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Maldivian Air Taxi to start scheduled seaplane flights

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Maldives Promotion House – Maldivian Air Taxi (MAT) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Maldives to start scheduled seaplane flights to the local islands. At a special ceremony Minister of Transport & Communication, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed signed the MOU on behalf of the government and Lars Erik Nielson, Chairman of Maldivian Air Taxi signed the MOU.

Government have been discussing with MAT for a while and now they have agreed for to start the scheduled flights. Government agreed to waive navigation and concession charges. They also discussed on other concessions. “Very soon people living in remote corners of the country will start enjoying the flights. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Nielson for his personal efforts” Said Dr. Shamheed.

Lars Erik Nielsen said now they are making ground arrangements to start the flights and hope to begin flights within next month. “We have not decided on ticket fares as yet. Normally seaplane fares are expensive, but we expect to keep it at an affordable level for the people”. He further said they have enough seaplanes and crew for the new operation and will start as soon as the arrangements are done.

According to Dr. Shamheed, destinations for the flights are Fonadhoo Island in Shaviyani Atoll, Alifushi Island in Raa Atoll, Kaashidhoo Island in Male’ Atoll, Muli Island in Meemu Atoll and Kudahuvadhoo Island in Dhaalu Atoll. “These islands have no air connection. Seaplane flights to these islands will also connect to nearby islands. Our target is to start flight at the earliest possible” said Dr. Shamheed.

MAT is a privately owned seaplane operator and has been operating in Maldives since 1993. Until now they have only operated as a charter flight operator to the resort islands. This will be the first scheduled seaplane flights to start in Maldives. There are also seven airports in the country and they are serviced by Maldivian and FlyMe.

 

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives announces GHA Double Nights promotion for Cinnamon DISCOVERY

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has announced an exclusive offer for members of its loyalty programme, Cinnamon DISCOVERY, part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). From 1 October to 30 November 2025, members can accelerate their journey towards elevated membership status with the Double Nights Promotion, earning double the tier credits for every qualifying stay across Cinnamon’s resorts in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Under this limited-time offer, each eligible night counts twice — meaning one night’s stay equals two tier night credits. This allows members to reach higher tiers in half the time or maintain their Titanium status with ease. To take advantage of the promotion, guests simply need to register, book directly with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts using promo code O25DBLNTS, and complete their stay within the promotional period.

Depending on their resorts in the Maldives and membership tier, Cinnamon DISCOVERY members can enjoy a curated selection of experiences and benefits during their stay. These include:

  • Four-course dinner by the beach (Steak or Seafood)
  • 30-minute spa treatment
  • Local island experience
  • Swim and snorkel experience
  • Resort credit
  • Dolphin watching
  • Sunset fishing
  • Kid stays free

Cinnamon DISCOVERY is part of GHA DISCOVERY, the world’s largest loyalty alliance of independent hotel brands, offering over 800 hotels across 100 countries. Guests can join Cinnamon DISCOVERY for free to start earning rewards and enjoying benefits immediately.

For more information or to register, visit www.cinnamonhotels.com.

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JOALI BEING earns global recognition with Two MICHELIN Keys, top 10 ranking in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

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JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ first wellbeing island, continues to strengthen its global reputation for transformative wellness experiences, having received two prestigious international honours in the same week.

The resort has been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide and recognised among the Top 5 Wellness Hotels in the World as a finalist for the inaugural MICHELIN Wellness Award 2025. In addition, JOALI BEING has been ranked #10 Destination Spa Resort in the World in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

The MICHELIN Keys 2025 were announced on 8 October during a global ceremony in Paris, marking a new milestone in the Guide’s hotel distinction programme. Introduced last year, the MICHELIN Key has quickly become the hospitality world’s equivalent of the MICHELIN Star — honouring hotels that offer truly remarkable experiences.

JOALI BEING’s Two MICHELIN Keys distinction recognises the resort’s exceptional design, service, and holistic approach to wellbeing. Guided by the Four Pillars of Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy, the island blends advanced scientific expertise with time-honoured healing traditions, creating personalised wellbeing journeys for every guest.

Adding to this recognition, JOALI BEING was also named among the Top 5 Wellness Hotels in the World as a finalist for the inaugural MICHELIN Wellness Award 2025 — a new accolade celebrating destinations that place wellbeing at the core of their philosophy. The other nominees were Bürgenstock Resort (Switzerland), Canyon Ranch Tucson (USA), Lily of the Valley (France), and The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (Iceland).

These properties were celebrated for redefining wellness hospitality through innovation, authenticity, and purpose — qualities that are deeply embedded in JOALI BEING’s ethos of Well-Living.

On 7 October 2025, Condé Nast Traveler announced its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, where over 757,000 readers voted for their favourite destinations, hotels, and resorts around the world. JOALI BEING was ranked #10 Destination Spa Resort in the World, securing its position among the most outstanding wellness sanctuaries globally.

The recognition reflects JOALI BEING’s ongoing commitment to crafting experiences that inspire renewal and balance — from its biophilic architecture and sound healing spaces to its immersive wellbeing programmes and mindful cuisine. Each element of the resort has been carefully designed to nurture both body and mind, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the new era of wellness hospitality.

Since its opening, JOALI BEING has positioned the Maldives as a global destination for wellness travel. Beyond spa treatments, the island offers integrative wellbeing experiences designed to foster transformation and growth. Every guest journey is guided by expert practitioners, nutritionists, and movement specialists, creating a personalised pathway to restore balance and vitality.

With these two international honours — from the MICHELIN Guide and Condé Nast Traveler — JOALI BEING stands among the world’s most celebrated destinations for wellness and luxury travel, reaffirming its vision to pioneer the future of Well-Living.

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Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives unveils ‘Love in the Lagoon’ underwater proposal experience

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Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives has introduced ‘Love in the Lagoon’, an exclusive underwater proposal experience that redefines romance in the Maldives. Designed to make life’s most significant moments truly unforgettable, the offering invites couples to declare their love beneath the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

The experience features an underwater setting elegantly adorned to create the ideal backdrop for a proposal. Certified instructors guide couples through the dive, ensuring a safe and memorable experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned divers.

Adding a creative flourish, the ring presentation is thoughtfully arranged to enhance the occasion, while a professional photo and video team captures each moment, both above and below the surface.

The celebration continues with a private dinner for two — set either by the beach or pool — complemented by a bottle of sparkling wine to mark the beginning of a lifelong journey together.

Through ‘Love in the Lagoon’, Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives seamlessly blends adventure, sophistication, and romance to offer an extraordinary proposal experience unlike any other.

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