News
Universal Resorts Maldives joins exclusive Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World partnership
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.
News
Sirru Fen Fushi celebrates Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival with Golden Autumn Escape
This autumn, Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort invites guests to celebrate two of China’s most cherished annual traditions with the launch of Golden Autumn Escape, an immersive programme inspired by Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival, taking place from 25 September to 10 October 2026.
Designed for couples, families and multigenerational travellers, the two-week celebration blends Chinese cultural inspiration with the natural beauty of the Maldives, offering an unforgettable collection of wellness experiences, culinary journeys, family activities, sustainability initiatives and ocean adventures.

Throughout the programme, guests can discover experiences curated to encourage connection, relaxation and celebration. Culinary highlights include The Golden Duck Soirée, Moonlight Hot Pot Experience, Wine & Sake Dinner, Imperial Seafood Feast, Lagoon Wine Tasting, and hands-on Dumpling Making and Sushi Making classes inspired by Asian flavours and traditions.

Families can enjoy a vibrant programme of creative activities including lantern making, Golden Cookie Art, treasure hunts, cupcake decorating, origami workshops and festive crafts, while guests of all ages are invited to take part in Mahjong sessions, canvas painting, coconut art, archery and a variety of sporting activities.
Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ largest natural lagoons and a thriving house reef, guests can also experience unforgettable marine adventures including nurse shark snorkelling, sunset dolphin cruises, turtle research, Coralarium discovery tours, coral planting, scuba experiences and private ocean excursions.

Adding another dimension to this year’s celebration is the exclusive wellness residency of internationally recognised holistic wellness consultant Dr Hetalkumar Doshi, founder of Energy Masters.
Throughout the Golden Autumn programme, Dr Doshi will lead a selection of immersive wellbeing experiences inspired by his holistic approach to health and the philosophy of the Five Elements. Guests can participate in guided Breathwork Meditation, Reiki Healing, Sunset Signature Flow Yoga, Sound Healing, Silent Walking Meditation, and Stress Relief Through Breath & Sound sessions, alongside personalised healing experiences and complimentary wellbeing consultations.

The residency reflects Sirru Fen Fushi’s ongoing commitment to offering transformative wellness experiences that nurture physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing while connecting guests with the tranquillity of the island.
In addition to wellness and cultural celebrations, sustainability remains at the heart of the programme. Guests are invited to participate in signature experiences including Coralarium Discovery Tours, Coral Planting, Sustainability Lab Tours, Turtle Tag Making and Ghost Net Bracelet Braiding, offering meaningful opportunities to contribute to marine conservation during their stay.

Speaking about the programme, Rudrojit Deb, General Manager, said: “Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival are among the most significant celebrations for Chinese travellers, centred around family, gratitude and togetherness. Through Golden Autumn Escape, we wanted to create a programme that honours these traditions while showcasing the unique experiences that make Sirru Fen Fushi such a special destination. From exceptional dining and holistic wellness to marine adventures and sustainability experiences, every element has been thoughtfully designed to create meaningful moments for our guests.”

Golden Autumn Escape forms part of Sirru Fen Fushi’s continued focus on creating immersive seasonal experiences that combine authentic Maldivian hospitality with thoughtfully curated programming for international travellers.
The full programme runs from 25 September to 10 October 2026, with daily experiences taking place across the resort.

