Entertainment

Stop the Clock at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives

Published

10 years ago

October 8, 2015

Maldives.net.mv – Make your holiday season truly memorable this year! Get away in style and escape to W Retreat & Spa – Maldives, the most iconic Resort in the Maldives. Located only 25 minutes away from the International airport, on the very exotic island of Fesdu in the North Ari Atoll, the luxury playground is the best place to usher in the New Year. Offering blissful spa treatments, delectable cuisine, the coolest cocktails and the biggest, most glamorous party night of the year, with a line-up of visionary DJ’s and entertainment in a wonderland of dazzling white sand and turquoise lagoons, the Festive Season will be unforgettable.

Celebrate like there’s no tomorrow

The impressive line-up of international DJs and fabulous fireworks will help you to unplug 2015 and welcome the New Year in style. Erica Rhone, Barber and Satin Jackets will step behind the decks at FIRE beach to spin vibrant tunes all nights for the Indian Ocean’s most dazzling crowd to ring in 2016.

Erica Rhone, acclaimed as one of New-York city’s most well-known female DJs and producers, has toured and played in some of the best nightclubs. She has rocked the Playboy Mansion and the desert for Burning Man in the USA and played at Jenja and W Bali in Indonesia, BASH in Bangkok and Attica in Singapore just to name but a few.

Faceless Recordings co-founder, OFF Recordings newcomer and Nurvous Records debutant, English DJ and producer, Barber has quickly established himself as an artist to keep a close eye on. His greatest attribute when it comes to production is his flair for improvisation, which is exactly how he learned to play the keys on blues and jazz scales. Taking influences from a samba background, percussion is an obvious crucial element in the music he creates where the grooves are designed to complement Barber’s most prominent factor, his voice!

Finally, Satin Jackets is the brainchild of German music producer Tim Bernhardt who teamed up with his friend Den Ishu as lead performer. Recent successes like “You Make Me Feel Good”, collaborations with highly demanded vocalists, as well as top-ranked remixing work have turned the project into a very recognizable brand name for lush Indie Dance tunes with a pop appeal and a four-to-the-floor groove.

Usher in the New Year 2016 with style!

Start New Year’s Day refueling your body and mind at the award winning AWAY® Spa with the spectacular ‘Diamond Indulgence’. Begin this pampering journey with an aromatic steam session followed by a pungent foot bath, diamond dust & pearl scrub and gold clay body mask. Sink into a Champagne bath looking out across a spectacular infinite Indian Ocean view while sipping on a glass of Veuve Clicquot and savoring En Ke Baeki Caviar. Last but not least, a Pomelo & gold full body massage, whitening facial and hand manicure perfection will be provided along with a comfort sole for an irrepressible sexy mood.

New Year’s Day will see the legendary line-up of DJ’s step behind the decks once more to spin some glam-over hangover beats at the legendary Shock Wave Pool party for the hotel’s glossy guests.

After a long afternoon of celebration, a lucky couple will have the possibility to start 2016 on Gaathafushi, W’s own deserted island to indulge in exquisite serenity, exploring the surrounding silent lagoon before hanging on the beach and unwinding like never before while their private Chef sets up a special candle light BBQ as the sun dips over the horizon. At night, the activity of choice includes star-gazing, before falling asleep under the thatched roof, feeling the fresh breeze of the Indian Ocean. Natural wakeup calls are attuned to the languid pace of the island, with breakfast served on the white sand beach.

To ring in the New Year in style, the glamorous ‘Stop the clock’ package is ideal for those looking to amplify their entrance to 2016. This package is available for bookings until 28 December 2015, with a minimum of three nights. Book early and receive the New Year’s Eve Gala dinner on house!

For more information visit www.wretreatmaldives.com.

Related Topics:Featured New Year Celebrations W Retreat & Spa - Maldives

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Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

Published

5 days ago

July 7, 2025

m@ldives

Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.

This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:

12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.

These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.

Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.

