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Maldives ranks as world’s top bucket list experience

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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:

  1. Maldives
  2. Get splashed at Niagara Falls
  3. See the Mona Lisa
  4. Visit Bora Bora
  5. 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.

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Celebrate Eid Al-Adha with bold beats, barefoot dining, revitalising escape at W Maldives

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This Eid Al-Adha, W Maldives—The Original Wavemaker—invites guests to trade tradition for transformation, with a curated celebration that blends bold flavors, soulful rhythms, and serene moments in true island style. Nestled in the heart of the Maldives’ North Ari Atoll, the luxury playground is making the occasion with two exclusive offerings designed to awaken the senses and honor the spirit of the season—one for those who crave slow, mindful reconnection and another for those ready to revel under the stars.

On 6 June, the resort’s signature beachside smokehouse restaurant, FIRE, becomes the backdrop for Eid Revelry, a one-night-only dinner experience that puts Maldivian flavors and music in the spotlight. Set beneath swaying palms and candlelit skies, the open-air feast features a spread of elevated island cuisine, designed for sharing and celebrating. The vibe? Laid-back yet unmistakably electric., thank to live performances from two of the Maldives’ musical talents: Miraa, whose vocals bring a soulful edge to island storytelling, and DJ Hambe, whose dynamic beats effortlessly bridge traditional roots and modern rhythm. As homegrown talents championing the local creative scene, their presence adds heart and authenticity to the night—proof that Eid on an island can be both grounded and gloriously unexpected.

For those seeking a more introspective take on the holiday, AWAY Spa offers the Calm Celebration ritual from 4 to 11 June—a 60-minute escape designed to bring clarity to the body and calm to the mind. The experience begins with a 30-minute back, neck, and shoulder massage to melt away tension, followed by a 30-minute facial for a radiant refresh. Hosted in one of W Maldives’ iconic overwater treatment rooms—where waves become natural soundtrack—the treatment honors the quiet side of Eid, offering guests a moment to breathe, reset and emerge renewed.

The best part? Guests don’t have to shoose between tranquility and thrill—they can do both! W Maldives makes it easy to craft a holiday that hits every note, from spa serenity by day to barefoot beats by night.

And with the resort’s Stay, Dine & Fly offer—which includes daily half board, shared return seaplane transfers, and full access to all signature happenings—the only thing guests need to worry about is whether they’ll start with a stretch or a spritz.

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Ifuru Island Maldives launches ‘Blend’ private yacht experience

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Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled Blend, a beautiful Princess 62 luxury yacht, now available for private charters, curated cruises, and exclusive overnight stays. This new experience offers guests the opportunity to explore the Indian Ocean in style, blending barefoot luxury with personalised service and curated culinary moments.

Whether sailing into the sunset with a bottle of sparkling wine, enjoying a champagne breakfast surrounded by endless blue, or spending the night aboard under the stars, Blend is designed for romance, celebration, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. The yacht comfortably hosts up to 14 guests for day cruises and offers overnight accommodation for four in two elegant cabins.

Guests can choose from a variety of experiences—from short scenic voyages and gourmet lunch cruises to full-day ocean adventures and overnight escapes on the water. Each journey is supported by a dedicated crew and includes tailored amenities, premium dining, and seamless access to the Maldives’ breathtaking surroundings.

“We wanted to create an experience that feels intimate yet elevated—something that takes the Ifuru lifestyle and extends it onto the sea,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Blend allows our guests to celebrate special moments, escape the ordinary, and explore the beauty of the Maldives with privacy and personalisation.”

The new offering also includes combo and split-stay packages, allowing guests to pair their villa stay at Ifuru Island with one or more nights onboard the yacht, enjoying the best of both land and sea. Add-on experiences such as sandbank dining, floating breakfasts, onboard spa treatments, and cinematic evenings under the stars are available by advance booking.

Blend is now available for private bookings. For enquiries and reservations, please contact: bookingmagic@ifuruisland.com

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Kuda Villingili Maldives to host aqua fitness icon Rajni Maker for Global Wellness Day

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This Global Wellness Day, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to embrace the transformative power of water with an exclusive wellness program led by India’s pioneering aqua fitness expert, Rajni Maker. Taking place from June 14 to 18, 2025, the resort’s immersive wellness celebration is inspired by the global theme #ReconnectMagenta, encouraging guests to slow down, recharge, and rediscover a sense of connection—with self, with nature, and with community.

Located a scenic 30-minute speedboat journey from Malé, Kuda Villingili is an island sanctuary where time and space are redefined. A curated collection of villas and residences evoke a deep sense of space, comfort, and privacy. Whether nestled over water or tucked within lush foliage, every accommodation invites moments of stillness, reflection, and reconnection.

Kuda Villingili is already a haven for wellness seekers, offering a wealth of experiences that celebrate balance, vitality, and inner peace. The resort’s private island spa is home to eight treatment villas where guests can indulge in holistic therapies using organic, island-inspired ingredients. For those seeking movement, the resort boasts the Maldives’ largest pool, a state-of-the-art gym with ocean views, and a scenic jungle yoga pavilion designed for sunrise and sunset practices.

With decades of experience in crafting inclusive, water-based wellness journeys, Rajni Maker brings her signature blend of intentionality, flow, and vitality to the Maldives. Her sessions are tailored to support all fitness levels, creating an energising and welcoming space for everyone—from first-time movers to seasoned wellness seekers. Set against the striking backdrop of the Maldives’ largest pool, Rajni’s unique approach to aquatic fitness makes each workout a joyful and transformative experience.

“I am thrilled to bring my expertise to Kuda Villingili. The resort’s serene setting and expansive aquatic spaces offer the ideal canvas for meaningful, water-based wellness experiences,” says Rajni Maker. “My goal is to help every participant reconnect with their body and mind, while also leaving them with simple, sustainable practices they can continue at home—whether they are just beginning their wellness journey or are seasoned fitness enthusiasts.”

The wellness weekend opens with sessions designed to foster a deeper bond with the natural surroundings, including a guided nature walk through the island’s lush landscape, ending with a mindful beachside body scrub using traditional Maldivian ingredients. As the days unfold, guests are invited to explore inner strength and stability through a sunrise Pilates session with the Magic Circle and energise themselves with high-intensity aqua kickboxing—a spirited yet joint-friendly cardio workout led by Rajni herself.

Wellness is celebrated not only as a personal journey but as a shared experience. Guests can join their loved ones in an invigorating family beach HIIT session, or enjoy friendly competition during a padel tennis match, complete with thoughtful wellness prizes. The sense of connection continues with creative expressions such as a nature-inspired painting session, and deeper reflection is encouraged through one-on-one wellness consultations with the resort’s dedicated experts.

Whether guests are seeking a new way to move, or simply a new space to pause, Global Wellness Day at Kuda Villingili promises an unforgettable journey of renewal. With Rajni Maker leading the way, and the resort’s immersive wellness offerings as the foundation, the island becomes a sanctuary of motion, mindfulness, and meaningful reconnection.

View Kuda Villingili’s Global Wellness Day programme, in collaboration with Rajni Maker here.

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