Featured
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives announces wellness star programme; offers traditional Chinese medicine treatments

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has welcomed world-renowned specialist in traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr. Rui Pedro Loureiro, who brings to the island alternative healing therapies from acupuncture to epigenetics.
Dr. Rui Loureiro received his Bachelor’s Degree from Chengdu’s University of Chinese Medicine in China, postgraduate in Cosmetic Acupuncture from CMIR/ACUMEDIC – London and Beijing’s University of Chinese Medicine.
Expert in diagnosis, he has worked in a hospital in China and clinics in London and Portugal, where he currently is responsible for the Chinese Medicine Department of St. Louis Hospital in Lisbon and Clinical Director of Clinica Cura Pura in Aveiro – Portugal.
Ancient wisdom and contemporary diagnostics meet. With over 20 years of clinical practice, he is a passionate, dedicated, and lifetime student and researcher of the knowledge of Chinese Medicine.

Primary Treatments
Acupuncture
During your consultation, a full history of your general health and details of your current symptoms and lifestyle are taken into account – this helps to establish a clear picture and understanding of the underlying causes of disease and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Acupuncture diagnosis focuses on the individual and not just his/her illness – all symptoms are seen in relation to each other, so two people with the same Western diagnosis may be treated differently.
60 minutes │ USD 308
Quit Smoking for Life
You may have tried to quit smoking before but the withdrawal symptoms caused anxiety and the fight became too difficult. There is a more natural, painless and effective solution – with Auricular Therapy – a proven, effective tool to help you quit smoking by minimising cravings and calming the nervous system. Dr. Rui’s treatment uses mild electrical stimulation on the outside of both ears. It is similar to ear acupuncture but without the use of needles. His average success rate is 85% percent and there is no need for patches, gum or pills afterwards.
30 minutes │ USD 432
Holistic Facial Rejuvenation Programme The “natural facelift” – cosmetic acupuncture for wrinkles and sagging. 24-carat gold needles will be applied to specific acupressure points on your face and body to help nourish the skin. The gold-plated composition of the acupuncture needles is singularly significant as it produces measurable results by visibly enhancing the volume and tone of facial muscles, so improving the skin’s circulation, collagen, and elastic fibre network which activates the fibroblastic cells and increases hyaluronic acid production. Experience sleeker, plumper, more youthful skin.
60 minutes │ USD 364
Anti-Cellulite Treatment
This method gives excellent results in modulation of different parts of the body– abdomen, buttocks, lower and upper limbs – for conditions such as cellulite, sagging, localised fat deposits and excessive weight. Anti-cellulite acupuncture helps the whole body both look and feel younger, rejuvenating and revitalising.
60 minutes │ USD 339
Full Epigenetic Test
Dig deeper into your genetic data. Undergo an epigenetic hair test, through a bio profiler, which gives information about your levels of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants and contaminants. Analysing the 15 most common vitamins, 23 major groups of antioxidants, 16 everyday minerals, 115 food restrictions and food additives, immune stressors, all 23 amino acids, and omega 3, 6 and 9, the epigenetic test gives you lifestyle and diet recommendations to optimise your health.
45 minutes │ USD 487
Complimentary Session
Lifestyle Consultation
Dr. Rui’s treatments will take place at The Standard Spa with ocean views from one of the nine private rooms, along with an indoor hydrotherapy playground boasting a traditional communal Hamman, cypress aroma steam room and contract plunge shower. The Standard Spa sitting over the pristine water of Huravalhi Island also has a yoga studio hosting daily wellness classes and Tonic, an adults-only pool and swim-up bar perfect for relaxing post treatment or splashing around. The perfect place to recover, play, chill and explore.
Treatment prices are in USD inclusive of service and GST. For more information please visit https://www.standardhotels.com/maldives.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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