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EditorialKandolhu Maldives Hosts Michelin Chef Peifer
Michelin-Starred Chef Benjamin Peifer to Visit Kandolhu Maldives This DecemberAwarded luxury resort situated on its own island in the Maldives, Kandolhu Maldives is excited to announce that the month of December is going to be a period of an unforgettable culinary experience. Celebrated chef Benjamin Peifer, winner of Gault & Millau's Chef of the Year 2025, will offer two nights of unique gourmet experience with some of the tastiest meals prepared by Benjamin Peifer.Gourmet Evening with Michelin-Starred Chef Benjamin PeiferOne of the best German chefs, Benjamin Peifer gained popularity due to his unusual and innovative style of cooking, which combines regional ingredients and flavors with the art of Japanese cuisine. Being a supporter of grilling and cooking over open fire, Benjamin Peifer always manages to make the product stand out by enhancing its flavors with rich and sophisticated aromas. Therefore, during their stay in one of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives, guests at Kandolhu Maldives will be able to get acquainted with Benjamin Peifer's unique style of cooking and taste the dishes prepared by him.An Inspiring Culinary CareerThe inspiring culinary career of Benjamin Peifer, a chef who has been able to carve out a prominent niche for himself among other highly skilled chefs of Germany, is one that has seen him rise through hard work and determination to become one of the country’s top talents. What started off as a baker by profession changed course when Peifer found out that the career path was not quite what he wanted. He then ventured into the domain of gastronomy, discovering a passion in the art of creating fine dining experiences. Benjamin Peifer honed his cooking skills through working in many renowned institutions, including famous restaurants like Zum Schwanen and Ketschauer Hof. It is worth noting that it was in 2017 that he established a restaurant known as Intense located in Wachenheim, Germany, with his wife, Bettina Peifer. It should be noted that it is at the restaurant that he combines the rich cuisine of Palatinate with high precision and elegance associated with Japanese haute cuisine. At Intense, Bettina Peifer works as the maitre d' and sommelier. Currently, Intense has two Michelin stars and is seen as one of the best dining places in Germany. The cuisine of the restaurant reflects the approach of the chef, which involves experimenting with traditional local dishes by deconstructing and reconstructing them, demonstrating how ordinary products can become incredible culinary works of art in the hands of experienced and passionate chefs.Exclusive Culinary Events at Kandolhu MaldivesWithin the framework of this unusual cooperation, Kandolhu Maldives will host two distinct culinary events, during which the skills and talent of the chef will be shown to the fullest. The first event, scheduled for 26 December, is the exclusive four-course dinner, specially created by the chef. During this event, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the cuisine created according to the philosophy of the chef.Trust the Chef": An Adventure in GastronomyWhat sets the chef’s style apart is his signature "no menu, trust the chef" experience. Instead of choosing among available dishes according to the dinner menu, here the idea is to leave your choice in the hands of the chef and enjoy the culinary delights he has imagined for you. By relying on his intuition and creativity along with seasonal produce, the master craftsman offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is pure delight for lovers of fine food and good cooking.Luxurious Dinners in an Extraordinary Island SettingSuch luxurious culinary experience can only blend perfectly well with the prestige of Kandolhu Maldives Resort. The meeting of these two is just perfect: the combination of luxury and uniqueness at its best. Be it for a romantic retreat or even during a festival celebration, guests are sure to enjoy the Michelin starred food experience at this remarkable destination. As there will be limited seats available for both the events, guests and food lovers are highly recommended to book their seats ahead of time. Undoubtedly, this event will definitely turn out to be one of the highlights of the season for those who love to relish delicious food amid the stunning surroundings of the Maldives.