For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
Entertainment
Ifuru Island Maldives to stage four nights of music and culture with Ripple & Friends
From 17 to 21 September 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives welcomes Ripple & Friends for an intimate island gathering bringing together music, live performance, art, wellness, movement, dining and unforgettable shared moments.
From 17 to 21 September 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives introduces Ripple & Friends in collaboration with Ripple Effect for an intimate island gathering bringing together music, live performance, art, wellness, movement, dining and unforgettable shared moments.
Ripple Effect is a Maldives-based creative company shaping experiences where music, hospitality and culture come together. From distinctive events to original music production, moments are created to bring people together and leave a lasting impression.
The “& Friends” is more than a name. It represents everyone who joins the gathering, creating an experience centred on music, good food, creativity and genuine connection.
Rather than following the format of a conventional music festival, Ripple & Friends is designed to move with the natural rhythm of island life. Each day brings its own defining moments, while leaving guests with the freedom to slow down, explore Ifuru Island and enjoy the experience at their own pace.
Across four days and nights, the programme moves between sunset sessions, live performances, DJ led nights, poolside gatherings, shared dining experiences, art, wellness and movement, before coming together for a unplugged jam session.
Four days; four distinctive rythms
DAY ONE | FIRST RIPPLE
Thursday, 17 September 2026
The first ripple begins at sunset.
Guests gather at Waterfront as the sun goes down over Ifuru Island, setting the tone for the days ahead with music, dining and a first night dedicated to nostalgic sounds and good company.
- Sunset Session at Waterfront
- Welcome Dinner at Waterfront
- 90s & Disco House at Hubba Hubba
- Dress Code: White
From the first sunset session to the late night atmosphere at Hubba Hubba, Thursday is designed as an introduction to the people, music and spirit that will shape the rest of Ripple & Friends.
DAY TWO | LOW TIDE
Friday, 18 September 2026
Friday begins with movement before the tempo rises.
Dynamic Stretch with Martha at the Pool Deck starts the day, followed by an R&B and Hip Hop Brunch and a Pool Party, bringing music into the heart of the daytime island experience.
As evening arrives, guests come together for a BBQ Dinner at Social House before the night continues with After Dark at Hubba Hubba.
- Dynamic Stretch with Martha at the Pool Deck
- R&B and Hip Hop Brunch
- Pool Party
- BBQ Dinner at Social House
- After Dark at Hubba Hubba
Low Tide brings together wellness, food, music and poolside energy in a day designed to move effortlessly from morning into night.
DAY THREE | HIGH TIDE
Saturday, 19 September 2026
Saturday sees the energy rise with High Tide.
The day begins with Morning Stretches with Sharu at the Pool Deck, offering a slower start before the island shifts towards an evening of music and celebration.
As sunset approaches, guests gather for a Sundowner at Beach Club, before the night reaches its peak with High Tide at Hubba Hubba.
- Morning Stretches with Sharu at the Pool Deck
- Sundowner at Beach Club
- High Tide at Hubba Hubba
High Tide captures the contrast at the heart of the experience, moving from a relaxed island morning to sunset gatherings and an energetic Saturday night.
DAY FOUR | WHINE DOWN
Sunday, 20 September 2026
After three days of music, movement and shared experiences, Sunday brings a change of pace with Whine Down.
The evening begins with a Sundowner by the Pool, bringing everyone back together as the sun begins to set.
The night then moves to Hubba Hubba for Whine Down, closing the fourth full day of Ripple & Friends with music, connection and one more night shared among friends.
- Sundowner by the Pool
- Whine Down at Hubba Hubba
It is a fitting final full night for a gathering built around taking time, meeting people and enjoying each moment without rushing towards the next.
LAST RIPPLE
Monday, 21 September 2026
Ripple & Friends does not simply end after the fourth night.
On Monday, guests come together one final time for Last Ripple, featuring an Unplugged Jam Session at Hubba Hubba.
Stripping the experience back to live music and the people who have shared the previous four days, Last Ripple offers an intimate conclusion to the gathering before guests say goodbye to the island and to new friends made along the way.
- Unplugged Jam Session at Hubba Hubba
At the heart of Ripple & Friends is a collective of talent spanning duos, selectors, art, wellness and movement.
The 2026 gathering features:
- Inma & Mira
- Farey & Nish
- Afruh
- Tappu
- Amney & Aleef
- Martha
- Studio Odi by Naani
- Sharu
Together, they bring different creative dimensions to the island, allowing the programme to move naturally between music, performance, art, wellness and movement throughout the four days.

