Latest Maldives News, Resort Openings & Travel Guides

The Kula Kula festival, which takes its cues from the Brazilian Rio Carnival and the Hindu festival of Holi, will take place at the Oaga Art Resort in the Maldives in March. Both festivals are well-known for the celebration of music, dance, and colour that they use to unite people from all over the world.The three-day festival will take place from March 7 to March 9, 2023. The collaboration live mural painting by American street artist Daev Momo and Maldivian street artist Ahmed Sobah alias Toxicrew, which is being done for the first time in the Maldives, is one of the event's primary features. In the late 1990s, Momo started doing experimental outdoor work. Notable mural commissions include those from Facebook, Pepsi, the NFL, and the World Trade Center. The Oaga Art Resort's toilets and Raa Baa's arrival hall feature graffiti by multi-talented street artist Sobah. In addition, themed cocktail apprentice classes will be held at this festival by Canadian beverage art consultant Tao Zrafi. Tao is a world traveller who is best known for being a finalist in Drink Masters Season 1 on Netflix. He also enjoys mixing drinks and exploring new places. The Oaga Art Resort will continue to serve the cocktails he develops throughout this time even after the festival.Moreover, the local band Affan & The King Coconuts and the traditional "boduberu" group Harubee will both perform music. Also, the resort will offer pop-up kiosks set up by various local artists, belly dance, fire performances, colourful colour throws at the beach, henna painting, and mandala creation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oaga Art Resort - Maldives (@oaga.artresort) The last event will be the Raa Baa Beats pool party on March 8th, featuring the resort's very own Suvsthi Retail & Art Gallery as well as local powerhouse performers Zara & Mahran, DJ Baapu, and an unique live art performance by local mural artist Hassan Najih alias Iamarthling.Guests may anticipate a lively atmosphere with a diverse combination of dance, music, and costumes representing a blending of cultures. There will also be food and beverage stands that will provide fusion dishes inspired by tropical flavours and cool beverages that are ideal for the warm Maldives climate.Everyone who attends the festival can expect a memorable experience. The resort, which is situated on one of the Maldives' most picturesque lagoons with breathtaking beaches, offers a variety of lodging options, from Haruge Beach Villa to Veyoge Garden Villa, to guarantee that each visitor has a comfortable stay.Oaga Art Resort's Greatest All-Inclusive plan, which includes amenities like Creative Expression (art) classes, Take Notes (music) experiences, Thashibari In-Villa Dining to floating meal, options for excursions, motorised watersports, and many more, is ideal for Maldives tourists looking for an all-inclusive vacation.

International Media Marketplace (IMM Australia) 2023 was attended by Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation in order to Promote Sunny Side of Life in Australia. Sydney, Australia hosted the event from February 23 to 24. It was a terrific chance to network with prominent journalists and media outlets from the Oceanic market, promote forthcoming events like the Visit Maldives Storytellers' Conference 2023, find ways to boost destination visibility, and gain more knowledge of the Oceanic industry as a whole.On the first day, MMPRC attended the VIP TravMedia summit. Panel discussions on fascinating subjects like inclusive tourism and broadcast media were held at the summit. These were followed by networking events with more than 150 A-list media representatives from the Oceanic region, keynote addresses, and panel discussions on subjects like the role of DMOs in 2023 and public relations. Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, and BBC Travel are just a few of the media outlets that attended the expo. MMPRC held 22 pre-planned meetings on the second day at a special Maldives table.The major goal of taking part in this event was to promote the Maldives as a top vacation spot for tourists and to provide the Australian media with the most recent information and travel advice from the area. Our plan to sustain the destination's presence in this market and to effectively advertise different tourism-related categories to media professionals is in line with our participation in IMM. With the help of this plan, the location hopes to see a rise in Australian and New Zealander bookings and arrivals in the future.As of February 20, 2023, 4,125 Australian visitors had visited the Maldives. Also, MMPRC participated in IMM Australia last year and ran a number of initiatives for the market, such as ones with TravMedia membership and Stab Magazine, among others. Robb Report is now running a campaign, but there are also a number of fun events scheduled for the remainder of the year.

