News
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Holds ‘Run to Give’ Charity Run

Maldives.net.mv – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific held its ‘Run to Give’ charity run in 105 locations across Asia Pacific. As part of this Asia Pacific-wide initiative, 2 Starwood Hotels in the Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa joined hands to support of Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo and and W Retreat & Spa – Maldives in support of Himandhoo School. Run to Give also marks the kick-off in Asia Pacific of Together As One (TAO), Starwood’s annual global volunteer campaign.
Now in its second year, Starwood has dedicated the entire month of October to TAO to encourage additional volunteer efforts and also celebrate its associates’ volunteer work that takes place year-round throughout the world, making a positive impact in their communities. Across Asia Pacific, Starwood associates have volunteered more than 6500 hours of community service in 2014 alone.
“Run to Give underscores Starwood’s commitment to drive meaningful impact to the local communities as we recognize that the vitality of our business is directly linked to the vitality of the places where we operate,” said Stephen Ho, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “Last year was the first time we organized the charity run to immense response; this year with the continued support from our associates, we are confident that Run to Give will accomplish more than we ever could alone.”
The run at Sheraton Maldives participated by guests and associates started from one of the island at Arrival Pavilion with the route taking participants by the Shine Spa, Sheraton Club Lounge, Fitness Center and ending in Beach Bar. Maldives current national record holder in multiple categories and Dhiraagu brand ambassador Mr. Hassan Saaid also joined the participants in support of the cause. The event concluded with the entertainment of traditional Bodu Beru performances on the beach.
The race held at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives was divided into 2 KM race and 0.5KM swim. The route saw guests and W talents swimming and running across the island. Each participant mixed and mingled at FIRE Beach after the race to sip on bespoke cocktails while listening to the vibrant tunes curated by the new Music Curator, Erica Rhone.
Started in 2014 as Hotel Charity Run, the inaugural event saw an overwhelming response of over 20,000 runners take part in 92 locations across Asia Pacific; raising a total of close to USD 228,000. Associates from Starwood hotels all over the region organized these unique runs to raise funds for a local charity in which their hotels operated in. This year, the run took on the official event name‘Run to Give’ – chosen amongst close to 500 internal submission entries by Starwood associates, best representing the spirit of the charity event.
Run to Give expects to gather more than 75 Starwood associates, running enthusiasts and philanthropists. Funds raised through the charity run in the Maldives will go towards Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo and Himandhoo School to support education’s program for underprivileged children and help people with special needs.
Featured
Ifuru Island Maldives hosts visiting practitioner Devendra Pokhriyal at Xanadu Spa

Xanadu Spa at Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the arrival of Devendra Pokhriyal, a highly regarded wellness practitioner from the Himalayan foothills of India, who will serve as a Visiting Practitioner from 23 October 2025 to 7 January 2026. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to experience his renowned healing therapies during this four-month residency.
Hailing from the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda, Devendra brings extensive expertise across a diverse range of holistic disciplines, including Ayurvedic consultations, detox programmes, myofascial release, dry needling, marma therapy, and energy healing. His therapies are recognised for their ability to relieve pain, enhance mobility, and restore harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
“We are excited to welcome Devendra as a Visiting Practitioner at Xanadu Spa,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “His authentic Himalayan knowledge and holistic approach will enrich our guests’ wellness journeys and add a distinctive dimension to their time on the island.”
During his residency, Devendra will offer a curated menu of treatments, including:
- Ayurvedic Consultations – personalised wellness guidance based on Ayurvedic principles.
- Marma Healing Therapy – revitalising energy flow and vitality through ancient Ayurvedic techniques.
- Remedial Massage – a bespoke full-body experience combining deep-tissue techniques, Thai stretching, and wooden tapping along meridian lines.
- Detox and Healing Therapies – including slimming detox massages, myofascial release, and nasya sinus cleansing.
Known for his compassionate and intuitive approach, Devendra has guided guests across the world toward relaxation, recovery, and transformation. His limited-time residency at Xanadu Spa presents a rare opportunity for guests of Ifuru Island to immerse themselves in authentic Himalayan-inspired wellness in the heart of the Maldives.
Featured
Sun Siyam Resorts celebrates 35th anniversary with global Instagram giveaway

Sun Siyam Resorts has announced the launch of its global Instagram giveaway, Win the Maldivian Spirit, marking a key milestone in the group’s 35th anniversary celebrations of Maldivian hospitality. Running from October to November 2025, the campaign invites travellers from around the world to experience the Maldives in style, with one winner and three companions receiving a seven-night stay at any resort within the Sun Siyam Lifestyle Collection.
The prize includes a 24-hour all-inclusive package, airport transfers, a luxury spa treatment, a private dining experience, and a choice between diving or watersports adventures.
The initiative coincides with the unveiling of Sun Siyam Resorts’ brand (r)evolution — a transformation that extends beyond a visual refresh. Centred on the new brand statement, The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, the rebrand unites all six resorts under The House of Siyam, now grouped into three distinctive collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle. Alongside this, the brand has introduced new Signature Experiences and launched Siyam Rewards to strengthen guest engagement.

Participation in the giveaway is straightforward:
- Follow @sunsiyamresorts on Instagram
- Like the giveaway post
Open globally, the campaign seeks to grow Sun Siyam’s online community while showcasing its refreshed identity. Through engaging reels, influencer collaborations, and interactive content, the campaign aims to share a glimpse of the authentic warmth and spirit that define Maldivian hospitality.
“We are thrilled to share the Maldivian Spirit with a global audience through this campaign,” said Shammun Mohamed, Director of Digital Communications at Sun Siyam. “This is not just a chance to win a holiday; it’s an invitation to experience the beauty, warmth, and unforgettable moments that define Sun Siyam.”
The giveaway will close on 25 November 2025, with the winner announced on 30 November 2025 via @sunsiyamresorts on Instagram, where all campaign details are available.
Featured
Sun, sea, and serenity: Villa Nautica’s Winter Escape awaits

Villa Nautica is inviting travellers to escape the winter chill and embrace the warmth of the Maldives with its Winter Escape Offer, providing up to 20% off stays. Conveniently located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé, the resort combines contemporary design with authentic Maldivian hospitality, creating an ideal island retreat for the season.
Nestled among pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, Villa Nautica features beach pool villas, overwater villas, and ocean suites, each designed for comfort and offering sweeping ocean views. Guests can explore the lagoon with the resort’s PADI Five-Star Dive Centre, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the Araamu Spa, or unwind by the island’s signature infinity pool—recently named the Best Pool in the Maldives at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025.
Culinary experiences at Villa Nautica span global flavours, from Japanese and Italian to fresh seafood and international cuisine. Evenings are marked by live music and cocktails beneath the stars. Families are catered for with engaging activities at the Wavy Navy Kids Club, while couples can enjoy tranquil moments along the shoreline.
Committed to sustainability, Villa Nautica proudly holds Green Key certification, underscoring its dedication to responsible tourism. The resort utilises solar power, has eliminated single-use plastics, and supports coral restoration projects to protect marine biodiversity.
Guests booking directly through villaresorts.com can enjoy exclusive benefits, flexible booking options, and the best available rates.
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