Xiamen Airlines, a prominent Chinese carrier, has launched direct flights to the Maldives, connecting Xiamen in Fujian Province to Velana International Airport (VIA) in Male’. The airline’s Boeing 787 successfully touched down at VIA on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in air travel between the two nations.

Xiamen Airlines will operate three weekly flights on the Xiamen-Male’ route, providing convenient access for Chinese tourists seeking the idyllic beauty of the Maldives. This new service opens up opportunities for leisure travellers, honeymooners, and adventure enthusiasts to explore the stunning coral reefs, pristine beaches, and luxurious resorts that the Maldives is renowned for.

Founded in 1984, Xiamen Airlines is headquartered in Xiamen, a coastal city in southeastern China. The airline operates over 320 domestic and international routes, serving major cities such as Beijing, Fuzhou, and Hangzhou. With 3,500 to 4,000 weekly flights, Xiamen Airlines carries nearly 25 million passengers annually.

China has reestablished itself as the leading tourist market for the Maldives. After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the resumption of flights in January last year has reignited interest in this tropical paradise. According to official statistics, China is the most prominent tourist market for the Maldives with a market share of 13.4%. A total of 157,560 Chinese tourists have visited the Maldives as of 30th July 2024.

As Xiamen Airlines spreads its wings to South Asia, it not only strengthens bilateral ties but also enhances the Maldives’ appeal as a dream destination for Chinese holidaymakers.

The Maldives is best known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts. However, there’s a new way to experience the charm of this stunning island nation —underwater restaurants!

Imagine enjoying a gourmet meal surrounded by the breathtaking marine life of the Indian Ocean. In the Maldives, these underwater dining destinations offer not just meals but memories – experiences that linger long after the last bite, blending the art of fine dining with the beauty of the ocean.

Here’s our guide to some of the nation’s best under-the-sea dining experiences awaiting you on a Maldives holiday.

Only BLU

The largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives, Only BLU at Oblu Select Lobigili, is 6.8 meters below sea level. Guests are welcomed with sparkling wine and canapés, creating an unforgettable dining experience surrounded by beautiful marine life.

Diners at the restaurant can select from a range of seafood, fish, meat, poultry, or vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a selection of red and white wines. Now a part of the Lobi Plan, Only BLU provides a modern culinary experience that celebrates the bounties of the sea.

Subsix

Experience the luxury of Subsix, an underwater restaurant at Niyama Private Islands Maldives, where you can dine 20 feet below the waves and enjoy a spectacular underwater panorama.

By day, indulge in exquisite seafood and European cuisine, while at night, experience vibrant nightlife events in this one-of-a-kind underwater setting. As the world’s first underwater club, Subsix offers a unique nightlife experience where international DJs spin and patrons dance beneath the waves.

M6M

At M6M in OZEN LIFE MAADHOO you can immerse yourself in a truly unique underwater dining experience. The restaurant offers a menu that takes you on a journey of exquisite flavours, carefully crafted to highlight the finest ingredients against the backdrop of a marine theme. With succulent seafood, delicate textures, and innovative combinations, each dish is a celebration for both the palate and the senses.

5.8 Undersea Restaurant

At Hurawalhi Island Resort, the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant offers a dining experience as deep and immersive as the ocean itself. Named for its unique feature – the restaurant is 5.8 metres below the surface – this culinary gem is the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant.

Guests can enjoy a 5-course lunch or a 7-course dinner, with options for private champagne breakfasts and vegan meals. The attentive service and the passion of the staff ensure that every moment is a celebration of both nature and cuisine.

As the joyous time of the year approaches once again, Angsana Velavaru, an all-inclusive premium resort in South Nilandhe Atoll, has announced, ‘The Wonders of Velavaru’, a line-up of festive activities from 21 December 2024 to 7 January 2025, designed to captivate and inspire guests of all ages. From traditional crafts to underwater adventures, culinary delights, and vibrant celebrations, inspired by the natural island in full bloom, the resort will set the stage for a sensational year-end tropical escape.

On 21 December, guests can join the annual cake mixing to usher in the joy of the season and witness the festive tree lighting to officially kick off the celebrations.  On 27 December, they can delve into Maldivian culture with palm weaving lessons, explore traditional crafts, and gain insights into the local heritage.  The day culminates with a mesmerising Boduberu performance, where the rhythmic drumbeats invite guests to experience a dance tradition preserved since the 18th century.

Guests are invited to indulge in the Sangria Fiesta and Innovative Cocktail Counters, offering perfectly crafted smooth concoctions and a tantalising selection of international flavours to suit every palate.  On 24 December, experience the magic of Santa’s Arrival Parade, complete with a festive cocktail party and joyful holiday carols by the resort’s Chorale Group.  The evening continues with a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner, featuring a global culinary journey and live performances by the Beatus Band from the Philippines with extensive experience performing in lounges and hotels worldwide.  The night concludes with a lively Red & White Party, where guests can dance the night away with the resident DJ, Sumith, in their favourite festive outfits.  On 25 December, guests can strike a pose and capture this magical moment with the ‘man of the hour’, Mr. Santa.

