Latest Maldives News, Resort Openings & Travel Guides

Sirru Fen Fushi invites two-Michelin-starred Chef Heiko Nieder in FebruaryThis February, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is delighted to invite renowned chef Heiko Nieder to the island for an exclusive culinary experience that honors innovation, precision, and the art of culinary excellence, marking the beginning of The Michelin Series for 2026.One of the most renowned chefs in Switzerland and the mastermind behind The Dolder Grand in Zurich, Chef Heiko will be the guest of honor at two exclusive culinary events designed specifically for the most discerning travelers and culinary aficionados looking to indulge in the ultimate island culinary experience.Events at a Glance:14 February 2026: Four Hand Dinner with Chef Heiko x Chef Girish.To celebrate Valentine’s Day and the Lunar New Year, Sirru Fen Fushi’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma invites two-Michelin-starred Chef Heiko Nieder to join him for an exclusive Four-Hand Dinner, where two culinary worlds meet in one magical night.18 February 2026: Haute Cuisine Cooking Class with Chef Heiko NiederThe celebrations continue with an exclusive and unique cooking class, where Chef Heiko will take the guests through the preparation of two dishes, giving a sneak peek into his culinary thoughts and creativity. 18 February 2026: Chef Heiko’s Exclusive Signature Dinner & Cooking Class.Guests are invited to join an exclusive four-course dinner featuring Chef Heiko’s signature dishes, which showcase his signature style: bold creativity and refined technique.Born in 1972 in Germany, Chef Heiko is one of the most celebrated chefs in Switzerland and is currently the Culinary Director at The Dolder Grand in Zurich. He has had classical culinary training at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, and has developed his culinary skills in some of Germany’s most celebrated kitchens, such as Restaurant Le Canard in Hamburg, Hotel Zur Traube in Grevenbroich,

Ifuru Island Maldives combines adventure, wellness, and island lifeAt Ifuru Island Maldives, tropical getaways are crafted for travelers who seek adventure and relaxation in equal measure, so every day is a chance to engage, connect, and rejuvenate. Guests begin their day as they like, plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the turquoise lagoon with snorkeling, water sports, or carefully crafted dive packages that showcase some of the Maldives’ most colorful coral reefs. On solid ground, the island provides endless ways to stay active; engage in a friendly game of pool volleyball, or pit skills against friends and take on the resort’s Tennis coach, who offers expert tips to help hone skills and enjoy a lively game of tennis.For guests who would like to experience the wellness retreat as part of their adventure holiday, Ifuru Island Maldives has much to offer. Guests can treat themselves to Pilates, Yoga, and Sound Healing sessions to stretch, tone, and rebalance, or join in on the fun of the island’s signature Ice Bath & Bubbles Challenge, a one-of-a-kind experience that revives the body with a refreshing cold water therapy, followed by relaxation in a sparkling bubble bath, awakening the senses and forging social bonds in playful fun.The evening activities in Ifuru Island Maldives are made even more fascinating. Guests are left in awe by the Tanoura Shows, music events, DJ nights, and LED & Fire Shows. Pool parties and theme nights bring the social life of the island to life under the star-studded night sky.For guests who are looking for some solitude and relaxation, the luxurious rooms in the resort are a haven of peace where guests can unwind, relax, and bask in the tranquility of the island. The superior all-inclusive package offers the flexibility and freedom to dine and drink as one wishes, with a variety of meals and drinks included, so that every guest can indulge in their Maldivian holiday experience without a care in the world.

