News
Fushifaru Maldives invites guests to rediscover barefoot luxury
Fushifaru Maldives believes that luxury begins with one simple act: taking off your shoes. Born from a natural sandbank in the heart of Lhaviyani Atoll, the boutique island resort is home to some of the softest, most powder-like sand in the Maldives, inviting guests to embrace the timeless pleasure of barefoot island living from the moment they arrive.
Nestled on the north-eastern edge of Lhaviyani Atoll, the award-winning boutique resort invites guests to leave more than just their shoes behind. Here, time slows, nature takes centre stage and every experience is designed to reconnect travellers with the effortless beauty of the Maldives.

Long before villas dotted its shoreline, Fushifaru existed as a pristine natural sandbank. Although the island has flourished into a lush tropical paradise, its origins remain beautifully preserved beneath every step. The beaches are renowned for their exceptionally fine, powder-soft sand – so light and silky that guests instinctively slip off their shoes on arrival, often forgetting about them for the rest of their stay. It is a feeling that has become synonymous with Fushifaru.
Rather than polished marble walkways or grand architectural statements, the island offers something increasingly rare: the freedom to wander barefoot from sunrise to sunset, with nothing but warm sand beneath your feet and the gentle rhythm of island life setting the pace.

“Luxury today isn’t about having more – it is about feeling more,” says Jumana, Resident Manager at Fushifaru Maldives. “At Fushifaru, we encourage guests to embrace the island exactly as it is meant to be experienced – barefoot, unhurried and deeply connected to nature. Our island has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that reflects the true spirit of the Maldives. Whether guests are walking along our powder-soft beaches, sharing stories with our team or discovering the incredible marine life just offshore, they experience something genuine, personal and unforgettable.”
That authenticity is woven into every aspect of the Fushifaru experience. With just 63 villas, the resort has intentionally remained intimate, allowing every guest to enjoy personalised service while preserving the peaceful character of the island. Inspired by traditional Maldivian architecture, the resort blends contemporary comfort with local craftsmanship, creating spaces that feel both elegant and deeply rooted in their surroundings.

Beyond its famously soft beaches lies one of the Maldives’ most vibrant underwater playgrounds. The island’s spectacular house reef offers effortless snorkelling directly from the shore, where colourful coral gardens are home to turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays and countless tropical fish. Just a short boat ride away, the renowned Fushifaru Thila – one of the Maldives’ renowned dive sites – promises exhilarating encounters with manta rays, schooling fish and thriving marine ecosystems that continue to captivate divers from around the world. Adventure extends far beyond the reef. Guests can set sail on traditional dhoni cruises, discover secluded sandbanks, enjoy dolphin watching at sunset, indulge in bespoke dining experiences beneath the stars or immerse themselves in authentic Maldivian culture through curated island activities. Every experience is thoughtfully designed to celebrate the destination rather than distract from it.

As travellers increasingly seek meaningful escapes over manufactured luxury, Fushifaru’s boutique philosophy feels more relevant than ever. Here, genuine hospitality, warm smiles and authentic connections take precedence over extravagance, creating memories that linger long after departure.
It is this unmistakable sense of place that continues to draw guests back to the island year after year. At Fushifaru Maldives, luxury isn’t defined by what you wear. It’s defined by what you choose to leave behind. Sometimes, that starts with your shoes!
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi recognised for sustainability at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Coco Bodu Hithi, part of Coco Collection, has received the Best Commitment to Sustainability award at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2027, in the Africa, Asia & Middle East region. This marks the resort’s third consecutive year of recognition, reflecting its continued efforts to care for the environment while creating meaningful experiences for guests.
The latest accolade follows Best Service in 2025 and Best Waterside Hotel in 2026, recognising different aspects of the resort’s hospitality over the years. Each award holds special meaning for the team, whose dedication and genuine care remain at the heart of the Coco Bodu Hithi experience.
Located in North Malé Atoll, just 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Coco Bodu Hithi is close enough for convenience yet secluded enough to feel a world away. Surrounded by turquoise waters and tropical greenery, the resort features 100 villas, each with a private pool.

