News
Maldives ranks as world’s top bucket list experience

When it comes to travel dreams and wanderlust, people across the globe have diverse aspirations. Some yearn to witness the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, others aspire to gaze upon the enigmatic Mona Lisa in the Louvre, and many desire to stand in awe before the majestic Taj Mahal. However, according to a recent study conducted by luxury travel experts at Kuoni, there’s one destination that consistently reigns supreme on the world’s collective travel bucket list: the Maldives.
Top 5 bucket list experiences are:
- Maldives
- Get splashed at Niagara Falls
- See the Mona Lisa
- Visit Bora Bora
- Climb the Statue of Liberty

The Maldives has captured the imagination of travelers from every corner of the globe. Kuoni’s study, which analyzed global search data for 119 global bucket list items across 219 countries, revealed that a trip to the Maldives holds the top spot for the most coveted travel experience in the world. This stunning archipelago, known for its crystal-clear waters, overwater bungalows, and vibrant marine life, emerged as the ultimate travel aspiration for people from 121 countries.
So, what makes the Maldives such a universally coveted travel destination? Let’s delve into the reasons behind its top-ranking status on the global travel bucket list.
1. A Slice of Paradise
The Maldives is often described as paradise on Earth, and for good reason. Its pristine white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and turquoise lagoons create a setting straight out of a postcard. The sheer natural beauty of the Maldives is unparalleled, making it a dream destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.
2. Overwater Bungalows
One of the Maldives’ most iconic features is its overwater bungalows. These luxurious accommodations allow guests to wake up to the gentle lapping of waves beneath their rooms and step directly into the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The experience of staying in an overwater bungalow is the epitome of luxury and romance, making it a bucket list item for countless travelers.
3. World-Class Snorkeling and Diving
The Maldives is a haven for underwater enthusiasts. Its vibrant coral reefs teem with an astonishing array of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and even majestic manta rays and whale sharks. Snorkeling and diving in these pristine waters offer a chance to explore a mesmerizing underwater world, making it an irresistible draw for adventure seekers.
4. Unforgettable Sunsets
Few places on Earth can rival the Maldives when it comes to breathtaking sunsets. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil waters, is a magical experience that lingers in the memories of visitors. It’s no wonder that so many people aspire to witness this natural spectacle in person.
5. Privacy and Seclusion
The Maldives offers an unparalleled sense of privacy and seclusion. Many of its resorts are situated on private islands, ensuring that guests can enjoy a tranquil escape away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This exclusivity is a major draw for honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic getaway.
As the world’s top bucket list experience, the Maldives has not only captured the hearts of travelers but also serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of travel itself. In an era where the world is increasingly interconnected, and information is at our fingertips, the desire to explore new horizons and experience the wonders of the world remains a powerful and universal aspiration.
For those fortunate enough to turn their dreams into reality and step onto the pristine shores of the Maldives, they find not only a tropical paradise but also a deeper connection with the beauty and diversity of our planet. As the Maldives continues to top global travel bucket lists, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of wanderlust and the timeless allure of extraordinary destinations.
Featured
Grand Park Kodhipparu highlights manta ray conservation on World Manta Day

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives marked World Manta Day with a series of activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of manta ray conservation and the threats these marine species face from international trade, overfishing, plastic pollution and habitat destruction.
The resort organised painting workshops where guests were invited to illustrate their impressions of manta rays and their underwater environment, fostering a connection with marine life through art. Using shimmering glitters, participants recreated the elegance and grace of manta rays, while others crafted large-scale designs on the beach, turning the shoreline into a visual tribute to the creatures.
As part of its commitment to environmental education, the resort released a special video highlighting the feeding habits, defence strategies and reproductive behaviours of manta rays. The video serves as an educational resource, reinforcing the significance of marine conservation through scientific understanding and community engagement.
Citra Suriah, Marketing Director of Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, said the resort would continue to provide opportunities for guests to learn about and advocate for collective responsibility in protecting the ocean.
Cooking
The Nautilus Maldives’ unscripted dining: A revolution in ultra-luxury hospitality

Luxury travel is moving beyond service—it’s moving toward liberation. The Nautilus Maldives pioneers culinary freedom and is the world’s first resort without meal times, where chefs co-create indulgence with guests, anything, anytime, anywhere.
A Pioneer of schedule-free, personality-driven dining
The Nautilus is not just another luxury resort in the Maldives; it is rewriting the rules of fine dining. Its “Unscripted Dining” concept makes it the most liberated, guest-centric culinary experience in the world.

