News
New openings set to bring fresh approach to luxury tourism in Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – As a gaggle of glitzy Maldives newcomers clamour for attention, vying to outdo each other for ostentation, one company is setting itself apart with a refreshingly different approach – creating an outstanding, authentic Maldives experience that gives guests more of what they want. With over 60 years’ experience in the destination between them, the three founding directors of The Small Maldives Island Company have looked beyond tired norms and attention-seeking fads to put what guests really want at the heart of everything they do.
Their vision will be turned into reality with the launch of two exemplary new island resorts, Amilla Fushi (opening November 2014) and Finolhu (opening Q4 2015). An intimate island home that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Amilla Fushi will offer laid-back luxury and more purpose-designed houses of two or more bedrooms than any other Maldives resort – perfect for families and groups of friends. Amilla’s hot, fun-loving younger sister Finolhu meanwhile will offer an affordable beach club-style take on nu-luxury. Located in the pristine UNESCO biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll, both are easily reached via scheduled flights to the new Baa Atoll airport, or a scenic 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé.
Amilla Fushi and Finolhu will turn the established Maldives model on its head. No more thinking of guests as a captive audience, to be corralled into the same couple of pricey restaurants for every meal. No more stinging them with extras every time they do anything, then waving them off with a serious case of ‘bill shock’. And no more lumping in charges for things they don’t need or want.
Says co-founder Tom McLoughlin, “We want our Spa experience to be accessible, indulgent and worry free, so guests can enjoy it without worrying that they can’t afford to have treatments. So – just as it’s a given that breakfast is included – we’re including a 50 minute spa treatment for every guest, every day”.
There will be no ‘paywall’ deterring guests from making the most of the magical Maldivian ocean either: All water sports – non-motorised and motorised – will be complimentary too. No need for parents to cost-control by parking their kids in front of the resort PlayStation for hours on end; instead they will be free to splash around to their hearts’ content, with a host of supervised fun and games ensuring an unforgettable, authentically aquatic Maldivian adventure. What’s more, Amilla’s house reef even boasts its very own renowned ‘Blue Hole’ dive site within snorkeling distance of the beach.
Budding island hoppers with a taste for adventure will also welcome a refreshing, relaxed ‘open island’ philosophy: a first for the Maldives. Far from being marooned on a single island for the duration of their stay, guests at Amilla and Finolhu will be encouraged to explore Baa Atoll’s other resorts, and their bars and restaurants – and vice versa. This pioneering and liberating approach puts guests’ experience first, while simultaneously demonstrating the resorts’ supreme confidence in their own offering.
Amilla Fushi – which literally translates from the local Dhivehi language as ‘my island home’ – ignores fleeting trends in favour of timeless pleasures: delicious, unpretentious food; superb wines; and relaxed yet flawless service. The vision of ‘Island Restaurateur’, acclaimed Aussie Chef Luke Mangan (described by food legend Anthony Bourdain as ‘the Michael Corleone of Sydney’s restaurant scene’) is to prepare the kind of food people really want to eat on holiday. Out goes starched-shirt service, lobster and linen, and in come barefoot cocktails, barbecue flavours, zingy ceviches and tropical ingredients – realised to perfection at relaxed pier-side restaurant Lonu. Curling around the Maldives’ biggest swimming pool, Baazaar serves upthe freshest line-caught local fish with an international twist, and serious sundowners (or uppers!).
Guests are also free to grab some groceries and self-cater in style: The island’s Emperor General Store and Cellar Door wine shop are stocked with handpicked fresh ingredients, from fresh fruit and vegetables and fine cuts of meat to fresh-baked breads. A true ‘home from home’ experience for foodies who love to cook for their families and friends.
A range of purpose-designed Island Homes – one- and two-bed Beach and Lagoon Houses; 12-metre high, two-bed Tree Houses; and Ocean Reef Houses right on the house reef, with rates starting from approx. US$1,800 per night – are complemented by 12 stunning bespoke Beach Residences of three, four, five and six bedrooms.
Also in Baa Atoll, Finolhu, opening in 2015, is a buzzy, informal haven for sociable singles, fun loving travellers and Millennial families. Offering 126 rooms – 88 overwater – as well as 40 villa suites cocooned on the secluded sanctuary of Finolhu Private Island, Finolhu is all about simple things, done well. Think sandspit-hopping picnics, swim-up cocktails at the Baa Bar and stand-up snacks from the colourful shabby chic Fish & Crab Shack.
Conceived and managed by The Small Maldives Island Company, Amilla Fushi and Finolhu’s light-hearted, unpretentious approach and contemporary architecture and design will bring a new way of doing things to a destination that has found itself in a coupley conceptual cul-de-sac.
