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Universal Resorts Maldives joins exclusive Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World partnership

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Universal Resorts, comprising Milaidhoo, Baros, Velassaru, and Huvafen  Fushi resorts, has announced its inclusion in the prestigious partnership between Hilton and  Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). Starting today, these four Universal Resort properties will  be available to Hilton Honors members and guests on all Hilton direct booking channels, including  Hilton.com and the Hilton Honors app. This collaboration further enriches Hilton Honors members  and guests’ travel experiences.  

With this new alliance, Hilton Honors members can explore the captivating beauty and excellent  service of Universal Resorts’ four iconic Maldivian properties. Hilton Honors members will also  enjoy exclusive on-property benefits throughout their SLH experience, enhancing every aspect of  their stay.  

Milaidhoo Maldives  

Milaidhoo Maldives is a pristine island paradise rooted in local island traditions, and located in Baa  Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This boutique luxury resort features 50 Maldivian-style  overwater and beach pool villas and luxury residences, custom-designed for comfort by renowned  Maldivian architect, Mohamed Shafeeq. Stand-out leisure activities include over-water spa  treatments, sunset dolphin cruises, and house reef snorkelling excursions. Dining is a highlight, with  Milaidhoo being home to three unique restaurants, including the signature fine dining restaurant,  Ba’theli. Milaidhoo is the authentic Maldives, a resort of re-invented luxury, where guests feel they  belong, experiencing bare-foot informality within a natural tropical island setting.  

Baros Maldives  

Baros Maldives exudes a sense of timeless sophistication, where every detail is curated to create an  atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Situated amidst lush tropical greenery and azure waters, the  resort is a haven for those seeking to indulge in the Maldivian way of life. The resort’s elegant villas,  each featuring private verandas and direct access to the beach or lagoon, offer a secluded retreat  enveloped by nature. Guests can partake in bespoke experiences such as private sandbank dinners,  marine biologist-led snorkelling tours, and rejuvenating spa treatments inspired by local traditions.  With its commitment to sustainability and exceptional service, Baros Maldives remains a beloved  choice for discerning travellers year after year.  

Velassaru Maldives  

Velassaru Maldives is set against a scenic backdrop of turquoise waters and pristine white sands. An  idyllic escape that seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with the island’s natural beauty. The  resort’s chic bungalows and villas, many of which feature private pools and direct beach access, offer  a modern sanctuary for relaxation. Culinary delights abound with five diverse dining venues, each  providing a unique gastro-journey. Guests can immerse themselves in a plethora of activities,  including thrilling water sports, exploratory diving sessions, and adventurous cruises. 

Huvafen Fushi Maldives  

Huvafen Fushi Maldives is a haven of innovation and luxury, featuring the world’s first underwater  spa and breathtaking underwater dining. This naturally enchanting resort promises a multi-sensory  experience, blending cutting-edge design with the natural wonders of the Maldives. Guests can  indulge in exquisite culinary delights, relax in stunning overwater bungalows, and explore vibrant  coral reefs teeming with marine life. The resort offers personalised services and exclusive amenities,  ensuring every moment is memorable.  

“We’re excited to be part of this amazing partnership,” said Visha Mahir, Chief Operations Officer at  Universal Resorts. “This collaboration allows us to showcase our properties to Hilton’s global  audience and offer Hilton Honors members unique and enriching experiences that reflect the beauty  and culture of the Maldives.” 

Discover the Maldives through the lens of Universal Resorts where authenticity, sustainability, and  local culture come together to create unforgettable journeys for discerning travellers.  

Awards

Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives secures nine accolades at World Luxury Awards 2026

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Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is celebrating nine accolades at the 2026 World Luxury Awards, including two prestigious Global Winner titles, recognising excellence across resort hospitality, leadership, wellness and gastronomy.

The awards reflect the resort’s philosophy of Connected Island Luxury, where personalised hospitality, restorative wellness, exceptional dining and meaningful encounters with nature come together to create memorable island experiences.