Caring for the island’s natural environment is an important part of everyday life at Coco Bodu Hithi. From coral restoration to eliminating single-use plastics, in-house water production and energy-saving initiatives, the resort continues to take thoughtful steps towards sustainability. Guests are also encouraged to participate through marine conservation experiences, educational talks and island clean-ups, fostering a shared appreciation for the environment.
“We are grateful to receive this recognition, marking our third consecutive year at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards. It reflects our team’s dedication and the meaningful steps we continue to take towards protecting our island. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we remain committed to learning, improving and making a positive difference,” said Mohamed Sobe, General Manager of Coco Bodu Hithi.
The Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence recognise outstanding hotels and resorts worldwide, serving as a trusted mark of quality among travellers and travel professionals alike. For Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Collection, this recognition reflects a shared commitment to preserving the Maldives’ natural beauty, heartfelt hospitality and responsible tourism.
For those planning an island escape, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to discover its exclusive Double 11 offer or celebrate the festive season with loved ones through the Coco Festive Celebration. To explore these offers and plan a stay, visit www.cococollection.com or contact reservations@cococollection.com.
News
Bandos Maldives lines up festive dining, family activities and entertainment for Christmas, New Year
Bandos Maldives has announced its festive programme for Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027, introducing a Candy Land-themed celebration featuring dining experiences, live entertainment, family activities, cultural performances and island excursions.
Running from 20 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the programme will bring together seasonal celebrations and the resort’s established recreational activities, with events designed for families, couples and guests of all ages.
The celebrations will begin on 20 December with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Huvan Deck, accompanied by Christmas carols performed by the Bandos Carollers. The opening day will also feature a Christmas cake-mixing ceremony, a Maldivian cooking experience, sunset entertainment by Beatus Duo and a Candy Land Street Food Market at Sea Breeze.
A series of dining experiences will form part of the festive calendar. On 21 December, Umi Yaki will host Tokyo in Maldives, a Japanese-inspired dinner incorporating seasonal elements. Guests can also participate in a festive food and wine pairing experience at Grill Bar on 23 December.

Christmas Eve, on 24 December, will feature a gala dinner at Gallery Restaurant from 7pm to 10pm, with festive decorations and a selection of seasonal dishes. The evening’s entertainment will include Christmas carols, sunset music and a performance by The Notion Band, followed by DJ Katty at Sand Bar.
On Christmas Day, the resort will welcome Santa Claus to Huvan Beach at 10.45am, followed by a programme of family activities. Guests can begin the day with morning yoga and a Christmas breakfast at Gallery before joining the Candy Cane Beach Bash in the afternoon. Sunset entertainment and a karaoke evening will conclude the day’s celebrations.
The culinary programme will continue on 26 December with a Candy Land Beach BBQ at Huvan Beach, featuring grilled specialities in a beachfront setting. Other activities will include pastry-making sessions, vegetable carving demonstrations and mixology experiences, giving guests opportunities to learn from the resort’s culinary and beverage teams.
The programme will culminate in New Year’s Eve celebrations on 31 December, featuring a gala dinner at Gallery from 7pm to 9.30pm. The festivities will continue at Sand Bar with live music, DJ entertainment and a countdown to 2027, accompanied by fireworks.

Guests will also have opportunities to explore the surrounding marine environment during the festive period. Activities include sunset dolphin-watching excursions, sunrise fishing, water sports and a sandbank picnic. The resort will conduct environmental awareness activities under its Eco Adventures programme, introducing guests to its sustainability initiatives and efforts to protect the island’s natural surroundings.
Families travelling with children will have access to an extensive schedule of activities organised through Kokko Club and other areas of the resort. These include gingerbread house decorating, Christmas arts and crafts, costume parades, treasure hunts, beach games, children’s discos and cooking sessions.
Sporting and recreational activities will also feature throughout the celebrations, including tennis challenges, beach volleyball, football matches involving guests and resort staff, water polo, aqua aerobics and morning yoga sessions.
Live entertainment will be a regular feature of the programme, with performances by Beatus Duo, The Notion Band and DJ Katty. Traditional Maldivian music and dance performances are also scheduled, offering guests opportunities to experience local cultural traditions alongside the international festive celebrations.

