Set within the vibrant Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives continues to set itself apart, not just as a destination for discerning travellers, but as a resort committed to responsible luxury. Beyond the palm-fringed villas and crystal-clear lagoons, there is a quiet but powerful movement taking place behind the scenes: one that embraces island farming, sustainable operations, and meaningful community partnerships.

At the heart of this vision is Ayada’s flourishing “Secret Garden”, an expansive green haven where herbs, vegetables, and tropical fruits are grown using eco-conscious techniques. From fragrant basil and lemongrass to nutrient-rich leafy greens, the garden supplies the resort’s kitchens with hyper-local ingredients, ensuring that guests experience fresh, flavourful dishes that reflect the richness of the Maldives.

The resort also works hand-in-hand with farmers from nearby islands, offering support and guidance in organic farming practices, composting, and water-efficient growing methods. This collaboration not only enhances the culinary offering at Ayada but also strengthens local island economies and food security across the region.

Sustainability at Ayada is holistic. Energy is managed with precision, wastewater is treated and repurposed for irrigation, and organic kitchen waste is composted. Even the design of villas takes inspiration from natural Maldivian architecture, using locally sourced materials to blend seamlessly with the island’s surroundings.

What sets Ayada apart is the seamless integration of sustainability with the guest experience. Whether strolling through the garden, enjoying a farm-to-table meal, or simply knowing that their stay supports environmental stewardship, guests walk away with more than memories, they become part of a broader story of conservation and care.

In a world where sustainability is becoming essential, Ayada Maldives continues to lead with purpose, proving that true luxury can and should leave a lighter footprint.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to embrace a journey of wellbeing during World Wellness Weekend, taking place from 19 to 21 September 2025. Over three days, the resort will host a series of revitalising activities designed to awaken energy, restore balance, and nurture the spirit, set against the serene backdrop of Maamunagau Island.

The celebration begins on Friday, 19 September, with a Morning Fun Run, a Healthy Breakfast Selection, and Meditation & Sound Healing at the Yoga Pavilion.

On Saturday, 20 September, guests can start the day with Power Yoga, cool off with Aqua Aerobics at the Main Pool, and end the day with a spirited beach Volleyball Match in the evening.

The weekend concludes on Sunday, 21 September, with Sunrise Yoga, followed by Yoga Nidra for Sleep Enhancement, leaving guests feeling restored and rebalanced as the celebrations come to a close.

In conjunction with World Wellness Weekend, AVI Spa proudly introduces its new partnership with The Organic Pharmacy, a renowned London-based brand celebrated for its homeopathic principles and high-performing natural formulations. Known for blending science with botanicals, The Organic Pharmacy brings a new dimension of holistic care to the AVI Spa menu, elevating the guest journey through treatments that are as nurturing as they are effective.

“Our goal is to create a space where wellness is not just an activity, but an experience that resonates long after our guests leave the island,” says Jean Claire, Spa & Wellness Manager at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. “Partnering with The Organic Pharmacy allows us to further enrich this journey with treatments rooted in both science and nature.”

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is an exclusive destination getaway offering a unique opportunity for those looking to unwind and reconnect in an enviable island setting, where exclusive privileges go hand in hand with the personal touch of our signature service at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ first and only all-Club InterContinental resort. Located in the Raa Atoll; 35 minutes by seaplane from the Velana International Airport, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is an award-winning island escape offering beach, lagoon and overwater villas and residences with up to three bedrooms. Curated dining and wellness experiences, an extensive kids’ club, as well as The Retreat, an adult-only enclave, along with a myriad of recreational adventures for families and couples alike are also available.

Soneva Fushi, situated within the Maldives’ Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has been named winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. The accolade is one of two special awards announced ahead of the official ceremony on 30 October. The award is based on votes from more than 800 members of the Academy, who were asked to identify the hotel where they experienced their single-best hospitality moment within the two-year voting period.

The award recognises the quality of service that ensures guests feel cared for throughout their stay. It celebrates the work of a property and its entire team, acknowledging excellence in areas ranging from reception and housekeeping to amenities and food and beverage services. Voters were asked to consider ambience, unique experiential elements, and the warmth of the hospitality on offer.

Soneva Fushi, the original Soneva resort and regarded as the model for barefoot luxury, is located on one of the Maldives’ largest and least developed islands. The resort comprises 71 private villas, either set amidst dense jungle or positioned above the ocean. Guests are invited to embrace a slower pace of life, with experiences ranging from deserted island picnics and wellness treatments at Soneva Soul to curated events under the Soneva Stars calendar.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said: “This award celebrates the foundation of hospitality and honours the emotional connection that guests have with a hotel and its team. For three decades, Soneva Fushi has been delivering memorable service at the highest level that puts the guest at the heart of every interaction. A mainstay of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list since the awards’ inception, Soneva Fushi is a worthy winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award, setting a benchmark of all-encompassing excellence one stay at a time.”

Each villa offers extensive indoor and outdoor living space, private pools and ocean views. A distinctive feature of the resort is its Barefoot Guardians – dedicated butlers assigned to each villa to provide personalised service. Available at all times, they arrange every aspect of the guest experience, from zipline adventures and snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay to stargazing at the observatory or dining in one of 14 restaurants. The Barefoot Guardians also manage the Soneva Stars calendar, which hosts international chefs, wellness specialists and sporting figures.

Antony Paton, General Manager of Soneva Fushi, said: “This award belongs to the entire team at Soneva Fushi. It is a reflection of our shared purpose to create moments of joy, connection and wonder every single day. Being recognised by The World’s 50 Best Hotels affirms that the quiet magic we strive for is not only felt by our guests, but remembered. And that, to us, is the greatest reward.”

Giancarlo Mancino, Chief Executive Officer of SeiBellissimi, added: “At Soneva Fushi, hospitality is a seamless extension of a lifestyle deeply rooted in sustainability, wellness and mindful luxury. Founded with a slow life philosophy, every experience here is a tribute to living in harmony with nature, honouring health-conscious principles, and crafting each moment with genuine care. This devotion to sustainable elegance and the art of well-being is the perfect mirror of SeiBellissimi’s own values: Italian craftsmanship, conviviality, and a respect for quality that goes beyond the ordinary.”

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 ceremony will take place at Old Billingsgate in London on Thursday 30 October, where Soneva Fushi will formally receive the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award.