The OBLU Xperience For 14 pupils from Jamaluddin School, Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili organised a fantastic underwater marine tour on February 23, 2023. By 15:30, four teachers and the kids arrived at Ailafushi island. The resort administration gave them a warm welcome before leading them to the Only BLU Under Ocean Restaurant, where they enjoyed a tasty drink and a cold face towel to cool off.The Marine Tour was led by Giorgia Maggioni, an on-staff marine biologist. She began by giving a presentation on the many fish and coral species that may be found in the Maldives. During the presentation, the kids observed fish through the restaurant's windows and noted them in their Educational Marine Books. The workbook in this booklet was especially made for the educational marine tour.Before leaving the resort, the pupils played games and sipped refreshments in KIDSX CAMP, the kids club at OBLU Xperience Ailafushi, following the fascinating tour.The Educational Marine Tour raises awareness of marine life among schoolchildren between the ages of 5 and 12. They are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are they are This effort tries to educate future generations who may opt to have a profession in hospitality. The resort will invite youngsters from several Malé schools each month for the initiative.Also, OBLU Xperience Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili organised a donation to K. Guraidhoo's home for persons with special needs. On February 10, 2023, a fundraiser was held in the resort in anticipation of the contribution. A cupcake and a card of appreciation were handed to coworkers who made donations.Pillows, pillowcases, bedsheets, and waterproof mattress protectors were among the necessities the institute needed to furnish its rooms that were purchased with MVR 50,000 from the fundraising. Ram Bhoyroo, the general manager of OBLU Xperience Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, paid a visit to K. Guraidhoo on February 25, 2023, together with the Resort Management and Welfare Committee. After receiving a tour of the facility, a formal presentation of the collected objects took place.Xperience OBLU In keeping with their central tenet of "Joy of Giving," Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili concentrate on worthwhile programmes that benefit neighbourhood communities.

In order to help visitors further their wellness journeys and get closer to experiencing the thrill of weightlessness, JOALI BEING will host experienced visiting practitioners throughout 2023. Starting in January, visitors to JOALI BEING will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in transformative sessions with specialists in transformative healing, natural healing, Watsu, awareness, sound healing, and more, all of which are conducted in the inspiring environment of this magical Maldivian island.JAVIER DE PRADO LIZANO'S TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING, 1st January to 10th April 2023 and 24th November to 1st March 2024Javier De Prado Lizano, a master of visceral manipulation, osteothai, and craniosacral therapy, will be allowing visitors to experience a seamless blending of Eastern and Western healing traditions. These sessions will assist visitors on their journeys to transformation from within, fostering a state of holistic wellbeing. They are based on De Prado Lizano's extensive travels and study with therapeutic masters from many cultures. Visceral manipulation, Osteothai sessions, Watsu/aqua-cranio/liquid flow, and craniosacral therapy are among the transformative therapeutic modalities offered by De Prado Lizano.

Guests at the heart-shaped island paradise had unique culinary experiences thanks to the partnership between W Maldives and one-Michelin star Haoma, which ran from February 20 to February 22. Chef Deepanker "DK" Khosla and the chefs at W Maldives collaborated on two events: a showcase dinner and a beachside grill-themed lunch, both of which used sustainably and locally produced produce.The sold-out showcase dinner took place at FISH, the W Maldives' iconic overwater dining location. Guests were lavishly treated to an exceptional seven-course tasting menu that featured some of Haoma's most iconic dishes. In the meantime, the beachside grill-themed lunch offered a hands-on culinary experience where visitors could choose their proteins to grill, converse with the chefs, and savour light drinks from mid-afternoon until dusk.The opportunity for attendees to enjoy Haoma's celebrated cuisine in the middle of the Indian Ocean made the event a success. The chefs' emphasis on sustainability and minimising the carbon imprint was evident in the use of locally sourced and fresh foods, as well as in the vegan-friendly options and Haoma's specialty sweets on the menu.Head supervisor of W Maldives, Idu Ribeiro, communicated his fervor about the joint effort, expressing that the occasion with Haoma was the ideal method for starting off W Maldives' culinary contributions for the year while Cook Deepanker "DK" Khosla was excited to adjust his eatery's idea and team up with the gourmet specialists at W Maldives, bringing Haoma's economical and neighborhood produce-centered insight to the Maldives and expressed that it was a memorable encounter for himself and every one of the visitors.Ultimately, the partnership demonstrated how W Maldives is the ideal location for visitors wishing to engage in fine-dining experiences while taking in the Maldives' natural beauty.