EditorialJOALI Marks Eid with Food, Family & Fun
🌙 JOALI Celebrates Eid al-Adha with Culinary Delights and Family FunFrom May 25 to 31, 2026, JOALI wrapped up amazing Eid al-Adha festivities. Families came together for lots of fun, tasty food, and cultural experiences centered around unity and self-reflection. One star of the show was Nawal Alkhalawi, a top chef from Jeddah, who took the spotlight with her cooking residency. She rocked the event with her mouthwatering meals throughout the week. Keeping classic tastes fresh, she added some hip twists too.Her dinner at MOJO on May 29 got rave reviews. Guests dug into traditional Saudi feast fare, going wild for the date butter paired with charcoal bread. Then there were the "Jewels of the Red Sea" bites that blew everyone away. Aside from that, slow-roasted lamb alongside a ton of tasty shawarma sides stood out. For dessert, a flurry of sugary delights won hearts—white peach, apricot rose, and coconut yogurt treats, you name it. And no sweet end would've felt right without a lavish Saudi date and cheese board. This spread was an epic finish that left everyone grinning from ear to ear!The next day, everyone met at the Culinary Learning Centre for Chef Nawal Alkhalawi’s Family Cooking Class. The idea was for people of all ages to have a blast with some hands-on cooking. They got to discover how dishes come alive in the areas where the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean meet up. The following day, everyone gathered at the Culinary Learning Centre for Chef Nawal Alkhalawi’s Family Cooking Class. It was all about having fun and getting hands-on with cooking, no matter your age. Students learned how to whip up Spiced Prawn Tartare with Lime and Black Lime Aioli in Tapioca-Wild Rice. It showed how food can connect different regions through its ingredients and prep methods. JOALI BEING had more awesome family activities during Eid as well. Kids made their own energy bars, and there were lots of workshops for creating yummy treats like waffles and pizza. Who wouldn't be stoked about that, plus an afternoon tea spread and chocolate-making classes? People also had a great time eating in unique locations. They ended everything with the Eid Sunset Soiree at FLOW Beach, where guests sipped drinks while enjoying the music as the sun went down.
EditorialSol & Sea Opens at Taj Exotica Maldives for Fine Dining
Indian Coastal Cuisine Meets Maldivian LuxuryThe Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in the Maldives has a new spot called Sol & Sea. This fancy overwater dining location gives a sophisticated experience. Located high above the Indian Ocean, Sol & Sea provides an intimate setting for India's coastal cuisine. Only 16 people dine there at once, making each meal feel super private.Its key draw? An elevated version of the traditional Indian coastal thali. Plates feature stunning arrangements of dishes inspired by various regions along the western coast. These meals overflow with fresh seafood and hearty spices. Here, diners get to watch beautiful sunsets while enjoying the diverse range of Indian flavors. More than just eating, guests embark on a unique culinary journey set against the ocean's splendor.When the sky over the lagoon turns that golden orange at sunset, guests can enjoy a really special dining experience in the Maldives. Everything is set up to be magical – soft lights, delicious food, and the calming sea breeze – all meant to help you relax and make unforgettable memories.Sol & Sea is this chic spot that’s both cozy and extravagant. It mixes the charm of Indian hosting with the gorgeous oceans around the Maldives.Here’s what makes Sol & Sea extra special:- They have this fancy little overwater place for just sixteen people- You can try a unique Indian coastal meal with vegetarian or meat choices- The ambiance as the sun goes down is amazing and totally tailored for the moment- Service there is personalized for guests, making your visit super intimate- Perfect for a date, honeymooners, or celebrations- It's a luxury idea not found anywhere else in the MaldivesWith stars above and ocean views, Sol & Sea hopes guests will fall in love with Indian coastal cuisine, all while enjoying the tranquil vibes of the Maldives.
