Featured
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru unveils elevated luxury with Lonubo Island’s reopening

OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is excited to announce the exclusive re-opening of Lonubo, a private island retreat that takes barefoot luxury to a new level. This enchanting island is now available for hire, offering discerning travellers an unparalleled experience of privacy, serenity, and bespoke indulgence.
Situated just 200 meters from OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort and accessible only by private boat, Lonubo Island provides a secluded escape for those seeking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The island’s ambiance is perfectly curated with plush sun loungers, beanbags, sunshades, and refreshing beverages—set against a backdrop of swaying palm trees, powdery white sands, and the shimmering turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
“Lonubo has been reimagined as a sanctuary for guests who value exclusivity and barefoot luxury,” says John Allanson, General Manager of OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru. “It’s a tropical paradise where our guests can enjoy a truly personalised experience, whether they seek a tranquil daytime getaway or a magical evening under the stars. Lonubo is redefining what it means to relax in paradise.”
Guests can select from a range of curated experiences designed to cater to every preference:
‘Your’ Lonubo Experience
Claim your own private island for four blissful hours (11am-3pm), where you can unwind on pristine sands, swim in the crystal-clear lagoon, or simply relax beneath the shade of coconut palms. Ideal for couples looking for a secluded setting to reconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of the Maldives.
$250 per couple ($65 per additional guest)
Lonubo Private Island Escape
Elevate your island experience with a gourmet picnic lunch. Choose from a menu of freshly prepared dishes and enjoy them with your toes in the sand and the sound of the waves as your background music. Swim, snorkel, or simply bask in the sun while savouring this ultimate castaway fantasy.
$690 per couple ($65 per additional guest)
Starlit Lonubo BBQ Dinner
For an unforgettable evening, enjoy a starlit BBQ dinner curated by your personal chef. Begin with Champagne at sunset, followed by a sumptuous meal of freshly grilled specialties. Optional extras include a beachfront bonfire, gourmet canapés, or a private movie screening. A private boat will take you to Lonubo at 5:30pm, where dinner will be served from 7pm.
$1,750 per couple ($190 per additional guest)
Enhance your experience further with optional add-ons, such as a log fire under the stars, Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne paired with canapés, or a private surf and turf dinner featuring one-kilo Maldivian lobster and 500g of Black Angus tenderloin, expertly prepared by your private chef.
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort now invites guests to discover the unrivalled luxury and tranquility of Lonubo Island. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful daytime retreat or an evening of romance under the stars, Lonubo promises a bespoke experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Awards
he Nautilus Maldives honoured in 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Awards

In an increasingly fast-paced world, The Nautilus Maldives stands as a sanctuary where time slows and moments linger — a place that continues to capture the attention of discerning travellers. This haven of unhurried living has once again been recognised in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, as voted by readers in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
The accolade reaffirms the island’s quiet ability to enchant. With just 26 exclusive ocean and beach houses, The Nautilus offers complete privacy and a philosophy built entirely around individual freedom. Dining is available whenever a guest desires, and experiences unfold as inspiration strikes. A secluded sandbank transforms into a private dining room, and the Maldivian night sky becomes a stage for endless wonder.
“To be recognised again by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers is deeply meaningful,” said Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives. “Our guests come seeking beauty, but what they discover and cherish is freedom — the freedom to design their own rhythm and to create moments that are theirs alone.”
At The Nautilus, luxury is defined as liberation. Guests may drift through the UNESCO-protected waters of Baa Atoll, indulge in a Solasta Spa ritual without time limits, or share vintage champagne beneath a canopy of stars. Each stay unfolds as a personal narrative — unscripted, unhurried, and unforgettable.
Now in its thirty-eighth year, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards remain among the most respected distinctions in global travel. The results, drawn exclusively from readers’ experiences and opinions, continue to represent one of the industry’s most prestigious marks of excellence.
Entertainment
Amilla Maldives embarks on ‘Around the World in Wonder’ festive journey

Amilla Maldives will host a festive season celebration titled ‘Around the World in Wonder’ from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to experience a colourful exploration of global culture, curiosity, and joy.
Drawing inspiration from Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration takes guests on a journey across continents, with each day dedicated to a different country and its unique flavours, music, and traditions. The journey begins and concludes in the United Kingdom, tracing a route through the Maldives, Spain, Italy, France, Argentina, Japan, China, India, Egypt, Brazil, the United States, and Singapore, culminating in a grand finale on New Year’s Eve.
Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December will feature island-wide festivities, including guided tours, tree planting, coconut painting, Maldivian cooking demonstrations, and a cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony. On 23 December, the Tree Lighting Ceremony will adopt an Italian flair with a Venetian-themed celebration, complete with mask-making workshops, Viennese waltz, wine tasting, the Venetian Masquerade Ball, and a special ‘Treasure of the Sea’ dinner.
France will take centre stage on 24 December, featuring the Dance of the Can Can, gingerbread house making, mime face painting, a Christmas Eve buffet, and an aerial hoop performance. The following day, 25 December, will celebrate Argentina with the arrival of Santa Claus, a festive brunch infused with tango rhythms, dance workshops, magic shows, and a lively tango dinner performance.
The festivities will reach their climax on 31 December, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party leading into the spectacular Global Carnival Event. The evening will feature live performances by the Hamilton Band, complemented by bongo drummers, saxophonists, acrobats, and fire dancers. The grand countdown and after party will usher in 2026 with music, energy, and celebration.
Awards
Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.
Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.
Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:
- Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
- Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
- AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
- Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
- Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
- The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
- Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.
The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.
General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”
The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.
Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.
With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.
-
Featured1 week ago
Shangri-La Villingili Resort reopening announced for December 2025
-
Featured1 week ago
Minor Hotels to reopen NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort in December 2025
-
Featured1 week ago
Karan Veer Mehra celebrates Bigg Boss success at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
-
Action1 week ago
Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
-
News1 week ago
Amilla Maldives announces special experiences for Autumn, year-end holidays
-
Featured1 week ago
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer
-
Featured1 week ago
Ifuru Island Maldives brings New Orleans vibes to festive season
-
Featured1 week ago
Crafting memories: Sirru Fen Fushi and The Clay Studio Maldives collaborate