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LUX* South Ari spices up Maldivian holiday experience

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LUX* South Ari

Maldives.net.mv – LUX* Resorts & Hotels unveils exciting developments for LUX* South Ari Atoll, and the thrilling experience that awaits guests, upon its re-opening on the 01st September 2016. Surfacing from a complete refurbishment, LUX* South Ari Atoll, the largest of the rapidly expanding LUX* Resorts & Hotels’ portfolio, is being entirely reimagined in stunning beach house chic.

Nestled on one of the Maldives’ most generously proportioned and picture-perfect islands, LUX* South Ari Atoll will not force adventurous epicureans to choose between a peaceful hideaway and an active adventure. Here, waiting to be found will be a luxury resort that will fulfill the ultimate fantasy: a laid-back, cozy and refined atmosphere, uncompromising in privacy, ready to delight sun-starved, relaxation-seeking globalistas during the forthcoming winter season and beyond.

Dotted at the water’s edge along two miles of powder-fine beach and perched on stilts above a crystal-clear lagoon teeming with colourful fish, reside the 193 pavilions and villas. On land or water, sunset or sunrise facing, the top-tobottom redesign of these super-spacious rooms and suites by renowned design studio P49 Deesign, will introduce a cool nautical vibe to the property. Award winning landscape architect Stephen Woodhams has also ensured that the tree and plant life abounds with fragrance everywhere.

LUX* South Ari

On the island’s east side, 46 Romantic Pool Villas each with private 7m pools, and 3 Temptation Pool Water Villas each featuring a 14m infinity pool will form the resort’s adults-only sanctuary. These villas will enjoy twin showers, private terraces incorporating a unique couples’ love nest, and small steps to the lagoon, perfect for lounging with a drink.

Two kilometres to the west, 38 Water Villas and a two-bedroom LUX* Villa will complement 105 Beach Villas, 12 of which featuring private pools. Both villa types are designed to become an excellent home base for families or small groups.

Once settled, food and drink quickly becomes a way of island life at LUX* South Ari Atoll. The resort’s unparalleled offering of seven restaurants and five bars are all undergoing a major conceptual upgrade under the expert and caring hands of Corporate Chef, Walter Lanfranchi, and the design collaborators from P49.

New Asian flavours will abound at East Market, featuring a contemporary take on a bustling local night market. Umami sets itself to become an elegant and sophisticated setting for beautifully refined Japanese dining. Highlights will include dedicated sushi, teppanyaki and robatayaki counters accompanied by the largest selection of sakés and Japanese whiskies in the Maldives.

LUX* South Ari

Beach Rouge will be the latest incarnation of the LUX* brand’s dynamic beach-club concept, first seen at flagship LUX* Belle Mare in Mauritius. Injecting the laid-back energy of a fashionable Mediterranean beach club to this private Maldivian island, Beach Rouge will become a favourite to the winter jet set. Expect ceviche, carpaccio and grilled fish, washed down with chilled rosé and lazy afternoons danced away to chilled island beats.

Rounding out the beachside dining options, Allegria (Italian), Senses (Indian and Arabic) and Mixe (International Buffet) will stimulate every palate.

As for wellness, the LUX* Me spa and its overwater treatment villas will experience a Zen-inspired reboot of its own. The facility intends to incorporate a traditional Chinese teahouse, a dedicated zone for brand new skin and body care experiences and an extended lagoon-view relaxation area. A Zen wellness pavilion will accommodates a wide range of alternative wellbeing activities including yoga, meditation, Pilates, Tai chi and Qigong, all of which are overseen by an expert wellness concierge. An updated treatment menu will offer the full range of LUX* Me signature treatments.

Of course, LUX* wouldn’t be LUX* without a surprise or two and the new LUX* South Ari Atoll will be the setting for a fresh collection of Reasons to Go LUX* – guest experience innovations from a trailblazing brand that never ceases in its quest to create “Lighter, Brighter” luxury in the world’s most desirable holiday hotspots.

LUX* South Ari

To mark the occasion, six new Reasons To Go LUX* are in the starting blocks, to be premiered at the resort, heralding yet another round of product revolution, which will be rolled out across the entire portfolio of LUX* properties in Mauritius, La Réunion, the Maldives, China, the Middle East and Turkey. Get set to be surprised!

