News
Singapore Airlines introduce ‘Companion App’ for in-flight entertainment system

Singapore Airlines is raising the travel experience to an exciting new level with the introduction of a first-of-its-kind mobile application that offers customers greater control over their in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience – even before boarding the aircraft.
The companion app, which was developed for Singapore Airlines by MTT in conjunction with Panasonic Avionics, enables customers to review the IFE video and audio content that will be available on their flight, create pre-selected favorites lists, and control the seat-back IFE system – all using their personal electronic devices. The app is now available on iOS and Android tablets, with availability on iOS and Android mobile phones in the second quarter of 2016.
To make use of the app, customers can install the SingaporeAir tablet application on their device prior to the aircraft’s departure. Once on board, they can link their device to the IFE system using the aircraft’s in-flight WiFi network. Connecting to KrisWorld, the Airline’s award-winning IFE system, will then allow for movies, TV shows or music to be launched on the seat monitor, directly from their list of favourites or from the entire media list.
Linking the app to the IFE system also enables the personal device to be used as a remote control, to pause, play, or skip through media content. SIA will be the first airline in the world to enable this on a Panasonic in-flight entertainment system. Customers will be able to multi-task, thereby maximising their experience of KrisWorld, such as by browsing through the index of KrisWorld content on their device while watching a movie on the seat monitor. Customers can even access real-time information on the flight progress and flight path without interrupting their movie viewing.
Current features of the companion app will initially be available on the Airline’s new fleet of Airbus A350-900s, with plans to progressively roll it out to the Boeing 777-300ERs and other aircraft in future.
Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld IFE system offers up to 295 movies, over 470 TV programmes and more than 450 CD albums each month.
Drink
French winemaker Pascal Jolivet to lead wine-pairing dinner at Milaidhoo Maldives
Milaidhoo Maldives will welcome French winemaker Pascal Jolivet to the island for an exclusive five-course wine-pairing dinner on 4 December, where guests will have the chance to meet him in person, discover his wines and hear more about his approach to winemaking.
Known for his distinctive wines from France’s Loire Valley, Pascal Jolivet will personally present a selection from his collection throughout the evening. Each wine will be paired with a specially created course, bringing together carefully prepared dishes and wines chosen to complement their flavours.
The selection will include Sancerre Signature 2023, Pouilly-Fumé Indigène 2023, Attitude Pinot Noir 2024 and Sancerre Rosé 2024, giving guests the chance to discover different styles from the winemaker’s collection.
Founded in 1987, Pascal Jolivet’s wine house has become well regarded for its approach to expressing the natural character of the Loire Valley’s vineyards. His wines are particularly recognised for their freshness, precision and elegance.
At Milaidhoo, food and wine are an important part of island life. With a strong focus on quality ingredients, varied culinary experiences and a carefully selected wine collection, the island attracts guests who appreciate good food and fine wines.
Nikhil Bakle, Resident Wine Sommelier at Milaidhoo Maldives, says: “What makes an evening like this special is the chance to go beyond the wine in the glass. Having Pascal with us means guests can hear directly from the winemaker, learn about his approach and discover what goes into each bottle. It is also a lovely opportunity to explore how these wines complement the food.”
Set in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the evening will bring together good food, exceptional wines and the chance to meet the man behind the label, making it a special occasion for wine lovers visiting Milaidhoo.
Read more about Milaidhoo’s culinary offering here.
News
SO/ Maldives celebrates three years with new island experiences and villa offerings
Three years of bold expressions, unforgettable moments and unapologetic individuality. SO/ Maldives celebrates its third anniversary, marking an iconic journey of redefining contemporary island luxury with its distinctive style and playful sophistication.
Designed for the stylish individualist, SO/ Maldives commemorated the milestone in collaboration with Rip Curl Maldives, bringing together ocean culture, vibrant entertainment and the resort’s signature barefoot glamour in a celebration of creativity and island living.
