News
Atoll Paradise wins Three World Travel Awards
Maldives Promotion House – At the Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony for the World Travel Awards, which took place at Paradise Island, a private resort in the Maldives, on May 12, 2013, Atoll Paradise emerged yet again as a leader in the region, winning three of the coveted awards, for ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Travel Agency’, ‘Maldives’ Leading Tour Operator’, and also in the newly established category ‘Seychelles’ Leading Luxury Tour Operator’!
Atoll Paradise is very proud of this accomplishment, especially since the company only added the destination Seychelles in late 2011 to its exclusive luxury resort portfolio and has already been recognized as the Leading Luxury Tour Operator of this beautiful island nation!
“It is an honor to have been selected for the second year now as a leader in the travel industry of the region! We base our success on the inside knowledge our Travel Consultants have of each resort in our collection, and of course on the top-notch personalized service we provide! All of our team members are very dedicated to their work and to the company, and we fully embrace our motto to always exceed our customers’ expectations. My team, for example, is on call 24-hours a day for our clients on location, and we ensure no hick-up will disturb your holiday serenity!”, says Jenny Vettiger Mufeed, Guest Experience Manager at Atoll Paradise.
The elegant award ceremony took place on Paradise Island in the Maldives, and the atmosphere was fitting for this dream destination – chic, yet laid-back, elegant with a tropical touch! The opening speech was given by Mr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, the President of the Maldives, and he was followed by Mr. David Falcon, Senior Vice President WTA, who gave a short background on WTA’s 20-year history. Attendees included the crème-de-la-crème in travel of the Indian Ocean region, and entertainment came with compliments of Unoosha – a magnificent singer who mixes traditional Maldivian sounds with modern beats – and local Bodu Beru groups.
The Indian Ocean Award ceremony also recognized the Maldives as a whole, awarding this beautiful island nation the elite status of Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination, Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination, Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board, and Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination – awards were received by the Minister of Tourism himself, Mr. Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor, who was also named Indian Ocean’s Travel & Tourism Personality of the Year. The winners in the resort categories included many of our partner resorts, with LUX* Maldives being named Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Resort, Ocean Haven at W Retreat Maldives won for Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite, Frégate Island Private in the Seychelles was awarded Indian Ocean’s Leading Private Island Resort, and Hilton Mauritius received a statue for Mauritius’ Leading Spa Resort! We congratulate all of our partners who were recognized as leaders in luxury travel, and are proud to be working with each one of them!
The World Travel Awards were launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognize excellence in the global travel and tourism industry. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, it is regarded as the very highest achievement that a travel product could hope to receive and their aim is to highlight and reward those travel brands that have made the greatest contribution to the industry over the past year. Votes are cast by more than 700,000 travel professionals and consumers in over 170 countries across the globe.
Atoll Paradise is busy with plans for further expansion, getting ready to move into their new state-of-the-art office complex by next month, where they will take advantage of the best that technology has to offer, to ensure customers can lie back and relax worry-free while on vacation.
Featured
Dhigali Maldives closes festive season with dynamic New Year’s Eve party
The festive season at Dhigali Maldives concluded on a vibrant and memorable note, offering guests a series of celebrations that blended tradition, creativity, and island spirit. From a uniquely Maldivian take on Santa’s arrival to thematic experiences inspired by the elements, the resort transformed into a setting designed for joy and togetherness.
Christmas Eve brought guests to Capers, where a traditional buffet featuring a wide range of global flavours was accompanied by live music that set the festive tone. On Christmas Day, Santa Claus made his entrance not by sleigh but aboard a traditional bokkura, a gesture that delighted families gathered along the shoreline.
In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, Dhigali Maldives presented a programme themed around “The Four Elements of Nature.” The series began on 27 December with Earth, featuring a jungle trail, grounded yoga sessions, and spa treatments. On 28 December, the celebrations moved to East for Water, highlighted by a floating bar and zorb ball acrobats performing across the pool. Air followed on 29 December with an aerial silk performance on the beach, and Fire brought the energy to a peak on 30 December with traditional Bodu Beru drumming and a fire dance illuminating the night sky.
The festivities culminated on New Year’s Eve at East Beach, where all four elements converged for an immersive celebration. Fire dancers, live performers, and a pyrotechnic display lit up the sky in vibrant colours. Hungarian DJ Regán Lili headlined the night with a set described as electric, her soundscapes resonating across the island and drawing guests to the dance floor as they welcomed the new year. It marked a striking finale to a season of celebration at Dhigali Maldives.
