Connect with us

News

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Awarded Green Globe Certification

Published

on

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

Maldives.net.mv – Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, has been awarded the internationally renowned Green Globe Certification (GGC) following a recent sustainability audit.

The luxury resort has consistently developed its green policies in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. GGC is the premier worldwide sustainability stamp for the tourism industry.

Actions taken to improve sustainability performance at the resort have resulted in substantial cost savings. Measures taken include the use of an in-house bottling plant which re-uses glass bottles instead of shipping in bottled water – saving approximately 72,000 plastic bottles per year; the implementation of a sea-water reverse osmosis system which creates fresh drinking water from sea-water and where possible, the resort also uses LED lights in all areas including guest villas and has implemented a low pressure sanitary system in all guest bathrooms.

General Manager, David Stepetic, said: “The Jumeirah Dhevanafushi team is proud to have achieved the Green Globe Certification. We’re now into the fourth successful year of operation and have always strived to dedicate ourselves to conservation and sustainability. With this certification, we now must work to achieve more for the environmental conservation and our local community efforts in order to preserve the natural beauty of Meradhoo Island, Jumeirah Dhevanafushi.”

In line with the Green Globe values, Jumeirah Dhevanafushi places a high priority on community engagement and culturally connected projects and experiences for both guests and colleagues. This includes monthly reef cleaning activities and educational excursions to visit local islands and learn more about the Maldives, the culture and the local community. Jumeirah Dhevanafushi also hosts, a culturally connected weekly ‘Maldivian Night’ at Mumayaz restaurant that serves local cuisine and provides traditional entertainment.

Drink

Château Palmer brings Bordeaux heritage to Finolhu Maldives

Published

on

Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, will welcome the renowned Château Palmer to its island shores on 25 October 2026 for an exclusive wine dinner, bringing together exceptional Bordeaux wines, thoughtfully crafted cuisine and the relaxed elegance of the Maldives.

For this special evening, Finolhu will be joined by Monsieur Charles Sichel, representing a family whose connection with Château Palmer dates back to 1938. The Sichel family remains one of the families behind the celebrated Margaux estate today, continuing a relationship spanning generations.

Set within the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, Château Palmer is recognised for a distinctive style shaped by its terroir. Its Grand Vin brings together Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a touch of Petit Verdot, producing wines characterised by finesse, elegance and an aromatic expression of flowers, fruit and spice. The estate’s wines are matured for more than 20 months before revealing their full expression.

The Château Palmer Wine Dinner at Finolhu will take guests on a journey through a curated selection of wines from the estate, each thoughtfully paired with a specially created menu from Finolhu’s culinary team. Throughout the evening, Monsieur Charles Sichel will share insights into the heritage, terroir and craftsmanship behind Château Palmer, offering guests a more personal perspective on the wines in their glasses.

The dinner forms part of Finolhu’s evolving calendar of culinary experiences, bringing distinctive producers and personalities from the international world of food and wine to Baa Atoll. From the wine selection to each accompanying dish, the evening will celebrate the relationship between cuisine and wine while retaining the relaxed, experiential character that defines dining at Finolhu.

The event follows Finolhu’s recent recognition as one of the Best Culinary Resorts at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, an accolade celebrating the creativity and dedication behind the resort’s food and beverage experiences. Gastronomy is an integral part of the Finolhu experience, with thoughtfully developed menus, international influences and distinctive settings coming together to create memorable moments around the table.

The Château Palmer Wine Dinner continues this culinary story, following a series of wine-led experiences at the resort and further strengthening Finolhu’s focus on creating dining occasions that extend beyond the plate. Most recently, the resort welcomed Sato Wines from Central Otago for a series of intimate dinners, including an evening at the iconic Crab Shack.