To spice the guest experience, LUX* South Ari Atoll will introduce a series of Expert-Led Workshops. Each month the resort will host a residency with leading practitioners from diverse, creative and inspiring walks of life. Guests will be able to brush up on their watercolouring skills with painter Corinne Dalle Ore, focus on their framing and lighting with world-renowned travel photographer Michael Freeman, breathe more deeply and master the art of meditative therapy with Bhavnath Gansam, to name a few.

Glenn Daniels, General Manager comments: “After being recognised among the top ten resorts in the Maldives by both industry leaders and consumers, LUX* South Ari Atoll is now ready to take the resort’s experience to the next level by introducing not only a fresh and exciting new look but most importantly an incredible team committed to deliver world class service to our guests.”

Despite all that is new and exciting at LUX* South Ari Atoll, what remains unchanged is the passion of the people who work here and the heartfelt service they provide because, ultimately, LUX* will always be about its people and their spirit. At the new LUX* South Ari Atoll, 650 Team Members, rested and retrained, are primed and pumped to showcase their revitalised resort. They cannot wait to deliver the shining service of LUX* to their guests and to help all of them to celebrate life! Intuitive, friendly and unpretentious, they create an atmosphere that is as soulful as it’s sybaritic.

“The brand vision is to offer our guests different luxury hospitality experience; helping people celebrate life, by making each moment matter. I have no doubt LUX* South Ari Atoll will become a real spot in the Maldives, with its fresh and exciting new look and its incredibly passionate team, getting ready to welcome guests. We have a winning combination” shares Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts & Hotels.

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Mandara Spa celebrates 30th anniversary with focus on Maldives growth

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This May, Mandara Spa marks a landmark milestone — celebrating not only three decades of luxury spa management, but a sustained and growing commitment to the Maldives as one of the world’s premier wellness destinations.

Founded in Bali in 1996, Mandara Spa was built on the warmth, spirituality, and healing traditions of Bali. That same Balinese soul — rooted in genuine care, ritual, and human connection — remains at the heart of every Mandara Spa experience, from the shores of the Maldives to destinations across the globe.

A Landmark Presence in the Maldives

The Maldives has long been central to Mandara Spa’s international success. With a dedicated corporate office based in Malé and an established network across some of the country’s most prestigious resorts, Mandara Spa has helped define what luxury wellness looks like in the Indian Ocean — combining Balinese authenticity with world-class operational discipline.

As the Maldives continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for luxury travel, Mandara Spa’s model offers resort owners a proven framework for exceptional guest experience and sustainable commercial performance:

  • Tailored spa concepts aligned with each property’s unique brand positioning
  • Internationally trained therapists grounded in authentic Balinese healing traditions
  • Revenue optimisation strategies that maximise treatment and retail performance
  • Structured training, compliance, and quality assurance
  • Pre-opening development support and spa design consultation

In Gratitude: Partners, Team, and Friends

Mandara Spa’s 30-year journey has been shaped, above all, by the people who have chosen to be part of it. The company extends its sincere appreciation to:

  • Current resort partners, whose continued trust and collaboration sustain the highest standards of wellness and guest satisfaction every day
  • Previous partners, whose vision and support laid the foundation for Mandara Spa’s presence across the region
  • Future partners, whose ambition and shared belief in the power of wellness will help define the next chapter
  • Our therapists, spa managers, and support teams — whose skill, warmth, and dedication are the true expression of what Mandara Spa stands for. Every treatment delivered, every guest welcomed, every standard upheld — that is their work, and this milestone belongs to them as much as anyone

Wellness as a Strategic Imperative

Over the past decade, the role of spa and wellness within the luxury resort experience has fundamentally shifted. For today’s discerning traveller, wellness is not an amenity — it is a deciding factor in resort selection. Mandara Spa’s operational model is built to meet this demand head-on, supporting owners with consistent EBITDA performance, transparent KPI reporting, and a globally recognised brand that resonates with high-value guests.

Mandara Spa’s operational model is built to meet this demand head-on, maximising spa revenues, enhancing guest capture and spend, and providing owners with transparent KPI reporting and a globally recognised brand that resonates with high-value guests.

An Invitation to the Next 30 Years

Mandara Spa warmly invites resort owners, developers, and hospitality groups who share a vision for exceptional wellness to connect. Whether at the concept stage or seeking to elevate an existing spa operation, Mandara Spa offers a partnership shaped by Balinese heritage, refined Asian influences, and global expertise — bringing decades of experience to every collaboration.

