like something from a picture postcard or an illustration from a travel magazine, and I’ve never seen water so blue. While we were looking to enjoy some relaxing time, it’s certainly not just a ‘fly-and-flop’ place.

You can have a very active holiday if you want to. A host of water sports are available – Marvin loves scuba-diving here – and you can take excursions to see dolphins out at sea or head out to look at some more of the islands that make up the Maldives. There was one activity we were most looking forward to: the resort’s New Year’s Eve party. We knew from previous experience that they know how to throw a good party in the Maldives. Sure enough, the celebration at Kanifushi was fantastic.

Marvin and Rochelle

We had a fine dinner on the beach followed by fireworks, then live music and a great DJ set. Did we get up and sing? No – but maybe if we’d had a few more mojitos…

For children older than Alaia-Mai, the resort has a great kids’ club where they put on all sorts of fantastic things, such as fashion shows and treasure hunts, tennis, volleyball and football. And, of course, there’s PlayStation on tap. Meals at the resort are incredible.

Everything is always very fresh and healthy. Marvin and I love fresh fish and great fruit and there was always a lot of both available here. And there’s an amazing variety of eating places to choose from. Just Veg is the first vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives and serves cuisine from the Mediterranean, Arabic and Indian regions. Teppanyaki Grill claims to offer ‘an authentic Teppanyaki experience’, so diners share a table surrounding a large hotplate. The Spice is the main restaurant offering a varied menu of different cuisines, and all fabulous.

Our favourite food is Japanese, so we ate a lot of sushi. The main restaurant had a big barbecue every night with fresh fish and meats, which was also great. In the Maldives, informality is the watchword, and that was just what we needed as in our working lives we have to be so busy. When I’m going to be on stage, for example,

I spend so much time having to get all dressed up. So the laid-back style of the Maldives came as a welcome break. We’ve been back in Britain for only a few months and already we’re dreaming of our next trip – counting the days until we can get back to the Maldives for another blissful family holiday. We can’t wait.

For more information about Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, please visit www.atmosphere-kanifushi.com 

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Transformative wellness retreat with Jono Castano at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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In the heart of the Maldives, where turquoise waters meet powder-white sands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is introducing an extraordinary wellness offering through a special collaboration with leading fitness expert Jono Castano and his premium fitness brand, ACERO. Renowned for his dynamic and holistic approach to training, Castano will bring his signature sessions—grounded in the ACERO philosophy of performance, lifestyle, and transformation—to one of the world’s most picturesque destinations.

During his visit, Castano will lead a series of exclusive sessions on 17 and 18 December, inviting guests to deepen their wellness journey. His Beach Boot Camp transforms the shoreline into a natural training ground, combining strength, endurance, and flexibility exercises with the elements of sand and sea breeze. Complementing this, the Aqua Fitness programme utilises the resistance of the crystal-clear waters to provide a low-impact, full-body workout suitable for all fitness levels.

This collaboration reflects not only Castano’s personal mission to inspire and empower, but also embodies the essence of the ACERO brand. The experience showcases ACERO’s core values of premium training, elevated lifestyle, and meaningful transformation—offering guests a unique opportunity to engage with the brand in an environment that naturally nurtures mind and body.

The partnership aligns seamlessly with the resort’s commitment to holistic wellbeing. In addition to its luxurious villas and exceptional service, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is dedicated to promoting physical and mental wellness through its state-of-the-art fitness centre and the acclaimed Iridium Spa. These facilities provide a sanctuary where guests can rejuvenate, restore balance, and elevate their sense of wellbeing.

Castano’s sessions are designed to motivate and invigorate, catering to both seasoned athletes and those simply seeking a revitalising wellness experience during their stay. “The Maldives is the perfect place to reconnect with one’s body and mind,” says Castano. “Bringing my fitness philosophy and the ACERO brand to such a stunning location allows guests to experience true transformation, immersed in the beauty of nature.”

A vision of barefoot luxury and refined elegance, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort blends striking tropical modernist architecture with Maldivian inspiration. Its 77 villas—each offering sweeping views of either the Indian Ocean or lush jungle—are enhanced by the resort’s signature St. Regis Butler Service. Guests can balance invigorating fitness routines with indulgent spa treatments or embark on private yachting adventures aboard the resort’s exclusive Azimut Flybridge.

For those seeking a harmonious blend of indulgence, wellbeing, and natural splendour, this collaboration with Jono Castano and ACERO presents a rare opportunity to elevate their stay. Both fitness enthusiasts and wellness-minded travellers alike can anticipate a transformative experience, guided by one of the industry’s most respected figures and his renowned brand.

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Solo travel with purpose at Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah

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Long before solo travel became fashionable, certain discerning travellers understood a profound truth: the most transformative journeys are those taken within. At Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, these seekers of introspection are not merely travelling alone—they are reserving an entire island to experience solitude, sanctuary, and the rare luxury of simply being.

