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Women rule at Niyama Private Islands Maldives

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In recognition of International Women’s Day on 8 March, the team at Niyama Private Islands Maldives is celebrating their women in power. From guest services to media relations to everyday behind-the-scenes action, Nature’s Playground is brought to life by our female colleagues from all over the world.

Chef Niki, Teppanyaki Chef

Niyama Private Islands Maldives is particularly known for its dining experiences in surreal settings. And two of its three signature restaurants are headed by female chefs. Head to the treetops to sample contemporary Asian cuisine presented by Chef Wiparat Pratumma. From her native Thai cuisine with an Indian Ocean twist, to bold Chinese, Indonesian and Vietnamese flavours, Chef Wiparat, or Chef Gai as she is known to guests, has designed a menu with a mix of traditional and modern Asian flavours.

Nest also boasts of a teppanyaki table, helmed by another rising stars, Chef Narissara ‘Niki’ Tansomboon. Chopping, sizzling, handling bursts of flame with finesse, Chef Niki illustrates Minor Hotels’ emphasis on female career development: recruited as a junior chef at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle, Chef Niki quickly worked her way up the career ladder, as well as across the Indian Ocean.

Chef Gai, Nest Sous Chef

Chef Naomi Wamaitha Kimani takes on a different sort of fire, this time deep in the jungle at Niyama’s Tribal — the only Afro Latin restaurant in the Maldives. Serving up rare flavours from Central, South America and Africa, Chef Naomi handles every detail from the menu to execution. Sample must-try signature dishes from her native Kenya – flame-Warm Ostrich Bobotie, garlic reduction and peppadew puree, or line-caught seabass simmered in tamarind and coconut sauce.

The women in leadership at the resort are multi-talented, multi-lingual, and drawn from all over the world, from the South African Front Office Manager to the Indian Resort Manager, Thai Spa Manager, Seychellois HR Training Manager, Russian Head of Water Sports and many, many more. Each brings a unique skillset, passion and vision, making the Niyama team the success it is – the resort is consistently rated as one of the best in the world, taking last year’s #4 spot in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Niyama offers more than a luxury retreat in the Maldives. Going beyond conventional concepts of lavish accommodation, sumptuous cuisines, and lavish services, Niyama presents every visitor with myriad opportunities to create their own exceptional island experience.

With twin islands Play and Chill, Niyama offers you the true luxury of choice, with everything expected from an island resort and so much more.

Chill is true to its name. You can discover new depths of relaxation at the Drift Spa, or take in a movie under the stars at the outdoor cinema. Just off the coast, enjoy a fine dining experience at Edge accessible only by speedboat, while Subsix invites you the world’s finest underwater seafood restaurant and night club.

Play provides delightful diversions for those looking for more active pursuits. On the water, you can kayak around the islands or discover why Niyama is amongst the hottest surfing destinations. Bicyclists can explore the island at their own pace, perhaps lured by the aromas from the chef’s spice gardens.

Cover photo: Chef Naomi, Tribal Sous Chef.

Family

Island living redefined: Le Méridien Maldives offers enriching family retreat

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Set against the backdrop of a tranquil lagoon and unspoilt beaches on the private island of Thilamaafushi in Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa provides an ideal setting for multigenerational travel. Emphasising connection, creativity, and discovery, the resort offers families a tropical haven where shared moments unfold effortlessly—from the stillness of sunrise to the warm hues of Au Soleil’s golden hour.

The resort presents two-bedroom beachfront and overwater villas, thoughtfully designed to balance privacy with shared living. Each villa comprises a master bedroom and twin room, a private pool, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and direct access to either the lagoon or the shoreline. For those seeking greater exclusivity, the three-bedroom Thilamaafushi Beach Villa delivers an expansive indoor-outdoor living experience, complete with a private beach, infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and direct access to the turquoise sea—ideal for larger family holidays or special occasions.

Families are encouraged to build their days around meaningful activities, with curated experiences tailored to all ages. Guests may snorkel the vibrant house reef, take a dolphin cruise, or engage in friendly matches on the padel court. Evenings bring a sense of togetherness, with karaoke, bingo, and open-air cinema creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

Le Méridien’s sun-drenched Au Soleil offers a vibrant gathering space for families to enjoy live music, refreshments, and signature treats. Poolside games and summery beverages are served alongside ocean vistas, while children can savour Le Scoop homemade gelato in a laid-back beachfront setting—an ideal stop between island escapades.

Reinforcing the resort’s dedication to sustainability, the Marine Conservation Hub provides an engaging educational experience for guests of all ages. Families can explore the local marine ecosystem with the resident biologists and take part in hands-on conservation efforts during their visit.

