News
Ifuru Island Maldives opens on Sept 23
The Maldives’ best kept secret is set to be revealed this September, as independently owned private sanctuary, Ifuru Island Maldives, makes its surprise debut.
Opening on 23 September in the stunning Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island fosters a playful and social atmosphere, offering the first permanent skydiving dropzone in the destination, sunset views from every room, and its own private airport.
Conceived to make every moment unforgettable, challenge the ordinary, and awaken the spirit of adventure, the resort features a wealth of amenities and experiences, including an array of bars and restaurants; Xanadu Spa; skydiving over the Indian Ocean and diving with sharks below the waves. What’s more, with its new ‘Exclusively Yours’ approach to premium 24-hour all-inclusive offerings, guests can truly relax knowing everything has been taken care of.
A total of 147 beach suites and villas will offer breathtaking sunset views and contemporary interiors, outdoor spaces, and ample natural light in which to bask. Guests opting for a Sunset Beach Suite or Sunset Beach Villa can also enjoy direct access to the white sandy beach and glistening turquoise waters. For a truly elevated experience, the Sunset Beach Villas with Pool offer a private beachfront location with a personal pool and stunning terrace.
Arranged as a series of ‘Retreats’ and ‘Villages’ – small coteries that perfectly balance seclusion and sociability – Ifuru Island’s accommodation provides a host of exclusive resort-within-resort possibilities, making it ideal for milestone celebrations and multigenerational gatherings.
With six restaurants and four bars, guests can make the most of the all-inclusive, dine-around experience and embark on a culinary journey as they savour a range of dishes. Meticulously created by the resort’s talented chefs, menus offer a harmonious fusion of local Maldivian ingredients and international flavours. Guests can choose to dine at one of two à la carte restaurants – The Waterfront, which serves fresh Asian dishes with an infusion of Mediterranean flavours and South American notes, and Palm Grill, a rustic grill steak house that also serves locally-caught fresh fish and vegan creations to tantalise tastebuds.
The Social House is the hub of the island, bringing guests together and delivering an impressive menu that combines the best dishes from around the world. Hubba Hubba Bar is the place to go for upbeat vibes and light cocktails, while Pool Side offers a selection of exceptional pizza by the metre and The Beach Club provides a boho beach atmosphere.
The resort also offers a range of adrenaline pumping activities for guests to immerse themselves in. Making the exhilarating most of its very own private airport, Ifuru Island has teamed up with 21k-jump World Champion skydiver Will Penny to create the Maldives’ first permanent skydiving dropzone. Between the beginning of November and the end of March, guests can take to the sky before enjoying a captivating skydive over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Those who prefer to plunge below the water can enjoy a surf or a dive with several species of sharks that call these beautiful waters home.
For those seeking a gentler pace, Ifuru Island Maldives offers a range of excursions and experiences, including dolphin watching, sunset cruises, island hopping, cultural immersions, stargazing and serene snorkels below the waves to witness the region’s stunning marine life.
Guests wanting to get active on land won’t be disappointed either, as the resort offers a range of facilities, including water sports, a Night Tennis & Multi Court and 24-hour fitness centre. Younger guests can let their imaginations soar and immerse themselves in the wonders of the Maldives at the Coconut Kids Club and Little Explorers Club.
For friends, families and groups seeking a retreat that forges bonds as much as cherished memories, Ifuru Island Maldives is the perfect destination.
Ifuru Island is committed to infusing magic into every moment by transcending expectations, elevating the awe-inspiring beauty of the island and delivering warm hospitality at every opportunity, creating endless opportunities for guests to discover their perfect holiday.
For more information: www.ifuruisland.com
Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has announced that it has been awarded the Gold Award for “South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel” at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. This recognition underscores the hotel’s longstanding reputation as the premier gateway to the Maldives, providing seamless hospitality experiences for travelers.
Held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, the 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards welcomed industry leaders and esteemed delegates from across the region to celebrate outstanding achievements in hospitality and tourism.
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is the region’s most prestigious platform dedicated to recognising excellence in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Launched to elevate industry standards and celebrate the diverse offerings across South Asia, SATA honours outstanding achievements by businesses, individuals, and destinations that shape and inspire regional tourism. With participation from six nations – Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives – SATA has become a symbol of unity and collaboration in one of the world’s most culturally rich and geographically diverse regions.
