Listed as one of The Best Hotels in The Maldives by Condé Nast Traveller, The Standard, Maldives is a short seaplane ride from Male’s Velana International Airport. Perfect for couples, friends, and families, each of our 115 villas offers a private deck and plunge pool. Dive into island life with snorkelling, boating, and deep diving, or unwind at The Standard Spa with its hammam, steam room, and yoga. Enjoy pool parties, live music, floating breakfasts, and starlit dinners, making your island dreams a reality in this tropical paradise.
Each of the 115 villas, whether floating above turquoise lagoons or nestled on sandy beaches, offers a unique, stylish retreat. Every villa features a king-size bed, air conditioning, an infinity plunge pool, sun loungers with a private deck, and direct access to the lagoon, ocean, or beach. Enjoy an overstocked mini bar, a delicious in-room dining menu, a soaking bathtub and shower with a disco ball, a flat-screen TV, custom bath amenities, and free Wi-Fi.
At The Standard, Maldives, every meal is a journey through paradise. Enjoy all-day dining at Kula, savor authentic Maldivian flavors at Guduguda, or experience intimate beachfront dining at BBQ Shak. For sunset magic, visit the overwater Beru Bar (18 +), featuring the Maldives' largest disco ball and a massive glass floor dance floor. Whether you’re having a floating breakfast from your villa, a private dinner under the stars on Baby Island, or a relaxed island picnic, each experience is unforgettable. With all-inclusive dining options, every moment is a celebration of tropical bliss.
Recover, play, chill, or explore at The Standard Spa (18+), known for its holistic approach and well-rounded treatments for mind, body, and soul. The indoor hydrotherapy playground features a hammam and plunge shower, while the spa deck is perfect for sunrise and sunset yoga sessions. Tonic, the adults-only lounge, includes a swim-up bar and infinity pool overlooking the blue ocean, offering healthy juices and booze-free elixirs. For ultimate relaxation, the indoor sun lounge provides serene water views, while the Spa Lounge apothecary offers skincare and lifestyle products to refresh body and mind.
Bask under the Maldivian sun and enjoy 360° of pristine white sand beaches. Swim in turquoise waters and explore a vibrant house reef, accessible from any point on the island. Just 25 minutes by speedboat, visit the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Hanifaru Bay, home to the world’s largest gathering of manta rays from May to November. Other activities include local island visits, sunset dolphin cruises, tennis, and a 24/7 fitness center. The Lil' Shark Kids Club ensures little ones stay entertained, while you relax or seek adventure. Whether you're after relaxation or adventure, it's all here.
Finland is often linked with winter trips to Lapland, but there’s much more to discover across the country. From design-led cities to quiet lakes and coastal landscapes, it offers a different pace of travel that feels both refreshing and easy to explore. If you’re looking for a European destination that combines nature, culture, and something a little less expected, Finland is well worth considering.
Few destinations offer as much to discover as South Africa, and recently, a group of Travel Counsellors experienced just how varied a journey here can be. From the dramatic landscapes of the Panorama Route to unforgettable safari moments in Kruger National Park, time spent with local tourism partners, and a deeply moving visit to Soweto, the trip offered the kind of first-hand insight that helps shape more personal, meaningful holidays for customers. It was a reminder that South Africa isn’t only about big-name sights; it’s about the people, places, flavours, and small moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Spain takes on a slightly slower, softer rhythm in September. The peak summer crowds have eased, the evenings still feel made for long dinners outside, and there’s enough warmth left for beach days, city strolls, and countryside escapes. From island coves to wine country and elegant northern coastlines, these five Spanish destinations all come into their own as summer gently gives way to autumn.