This immersive day features:

Guided dives to the shipwreck
Underwater treasure hunts
Marine conservation talks
Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals

The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.

Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.

26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.

The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.

Entertainment

Game on! Kandima unveils Maldives’ most exciting all-ages entertainment hub

Published

2 weeks ago

July 1, 2025

m@ldives

Kandima Maldives, the bold lifestyle resort known for redefining island getaways, has once again raised the bar with the launch of PlaySpace – an all-ages entertainment destination transforming the leisure landscape of the Maldives.

Centrally located within the island resort, PlaySpace blends nostalgic retro flair with cutting-edge fun, offering a dynamic mix of activities for families, thrill-seekers, and social guests alike. From action-packed bowling and immersive virtual reality to escape room challenges and private karaoke sessions, the venue strengthens Kandima’s position as the Maldives’ leading active lifestyle destination.

According to Dermot Birchall, General Manager at Kandima Maldives, “At Kandima, we’re constantly evolving the island experience. PlaySpace adds a new dimension – it’s immersive, social, and above all, wildly entertaining.”

Key Highlights of PlaySpace Include:

Bowling Lanes with a Twist: Themed experiences such as Team Challenge, Date Night Deluxe, and Family Blitz, complemented by snacks, drinks, and curated playlists.
Karaoke & Cocktails: Private singing rooms paired with wine, beer, or bubbly under the Karaoke & Cocktails Package.
VR & Arcade Zone: Thrilling VR adventures, air hockey, billiards, and timeless arcade classics.
Escape Rooms: Brain-teasing challenges for up to three guests – ideal for team bonding or friendly competition.
Eats & Treats: A variety of gourmet snacks including paninis and mini pizzas, plus refreshing beverages like Tropical Dreamscape and Lychee Breeze – all alcohol-free.

With its vibrant 80s-inspired design and bold approach to leisure, PlaySpace perfectly reflects Kandima’s playful luxury ethos. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, it promises guests a unique and energetic addition to their island stay.

Adding to the excitement, Kandima has also introduced Fast Track, the Maldives’ first and only oceanfront e-go-kart circuit. Spanning 500 metres with 10 turns and speeds reaching up to 80 km/h, this professional-grade asphalt track brings a high-octane edge to island adventure.

As Kandima continues to innovate and launch new experiences, guests can expect even more surprises in the near future – with fun, flair, and freedom at the heart of it all.

Entertainment

The Presets to ignite nights in exclusive Kandooma Maldives showcase in April 2026

Published

1 month ago

June 5, 2025

m@ldives

Imagine your favourite music festival—but swap muddy fields for white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. In April 2026, acclaimed electronic duo The Presets will trade stadiums and festival crowds for an exclusive beachfront series of shows at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, offering fans an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime island escape curated by Music in Paradise.

From Coachella to Splendour in the Grass, The Presets—Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes—have made their mark on the global stage. But this time, they’re doing things differently. From 11–18 April 2026, fans will experience a week of sun-drenched luxury capped off by three electrifying live performances, including a sunset DJ set on the beach and an exclusive rooftop party at the resort’s Sunset Bar.

“We’re beyond excited to host The Presets at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Their energy, talent, and incredible live shows are a perfect match for our vibrant island setting. Guests can expect something truly unforgettable.”

With a career spanning two decades, The Presets are electronic music royalty in Australia. Their breakout 2008 album Apocalypso went triple platinum and produced the festival anthem “My People.” With multiple ARIA Awards, APRA Songwriter of the Year titles, and collaborations like the RAKA EP with Golden Features under their belt, the duo continues to shape the sound of electronic music worldwide.

Their 2018 album HI VIZ soared to the top of iTunes within hours of release and included hits like “Do What You Want” and “Martini,” both nominated for major Australian music prizes.

Fans can now secure the Early Bird Gold Experience Package for A$3,790 per person (twin share) for seven nights in a Beach Villa—saving over $1,000. This VIP experience includes: