Featured
Maldives ranks second for most popular Zoom background destinations
Holiday-style Zoom backgrounds have soared in popularity, with Google Trends data showing a 9,900 per cent increase in searches. And it turns out Maldivian scenery is the second most popular!
UK-based travel company Kuoni has crunched the numbers to find out where video call users are going on their ‘virtual holidays’, revealing the Caribbean as the top spot, followed by a tie between the Maldives and Australia.
Here are the most popular Zoom backgrounds, according to Kuoni:
- Caribbean: +9,900 per cent
- Maldives and Australia: +9,800 per cent
- Vietnam, New Zealand and Sweden: +9,700 per cent
- Philippines: +8,800 per cent
- Canada and Brazil: +8,500 per cent
- The US: +8,100 per cent
- Ireland +7,200 per cent
- India +6,500 per cent
- Portugal +5,000 per cent
- Spain +4,900 per cent
As for holiday types, safari was the most popular, followed by mountain, cityscape, beach and waterfall.
Here are the top 10 by landscape:
- Safari: +9,900 per cent
- Mountain: +9,800 per cent
- Cityscape: +8,100 per cent
- Beach: +7,800 per cent
- Waterfall: +6,600 per cent
- Sea: +6,400 per cent
- Rainforest: +5,000 per cent
- Field: +4,000 per cent
- Desert: +3,200 per cent
- Lake: +1,500 per cent
Kuoni has also provided a set of 14 images and videos to be used as Zoom backgrounds to reflect some of their most popular destinations. You can download them here.
If you are looking to transport yourself from your bedroom to a powder soft white sand beach in the Maldives and your living room to one of its turquoise lagoons, check out these free Zoom backgrounds by Maldivian hotel group Coco Collection.
Zoom has risen in popularity as a go-to platform for video conference calls, get-togethers and celebrations during the current coronavirus pandemic. One advanced (free) setting of the app allows users to disguise their backgrounds to something else entirely.
How to upload a Zoom background
Once you’ve downloaded a background, follow these simple steps:
- Download the Zoom app for Mac or Windows
- Open the app and sign in
- In the upper right corner, click your profile picture and then click on ‘Settings’
- In the left menu, click ‘Virtual Background’ (if you don’t see this, log in to the Zoom website, go to ‘Settings’ and toggle on ‘Virtual Background’)
- In the ‘Virtual Background’ menu, click the (+) icon
- Select and upload your chosen background
- For best results, make sure you have a plain background behind you such as a wall.
Featured
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments
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.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
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.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
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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