News
W Hotels redefines luxury with unveiling of fully reimagined W Maldives
W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, has unveiled a highly anticipated bold new era for W Maldives, redefining the escape with a stunning renovation that blends contemporary luxury with the island’s untamed beauty. Designed for the modern traveler, this evolution amplifies the brand’s signature energy, offering a distinctive blend of authentic cultural experiences, creative design, and a deep connection to the enchanting spirit of the Maldives.
“We are not simply unveiling a completely renovated resort; we are redefining our signature, liberated approach to destination-driven luxury with this newly reimagined hotel,” said George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, W Hotels. “W Maldives has been transformed for both global travelers and locals alike, offering meaningful experiences and a deep dive into the cultural richness of these islands. We’ve created a haven that reflects the dynamic energy of this world-class, coveted destination while setting a new standard for W Hotels Escapes globally.”

The experience begins the moment guests touch down by seaplane, greeted by the escape’s signature Arrival Jetty, where crystal-clear waters and a sleek, arched design set the tone for what’s to come. A hidden bar with uninterrupted views of the house reef offers an instant taste of island indulgence. From there, the brand’s signature Living Room welcomes guests into an open-air sanctuary, where soaring ceilings, bold colors, and natural textures frame endless ocean views.
Inspired by the Maldives’ marine life and lush flora, the renowned Miaja Design Group has reimagined 77 villas into stylish hideaways. Overwater villas take cues from the patterns of majestic whale sharks, while beach villas channel the intricate textures of mangroves, each space designed to balance tranquility and adventure. For larger groups, the first-ever Supreme Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas and Oasis Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas offer expansive living spaces and private pools, perfect for creating unforgettable moments. A highlight of the transformation is the addition of two new Oasis Two-Bedroom Beach Villas, each featuring exhilarating water slides that seamlessly connect the second floor to an impressive private pool, effortlessly merging refined luxury with playful indulgence.
Dining at W Maldives is an immersive culinary experience. Each newly redesigned venue conceptualized by EDG Design, takes guests on a journey through global flavors, crafted with the freshest local ingredients and inspired by the island’s rich culinary heritage. At FISH, the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant, guests can indulge in a sustainable ocean-to-table concept set above the serene Indian Ocean. FIRE presents a relaxed beachside smokehouse, serving expertly grilled dishes framed by the tranquil coastal surroundings, while KITCHEN, the all-day dining venue, fuels guests with a daily breakfast spread and hearty international favorites. Throughout the year, W Maldives will host exclusive pop-ups, featuring world-renowned chefs, each adding a bold new twist to the dining scene.

As the sky ignites in hues of gold and amber, SIP — W Maldives’ overwater Latin American-inspired bar — invites guests to unwind with signature cocktails, savor an array of Nikkei dishes, while taking in the island’s most spectacular sunset views. At WET Deck, sun-drenched days flow into electric nights, where signature cocktails, light bites, and vibrant beats set the scene. Shifting shades of green mosaic tiles ripple like the tide, while state-of-the-art lighting pulses to the rhythm of live music. At the heart of it all, the Splinterworks Vertex water slide — a sculptural masterpiece and the first of its kind in the Maldives — redefines poolside fun with its sleek, mirror-polished steel reflecting the island’s serenity. Built-in water jets keep it cool under the Maldivian sun, inviting guests to take the plunge into a world where relaxation and high-energy revelry collide.
For wellness enthusiasts, the brand’s signature AWAY Spa reinvents the traditional rituals of a zen-like spa, offering a modern and social immersion into health and wellness. The sanctuary offers a collection of thoughtfully curated treatments in four overwater couples’ treatment rooms, each equipped with its own steam facility. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating experiences while soaking in soothing ocean views.

