News
The Residence by Cenizaro to open its second hotel in the Maldives in Summer 2016
The opening will bring The Residence by Cenizaro to five hotels and resorts. Its current portfolio comprises four luxurious hotels in Mauritius, Tunis, Zanzibar and the Maldives. Further expansion is planned over the next three years with; two hotels in Tunisia – Douz and The Medina of Tunis and one in Bintan, Indonesia.
Both Maldivian properties lie in the south of the archipelago, in Gaafu Alifu atoll. Although on different islands they will be exclusively linked by a bridge and together the two resorts will form one of the largest resort offerings in the Maldives.
Like all Residence hotels, The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah will draw on the philosophy for which The Residence is renowned – heartfelt hospitality, a sense of place, acute attention to detail and an individual personality. However, close to three times larger than the more intimate offering of The Residence at Falhumaafushi, Dhigurah is being created specifically with families in mind. A playground for younger guests, there will be plenty of space to explore and learn. There will be 173 expansive beach and water villas which will enjoy plenty of natural light and the use of warming rich and natural tones of stone and wood will create a luxurious but welcoming atmosphere.
There will be a Spa by Clarins with individual thatched roofed spa pavilions and the pièce de résistance Li Bai, a stunning Cantonese restaurant and sister to the renowned Li Bai at Sheraton Towers in Singapore.
The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah’s location will also attract snorkellers and divers. The atoll escaped the effects of the 1988 El Nino when the warming of the seas damaged much of the coral elsewhere in the archipelago so the hotel is surrounded by dramatic reefs, more than 250 species of coral and 1,200 species of marine life. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins, green turtles, manta and eagle rays as well as the more unusual ribbon eels, leaf, frog and ghost pipe fish have all been spotted in the area.
The service as always, will be exemplary and the generous proportions and space of the reception areas and rooms greet guests with an overwhelming sense of grandeur and a feeling of warmth.
Gary Xie, Director for Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts said: “With The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah we are creating a new offering for our guests. The hotel will – as always – be an authentic expression of The Residence philosophy; with its own story to tell and a combination of both Maldivian and global influences that will give it a unique sense of place. But, with The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah, we want to create a hotel that is both the perfect place to relax but is also the ideal spot for families to let loose and have fun. He adds, “It is a really exciting time for The Residence by Cenizaro as we look to expand the portfolio and we are truly excited with this new opening.”
Celebration
Mindful festive escape: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa focuses on connection and renewal
This festive season, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa will welcome guests to a celebration of warmth, wonder and mindful connection. From 19 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, the resort will transform into a serene island sanctuary where nature, gastronomy and meaningful experiences come together in harmony.
Situated in one of the most untouched atolls of the Maldives, Huvadhu Atoll, Hadahaa embodies a refined simplicity that showcases the beauty of the natural world. Throughout the festive period, guests are invited to slow down, reconnect and rediscover the joy of being fully present, surrounded by turquoise waters, lush island greenery and Maldivian hospitality.
“The festive season at Hadahaa is more than a celebration — it’s a homecoming,” said Anshul Sharma, General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. “It’s a time to reflect, to celebrate togetherness and to embrace the island’s timeless rhythm where nature and joy coexist effortlessly.”
Highlights of the Festive Season:
- Holiday splendour and timeless traditions – From the twinkling lights of the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to the New Year’s Eve Countdown by the Beach, each event is shaped by the understated elegance that defines Park Hyatt. Familiar festive traditions are reinterpreted with authentic island touches, creating celebrations that feel both comforting and renewed.
- Beneath the holiday surface – Adventure enthusiasts will be able to join Festive Snorkelling and Diving excursions, Turtle Quests and an Exclusive Christmas Night Dive. Each marine experience offers a deeper connection to the ocean’s vibrant ecosystem, enhanced by the festive spirit of exploration.
- Season of renewal – Guests can restore body and mind with holistic spa journeys at The Vidhun Spa, featuring Ayurveda-inspired treatments, island botanicals and festive rituals designed to support inner balance. The resort will also host Dr Jyoti Kodwani, founder of The Sacred Chakras, for a month-long Festive Wellness Residency offering transformative healing therapies.
- Festive flavours and family moments – From Barefoot BBQs by the Bay to elevated treehouse dining beneath the stars, dining experiences are designed to become lasting memories. Younger guests can take part in creative workshops, treasure hunts and Santa’s seaside arrival, ensuring special moments for families and guests of all ages.
This year, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa’s festive programme captures the essence of renewal and joy, celebrating life’s simplest pleasures with a blend of sophistication and soul.
Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives wins Best Luxury Beach Property at Seven Stars Awards 2025
Ifuru Island Maldives has been named Best Luxury Beach Property at the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2025, held in Portugal. The recognition highlights the resort’s commitment to redefining barefoot luxury, delivering exceptional guest experiences and showcasing authentic Maldivian hospitality.
The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, often described as the “Oscars of Luxury”, honour only the most outstanding properties and brands worldwide. Receiving this accolade positions Ifuru Island Maldives among the world’s leading destinations, recognised for its focus on service excellence, innovation and guest satisfaction.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this award,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “It reflects the passion and dedication of our incredible All Star team, who create memorable experiences for our guests every single day. This win not only celebrates our property but also the spirit of the Maldives — warm, genuine and unforgettable.”
Located in the pristine Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives offers a blend of barefoot elegance and meaningful connection. The resort’s premium all-inclusive concept, world-class dining and vibrant experiences are designed to immerse guests in the joy and beauty of island life.
This global recognition further strengthens Ifuru Island Maldives’ reputation as one of the country’s most inspiring luxury destinations, where each moment is crafted with care, creativity and authenticity.
Meditation
Journey to restorative wellness: Amilla Maldives hosts renowned visiting practitioners
Amilla Maldives welcomes guests to experience the expertise of three Visiting Practitioners, each offering personalised sessions to restore balance, nurture presence, and support holistic wellbeing amid the island’s tranquil surroundings.
Until 7 December 2025, Kattia Mendoza, creator of Unmasking Arts™ and KI·OM® Bodywork, offers somatic movement, breath coaching, Osteo-Thai bodywork, and conscious communication. Private sessions like KI·OM® Bodywork, Nervous System Release, and Osteo-Thai Massage help release tension and restore mobility, while group and complimentary classes, including Somatic Breath Meditation and the Unmasking Arts™ Circle, foster emotional clarity and mindful connection.
From 10 December 2025 to 20 January 2026, Jang Kanlayanee brings over 25 years of expertise in Thai, Ayurvedic, and Western wellness practices. Treatments such as Chi Nei Tsang, Body Alignment Massage, Face and Neck Therapy, Reiki, and sound healing restore energy and harmony. Guests can also join group or complimentary sessions including Tai Chi, Sound Bath, Chakra Energy Assessment, and private yoga for holistic wellbeing.
From 20 December 2025 to 20 January 2026, Dr Shreejit Ghadigaonkar, an Ayurveda doctor and yoga expert from India, offers personalised consultations and a range of traditional therapies to restore balance and vitality. Complementary wellness sessions provide guidance on managing stress, improving sleep, and aligning lifestyle habits with the body’s natural rhythms, leaving guests feeling refreshed and renewed.
During their residencies, Kattia, Jang, and Dr Shreejit invite guests to slow down, reconnect, and explore restorative experiences that leave body, mind, and spirit refreshed within the calm rhythm of island life.
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