EditorialW Maldives Escape Remix Experience
Escape Remix Experience Offered by W Maldives For overwater & beachside staysEscape Remix is a unique offer launched by W Maldives for all those holidaymakers who wish to explore different facets of island living from the calmness of staying in an overwater villa to enjoying the glamour and relaxed ambiance of a beachfront stay. The special offer will be available at W Maldives starting from June 2026 onward and offers guests the opportunity to shift from the Superior Overwater One-Bedroom Villa to Escape Beach One-Bedroom Villa during the same vacation.Escape Remix is specially curated for all holidaymakers who like to experience everything in life. The package comes with a stay of four nights with two nights each in the overwater and beach villas. Daily buffet breakfast for two guests is also included. At its core, the package provides the unique chance to explore the Maldives through two very different settings. The Superior Overwater One-Bedroom Villa allows guests to enjoy beautiful ocean views, direct access to the water, a private pool, and even an iconic overwater hammock from the W Maldives’ signature collection, which will make for relaxing and enjoyable afternoons spent floating above the Indian Ocean. In addition, guests staying in the Overwater Villa will be able to gain access to the award-winning house reef straight from their villa deck.If that’s not enough, then the beach setting might appeal to guests as well. Located onshore and surrounded by greenery, the Escape Beach One-Bedroom Villa offers beach access and even an elevated upper deck featuring a swinging daybed, making it the ideal spot for relaxing in the early evening hours. Like with the overwater version, guests staying at the Escape Beach Villa will be able to explore the award-winning house reef right from the shore of the island. Apart from the villas, Escape Remix features a number of add-ons that are aimed at enriching the experience. They include free soda beverages from the MixBar in each villa, complimentary equipment for snorkelling, non-motorised water sports and one-time 30-minute photoshoot by the hotel’s photographer which comes with one printed photograph.Given that it has undergone a recent renovation, W Maldives Resort still fits into the classification of modern luxury based on its design and other features that it offers its customers as part of the unique experience provided by the resort. Visitors will be able to indulge in the meals offered in one of the restaurants of any of the resorts while enjoying spa treatments in the AWAY overwater spa or the castaway experience on Gaathafushi private island.With its five-star status and its unique style of luxury, W Maldives Resort, situated in Maldives, keeps offering visitors new experiences. Escape Remix combines the tranquil experience of staying on the overwater villas with the freedom of beachside villas, giving travellers yet another way to experience the luxury of the W Maldives resort.
EditorialOcean Conservation Events at Eri Maldives Resort
Ocean Conservation Activities and Turtle Resident Interaction Programs to Honor Marine Life at Eri MaldivesSituated amidst the pristine water environment of North Male Atoll, Eri Maldives strives to promote marine conservation through various initiatives centered on the theme of ocean stewardship. Over the next couple of months from June to July mid, the resort has planned several activities for its guests with an aim to create more awareness about ocean sustainability.In its efforts to spread ocean conservation messages, the Eri Maldives has planned several activities coinciding with international marine environmental day celebrations. To mark the Reef Awareness Day falling on June 1st, the resort has scheduled a series of programs under the title of Reef Guardians Experience where visitors can take part in two snorkeling sessions in the vicinity of the stunning coral reefs. Workshops will be held to educate the guests about coral reefs, and a quiz session about marine life will follow afterwards. Continuing the celebrations on World Oceans Day on June 8, the resort has prepared marine ecosystem and snorkeling adventures aimed at raising awareness of the significance of preserving oceans and their biodiversity.World Sea Turtle Day on June 16 is celebrated with the resort’s special “Turtley Awesome” program. The Turtle Search Snorkeling program is aimed at providing a unique opportunity to meet sea turtles in their habitat and learn more about their behavior, ecology, and difficulties associated with their preservation. As for Shark Awareness Day on July 14, Eri Maldives encourages its guests to debunk stereotypes about sharks with the help of a dedicated “Beyond the Myth” program. It includes free evening shark trivia quizzes and optional night snorkeling and diving sessions, where you can meet reef sharks.Eri Maldives’ ocean-related events end with a celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day from July 18, including the Breathwork & Freediving Women Only Introductory Program and complimentary social event on the beach with views of the Indian Ocean.Apart from being involved in seasonal conservation activities, the resort is famous for its numerous turtles inhabiting the water.The most favorite inhabitants among the guests include Miss Torti who distinguishes itself with saw-like shell with split scutes on the back end. Hank's uniqueness lies in the undeveloped right hind flipper. The distinguishing characteristic of Farfalle is a spotted shell that resembles a constellation. Recently, another unique inhabitant was identified, namely the first green sea turtle to be documented there – Otto. The identification adds yet another proof to the diversity of life in the nearby coral reef maldives.One of the activities offered by Eri Maldives is getting actively involved in the discovery of marine creatures. A number of turtles living there have already been discovered by guests, and some of them were named by their discoverers. For those lucky guests, who happen to see a turtle that was not yet documented by the resort, naming a new inhabitant is possible.
