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Celebrity family break at Kanifushi Maldives

Published

12 years ago

February 3, 2014

Maldives.net.mv – Marvin and Rochelle first came to Maldives in 2011 and got engaged. They returned to Maldives for honeymoon and this year they came again with their seven month old daughter for a family break. Here she shares about holiday experience in Maldives.

The Maldives have been the beautiful backdrop to the most special times of my life – so it should be no surprise to learn that they’ve become the No 1 holiday destination for me and my husband, Marvin. We first came here at the end of 2011 – and got engaged.

We loved it, and after we were married, there was only one choice for the honeymoon. We returned at the end of 2012 as Mr and Mrs Humes. Then, at the end of last year, we were back again, and this time as a trio, with our seven-month-old daughter Alaia-Mai. So what is it we like so much about the Maldives that has attracted us three times in three years?

A big thing for us, both being in the public eye, is that you can be sure of privacy. It’s also somewhere you feel very safe. Another draw is that everybody who works there treats you so warmly. Returning this time with Alaia-Mai, we really noticed how great people in the Maldives are with children. They all really wanted to make our visit a great experience.

Having been there twice before, we didn’t have any anxieties about taking Alaia-Mai, even though she was very young – and she enjoyed every minute of our time there because she got so much fuss! We flew out on the day after Boxing Day as I can’t bear that lull between Christmas and New Year. The break was tricky to organise because Marvin had just finished an especially busy time with the JLS farewell tour, and was lined up to take over as co-presenter of the new series of BBC1’s The Voice as soon as we got back.

Thankfully, getting to the Maldives is surprisingly easy. We flew direct with British Airways to the islands’ capital, Male, and then boarded a seaplane to take us to the new Atmosphere resort at Kanifushi. I’m actually really scared of flying – I can get petrified, and was dreading the seaplane experience. But, funnily enough, I liked mal’ plane. One definite plus was that the landing on the sea was a much more gentle experience than touching down on a runway in a big jet. We didn’t really know what to expect from Atmosphere as it’s a brand new resort – but being in the Maldives, I knew that we were in for a treat.

And Kanifushi didn’t disappoint. What we most wanted to do once we’d arrived was to put up our feet up and switch off. The Maldives are definitely the place for this: there’s pure tranquillity everywhere. Every view looks like something from a picture postcard or an illustration from a travel magazine, and I’ve never seen water so blue. While we were looking to enjoy some relaxing time, it’s certainly not just a ‘fly-and-flop’ place.

You can have a very active holiday if you want to. A host of water sports are available – Marvin loves scuba-diving here – and you can take excursions to see dolphins out at sea or head out to look at some more of the islands that make up the Maldives. There was one activity we were most looking forward to: the resort’s New Year’s Eve party. We knew from previous experience that they know how to throw a good party in the Maldives. Sure enough, the celebration at Kanifushi was fantastic.

We had a fine dinner on the beach followed by fireworks, then live music and a great DJ set. Did we get up and sing? No – but maybe if we’d had a few more mojitos…

For children older than Alaia-Mai, the resort has a great kids’ club where they put on all sorts of fantastic things, such as fashion shows and treasure hunts, tennis, volleyball and football. And, of course, there’s PlayStation on tap. Meals at the resort are incredible.

Everything is always very fresh and healthy. Marvin and I love fresh fish and great fruit and there was always a lot of both available here. And there’s an amazing variety of eating places to choose from. Just Veg is the first vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives and serves cuisine from the Mediterranean, Arabic and Indian regions. Teppanyaki Grill claims to offer ‘an authentic Teppanyaki experience’, so diners share a table surrounding a large hotplate. The Spice is the main restaurant offering a varied menu of different cuisines, and all fabulous.

Our favourite food is Japanese, so we ate a lot of sushi. The main restaurant had a big barbecue every night with fresh fish and meats, which was also great. In the Maldives, informality is the watchword, and that was just what we needed as in our working lives we have to be so busy. When I’m going to be on stage, for example,

I spend so much time having to get all dressed up. So the laid-back style of the Maldives came as a welcome break. We’ve been back in Britain for only a few months and already we’re dreaming of our next trip – counting the days until we can get back to the Maldives for another blissful family holiday. We can’t wait.

For more information about Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, please visit www.atmosphere-kanifushi.com

Related Topics:Atmoshere Kanifushi Maldives Celebrities Marvin and Rochelle Humes

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Brennia Kottefaru kicks off holiday season with joyful cake mixing celebration

Published

7 hours ago

November 28, 2025

m@ldives

The festive season at Brennia Kottefaru kicked off with the annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony at La Pella Main Bar, bringing guests and staff together in celebration. Participants mixed a fragrant blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, filling the air with the warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum.

The event was a joyful gathering, where laughter, holiday cheer, and shared memories created a true sense of togetherness. Brennia Kottefaru’s welcoming spirit shone through, making it the perfect tropical escape to celebrate the holidays. This Christmas, join the team at Brennia Kottefaru to experience festive traditions that will create sweet memories to last a lifetime

Nestled in the heart of Raa Atoll, Brennia Kottefaru is home to 187 spacious villas, surrounded by lush nature, panoramic beaches, and a turquoise lagoon. The resort’s passionate hosts ensure that every stay is personal, authentic, and unforgettable.

