This Easter, guests at Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru are invited to celebrate the season with a curated mix of seaside tradition and tropical charm.

At Dhawa Ihuru, families can enjoy relaxed beachfront festivities including egg hunts, face painting, interactive cooking for little ones, and more.

Across the lagoon, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers understated elegance with Easter-themed beachfront barbecues, Maldivian traditions and a seasonal culinary Sakura Signature Omakase at its award-winning overwater restaurant, Madi Hiyaa.

From playful mornings to candlelit dinners by the sea, Easter is reimagined in a setting that is both vibrant and serene.

Experience the Original Maldives in barefoot eco-luxury at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, a secluded tropical sanctuary for the senses in North Malé Atoll, just 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Its 48 newly refurbished all-pool villas blend Maldivian heritage with sustainable design. At the heart of its sustainability commitment, the Marine Lab has been a pioneer of ocean stewardship since 2004. Savour a Dine-Around gourmet experience across three exceptional restaurants: Sangu Garden, Saffron, award-winning Madi Hiyaa, elevated by the beachfront Naiboli bar. Vabbinfaru is also home to the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa and offers the exclusive Twin-Island experience at sister property Dhawa Ihuru.

Unwind in style at the all-inclusive Dhawa Ihuru in the Maldives. Set on North Malé Atoll, just a swift 25 minutes complimentary speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Dhawa Ihuru is a distinct island retreat of its own, where abundant nature, local culture and warm hospitality meet with stylish comfort and modern design, ideal for the new generation of independent travellers.

Milaidhoo Maldives, the renowned luxury boutique resort in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is launching its newest dining concept, Azure.

Offering a laid-back, toes-in-the-sand experience, Azure provides guests with a delightful lunchtime escape in a picturesque beach shack setting, delivering an authentic slice of Maldivian life and an opportunity to reconnect with nature.

Nestled amid lush palm-like screw pines, Azure embodies the essence of barefoot informality. With its relaxed ambiance and idyllic beach location, guests can unwind and savour the simple pleasures of island life while enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Open from 12.00 (noon) to 16.00, Azure is the perfect spot for a leisurely midday meal.

Azure’s culinary focus is on fresh, light bites and delectable wood-fired pizzas, crafted with the finest ingredients. A highlight of the menu is the signature Azure pizza, showcasing the unique flavours of Maldivian ingredients, such as tuna carpaccio, lobster, dried fish, herbs from the Chef’s garden (Maldivian Rocket) and a Maldivian chilli tomato sauce as the base.

Guests can also indulge in a selection of refreshing cocktails as well as the ever-popular Provence rosé, a must on a sunny day at the beach.

A standout at Azure is the homemade sorbet, featuring an array of tropical flavours such as creamy coconut, zesty lemon screw pine, fragrant basil and vibrant hibiscus. These invigorating treats provide the perfect ending to a sun-kissed afternoon.

“At Milaidhoo, we encourage our guests to leave formality behind. This new dining experience captures the true spirit of our effortless island luxury,” says Ken Gundu, Executive Chef. “Azure offers you a chance to connect with the natural beauty of the Maldives in a relaxed and informal setting while enjoying exceptional food and drinks.”

Azure’s menu:

• Light bites: a selection of fresh, seasonal dishes perfect for a light lunch.
• Wood-fired pizzas: crispy, thin-crust pizzas cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven.
• Signature Azure pizza: a unique creation you simply must try, featuring local ingredients from the chef’s garden and the Indian Ocean.
• Homemade sorbets: when the heat is on, indulge in our uniquely Maldivian sorbet flavours including coconut, lemon screw pine, basil and hibiscus.
• Provence rosé and cocktails: enjoy a chilled glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail to complement this most relaxing of dining experiences.

Azure invites guests to embrace the laid-back charm of a beach shack, where every meal celebrates culinary delights inspired by the island’s natural beauty.

Milaidhoo is more than just a destination; it’s an island sanctuary where you can write your own story and create memories as unique as you are.

For reservations and more information, please contact the resort at welcome@milaidhoo.com.

In a remarkable first year of operations, RAAYA by Atmosphere has claimed the title of ‘Opening of the Year’ at the Travel Time Awards 2024, one of Russia’s most prestigious travel industry honours. The accolade reflects Raaya’s unique appeal to the Russian market, blending tailored experiences with scenic island beauty and an elevated sense of family-friendly hospitality.

Held annually, the Travel Time Awards spotlight excellence across 24 categories, based on a combination of votes from Travel Time magazine readers, the editorial board, and travel agencies across Russia. From over 80 nominees, RAAYA by Atmosphere was among the 29 winners, celebrated for its vibrant, family-focused spirit and indulgent services.

RAAYA by Atmosphere has welcomed approximately 1,490 Russian guests, making Russia one of its top three source markets. Guests from the region are drawn to the resort’s stunning marine excursions, recreational activities including Padel tennis, speciality fine dining, and immersive destination dining experiences including the recently launched, sustainable harvest-to-plate concept at Seb’s Farm.

Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at RAAYA by Atmosphere, says, “Raaya was created as a place to bring people together, be it families, couples, and adventurers from around the world. Curating a unique balance of escapism and energy in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty. We are truly honoured that this vision has been recognised by the Russian travel industry in our very first year. This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of our team in elevating every guest experience, and to the warm and enthusiastic response we’ve received from the Russian market”.

RAAYA by Atmosphere features 167 beach and over water villas and seven varied dining choices infusing local tradition and global cuisine. Along with one of the most stunningly serene beaches, the island is a playground of adventure, offering water sports, diving, padel, futsal, a kids club, skate circuit, an art and craft studio, a playful mini-golf course, and a signature brand ELE|NA Ayur spa immersed in the quietude of nature.