Featured
Guesthouse culture in Maldives
Crystal clear seas, powdery white sand and indulgence beyond measure are three things that come to mind whenever the Maldives is mentioned.
While the country is famous for its unique beauty and extravagant resorts, it is not solely dedicated to the wealthy tourist – it offers various accommodation options catering to a diverse range of preferences. These facilities are broadly categorised into four types: resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards.
Ever since the relaxation of tourism rules, which restricted tourism to resorts on uninhabited islands, the guesthouse industry has boomed in the Maldives. Since then, many guesthouses have been developed in inhabited islands, with the greater Male region being the main hub.
The styles of guesthouses range from budget to boutique, B&Bs and more.
The amenities, service and luxury vary from that of resorts but guests have access to similar types of activities that resorts offer. Opportunities for excursions to nearby islands and sandbanks, watersports, snorkelling and diving are available. Most of the islands with guesthouses also have watersports and dive centres.
By staying at a guesthouse, tourists will have the prospect of experiencing the rich culture of the country like a true local; make new friends, discover the history of the island by visiting accessible historical hotspots or even partake in day-to-day activities. For the budget traveller, the backpacker or the knowledge-seeker, the stay will surely reap benefits to last a lifetime.
The biggest difference one may notice is that while resorts adhere to the one-island-one-resort concept, guesthouses do not. This means that tourists must bear in mind to be respectful of the local community, its customs and traditions.
As the Maldives is a 100 per cent Muslim country, women are expected to dress more modestly on inhabited islands than in designated resorts. Consumption of alcohol and pork, while not forbidden for tourists, is also usually frowned upon.
But this is offset by the many other wonderful opportunities the islands have to offer. Witness kids as they play in their own imaginative worlds, play a game of football in the evening, hang out on the beaches while sipping a cuppa and eating hedhikaa (short eats), or simply join in the chit-chat among the locals.
Guesthouses across the Maldives are currently closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but they will be allowed to reopen from August 1.
Meanwhile, resorts can begin hosting guests from July 15.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
-
Cooking6 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
Action1 week agoMichael Owen leads Easter football camp at Avani+ Fares Maldives
-
News1 week agoThe Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
-
Action1 week agoRadisson Blu Maldives image shortlisted for Monaco environmental award
-
Cooking6 days agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
-
Business1 week agoCoca-Cola Maldives launches World Cup-themed promotion
-
News1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives welcomes visiting Thai healer for spa residency
-
Featured1 week agoOne year on: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives marks milestone