News
Jumeirah Vittaveli celebrates success at World Luxury Spa and Restaurant Awards

Maldives.net.mv – Jumeirah Vittaveli has won three awards at the World Luxury Spa Awards and the World Luxury Restaurant Awards Gala 2016 in Switzerland.
The resort’s Talise spa won the award for: ‘Best Luxury Wellness Spa’ in the Maldives. The restaurant Fenesse won ‘Best French Cuisine’ in the Maldives and the Indian restaurant Swarna won ‘Best Indian Cuisine’ in Asia.
Graham Kiy, General Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “This is an outstanding recognition for our resort and a tremendous honour for the entire team. Wellness, relaxation and excellent dining offerings are an essential ingredient of a perfect tropical island holiday. We are humbled to have been recognised as leaders in these disciplines.“
The island’s Talise Spa, was recognised earlier in the year at the World Travel Awards when the spa won ‘Maldives’ Leading Spa Resort.’ The spa philosophy evolves around the concept of light and incorporating local ingredients into treatments. The signature treatments such as Kurubaa Kaashi utilise a fresh coconut scrub which is made on the island. The spa also produces its own 100% organic coconut oil which is used in treatments and available for purchase in the boutique.
Swarna opened in September 2015 and was named Asia continent winner for ‘Best Indian Cuisine.’ Passionate Executive Sous Chef, Francis Cornelious, prepares opulent meals for his guests in ancient Emperor Style – all served in private cabanas dotted throughout a serene beachside garden.
Fenesse was named ‘Best French Cuisine’ in the Maldives and serves contemporary and inspired French fine dining cuisine in a stunning overwater venue. Diners are seated on private terraces overlooking the Indian Ocean while dining on mouth-watering delicacies prepared by Chef William Talbot from Mauritius.
Jumeirah Vittaveli also recently won ‘Grand Luxury Resort of the Year’ at the Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards – a step up from the ‘Maldives’ Luxury Resort of the Year’ award in 2015.
The World Luxury Spa Awards gives recognition and thanks to the luxury spa industry, setting benchmarks in quality, innovation and service for spas around the globe. Established as the world’s leading awards initiative for Luxury Spas, The World Luxury Spa Awards sets the spotlight on spas, attracting the attention of global spa-goers and industry experts. Voting is based on service excellence and is cast by spa guests.
The World Luxury Restaurant Awards™ inspires excellence and ignites healthy competition in the luxury restaurant industry. Voting is based on the food experience as a whole, combined with aspects of service excellence, presentation, quality and menu choices. Votes are mainly cast by guests, but also by industry professionals that approve and support the nominated establishments.
Drink
La Scolca’s Chiara Soldati to host winemaker dinner at Conrad Maldives

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has announced an exclusive Winemaker Dinner featuring Chiara Soldati, CEO of La Scolca and one of the most prominent figures in the Italian wine world. The event will take place on 10th August, 2025, at the resort’s iconic underground Wine Cellar, offering an unforgettable evening of heritage, flavor, and elegance.
Celebrating over a century of winemaking excellence, Chiara Soldati represents the fourth generation of the Soldati family to lead La Scolca, Italy’s esteemed wine estate in Gavi, Piedmont. Guests will be treated to a multi-course tasting menu curated to complement La Scolca’s finest vintages.
Dishes on the menu include refined creations such as pan-seared rainbow trout with saffron bisque, herbs-crusted beef tenderloin, and mulled wine poached pears, each paired with exceptional wines personally selected and presented by Chiara Soldati herself.
Held in the Maldives’ first and only underground wine cellar, this intimate dinner is an opportunity for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs to engage with a legendary winemaker in an exclusive island setting.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.
For more information or to book your experience, please visit www.conradmaldives.com or email mlehi.experiences@conradhotels.com or contact +960 6680629.
Featured
Tiny flippers, big journey: sea turtles hatch at Alila Kothaifaru

