Lovett & Co, the luxury communications travel and lifestyle consultancy, has been appointed to handle UK and US PR and Communications for Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru, two iconic sister resorts in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll.
Lovett & Co will lead media relations, strategic communications and storytelling across the UK and US markets, positioning Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru as leading island escapes for discerning travellers – from sophisticated, private-pool villa indulgence at Vabbinfaru to Dhawa Ihuru’s contemporary family-friendly beachfront charm – both offering exceptional house reef experiences and meaningful sustainability initiatives in one of the world’s most coveted island destinations.
Elias Pertoft, General Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru, comments: “We are delighted to be partnering with Lovett & Co to strengthen our presence across the UK and US markets. Both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru offer something truly special – an intimate, authentic Maldivian island experience rooted in sustainability, exceptional house reef encounters and genuine hospitality. As part of Banyan Group, we are proud to champion responsible luxury, and we look forward to welcoming more guests from these key markets.”
Part of the Singapore-listed hospitality company Banyan Group, and just a swift 25-minute speedboat from Velana International Airport, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru offer two distinct yet complementary island experiences. Connected by a short boat transfer, guests staying on either island can enjoy seamless access to both resorts, with the freedom to dine, unwind and explore across the two properties.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru presents refined barefoot luxury with exclusively private pool villas, elevated wellness offerings and a sophisticated and intimate ambience. Each of the island’s 48 villas thoughtfully blend traditional Maldivian craftsmanship with relaxed, contemporary design, creating a sense of place that feels both authentic and effortlessly elegant. Interiors are layered with natural textures – from handcrafted tropical woods and woven organic materials to iconic thatched roofs – resulting in warm, tactile spaces that seamlessly connect indoor comfort with the beauty of the surrounding island landscape. Guests can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences following the launch of additional dining venues at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru: Saffron (the hotel’s original restaurant offering fresh and flavoursome Thai cuisine), as well as Sangu Garden (a new grill and themed buffet), and Madi Hiyaa (a new, exquisite overwater Japanese dining concept and winner of the Prix Versailles Award 2024 (World’s Most Beautiful Restaurants)) – plus the Naiboli Bar for cocktails and light bites.
In late 2024, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru marked the 30th anniversary of Banyan Tree, the group’s flagship brand, with newly refreshed villas, an expanded Marine Lab, two new restaurants – Saffron and Sangu Garden – and a curated collection of immersive guest experiences.
Established in 2004 as the first resort-based facility of its kind in the Maldives, the Marine Lab has spent nearly two decades at the forefront of marine conservation, driven by the expertise and dedication of Banyan Group’s scientists, resident marine biologists, conservationists and hospitality professionals. The expanded facility now features a discovery centre offering a range of hands-on biodiversity programmes, including educational workshops, coral planting, reef clean-ups, and guided snorkelling tours. These initiatives provide guests with a unique opportunity to engage directly in conversation efforts while experiencing the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives’ pristine marine ecosystems.
In keeping with Banyan’s commitment to wellbeing, Banyan Tree Spa & Wellbeing focuses on holistic practices that honour the sacred bonds between self, community, and nature, guided by eight foundational wellbeing pillars and drawing on Vabbinfaru’s soothing breeze, swaying palms, and coconut-rich soil. From gentle yoga to mindful rituals and locally grown botanicals, guests can restore balance and feel centuries of Asian healing wisdom flow through the hands of Banyan’s therapists, each trained for over 600 hours at the Banyan Tree Spa & Wellbeing Academy.
Dhawa Ihuru
Just moments away, Dhawa Ihuru delivers a more relaxed and vibrant escape, celebrated for its exceptional house reef, 45 laid-back and contemporary beachfront villas, family-friendly atmosphere with kids club, and all-inclusive offering.
At Dhawa Ihuru, there are two main on-island dining venues – the beachfront Riveli Restaurant and Velaavani Bar. Guests can also use the twin-island dine-around concept to enjoy additional restaurants at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
The island’s house reef, just steps from the shore, ranks among the Maldives’ most spectacular, alive with colourful corals, playful reef fish, and graceful sea turtles. For divers, the nearby Rannamaari Shipwreck offers an exhilarating glimpse into a thriving underwater world teeming with marine life. The resort’s PADI 5-Star Gold Dive Centre caters to snorkellers and divers of all levels, while a range of watersports – from kayaking and catamaran sailing to guided reef adventures – ensures endless ways to explore and enjoy the vibrant lagoon.
