News
Brand new all-beach, all-sunset, all-inclusive resort in Raa Atoll celebrates opening with ribbon-cutting ceremony
Independent new premium all-inclusive resort announces first and only permanent skydiving dropzone in the Maldives and sunsets for all
The Maldives’ most well-kept surprise opening, Ifuru Island Maldives, celebrated its official unboxing on 23 September 2023 with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the owners, the All-Star team and the very excited first official guests.
A lush natural island boasting a 1 km long stretch of white sandy beach with spectacular sunset views, the Ifuru island concept brings unique and engaging experiences for guests seeking social connections and everything Maldives in one place.
‘Island Vibe Boss’, Rochelle Kilgariff, commented: “Surprise! We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate the resort’s opening and start sharing the fun and magic experiences of our island with guests. We are all-beach, all-sunset and all-inclusive, and everything we do is about creating a playful and social atmosphere for all – from being home to the Maldives’ first ever permanent skydive dropzone to our Xanadu spa, extensive dining offerings and exceptional experiences.”
Located in the stunning Raa Atoll, this luxury premium all-inclusive resort offers 147 elegant beach suites and villas, including those with direct beach access and personal pools. Designed as a series of ‘Retreats’ and ‘Villages’, accommodation is arranged in a series of small coteries that seamlessly balance sociability and seclusion, making Ifuru Island an ideal destination for multigenerational escapes and celebratory gatherings.
Six restaurants and four bars create a culinary journey for guests to indulge in the resort’s 24-hour, premium all-inclusive, dine-around experience and savour carefully crafted fusions of local Maldivian ingredients and international flavours.
Committed to creating ever-lasting, magical memories, Ifuru Island offers a wealth of experiences and activities to suit every guest. From skydiving over the Indian Ocean, diving with sharks and surfing the waves, to Xanadu Spa treatments, dolphin watching, island hopping, cultural immersions and extensive sports facilities – both on-land and on the waves.
Younger guests are kept entertained too as they let their imaginations soar and immerse themselves in the wonders of the Maldives at the Coconut Kids Club and Little Explorers Club.
To make the most of its private airport and elevate exhilarating activities even further, Ifuru Island has collaborated with 21k-jump World Champion skydiver Will Penny to create the Maldives’ first permanent skydiving dropzone.
Rochelle Kilgariff, continues, “We’re truly committed to infusing magic into every moment of a guest’s stay with us. By transcending expectations, elevating the beauty of the island and delivering warm hospitality always, we want to create an infinite range of possibilities for guests to discover their own perfect escape, even the perfect day wedding day as a gift from us”
To celebrate launch, guests can save 50 percent on stays before 23 December 2023
Ifuru Island Maldives is offering 50 percent off stays until 23 December 2023*. Sunset Sky Suites, inclusive of the Exclusively Yours all-inclusive 24-hour meal plan, are from USD 539 (approx. GBP 432 and inclusive of 50 percent saving), based on two people sharing.
For reservations or more information on Ifuru Island Maldives, please call +960 6582 800, email surprise@ifuruisland.com or visit www.ifuruisland.com
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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