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The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives opens

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The Standard, an American hotel brand known for its taste-making clientele, pioneering design, and unrelenting un-standard-ness, has opened The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives.

The resort’s opening on November 1 marks the brand’s first property in Asia.

Traditionally seen as a couple’s destination, The Standard has taken a fresh approach to its island retreat, offering relaxation, social activities and vibrant cultural experiences that welcome not only couples but groups of friends and singles looking to reset and recharge in paradise.

Welcome to The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

A breathtaking 35-minute seaplane ride away from Velana International Airport, The Standard, Huruvalhi is nestled between the Raa and Baa atolls, on a naturally protected island. Guests can also take a combined 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo and 35-minute speedboat ride to the resort.

Guests step into an airy, intimate lobby, accessible 24-hours a day and complete with an exclusive curated selection of cult beauty and wellness products, eclectic wares, and resort essentials only available for purchase on the island.

Guests are then escorted to one of the resort’s 115 overwater and beach villas, each with its own infinity plunge pool and private lounge deck with direct access to the lagoon, ocean or beach. A glittering disco ball strategically perched above the soaking bathtub in every villa bathroom makes for a signature Standard statement piece and serves as a reminder that you really can party anywhere and at any time of the day at The Standard.

On property, guests will find a large scale specially commissioned work from Rostarr, a highly acclaimed, groundbreaking multidisciplinary artist and member of The Global Standard Family – the brand’s inner circle of creators, collaborators and cultural tastemakers.

Dining in style

The Standard, Huruvalhi celebrates the bounty of the region. The freshest ingredients and produce sourced both regionally and from the resort’s own island farm are showcased in a delicious array of local and global creations.

Six unique restaurants cater to every taste and preference.

GUDUGUDA, an authentic Maldivian Restaurant, is the first of its kind in the Maldives. Featuring a traditional celebratory Maldivian cuisine cooked by Maldivian “aunties” – the women who carry on the tradition of this remarkable cuisine, menus showcase locally caught, seafood driven dishes, flavourful coconut milk curries, regional fruits and vegetables, aromatic rice dishes and freshly baked breads.

For a spot of grilled grub and reggae beats on the beach, swing by BBQ SHAK, where fresh seafood and meats are grilled to order over coconut shell charcoal and paired with a selection of house-made sauces.

Island living makes for thirsty work. Head over to TODIS BAR, located off the pool deck for a signature TODIS cocktail, served in a half coconut shell and made from “toddy”, a local specialty liquor made by fermenting fresh coconut water.

As the sun sets, guests are invited to BERU BAR for craft cocktails, tropical juices and Maldivian inspired light bites. An adults-only over-water-club perched just feet above the ocean, it features fantastic views, a glass floor bottomed floor and a sunset ritual led by a Boduberu drummer (a local Maldivian percussionist). Local DJs spin breezy Maldivian inspired-beats, drawing everyone to the dance floor.

Adventures on island and underwater

Guests are spoiled for choice with a selection of curated experiences and cultural programmes that include indigenous basket weaving, a moonlight cinema beneath the stars or join one of their legendary pool parties at the beachside infinity pool.

The Standard, Huruvalhi also has some of the most experienced guides for snorkeling and diving excursions through the resort’s protected house reef and local waters.

Enjoy sunset boat trips to uninhabited islands and undiscovered reefs, as well as day and night fishing and private destination dining. For some fun in the sun, a full collection of sea equipment is available from glass bottom kayaks to jet skis and windsurfers.

The resort also has an 82sqm inflatable water park accessible by pontoon for both adults and kids.

Parents looking for a reprieve can drop their kids off at the the Lil’ Shark Kids Club complete with professional childcare services, a teen zone and paddling pool.

For a recovery or a reboot, The Standard Spa is an indoor hydrotherapy playground complete with a contemporary communal hammam, aroma cypress steam room and contrast shower experience.

Chill out with a Do-It-Yourself Mud Experience for one or a massage for two and take in The Spa’s ocean views from our nine private treatment rooms, couples den, and yoga studio hosting daily classes.