Love
Valentine’s at Milaidhoo: Collection of intimate island experiences
In the heart of the Maldives, love finds its true rhythm. At Milaidhoo, a sanctuary for couples of all ages, romance isn’t forced, it’s allowed to unfold naturally. Whether you’re beneath a blanket of stars, beside the gentle waves of the ocean or in the peace of your own private hideaway, each moment is designed to help you reconnect with yourself, your partner and the unspoiled nature that surrounds you.
This Valentine’s, Milaidhoo invites you to write your own love story through an exclusive collection of experiences, each crafted to celebrate the beauty of togetherness.
Culinary moments
Lagoon Breakfast
Start your day in the most serene way with an indulgent breakfast served by the ocean, right in front of your villa. The soft morning light, calm waters and a bottle of Ruinart Rosé set the perfect tone for a day of love.
Chocolate-Making Class
Indulge your senses in a private chocolate-making experience with our talented pastry chef. Learn the art of crafting delicate chocolates, paired with M. Chapoutier Banyuls Bila-Haut Rimage for the perfect finish.
Sandbank Picnic
Escape to a secluded sandbank for a romantic picnic, complete with gourmet delights, chilled rosé and breathtaking views of the endless horizon.
Valentine’s Beach Dinner on 14th February 2026
Let the stars be your ceiling as you enjoy a four-course dinner by the ocean. From a 10-rose bouquet to champagne and a romantic flower bath awaiting you back at your villa, every detail is designed to make this night unforgettable.
Ocean Stories
Beneath the Blue
Swim hand-in-hand through the thriving marine world of Milaidhoo’s house reef, where colourful fish and graceful corals create an underwater backdrop for your love story.
Private Cruise on Saima
Set sail aboard Saima, Milaidhoo’s handcrafted Maldivian dhoni, for a private cruise through tranquil waters. The experience can be elevated with champagne and gourmet canapés.
Private Cinema on the Sandbank
Create your own private movie night beneath the stars. Soft sand beneath your feet, your favourite film playing and the ocean as your soundtrack. You can even add dinner to make the evening even more special.
Serenity Spa
Reconnection Ritual
A deeply rejuvenating 120-minute experience designed to bring you closer together. From a mindful arrival ritual to a signature couple’s massage using rose oil and finishing with a moment of recommitment over rosebud tea, this is the ultimate expression of love and connection.
Partner Yoga
Support each other in synchronised yoga poses designed to nurture trust, balance and connection.
Couples Floating Sound Bath
Float on warm waters as the soothing sounds of singing bowls and gongs deepen your connection, helping you to harmonise body, mind and spirit.
At Milaidhoo, Valentine’s isn’t just a day, it’s a feeling that lingers in every experience, every moment and every sunset. Amidst turquoise waters, white sands and the gentle hum of island life, couples are invited to slow down and rediscover what truly matters.
This Valentine’s, let Milaidhoo be the island where your love story is written.
News
Zara Larsson brings pop and tradition together at JOALI Maldives New Year event
Swedish singer and songwriter Zara Larsson ushered in the New Year with a live performance at JOALI Maldives, marking the arrival of 2026 with an evening that blended international pop with Maldivian cultural expression.
Larsson performed as part of the resort’s New Year celebrations, held on 1 January 2026, delivering a set that included her fan-favourite track Symphony. A defining moment of the night saw the artist take to the stage wearing a traditional Maldivian feyli—a black-and-white striped sarong that holds cultural significance in the Maldives—adding a local touch to the festivities.
JOALI Maldives shared images and video highlights of the performance across its official social media channels, showing Larsson engaging with guests against the backdrop of the resort’s New Year programme. The singer also posted clips from her stay and celebrations on her own Instagram account, offering followers a glimpse into her Maldivian holiday.
Known for chart-topping tracks such as Lush Life and Never Forget You, as well as collaborations including This One Is for You and Ruin My Life, Larsson continues to enjoy strong global recognition. Her most recent single, Midnight Sun, was released in June 2025.
The New Year performance at JOALI Maldives adds to the resort’s growing profile as a destination for high-profile cultural and entertainment experiences, bringing together international artists and local traditions to mark key moments in the global festive calendar.
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