News
Jumeirah collaborates with Google to launch Jumeirah Inside
Jumeirah Group has launched Jumeirah™ Inside – a virtual platform comprising 360° video and photography which enables users to make hotel bookings, access never-before-seen footage, discover hidden treasures and share them with the world.
Jumeirah™ Inside, developed in collaboration with Google, is a hotel industry first and offers a fully immersive digital travel platform which is accessible through jumeirah.com.
The platform provides access to Jumeirah Vittaveli and Jumeirah Dhevenafushi resorts in Maldives which is brought to life by 360° video, 3D sound, playful interactions and exclusive hotspots – this is not just a tour through a building, it’s a journey through a brand.
Ross McAuley, Group Vice President of Brand, Digital and Loyalty, Jumeirah Group, said: “Jumeirah Inside is one of the most exciting digital developments for Jumeirah Group. Just as we aim to exceed our guests’ expectations whenever they visit our luxury hotels around the world, so is our aim to give an unforgettably rich, immersive online experience in advance of their arrival. This is a world first for the hospitality sector. Jumeirah Inside has been initiated for us by Google’s dedicated creative team. The platform works across desktop, tablet and mobile devices, in five languages, offering a film-focused exploration of the world’s most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. And in so doing it connects that remarkable property back to Jumeirah Group’s portfolio of 22 other luxury hotels, our STAY DIFFERENTTM brand promise and the outstanding service guests can expect when they walk through the door of any Jumeirah hotel.”
Ivan Jakovljevic, Google’s Head of Travel & Finance, Middle East and North Africa, said: “We are very excited to see Jumeirah Inside spread its magic to the world. We worked very closely with the Jumeirah team to unleash the creative potential of their brand enabled by the latest advances in digital technology to tell the best possible story from the consumer point of view at every step of an immersive travel journey. Innovation through technology is at the core of what we do. We are always striving to create new ways for our partners to find their audience and create rich, personal experiences with them. Jumeirah Group has set a high standard for the hospitality industry as a brand that consistently explores what is possible through adoption of digital. It is redefining the way people experience travel and we are proud to be a part of it.”
The virtual journey begins at the world’s most luxurious hotel where guests can see, hear and move around like never before. Users can uncover new information and explore the vibrant colours and playful water features in the atrium through 360° video. Other experiences include the chance to dive into the Talise Spa infinity pool, take a leisurely stroll through the magnificent Royal Suite, and explore Dubai from the exclusive helipad.
From there guests can continue their virtual journey and explore Jumeirah’s hotels and resorts around the world. By clicking on 360° photo spheres, which each have informative hotspots, users will uncover Jumeirah’s STAY DIFFERENT™ experiences which can be used to inspire their friends through Facebook, Twitter, Weibo, Wechat and Google Plus.
Optimised for mobile and tablet users, the site will offer the opportunity to make hotel reservations at any point. The fully immersive experience is available in English, Arabic, German, Russian and Mandarin.
Here is links to Jumeirah Dhevanafushi and Jumeirah Vittaveli
Cooking
VARU by Atmosphere celebrates Maldivian cuisine with new Kaagé cookbook
VARU by Atmosphere has unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of the Maldives to life through an immersive new experience. As part of the island experience, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses, offering a hands-on connection to authentic local flavours and the opportunity to take home the beautiful cookbook as a memento.
At Kaagé, the award-winning speciality restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through the history and traditions of the Maldivian islands. Time-honoured local recipes are paired with modern culinary techniques, allowing the distinctive flavours of the Maldives to be recreated in kitchens around the world.

Held on 20th August, the exclusive cookbook launch event brought together journalists, culinary influencers and resort guests, who joined the resort’s chef team for an interactive masterclass. The session explored local ingredients including skipjack tuna, coconut and fiery Scotch bonnet chillies, offering participants an authentic taste of Maldivian culinary traditions.

“These immersive cooking classes are now a permanent part of your resort experience. Kaagé is a tribute to the vibrant culinary identity of the Maldives,” says Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere. “Through our cookbook and masterclasses, we invite you to connect deeply with island culture. We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.”

VARU by Atmosphere is a naturally Maldivian island escape in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. Blending authentic Maldivian culture with contemporary elegance, the resort offers an intimate island experience centred around warm hospitality, vibrant dining, wellness and immersive experiences. From its distinctive overwater villas and unique overwater cellar to its island-inspired cuisine and commitment to sustainability, VARU by Atmosphere celebrates the essence of the Maldives while offering a refined and relaxed tropical retreat.

The Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook is available exclusively to participants of cooking masterclass. To discover more or reserve your spot, visit www.varu-atmosphere.com or contact reservations@varu-atmosphere.com.
Business
BBM Hulhumalé Phase 2 opening promotion winner receives Honda Airblade
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has presented a brand-new Honda Airblade motorbike to the winner of a lucky draw held to mark the opening of its newest wholesale outlet in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
The outlet, located at Lot 20286 on Nirolhu Magu, opened on 16 February 2026 as part of BBM’s expansion of its wholesale operations.
To celebrate the opening and thank customers for their continued support, BBM introduced a special lucky draw exclusively for customers who made purchases from the new outlet on its opening day.

Customers who purchased products during the opening were eligible to enter the draw, with a Honda Airblade motorbike offered as the grand prize.
The lucky draw was conducted on 13 August 2026, with Ibrahim Shifaz of Vagthun Vaguthah outlet selected as the winner.
Shifaz was recently presented with the ceremonial key to the Honda Airblade by AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives.

The promotion formed part of BBM’s activities surrounding the opening of its Hulhumalé Phase 2 outlet, which provides customers with access to the company’s range of wholesale products from the growing residential and commercial area.
Bestbuy Maldives is a supplier and distributor serving businesses across the Maldives, including customers in the hospitality, food service and retail sectors.
Drink
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes SUSHISAMBA Dubai for exclusive pop-up
SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.
Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.

Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.

“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”

Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.

Event Details:
Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Dates: September 25–27 2026
Seating Schedule:
Friday, September 25:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.
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