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As trends change, Maldives becomes more attractive to honeymooners

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Maldives tops the list of favourite honeymoon destinations as new trends such as two-centre holidays and increased sales of villas with pool emerge, leading tour operator Kuoni has reported.

In its Honeymoon Trends 2017 report, which will be distributed to its own stores, partner travel agencies and within Brides magazine in September, Kuoni said the top destination for 2018 forward bookings remains Maldives, followed by Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Thailand and Indonesia (predominantly Bali), with New Zealand and Australia entering the top 20 list next year, nudging out Greece and Canada.

Kuoni identified six key trends in the honeymoon sector, including increased sales of villas with pools, adventure trips and two-centre holidays.

According to Kuoni, couples looking for “One honeymoon, Two adventures” experience are increasingly combining the Maldives and Sri Lanka, while a 20 percent rise has been observed year-on-year in the sale of luxury private villas with pools in the Indian Ocean. Demand for overwater villas, suites with beach access, bathrooms with open air showers and bathtubs with a view — all championed by the Maldives — are also high on the wish list, it said.

Kuoni also asked its 300 travel experts what they thought were the world’s top 10 most romantic experiences, and taking a bath with a view in the Maldives made it to the list.

Kuoni’s typical honeymooner is aged between 25-34 years old, “career focused” and earning on average £30,000 (USD 38,419) a year, with their spend on the honeymoon being £6,000 (USD 7,684). Kuoni added that now honeymooning couples are a little older, the “stakes are higher than ever before”.

The sector also drives business in-store, said Kuoni, with 87 percent of honeymooners booking in this way, spending in the region of two or three hours on the process.

Maldives has won several global and regional accolades for being amongst the most romantic destinations in the world, with the latest being included in an annual list compiled by Brides magazine of the 20 most honeymoon worthy destinations in the world. Surveys and studies analysing travel trends have also shown that a healthy majority of travellers that choose the Maldives are honeymooners.

Awards

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025

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Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.

The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.

Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.

“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.

The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.

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Awards

Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards

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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.

The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.

Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.

The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.

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Featured

Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.

At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.

The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.

Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.

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