Ali Shakir, Group General Manager, commented on the award by saying, “Winning the Gold Award as South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel reinforces our promise of being more than just a transit hotel. Hulhule Island Hotel stands as the gateway to the Maldives, where comfort, convenience, and heartfelt hospitality meet. This achievement is dedicated to our passionate team who consistently go beyond expectations to create memorable experiences for every guest.”
Hawwa Fareesha, Hotel Manager of Hulhule Island Hotel added, “We are honored to receive the Gold Award for Best Leading Airport Hotel. This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our exceptional team and the strong leadership of our Group General Manager. Thank you to all our staff – your passion and commitment continue to set us apart.”
Strategically located just minutes away from Velana International Airport, Hulhule Island Hotel stands as the Maldives’ premier airport hotel, offering comfort and convenience to both leisure and business travelers. The property features a wide range of modern facilities including well-appointed rooms, multiple dining venues, recreation options, and event spaces, all designed to provide a seamless transition for travelers entering or departing the Maldives. Known for blending efficiency with warm Maldivian hospitality, HIH has become the preferred choice for international passengers, airline crews, and corporate guests alike.
Madifushi Private Island has announced its recognition as the Silver Award winner in the “South Asia’s Best New Hotel/Resort” category at the prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. This marks the first time Madifushi Private Island has participated in the awards, making the achievement even more significant.
The 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards was held at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together distinguished leaders and representatives from across the region’s travel and hospitality industry.
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is the region’s premier platform dedicated to recognising excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Launched to elevate industry standards and celebrate the diversity of offerings across South Asia, SATA honours outstanding achievements by businesses, individuals, and destinations that shape and inspire regional tourism.
With participation from six nations – Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives – SATA has become a true symbol of unity and collaboration in one of the world’s most culturally rich and geographically diverse regions.
Commenting on the recognition, Ali Shakir, Group General Manager, said “We are honoured to see Madifushi Private Island recognised on such a prestigious regional stage. This award is a proud moment not just for our resort but also for the Maldives. It validates our commitment to delivering authentic, meaningful, and memorable experiences.”
Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island, added “Being recognised as South Asia’s Best New Resort is a testament to the efforts put in by our wonderful team over the past 12 months. Given the remote, picturesque, peaceful, and serene location of Madifushi Private Island, along with our dedicated and well-established team working towards the common goal of providing serene wonders to our valued guests, we aim for the pinnacle of private island awards in the years to come. The direction from our Group General Manager, Mr. Ali Shakir, is on track towards us becoming the best private island in the Maldives.”
Nestled in the pristine waters of Meemu Atoll, Madifushi Private Island is an exclusive luxury retreat that blends natural beauty with refined hospitality. The island offers secluded beachfront and overwater villas, world-class dining experiences, and tailored wellness programs. Its unique positioning as a sanctuary of serenity makes it ideal for couples, families, and discerning travelers seeking both privacy and adventure. With a strong focus on sustainability and Maldivian-inspired experiences, Madifushi Private Island continues to redefine serene luxury in the Maldives.
The Maldives has reached a new milestone in its diving industry with the launch of the country’s first PADI TecRec diver training center. Established by Aquaventure Dive Center in Addu City, the facility marks the beginning of a new era for technical diving in the Maldives, creating opportunities for divers to explore greater depths beyond recreational limits.
As the first of its kind in the region, the PADI TecRec center is fully equipped to offer a wide range of technical diving courses, from entry-level Discover Tec programs to advanced Tec 50 certifications. The center’s team of PADI-certified technical instructors are prepared to guide both recreational divers who are curious about technical diving and experienced divers looking to challenge their skills.
With access to some of the most spectacular underwater environments in the world—including deep wrecks, current-swept channels, and uncharted reefs—the Maldives is now firmly positioned on the global map as a destination for serious technical divers.
“This is more than just a certification—it’s an opportunity to experience the Maldives like never before,” said Marc Kouwenberg of Aquaventure Dive Center.
In addition to courses, Aquaventure offers technical diving equipment and custom expedition packages designed for those ready to take the plunge into the Maldives’ most adventurous underwater landscapes.
Contact:
Marc Kouwenberg
WhatsApp / Viber: +960 797 4310
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