To mark this new chapter, the resort introduces SO/ Signature Experiences, a curated collection of playful and elevated island moments. From Lazuli Frequency’s silent disco sessions and energetic Water Drums to Floating Pickleball and board games at Lazuli, Afternoon High Tea and Sunset Rituals at Pavilion Bar, each offering captures the resort’s distinctive personality.
Further elevating its luxury offering, SO/ Maldives unveils Your Villa, Your Way, an exclusive villa escape celebrating personalised indulgence and effortless privacy. Featuring private speedboat transfers, bespoke in-villa dining, flexible check-in and check-out, and curated privileges, the experience also extends to the entire CROSSROADS dining experiences.
Beyond the resort, guests are invited to discover a world of flavours across CROSSROADS Maldives, home to 17 restaurants and bars offering everything from international favourites to exceptional culinary experiences, including dining recognised by Asia’s 50 Best. With flexible meal plans and an extensive choice of dining destinations, guests can explore the wider culinary scene with ease.
Connecting SO/ Maldives to The Marina and neighbouring resorts, a complimentary premium Maldivian dhoni shuttle offers a seamless and distinctly local way to experience everything CROSSROADS Maldives has to offer.
As SO/ Maldives enters its fourth chapter, the resort continues to push boundaries through bold collaborations, immersive experiences, environmental stewardship and a fresh perspective on contemporary island luxury.
For reservations and further enquiries, please visit the resort’s official website.
Action
ananea Madivaru Maldives to host international padel player Cornelia Lister
ananea Madivaru Maldives will welcome Cornelia Lister, international padel player and Captain of the Swedish National Junior Padel Team, from 7 to 14 November 2026. Bringing experience from both professional tennis and international padel, she will host two afternoons of padel sessions, inviting guests to refine their game and enjoy friendly competition in an intimate group setting.
With a tennis career spanning appearances at Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open, Lister brings a distinguished sporting background to the experience. A WTA doubles titleholder who reached a career-high world doubles ranking of No. 72, she combines experience at the highest levels of tennis with a passion for developing players on the padel court.
With the growing appeal of padel inspiring new ways to spend time together on holiday, ananea Madivaru offers a setting where a love of sport finds its place within the ease of island life. Its padel and pickleball courts, overwater gym and Kandu Spa allow guests to move between spirited play and quieter moments at their own pace. Lister’s visit lends a distinctive touch to this experience, bringing the insight and warmth of an accomplished player to afternoons shared on court.
Pierre Edlund, General Manager of ananea Madivaru Maldives, says: “Having worked with Cornelia before, I know firsthand the incredible energy and passion she brings, not only to the sport but also to the people around her. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and for me, it was an obvious choice to welcome her to ananea Madivaru Maldives. She brings exactly the kind of personality and spirit we love, adding a little extra sporty glamour, fun and unforgettable moments to our guests’ island experience.”
Padel sessions with Cornelia Lister are exclusively available to in-house guests on a complimentary basis, adding a fun, active and memorable moment to their Slow Glamour holiday.
Opened in July 2025, ananea Madivaru is a luxury twin-island resort set in the heart of the Maldives’ North Ari Atoll. Rooted in the philosophy of slow glamour, the resort invites guests to embrace life’s unhurried rhythms while immersed in timeless beauty and refined simplicity. With 111 elegantly designed villas, nine distinct dining destinations, a private lagoon, serene spa, immersive experiences, and a dedicated kids’ club, ananea Madivaru blends contemporary sophistication with the traditions and natural splendour of its surroundings. Every element has been carefully curated to offer meaningful, memorable escapes that resonate long after departure.
For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s official website.
-
News1 week agoananea Madivaru Maldives unveils personalised island concierge experience
-
News1 week agoCentara unveils Festival of Lights celebrations across Maldives resorts
-
News1 week agoThe Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives expands wellness offering with new spa experiences
-
Cooking1 week agoOZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI to host Diwali celebrations in November
-
Action1 week agoBest Dives Maldives earns two honours at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
-
Awards1 week agoSoneva Fushi takes top honour for sustainable childcare in luxury hospitality
-
Awards1 week agoWellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
-
Action1 week agoKandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings


