Celebration
Six Senses Laamu reveals exciting program for Aqua Season 2016
Maldives.net.mv – Six Senses Laamu is preparing for Aqua Season 2016, from May 1 to October 31, with a series of aqua, wellness and culinary events. These include the celebration of International Surfing Day, Global Wellness Day, World Turtle Day and others. With the turtle-nesting season starting in March, the resort also looks forward to welcoming this year’s hatchlings at the start of Aqua Season.
Surfing Season and International Surfing Day – Surfing season starts in April and lasts until early November. The Yin Yang, one of Maldives most famous surf breaks, is just a few minutes away from the resort and offers fantastic waves for experienced surfers. For those eager to learn, surf instructors offer lessons on one of the smaller breaks. On June 20, International Surfing Day is a celebration of surfers around the world to commemorate the oceans for providing this unique natural environment experience. Together with resort’s partner Ocean Dimensions, a day full of surfing will be organized for guests, hosts and the local school and surfing club students.
The Manta Trust – The Manta Trust is once again on site this year offering unique “Diving with Mantas” experiences along with Ocean Dimensions. Being fortunate to have a year round active manta ray cleaning station just a few minutes away from the resort, dives are offered daily and experienced divers are encouraged to join the team and learn more about photographing and photo-identifying manta rays. The Manta Trust team also offers guests weekly presentations on the conservation and behavior of manta rays and, for younger guests, offers educational activities at The Den.
A Spa Chef – Samantha Gowing is an accomplished chef and nutritionist and generally known as Australia’s Spa chef. She will be visiting Six Senses Laamu from May 2 to 9, offering workshops on Food Healing and Spa Food in Six Senses Spa, along with a wellness dinner at LEAF on May 5. She is an avid surfer and diver, so when not cooking, guests may be able to ride a few waves with her and find out more about her exciting wellness and culinary experiences.
Turtle Nesting and Hatching Season – While diving, snorkeling or simply sitting on the deck, guests can frequently see Green and Hawksbill turtles on the reefs surrounding the resort. Between March and July, the female Green turtles return to the beaches on which they were born, to lay their eggs. Following an incubation time of 50 to 70 days, little hatchlings use a carbuncle (temporary egg tooth) to help break open the shell. After hatching, the young turtles may take three to seven days to dig their way to the surface. To witness this little life marvel is a magical experience and one that the resort is exceptionally excited to share with guests each year. World Turtle Day takes place on May 23 and special events and talks will be organized for this day.
Celebrity Chefs – The resort is very excited to welcome two Danish Michelin-stared chefs this Aqua Season who are both offering exclusive signature culinary experiences. Geranium’s Chef Rasmus Kofoed will be back to Six Senses Laamu in March offering four signature dinners in LEAF on March 24, 26, 30 and April 2. Jesper Koch, from the famous Restaurant Koch, will be offering four signature dinners at LEAF on July 21, 23, 24 and 25. In addition to these two Danish personalities, the resort welcomes the return of UK Celebrity Chef Anton Manganaro. Chef Anton will be offering two signature dinners at LEAF on August 10 and 11 and an exclusive barbecue on the beach on August 13.
Harvest Week – September is traditionally the month of Europe’s grape harvest. Chef Martin, the resort’s executive chef, and Karim, the head sommelier, have put together a series of organic and biodynamic wine dinners between September 12 and 18. The experience begins with cocktails including ingredients from the resort’s organic garden, and then guests will join a shared table to enjoy a menu based on organic and local ingredients. The dinners will follow four themes based on the climate types and how they influence wine: Cool Climate wines and their method of harvest, Continental Climate and its influence in the vineyard, Mediterranean Climate and its link to food and Warm Climate and the struggle to keep the balance intact.
Visiting Practitioners at the Six Senses Spa – Dr. Gopal, a visiting Ayurvedic and naturopathic doctor who specializes in Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion, Indian head massage and naturopathy, will be back at Six Senses Spa from May 1 to 31 and from August 16 to September 30. Jill Banwell and Claude Simard return to Six Senses Spa from July 1 to August 14, offering crystal healing and deep tissue massages respectively, among other treatments. From October 15 to September 30, Sommai, a passionate holistic therapist specializing in Tibetan Singing Bowls, acupuncture and tai chi will also be available at Six Senses Spa.
Global Wellness Day – The resort is excited to join this global movement every year on June 13, being true to one of its core values, “Pioneering Wellness”. On this day the wellness and fitness experts at Six Senses Spa will be offering complimentary classes, which include aerial yoga, fitness sessions, island running and much more.