Entertainment

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives announces week-long Music in Paradise experience with Kate Miller-Heidke

Published

10 hours ago

November 28, 2025

m@ldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, in partnership with Music in Paradise, has announced that acclaimed Australian artist Kate Miller-Heidke will perform live at the private island resort from 3 – 10 October 2026.

Renowned for her soaring vocals, magnetic stage presence and evocative storytelling, Kate is one of Australia’s most distinctive and celebrated performers. A classically trained vocalist from the Queensland Conservatorium, she moves effortlessly between pop, folk and opera. Alongside her chart-topping solo work, Kate and longtime collaborator Keir Nuttall composed the original music for Muriel’s Wedding The Musical and together with Iain Grandage and Lally Katz, the award-winning opera The Rabbits. In 2019, she captivated global audiences when she represented Australia at Eurovision with her hit “Zero Gravity”, and more recently has acted as a coach on The Voice Australia.

Kate’s debut at Kandooma Maldives will feature three intimate sunset concerts in an exclusive beachside setting with audiences capped at just 200 guests. Attendees can expect beloved favourites, reimagined arrangements and a few special surprises in an unforgettable island atmosphere.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives General Manager, Mark Eletr, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kate to Kandooma next year. Her unmistakable voice, magnetic stage presence, and those breathtaking, angelic high notes promise a magical week of music on our beaches. With three intimate sunset concerts, it’s an experience our guests will be talking about for years to come.”

The first-release Ultimate Experience Package is now available at a special launch rate of A$5,790 per person twin share (regular price A$6,590). The package includes:

Seven nights in a stunning Overwater Villa (3–10 October)
Welcome bottle of sparkling wine
Entry to three performances
Music in Paradise welcome bag, event poster & t-shirt
Welcome drinks with the Music in Paradise team
Meet & greet with Kate
Professional photo with Kate
Return shared speedboat airport transfers
Daily buffet breakfast at Kandooma Café
Complimentary snorkel trip & snorkelling gear
Unlimited group yoga sessions
Unlimited group “Learn to Surf” experiences
Ultimate Dolphin Cruise
Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
Tea, coffee and water provisions in-villa daily
Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee

Additional early-bird packages start from A$3,490 per person. Full details, please visit the event website.

News

JOALI BEING partners with Munich’s LVATE to launch science-led skin longevity facials

Published

10 hours ago

November 28, 2025

m@ldives

JOALI BEING, the transformative Well-Living island in the Maldives, has announced an exclusive partnership with Munich’s boutique dermatology and aesthetics clinic, LVATE, bringing together expertise in skin health with sensory wellbeing. From 2026, guests will be able to experience bespoke LVATE Signature Facials, created by renowned physicians PD Dr med. Anne Gürtler (dermatologist) and Dr med. Lukas Kohler (plastic surgeon).

Founded in Munich by Dr Anne Gürtler and Dr Lukas Kohler, LVATE combines cutting-edge technology with science-backed expertise to deliver exceptional, personalised facial treatments. Led by a team of specialists in dermatology, aesthetics and cosmetics, LVATE is dedicated to enhancing natural beauty with precision, safety and lasting results.

Guided by a holistic philosophy that engages all the senses, LVATE creates more than treatments — it creates meaningful experiences. Time is taken to listen, to care and to restore. The focus is on optimisation, not transformation, welcoming everyone — whether seeking subtle enhancement or addressing specific skin concerns — and helping each guest feel at ease in their own skin.

“We bring together the best of two worlds: science-based dermatology and the transformative calm of JOALI BEING,” says PD Dr. med. Anne Gürtler. “Our goal is not perfection, but long-term skin health and natural balance.”

The new LVATE Facials combine Bavarian herbal tradition, advanced technology, and the restorative atmosphere of the island. Each treatment follows a clear philosophy: optimisation instead of transformation.

“We want to emphasise the natural beauty of our guests, not change them,” says Dr. med. Lukas Kohler. “It’s about trust, precision, and a noticeable sense of well-being – inside and out.”

During select periods such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter, PD Dr med. Anne Gürtler and Dr med. Lukas Kohler will be personally present at JOALI BEING to offer expert consultations focused on skin health and longevity.

These 60-minute sessions combine dermatological diagnostics, nutritional guidance, and holistic aesthetic insight to create a personalised Skin Longevity Plan — including recommendations on lifestyle, mindfulness, and nutrition.

This collaboration reflects the shared philosophy of JOALI BEING and LVATE — a commitment to holistic wellbeing that unites science, mindfulness, and sensory immersion. Together, they invite guests on a transformative journey of renewal, where vibrant energy, balance, and natural beauty come together in harmony. Rooted in the Joy of Well-Living, this partnership embodies the island’s vision of helping guests feel better, lighter, and more connected — body, mind, and skin.

JOALI BEING offers villas from USD 2,326 per night, based on two persons sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a B&B basis. For bookings and further information, please contact reservations.being@joali.com