“This anniversary belongs as much to our partners as it does to us. The Maldives has been a cornerstone of our global success, made possible by the trust and collaboration of every resort we’ve worked with, and by the expertise and care of our spa teams who define the Mandara experience. As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to building on that foundation and welcoming new partners into the Mandara Spa family,” said Trent Munday, Senior Vice President – International, Mandara Spa.

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dusitD2 Feydhoo launches retro-themed island party event

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dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is turning back time this May with an exciting collaboration with Uber Events and Artists to launch the Retro Island Weekend on 14th May 2026, a one-of-a-kind island celebration blending tropical luxury with the unforgettable sounds and style of the 80s, 90s and 2000s.

Guests can expect an electrifying evening of throwback hits, live DJ entertainment, immersive retro décor, themed activations, photography moments, and a lively Best Dressed Competition, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.

Whether you’re reliving your favourite era or discovering the magic of retro culture for the first time, this event promises an unforgettable night of music, fashion and island energy.

Event Highlights:

  • Retro party experience featuring the best hits of the 80s, 90s & 2000s
  • Dress-up theme with prizes for best dressed guests
  • Return speedboat transfers included for ticket holders
  • Beachfront party atmosphere in paradise
  • Exclusive food & beverage experiences available throughout the night

Exclusive Stay Offers

To make the weekend even more memorable, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is offering special villa rates exclusively for Retro Island Weekend guests, perfect for those looking to turn one night into a full island escape.

Ticket Information:

  • USD 55 / MVR 850 per person (includes return speedboat transfer)
  • USD 30 for in-house resort guests

Get ready to dance, dress up, and party under the stars as Retro Island Weekend brings timeless hits to a modern island paradise. Limited spaces available. For bookings, please email info@uber-events.com or visit the resort’s website

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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives blend family travel with marine discovery

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As family travel patterns continue to evolve, with multigenerational holidays and “schoolcations” becoming a growing part of the market, Four Seasons is positioning its Maldives resorts as destinations where families can combine leisure with learning, exploration and shared experiences. Through programmes at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the brand is offering a Maldives-based approach to family travel that extends beyond the traditional resort stay.

In the Maldives, the focus is placed on experiences that allow families to spend time together while engaging with the natural environment in direct and practical ways. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, marine education forms a central part of the family offering. Children and teenagers can take part in hands-on initiatives alongside experts from The Manta Trust, learning about coral restoration, manta ray research and ocean conservation. The programme gives younger guests an opportunity to understand the marine ecosystems that define the Maldives while participating in activities linked to ongoing conservation work.

At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the family experience is also shaped by the surrounding lagoon and reef environment. Younger guests can take part in introductory diving, surfing and marine conservation activities designed to build early awareness of the ocean and its ecosystems. These experiences place the Maldives’ natural setting at the centre of the stay, allowing families to engage with the destination through activity as well as observation.

This emphasis on learning through travel reflects wider changes in family tourism, where parents are increasingly looking for holidays that combine recreation with educational value. In the Maldives, that approach has particular relevance, given the country’s dependence on marine ecosystems and its reputation as one of the world’s leading island destinations. By integrating conservation-focused experiences into resort programming, Four Seasons is presenting family travel not only as a period of rest, but also as an opportunity for younger travellers to develop a closer understanding of the environment around them.

The Maldives setting also supports multigenerational travel in practical terms. Resorts such as Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa are well suited to families travelling across age groups, where grandparents, parents and children may all be sharing the same holiday but looking for different forms of engagement. Accommodation, marine activities and wellness offerings can be structured in ways that allow families to spend time together while also catering to different interests and energy levels.

The family proposition is strengthened by the Maldives’ ability to combine relaxation with activities that are tied closely to place. Lagoon-based discovery, reef experiences and conservation work provide a clear alternative to more conventional beach holiday programming. Rather than limiting the stay to accommodation and dining, these activities allow the destination itself to shape the guest experience.

In this context, Four Seasons’ Maldives resorts reflect a broader shift in how luxury family travel is being positioned. The emphasis is no longer only on privacy and comfort, but also on engagement, shared discovery and experiences that carry value beyond the holiday itself. In the Maldives, where marine life and island environments remain central to the visitor experience, that model gives families a way to connect both with each other and with the destination.

Through Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons is therefore presenting a Maldives offering that responds to changing family travel expectations. By combining marine education, outdoor activity and resort-based comfort, the brand is aligning its family travel strategy with the qualities that continue to set the Maldives apart. The result is a version of family travel that is shaped not only by where guests stay, but by what they are able to learn and experience together while they are there.

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