It's time to begin holiday planning as the Easter Holidays get near. Go no further than Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa if you're seeking for a one-of-a-kind and amazing experience to share with your friends, family, or loved ones. A variety of activities are available in this tropical paradise to make your Easter celebrations unique and unforgettable.Having a special supper with your loved ones is one of the nicest ways to celebrate Easter. In addition to four theme restaurants where you may sample various cuisines, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa also offers a special wine dining experience at the Beach Grill Restaurant. These dining alternatives are ideal for indulging in delectable food and beverages while taking in the stunning Maldivian surroundings.During the Easter break, the Dolphin Kids Club is a must-visit location for families with children. For kids of all ages, The Kids Club offers a wide range of entertaining and engaging activities. Activities include arts and crafts, painting Easter eggs, cream pie eating contests, and cooking lessons for Easter with the resort's Executive Chef Aldo. The resort also hosts an Easter Pool Party at the Dolphin Kids Club and a customary Easter Bunny Hunt on land and in the water.During the Easter break, Emerald Spa is the ideal destination for anyone seeking relaxation and pampering. Easter-themed incentives are available at the spa, including free yoga classes, a 20% discount on individual sessions, and special massage packages for fathers and sons or mothers. When you book the 90-minute Emerald's Signature Massage, the resort additionally gives you a discount on ELEMIS Advanced Skin Care items and an additional 30-minute treatment of your choosing. In addition to volleyball and wine tasting, the resort will throw an Easter Pool Party.With a variety of activities and services to suit all interests and inclinations, the resort provides an unrivalled Easter vacation experience. Thus, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is the ideal location for your Easter celebrations whether you're seeking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a memorable time with your loved ones.

Ahmed Rizleen (Rizey) has been promoted to Front Office Manager at Fiyavalhu Resort Maldives. He will be in charge of managing the resort's front office operations in his new position, which will take effect on February 19, 2023. As part of its dedication to encouraging and supporting the growth of the Maldivian tourist industry, Fiyavalhu Maldives places a special emphasis on nurturing local talent.Rizleen is qualified for his recent promotion to Front Office Manager at Fiyavalhu Resort Maldives due to his more than 12 years of experience in the hospitality sector, which includes work at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Sun Siyam Irufushi, aaaVeee Nature's Paradise, Hondaafushi Island Resort, and Sun Aqua Vilu Reef. Since February 2022, he has held the position of Assistant Front Office Manager at Fiyavalhu, where his superior customer service abilities have set him apart from his colleagues. Rizleen will oversee a group of workers to make certain that clients enjoy outstanding service thanks to his well-honed leadership skills from his years of experience in the field.Describing his appointment "I have made sure that the individuals around me were able to reach their goals as well in order to achieve my aim," stated Rizleen. In order to compete in this cutthroat business with my team (aaila), I have concentrated on pushing myself every day. In a same vein, we should all strive to present our best selves."We are delighted to witness the dedication and commitment towards Fiyavalhu Resort Maldives, and we are sure that Rizleen would strive to much greater heights and achievements with his knowledge," stated Dilan Bandara, the general manager of Fiyavalhu Resort Maldives, in response to the appointment.Fiyavalhu Resort Maldives, the first island-integrated concept-built resort, is situated in the renowned South Ari Atoll and offers an island experience that includes cosy living quarters in a natural and private alcove of Mandhoo. There are 44 villas in the resort, ranging from Garden Villas to Pool Villas, in six different categories.

Arosha Pananwala's appointment as general manager has been announced by Amaya Kuda Rah. He has been given the responsibility of managing all business activities for Amaya Kuda Rah since he is a very focused and meticulous professional. For guests to easily appreciate, his presence is expected to bring in a new and thrilling spectrum of opulent experiences.Arosha started working in the hospitality industry in 1991 and has since developed his knowledge throughout all major divisions. Arosha briefly worked at Cinnamon Island Alidhoo in the Maldives, but his abilities were soon noticed, and he relocated to his native Sri Lanka to manage Cinnamon Resort Habarana. Later, he assumed the same position for Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa upon his return to the Maldives. The hotel's reputation for excellence, important decision-making, and the resort's continued profitability were all due to his great leadership abilities and effective administration throughout all resort operations.Arosha spoke about his appointment and how Maya Kuda Rah is known for having some of the top diving and snorkelling spots in the Maldives. I feel honoured to work for this resort. Arosha continued by saying that he will use his experience and knowledge to uphold and improve the top-notch service and guest experience expected at all Amaya Resorts & Spas.

