News
Kurumba Maldives hosts ‘Party with a Purpose’ to raise funds for Kudakudhinge Hiyaa
Maldives.net.mv – On Friday 24th April Kurumba Maldives proudly hosted the fundraising event “Party with a Purpose”. This event was held for the fourth year running in aid of 72 orphaned children residing at “Kudakudhinge Hiyaa” located on Villingili island. Support from 10 different Maldivian performers, many suppliers and partners contributed to raise over US$21,000. This upcoming year, the funds will be destined to the development of the “Early Childhood Play and Development Training Programme” for caretakers, in cooperation with the local non-governmental organization ARC – Advocating the Rights for the Children, amongst other projects.
Local artists volunteered their time to perform Maldivian and international tunes with bands, DJ’s and a Bodu Beru groups performing for guests’ enjoyment. Performances took place at the Water Sports Beach Stage between 3.00pm to 7.00 pm and at Kandu Bar from 7pm until 12am. The musicians who offered their time and joie de vivre were: Duo Saxophone, Mishy featuring Thoo, Rishvan Imon, The Woods, Def Note, DETUNE, DJ Paiday, DJ Shammi, DJ Sadaf ft. Veli Spa team, as well as the Kurumba Bodu Beru team.
The set up for the event would have not been possible without the vital support of Event Maldives as well as a taskforce of more than 50 team members from Kurumba itself donating their time.
Local and foreign suppliers; Wrist, Cosmopolitan, SIMDI Beverages, Grape Expectations, MMI Maldives, Navean, Coca Cola, Regal Seafoods, Euromarketing Maldives, VB Brothers, SAFCO and Yeoman Group donated goods that were used as refreshments and nourishment throughout the day, from which all proceeds went to the cause.
The silent auction was graced this year with the tremendous support of 18 resorts and 2 major airline carriers as sponsors. This was conducted throughout the event with guests bidding for the following resorts and prizes:
Velassaru, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Kanuhura, Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Soneva Fushi, Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa, Niyama, Bandos, Jumeirah Vittaveli, Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Holiday Inn Kandooma, Huvafen Fushi, Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef, W Retreat & Spa, LUX* Maldives, Crown & Champa Resorts, Constance Halaveli, Constance Moofushi, Rihiveli Island Resort, Thulhagiri, Gili Lankanfushi, Hotel Jen, Universal Resorts, Kurumba Maldives, Veli Spa, Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways.
The afternoon and evening was a great success with many locals, expatriates and senior business invitees plus Kurumba’s in house guests joining in. There was non-stop live entertainment across the two venues and the day was blessed with perfect weather to host such an event.
The Kudakudhinge Hiyaa orphanage, located on Villingili island hosts children between the ages of 6 months and 21 years old. This is a self-supporting service that requires help from the community and industry in order to continue providing a caring, safe and educational environment for these children.
Jason Kruse, General Manager of Kurumba Maldives stated: “For the fourth consecutive year, this event has proven to be successful. We cannot thank enough and are overwhelmed by the support of the local performers providing their time, suppliers donating food and beverage items and resorts and airlines, contributing with vouchers for the Silent Auction. We definitely intend to maintain this popular yearly event and raise greater funds year after year for a good cause.”
Awards
Three-year winning streak: Canareef Resort Maldives honoured by HolidayCheck again
In a significant achievement for the hospitality sector in the southern atolls, Canareef Resort Maldives has been officially recognised as a Recommended Resort for 2026 by HolidayCheck, the leading travel review platform for the German-speaking market. This prestigious accolade continues a remarkable winning streak, as the resort consistently earned this same recommendation in 2024 and 2025. This consecutive recognition underscores a steady commitment to service and guest satisfaction that resonates with travellers year after year.
As a primary guide for international travellers, HolidayCheck is considered a gold standard for guest trust because its recommendations are earned purely through authentic guest reviews rather than industry panels. To be “Recommended on HolidayCheck,” a resort must maintain a high recommendation rate and strong ratings from verified visitors, making it one of the most reliable endorsements for travellers worldwide. For the global community, this award serves as a clear indicator of consistency, ensuring that the experiences shared by previous guests are backed by a proven track record.
Located in the unique and intimate Addu Atoll, Canareef Resort Maldives offers a distinct 4.5km island experience that highlights the natural beauty and biological diversity of the region. The resort has become a favourite for international visitors seeking a complete tropical escape that caters to every interest. Guests can explore world-class diving sites and engaging excursions, or find balance through yoga and aqua aerobics. For those seeking relaxation, the spa provides a serene sanctuary, while the tennis courts offer the perfect space for active recreation. From the excitement of the water sports centre to the peaceful nature trails that wind through the island’s lush interior, guests can explore vibrant house reefs, enjoy the local heritage of the southern atolls, or relax in one of the 271 villas that offer a sense of space and privacy.
The management of Canareef Resort Maldives noted that receiving this recognition for the third consecutive year is a testament to the hard work of the entire team. They expressed gratitude to the global guests whose reviews have highlighted the resort as a welcoming destination and emphasised that this award motivates them to continue showcasing the authentic charm of Addu Atoll to the world. As Canareef looks ahead to 2026, it remains a top-recommended choice for those seeking a high-quality and memorable Maldivian getaway.
Cooking
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO unveils chef-led 9-Hands Dinner experience
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO has announced a 9-Hands Dinner event scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 May, offering a curated dining experience as part of its guest programme.
The event will feature a multi-course menu developed by three chefs representing Egypt, Madeira and the Maldives. Each chef will present dishes reflecting their respective culinary backgrounds, combining different techniques and flavour profiles within a single dining concept.
The dinner is positioned as an interactive culinary experience, bringing together elements of storytelling and presentation alongside the menu. According to the resort, the concept is designed to highlight both innovation and traditional influences in cuisine.
The experience will be included within the resort’s plan for in-house guests, forming part of the overall stay offering.

Commenting on the event, General Manager Alain Trefois stated that the initiative reflects the resort’s focus on expanding guest experiences beyond standard dining formats. He noted that the event provides an opportunity for guests to engage with culinary presentation in a structured setting.
Anupam Banerjee, Vice President Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Core, said the collaboration brings together different culinary influences, combining regional ingredients and techniques into a single dining programme.
Located in North Malé Atoll, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is known for its house reef and marine environment, offering a range of activities alongside its accommodation and dining options.
The resort has indicated that availability for the 9-Hands Dinner event will be limited, with advance booking recommended for guests wishing to attend.
Featured
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef rolls out Wellness Week from 15–22 June
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé collection within the House of Siyam, has announced plans to host a Wellness Week from 15 to 22 June 2026, in conjunction with Global Wellness Week. The programme will be led by international creative and fitness practitioner Ilariia Auvitu.
Ilariia Auvitu, whose background spans multiple countries and disciplines including acting, modelling and fitness, will guide a series of sessions focused on structured wellbeing practices. Her approach combines physical activity with routines aimed at supporting mental balance.
A key component of the programme is the Tech-Free Sunrise Yoga and Breathwork Ritual. The session is designed to provide a period of structured activity without digital devices, with a focus on breath control and guided movement aimed at supporting mental regulation.
The schedule will also include Morning Yoga with Flow sessions, intended to establish physical rhythm and energy for the day. In addition, Pool Fitness sessions will be conducted in the resort’s pool area, offering water-based exercise.
Selected evenings will feature Sunset Pilates and Stretching sessions. These will include low-impact exercises focused on strength and flexibility, followed by guided stretching.
Through the Wellness Week programme, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is offering a series of activities aligned with the observance of Global Wellness Week, combining structured fitness sessions with a setting designed to support rest and recovery.
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