EditorialEid Al Adha Festivities at Madifushi Maldives
Madifushi Private Island commemorates Eid through display of Maldivian heritageOne of the finest holiday destinations in the Maldives, Madifushi Private Island welcomed Eid Al Adha with an elaborate celebration that paid homage to the revered religious festival. With its theme of “Eid By The Sea: Timeless Maldivian Heritage,” the resort offered an exclusive programme dedicated to marking this important occasion, while giving everyone a chance to experience rich Maldivian culture. The event included an array of activities that took place against the backdrop of the beautiful Indian Ocean. From early morning Eid prayer services at the resort’s mosque to a captivating traditional performance of Langiri dance, the programme offered guests and resort staff an enriching and authentic experience of the festivities.At dawn, the celebration kicked off with the opening of prayers at the resort’s mosque. Immediately after the prayers, the resort organised a ceremony of cutting the Eid cake, during which participants could come together and celebrate the holy day. In the course of the day, the spirit of the island changed with one of the highlights, which included the Maali Parade and Bodu Mas Beynun. This involved the parade of mythical creatures made using amazing craftsmanship of coconut palm leaves around the roads of the resort and Splash Beach along with the beats of traditional Maldivian music and dancing. The whole scene allowed visitors to immerse themselves in a very old culture experience that cannot usually be found outside the confines of the Maldives.At the same time, guests were invited to have their Eid 'Sai' Tea at Splash Beach and enjoy various traditional Maldivian Eid dishes in a fun environment. This evening was crowned with the Special Eid Buffet Dinner at the Bluefin Restaurant, where a festive table – prepared especially for this occasion in accordance with the spirit of Eid – was set up for guests. The evening concluded with the Langiri Show at Splash Bar, an exciting traditional performance, after which there was a cultural video presentation of the Maldives' culture and traditions"Celebrating Eid Al Adha at Madifushi Private Island will always be a very special moment for us. We cannot say this is just a ceremony; this is who we are, and this is where we belong. The Republic of Maldives has its unique and wonderful cultural traditions, and one of them is the celebration of Eid," shared Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager, Madifushi Private Island. "We take pride in presenting these traditions to our guests, some of whom travel here from different parts of the world. It is not about the beautiful location on which our resort stands. It is about sharing the excitement of watching the Maali parade and drinking our Saai tea together, and even praying together as a family. On behalf of all of us working in Madifushi Private Island, I wish you all a happy Eid."Located in the picturesque environment of Meemu Atoll, Madifushi Private Island represents a perfect destination for a luxurious vacation. Based on the philosophy of Timeless Maldivian Heritage, this luxury resort in maldives offers guests an exclusive place combining natural beauty, cultural values, and hospitality. There are overwater villas and white sandy beaches, cultural events and entertaining programmes in the schedule of Madifushi Private Island.
EditorialChef Tipa at Saffron, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru collaborates in Southern Thailand Gastronomy Show at SaffronGuest Chef Tipa, also the Head of Saffron at Banyan Group, with more than a decade of experience, offers the guests a unique dining experience through a collaboration between Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru at Saffron. The special limited menu for the Southern Thailand Gastronomic Experience is available at Saffron from 17 June to 17 July 2026, where the guests get to relish the unique culinary experience for one month with the limited menu designed exclusively for this collaboration.Catering to a balance of taste, texture, and aroma, guests get to relish the modernized version of Thai cuisine using the authentic taste of Thai cuisine, all cooked through traditional methods of preparation to get the best of Thai cuisine. Among many dishes, some highlights include Gai Yang Kor Lae and Gaeng Kiew Wan Nua. Tipa, the chef, will arrive to the island and work at the Saffron restaurant, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru from 15th till 19th June. She will give her knowledge to the guests at the resort during that period. Chef Tipa is currently taking an active part in the development of unique culinary initiatives, creating a new vision of Thai cuisine in several Banyan Tree resorts in Southeast Asia.Apart from the possibility of enjoying the meals prepared by this chef, guests are offered to meet with Chef Tipa himself through participation in two Thai Cooking Classes, which will be held on 17th and 18th June. It is very exciting as guests have an opportunity to learn more about Thai cuisine. The Banyan Tree restaurant named Saffron was opened at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru since 2024 due to certain renovations made on the island. The restaurants of Saffron have some special characteristics such as the washing hands ritual before meals, Rice Master Experience with a great variety of rice, and so on.Culinary plays a key role in the development of the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru guest journey, as far as dining has always been an essential aspect of the resort's development. After renovation of the resort in 2024, three new restaurants were created in addition to the existing ones, along with two bars, offering diversity of tastes. An experience in Thai Gastronomy will be held at Saffron from 17 June to 17 July 2026. Visiting Guest Chef Tipa will stay at the resort during 15–19 June 2026.