Sunny Chuang, Director of Food & Beverage, said: “We are delighted to welcome Monsieur Charles Sichel and Château Palmer to Finolhu for what promises to be a very special evening. Our approach to dining has always been about creating experiences that bring together exceptional flavours, inspiring stories and memorable settings. To share the heritage and wines of Château Palmer with our guests in Baa Atoll is a wonderful continuation of that journey.”

Guests attending the dinner can look forward to an intimate evening of fine wine, considered pairings and conversation, bringing the character of Margaux to the shores of the Maldives.

For more information and reservations, visit finolhu.com.

Continue Reading

News

Sun Siyam brings Halloween to paradise across five Maldives resorts

Published

on

White sands. Crystal-clear lagoons. Palm trees swaying in the breeze. Not exactly where you would expect to come face-to-face with a horror icon, wander through the strange world of Beetlejuice or find little witches and superheroes trick-or-treating beneath coconut palms.

Yet every October, Sun Siyam proves that Halloween and paradise make an unexpectedly perfect match. Across the collection, guests can choose their own Halloween adventure. Lose yourself inside a cinematic horror of Cult Classics production at Siyam World, step into the delightfully strange universe of Beetlejuice at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, celebrate Maldivian traditions beneath the stars at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, embrace relaxed beachfront festivities at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, or watch little monsters set off on tropical trick-or-treat adventures at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. Whatever your Halloween personality, there is an island waiting.

Where horror becomes a holiday

At the centre of it all is Siyam World, where Halloween has become something of a legend in its own right. Never one for a handful of pumpkins and a themed buffet, the resort returns with CULT CLASSICS, its boldest Halloween production yet. Inspired by the cult horror films that defined generations, guests are invited to step inside an interactive walkthrough where every corner reveals another surprise. Live performers, cinematic sets, immersive storytelling and unexpected encounters blur the line between audience and performance, creating an experience that is as theatrical as it is thrilling. Survive the walkthrough and the night is only just beginning.

The experience unfolds into a spectacular live production, where cinematic storytelling, immersive sets, theatrical performances and unexpected encounters blur the line between audience and show. It is horror, but with a distinctly Siyam World twist: bigger, bolder, brilliantly over the top and impossible to experience from the sidelines. And when the scares give way to the after-party, DJ and music producer SARRA takes over the decks. Blending Afro House, Afro Tech House, Indie Dance and Latin House, her sound moves through deep grooves, layered percussion and global rhythms, bringing a high-energy electronic soundtrack to the night. Known for building sets that evolve with the dancefloor, SARRA will take CULT CLASSICS from immersive horror spectacle into a Halloween party that keeps going long after the final scare.

“Halloween has become one of those moments guests genuinely plan their holidays around. Every year we challenge ourselves to create something completely different, something that feels more like stepping into a movie than attending an event. CULT CLASSICS is nostalgic, theatrical, brilliantly over the top and genuinely immersive. Exactly as Halloween should be,” says Sara Siyam, Director of Marketing, Sun Siyam Resorts

The Wonderfully Weird Side of Paradise

At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, guests are invited to leave reality behind and enter the wonderfully weird world of Beetlejuice. Inspired by the cult classic, the resort undergoes a dramatic transformation, where black-and-white stripes, glowing green lighting, theatrical installations and playful surprises turn familiar island spaces into an immersive fantasy. From themed cocktails and imaginative dining to roaming characters and live performances, the island embraces the strange from day into night. Taking over the decks is international DJ Giada Brincè, bringing her signature blend of hypnotic Afro House rhythms and sophisticated electronic sounds to the celebration. Having performed across destinations including Monte Carlo, Mykonos and Italy, and built a global following through her live sets and social channels, Brincè will bring a refined but high-energy soundtrack to Olhuveli’s Halloween night. Expect the wonderfully weird, the theatrical and the unexpected, with a seriously good beat behind it.

