News
PER AQUUM restyles Subsix as a subaquatic playground

Maldives.net.mv – Following the rave reviews of its world-first underwater nightclub, Subsix, PER AQUUM has evolved the pioneering venue into an underwater playground, a creative space which can be transformed into whatever guests imagine it to be – from private Champagne breakfasts to lunchtime celebrations to midnight proposals. Located at PER AQUUM Niyama in the Maldives, Subsix first opened in 2012. The recent redesign by Poole Associates draws inspiration from the aquatic surroundings and sets a very surreal stage for guests to dive beneath the surface and explore their desires.
Guests reach Subsix via speedboat, skipping over the reef to its 500-metre offshore location. Upon arrival, the underwater revellers descend a dramatic three-tier staircase. Overhead, Italian-designed abstract chandeliers illuminate the descent like shining coral or white stars sparkling through the sea’s surface. Brancusi cabinetry and mirrors line the path.
In the depths of Subsix, the soft anemone fingers of bespoke chairs invite with their deliciously bizarre textured design. Above, thousands of strands of capiz shells drape from the entire expanse of the ceiling in a luxe ode to an undersea kelp forest. Piercing the shells’ undulating waves, a garden of coral-like chandeliers spike their gleaming branches over wedding brunches and late-night celebrations. Silver-panelled columns throughout the venue draw their inspiration from the ribbed gills of manta rays.
In the centre of the room, a huge clam-inspired bar strikes an imposing form, its fibreglass shell glowing with Subsix’s mood lighting that shifts throughout the day from pure white mornings to a lavender dinner setting to late-night blues.
In addition to the seating in the clam’s swooping curves, tables and chairs dot the space, with the most coveted seats by the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Over 90 coral reef species ply the waters, the dense marine life being attracted by the specially designed reef structures that integrate into the natural reef and enrich the habitat with surfaces for coral and hiding spots for the more reclusive denizens.
Parrotfish swim past shoals of Moorish Idols. Moray eels slide through the lagoon. Groupers make goliath appearances amidst the rainbow of butterflyfish and damselfish, while the resident Hawksbill turtle makes occasional visits at the cleaning station for a nibbled spa treatment by the small cleaning fish.
Among the many activities hosted by Subsix, marine biologist-led immersions into aquatic life give guests an expert’s insight into the rich environment and its secrets. Other highlighted activities in the restyled venue include subaquatic lunches, gourmet dinners, weddings, hosted events, wine tastings, a weekly Glow Party and DJ nights carrying on the tradition of its birth as a pioneer-of-the-deep club.
In the words of PER AQUUM Niyama’s General Manager Dietmar Koegerl, “Subsix is the closest you can get to the reef without a mask or a wetsuit. Guests fell so in love with the setting from the start that we knew we had hit on something special and had to take it to the next level.”
The new avatar of Subsix is now open. The last finishing touches are being completed as of May 2015 with new activities to be innovated over time and in response to valued opinions of PER AQUUM’s jet set guests.
Awards
SAii Lagoon Maldives wins prestigious Hilton Connie Award twice in 3 years

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, has once again been honoured with the Connie Award – the highest distinction awarded by Hilton Worldwide. This marks the second time in just three years that SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton received this rare recognition, reaffirming its place among the very best within the global Hilton portfolio and standing as the only Hilton property in the Maldives to receive this distinction both years.
The Connie Award, named after Conrad Hilton — the visionary founder of Hilton Hotels — is awarded to top-performing hotels that achieve outstanding scores in guest satisfaction, brand standards, and quality assurance. It is not simply an award for success, but a celebration of soul, of the values that have defined Hilton since its inception; hospitality from the heart, service with meaning, and a commitment to creating memorable stays that go far beyond the expected.
To receive the Connie Award is to be recognised as one of the finest expressions of Hilton’s global promise. Fewer than 1% of Hilton hotels earn this award annually, making it not just an honour, but a profound responsibility. SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton has met this moment with warmth, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to delighting every guest who arrives not as a visitor, but as part of the SAii family.
“This is not a win for an establishment or a brand, it is a win for every SAiiLander who puts heart into everything they do,” mentioned Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina. “Our team brings their personalities, their stories, and their smiles to work every day. That energy is what our guests remember, and this award is a tribute to that team spirit.”
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton continues to shine as part of a growing Hilton presence in the Maldives, which includes the refined island experiences of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, and Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. While each property carries its own unique character, this second Connie Award solidified the deep connection guests feel with SAii’s playful, welcoming energy, a style of hospitality that is as heartfelt as it is unforgettable.
Action
Patina Maldives partners with FC Bayern Munich to host exclusive football camps