In order to improve the implementation of the AIR (Avoid, Intercept, and Redesign) strategy for partners in the areas of education and awareness, community support, and industry adaptation, the Maldives Association of Tourist Industry (MATI) and Parley Maldives signed an MoU today. Through collaborations in creativity and eco-innovation, this initiative addresses the most significant ocean problems of the present.MATI's Secretary General, Mr. Ahmed Nazeer, and Parley Maldives' Executive Director, Ms. Shaahina Ali, both signed on behalf of their respective organisations.Cooperation goals comprise:AIR Education and Advocacy: To address the complex problem posed by plastic pollution, implement the PARLEY AIR STRATEGY, which embodies the three major action pillars listed below:AVOID using plastics made of fossil fuels wherever possible.INTERPRET plastic trash and redirect it away from landfills, fires, and the natural world into closed loops.REDESIGN things and materials and reconsider how we behave and live on Earth.Promote and support eco-friendly agriculture and fisheries in island communities through skill transfer and demonstration.Operational Transformation within Industry: Encourage MATI member resorts to "Redesign for Sustainability" by reorganising waste management and hotel operations in order to apply the AIR Strategy holistically. This can be done by staff training and the creation of standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Mohamed Nasheed, Speaker of the People's Majilis, visits the Diamonds Thudufushi Marine lab. In addition to being the founder of the Maldives Coral Institute, Mr. Nasheed is an environmental activist. He was informed about the most recent research and educational initiatives carried out by the University of Milano-Bicocca & MaRHE Center on all Planhotel properties during his visit. The marine biology team was able to display the many technologies used to include visitors in coral reef science during the tour of the recently created marine lab.The coral adoption programme, a virtual reality tour of coral nurseries, and DNA analysis technology were just a few of the ways the marine biology team was able to get visitors interested in coral reef science. With Dr. Inga Denhert, manager of marine research, they further further explored recent advancements in coral restoration research.Mr. Nasheed and Dr. Inga got the chance to inspect the thriving house reef and restored coral garden during their trip to Thudufushi. Although the 2016 catastrophic coral bleaching incident had an impact here, there are presently over 180 healthy coral frames. The older frames are now completely covered in coral, obliterating most of their visual appeal while still serving as an essential habitat for a variety of marine creatures. The Marine Lab was appreciative to Mr. Nasheed for personally hand-binding the first two volumes of MCI's "Coral Studies of the Maldives" series.Before the devastation of mass bleaching in 2016, the Thudufushi coral conservation project was started. On 10.7.2015, the first adopted frame was submerged. Since then, Planhotel Marine Laboratories has advanced coral conservation efforts by helping MaRHE Center's research into coral reef restoration. This resulted in the first regional scientific assessment and publications of optimum restoration techniques, giving restoration specialists in the Maldives vital knowledge.

Diamonds Athuruga Maldives is the perfect vacation spot if you're a foodie seeking a location with a wide variety of culinary treats. Our resort is home to a variety of dining establishments, each of which offers a special culinary experience that will tempt your taste buds.The resort's primary buffet restaurant, Maakeyn, is a great place to start. During breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you may indulge in a delectable range of foreign cuisine here. You can satisfy your palette with everything from fresh fruit to pastries that have just been prepared to a selection of hot foods.Visit Thari, the restaurant over water, for a more romantic and private dining experience. You may savour a variety of delicacies that are influenced by the indigenous Maldives cuisine while admiring the breathtaking Indian Ocean scenery from this location. A menu that highlights the best of the Maldives is created by the restaurant's chefs using fresh ingredients and conventional cooking methods.Farivalhu is the place to go for a genuine Maldives dining experience. The informal and laid-back ambiance makes it the ideal place to have a leisurely meal with friends or family. To further enhance the experience, the restaurant also invites customers to dress in traditional Maldives garb.

Domingos Folgado, a well-known wellness expert and personal trainer, will be at Vakkaru Maldives from March 23 through April 18, which includes Easter and spring break. Domingos enjoys a devoted following of repeat visitors at the resort and is well-known for his outstanding treatments and personal training sessions tailored to the demands of each visitor.In keeping with current wellness trends and client requests, Domingos will debut five new therapies during his forthcoming residency:Wellness MassageThis specialised treatment, which moves from the soles of your feet to the crown of your head, blends quality aromatherapy oils with age-old methods to profoundly cure your mind, body, and soul.Muscle Release MassageThis treatment is tailored to your tastes and includes the use of warm aromatherapy oil and deep tissue methods to relax muscles, drain the lymphatic system, promote circulation, and improve energy levels. It is also paired with a healing music playlist to calm the brain.Himalayan Salt Stone MassageSalt stones are used in this therapeutic massage to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help with anxiety and encourage deeper, more restorative sleep.Mind Body MassageThis specialised dynamic massage therapy treats a variety of conditions, including frozen shoulder, sciatic pain, neck discomfort, and facial paralysis, by combining cranial balancing, trigger point therapy, breath work, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).European Swedish MassageThis therapy is great for easing aches and pains or for simply relaxing and unwinding. It is designed to energise the body and promote improved overall health utilising techniques like percussion, kneading, vibrating, tapping, and rolling.Together with these fresh treatments, Domingos' well-known hallmark procedures, like the well-liked Amno Fu and Gua Sha Facial, will also be available throughout the residency. Also, he offers customised personal training sessions for postural analysis, muscle toning, weight loss, boosting strength, core conditioning, and muscle building.The wellness consultant, therapist, acupuncture specialist, and certified personal trainer, a graduate of Portugal's Instituto Medico Naturista de Lisbon, employs his wide skill set to deal with an outstanding black book of high-profile and celebrity customers. Domingos has worked in the health and fitness business for 20 years and has developed competence in naturopathy, therapeutic massage, sports techniques, and KORE therapy. He may combine these fields of study based on the requirements and preferences of each client.