W Maldives is more than just a luxury escape — it’s a vibrant playground where adventure and serenity coexist. Home to an award-winning house reef, one of the Maldives’ finest, the resort offers unparalleled snorkeling and diving experiences teeming with marine life just steps from the shore. Beyond the reef, guests can set sail to Gaathafushi, the resort’s secluded private island, for an intimate castaway experience under the stars. Whether indulging in high-energy water sports, embarking on bespoke guided excursions to nearby islands, or immersing in the rhythms of local culture, every moment is designed to inspire discovery and connection.
The resort’s transformation transcends the physical, embracing a philosophy of experiential travel. New programs, such as Dare to Taste, take guests on seasonal culinary journeys that celebrate local flavors with inventive twists, while exclusive collaborations with acclaimed global chefs and mixologists elevate the dining experience. Rise & Energize presents a year-round array of fitness and wellness activities, designed to invigorate the body and renew the spirit through dynamic fitness sessions and mindful practices.

Sustainability is central to the resort’s ethos. The transformation incorporates eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices throughout its design and operations. The resort is home to one of the largest biogas plants in the Maldives, alongside a flourishing fruit and vegetable garden, all part of its commitment to be self-sustaining by 2026. Guests can revel in luxurious experiences, knowing they’re making a positive impact on both the environment and local community.
With its grand unveiling, the newly reimagined W Maldives stands as a beacon of adventure and refined luxury. Crafted as a sanctuary where relaxation seamlessly merges with exploration, the resort invites guests to curate unforgettable experiences in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

“The reimagined W Maldives embraces the deep cultural heritage of the Maldives, blending it with the resort’s modern design to create an immersive, elevated experience,” says Amila Handunwala, General Manager, W Maldives. “Our goal is to offer guests a unique opportunity to connect with the traditions of the Maldives, from its rich history and cultural rituals to its natural beauty, while enjoying the bold, creative energy that W Hotels is known for. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the soul of the destination, inviting guests to explore, discover, and unwind in a truly exceptional setting.”
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.
News
The Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
The Standard, Maldives, part of the globally respected Hyatt portfolio, has announced an elevated lifestyle-led luxury retreat tailored for Chinese travellers in search of a truly memorable Maldives escape. By harmoniously combining Hyatt’s world-class hospitality standards with The Standard’s dynamic and social lifestyle ethos, the resort introduces a new benchmark for premium island living in the Indian Ocean.
Reached via a scenic seaplane journey from Velana International Airport in Male’, The Standard, Maldives features 115 beautifully designed villas, set either overwater or along the beachfront. Each villa includes a private plunge pool and lounge deck, offering generous space and privacy for families or groups of up to ‘2 adults + 2 children’. Designed to complement the Maldives’ natural surroundings, these stylish accommodations provide direct access to clear lagoons or untouched beaches, ideal for relaxation, play, and exploration.
Enhancing the overall stay, The Standard has recently elevated its Food & Beverage offerings and introduced a Premium All-Inclusive programme, allowing guests to enjoy unlimited access to curated dining, signature cocktails, and bold flavours across its lively culinary venues. From casual beachfront BBQs to all-day dining and sunset bars, indulgence is effortless and uninterrupted throughout the stay.
With the preferences of Chinese guests in mind, the resort offers Mandarin-speaking hosts and personalised services, ensuring seamless communication and thoughtfully tailored hospitality from arrival to departure. Feedback from Chinese visitors consistently praises the warm, attentive service, with particular appreciation for Chinese-speaking hosts who make each experience smooth, welcoming, and stress-free.
Completing the island experience, The Standard, Maldives offers a thoughtfully curated selection of excursions that invite guests to explore both the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the Maldives. From traditional sunset fishing and guided manta ray and sea turtle expeditions in the surrounding atoll waters, to world-class scuba diving across vibrant coral reefs, each experience is designed to connect guests with the beauty of the Indian Ocean. For those seeking cultural discovery, the resort also organises visits to nearby heritage islands such as Kendhoo Island, an 800-year-old living community where guests can gain rare insight into Maldivian traditions, craftsmanship, and local way of life. These immersive experiences add depth and meaning to every stay, creating unforgettable memories beyond the shoreline.
Blending Hyatt’s trusted service excellence, The Standard’s lifestyle-driven spirit, premium all-inclusive offerings, and villa designs created with family comfort in mind, The Standard, Maldives stands out as a leading choice for Chinese travellers seeking a Maldivian holiday that is luxurious, playful, and genuinely distinctive.
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