Featured
Jumeirah Vittaveli celebrates year of industry recognitions
Jumeirah Vittaveli is wrapping up a year of astounding industry recognition with its success at this weekend’s World Luxury Hotel Awards at the enchanted Arctic Circle in Finland.
To be named global winner for ‘Best Luxury Island Resort’, and having the lavish five-bedroom Royal Residence recognised as ‘Best Luxury Hideaway Villa’ in the Indian Ocean region is the crowning achievement of Jumeirah Vittaveli in a year that has seen not only the resort itself but its Talise spa, two of its restaurants and the Royal Residence bring home nine industry trophies.
The year 2019 has been an exciting year at Jumeirah Vittaveli – guests can now slide into the crystal clear lagoon on the destination’s longest private water slides from the privacy of their own free standing Private Ocean Retreats with Slides, or embark on an ocean adventure on the 85 foot Azimut superyacht ‘MY Vittaveli’.


Together with many other milestones, such as the opening of the five-bedroom Royal Residence in 2017, the launch of the first eco-friendly open air ice rink in the Maldives in 2018, and the extension of dining venues to 20 distinct concepts, including an underground whisky and chocolate salon and an overwater wine library – this achievement has completed the journey of Amit Majumder as General Manager of Jumeirah Vittaveli.
Majumder has recently been named Vice President Boutique Resorts at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, and will bring his in-depth expertise as well as his drive to constantly push the envelope to this new branch of the Jumeirah Group, whilst still overseeing Jumeirah Vittaveli.
Majumder attended the World Luxury Hotel Awards gala in Finland on behalf of Jumeirah Vittaveli and commented: “To receive the global award for ‘Best Luxury Island Resort’ as voted on by our industry peers and guests is an honour beyond compare. I count myself incredibly lucky to have had the pleasure of working with the passionate team Jumeirah Vittaveli for seven years – without each and every one of them, our resort wouldn’t be what it is today. Having achieved such recognition for Jumeirah Vittaveli gives us further confidence to grow the Boutique Resorts portfolio.”
Jumeirah Vittaveli has consistently been recognised for outstanding achievements, such as the award for ‘Maldives Leading Luxury Resort’ at the South Asian Travel Awards, or the recognition for ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ at the World Travel Awards.
The Royal Residence has been named ‘Most Luxurious Hotel Villa’ by the HIDEAWAYS awards, and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at the World Travel Awards.

The resort’s signature restaurant Swarna has been named ‘Best Indian Cuisine in Asia’ four years in a row by the World Luxury Restaurant Awards, just like French fine dining restaurant Fenesse received the title of ‘Best French Cuisine in the Indian Ocean region’.
The Talise spa at Vittaveli has received the title of ‘Best Luxury Wellness Spa’ each year since 2016 at the World Luxury Spa Awards.
With a traditional Maldivian welcome and more activities to fill your days with than you can dream of, Jumeirah Vittaveli is the perfect place for all the family to speed things up or slow things down. Land and water-based activities include the destination’s first ice rink, a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, Talise Spa, six restaurants and bars, a wine library, an overwater lounge, an underground whisky and chocolate salon and a cigar lounge.
Jumeirah Vittaveli has curated a collection of all of the most remarkable experiences the Maldives has to offer in one place. Shape your own unique Maldives experience at the resort.
Established in 2006, World Luxury Hotel Awards is the pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel industry offering international recognition as voted by guests, travellers and industry players alike. Over 300,000 international travellers vote each year, during a four-week period to select the winners. Properties from over 120 countries competed in the 2019 awards and it is truly an honour to be one of the selected nominees and winners.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru plans Easter weekend of activities and dining
Angsana Velavaru is inviting guests to celebrate Easter with a two-day island programme featuring family activities, ocean experiences and seasonal dining from 4 to 5 April 2026.
Located within a lagoon in South Nilandhe Atoll, the resort will host a series of activities designed for families, couples and travellers seeking a seasonal getaway by the sea. The programme includes a combination of wellness sessions, marine experiences and leisure activities intended to bring guests together during the Easter holiday period.
Mornings begin with yoga sessions overlooking the lagoon, followed by opportunities to explore the island’s marine environment through guided snorkelling excursions and discovery experiences organised by the Endheri Marine Centre.
Throughout the day, guests can take part in a range of recreational activities across the island. These include beach kite flying, aqua aerobics sessions and bird feeding at the island’s sanctuary. Adventure-focused experiences are also available, with water sports such as family tube rides and sunset cruises offering guests the opportunity to explore the surrounding lagoon.
