InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has recorded its first green sea turtle hatchlings of the season, marking another important milestone in the island’s ongoing marine conservation efforts.

Located in Raa Atoll, Maamunagau is recognised as an important sea turtle nesting site, with 6 nests recorded on the island so far this year. While sea turtles nest throughout the year in the Maldives, June and July typically mark the peak nesting period in Raa Atoll. This season, the recorded nests have primarily belonged to green sea turtles, a species that remains protected in the Maldives.

The first hatchlings of the season emerged naturally on the evening of 22 July, approximately two months after the eggs were laid. Throughout the nesting season, the resort’s Marine Biology team monitors each nest and conducts research activities under approved conservation protocols, collecting valuable data to better understand local sea turtle populations and nesting patterns.

Through its partnership with The Manta Trust and collaboration with conservation partners including the Olive Ridley Project, InterContinental Maldives continues to contribute to marine research and conservation efforts in the Maldives. Each recorded nest provides important insights that support the protection of sea turtles and their habitats for future generations.

Guests are encouraged to experience these special moments responsibly, with hatchlings observed from a dis tance and artificial lighting minimised to allow them to make their natural journey towards the ocean.

As part of its commitment to protecting the surrounding marine environment, InterContinental Maldives continues to support conservation through research, education and responsible wildlife experiences, helping guests connect with the unique ecosystems of the Maldives.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection, has concluded an exclusive culinary residency with celebrated Czech chef Jan Punčochář, held from 25 July to 1 August 2026. Hosted in partnership with Colours of Maldives, the collaboration brought Chef Jan’s distinctive culinary philosophy and international expertise to Roma, the resort’s signature overwater restaurant renowned for its contemporary Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

At the heart of the residency was an intimate Chef’s Table on 31 July, where Chef Jan presented a multi-course menu created exclusively for guests. The menu showcased Czech culinary traditions interpreted through Maldivian ingredients and island-inspired flavours, accompanied by carefully selected wine pairings designed to complement each course. Earlier in the week, a special cocktail evening on 28 July introduced Chef Jan to guests in a relaxed setting, offering them the opportunity to meet and interact with him ahead of the dinner. Throughout his residency, he also worked alongside Iru Veli’s culinary team, sharing techniques, ideas and expertise through hands-on sessions in the kitchen.

One of the Czech Republic’s most recognised culinary figures, Chef Jan is behind the acclaimed Prague restaurants U Matěje, Stůl and Šnycl. His career has been shaped by experience across leading European kitchens, including stages at Michelin-starred Hangar 7 in Austria and Tim Raue in Germany, followed by senior roles in Switzerland and Prague. Known for honest, seasonal cooking, meticulous technique and thoughtful wine pairing, he is also widely recognised as a judge on MasterChef Česko and as the host and judge of Hell’s Kitchen Česko.

“Exceptional dining is an important part of the Sun Siyam experience, and we are always looking at how we can continue to evolve it. Welcoming Chef Jan allowed us to introduce our guests to an entirely new culinary perspective while creating valuable opportunities for our own chefs to exchange ideas, techniques and inspiration. It is these meaningful collaborations that continue to elevate the experience we offer.” Remarked Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Vilu Reef.

As part of Sun Siyam Resorts’ signature chef residency programme, this collaboration held in partnership with Colours of Maldives, reflects the brand’s commitment to bringing respected culinary talent to the Maldives while creating meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange, team development and memorable guest experiences.

For more information and to book your island getaway, please visit Sun Siyam Iru Veli Offers page.

This December, Heritance Aarah invites guests to experience Christmas in the Maldives through a season built around anticipation, discovery and wonder. Under the theme Unwrap Incredible, the island becomes the gift itself, wrapped in ocean light, white and gold, festive flavours, family moments, wellness rituals and celebrations that unfold one beautiful surprise at a time.

From the first glow of the season, the island begins to transform. The Great Glow-Up Tree-Lighting Ceremony sets the tone on Ranba Beach, where Heritance Aarah’s white and gold Christmas tree comes alive against the Maldivian evening sky. Across the island, the festive spirit continues through sparkling gatherings, elegant dinners, beachside celebrations and moments designed to make every day feel newly unwrapped.

Highlights to look forward to:

• The Great Glow-Up Tree-Lighting Ceremony – a magical white and gold beginning to the festive season.
• Christmas Eve at Aarah – pre-dinner cocktails, gala dinners at Ranba and Ralu, an exclusive eight-course set dinner at Baani, and a midnight celebration with DJ beats, live band entertainment and Santa’s arrival.
• Brunch & Bliss – a joyful Christmas Day champagne brunch flowing from morning to afternoon.
• Lobster Feast by the Sea and Seaside Sizzle – refined beachside seafood experiences beneath the evening sky.
• Midnight Mirage – a glittering New Year’s Eve celebration with music, dancing, entertainment and island energy until late.
• Koka Kids Club – festive crafts, cookie decorating, treasure hunts, colour runs, movie nights and Christmas parties for younger guests.

The season also brings a rich programme of dining and beverage experiences. Guests can explore interactive tasting stations at Sweet Flavours of Aarah, discover tea-inspired creations, join cocktail and tiki workshops, savour rum and wine tastings, or enjoy a global street food festival on Ranba Beach.

For those seeking adventure, the lagoon becomes part of the celebration with guided snorkelling at the house reef, sunset cruises, dolphin journeys, canoe races, banana rides and sunrise fishing. Culture also takes centre stage at the Maldivian Village, where guests can discover island traditions, crafts and stories that reveal the Maldives beyond the view.

Wellness seekers can pause between celebrations with oceanfront yoga, mindfulness sessions and personalised face scan experiences at IASO Medi Spa.

This festive season, Heritance Aarah is not simply a place to celebrate. It is a place to discover. To taste, explore, gather, pause and be surprised.

At Heritance Aarah, Christmas is waiting to be unwrapped.