A magical scene is unfolding at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, as the island becomes a nurturing ground for the next generation of marine life — sea turtle hatchlings. With four active nests currently incubating, guests and marine enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the emergence of these tiny creatures, expected to align with the next full moon.
Following a recent successful hatching, the remaining three nests have been identified as belonging to Green Sea Turtles — one of the largest sea turtle species inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters. Renowned for their smooth, heart-shaped carapaces and their herbivorous diet of seagrass and algae, these gentle marine giants play a vital role in sustaining healthy coral reefs and marine ecosystems. One additional nest is believed to belong to a Hawksbill turtle, although this has yet to be confirmed.
“Sea turtles are fascinating creatures. They lead largely solitary lives and migrate thousands of kilometres between their feeding and nesting grounds,” explains Fernanda Cortina Escalante, the resort’s resident Marine Biologist. “It’s incredibly special to witness this phase of their life cycle so closely here on our island.”
Turtle reproduction is an intricate and delicate process. These ancient mariners return to the very shores on which they were born to lay their eggs, usually under the cover of darkness. Female turtles dig nests in the sand, where the eggs incubate for 45 to 70 days before the hatchlings instinctively head towards the sea.
Green Sea Turtles can live between 60 and 80 years, grow up to 1.5 metres in length, and weigh as much as 300 kilograms. Their remarkable physiology allows them to hold their breath for up to five hours while resting, an impressive adaptation to life in the ocean.
“Hosting these nests provides us with a unique opportunity to educate guests about sea turtle conservation and promote greater awareness of marine biodiversity,” says Camille Berger, Euro-Divers Manager at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “We feel fortunate to share this meaningful experience with guests from across the globe.”
The resort places a strong emphasis on conservation, working closely with its in-house marine biologist to monitor and protect the nesting sites.
“A new generation of sea turtles has officially embarked on its journey into the ocean, with 61 tiny hatchlings recently making their way from nest to sea,” shares Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.
“Moments like these remind us of both the beauty of nature and the responsibility we bear in preserving this extraordinary ecosystem. It is a true honour to be part of the journey of these magnificent creatures.”
Guests staying at the resort may have the rare opportunity to witness a live hatching — an unforgettable experience of nature at its most raw and awe-inspiring.
Featured
Island traditions shine at Nova Maldives’ Maldivian magic festive programme

This festive season, Nova Maldives is set to welcome travellers with ‘Maldivian Magic – A Festive Fusion,’ a curated programme running from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026. Rooted in over 2,500 years of Maldivian heritage, the soulful celebration draws inspiration from the nation’s seafaring past, storytelling traditions, and rituals centred on joy and connection.
The festive itinerary invites guests to immerse themselves in enriching experiences that blend the serenity of the sea with vibrant seasonal celebrations. Morning adventures include Ocean Glides with Koamas—a thrilling jet ski excursion to encounter dolphin pods in their natural habitat—and snorkelling trips to observe whale sharks and manta rays in their graceful element. Those seeking a more tranquil experience may embark on a Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise, ideal for couples or friends, offering unhurried sails across turquoise waters under golden skies.
Evenings present further marine exploration, with night snorkelling sessions offering glimpses of nocturnal marine life—baby reef sharks, crustaceans, and colourful reef fish—bringing the quiet enchantment of the ocean to life after dark.
Gastronomy plays a central role in the celebrations, with a culinary theme titled “Taste of the Atolls.” At Wink Bar each afternoon, guests may join Elixirs of the Isles—a creative mixology class using local fruits and botanicals. Mizu, the resort’s overwater teppanyaki venue, hosts an Ocean Umami dinner experience that combines Japanese precision with Maldivian flavours. Meanwhile, FLAMES offers a Maldivian Fishermen’s Feast—a beachside seafood extravaganza accompanied by bubbles and live island music.
Adding a cultural touch to the culinary journey is Malaafaiy Keyn, a seasonal dining experience showcasing traditional Maldivian cuisine. Served on a handcrafted malaafaiy platter, the dish includes fragrant rice, spiced curries, and heritage side dishes, all enjoyed in a bespoke Mauloodh Haruge dining hall—creating a bridge between the past and present.
For guests seeking serenity, the Private Finolhu Sandbank Escape provides an opportunity to retreat to a white-sand islet. Here, chilled Prosecco, curated canapés, and the gentle rhythm of waves set the tone for a tranquil afternoon, perfect for individuals, couples, or anyone wishing to recharge.
At EsKape Spa, seasonal wellness offerings include the Kaashi Naashi Ritual, a rejuvenating treatment using coconut oil and shells, concluding with a soothing head massage. Also available is the Soulful Healing through Dhivehi Beys—a restorative oil massage incorporating local herbs, spices, and virgin coconut oil, drawing on ancestral knowledge and therapeutic practices to harmonise body and spirit.
The celebration begins with the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting, a starlit gathering filled with carols and island traditions. On Christmas Eve, guests are treated to a fire show and beach party, followed by a Gala Dinner featuring both Maldivian specialities and festive classics. Christmas morning sees Santa Claus arriving at Wink Beach, met with handcrafted cocktails and sweet treats to delight guests of all ages.
The New Year’s Eve festivities conclude the season in spectacular fashion, with a fireworks display and an evening of live music, DJ performances, and festive cocktails. On New Year’s Day, guests are invited to ease into 2026 with the First Brunch of ’26—a leisurely affair featuring live cooking stations and flavourful dishes in a sunlit, relaxed setting.
“Our festive offerings go beyond seasonal cheer,” says Abdulla Aboobakuru, General Manager at Nova Maldives. “They embody the island’s rich cultural heritage, creating immersive moments of joy, tradition, and meaningful connection.”
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