Following New Year’s Day, the programme will continue with additional dining and entertainment experiences. Umi Yaki will host a Japanese-inspired Sakura Evening on 2 January, while Maldivian cultural performances and family activities will continue during the first week of the year.
On 6 January, Bandos will host an Orthodox Christmas dinner at Huvan Beach, featuring a beachfront barbecue accompanied by live music from Beatus Duo. The festivities will conclude on 7 January with a Candy Land Party Night at Sand Bar.
In his welcome message accompanying the festive programme, Ismail Rasheed highlighted the resort’s focus on creating memories through shared meals, time spent together, exploring the ocean and enjoying island life.
Bandos Maldives is located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Opened on 10 December 1972 as the second tourist resort in the Maldives, Bandos is among the country’s longest-established tourism properties and is known as the Island of Hospitality.

The 18-hectare island features 220 rooms and villas across several accommodation categories, including beachfront rooms, garden villas, beach villas and overwater accommodation. Its facilities include restaurants and bars, Orchid Spa, a diving centre, water sports facilities, a swimming pool, sports and fitness amenities, and Kokko Club for younger guests.
The resort is also known for its house reef and diving experiences, offering access to marine activities within North Malé Atoll. Its combination of family facilities, dining options and proximity to the international airport makes Bandos an established destination for both leisure holidays and short island stays.
Selected festive dining experiences, excursions and activities require advance reservations and are subject to additional charges.
News
Niva Kuramathi Maldives celebrates International Men’s Day with spa and fitness experiences
Throughout November, Niva Kuramathi Maldives turns toward movement and wellbeing. From 1 to 30 November 2026, LIME Wellbeing presents its International Men’s Day Wellness Collection. The collection brings together four restorative treatment packages, complimentary group sessions on 19 November and a three-day retail offer. These are days made for the body to relax, the mind to settle and energy to return.
Restore, 1–30 November
The Executive Recharge is a 60-minute deep tissue massage that reaches the places where stress sits. Tight muscles loosen, and energy returns. The Athlete’s Recovery Package is a 90-minute sports recovery massage. It combines focused stretching with deep muscle work to restore range of motion, so the body remembers how to move with ease. The Gentleman’s Grooming Ritual is a 30-minute express Obsidian facial for the face, neck and torso. Rich in minerals and plant extracts, it deeply cleanses and hydrates. Tension lifts, texture softens, clarity returns. The Total Wellbeing Experience pairs a 60-minute deep tissue massage with a 30-minute Obsidian men’s facial. Muscle recovery flows into skin restoration – body first, then face, then a calm you may not have felt in a while.

Move, 19 November
On International Men’s Day itself, you can join one of two complimentary male group sessions, each designed to build strength, mobility and resilience. The Resistance & Core Group Fitness Class focuses on breath core strength. The Office Yoga Group Session concentrates on gentle stretches to ease stiff shoulders and neck caused by to many long hours spent at a desk.

Obsidian Gentlemen’s Skincare Rituals
At the heart of the collection sits Obsidian, a range designed around the distinct needs of men’s skin. Tailored specifically for men, these treatments offer deep-cleansing, revitalising facials that target the unique needs of men’s skin, leaving you refreshed and perfectly groomed.
Retail, 19–21 November
For three days, all retail products at LIME Wellbeing are 15% off, and select treatments carry exclusive International Men’s Day pricing.

For further information and reservations, please call +960 666 01 50 or email reservations@nivakuramathi.com.
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