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.
Action
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort has announced another successful edition of the Sirru Icon Series, a week-long programme that brought international sporting energy, youth inspiration, and meaningful community connection to this private lagoon paradise.
Held from 27 March to 3 April, the initiative welcomed former Swedish professional footballer Marcus Allbäck, whose presence made the week truly exceptional for guests, young aspiring players, and the neighbouring island community. Marcus Allbäck is a celebrated former Swedish international striker, having played 74 games for his country, scoring 30 goals. He represented Sweden in three European Championships and two World Cups, and enjoyed a distinguished club career across Europe, including the Bundesliga, Serie A, the English Premier League, the Dutch Eredivisie, and the UEFA Champions League. Following his retirement, Marcus served as assistant coach for the Swedish national team for six years. Today, he continues to inspire the next generation of footballers, working as a player agent and advisor to help aspiring players achieve their dreams. His visit highlighted the power of sport not only as entertainment, but as a bridge for cultural exchange and social impact. This reflected the resort’s ongoing commitment to purposeful, community-centred initiatives.

Throughout the week, Marcus led a line-up of engaging activities, including friendly football matches with guests, dedicated junior football camps that fostered confidence and skill-building among young participants, and a memorable visit to a nearby local island. This local-island match stood out as a meaningful moment of connection, bringing the resort and community together through shared passion and friendly competition.
Guests also enjoyed an intimate Sirru Signature Sunset Cocktail, where they had the rare opportunity to meet Marcus in person, hear stories from his international career, and enjoy a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere against the backdrop of the resort’s iconic sunsets.

Programme Highlights:
- Friendly Football Matches–A fun and energetic opportunity for guests to play alongside an international football figure.
- Junior Football Camps –Inspiring sessions focused on youth development, teamwork, and confidence-building.
- Local Island Football Match – A memorable moment on the local island Milandhoo, celebrating the power of sport to bring resort guests and the local community together.
- Meet & Greet Sunset Cocktail – An exclusive experience offering direct interaction with Marcus and inspiring conversation.
The Sirru Icon Series reflects the resort’s dedication to creating exceptional experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality, pairing luxury with purpose and offering guests opportunities to connect, learn, and create lifelong memories.

This remarkable week marked an inspiring chapter of the Sirru Icon Series, with more unique programmes planned for the future to continue delivering immersive guest experiences at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort.
For further information and reservations, please visit sirrufenfushi.com or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
Cooking
Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa presents a new chapter in destination dining with the launch of its Secret Garden concept, a thoughtfully designed experience that brings guests into a secluded setting surrounded by nature, soft lighting, and carefully curated details.
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the island, Secret Garden is created for those moments that deserve more than a traditional dinner. The space is styled with flowing drapes, warm candlelight, and natural greenery, creating a calm and intimate atmosphere that feels both personal and special. It is a setting that invites guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy the evening at their own pace.
At the centre of the experience is a seven-course menu, crafted to guide guests through a balanced journey of flavours. Each course is presented with care, with live cooking moments adding a sense of theatre and interaction throughout the evening. The service remains attentive yet discreet, allowing the experience to feel seamless and uninterrupted.
Guests can choose between two tailored offerings. The Romantic Escape focuses on the dining experience itself, complemented by a beautifully arranged setup and personalised service. For those looking to extend the evening, the Ultimate Romance Experience adds thoughtful touches such as a welcome glass of champagne, a private cinema moment under the open sky, in-villa breakfast the next day, and special bed decoration to complete the occasion.
The concept also allows for additional customisation, from floral arrangements to bespoke messages and decorative details, giving guests the flexibility to shape the evening around their celebration, whether it is a birthday, proposal, or simply a meaningful time together.
With Secret Garden, Kuredhivaru continues to expand its dining experiences beyond traditional venues, offering guests something more personal and immersive. It reflects the resort’s approach to hospitality, where every detail is considered, and each experience is designed to feel natural, effortless, and quietly memorable.
For any reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 6563000.
Cooking
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
Modern travellers increasingly view a destination as a collection of flavours to be explored, often reserving their dining experiences at the same moment they book their stay to ensure a true sense of discovery.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has embraced this trend, aligning its “Premium Island Experience” with exclusive chef residencies that transform an island stay into a sophisticated, curated sensory adventure. This approach reflects the resort’s core philosophy in reimagining the guest experience in its 15 dining venues and bars.

Central to this refined vision, the resort’s Easter programme debuted with a bespoke four-course residency masterminded by Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch. Collaborating closely with Executive Chef Putu Wijana and Beverage Manager & Sommelier Sunil Kumar, Pietsch ensured every ingredient achieved a sensual harmony with its chosen vintage pairing—a true study in the art of culinary chemistry.

The residency was hosted at Islander’s Grill, the resort’s beachfront destination, where the “Land & Sea” menu showcased technical precision through signatures such as Hand-Cut Beef Tartare finished with a silken yolk and garden botanicals; Lightly Cured Cod jewelled with Beluga Caviar; and a succulent Beef Cheek with Seared Foie Gras and winter truffle.
The experience concluded with a Topfen Dumpling accented by papaya, yogurt, and almond. The menu featured curated pairings, including French Champagne and a selection of prestigious French and Italian wines.

“We strive for a synergy between Michelin-standard precision and the evocative pulse of local and regional provenance. This marriage of world-class craft enables us to elevate our flavour profile, establishing a new lineage of bespoke dishes that honour our heritage while setting a sophisticated benchmark for the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi dining experience,” highlighted Abdulla Atham, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Resort Manager.
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