The Greenhouse, one of the Maldives’ largest hydroponic gardens, complements these efforts. Guests are invited to participate in the Family Foraging experience, where they can learn about hydroponic farming, harvest fresh produce together, and enjoy a communal Harvest Table—an experience designed to spark curiosity and environmental mindfulness in younger guests.

At the Le Méridien Family Kids Hub, children are immersed in a world of creative learning. This vibrant space hosts a variety of daily activities including arts and crafts, junior mixology classes, marine awareness sessions, and a signature kids’ night camping experience. While children are engaged, parents can unwind at the overwater Explore Spa, join a Sip & Paint session at La Vie bar, or enjoy bespoke destination dining. Babysitting services are also available for toddlers and infants, ensuring parents can enjoy peaceful moments throughout their stay.

The resort’s six restaurants and bars offer diverse dining experiences suited to every palate. Mediterranean cuisine is served at Riviera, while Japanese specialities and Teppanyaki are featured at Tabemasu. Velaa Bar + Grill offers wood-fired pizzas, and Turquoise provides a broad international menu. Each venue delivers a unique culinary journey, blending global flavours with locally sourced ingredients.

With sweeping views of the ocean and soft white sands, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa promises an enriching family escape where connection, exploration, and joy are seamlessly woven into each day.

Families booking the Family Adventure offer will enjoy a range of added benefits, including complimentary stays and meals for children under 12, daily half-board for the whole family, access to the Kids Hub, daily marine education sessions, non-motorised watersports, and more. The offer is available for bookings and stays through to 31 December 2025.

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Milaidhoo Maldives celebrated for culturally immersive stays by Wanderlust

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Milaidhoo Maldives has earned a coveted spot in Wanderlust Magazine’s ‘Wandersleep’ list, celebrated under the ‘Sense of Place’ category for stays that offer a deep connection to their destination. This recognition highlights the resort’s commitment to authenticity, culture, and meaningful travel.

Nestled in the breathtaking Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo is more than a luxury island retreat—it’s an intimate expression of Maldivian heritage. Thoughtfully designed by a local architect, the resort’s aesthetic draws inspiration from traditional Maldivian homes, featuring thatched roofs, open-air living spaces, and the use of natural materials throughout. This careful attention to design fosters a sense of belonging, allowing guests to engage deeply with the spirit of the islands.

Milaidhoo’s identity is rooted in its local ownership. As a proudly Maldivian family-owned resort, it offers not just exceptional service, but genuine warmth and hospitality that reflect the island’s culture. From coral conservation experiences to fishing excursions with local fishermen, every element of the guest journey is curated to offer a sense of connection—to people, to place, and to purpose.

The island’s gentle rhythm of ‘slow living’ invites guests to unwind and embrace island life at its purest. This ethos extends to the culinary experience at Ba’theli, Milaidhoo’s signature restaurant, where traditional dhoni boats float above the lagoon, serving dishes infused with the spices and stories of the Indian Ocean’s ancient maritime routes.

Milaidhoo’s inclusion in Wanderlust’s ‘Wandersleep’ list affirms its status as a destination that goes beyond luxury, offering travellers a meaningful and memorable stay steeped in a true sense of place.

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Renowned holistic practitioner Ranjith Saj brings healing expertise to NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort

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NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort is welcoming Ranjith Saj, a renowned holistic practitioner from Kerala, India, for a limited-time residency offering bespoke Ayurvedic and energy healing therapies.

With over 17 years of international spa expertise and a heritage grounded in traditional Indian medicine, Ranjith is celebrated for his intuitive, integrative approach to mind-body wellness. His treatments blend Ayurveda, reflexology, meridian therapy, and energetic detox techniques—ideal for guests seeking both physical rejuvenation and emotional clarity.

During his residency, Ranjith will present a dedicated signature menu, customised to suit individual wellness needs. Each session begins with a personal consultation and is designed to help restore the body’s natural equilibrium.

Signature Treatments:

  • Muscle Energy Rebalance: 60 minutes – USD 135 | 90 minutes – USD 210
  • Immune Booster Vedic Therapy: 60 minutes – USD 135 | 90 minutes – USD 210
  • Foot Reflexology: 60 minutes – USD 135
  • Vital Energy Restoration with Shiatsu: 60 minutes – USD 135 | 90 minutes – USD 210
  • Blend of Healing (Detox + Reflexology): 75 minutes – USD 150

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in guided chakra balancing meditations and Qigong movement sessions, enriching their wellness experience and deepening internal harmony.

Set against the backdrop of Havodda’s pristine natural surroundings, these therapies offer a space for profound restoration—where stress melts away, energy realigns, and the body reconnects with a sense of ease.

“This residency reflects our commitment to meaningful wellness,” said the Resort Manager. “Ranjith’s presence offers our guests something more than relaxation — it’s a return to personal connection and inner stillness.”

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