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Two Maldives islands named amongst world’s best beaches

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Two islands in the Maldives have been named amongst the best beaches in the world.

To create this spectacular list of the world’ 50 best beaches, FlightNetwork — Canada’s largest online travel website — consulted with 632 top travel professionals, including journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies and had them vote on their favourites.

In this wanderlust-inducing list are two islands in the Maldives: Fulhadhoo and Dhigurah.

Listing Fulhadhoo’s beach in the 22nd spot, FlightNetwork described it as sitting on a little-known piece of paradise lost in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. This “snow-white sand beach” is surrounded by far more coconut palms than people, it added.

About Dhigurah’s beach, which is ranked at 34, FlightNetwork said: “With two-thirds of the island covered in lush green Maldivian forest and never-ending silky-smooth sand, you’ll feel like you’re starring in your very own castaway movie.”

Dhigurah beach. PHOTO/ TRIPADVISOR

An inhabited island, Fulhadhoo is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll. A local village of some 250 people lies on the eastern part of the island, while the rest features a sort of a primeval landscape with palm trees, turquoise lagoons and snow-white sandy beaches.

With a few guesthouses offering travellers affordable accommodation options, Fulhadhoo is a great place for those who love snorkelling and free diving.

Dhigurah is located in the South Ari Atoll, about 20 minutes by domestic flight from the main airport. With more than 3 km of natural white sandy beach, it is considered one of the most beautiful inhabited islands in the Maldives.

With a population of about 600, Dhigurah has all the necessary facilities for human habitation, including a school, medical centre and a harbour. The population is concentrated on a small area in the north of the island, with the rest reserved mostly for fruit and vegetable gardening and natural vegetation.

Dhigurah is close to some of the most famous dive spots in the country such as Kuda Rah Thila, Manta Point and Reethi Thila. Guests staying in one of the guesthouses on the island can also get easy access to whale-shark watching locations in the South Ari Atoll.

The Maldives is known world over for its unique natural beauty, especially for its powder soft white sand beaches, turquoise waters surrounding the islands and palm trees. Over a million tourists visit these islands every year for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Main photo: Fulhadhoo beach. PHOTO/ FLIGHTNETWORK

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.

Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.

From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.

On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.

Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.

A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.

On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.

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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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