What sets Ripple & Friends apart is its intentionally unhurried approach.
Instead of creating a packed schedule that asks guests to move constantly from one event to another, the experience allows the island itself to become part of the programme.
One moment each day is shaped around the Ripple & Friends community, while the rest leaves room for guests to wander, discover and enjoy Ifuru Island on their own terms.
Music moves between Waterfront, the Pool Deck, Beach Club and Hubba Hubba. Meals become social gatherings. Wellness and movement provide a different rhythm to the mornings, while sunsets naturally bring everyone back together.
At its heart, Ripple & Friends is about the people sharing those moments.
Guests may arrive as names on a list, but the idea is simple: Come as a guest, leave as a friend.
For more information, please visit the resort’s official website or contact bookingmagic@ifuruisland.com.
News
Le Méridien Maldives, Patémar unite for sustainable swimwear collaboration
Some of the best stories begin by the sea. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and resortwear brand Patémar come together for a collaboration inspired by a shared passion for the ocean, thoughtful design and an endless summer state of mind.
At the heart of the collaboration are Patémar’s men’s swim shorts, crafted from fabric made using upcycled plastic recovered from landfill and ocean waste. Each pair represents the equivalent of around 12 discarded plastic bottles, giving waste a new purpose. Entirely handmade in Bali by master tailors, the swimwear is defined by clean silhouettes and considered details, bringing together contemporary style, functionality and a more intentional approach to materials; a naturalfitfor life by the sea.

Patémar finds a natural home at Le Méridien Maldives, where the ocean is central to island life and its protection is an enduring priority. Set on Thilamaafushi Island in Lhaviyani Atoll and surrounded by a vibrant housereef, the resort maintains a strong commitment to sustainability and marine conservation, from reducing single-use plastics and strengthening waste management practices to responsible water and energy use. Its hydroponic greenhouse further supports more responsible food production, growing herbs and leafy greens on the island.
The connection to the marine environment extends beyond the resort’s operations, becoming part of the experience at Le Méridien Maldives. At the Marine Conservation Hub, the resident marine biologist offers a closer look at the ecosystems surrounding Thilamaafushi Island, from the species that inhabit its waters to the delicate coral and seagrass that sustain them. Through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy, this discovery continues through the Marine Master programme, where guests can explore the housereef, identify marine species and contribute to ongoing marine conservation and research initiatives.

Within this setting, Patémar’s approach to swimwear takes on another dimension: designed for life by the ocean, with greater consideration for the environment that inspires it.
Framed by Au Soleil, Le Méridien’s celebration of the sun-kissed good life, the collaboration brings a playful energy to the island. Here, summer is a state of mind. Patémar’s swimwear becomes part of that rhythm, moving effortlessly from morning swims to afternoons by the pool and moments spent discovering the reef beneath the surface. It is an expression of endless summer, shaped by the sea, where style and purpose exist naturally side by side.
“Patémar is a natural partner for Le Méridien Maldives because our stories meet in the same place: the ocean,”says Thomas Schult, General Manager at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. “The collaboration brings together our passion for design, the spirit of Au Soleil and a shared commitment to environmental conservation. It also gives our guests another way to discover and connect with the marine world that surrounds the island.”

For Patémar, the collaboration brings its ocean-conscious approach to a destination where the sea is an integral part of everyday life, and where preserving the marine environment is equally important.
“Patémar was created with the idea that resortwear should feel connected to the places where it is worn,” says Rudy Hertanto, Co-founder and CEO of Patémar. “The Maldives is a natural extension of that story. Working with Le Méridien Maldives allows us to share our approach to design and materials in a setting where the beauty of the ocean, and the importance of protecting it, is impossible to overlook.”

The partnership carries a purpose beyond the product itself. For every pair of swim shorts sold, Patémar contributes€1to Plastic Bank Indonesia, supporting the collection of ocean-bound plastic while creating additional income opportunities for local communities.
The collaboration is available at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, inviting guests to discover Patémar’s men’s swimwear and the story woven into its materials, while experiencing the marine environment that makes Thilamaafushi Island a distinctive destination to live, explore and play.

For more information or to book, please visit lemeridien-maldives.com or contact reservations.maldives@lemeridien.com.
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