Whether the purpose is healing, recalibration, or a retreat from the noise of everyday life, Voavah responds with five acres of secluded serenity in the Indian Ocean. Nestled within a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this private island offers more than just privacy—it offers presence. With no neighbours in sight and a dedicated team of 28 intuitive staff, each guest is welcomed with gentle, personalised care, entirely on their own terms.

The true magic of Voavah lies not only in its tranquillity but in the meaningful quality of connection it fosters.

  • For Those Seeking More Than Escape: Voavah presents solo travellers with a different kind of luxury—the luxury of space, stillness, and sovereignty. Here, the aim is not to retreat from the world, but to reconnect with oneself within it. Every detail is designed to be personal, purposeful, and curated with quiet thoughtfulness.
  • An Entire Island, Reserved: Seven bedrooms are spread across two private villas and a three-storey Beach House, offering expansive, unencumbered accommodation with no compromises and no intrusions.
  • Support, When Desired: A handpicked team—comprising butlers, chefs, marine biologists, and spa therapists—stands ready to offer whatever level of engagement is preferred, whether that be discreet companionship, insightful conversation, or complete privacy.
  • Wellbeing as a Way of Life: At the Ocean of Consciousness Spa, bespoke wellness experiences include sound healing, Ayurvedic therapies, and sunrise yoga sessions—each crafted to support inner renewal and reconnection.
  • A Yacht to Call One’s Own: Guests may enjoy private use of Voavah Summer, a 19-metre yacht available by day or night for manta snorkelling, contemplative journalling with the salt breeze, or silent moonlit sails across Maldivian waters.
  • Connection, On Their Own Terms: Whether through coral restoration dives with marine experts, intimate starlit dinners with the island’s chef, or simply unplugging from the digital world, Voavah offers connection in its purest and most personal forms.

At Voavah, solo travel is not about isolation—it is about reclaiming space in every sense: physical, emotional, and spiritual. It is a quiet return to the self, an invitation to move with intention and live with presence. For those ready to begin, the island quietly awaits.

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Ada Ooi brings integrative wellness to The Island Spa at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

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This summer, The Island Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is set to welcome globally acclaimed integrative medicine practitioner Ada Ooi for a limited-time residency. From 9 to 20 August 2025, guests will have the rare opportunity to restore their nervous system, address underlying health concerns, and achieve radiant skin from within.

Ada Ooi, founder of the award-winning Harley Street clinic 001 London, will be bringing a bespoke menu of diagnostic-led treatments to the Maldives. Her integrative approach fuses Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), neuropsychology, and holistic skincare, offering transformative results for those seeking genuine and lasting wellbeing. The residency also marks a significant step forward in The Island Spa’s evolution as a hub for deeply personalised and results-focused wellness experiences.

Renowned for her diagnostic precision, Ada works to uncover and address the root causes of various conditions, including male and female fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, skin concerns, digestive troubles, and emotional stress. Her method blends acupuncture, herbal pharmacology, tuina massage, and dietary therapy with contemporary neurobiological insights.

Set against the shimmering blues of the Indian Ocean, guests at Kuda Huraa will also have access to Ada’s signature MicroSculpt facial – a technique hailed by Harper’s Bazaar as part of the “Red Carpet League” of skincare. Trusted by celebrities and global wellness leaders alike, Ada’s revolutionary techniques offer a holistic approach to beauty and health.

“The modern traveller no longer seeks surface-level wellness,” says Didier Jardin, General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. “They want science, soul and substance. Ada delivers all three. Her residency underscores our commitment to establishing The Island Spa as a sanctuary for true transformation.”

Treatment highlights include:

  • TCM Discovery (15 minutes, complimentary) – An introductory session to Traditional Chinese Medicine, perfect for first-timers.
  • INTEGRATV Health Consultation (30 minutes, USD 250) – A comprehensive diagnostic session resulting in a personalised roadmap encompassing nutrition, movement, mental health and more.
  • Express Acu-Facial Sculpt (30 minutes, USD 260) – A rapid lift and glow using scalp acupuncture and MicroSculpt techniques; ideal before an evening event or flight.
  • Bespoke INTEGRATV Health Recalibration (60/90 minutes, USD 380/480) – A customised session combining acupuncture, meridian massage, gua sha, cupping and infrared therapy to address physical and emotional imbalances.
  • Bespoke INTEGRATV Facial Resculpt & Nervous System Reset (60 minutes, USD 380) – A full-spectrum facial incorporating contouring, cranial acupressure, vagus nerve stimulation and LED infusion to lift facial contours and calm the nervous system.

Each treatment is informed by in-depth diagnostics and guided by Ada’s core philosophy: that true transformation occurs when mind, body, and skin are treated as an integrated whole. Nestled within the tranquil surroundings of The Island Spa, guests are invited to embark on a healing journey with lasting, resonant benefits.

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