EditorialVikas Kumar Leads Taj Maldives Resorts
Appointment of Vikas Kumar as Cluster General Manager for Taj Exotica and Taj Coral Reef MaldivesAppointed as the Cluster General Manager of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives and Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa, Maldives is Vikas Kumar, who received his latest assignment from The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). Kumar made the announcement in a LinkedIn post where he mentioned that he feels grateful to take his next assignment from IHCL in the Maldives. His responsibility in this new position includes the management of two Taj island resorts in the Maldives - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives and Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa, Maldives.With vast experience in the field of hospitality industry with expertise in luxury resorts, business hotels and large scale convention centers, Vikas Kumar has knowledge on all aspects including pre-opening, operations, guest experiences, finance and team management. Additionally, he served at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre with Accor as the Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, after previously serving at the same place as Banquet Manager. His connection with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces began through his earlier job experiences at Intercontinental The Grand Goa, Ananda in the Himalayas and other similar F&B profiles.Kumar possesses a Master of Business Administration degree from IIBM and studied at IHMCT Kovalam, Trivandrum. The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives is based in Emboodhu Finolhu Island, which is a part of the biggest lagoon of the Maldives. This resort can be accessed through a speedboat ride from the Velana International Airport. There are 58 villas and 6 suites in this resort. The Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa, Maldives is located in Hembadhu Island in the North Malé Atoll. It is around a 45-minute speedboat ride from the Velana International Airport. There are 62 thatched-roof villas in this resort, and all are built around its own house reef. Accommodation at this resort varies from beach villas, water villas, and suites. It also offers diving adventures and shipwrecks nearby.
EditorialSouthern Thailand Flavours at Saffron Maldives
Southern Thailand – Culinary Collaboration with Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru at SaffronChef Tipa, Head of Saffron at Banyan Group, who has gained rich experience of over a decade cooking in Thailand and elsewhere, presents you an unforgettable dining experience on your visit to Saffron in Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in Maldives. This unique collaboration provides for A Southern Thailand Gastronomic Experience, which is specially developed by the chef as a limited menu available from 17 June 2026 to 17 July 2026. The unique menu has been designed for offering guests a unique culinary experience in Saffron with a culinary journey exploring the special tastes of southern Thailand.Perfectly balanced tastewise, texturewise and aroma wise, the menu dishes are meant to provide guests with special tastes of Thailand through unique recipes and traditional cooking techniques. Some unique dishes in this culinary experience include Gai Yang Kor Lae, charcoal grilled chicken with Southern peanut sauce, and Gaeng Kiew Wan Nua, grilled beef tenderloin with green curry sauce. Chef Tipa is set to grace the halls of Saffron, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru from 15th to 19th June, where she will add value to the dining experience on offer. Throughout her career journey, she has been instrumental in the development of distinct culinary experiences, including new perspectives on the evolving cuisine of Thailand for various Banyan Tree resorts in Southeast Asia.Apart from the food prepared by her, guests can get closer to Chef Tipa during two exclusive Thai Cooking Classes, which will take place on 17th and 18th June. The cooking classes promise to offer interesting sessions that allow participants to learn about traditional Thai recipes and the inspiration behind them. Saffron Thai restaurant at Banyan Tree, launched in 2024 during the renovations at the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, delves into the depths of Asian cuisine by exploring its unique touch points. Among other things, the guest will have the chance to experience Thai food at Saffron, offering signature experiences such as hand-washing ceremony up to Rice Master experience.With Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru's continued evolution of its guest experience, the culinary experience is a very important aspect of its ongoing evolution. With its recent renovations of 2024, the resort extended the guest dining experience to include three different restaurants and two bars, offering various tastes and experiences for the guests. From 17 June to 17 July 2026, there will be a Southern Thailand Gastronomic Experience offered at Saffron with visiting guest chef Tipa at the resort between 15-19 June 2026.