Guests are invited to embrace the beauty of natural skincare with the DIY Body Scrub workshop, where they will learn to blend natural ingredients for a glowing, radiant complexion just in time for the holiday.  As the sun sets, the Sunset Stretch and Relaxation session helps ease the day’s tension, preparing the body for a restful night.  Couples can master the art of a sensational massage technique from an expert spa therapist.

For children, activities such as Christmas Windsock Craft, Henna Tattoo Creations, and a Mystery Treasure Hunt offer engaging and creative fun.  Families can enjoy the Festive 2-Spot Snorkelling Trip to discover colourful marine life, a Sunset Dolphin Cruise with bubbly and canapés, and a Croquet Tournament for some light-hearted competition.

Villa Nautica’s Chief Concierge, Dhananjaya, known as Dhana, has achieved a significant milestone in the hospitality industry with his recent full key membership award from Les Clefs d’Or. This prestigious accolade, presented at the 17th Golden Core Annual Meet-up, marks him as the second chief concierge in the Maldives and the youngest in South Asia to receive this esteemed honour.

Les Clefs d’Or, or “The Golden Keys,” was founded in France in 1929 and has grown into an elite international network of concierges. The organisation’s emblem, the golden keys, represents the pinnacle of service excellence, embodying not only insider knowledge and the ability to fulfill extraordinary requests but also a steadfast commitment to discretion and professionalism. Attaining full key membership is one of the highest accolades in the concierge profession, reflecting exceptional skill, dedication, and the ability to deliver unforgettable guest experiences while upholding rigorous standards.

Dhananjaya’s career began nearly almost two decades ago in Sri Lanka, driven by a passion for enhancing guest experiences. His journey through various prestigious properties culminated in his role as Chief Concierge at Villa Nautica. This position has provided him with a platform to showcase his commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction.

The recognition from Les Clefs d’Or not only celebrates Dhananjaya’s individual achievements but also highlights Villa Nautica’s dedication to superior service. This honor elevates Villa Nautica’s reputation, guaranteeing guests the highest standards of service and exceptional experiences. It demonstrates the entire team’s dedication to excellence and sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality at the resort. 

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) has announced their collaboration with the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM) for the upcoming “Welcome India” roadshow series in India alongside 24 industry partners. The Maldives delegation at the event include, Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of Tourism, and Mr. Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development.

As a key business-to-business (B2B) event, this roadshow will bring together Industry professionals from the Indian market. This event will provide great chances for fortifying bonds with partners, offering excellent collaboration opportunities to strengthen relationships. The 3-day roadshow will help facilitate a platform to engage with our partners in India and strengthen the Maldives’ tourism segments. The goal of this roadshow is to enhance the Maldives’ popularity in India, an essential market for our tourism. Top cities with direct connectivity are included in the itinerary as we target to strengthen the Maldives’ presence in the Indian market.

“As of today, we have already welcomed over 65,000 Indian tourists in 2024, reflecting the enduring popularity of the Maldives as a dream vacation destination for Indians.” The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC, Mr Ibrahim Shiuree stated. “We deeply value this partnership and are firmly committed to its continued growth and success. This roadshow, in fact, is a testament to our ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with the Indian travel industry.”

MMPRC is looking forward to promoting Maldives actively during this roadshow series, prioritising showcasing the unique aspects of the Maldives, such as our pristine beaches, exquisite resorts, guesthouses amongst our rich cultural heritage and vibrant marine life. In addition to B2B networking and dialogue from collaborating organisations, an exciting raffle giveaway is also planned for each roadshow where the winners selected will win holiday prizes sponsored by Kandima Maldives, Nova Maldives, Arena Hotels, Kaani Hotels, Villa Nautica, Sirru Fen Fushi, Holiday Inn Kandooma and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.

India is an essential source of outbound tourists and one of the major source markets for the Maldives. As of June 2024, we have welcomed a total of 63,451 arrivals from India market to Maldives- a 6.2% market share out of total tourist arrivals. In order to promote the Maldives in the Indian market, Visit Maldives has completed a number of initiatives, such as the two significant fairs in February 2024, OTM and SATTE 2024. Additionally, renowned Indian model and social media influencer Niki Mehra was hosted in the Maldives during a familiarisation trip in May 2024. Visit Maldives has several plans in the pipeline for the remainder of the year for this market. This includes a campaign with Globalspa – one of the top wellness and lifestyle magazines in India- with a photoshoot with celebrity Malaika Arora scheduled to take place in August this year, as well as joint marketing plans with Cleartrip and Pickyourtrail.

Visit Maldives is delighted to showcase the unparalleled beauty and unique experiences the Maldives’ offers. We are delighted to showcase our beautiful white sandy beaches, the vibrant marine life, and the Maldives’ rich traditions and culture worldwide. In addition to participation in fairs and roadshows, we aim to attract travellers from around the globe through diverse destination promotional events, campaigns, and collaborations to maintain the Maldives’ place as the World’s Leading Destination.