Holiday Inn Kandooma to celebrate Year of the Fire Horse in FebruaryHoliday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives will welcome the Lunar New Year 2026 with an exciting island celebration marking the Year of the Fire Horse. Taking place from 16 to 21 February, the event combines festive dining, rejuvenating wellness, and fun activities for all ages amidst the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.The Horse in Chinese astrology represents dynamism, confidence, liberation, and progress, which are further amplified by the Fire component, signifying passion, rebirth, and fresh starts.Guests are encouraged to indulge in a Prosperity Yu Sheng (Lo Hei) experience, where raw fish, colorful shredded vegetables, and condiments are tossed together to welcome abundance, togetherness, and good fortune. Conventionally, the higher the toss, the greater the fortune. Interactive Hot Pot dinners at The Asian Kitchen on the beach come with the Yu Sheng set, two savory broths, fresh vegetables, elastic noodles, premium slices of Angus beef, succulent Tiger prawns, pork belly, and a variety of delicious fish balls. Festive dining is also at the core of the celebrations. Guests are encouraged to participate in a Prosperity Yu Sheng (Lo Hei) experience, where raw fish, colorful shredded vegetables, and condiments are tossed together to welcome abundance, unity, and good fortune. Traditionally, the higher the toss, the greater the fortune. Interactive Hot Pot nights at The Asian Kitchen on the beach come with the Yu Sheng set, two savory broths, fresh vegetables, elastic noodles, premium slices of Angus beef, succulent Tiger prawns, pork belly, and an array of delectable fish balls. (US$99++ per person from 16-21 February, except 19 February). Seafood aficionados will be thrilled with the Seafood Fiesta at The Asian Kitchen on 19 February, as an indulgent spread will greet guests, including fresh sushi and sashimi, sand lobster, Norwegian salmon, and more. Meat indulgers will also be treated to a selection of grass-fed beef sirloin, lamb cutlets, roasted Beijing Duck, pork belly, and more. The Lunar New Year also brings opportunities for renewal and reflection. Throughout the week (16-21 February), guests can relax with special promotions on spa treatments that emphasize balance and gentle renewal. Revitalize your skin and spirit with the Kandooma Spa’s Express Facial using SUNDARIAs a family-friendly event, Lunar New Year at Kandooma provides extra value with IHG’s Kids Eat & Stay Free program (for up to two children under 13 years). On the first day of Lunar New Year, 17 February, children are invited to join the fun at Kandoo Kids’ Club with hands-on activities such as making wishing trees, red envelope treasure hunts, arts & crafts, and games, making for a memorable experience for the whole family.Surrounded by turquoise waters, colorful marine life, and pristine beaches lined with palm trees, guests are encouraged to create their own celebration experience. For some, the New Year means adventure: snorkeling, jet-ski safaris, scuba diving, and beach excursions. For others, it means taking it easy and enjoying the simple things in life: spa treatments, hammock time with a good book, or a cooling dip in the crystal-clear waters.Room types are designed for couples and families, ranging from garden villas and beachfront villas to the resort’s favorite two-story beach houses. Among the most popular are the expansive overwater villas with a signature hammock overlooking the lagoon and direct ladder access to the waters below, offering a multitude of possibilities for the ultimate selfie.