EditorialGrand Park Maldives Summer Campaign
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives celebrates its ninth birthday with Summer Lagoon Living CampaignWith its Summer Lagoon Living campaign, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is marking not only its ninth birthday but also the idea of summer as a period of long stays and deep connections with vibrant marine life and a relaxed pace of life on the island.The main purpose of this campaign is to celebrate summer at its deepest, to remind guests why summer in the Maldives is the best choice when it comes to experiencing the beauty of this magical place.The campaign comes at a time when it can be celebrated together with World Oceans Day as it represents the resort's ongoing dedication to ocean preservation and protection of its very important part – the house reef which was a symbol of the resort for many years. Summer Lagoon Living presents an Anniversary Stay that includes the special offer of ‘Every Third Night On Us’, offering both loyal guests and first timers an opportunity to enjoy even more the lagoon life experience that is characteristic to the Summer Lagoon Living experience. Valid until the end of October 2026, on all new bookings, the package has been specifically crafted to facilitate greater flexibility when it comes to vacationing at the resort, whether it be a short regional getaway or extended island holiday. Located 20 minutes away from Velana International Airport by speed boat, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has established itself as one of the most recognizable boutique island resorts in Maldives during the last nine years thanks to its unique over water villas, award nominated spa and restaurants, house reef, and hospitality concept.Meanwhile, the anniversary period coincides with the resort awaiting the announcement of the results from several prestigious travel awards, among which include recognition of its unique boutique island resort, house reef maldives, award nominated spa and restaurants, water villas, as well as philosophy behind Connected Island Luxury."I have had the honor to be part of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives ever since before the opening of this incredible island to its first tourists in 2017. And in all this time, I have observed how travelers are more and more looking for those experiences that would add to the feeling of happiness and wellbeing, beyond simple luxury. This idea is encapsulated in what today we refer to as Connected Island Luxury: creating an experience that leaves people feeling better about themselves while being connected in their heart to nature and to all the magic of the island and especially its oceans and house reef.During Summer Lagoon Living, guests can enjoy the specially crafted experiences that capture the essence of island living, such as reef snorkeling, ocean activities, sunset dinners, wellness activities, beach movie nights, among other experiences that encourage the guests to reconnect with their inner self and with the stunning nature of Maldives. A house reef is also an essential part of the campaign's concept as summer in Maldives often brings many visitors to this location, including turtles, reef sharks in maldives, stingrays, and even rays, often seen near the island shore and even from villa balconies."With changing patterns of travel, we had to come up with a special offer that would allow our guests to benefit from a certain amount of flexibility regarding their vacation in the Maldives," says Liz Smailes, the Director of Marketing. "It's a flexible offer that fits seamlessly into the plans of our guests, can be used together with all other special offers on offer, and may concern short break and even extended holidays of six nights or more."Moreover, as the high season of Maldives reaches its peak, the brand introduces the campaign 'Summer Lagoon Living,' stressing that summer should not be considered an alternative to the peak period; rather, it should become a cinematic experience of its own. Perfect for future planning, Every Third Night On Us offers immediate benefits and additional flexibility, thus giving the travelers an opportunity to book extra time, extra experiences, and a leisurely pace of island vacations long before the actual trip.
EditorialDhiraagu Celebrates Eid with Communities Across Maldives
Dhiraagu Reinforces Cultural Traditions with Eid Bondibaiy InitiativeThere was a celebration of 'Dhiraagu Eid Bondibaiy' conducted by Dhiraagu after Eid prayers on Wednesday in both Male and Hulhumale islands. It is a yearly celebration held to commemorate the Eid al-Adha festival which is culturally significant for celebrating Bondibaiy festival.The celebration of Dhiraagu 'Eid Bondibaiy' in 2023 was held in association with different communities. While the Hulhumale island Eid Bondibaiy celebration was held in association with the Housing Development Corporation which was the hosting partner, the Male celebration was held in association with Male City Council. In this regard, thousands of Eid Bondibaiy packages were handed out to the community.Another milestone achieved by Dhiraagu as far as the culture of Maldives is concerned in their quest for cultural preservation and organization of community activities is the 'Dhiraagu Eid Bondibaiy' program.Besides the event held in the capital regions, Dhiraagu also organized similar programs for the other islands of the country during their Eid celebrations. In collaboration with the respective local councils and organizations representing young members of the community, a series of community activities were organized by Dhiraagu to help celebrate the occasion.With the program 'Dhiraagu Eid Bondibaiy,' the company once again showed its commitment towards improving the life of the Maldivian people and helping them celebrate significant occasions within the country.