Among the highlights, The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives was named Global Winner for Best Luxury Island Resort Spa, while signature fine-dining restaurant FireDOOR received the Global Winner title for Best Sunset Views.

The resort also received recognition as Best Luxury Boutique Resort and Best Luxury Lifestyle Resort in the Indian Ocean, alongside Best General Manager for Raffaele Solferino.

Global Recognition for Wellness and Gastronomy

Perched above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s overwater Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and restoration. In addition to its global title, it received two Indian Ocean awards: Best Luxury Boutique Spa and Best Luxury Oceanview Spa.

Meanwhile, FireDOOR’s global recognition celebrates its spectacular sunset setting overlooking the island’s house reef. Combining intimate fine dining with distinctive glass-floor features and panoramic ocean views, the restaurant also received Indian Ocean titles for Best Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant and Best Luxury Waterside Restaurant.

Together, these achievements highlight the breadth of experiences that define Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, from restorative wellness to memorable moments shared over exceptional cuisine.

Celebrating the People Behind the Experience

For General Manager Raffaele Solferino, who has been part of the resort’s journey since pre-opening, the awards are a testament to the dedication of the island team.

“To receive nine World Luxury Awards, including two Global Winner titles, is an extraordinary honour and a wonderful recognition of our team’s passion and commitment,” said Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives.

“What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that it celebrates the complete guest experience. We believe true luxury goes beyond beautiful surroundings; it is about genuine connections, thoughtful hospitality and creating moments that stay with our guests long after they leave. As we approach our tenth anniversary in 2027, these awards are both a celebration of our journey and an inspiration for the next chapter.”

A Decade of Island Hospitality

Since opening in 2017, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has established a distinctive identity built around contemporary island luxury, personalised service and a deep connection with its natural surroundings.

As the resort prepares to celebrate ten years of welcoming guests in 2027, the nine World Luxury Awards provide a fitting recognition of its achievements and continued commitment to creating extraordinary island experiences.

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ananea Madivaru Maldives unveils personalised island concierge experience

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From 1 November 2026, ananea Madivaru Maldives will introduce its new Island Concierge Programme. A more personal and relaxed approach to island hospitality built around one simple idea: Here, you’re never just a villa number.

Rather than adopting the formality of a traditional butler service, the Island Concierge becomes each guest’s personal connection to the island, someone who knows their journey, remembers their preferences, anticipates their needs and helps them discover the resort naturally.

From the moment guests arrive, their Island Concierge becomes a familiar face throughout their stay. They personally welcome guests on arrival, connect with them over breakfast, assist with plans and experiences throughout the day, and return for a personal farewell at departure.

The concept is intentionally uncomplicated.
Less formality. More connection.

Island Concierges spend their time where guests are rather than behind a desk, around the beaches, pools, restaurants, bars and pathways of the resort. Whenever possible, they may even personally drive guests to dinner, spa appointments or activities, turning a simple buggy journey into another opportunity to connect.

They can assist with everything from restaurant recommendations and spa treatments to watersports, excursions, celebrations and the spontaneous island moments that often become the most memorable parts of a holiday.

The Island Concierge is also there to share the story of the island itself, its people, Maldivian culture, marine life and the fascinating realities of island living, from producing fresh water and electricity to caring for the beaches and surrounding environment.

“We don’t want to create another traditional butler or host concept,” says Pierre Edlund, General Manager of ananea Madivaru Maldives.

“We want something more natural and more human. Your Island Concierge is someone who gets to know you, remembers what you enjoy and helps make things happen without unnecessary formality. But ultimately, every colleague on our islands is part of the experience. The Island Concierge may be your personal connection, but the whole island is looking after you.”

Importantly, the philosophy extends far beyond the Island Concierge team.

At ananea Madivaru Maldives, every guest belongs to everyone. Whether a guest meets a chef, engineer, bartender, housekeeper, watersports colleague or leader, the philosophy remains the same.

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Awards

Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas

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Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.

Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.

The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.

Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.

Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.

Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.

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