Kandooma emphasizes partnerships that are essential to sustainable tourism development in MaldivesWithin a tourism sector that is increasingly called upon to demonstrate its accountability to the planet and its people, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is stepping forward again as a reminder that true sustainability progress is unlikely to happen as an individual initiative.Reshaping its focus in the year 2025 meant the resort placed sustainability and regeneration at the very heart of its operations, taking the bold step to be audited as part of the journey towards obtaining its Green Globe certification. According to the General Manager of the resort, Mark Eletr, the journey served “to highlight the value of our relationship with like-minded partners in assisting us in overcoming some of the key sustainability challenges the Maldives faces today, particularly in the sphere of waste management.”“Of all the hard sustainability battles for a resort of this type to face, waste is certainly one of them for a destination of this type, the island resort. It is a difficult one to address certainly, as the Maldives and the challenges we face as an archipelago, we are certainly not going to overcome as an individual resort in our own right; it requires collaboration and that collective sense of responsibility”Eletr accentuates that teaching guests in the first place regarding waste management as a crucial measure, in line with working in close collaboration with procurement partners to minimize packaging materials, especially polystyrene-based materials, in favor of a greener option such as plastic materials."It's an uncomfortable reality we face, but education is fundamental to these challenges," he was saying.“For many visitors, it is difficult to grasp the fact that the Maldives is an island nation, with every single resort operating as a self-containable village, responsible for everything from wastewater treatment, the production of drinking water, to the management of every type of waste. There is no shortcuts, only action, collaboration, and a shared desire to think differently!”He provides a good indication of the way to do this when he mentions one obvious but effective case as follows:"In many of our guests’ home countries, waste systems are highly advanced, with compulsory recycling, careful sorting, and specialised collection for hazardous materials such as batteries. Here in the Maldives, we do not yet have safe, large-scale facilities to process certain materials. That is why we ask guests to take used batteries home with them, where they can be disposed of in a responsible way through existing recycling schemes."Instead of these challenges being seen as barriers to move ahead, collaboration for growth was seen as the way to proceed at Kandooma. Although the resort sees itself as early in the game, Eletr believes that both successes and lessons learned have to be shared. “For us at Kandooma, building partnerships has been a transforming exercise. For us, every small success is important if it helps others take their first step, use the ideas we developed, or find their own solution which works for them. Making ourselves more vulnerable to the glare of public scrutiny and criticism is also an essential part of the exercise.For instance, the resort works in partnership with Parley for the Oceans and supports the Maldives tourism industry's pledge to Parley's AIR strategy of Avoid, Intercept, and Redesign. This long-term relationship enables Kandooma to intercept plastics in its surrounding environment and engage in clean-up activities to uninhabited islands; an exercise that IHG Hotels & Resorts clearly accepts and works towards as part of their long-term strategy of “Journey to Tomorrow."For the year 2025, the resort formed an association with the company called “Secure Bag.” They are dedicated to acquiring waste resources to convert them into new, usable items to promote the circular economy approach. The resort is operated under the notion of every resource being to have to have a second life.As a four-star resort itself, Kandooma understands that they can't compete on equal levels in terms of resource capability as an ultra-luxury resort might enjoy. Instead, they've opted to utilize creativity and collaboration in terms of partnering causes that suit their values and belief system:Manta TrustManta rays are a species of rays that fall directly under the category of endangered species because of habitat loss and other unecological practices aimed at protecting these beautiful creatures.Not able to afford the costs of keeping someone on site who was a full-time, qualified marine biologist, the resort devised an alternative strategy involving the guests. The Kandooma resort developed the idea of selling silver or gold manta ray pendants, with 5 US Dollars from each one going to the Manta Trust."It’s a modest contribution, but it’s realistic, sustainable for our business, and it sparks conversations with our guests," Eletr explained. "It brings people into the story of what we’re trying to protect and why it matters."Apart from this donation-based system, the resort also stages the annual "Manta Month," which takes place in September to encourage more exposure and awareness for these gentle creatures that swim freely in the water near the islands of Kandooma. In line with its transparency initiative, Kandooma has launched an online version of its Sustainability Guide, where they identify specific sustainability initiatives and actions in areas of environment, social, and governance. The sustainability guide, known as the Green Book, is available online.

Bandula Thilakarathne appointed Resort Manager of Joy Island MaldivesThe Cocoon Collection has appointed Bandula Thilakarathne as the new Resort Manager of Joy Island Maldives, with responsibility for overseeing the resort’s full operational and guest service functions. Thilakarathne joined The Cocoon Collection in March 2025 and currently leads the operations of the 151-villa resort, managing a workforce of more than 400 staff across accommodation, food and beverage, and support services.He brings more than two decades of experience in hospitality operations, with a career that has focused on food and beverage leadership and resort management in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Prior to joining Joy Island, he served as Director of Food and Beverage at Anantara Kihavah Maldives and held senior roles with One&Only Resorts, including Associate Director of Food and Beverage and Operations Manager – F&B. His earlier career includes management positions at resorts in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, as well as operational roles with Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas and Hilton, where he began his hospitality career in food and beverage service.Thilakarathne holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Suffolk and professional certifications in wine and spirits education. In his new role, he will be responsible for maintaining operational standards, overseeing service delivery, and supporting the development of Joy Island Maldives as a family-oriented resort within The Cocoon Collection’s portfolio. The Cocoon Collection is a portfolio of luxury resorts in the Maldives and Zanzibar, including Cocoon Maldives, You & Me Maldives, Joy Island Maldives, and Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa. Renowned for its blend of modern design, natural beauty, and heartfelt service, The Cocoon Collection is dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences while promoting sustainability and local empowerment.

