Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort invites guests to disconnect from the ordinary and immerse themselves in nature through a purposeful evening that celebrates the four elements—Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. Under the Maldivian night sky, visitors embark on a sensory journey of mindful indulgence, blending sustainability, gastronomy, and elemental experiences.

A specially curated four-course menu takes diners on a sensory culinary experience, with each dish inspired by the four elements—paying tribute to nature’s balance and harmony. Carefully crafted to awaken the senses, this exquisite feast seamlessly merges sustainability with culinary artistry.

• Fire – Bold, smoky flavours that ignite the palate and awaken the senses.
• Earth – Deep, grounding flavours that honor the richness of the land.
• Water – Fresh, locally sourced ingredients that capture the purity and fluidity of the ocean.
• Air – Light, ethereal textures that embody the essence of the sky.

Set on the tranquil shores of Onu Onu Beach, this exclusive dining experience is illuminated by candlelight, offering a fusion of sustainable elegance and mindful gastronomy in observance of Earth Hour. The experience is priced at US$ 180 per person.

As the lights dim, Sirru Fen Fushi transforms into a sanctuary of reflection, connection, and sustainability, offering curated experiences designed to engage the senses:

• Fire – A vibrant Boduberu performance, bonfire, and dance bring the energy of the Maldives to life.
• Water – Handcrafted Earth-inspired mixology reflects nature’s purity.
• Air – Long-exposure photography at YASH Photo Studio captures the magic of the night.
• Earth – An exclusive stargazing session, guided by SpaceCat Astrotourism, offers a chance to reconnect with the universe.

Sirru Fen Fushi’s Earth Hour celebration represents a commitment to sustainability and mindful living. Guests are encouraged to unplug, embrace nature’s elements, and contribute to a global movement toward a more conscious and sustainable future.

Kandooma Island marks a significant milestone this year as it celebrates 40 years of unforgettable experiences, warm hospitality, and cherished memories. Since opening in 1985, it has become a destination where guests return time and again to explore, connect, and create lasting moments.

To honour this incredible journey, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives will host a series of special events leading up to the official 40th Anniversary Celebration on 19 March 2025. Guests can participate in exciting festivities and sustainability initiatives, with exclusive surprises for those checking in and staying on the day.

Reflecting on this historic occasion, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, shared his thoughts on the resort’s legacy and future: “Celebrating four decades of Kandooma is a testament to the passion, dedication, and warm hospitality that have defined this island. From its very first guests in 1985 to those who continue to return, we are honoured to be part of so many cherished memories. Looking ahead, we will continue our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and providing truly unforgettable experiences for everyone who visits our shores.”

The day’s highlight will be an Anniversary Gala Dinner on 19 March at Kandooma Café, featuring a live DJ and singers. As a special thank-you to its loyal guests, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives will give away up to 40,000 IHG Rewards Points to lucky guests dining at the gala.

Furthering its environmental conservation efforts, 40 of Kandooma Maldives’ longest-serving team members will plant 40 coconut palms, each named in their honour as a tribute to their invaluable contributions. This initiative celebrates their lasting impact on the island while reinforcing the resort’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty. Leading this meaningful tree-planting ceremony are Zakariyya Mahmood, who has been part of the island since 1982, even before it welcomed guests and now serves as Crew Leader for Plant Maintenance, and Mohamed Hashim, who started as a gardener in 1986 and is now Housekeeping Manager. Alongside their fellow tenured colleagues, they have left an enduring mark on Kandooma Maldives, shaping its legacy over the years.

Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, expressed his pride in the resort’s long-serving employees: “Our people are the heart of Kandooma, and it is truly inspiring to see individuals like Zakariyya and Hashim, who have dedicated decades of their lives to this island. Their unwavering commitment makes Kandooma a home away from home for so many guests, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions as part of this special milestone.”

Another legacy project is the Underwater Time Capsule, a sealed waterproof container filled with guest wishes, employee letters, and memorabilia, which will be placed at a dive site. This capsule will be retrieved 10 years later for the island’s 50th anniversary in 2035.

From its beginnings as a tranquil private island retreat to its current status as a cherished destination, Kandooma Maldives continues to evolve while preserving its authentic charm and commitment to hospitality. As the island moves forward, it remains dedicated to offering exceptional experiences, sustainable initiatives, and meaningful connections for every guest who visits.

Located in the South Male Atoll, just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kandooma Maldives is a tropical escape with pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and spacious overwater and beachfront villas. The resort also boasts seven dining venues, a world-class spa, and a range of activities for both divers and non-divers alike.

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, has partnered with GZ19 Padel Italy to introduce padel tennis courts, now open to both resort guests and local residents. Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the newly launched courts offer players a chance to experience the fast-growing sport in a spectacular island setting.

To commemorate the launch, SAii Lagoon Maldives welcomed football icons Gianluca Zambrotta and Nélson Dida, who will be in residence at the resort until March 17. The two legendary athletes will engage with guests through exclusive demonstration matches, adding an exciting dimension to the opening celebrations.

Padel tennis is a fast-paced sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, played on an enclosed court with solid rackets and a low-bouncing ball. Known for its accessibility and social appeal, the sport is gaining popularity worldwide, making it a valuable addition to the resort’s diverse range of recreational experiences.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by notable guests, including Abdulla Rafiu, Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation, alongside prominent figures from the Maldivian sports community. Maldivian tennis champions Naba Nishan and Iqnaz Mansoor also participated in the event, taking part in a special demo match where Zambrotta and Dida each teamed up with national Maldivian players.

“The introduction of padel tennis to the Maldives marks a milestone in expanding the local sports culture, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and offering world-class athletic experiences to the community,” said Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Crossroads Marina.

The GZ19 Padel courts are open daily until 11:00 pm, allowing players to enjoy a casual daytime rally by the ocean or a competitive evening match under stadium lighting. With this latest addition, SAii Lagoon Maldives continues to position itself as a premier destination for sports and leisure, seamlessly blending luxury hospitality with innovative recreational offerings.

The courts are now open for bookings, welcoming players of all skill levels to experience the game the SAiiWay.