The Spa Deck and Tonic Bar is the perfect place to kick-back post treatment, enjoy a yoga session or maybe a moonlit soiree. The Sun Lounge experience offers crystals and an apothecary for the body and mind that includes skincare and lifestyle products.

Committed to Conservation

The Standard’s commitment to showcasing an unparalleled resort experience is equalled by its dedication to the conservation of marine life. Preserving coral life, reducing plastic waste, and using products made from repurposed and recyclable materials all form a groundwork of the resort’s conservation efforts to saving the ocean and marine life.

Guests will find some signature menu items include a USD 1 donation towards the resort’s foundation for coral conservation. The Standard, Huruvalhi also proudly has its very own lagoon coral nursery which houses over 3,000 juvenile corals, creating the resort’s very own personal underwater garden.

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OBLU SELECT Sangeli achieves Green Globe Gold Certification for fifth consecutive year

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In 2025, traveling more sustainably continues to be a priority for most travellers, with 84% indicating its importance according to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel & Sustainability Report. Reflecting this growing eco-conscious mindset, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, an award-winning resort in the North Malé Atoll, has achieved the prestigious Green Globe Gold Certification. This marks five consecutive years of independently accredited sustainability excellence.

Green Globe, a globally recognised certification for sustainable tourism, evaluates environmental, social, and economic practices. To attain Gold status, a property must be certified for five consecutive years, demonstrating consistent improvement and responsible management across all operational areas.

The milestone was celebrated during a special island ceremony, where the Green Globe certificate was officially presented by Babli Jahau, General Manager at NSURE Private Limited. Jahau praised the team’s dedication and collaboration, noting, “Green Globe Gold is a true mark of excellence. OBLU SELECT Sangeli has demonstrated long-term commitment to protecting the Maldives’ fragile ecosystem while engaging both the island team and guests in meaningful sustainability initiatives.”

Jenni Hartatik, General Manager of OBLU SELECT Sangeli, emphasised the resort’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, sustainability is an integral part of operations. From coral plantations and marine life sessions to reusable glass water bottles and gentle reminders for towel and linen reuse, every aspect reflects a commitment to sustainable hospitality. These thoughtful details not only create memorable stays but also promote eco-friendly practices.”

Central to the resort’s success is a holistic sustainability strategy underpinned by comprehensive policies. These include a broad environmental policy, an eco-conscious purchasing framework, landscaping practices favoring native plants and water conservation, and a biodiversity policy dedicated to preserving Sangeli’s unique island ecosystem. From energy reduction and waste diversion to flora and fauna protection, environmental stewardship is integrated into the resort’s daily operations.

The resort’s coral restoration project has successfully transplanted over 10,000 coral fragments through coral nursery and frame techniques. Despite bleaching events impacting the Maldives, Sangeli’s reefs displayed notable resilience, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing restoration efforts and marine protection measures. Adding creativity to conservation, the resort’s ghost net upcycling initiative transforms discarded fishing nets into handmade bracelets, sold to guests, with proceeds supporting coral restoration efforts. This initiative combines environmental action with community-driven craftsmanship.

As part of the Sangeli Muraka Project, a state-of-the-art underwater camera now live-streams footage from a coral garden directly to guest villas. This immersive experience enables travellers to observe the dynamic reef ecosystem in real time, perfect for those who do not snorkel or dive. The footage is also featured during marine biology sessions and at the Muraka Marine Centre, fostering greater appreciation and engagement with ocean conservation.

The resort’s on-site biogas plant significantly contributes to sustainability by processing up to 1,000 kilograms of kitchen waste daily. This generates methane gas that supplies approximately 40% of the kitchen’s gas needs, while the compost byproduct is used to fertilise landscaped areas, creating a full-circle sustainability loop.

Located on the serene north-western tip of North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli offers a tropical retreat for couples and families alike. This five-star resort combines natural beauty, contemporary villa design, and world-class dining through the all-inclusive Serenity Plan™, while being in proximity to some of the Maldives’ most vibrant diving and snorkelling spots. The resort stands as a testament to how travel and environmental responsibility can coexist, delivering unforgettable experiences with a lighter ecological footprint.