A Wine Dinner Featuring Mastroberardino at the Alila Kothaifaru Maldives on JanuaryAlila Kothaifaru Maldives is set to pull off an exclusive Mastroberardino Wine Dinner on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, as it invites wine lovers and culinary travelers for a night of epicurean delights at The Shack – a private sandbank restaurant of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.This dinner, which takes place in front of the stunning Indian Ocean view, celebrates Mastroberardino, a historical winemaking family in Italy that has been promoting the use of regional grape varieties since the mid-eighteenth century. Headed by the renowned Piero Mastroberardino, a winemaker and the tenth generation of his family to run the estate, Mastroberardino Winery is one of the most famous in the industry for preserving and promoting ancient varieties like Greco, Fiano, Aglianico, and Taurasi DOCG.The culinary experience is designed to feature an exclusive multi-course meal, created by Executive Chef Frank, accompanied by an array of Mastroberardino wines. The meal will begin with Greco Di Tufo DC, Fiano Di Avellino DC, followed by Lacrimarosa Rosato, and ultimately finish with Radici Taurasi DC, followed finally by dessert accompanied by the Melizie Fiano Passito.According to General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Thomas Weber, their resort hopes to produce authentic dining experiences which transcend beyond the usual setting because not only will heritage and storytelling be combined but so will the setting. This can be seen in their initiation of the Mastroberardino Wine Dinner on the Private SandBank where they get to showcase one of the historical traditions of Italy’s winemaking process to the guests.Besides the brand heritage, the other area which makes Mastroberardino distinctive is sustainability. Under this, the brand is involved in vineyard sustainability, biodiversity, and energy. This is very much in line with the philosophy that Alila Kothaifaru Maldives follows.

Visit Maldives promotes "Across Maldives 2026" record attempt for underwater diving in MaldivesVisit Maldives Corporation (VMC) recently announced a record attempt named “Across Maldives 2026,” which involves a Maldivian diver named Shafraz Naeem in setting a record underwater. The event is scheduled to start on January 23rd, 2026. This will be the first record attempt of 2026 in the Visit Maldives Book of Records.In Maldives 2026, the project will involve attempts at two records as the diver traverses an underwater journey from one atoll to another. In 15+ days, the diver will complete over 450 km of dives with at least 55 dives and over 90 hours underwater using the Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV). The organized record attempts are divided along the following lines:Longest distance accomplished in the open ocean on a single dive using a DPVLongest distance travelled by a DPV in a month:The initiative is intended to mark the beginning of a new era of adventure-based storytelling, with Maldives being launched as an Ocean Nation and establishing itself as a premier destination for marine and adventure tourism around the globe. This adventure would showcase the Maldives' special underwater environments and strong cultural ties with the oceans.Shafraz will make stop-overs at various islands with partners and hotel and council support. A videographed underwater expedition, visit highlights, interviews, and stories centered around sustainability will provide a comprehensive insight into the marine heritage of the Maldives to international audiences through this expedition.Across Maldives 2026 is being promoted by Visit Maldives with Shafraz Naeem, with Ooredoo Maldives acting as the technology partner, together with the airline partner beOnd Airlines. This expedition will mark the start of a large scale national initiative to increase the global visibility of the Maldives through a record-breaking endeavor that complements the country’s historical dedication to ocean conservation.

Target Taste China awards Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives Resort of the YearGrand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has been awarded Resort of the Year 2025 by Target Taste China, one of the most influential Chinese platforms.The award places Grand Park Kodhipparu among a select group of internationally respected luxury resorts, acknowledged for their commitment to taste, craftsmanship, and holistic guest experience. Winners were chosen by Target Taste’s editorial and expert panel that is well-known for its stringent evaluation process and strong influence among the high-end audiences of China in travel and lifestyle sectors.Commenting on the recognition, Raffaele Solferino, General Manager, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, stated, "This recognition as Resort of the Year is a very important endorsement for us, as Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, and was a way for us to honor the dedication and commitment that our entire resort has shown, as they now celebrate their ninth year as a resort, as well as the creativity that has allowed us to fulfill an important need in the market by delivering experiences that resonate in the minds of the most discerning travelers."Grand Park Kodhipparu, situated on a secluded island reachable by speed boat from Malé International Airport, is no stranger to accolades for its modern take on Maldivian luxury. The heart of the experience is its destinations dining concept, which is one of its defining features of the hotel. The destinations dining concept is comprised of eight destinations.Target Taste China is recognized as a major influence on high-end taste and living in China, with a significant following among high-spending Chinese travelers and professionals in these sectors. Each year, it honors excellence in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and destinations with its awards.Resort Executive Chef Raymond Tan mentioned that dining at the resort is designed to be immersive and sensory. He explained, "The Firedoor signature dining experience is built around open-flame cooking, elemental techniques and the integrity of premium ingredients, allowing natural flavours to take prominence." He said that this is complemented by the Maldives' only glass-floor overwater dining venue, where guests are connected to the ocean beneath them as much as to the cuisine itself.This further cements the status of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives as one of the leading luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean, while reinforcing its appeal in the Chinese market and internationally.