At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Halloween meets authentic Maldivian hospitality. Guests gather beneath the stars at Islander’s Grill for a beachfront barbecue showcasing freshly caught seafood, premium cuts and Mediterranean and Asian-inspired flavours before the rhythmic energy of a traditional Bodu Beru performance fills the night. The celebrations continue at Water’s Edge with a lively Halloween DJ party where tropical rhythms keep families and friends dancing late into the evening.

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Halloween unfolds at an easy island pace. Young guests begin the day with festive crafts at Turtle Kidz Club before the celebrations move to Chemistry Bar for a lively pool party complete with DJ beats, themed drinks and poolside dining. As evening arrives, the island swaps spooky surprises for barefoot elegance with a beachfront Lobster BBQ accompanied by live music beneath the stars.

Meanwhile, at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Halloween comes to life with Ocean Haunt, an island-wide celebration where tropical charm meets playful imagination. Families can expect a day filled with music, dancing, face painting, creative crafts and the colourful Little Monsters Parade, while younger guests unleash their creativity decorating ghostly cookies and spooky treats at Turtle Kidz Club. As darkness falls, the festivities continue with a themed beachfront BBQ, where DJ beats, ocean breezes and a touch of island magic transform Halloween into a relaxed celebration beneath the stars. Equal parts family fun and barefoot luxury, Ocean Haunt captures the lighter, more whimsical side of Halloween in paradise.

Whether guests are seeking blockbuster entertainment, immersive fantasy, authentic island celebrations, elegant beachfront evenings or unforgettable family adventures, Sun Siyam offers a Halloween unlike anywhere else in the Maldives. Because Halloween does not have to be wrapped in fog, falling leaves or cobwebs. Sometimes the best scares happen with warm sand beneath your feet, a cocktail in hand and the Indian Ocean quietly watching in the background.

Fear has never looked so good

For those inspired to swap autumn for the tropics, there has never been a better time to plan an island escape. Sun Siyam Resorts is currently offering a range of exclusive seasonal offers across its Maldivian collection, with added value including savings on accommodation, complimentary transfers, resort credits and signature experiences. Many offers are available for bookings made until 31 October 2026, making Halloween the perfect excuse to discover paradise with a darker twist.

To discover the latest offers and book your Halloween escape, visit www.sunsiyam.com/offers.

Continue Reading

Cooking

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa announces six-chef Masters of Food & Wine series

Published

on

Building on the success of its inaugural Masters of Food & Wine event held in July 2026, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa unveils the Masters of Food & Wine Series, a season-long celebration of world-class gastronomy that will welcome six internationally acclaimed MICHELIN-starred chefs to Our Living Island from October 2026 through April 2027.

More than a collection of guest chef dinners, the series is conceived as a culinary journey through the celebrations and rhythms of the season, where each chapter is inspired by a meaningful moment of the year, from Chinese Golden Week and the festive season to New Year celebrations and Easter by the sea.

For one exceptional season, guests will embark on six exclusive culinary chapters, each led by a distinguished chef making a rare appearance in the Maldives. From Cantonese mastery and Tuscan traditions to contemporary European innovation and French artistry, every experience offers a unique expression of culture, craftsmanship and culinary excellence.

Set against the pristine natural surroundings of Hadahaa, each chef will present a bespoke dining experience inspired by their culinary heritage while drawing from the rich bounty of the Maldives, creating a dialogue between world-class gastronomy and the extraordinary ecosystem that defines Our Living Island.

“The Masters of Food & Wine Series reflects our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with culture, craftsmanship and nature. Following the remarkable success of our inaugural event, we are delighted to evolve the concept into a season-long journey that brings some of the world’s most celebrated culinary talents to Hadahaa,” said Anshul Sharma, General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa.

A Culinary Journey Through the Seasons

For the first time in the Maldives, six celebrated chefs from across Europe and Asia will make their first appearance in the Maldives at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, each bringing a distinctive culinary perspective shaped by their heritage, expertise and passion. Together, they will create an extraordinary season celebrating culture, craftsmanship and the world’s most treasured ingredient: nature.