EditorialGrand Park Maldives Celebrates 9th Anniversary
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives celebrates ninth anniversary with Summer Lagoon Living initiativeGrand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is celebrating its ninth anniversary with a new initiative, Summer Lagoon Living, which aims at highlighting the essence of a slower lifestyle in the Maldives with longer stays, more connectivity with nature, lively marine life, and immersive island living. By celebrating the more profound essence of summers in the Maldives, the resort is aiming to offer its visitors the best experiences of restorative travel and soulful vacations on the idyllic island paradise.The initiative coincides with the World Oceans Day celebration, which is also significant to the new marketing initiative as Grand Park Kodhipparu continues to maintain its environmental commitments in preserving the oceans around its islands, specifically the house reef which plays a crucial part in guest experiences in the past nine years.In the Summer Lagoon Living program, an exceptional offer to celebrate the anniversary season is now available through our special ‘Every Third Night On Us’. This promotion offers the opportunity for both existing and new guests to make a longer stay with us and enjoy the authentic lagoon living experience that makes up the resort lifestyle. With the offer being applicable to new bookings with stay dates running until October 2026, it has been thoughtfully designed to be more flexible for travelers interested in either their regional getaways or island retreats.Located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives Resort has established itself within the last nine years as one of the most recognizable boutiques islands of the Maldives, famous for its contemporary overwater villas, award-winning spa and restaurants, house reef and modern hospitality philosophy. This summer, while eagerly awaiting the results of several international travel awards for the resort’s boutique island experience, house reef, award-winning spa and restaurants, water villas and the Connected Island Luxury concept, the resort is celebrating an anniversary."Indeed, this particular year marks the ninth year for the resort and therefore holds extra significance as not only are we celebrating the progress of the resort, but also the evolution of luxury travel," says the general manager, Raffaele Solferino."I was able to see Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives through its formative period and even before it welcomed any guests on to its shores back in 2017. Over the past few years, it has become evident that travellers look for more of an experience. They want to feel emotionally fulfilled and truly experience a sense of wellness rather than pure opulence. This idea forms the basis of our concept of 'Connected Island Luxury'. Our goal is to give our guests a sense of leaving our resort feeling better than when they arrived. Furthermore, our aim is to ensure that our guests are well-connected to the incredible natural surroundings around the island; namely the waters and house reefs snorkeling which distinguish this destination."This aspect of the resort’s house reef remains vital in terms of the campaign storyline, especially since summer in the Maldives is always associated with better chances of encountering some sea animals, such as turtles, reef sharks, and stingrays that can be observed from the shore or even from various villas in the area.Flexible Island Escapes Until October 2026“Considering how travel habits are changing, we decided to offer an opportunity for guests to have more flexibility in the way they experience the Maldives,” says Director of Marketing Liz Smailes. "This special offer provides a comfortable and natural way to extend your stay in paradise. With the ability to occur again within one booking period, this offer is effective both in terms of a short-term holiday and for six nights or more."Summer season in the Maldives becomes the most cinematographic and refreshing with all its richness and vibrancy, where slow days, abundant marine adventures, and memorable moments are celebrated and appreciated by travelers visiting the islands.Celebrating Summer in the MaldivesThe Every Third Night On Us offer offers you both current and future benefits. Make use of your travel planning ahead of time.