Meliá Hotels is to unveil the Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives in January 2026.The Meliá Hotels & Resorts chain extends its boundaries to one of the worlds’ favorite locations: Maldives. Thus, in January 2026, the worldwide and leading brand in the Meliá Hotels International group is set to launch the Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives project. It is five-star and all-inclusive. This marks the beginning of the next chapter in the growth and expansion around the world of the Meliá corporation.This is the breathtakingly beautiful South Ari Atoll, and the specially-created enclave here caters to those looking for a genuine experience – a romantic getaway for couples, unconnected time for families, and an adventure for water lovers.Reaching "Meliá Whale Lagoon, Maldives" is also a journey due to its unique nature. Upon arriving at the international airport in the Maldivian capital, Malé, a 30-minute seaplane ride will take the visitor to this unique location. After this, the visitor will be at the "entrance to one of the planet’s most interesting marine reserves, the South Ari Marine Protection Area (SAMPA), renowned for the presence of whale sharks and mantas throughout the year." At this point, nature is experienced first-hand because here, "snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding, and kayaking, to name a few, provide a unique first-contact experience with nature itself."This resort comes equipped with a total of 100 privately owned oceanfront villas. The resort boasts some of the best villas, including the Water Villas, which come suspended above the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. This means guests at this resort get the chance to wake up each morning to the endless vastness of the horizon. Other guests may choose the Sunset Suite Villas with a private pool. This comes with a spacious room, a private swimming pool, and the vastness of the sunset. Lastly, the Beach Villas come as the best option for a guest wishing to walkThis experience also has an extensive food and beverage offering that celebrates global cuisine through four restaurants and bars that offer Mediterranean and international cuisine, in addition to having two infinity pools and a spa where customers can relax and enjoy body and wellness programs that include sauna and steam facilities. The resort also has an entertainment program that has something for all members, including live music and outdoor movies under the stars.With this beginning, Meliá continues to emphasize its focus on delivering memorable experiences. "The Maldives symbolize the best expression of our reason-for-being: to expand in the globally most exclusive locations and build unforgettable experiences in the most extraordinary environments with Meliá's hallmark hospitality." - Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman & CEO of the Group.?

Kurumba Maldives is set to elevate its culinary calendar with an exceptional plant-forward experience as it welcomes acclaimed food writer and bestselling cookbook author **Meera Sodha** for an exclusive culinary residency in **February 2026**. Taking place from **13 to 15 February 2026**, this limited-time collaboration promises to be a celebration of flavour, culture, and creativity, unfolding against the idyllic backdrop of one of the Maldives’ most iconic island resorts.Renowned for her modern, soulful approach to vegetarian and vegan cooking, Meera Sodha will join forces with Kurumba Maldives’ talented culinary team to craft a series of immersive dining experiences inspired by her award-winning cookbooks, ***Fresh India*** and ***Made in India***. These much-loved works are celebrated globally for bringing regional Indian flavours to life through vibrant, accessible, and festive plant-based recipes—and this residency will translate that philosophy into an unforgettable island dining journey.At the heart of the residency lies Sodha’s deep connection to Indian culinary traditions, particularly the rich and diverse cuisine of **Gujarat**. Guests can expect an authentic yet contemporary interpretation of Gujarati flavours, where humble vegetables, legumes, spices, and grains are transformed into dishes that are bold, comforting, and full of character. Each plate will reflect Sodha’s signature style: thoughtful, colourful, and deeply rooted in storytelling through food.Throughout the three-day residency, Kurumba Maldives will host a range of specially curated dining moments that highlight the versatility and elegance of plant-based cuisine. One of the standout experiences will be the **Sunset Canapé Evening at Athiri Beach Bar on 15 February 2026**, where guests can savour Sodha-inspired creations as the sun dips below the horizon, blending culinary artistry with the natural beauty of the island setting.This collaboration marks a significant moment for the Maldivian culinary scene. Opportunities to experience the work of one of the UK’s most influential food writers—particularly in such an intimate, immersive format—are rare. By bringing Meera Sodha’s plant-centric philosophy to Kurumba Maldives, the resort reinforces its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and globally inspired dining experiences.For travellers with a passion for creative, flavour-driven cuisine, this residency offers a fresh perspective on vegetarian and vegan dining—one that proves plant-based food can be indulgent, celebratory, and deeply satisfying. Set amid white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Meera Sodha’s February 2026 residency at Kurumba Maldives is poised to be a must-experience event for food lovers seeking something truly distinctive.

