Featured
Marriott introduces The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands opening on June, there are 100 villas, all embodying the true spirit of the Maldives. Minimalist, circular architecture and a philosophy of wholeness reflect the Maldivian culture and environment.
A turquoise lagoon lets visitors embrace the circle of island life, connecting them with the environment and endless views to the horizon. Perfect white sand beaches abound, with powdery grains to lull visitors to relax even more, according to Marriott International.
There are blues and then there are blues in The Maldives. Where the sea meets the sky, impossibly beautiful atolls are warmed by the sun but gently cooled by ocean breezes.
It’s no surprise that the Indian Ocean archipelago – Asia’s smallest country – has long been a destination for those seeking exclusive luxury, seclusion and extraordinary travel experiences.
But today, the fact that the country is one of very few open to all global visitors — as long as they hold a negative Covid PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours – has made it a more compelling destination than ever. There is also the sense of security and freedom of being more or less constantly outside, as villas invariably open up to the warmth of the elements.
The North Male Atoll is just an easy 45-minute speedboat from the international airport, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in turquoise lagoons and coral reefs teeming with marine life just hours after touching down.
Guest villas from one to three bedrooms feature the refined elegance and legendary service that define The Ritz-Carlton brand, while outstanding international and local cuisines across seven restaurants and bars add to the beautiful journey for all five senses.
Minimising the impact on the fragile reef ecosystem was paramount in the design of the resort.
Through pioneering pre-fabricated design methods and materials, no cutting was necessary on the island, reducing heavy operations and, crucially, generating zero waste or pollution.
With widespread use of solar panels and intrinsic sustainability of design materials the stunning architecture also achieved a low carbon footprint.
Le Méridien Maldives
Also looking ahead, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa on the island of Thilamaafushi is set to open later this year with chic island living. Another captivating destination, the resort will reflect mid-century design aesthetics inspired by the era of glamorous travel, all presented through a Maldivian lens.
Thilamaafushi is a natural island that translates to “island with vast shallow lagoon areas” in Dhivehi, the language of The Maldives, so guests will enjoy reefs, coral gardens, marine life and underwater pinnacles known as “Thilas” that are full of vibrant marine life including pods of manta rays and turtles.
Guests will be able to dine at six restaurants and bars and enjoy the Explore Spa by Le Méridien, while families will love Le Méridien Family hub with its experiences that nurture discovery and conservation of the surrounding environment.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli
For the ultimate holiday of privacy and luxury, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort offers an ultra-luxe package in their John Jacob Astor Estate. When visitors combine the finest address in the Maldives with the most sought-after villa in the Indian Ocean, this is one extraordinary package, truly deserving of the word ‘unique’.
Curated experiences indulge guests in an unparalleled sense of privacy and personal service. Aptly named after John Jacob Astor, the founder of The St. Regis, the dual-story, three-bedroom estate is the largest overwater villa in the Maldives, with 16,500 sq ft of impeccable design and panoramic views.
World class amenities including an expansive terrace and plush pool deck with a 92-square-meter infinity pool and dining room serviced by a fully furnished show kitchen, butler pantry and private chef. Offering the utmost privacy accompanied by personal St. Regis Butlers, the John Jacob Astor Estate’s Ultra-Luxe package is perfectly suited for travellers to enjoy with their family or friends.
JW Marriott Maldives
At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, there are 60 villas starting at 2,520 sq. feet, with private pools and wooden sunbathing decks, all with a choice of sunrise or sunset views.
Thatched roofs on villas remind guests of dhoni boats, traditional Maldivian wooden fishing vessels which ply the azure waters.
Rooms are inspired by natural surroundings and local Maldivian culture, incorporating coluors and materials that reflect the famously gentle pace of life of the island nation.
Young adventurers will be enchanted as they explore the magic of the underwater world and life on the island at our standalone Family by JW – Little Griffins – built around a pirate ship! Daily kids’ activities will whisk them on true adventures of a lifetime.
W Maldives
Then for those seeking all-inclusive offers with idyllic tropical vibes, W Maldives has them covered.
The resort’s Extreme Island Takeover starting from $199,000, offers guests their ultimate private playground with buyout of all 77 escapes in either beach bungalows surrounded by lush tropical foliage and the white sand beach, or in overwater villa with a direct access to the beautiful and bountiful house reef home to exotic fishes, reef sharks, turtles and eagle rays.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo
Set in the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site home to one of the largest concentrations of manta rays in the world, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers a mindful living package that is perfect for those seeking holistic wellness in these challenging times.
Nature, nutrition, spa, yoga, and functional movement all help jumpstart visitors’ health.
A complimentary 60-minute couple spa treatment lets guests choose from therapies offered at The Heavenly Spa by Westin which replenish the mind and body through personal sensory experiences.
Four food and beverage venues then let visitors kick back in culinary style surrounded by picture-perfect beaches.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon
The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is the perfect destination for romantics as the location of Furanafushi is a true garden of Eden, an island haven of private nooks, enchanting views and manicured gardens.
From fresh seafood at Sea Salt to aromatic spice and heat at Baan Thai, the resort’s dining options have something for everyone.
Champagne picnics on sandbanks, dinners set up on candlelit beaches or sunset cocktails at Anchorage all help ensure another day well spent in paradise.
Wherever visitors end up in this country that truly takes the breath away, one thing is for sure: They’ve found paradise, in every sense of the word.
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
-
News5 days agoananea Madivaru Maldives unveils personalised island concierge experience
-
Drink1 week agoRare vintages meet island luxury: Glenelly Estate takes over RAAYA and VARU by Atmosphere
-
Cooking1 week agoGili Lankanfushi Executive Chef Hari releases plant-based cookbook celebrating sustainable cuisine
-
News1 week agoCentara unveils Festival of Lights celebrations across Maldives resorts
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Vilu Reef celebrates 28 years with new beach club and Italian restaurant
-
Action1 week agoDaniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa and Donna Vekić head to St. Regis Maldives for tennis series
-
Cooking1 week agoHeritance Aarah brings Chiang Mai’s The House by Ginger to Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoOZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI to host Diwali celebrations in November