The Nautilus’s Chefs Are Always In
Unlike traditional luxury resorts, dining at The Nautilus isn’t bound by restaurant hours, menus or venues. Chefs serve as co-creators of indulgence, working with guests to turn moods, whims, or even Instagram posts into one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Haute cuisine at 2 a.m., ramen by the beach at sunset, or a Michelin-style degustation menu on a private sandbank — The Nautilus chefs deliver, as at The Nautilus, the kitchen never closes. For jet-lagged travellers, this means ultimate convenience and comfort: breakfast at dusk, dinner at dawn, or spontaneous midnight feasts.

Why Plan a Meal When You Can Invent It?
Culinary freedom defines The Nautilus. Guests aren’t simply dining – they are designing their own experience in real time. From lobster benedict in bed at midnight to cocktail-paired tasting menus under the stars, everything is on the table – literally. It’s a rejection of routine and predictability, elevating emotional dining as the new luxury. Guests are invited to experience food as emotional expression, with each dish crafted in the moment and shaped by imagination.

An Island Without Meal Times – Radical Hospitality for the Ultra-Individual
The Nautilus rebels against hospitality norms: no schedules, no restrictions, no compromises.
Its philosophy embodies the future of ultra-luxury hospitality: total guest freedom, spontaneity, and personalised indulgence.

A Shared Vision of Culinary Freedom
“True luxury is freedom,” says Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus. “Our Unscripted Dining concept is a direct reflection of that belief. By removing the limits of time and menus, we invite our guests to experience food not as routine, but as a deeply personal journey of indulgence and expression. Today’s ultra-luxury travellers seek authenticity and individuality above all else. The Nautilus leads this shift, offering a radical departure from scripted hospitality. Every meal becomes a story co-created with the guest, a promise of spontaneity and soulful connection.”
To find out more about The Nautilus visit www.thenautilusmaldives.com.
Entertainment
Halloween and Autumn celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is preparing to welcome guests to a week-long Autumn Festival with Halloween-themed celebrations running from 30 October to 5 November. The programme features a variety of activities designed for families, couples, and individual travellers, with events ranging from treasure hunts and creative workshops to wellness sessions and exclusive dining experiences.
The celebrations begin on 30 October with a beachside Tabata workout followed by a pumpkin carving workshop at La Locanda. Activities for children and teens include the Magic of Mantas virtual reality exploration, Haunted Brick Builders, and the Autumn Costume Fashion Show. Parents are invited to a cocktail gathering on the shore before the evening concludes with a Culinary Maestro dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Max Strohe, as part of the resort’s Masters of Crafts series.
On 31 October, guests may join a morning Dynamic Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden or take part in a turtle snorkelling excursion. Children between four and twelve are encouraged to join the Flying Fox Quest, a Halloween-themed nature walk, while older children embark on an Island Treasure Quest. Seasonal workshops such as wreath decoration and creative pumpkin carving are available, and the day concludes with a Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt across the island and a Halloween Feast at La Locanda.
As the week progresses, the festival highlights wellness and creativity. Under the Masters of Crafts programme, mobility coach Anthony Green will host sessions on posture, flexibility, and spinal health. Seasonal crafts for younger guests include galaxy-themed pumpkin art, Halloween decorations, wand-making, and mask workshops. Family activities extend to Autumn Carnival Stalls, Magic Hat bowling, and themed cooking sessions. Evening entertainment includes a magic show, a piñata party, and further culinary experiences led by Chef Max Strohe.
The festival concludes on 5 November with a Vinsaya Flow Yoga session in the Mystique Garden, an art class featuring batfish designs on tote bags, and a children’s treasure hunt. Families are invited to join the Boos and Brews Halloween Dhoni Cruise before the celebrations end with a Luxury Sunset Cruise.
Through this programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, combines seasonal festivities with wellness, creativity, and gastronomy, offering guests a diverse celebration of autumn and Halloween in the Maldives.
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