COMO Maalifushi is launching its ‘Simply COMO’ all-inclusive package starting fromCOMO Maalifushi, the sole resort in Thaa Atoll, today announces the introduction of a new all-inclusive option – Simply COMO – from February 1st, 2026. Aimed at those seeking depth over breadth, this refined option marries COMO Hotels and Resorts’ food philosophy of culinary excellence, transformative wellness experiences, and personalized ocean adventures.In itself, COMO is a makeover of the traditional all-inclusive experience, while the culinary options range from Mediterranean dishes at Thila, sushi at Tai, and the health-focused COMO Shambhala Kitchen, to chef-led themed dinner nights, beach barbeques, and an expertly crafted drinks menu which features over 50 classifications of wines, besides other options. COMO Shambhala has the added options of dining on the beach, barefoot lunch, and dinner under the stars, all testifying the resort’s commitment to quality, simplicity, and natural ingredients."Simply COMO" offers an enriching array of island & marine activities that showcase the beauty & uniqueness surrounding COMO Maalifushi including:Dolphin Sunset Cruise – a phenomenon of nature that brings about an experience of wonder for the visitors they will always rememberSplash Boat Cruise: A must do for the family at sunset to jump on board our splash net of our dhoni and feel the thrill of being towed behind it in the oceanGuided turtle and reef snorkeling safaris to explore the rich house reef of this distant atollOffshore sunset drop-line fishing. For a brief respite while the sun sets with a gold glow (per guest).Wellness is the pulse of Simpl Y COMO, incorporating COMO Shambhala massage for every guest and movement classes each day, from yoga and stretching to meditation and functional strength, all reinforced and backed by COMO Shambhala Kitchen for guests seeking to enhance their wellness offerings.For Families:At Play by COMO, kids can enter a realm of discovery with attentive supervision so that the whole family can enjoy complete peace of mind in the knowledge of the kids’ activities at all times. Parents can enjoy the natural charms of the island where the property is located, with activities like barefoot massages designed to indulge them fully in every way.        Simply COMO has been crafted to cater to the needs of every type of traveler but has managed to bring people of all generations together. They are ideal for couples who yearn for isolation and intimacy, families who are looking for a platform for easier bonding, people who are looking for wellness activities, but also for people who are interested in the Maldives’ unique marine life.“The aim of Simply COMO was to offer an experience that was effortless, yet refined,” explains Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Each component, whether it is food, wellness, or water-based activities, was designed to be uniquely COMO.”Simply COMO all-inclusive plan can now be booked for dates from February 1st, 2026, along with the existing Half Board dining option at the resort, in order to cater to the varying needs of clients based on how they prefer to travel.

Celebrations of Lunar New Year resume at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau ResortA Lunar New Year celebrations program is also being encouraged by the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort for its guests and visitors in celebrating the Lunar New Year from 16 to 19 February 2026, marking the year of the Horse.With the picturesque surroundings of Raa Atoll as a backdrop, the resort’s celebration of the Lunar New Year seamlessly merges traditions of the past with the realities of living in the present through shared experiences of creativity, indulgence, and togetherness over these four days.Celebrations kick off on 16 February with Lunar New Year Cocktail at Café Umi Beach, and then followed by Lunar New Year Gala Beach Dinner, which comes with signature elements of Lunar New Year-special cuisine, seafood, and performances that include Lion Dance and Fire Show under the Maldivian night sky.Food experiences remain at the heart of the event, with theme dinners and wine tastings planned in keeping with the essence of the season. These include wine dinner journeys, a reunion dinner, a seafood dinner at Fish Market, and an Asian BBQ pop-up buffet dinner, where customers have ample chances to come together in celebration.Well-being will also take center stage, with restorative experiences that encourage balance. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy signature spa experiences, local sound healing, or fitness offerings. As part of festivities, a somatic practitioner will be available to provide mind-body well-being assistance.There will be entertainment and cultural performances daily, such as ribbon and fan performances, umbrella shows, fire performances, as well as an entire day of island games, aptly named the Olympic Island games. Younger guests will have the chance to participate in workshops, while those with artistic expressions can attend resin art workshops conducted by the resort’s artist.Further, the resort also provides relaxed festivals available all through the festival period, such as the lunar new year cocktail and shisha services available in select locations, which entitle the guests to enjoy the festivals at relaxed times.