ONE SHARED PHILOSOPHY
Inspired by Nature. Driven by Passion.

Though their journeys span different continents, cultures and culinary traditions, all six chefs share a common philosophy.
A belief that exceptional cuisine begins with exceptional ingredients. Throughout the season, each chef will draw inspiration from the natural bounty surrounding Hadahaa, incorporating local seafood, seasonal ingredients and the flavors of the Indian Ocean into their own unique culinary expressions.

Chapter I
Golden Week | A Celebration of Prosperity, Family and Culinary Heritage

Executive Chef Ku Chi Fai
2 & 5 October 2026

The journey begins during Chinese Golden Week with Executive Chef Ku Chi Fai, founder of MICHELIN-starred Beijing Kitchen and one of the region’s most respected masters of Cantonese cuisine. With more than four decades of culinary experience, he has led Beijing Kitchen to earn seven consecutive MICHELIN Stars and eight consecutive Black Pearl One-Diamond Awards, establishing the restaurant among China’s most distinguished culinary destinations.

Chapter II
The Festive Spirit of Tuscany, Inspired by Nature

Executive Chef Andrea Mattei
14 & 18 December 2026

As the festive season arrives on Our Living Island, Executive Chef Andrea Mattei brings the warmth and traditions of Tuscany to the Maldives. Recognised with a MICHELIN Green Star for Sustainable Gastronomy, his cuisine celebrates seasonality, responsible sourcing and a deep respect for nature, creating a festive experience that reflects the values shared by both Tuscany and Hadahaa.

Chapter III
New Year, New Perspectives

Executive Chef Ruben Christiaens
6 & 10 January 2027

The New Year begins with Executive Chef Ruben Christiaens of La Villa Lorraine, whose contemporary European cuisine is shaped by experience in some of the world’s most renowned kitchens, including Eleven Madison Park in New York. Recipient of the MICHELIN Young Chef Award 2022, Executive Chef Christiaens brings a fresh and creative perspective that celebrates discovery, innovation and new beginnings.

Chapter IV
A Celebration of Innovation and Creativity

Executive Chef Michael Dyllong
23 & 26 January 2027

Representing a new generation of culinary excellence, Executive Chef Michael Dyllong of MICHELIN-starred The Stage is renowned for his technical mastery, creativity and contemporary approach to European gastronomy. Recognized as one of Germany’s youngest MICHELIN-starred chefs, he brings a dynamic culinary vision to Hadahaa.

Chapter V
Easter by the Sea: A Celebration of Togetherness and Renewal

Executive Chef Richard Gabriel Toix
26 & 29 March 2027

As Easter arrives, the journey continues with Executive Chef Richard Gabriel Toix of MICHELIN-starred Le Charlie in Corsica. Combining the precision of French technique with influences gathered throughout a career spanning France and Asia, Executive Chef Toix presents a refined culinary experience inspired by the Mediterranean spirit of sharing, discovery and connection.

Chapter VI
The Art of French Gastronomy, Inspired by Our Living Island

Group Chef David Hemmerlé
5 & 8 April 2027

The season concludes with Group Chef David Hemmerlé, whose distinguished international career spans France, Brazil, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Guided by classical French techniques and decades of culinary excellence, Group Chef Hemmerlé will present a grand finale celebrating craftsmanship, gastronomy and the natural beauty of Our Living Island.

At Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, nature is more than a setting. It is the inspiration behind every experience, every flavor and every memorable moment shared around the table. While each visiting chef arrives with extraordinary achievements and international acclaim, what truly unites them is a shared passion for craftsmanship, nature and exceptional ingredients. The Masters of Food & Wine Series celebrates not only culinary excellence, but also the meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences that food and hospitality create.

For reservations and further information, please call +960 682 1234, email maldives.parkhadahaa@hyatt.com or visit www.parkhyattmaldives.com.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.