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Celebrity family break at Kanifushi Maldives
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
NH Maldives Kuda Rah has announced a line-up of Easter celebrations for guests, featuring a day of activities and dining experiences at its resort in South Ari Atoll.
The programme is designed to cater to families and travellers of all ages, combining interactive sessions, culinary offerings and outdoor activities across the island.
The day will begin at Sea Spray Restaurant with the “Flu y Bunny Breakfast Bash”, which will include live pancake stations and themed breakfast selections. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in the “Egg Decoration Extravaganza”, an activity focused on creating decorated keepsakes.
Midday activities will continue at Glow Bar with “Bliss Cupcake Creations”, an interactive baking session led by the resort’s culinary team. An “Egg Hunt Adventure” will also be organised, allowing guests to search for hidden items across the resort.
In the evening, the resort will host an Easter Beach Dinner at Sunset Beach, offering a menu of seasonal dishes and international cuisine in a beachfront setting.
The resort team stated that the Easter programme is designed to provide opportunities for connection and shared experiences among guests.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah also noted that the activities align with its “Live Local” initiative under Minor DISCOVERY, which focuses on delivering local and experiential elements within guest stays.
Further details on the Easter programme are available through the resort’s official website.
This Easter, Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa invites guests to experience a vibrant island celebration inspired by a Tropical Jungle theme from 4–13 April 2026. Set against the stunning natural beauty of the Maldives, the program blends art, gastronomy, entertainment, wellness, and family-friendly experiences for an unforgettable holiday escape.
The festivities include a variety of signature experiences, beginning with a lavish Easter Breakfast at ONU Marché and the cheerful arrival of the Easter Bunny for families and young guests. As the day unfolds, guests can gather for sunset cocktails at Bodumas Beach before enjoying a grand Easter Dinner featuring seasonal favorites and a curated selection of festive dishes.
A highlight of this year’s celebration is the residency of Maldivian watercolor artist Shimha Shakeeb, whose exhibition Stories of the Maldives will showcase vibrant works inspired by island landscapes, architecture, and everyday life. Guests will also can join art workshops and creative sessions led by the artist throughout the Easter week.
The celebrations continue with the energetic Sun & Splash Pool Party at Latitude 5.5, featuring tropical beats from a live DJ, poolside games, refreshing cocktails, and a vibrant lunch buffet. Evenings across the island will come alive with themed dining experiences, live music, dancers, and DJ performances, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the holiday period.
Guests can also unwind with curated wellness experiences at the resort’s spa, enjoy romantic dining moments such as the Secret Garden experience, or take part in family-friendly activities designed for all ages. The Easter festivities conclude with Orthodox Easter celebrations and a final Sun & Splash Pool Party on 13 April, bringing the island-wide celebration to a joyful close.
For any reservations or inquiries: Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.
This Easter, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to experience “The Sweet Side of Wonder,” a playful seasonal celebration inspired by the imaginative spirit of Ifuru’s Chocolate Factory. Designed for travellers of all ages, the Easter programme blends festive traditions, indulgent treats, and joyful island experiences set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
Throughout the celebration, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated programme that combines colourful festivities with the relaxed luxury of island life. From chocolate-inspired culinary creations crafted by the resort’s talented chefs to vibrant social gatherings and creative activities, the Easter festivities promise memorable moments for families, couples, and groups of friends.
A highlight of the celebration is the lively Sugar Rush Easter Parade, bringing a burst of colour, music, and festive energy to the island as guests gather to celebrate the spirit of Easter together. On Easter Sunday, families can also take part in the much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt, where young explorers set off across the island in search of hidden treats and sweet surprises.
Families can also look forward to a variety of engaging experiences designed especially for younger guests. From creative workshops and playful island games to interactive activities inspired by the sweet spirit of Ifuru’s Chocolate Factory, children are invited to explore, create, and celebrate in a joyful and imaginative setting.
“Easter is a wonderful opportunity to create joyful moments for our guests,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “With ‘The Sweet Side of Wonder,’ we wanted to bring together playful imagination, indulgent flavours, and the relaxed beauty of our island to create a celebration that guests of all ages can enjoy.”
With its vibrant atmosphere, Premium All-Inclusive offering, and spectacular island setting in Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides the perfect destination for travellers seeking a unique Easter escape.
Guests can explore the full Easter programme, including festive events, family-friendly activities, and special celebrations, by visiting Easter Programme 2026.
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