Dining experiences form a central part of the Easter programme. Guests can participate in interactive activities including cocktail-making sessions and the Wok & Toss dining experience, which allows visitors to engage with the resort’s culinary team. The programme also includes Easter buffet lunch and dinner at Kaani Restaurant, where seasonal dishes are served in a relaxed island setting.
Evening entertainment includes live music performances, DJ sessions and outdoor film screenings under the stars, creating a relaxed atmosphere for guests to gather and socialise.
Children’s activities are organised through the Ranger’s Club, where a dedicated Easter programme features creative workshops such as bunny mask making, Easter egg painting and string art. Traditional activities including Easter egg hunts and beach races are also planned for younger guests.
The Easter programme at Angsana Velavaru combines marine exploration, family-friendly activities and seasonal dining experiences, offering guests an opportunity to celebrate the holiday while enjoying the island’s natural surroundings.
Cooking
Patina Maldives hosts Chef Shannon Bennett for exclusive April residency
From 1 to 5 April 2026, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will host Shannon Bennett, one of Australia’s most recognised culinary figures and the creative force behind Belongil. The residency brings together a chef known for shaping dining as an emotional and reflective experience with a destination defined by perspective, creativity and purpose.
Bennett’s career extends beyond traditional notions of cooking. Through projects such as Vue de Monde and Belongil, he has explored dining as a medium for memory, connection and emotion, placing emphasis on experience rather than consumption. His approach centres on creating moments that remain with guests long after the meal has ended.
At Patina Maldives, the residency represents a convergence of shared values. Over five nights, guests are invited to take part in a limited series of dining experiences shaped by intention, curiosity and a sense of place. Rather than recreating Belongil in another setting, the programme evolves its philosophy, drawing inspiration from the natural rhythm and clarity of the Maldivian environment.
Commenting on the collaboration, Bennett said Belongil was conceived as more than a place to eat, but as a space for ideas, connection and lasting moments. He noted that Patina Maldives reflects a similar sense of purpose, adding that bringing his work into the island setting offered an opportunity to create experiences that feel grounded, honest and meaningful.
Patina Maldives continues to develop its identity by providing a platform for global creative voices to shape new conversations and perspectives. The residency with Bennett aligns with this approach, positioning cuisine as one element within a broader cultural and experiential narrative.
Tom Bray, Director of Lifestyle at Patina Maldives, said the resort exists to bring people closer to ideas, creativity and self-discovery. He added that welcoming Bennett reflects this philosophy, describing the residency as an experience designed to shift perspective rather than focus solely on gastronomy.
The residency is presented as an experience defined by intention rather than spectacle. Taking place over five nights on a single island, it brings together Patina Maldives and one of the culinary world’s most reflective minds for a programme shaped by presence, purpose and a sense of moment that cannot be replicated in the same way again.
Featured
You & Me Maldives unveils curated Premium All Inclusive programme
You & Me Maldives, the adults-only luxury retreat under The Cocoon Collection, has announced the launch of its new Premium All Inclusive experience, aimed at enhancing island stays through a more seamless and comprehensive offering in the Indian Ocean.
The Premium All Inclusive experience is designed to begin from the point of arrival. Guests receive complimentary access to The Cocoon Collection Lounge at the seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport, where services are provided to ensure a smooth transition before the journey to the resort.
On arrival at the island, guests are welcomed in their villas with a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and a selection of canapés. The Premium All Inclusive plan includes unlimited premium beverages by the glass, featuring a curated range of wines, signature cocktails, top-shelf spirits, international beers and non-alcoholic options. The in-villa minibar is replenished daily with soft drinks, international beers, red and white wines, as well as assorted snacks. For stays of five nights or more, guests also receive two bottles of premium liquor from a selected list, provided once during the stay.
The experience further includes a range of activities. Guests staying a minimum of three nights are offered one sunset cruise and one snorkelling excursion per stay, while those staying seven nights or more are entitled to a catamaran cruise. Unlimited use of snorkelling equipment and non-motorised water sports, including canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding, is also included, subject to weather conditions.
Dining forms a central part of the Premium All Inclusive concept. Guests can enjoy three themed dining evenings, including a seafood barbecue under the stars featuring prawns, lobster and oysters. For stays of five nights or more, guests may also take part in a complimentary group cooking class, with a choice between ethnic or Italian cuisine, led by the resort’s culinary team.
Wellness offerings are also incorporated into the programme, with guests able to participate in up to three complimentary sunrise yoga sessions per stay, subject to availability.
The introduction of the Premium All Inclusive experience reflects the resort’s focus on personalised service and carefully curated stays. The offering is positioned to appeal to couples seeking relaxation, romance or activity-led experiences within an adults-only island setting.
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