International Day of Yoga – On June 21, all guests are invited to Six Senses Spa to enjoy a series of complimentary yoga classes throughout the day. These include aerial yoga, hatha yoga, yoga nidra, pranayama and more.
Conservation Photography – Joanna Lentini is welcomed to Six Senses Laamu this Aqua Season. Joanna, an accomplished photographer who is passionate about the natural world both above and below the surface will be visiting Six Senses Laamu from May 20 to 30. With a focus on conservation photography and the ‘Blue Economy’, Joanna will be offering guests insights and talks on sustainability and marine conservation topics.
Resident DJs – Starting March 7 to June 3, the resort is excited to have Sven van Hees on the decks of Chill Bar. His music is described as “a timeless soundtrack to an endless summer”. His chill out tunes create a true relaxing tropical island ambiance to blend with the Maldivian sunsets. Matthieu B will be taking over the turntables next and will be presenting from June 5 to August 31. His Maldivian inspired mellow tunes are known for creating unique emotions and magical sunset musical journeys. From September 1 to November 26, Mathieu Modeste, known as Matmac, will be the resident DJ at Chill Bar. Matmac uses his travel experiences to some the world’s finest beaches and most stunning sunsets as inspiration for his music.
This Aqua Season, Six senses Laamu has the summer offer package available for guests. The package includes, among others, one complimentary night for every three nights booked, with half board meal plan included.
Celebration
Immersive festivities and exquisite dining await at Jumeirah Olhahali Island
During the Year of the Snake, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers an extraordinary escape, combining cherished traditions, culinary artistry, and serene wellness amid the stunning beauty of the Maldives. From January 21 to February 7, 2025, the resort presents a thoughtfully curated program to celebrate the Year of the Serpent, honouring time-honoured traditions with meaningful and immersive experiences.
A highlight of the festivities is the return of the ‘Flavours of China’ culinary pop-up event, now in its second year. Led by Chef Charles Liu, the Chinese Executive Chef at Jumeirah Guangzhou with over two decades of experience in prestigious five-star hotels and grand banquets, the event features an exquisitely crafted six-course menu. Guests can indulge in dishes such as Typhoon Shelter Crispy Fried Oysters and Deep-sea Grouper Broth, with main courses including slow-cooked Abalone with Fish Maw and braised Maldivian Lobster with Caviar. Additional offerings include pan-fried Australian MB9 Wagyu Beef, steamed Alaskan King Crab Leg, and a refreshing Raspberry Cheesecake paired with tropical fruits. To elevate the dining experience, a curated selection of fine Chinese wines is available to complement each course.
The culinary festivities also include a range of seasonal dining experiences. Guests can start their day with an Asian-inspired floating breakfast served in a private pool, featuring a vibrant medley of flavours. Evenings bring the charm of fragrant broths and fresh ingredients at an oceanside hot pot dinner, while the Asian market nights offer a lively atmosphere to savour regional delicacies against the backdrop of gentle waves.
For those seeking tranquility and renewal, the Talise Spa provides a sanctuary of pure bliss. Suspended overwater with glass floors, the spa allows guests to observe marine life during treatments, adding a distinctive element to relaxation. Mia Liu, a visiting spa therapist from Jumeirah Guangzhou, introduces moxibustion therapy—an ancient Chinese ritual combining therapeutic heat and deep tissue massage to promote harmony and well-being. Additionally, Dr. Shagnika Pradhan, a specialist in naturopathy and holistic wellness, hosts Reiki sound healing sessions, blending energy therapy with sound vibrations to restore balance and rejuvenate the spirit.
Immersive island activities further enrich the celebrations. At the MURACA Art Studio, guests can participate in creative workshops such as zodiac-inspired ceramic painting, candle crafting, and decorating traditional Maldivian coconut bowls, each reflecting the spirit of the season. For adventurers, opportunities abound to explore the surrounding marine ecosystem, with snorkelling excursions alongside turtles and tropical fish or dolphin-spotting in the open sea.
These bespoke experiences are complemented by Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s modern overwater and beach villas. Each of the 67 villas is bathed in natural light, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of palm-fringed shores and the vast ocean. Every villa is equipped with a private rooftop and infinity pool, offering unique spaces for relaxation and connection, whether through an intimate dinner or a personalised art class, ensuring that guests leave with lasting memories of their island retreat.