This festive season, ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invites guests to embrace a period of reflection, renewal and mindful letting go with the arrival of Dr Amit Kumar (Eknath), a globally respected holistic wellness practitioner and master of yoga, meditation and sound healing. Set on one of the Maldives’ most serene private islands, the residency transforms the traditional holiday atmosphere into a sanctuary for clarity, rest and meaningful reconnection. Spanning the festive period and continuing through January, it offers guests the opportunity to reset and realign mentally, emotionally and physically as they welcome the year ahead.
From 15 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, Dr Kumar will guide a deeply immersive program that blends ancient healing arts with modern mind-body practices. Through sacred sound, intuitive movement and restorative therapies, he supports each guest in slowing down, tuning in and rediscovering a sense of inner steadiness. His approach reflects ELE|NA’s Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, empowering guests to shape their own journey toward balance and well-being. This may include sunrise practices, evening sound journeys or personalised therapeutic sessions created according to individual needs.
Signature Experience: The Divine Sound Bath
At the heart of the residency is Dr Kumar’s renowned Divine Sound Bath, a multisensory immersion using Himalayan singing bowls and refined vibrational techniques. The experience guides guests into deep stillness, calming the nervous system and inviting emotional clarity. Many describe this session as a complete energetic reset, emerging grounded, refreshed and more connected to their inner calm.
Complementing this signature offering is a curated selection of transformative experiences including intuitive massage rituals, meditative yoga flows, chakra-inspired energy work and ancient beauty therapies. Each session is intentionally designed to help guests step away from external noise and reconnect with their natural rhythm. The serene surroundings of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI enhance this process, with its peaceful ambience and spacious private villas ideal for rest and reflection.
“At ELE|NA, we believe wellness should be personal, intuitive and alive,” says Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President of ELE|NA. “Dr Kumar brings a presence that perfectly reflects this philosophy. His sessions allow guests to move beyond relaxation and rediscover harmony through sound, movement and mindful awareness.”
With the soothing rhythm of the Indian Ocean as its backdrop, ELE|NA offers an environment where wellness becomes an immersive and transformative experience. Guests are invited to step into the New Year with intention, supported by clarity, calm and a renewed sense of inner balance.
Cooking
SO/ Maldives announces 4-day culinary collaboration with Chef Kareem Atef for UAE National Day
SO/ Maldives, the bold luxury island fashion-resort known for its avant-garde spirit and playful sophistication, turns the spotlight onto the art of flavour with an electrifying culinary collaboration. The resort welcomes award-winning chef, TV personality, and fusion-flavour trailblazer Chef Kareem Atef for a four-day gastronomic celebration titled “Savour the Unexpected: Fusion, Fire & Flair.”
A two-time Africa Cup culinary champion, Harvard-trained in “Science & Cooking,” and renowned for his standout appearances on Top Chef All Stars, Chef Kareem is globally recognised for his artistic fusion cuisine, modern culinary techniques, and a passion for transforming food into emotion. From private fine-dining creations to dynamic masterclasses across the Middle East, Chef Kareem brings a world of innovation, storytelling, and sensory delight, now landing exclusively at SO/ Maldives.
Across four days, the island becomes an immersive stage of taste, theatre, and tropical energy. Each experience is designed to intrigue the senses, ignite curiosity, and invite guests to indulge in a fresh, fearless approach to luxury dining.
29 November 2025 | 18:30–22:00
Five-Course Signature Dinner at Hadaba
The journey begins with an elevated five-course dining experience at Hadaba, where Chef Kareem blends Middle Eastern soul with global technique. Expect bold contrasts, elegant plating, and stories carried through every bite.
30 November 2025 | 15:00–16:00
Interactive Cooking Class at The Citronelle Club
A rare chance to step into the chef’s creative mind. Guests learn, taste, and play under Kareem’s guidance as he breaks down the art of modern fusion with hands-on techniques, tips, and one-on-one interaction.
01 December 2025 | 18:30–22:00
Four-Course Beach Dinner at Lazuli Beach Club
Barefoot luxury meets culinary theatre. A stunning sunset backdrop sets the mood for a curated beachside dinner where fire, flavour, and artistry collide.
02 December 2025 | 19:00–22:00
Grand Finale Dinner Buffet at The Citronelle Club
The collaboration closes with a lavish buffet crafted by Chef Kareem and the SO/ Maldives culinary team a vibrant celebration of global influences, island flair, and pure creative synergy.
SO/ Maldives is built on the energy of discovery fashion-forward design, bold experiences, and a spirit that dares to be different. Chef Kareem Atef, with his fearless fusion approach and award-winning culinary mastery, is a natural collaborator for a resort dedicated to redefining island luxury.
A powerhouse of talent and innovation, Chef Kareem Atef has led teams to victory in the Africa Cup (2022 & 2024), earned recognition from the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, and showcased his craft on Top Chef Middle East Seasons 3 & All Stars. His portfolio spans executive kitchen leadership, fusion cuisine masterclasses, bespoke private dining, and global culinary collaborations. With a passion for pushing boundaries, Kareem continues to shape the future of modern gastronomy.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit SO-Maldives.com or contact SO.Maldives.Reservations@so-hotels.com.