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Global Wellness Day 2025 at Milaidhoo: journey of transformation and reconnection

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On Global Wellness Day, celebrated on 14th June 2025, Milaidhoo invites guests to embrace a deeper sense of presence and harmony through its unique wellbeing philosophy rooted in ‘slow living.’ Reflecting the global theme of #ReconnectMagenta, which emphasises the importance of meaningful connections, Milaidhoo’s curated programme encourages guests to reconnect with themselves, the community, and the natural world in one of the most serene settings on Earth.

Situated in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo is more than a boutique island retreat; it is a sanctuary for mindful rejuvenation. At Milaidhoo, wellness extends beyond the spa, permeating every detail of the guest experience — from barefoot living and soulful seclusion to fresh, nourishing cuisine and personalised wellness menus designed to support individual journeys of transformation.

Global Wellness Day 2025 at Milaidhoo will begin with a soul-awakening dynamic cleansing and yoga nidra session at 8:00 on an exclusive sandbank. This session offers guests a chance to silence external noise, realign with their inner rhythm, and reconnect with themselves amidst the Indian Ocean horizon.

At 11:00, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a coral plantation activity led by the resort’s marine biologist at the Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre. This interactive conservation initiative allows guests to give back to the local ecosystem and fosters an emotional connection to the broader community of life beneath the waves.

In the afternoon, from 16:00 to 17:00, guests can embark on a guided mindful walking experience around the island. This activity invites participants to reconnect with nature through observation and intention, with each barefoot step across soft sand and lush jungle paths revealing the healing power of nature.

At Milaidhoo, food is an integral part of wellness, with every dish curated with wellbeing in mind. Whether it is plant-based vitality bowls from the Chef’s Garden, fresh-caught seafood, or custom-designed menus tailored to individual health goals, guests are encouraged to nourish not only their bodies but also their senses.

Paul van Frank, Milaidhoo’s general manager, shared, “Our wellness ethos embraces the art of slowing down and living in the moment. Global Wellness Day is an opportunity to remind guests of the power of reconnecting with themselves, with each other, and with the beautiful world around them.”

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New era of luxury Wellness: Pilates Reformer arrives at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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Setting a new standard in luxury wellness, the iconic St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is expanding its holistic offerings with the introduction of Pilates Reformer—a dynamic full-body workout renowned for its ability to lengthen, strengthen, and restore. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and lush island serenity, guests will soon be invited to experience this transformative practice as part of a thoughtfully curated wellness journey.

With a growing global demand for integrative fitness experiences, Pilates Reformer has become a favourite for those seeking mindful movement and functional strength. Utilising a specially designed apparatus, the method elevates traditional Pilates through resistance-based training that enhances flexibility, balance, and core stability, while remaining gentle on the joints. At St. Regis Maldives, certified instructors will guide guests through personalised sessions tailored to a variety of goals, from rehabilitation and toning to posture improvement and stress relief.

The addition of Pilates Reformer complements the resort’s deep-rooted commitment to wellness, extending far beyond conventional spa treatments. Central to this philosophy is the overwater Iridium Spa—a serene sanctuary that offers more than indulgence. Guests can engage in Ayurvedic consultations, guided meditation, and holistic health screenings conducted by in-house wellness doctors. These screenings integrate Heart Rate Variability (HRV) technology with the ancient Ayurvedic technique of Nadi Pareeksha, a traditional pulse diagnosis, to identify imbalances and customise each guest’s path to optimal well-being.

Whether seeking deep relaxation, detoxification, or enhanced physical performance, the resort’s integrative approach ensures that every element of a guest’s stay contributes to overall wellness. Daily yoga, breathwork sessions, oceanfront meditation, and nutrition guidance are seamlessly woven into the island’s natural rhythm to create a truly transformative retreat.

Private Pilates Reformer classes will be offered to suit all experience levels, providing an inspiring way for guests to reconnect with both body and mind. With its iconic overwater villas, pristine beaches, and impeccable service, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine luxury through the lens of well-being.

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