EditorialCanareef Resort Marks World Turtle Day in Maldives
Canareef Resort Maldives celebrates World Turtle Day with awareness talkAs part of celebrating World Turtle Day, Canareef Resort Maldives organized a very important marine conservation awareness talk yesterday evening at the resort's Dhoaraa Bar. The talk attracted an enthusiastic audience comprised of guests and resort staff interested in learning about conserving the unique marine ecosystems around the island. The island is situated within the very biodiverse Addu Atoll which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Canareef Resort rests on top of one of the most important sea turtle habitats in the Indian Ocean region. With over 1,200 species of marine life in the clear waters, the island plays host to two very unique creatures that live in the area. They are the endangered Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). During the talk, it was revealed how the two turtles play fundamentally different but very important roles in their habitat on the same reef:One of the significant grazers in the ocean, Green Turtles, is responsible for maintaining healthy seagrass beds. Grazing encourages the proliferation of more seagrasses in the ocean, which in turn absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while providing a natural nursery for juvenile fish. In absence of such species, this important habitat can get affected. Hawksbill turtles have unique characteristics with pointed snouts. They mostly rely on sea sponges as their food source. Hawksbill turtles prevent sea sponges, which grow very fast and threaten coral reef habitats, from dominating over other species and blocking the way for the growth of new corals. Some of the threats to sea turtle species, including plastic pollution, fishing gear bycatches, and light pollution, were also discussed during the presentation. The authorities made sure that each guest was aware of the fact that sea turtles have been inhabiting our oceans for over 100 million years and that too before the existence of Maldives. Their survival entirely depends upon us now.Canareef Resort presented some tips on how every attendee could play his/her role in conserving these beautiful creatures.Another example of a grazer in the ocean is Green Turtles. These species are known to keep seagrass beds healthy. Grazing helps to encourage seagrass beds to flourish as they not only help in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also act as nurseries for young fish. Without the presence of such species, there would be a threat to the health of seagrass beds.Some distinctive features of Hawksbill turtles include a pointed snout. Their main source of food is sea sponges. Such species make sure that other species do not get dominated by sea sponges because they grow quickly and pose a threat to coral reefs. There were some threats to sea turtles that were also discussed in the presentation. For instance, some of these threats include plastic pollution, fishing gear by-catch, and light pollution. The authorities made sure that everyone knew the fact that sea turtles have existed in our oceans for over 100 million years, even before the existence of Maldives. Moreover, it was made sure that guests understood the point that their survival now depends upon us. Some useful tips to conserve these creatures were given by Canareef Resort.
EditorialEid Al-Adha Festivities at Cocoon Maldives Resort
Eid al-Adha Celebrations at Cocoon Maldives with Colorful Maldivian Cultural ActivitiesCocoon Maldives will welcome the celebrations of Eid al-Adha with a colorful celebration agenda of Maldivian traditions and culture. The guests can join the celebration and enjoy a variety of authentic activities on the island. There are some great cultural events organized by Cocoon Maldives for celebrating the festival of Eid.The cultural performances include the lively Maldivian dances called Bodumas and Maali parade, as well as cultural dance performances by the resort's staff members. In addition, there will also be coconut show and an entertaining bodumas chase performance. The resort's DJ will keep the beachside atmosphere joyful with his music. To complement the celebrations, tourists will get to sample a range of delicious mocktails and island delicacies as they immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the Maldives.Not only will the Eid al-Adha celebrations be characterized by a number of fun-filled events but also a host of games for the guests to get involved in as well. ‘The purpose is to ensure that our guests and the staff alike are able to have a good time together during their stay,’ said Ahmed Jihad, the COO of The Cocoon Collection.‘We are happy to celebrate the Eid al-Adha through allowing our guests to experience the culture of Maldives,’ said Ahmed Jihad. Being acknowledged as the first ever design resort in Maldives, Cocoon Maldives continues to combine luxury island stay with unique cultural encounters for its guests.
EditorialMirage Escape Day Experience at Centara Maldives Resort
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers Mirage Escape Package, making for a wonderful day away at an island paradiseCentara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is a water adventure-themed resort that is part of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives. It now offers Mirage Escape Package which is a special day trip for guests who wish to experience everything that the resort has to offer without having to stay for the night.Designed with families, friends, corporates and day tourists in mind, the package provides for an amazing day of leisure and relaxation. Guests will get to enjoy all the recreational activities available at the resort such as the famous lazy river, the water park, swimming pools and the beautiful beaches of the resort. An enjoyable experience of the package includes a delightful buffet lunch that is offered at The Sailhouse, where visitors can choose from a range of cuisine options. The package further provides two sets of drinks and free drinks including water, coffee, and tea when dining. During the entire stay, visitors can benefit from special discounts on their food and beverage orders.The visitors will surely have a relaxed experience during their holiday time because SPA Cenvaree is giving the special package of 60 minutes Balinese massage at a discounted price. Those people who like to spend some extra time there can also book day use rooms at additional charges. If there happen to be 20 or more persons within the group, then free of cost day use room will also be available for them as part of their package amenities. As far as transportation is concerned, Mirage Escape Package is giving free round-trip ferry transfers between Male and the resort.Overall, the Mirage Escape Package provides the most convenient way to enjoy Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives in one day because it includes everything from entertainment and leisure to food and transport.