"Ifuru Island Maldives now offers bespoke diving packages for every level"Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled an exciting range of dive packages, encouraging visitors to experience the fantastic underwater experience that the Maldives has to offer. These dive packages are available for those who want to start diving, and even experienced ones.Situated in the crystal-clear waters of Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives allows divers access to colorful house reefs, benign lagoon currents, and several of the best diving sites in the atolls, with the world-famous Ifuru Thila being amongst them. The latest dive vacation packages have been designed in a manner that encompasses both learning and the luxury of staying at the resort.This series of diving options begins with an introduction to diving, designed for new divers who would like to discover the world beneath the waters in a safe environment. Clients undergo training on the lagoon before moving to the house reef, providing an excellent opportunity to learn scuba diving without prior experience.For guests who are ready to move forward, the resort also offers a scuba diving course that is recognized worldwide. The course is intended for swimmers and snorkelers who are comfortable with the water and provides professional training with open water dives and a worldwide recognized certification.For experienced divers, there is the option of the three-day dive escape, with the highlight of this tour involving the best dive spots within the Raa Atoll. This dive tour enables the visitor to see the diversity of marine life and the amazing reefs within the atoll.“Diving, to us, is an integral experience for those who come to the Maldives, and we wanted to develop these packages so that they are accessible yet unique,” added Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of the Ifuru Island Maldives. “Whether this is the guest’s first experience with diving or the next milestone experience for someone who has already dived, these packages are designed for confidence, for comfort, and for experience.”All dive packages can be combined and booked along with the resort’s luxury accommodation options, which include the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive meal option, resort amenities daily, free non-motorized water sports activities, snorkeling gear provided, and return

Fushifaru Maldives has unveiled a new activities program for their guests as they welcome 2026, incorporating cultural expressions with entertainments of different kinds.To fulfill the needs of a variety of age groups, the boutique resort has increased the number of activities within their premises. These include circus-style activities for kids, hula hoop lessons, aerial acts, fire shows, and CYR wheel displays.The resort bid farewell to the year 2025 with a Gatsby-themed farewell gathering, which included a cocktail night where people were encouraged to come in attire inspired by the era. New Year's Eve celebrations involved a dinner service prepared for guests by the resort's kitchen staff, which had a lineup of beef ribs, roasted turkey, grilled lobster, salmon, and oysters, in addition to seafood, Japanese, Asian, and Mediterranean foods, and live cooking stations. The night ended with dessert and tropical fruit displays.For the year 2026, the resort Fushifaru Maldives has also revised its activities. Theme dinner nights remain an essential component of the guest program with the performance of a cooking demonstration based on the traditional method used in the Maldives during the Maldivian theme dinner night held every Friday. This also involves the process of making local curries.The new programmes will, according to the resort, focus on enhancing guest engagement with the traditions of the Maldives. The emphasis will be on structured experiences in accordance with cultural traditions and modern resort entertainment.“Fushifaru Maldives revealed that it has upgrades planned throughout the year related to activities, as well as meal options, which will be communicated to the public in due course,” according to Maldives Business.

Trippers continue to return to the Maldives in hunt of clear lagoons, warm hospitality and meaningful gests that reflect both the destination and their particular interests. As caller prospects evolve, exploration shows a growing preference for stays that feel acclimatized rather than standardised. A recent Mews check reports that 68 of trippers prefer personalised gests rather of general prices, with indeed stronger interest among Gen Z and rich trippers. Recognising these preferences, Cinnamon hospices and Resorts Maldives has meliorated its Book Direct value immolation. The streamlined structure allows guests who bespeak directly to elect two curated gests from each resort’s personalised list while also entering resort credits for stays of three nights or further. This credit can be used across dining, heartiness and recreational conditioning, giving guests the freedom to shape their time on the islet according to their interests and pace. Members of Cinnamon Discovery, the brand’s fidelity programme, can pierce an expanded set of Book Direct benefits grounded on their class league. tableware members may elect two gests, Gold members may elect three gests and Platinum members admit all gests listed at the resort they bespeak. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives Four course regale by the sand islet hopping adventure Dolphin safari 45 nanosecond gym treatment Resort credit available USD 150 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or further Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives Four course regale by the sand Balinese massage islet hopping adventure Guided syncope and snorkel session Resort credit available USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or further Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives Sunset fishing islet hopping adventure Sparkling bottle of libation 1 hour double kayak experience Resort credit available USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or further Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon Four course regale by the sand Balinese massage Sunset fishing Dolphin safari