Mohamed Zaheen has been promoted to Assistant Director of Sales at Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives, according to the announcement.Zaheen is a seasoned hotelier with a track record of success in the travel and tourism sector. He is knowledgeable in reservation, revenue, sales, rooms division, and hospitality management. In the Maldives, he has worked in the hotel sector for more than 12 years.He held the position of senior sales manager at Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives prior to his new position there. Before to that, he spent more than two years working as the sales manager at Angsana Velavaru Maldives. At Olhuveli Beach Resort, Zaheen began his job as a guest relations representative. Additionally, he has done work for companies including Soneva Fushi, Dusit Thani, and Niyama Maldives.The Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is an escape resort created to be tucked away in the unspoiled, picturesque Noonu Atoll. The opulent resort, which is only 45 minutes by seaplane from the country's capital, Malé, has 105 villas and suites, including 72 overwater pool villas, 30 beach pool suites, and three beach spa pool residences. Each villa and suite has its own private plunge pool, making it ideal for honeymooners seeking a romantic getaway and families looking for adventure. The airport on Maafaru island in Noonu atoll is also a 15-minute speedboat ride away from the resort.

An astonishing feat of power and endurance was just accomplished by Australian surfer and adventurer Damien Rider when he paddled 480 kilometres across the Maldives. He visited many islands throughout his 9-day expedition, which is known as the "Ultimate Paddle," and he received a lot of support from both locals and tourists.On February 17th, 2023, Damien started his adventure in Hulhumale' and paddled off to his first destination. He stopped at several resorts and islands along the trip, including Vaavu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, and Thaa Atoll.Damien's voyage included a personal challenge and a way to spread awareness about mental health in addition to learning about the splendour of the Maldives. Damien, who has dealt with his own mental health issues, wants to inspire others to be open about their own issues and to get assistance when they need it.Damien received a tremendous amount of encouragement from both residents and tourists along his adventure. At every island, he was greeted with open arms, and locals would come out to support him as he travelled. He was welcomed by large crowds and showered with presents and tokens of gratitude for his amazing adventure.Damien Rider's Ultimate Paddle in the Maldives was a fantastic adventure that took him to several islands, gave him a genuine Maldivian welcome, and allowed him to cross a symbolic line at the equator. His experience serves as a motivational example of how anything is doable with persistence, tenacity, and other people's help.

Shirmeen Ibrahim just received a promotion to Hotel Manager at Maagiri Hotel, the top city hotel in Male. Shirmeen is an accomplished hotelier with more than 15 years of experience in the Maldivian hospitality sector. She has proven proficiency in a number of areas, including Rooms Division, Health & Safety Reservation, Revenue, Sales, and Hospitality Management. She excelled in her work as Senior Operations Manager, and her promotion is a credit to both of those qualities.Shirmeen previously held the position of Senior Operations Manager at the Maagiri Hotel before taking on her new position as Hotel Manager. As a Health and Safety Consultant and Trainer at Food Safety Asia, she started her work in 2005. She began working on the Maagiri project in 2017 and was later named the hotel's operations manager.The Maagiri Hotel, which is in a prime area in Male, is conveniently located next to Velana International Airport. The hotel provides four different types of rooms, each with tasteful interiors, opulent amenities, and expansive views of the Maldives oceans. The hotel offers a variety of services to improve the experience of its visitors, including a coffee shop, restaurant and lounge, semi-fine dining, meeting spaces, and a fully stocked rooftop gym. Families and couples as well as business and leisure tourists can stay at the Maagiri Hotel. For those who enjoy the ocean, the hotel offers a variety of sports like diving, fishing, snorkelling, and more.