With white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, the Maldives offers some of the world’s most romantic getaways. From private dinners under starlit skies to thrilling underwater adventures amidst vibrant coral reefs, resorts in the Maldives embody an environment where love can flourish.

Stunning sunsets, tranquil spa rituals, and gourmet delights cater to every desire, making each moment a cherished echo of everlasting love. Here are five resorts that showcase the Maldives’ unparalleled ability to create timeless memories for couples, ensuring every visit is a celebration of love.

Baros Maldives

Having welcomed guests since 1973, Baros Maldives has devoted years to perfecting its services and enhancing its environment, crafting what it considers a truly legendary destination. The resort continues to live up to that promise with extraordinary and personalised service, private and elegantly luxurious villas and exquisite culinary offerings.

Villa Nautica

Immerse yourself in the world of luxury yacht life at Villa Nautica, where ‘en vogue’ isn’t just a phrase but a lifestyle embraced with panache. Picture yourself reclining in a hammock above the azure waters, savouring intimate dinners on the beach, and venturing on exhilarating snorkelling adventures amidst vibrant coral reefs. As the sun dips below the horizon, indulge in the serene charm of a traditional wooden dhoni, sipping cocktails as you drift into the evening’s embrace.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is a refuge where romance and seclusion intertwine to craft tailored experiences for couples. The secluded, adults-only Platinum Island is an intimate sanctuary where romance flourishes. As the day gently winds down, go on island experiences or unwind on the soft sandy shores. Share a private dinner under a blanket of stars or watch a sunset that feels like it’s been painted just for you.

COMO Cocoa Island

The resort stands out with its distinctive overwater villas, designed to mimic the elegant curves of the local ‘dhoni’ fishing boats. Each bungalow is gracefully perched above the turquoise lagoon, connected by charming wooden walkways. Inside, the interiors are adorned with accents of sea, sand, and sky, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and generous decks offer a sense of openness, while the thoughtful design ensures complete privacy for each guest.

Hurawalhi Island Resort

The resort ignites a sense of passion and excitement, striking a delicate balance of intimacy and adventure. Catering to honeymooners seeking indulgence, the resort offers unique gourmet experiences, blending relaxation with underwater explorations and spa rituals. As evening descends, couples can enjoy the tranquil ambience by their private pool, where complimentary crimson sunsets paint the sky, setting the stage for cherished romantic moments.

In the serene waters of the Maldives, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is a tranquil island retreat that offers an unforgettable escape for families. The resort, renowned for its lush landscapes and pristine beaches, is an ideal destination for parents seeking relaxation and little explorers craving adventure. A highlight for families visiting this idyllic resort is the array of activities tailored specifically for children, ensuring an immersive stay.

At Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, the Kokaa Kids Club is the heart of fun and adventure for children aged four to twelve. The club offers a diverse range of exciting activities designed to expand their horizons and reveal unseen wonders. The weekly activity plan is packed with creative and engaging options. Kids can dive into arts and crafts with jewelry making, face painting, and origami. They can unleash their culinary creativity by decorating doughnuts and cupcakes or making their own mocktails.

Each day at Kokaa Kids Club brings a new adventure. From building sandcastles on the beach to participating in treasure hunts around the resort, there is always something exciting happening. Musical chairs, leaf painting, and making wizard wands are just a few of the fun games and crafts that keep young minds and hands busy. Outdoor activities such as kite flying showcase the island’s beauty, adding to the joy of discovery. For children who enjoy friendly competition, board games and interactive activities such as giant Jenga, tic-tac-toe, and water gun fun offer endless entertainment.

The well-trained staff at Kokaa Kids Club ensures that all activities are conducted in a safe and nurturing environment. They are dedicated to making sure every child feels included and has a wonderful time, whether they are painting, crafting, or exploring the island.

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu ensures that kids have plenty of memorable moments with special events throughout the week. The Kids Disco Party is a highlight, where young travelers can dance to their favorite tunes. Movie nights with popcorn offer a cozy end to a fun-filled day, allowing kids to unwind with their new friends. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful balance of activities that allow them to enjoy some much-needed relaxation, knowing their children are entertained and well cared for.

The resort is not just about keeping kids busy; it is about creating experiences that the whole family can enjoy together. The resort’s beautiful natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for family adventures, from exploring the vibrant house-reef to enjoying a peaceful evening under the stars.

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu’s dedication to creating a family-friendly atmosphere means that young explorers are always welcome. The variety of activities and experiences offered ensures that every child’s stay is filled with fun, adventure, and learning. Plan your family escape to this serene island paradise and watch as your children discover the magic of Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, where every day is an adventure waiting to unfold.

Book your family getaway to Adaaran Select Meedhupparu: 
https://www.adaaran.com/selectmeedhupparu/