With UAE National Day holidays swiftly approaching, two distinctive island resorts by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives will be offering exclusive benefits for the UAE residents. Guests can enjoy exclusive offers including 20% off Bed & Breakfast rates, daily breakfast for two, and a complimentary fifth night with the Blue Skies Ahead package. Surf enthusiasts can take advantage of the Surf & Spa Escape, featuring four days of guided surf coaching with Tropicsurf pros, boat transfers to local breaks, complimentary equipment, and restorative Islander or Surfer Massages. Families will love the Junior Marine Savers program, where children can discover marine conservation through hands-on activities like coral propagation and turtle rehabilitation.
Blue Skies Ahead – A Special National Day Offer
Celebrate the occasion in style with the ‘Blue Skies Ahead’ package at Kuda Huraa. Guests can enjoy:
- 20% off Bed & Breakfast rates
- Daily breakfast for two
- Complimentary fifth night with every four consecutive paid nights
Wake up to endless horizons, soak in the Maldivian sun, and embrace the island’s signature barefoot luxury, all while taking advantage of this special UAE National Day offer.
Surf & Spa Escape – Ride the Waves
For surf enthusiasts, Kuda Huraa offers the ultimate Surf & Spa Escape. Highlights include:
- Four days of ability-appropriate surf coaching with Tropicsurf professionals
- Guided boat transfers to local breaks
- Complimentary use of surfboards, paddleboards, and equipment
- Restorative Islander or Surfer Massages at the Island Spa
- Daily group yoga classes to stretch and balance
Whether you are a beginner progressing through the Dream or Ride Programs, or an experienced surfer tackling the Perfect Wave or intensive Ride Clinic, this package ensures an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
Junior Marine Savers – A Family-Friendly Experience
Families can dive into the Junior Marine Savers program at Kuda Huraa, introducing young explorers (ages 8–12) to marine conservation through hands-on activities, including coral propagation, turtle rehabilitation, and dolphin research. This unique experience fosters curiosity while creating lifelong memories for children and parents alike.
Baraabaru – A Culinary Journey
No visit to Kuda Huraa is complete without dining at Baraabaru, an award-winning Indian restaurant that offers a unique culinary experience. Inspired by the architecture of Kerala, Baraabaru serves homestyle Indian delights in a dramatic lagoon-top setting. The restaurant also offers a range of beverages, including craft cocktails like the Kuda Huraa Sangria and Sunset Colada, as well as classic options like Champagne Cocktails and Infused Mojitos.
Romance in Paradise
Mark UAE National Day holidays with an escape designed for love at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. The journey begins with bubbly and chocolates on arrival, followed by moments of pure relaxation during a 90-minute couples’ massage. As the sun sets, a private candlelit dinner on the beach and a professional photoshoot create timeless memories set against the enchanting Maldivian backdrop.
When: From now until December 20th
Where: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Offer:
- Bubbly & chocolates on arrival
- 90-minute couples’ massage
- Candlelight beach dinner
- 30-minute photoshoot
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Framed by vibrant tropical gardens and turquoise blue waters, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa cocoons guests in an enchanting village-like setting. Offering a unique blend of Maldivian heritage and barefoot luxury, each day presents a new adventure with spa retreats, and an array of water activities spanning dolphin cruises, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkelling with turtles. A haven for families, couples, and solo travellers alike, the resort ensures every moment is effortless with heartfelt, personalised service.
Guests can choose to make themselves at home in a variety of coral-fringed bungalows or the new Beach Villas, featuring twice as much outdoor space, a large private pool, and a fresh, airy design. For those seeking the pinnacle of opulence, the Three-Bedroom Kuda Estate is the resort’s largest and most exclusive accommodation, with space for up to six adults and three children. Comprising three standalone villas surrounding a glistening infinity pool, the villa also includes a dedicated personal assistant.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru allows guests to fully unwind and bask in nature. Promising relaxation and discovery in equal measures, guests can explore the wonders of the shimmering reefs with scuba diving and snorkelling or enjoy fishing, boating, and windsurfing excursions. Later, relish a rejuvenating treatment at AyurMa wellness, sip a refreshing mocktail at the vibrant Blu Beach Club, or simply soak up the sun on the picturesque beach.
Accommodation spans private overwater villas perched above the turquoise lagoon, beach retreats shaded by lush greenery, and the show-stopping Four-Bedroom Landaa Estate designed for families and groups. This reimagined estate offers expansive oceanfront living with an 80-metre private beach, lap pool, sundeck, sunken lounge, air-conditioned library, and kitchen that invites gatherings throughout the day. A dedicated butler elevates the experience with personalised touches, orchestrating everything from curated family adventures to private beach barbecues along the shore.
Choose to honour the holidays at the Forbes Five-Star rated Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa or retreat to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, surrounded by a breathtaking UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
For more details, visit Four Seasons Kuda Huraa or Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru or call +960 66 00 888.
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