Celebration
Tradition and romance: twin-island escapes at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru
This New Year, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru invite travellers to embark on an extraordinary twin-island escape. Nestled in the pristine North Malé Atoll, these sister resorts offer curated experiences that blend tradition, intimacy, and luxury to celebrate two cherished occasions: Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.
Guests are encouraged to reconnect with family and honour time-honoured traditions through a sumptuous Chinese New Year feast. The curated menu includes a lavish seafood bar, handcrafted dim sum, and decadent desserts, symbolising unity and abundance. Featuring the freshest oysters, seafood, and artfully prepared traditional dishes, the feast is set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers couples an opportunity to embrace love amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives. For Valentine’s Day, the resort presents exclusive intimate experiences designed to create lasting memories.
Enchanting Experiences Include:
- Couple’s Spa Retreat: Couples can reconnect with a 60-minute massage at the Banyan Tree Signature Spa, which combines ancient Asian healing philosophies with the soothing touch of locally sourced herbs.
- Blissful Floating Breakfast: Guests can begin their day with a romantic floating breakfast served in their private pool. The menu includes freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and gourmet delicacies, complemented by a bottle of champagne and charming floral arrangements.
- To Infinity and Beyond Private Beach Dinner: Couples can enjoy an enchanting evening beneath the stars with a chef-curated five-course gourmet dinner, paired with Veuve Clicquot Brut. This experience features dining on soft sands, candlelight, red roses, and a special setup for an unforgettable celebration of love.
- Sakura Omakase Set Dinner: The award-winning Madi Hiyaa restaurant offers an intimate dining journey with a chef-curated four-course Japanese menu, paired with Whispering Angel Rosé. The romantic ambiance is enhanced with delicate floral touches and attentive service. Guests staying at Dhawa Ihuru can enjoy a 20% discount.
- Chocolate and Wine Pairing: Guests can indulge in a curated pairing experience featuring artisanal chocolates, berries, and four premium wines. This offering is available in several serene settings, including Naiboli Bar, Madi Hiyaa, or by the tranquil lagoon.
Exclusive Valentine’s Day Offers (available for bookings with a minimum three-night stay):
- One complimentary 60-minute massage for two
- 20% off the Private Beach Dinner and Floating Breakfast
- 20% off the Sakura Omakase set menu
- 20% off Chocolate & Wine Pairings
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru provide a haven of barefoot luxury, inviting guests to create unforgettable moments with their loved ones.
Celebration
Tropical elegance meets cultural heritage: SO/ Maldives’ festive celebration
Step into a realm of unparalleled luxury and avant-garde elegance as SO/ Maldives prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year in high style from 28 January to 31 January 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives, this iconic celebration promises a curated experience of haute cuisine, holistic indulgence, and captivating festivities, transforming the holiday into a statement of sophistication.
Renowned for vibrant celebrations and rich heritage, this year’s Chinese New Year program offers an unforgettable lineup. Highlights include a spectacular light-up ceremony, spellbinding cultural performances, a chic DJ party, and elegant festive fairs, all steeped in glamour and refinement.
The theme for 2025, “Ushering Fortune and Unity for a Prosperous New Year,” emphasises joy, harmony, and good fortune. Anchored in multiculturalism and diversity, the festivities aim to bring families and couples together for a stylish celebration of new beginnings. Through vibrant events and a glamorous ambiance, SO/ Maldives sets the stage for a bright and prosperous year.
Guests can immerse themselves in a fusion of cultural traditions and tropical luxury. Highlights include the energetic Lion Dance, which winds through the resort, and thrilling adventures such as snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Culinary experiences like the Asian Street Market and Beach BBQ showcase Chinese-inspired gourmet delights, while creative workshops such as Handmade Pottery and Canvas Bag Painting ensure magical moments for younger guests.
SO/ Maldives elevates the festive allure with dazzling red lantern installations and breathtaking dragon dance performances on pristine beaches. Villas adorned with bespoke Chinese New Year decor blend cultural heritage with contemporary chic, creating an atmosphere of bold sophistication.
“At SO/ Maldives, we reinvent luxury celebrations, merging vibrant traditions with a cutting-edge, fashion-forward perspective. This Chinese New Year, the experience will be as bold and dazzling as the Year of the Wood Snake itself,” says Olivier MOIESDELVAL, General Manager of SO/ Maldives.
SO/ Maldives invites guests to embrace the finer things in life, where every taste, touch, and moment sparkles with creativity and glamour.
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