Following a successful collaboration with Real Madrid last year, Patina Maldives continues its tradition of extraordinary partnerships: The luxury resort welcomes FC Bayern Munich for an exclusive series of football camps on the Fari Islands. A total of six camps will be offered throughout 2025, timed to coincide with school holidays. Football- loving children and teenagers will have the rare opportunity to train under the guidance of licensed coaches from the German champions – all against the spectacular backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
The core focus of the camps is the professional training based on FC Bayern’s proven approach, designed to enhance technical skills, tactical understanding and game intelligence. Under the guidance of highly qualified coaches, young participants will not only learn precise ball control and strategic thinking but also the importance of teamwork and a winning mentality. Divided into three age groups, the training ensures targeted, age-appropriate development for every individual. A special highlight: Each participant receives an official FC Bayern kit, including a shirt, shorts and socks, as a keepsake from unforgettable days on the field.
The Patina Maldives football camps are more than just training sessions, they blend athletic performance with summer ease. After intense practice sessions and valuable coaching tips, the Indian Ocean invites participants to explore its crystal-clear waters.
The camps offer an extraordinary experience not only for the young talents but also for their families, turning the stay into the perfect vacation for the whole family. While the young players refine offensive strategies, penalty kicks and solid defense on the field, parents and grandparents can unwind on the white sandy beaches, indulge in the award-winning spa, or explore a variety of leisure activities together — from sustainable initiatives like the Coral Restoration Project, where coral frames and ceramic structures are created, to watersport adventures and engaging art workshops. Patina Maldives offers a vacation concept that bridges generational needs. And with a bit of luck, a special surprise might be in store for both young and old: perhaps a professional football player will make a personal appearance!
The football camps will be held on the following dates: April 20th to 24th 2025, August 1st to 5th 2025, October 24th to 30th 2025, December 22nd to 26th 2025 and December 29th 2025 to January 2nd 2026.
Cooking
Taste of Sardinia comes to Maldives at COMO Cocoa Island

COMO Cocoa Island, the serene private island resort in the Maldives, has unveiled a new seasonal culinary experience: A Taste of Sardinia—a thoughtfully curated seven-course tasting menu by Executive Chef Federico Tidu.
Drawing on his heritage from Cagliari, Sardinia, and his experience in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world, Chef Tidu brings to the table a journey that is both deeply personal and unmistakably Mediterranean. Rooted in tradition, the menu celebrates Sardinian flavours with an emphasis on fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and delicately balanced ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and native herbs.
“This menu is not just about food—it’s about telling a story of place and memory,” says Chef Tidu. “Sardinia has always been my foundation, and bringing these flavours to COMO Cocoa Island feels like a full-circle moment, where island meets island, sea meets sea.”
The intimate tasting experience will be served at Ufaa Restaurant, with views of the turquoise lagoon enhancing every bite. The tasting experience begins with a grilled scallop served A la Catalana, paired with thinly sliced seasonal vegetables for a light, refined start. It’s followed by traditional Culurgiones—stuffed pasta parcels filled with smoked potato, pecorino, dill, and chives— accompanied by creamy Sardinian goat’s cheese.
Next is one of the chef’s personal favourites: fregola, a Sardinian pasta slow-cooked risotto-style and infused with the catch of the day— reef fish, squid, octopus—all brought together in a rich, seafood-forward broth.
For the main course, Chef Tidu presents a comforting and aromatic dish of lamb in a rustic cacciatora sauce, layered with forest-foraged ingredients like mushrooms, olives, and capers, then kissed by the flame of a barbecue for an irresistible smoky finish.
“At COMO Cocoa Island, we constantly strive to elevate our guest experiences with authenticity and imagination,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Cocoa Island. “Chef Tidu’s Sardinian menu is a beautiful reflection of that—rooted in tradition yet completely at home in our island setting.”
Arta Rozefelde, Resort Manager of COMO Cocoa Island, adds: “This collaboration is a true celebration of storytelling through flavour. With Chef Tidu’s Sardinian heritage and the natural serenity of our island, guests can expect an experience that engages all the senses—intimate, nourishing, and distinctly COMO.”
COMO Cocoa Island is an exclusive private island resort in the Maldives, known for its serene ambiance, luxurious overwater accommodations, and world-class wellness offerings. Designed for those seeking tranquillity and connection with nature, the resort delivers a seamless blend of barefoot luxury and tailored experiences that cater to the most discerning travellers.
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