News
Kurumba Maldives – Party With A Purpose

Maldives.net.mv – On Thursday 21st April Kurumba Maldives proudly hosted the fundraising event “Party with a Purpose”. This event was held for the fifth consecutive year in aid of 145 orphaned and foster children residing at “Kudakudhinge Hiyaa” located on Villingili and Hulhumalé islands. Support from 9 different Maldivian musician acts, many suppliers and partners contributed to raise over US$23,000. This upcoming year, the funds will be destined mostly to educational projects, in cooperation with the local nongovernmental organization ARC – Advocating the Rights for the Children – and Kudakudhinge Hiyaa.
Local artists volunteered their time to perform Maldivian and international tunes in an outdoor setting for the resident guests and invitees’ enjoyment. Performances took place at Kandu Bar between 5.00pm to 12am. The musicians who offered their time and joie de vivre were: Island Fusion, Passive Harmony, Flower Rain, Mishy, Mira, Rishvan Imon, Def Note, DJ Paidé, DJ Maapu and Ammaday.

The set up for the event would have not been possible without the immense support of Event Maldives, as well as a taskforce of more than 55 team members from Kurumba Maldives, who volunteered cheerfully.
Local and foreign suppliers; Cosmopolitan, SIMDI Beverages, Grape Expectations, MMI Maldives, Navean, Coca Cola, SAFCO, Yeoman Group, Good Food Exports, donated goods that were used as refreshments and nourishment throughout the day, from which all proceeds went to the cause. Other suppliers that contributed with diverse useful goods were M7 Print, Bee House and Rateria.
The silent auction was blessed this year with the remarkable support of 24 resorts and 3 major airline carriers as sponsors. This was conducted throughout the event with many guests bidding for the following resorts and prizes: Amari Havodda, Amilla Fushi, Bandos Maldives, Coco Bodu Hithi, Crown & Champa Resorts, Four Seasons Resort at Kuda Huraa, Gili Lankanfushi, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, Hotel Jen, Jumeirah Vittaveli, LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maalifushi by COMO, Oblu by Atmosphere at Helengeli, Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Reethi Beach Resort, Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Thulhagiri, Velassaru, Vivanta Coral Reef by Taj, W Retreat & Spa, Universal Resorts, Kurumba Maldives, Veli Spa, Emirates Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airlines.

The evening was a great success with many locals, expatriates, local media and senior business invitees plus Kurumba’s in house guests joining in. There was non-stop live entertainment and the evening was blessed with almost perfect weather to host such an event. This year, we also counted on the support of Think Maldives and Digital Studio for photography and videography purposes.
The Kudakudhinge Hiyaa orphanage, located on Villingili and Hulhumalé islands, hosts children between the ages of 6 months and 21 years old. This is a self-supporting service that requires help from the community and industry in order to continue providing a caring, safe and educational environment for these children.
Ali Farooq, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager and Champion of ARC and the orphanages commented: “This is the 5th consecutive and successful year for Party with a Purpose. We are very thankful for the vast support and contributions of performers, suppliers, resorts, airlines and attendees. This is a great achievement for us and we are very proud to support our local community, ARC – Advocating the Rights of Children – and the Kudakudhinge Hiyaa orphanage. We will strive to continue with this charitable event year after year.”
For more information on Kurumba Maldives’ CSR program, please check www.kurumba.com/maldives-csr-activities For more information about upcoming events in Kurumba Maldives, please check www.kurumba.com/maldives-
Drink
Baros Maldives welcomes Italian winemaker Maria Stella for exclusive wine dinner
There is something special about discovering a place through its wines. This November, Baros Maldives invites guests to experience a taste of Tuscany with an exclusive wine dinner celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of Poliziano, hosted by third-generation winemaker Maria Stella.
Set against the beautiful ocean backdrop of The Lighthouse Restaurant, the intimate evening will take place on Sunday 29 November 2026, at 7 pm, bringing together fine wines, thoughtfully prepared cuisine and the pleasure of sharing a table.
Founded in 1961 by Dino Carletti in Montepulciano, Tuscany, Poliziano has long been guided by a deep connection to its land and the traditions of its region. Its name reflects both its Tuscan home and a tribute to Renaissance poet Angelo Ambrogini, known as Poliziano. Over the decades, the winery has remained true to its origins, producing wines that speak of their landscape, heritage and the people behind them.
Leading the evening, Maria Stella will share the story of Poliziano through a selection of its wines, offering guests a personal perspective on the family’s winemaking heritage and the philosophy that continues to shape the estate.
Each wine will be accompanied by a specially created dinner course, with pairings designed to bring out the character of both the glass and the plate.
Limited to just 16 guests, the dinner is intended to be as much about the company and conversation as it is about the wines themselves. An evening to slow down, discover something new and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food and wine in wonderful surroundings.
The experience is priced at USD 235 per guest, inclusive of the specially curated dinner menu and wine pairings. Advance reservations are essential, with seating limited to 16 guests.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday 29 November 2026
- Time: 7 pm
- Venue: The Lighthouse Restaurant, Baros Maldives
For booking enquiries, please contact reservations@baros.com or call +960 664 2672.
Food
Michelin-starred Chef Charles Coulombeau to host exclusive residency at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection will welcome Michelin-starred French chef Charles Coulombeau from 26 to 28 November 2026.
The three-day programme opens with sunset cocktails and canapés, followed by a fine dining evening at Muraka Restaurant and a special cooking class with the chef.
Coulombeau leads the kitchen at La Maison dans le Parc in Nancy, France, which holds one Michelin star. His cooking pairs modern French technique with influences from his time in Japan, bringing ingredients such as citrus and seaweed into dishes shaped by seasonal produce.
The culinary programme:
- Thursday, 26 November | Sunset cocktails and canapés. The programme opens with sunset cocktails and Michelin-inspired canapés, offering guests a first taste of the chef’s approach ahead of Friday’s fine dining event.
- Friday, 27 November | Fine dining at Muraka Restaurant. Coulombeau will present a special dinner at the resort’s overwater Muraka Restaurant, where guests can experience his modern French cooking overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- Saturday, 28 November | Special Cooking Class. Guests will have the opportunity to learn directly from Coulombeau and explore some of the techniques behind his cooking.
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection offers an intimate island retreat in the Maldives, with beach and overwater accommodation, dining overlooking the ocean, and experiences on and beneath the water.
News
Dr Tridendra Shakya to lead wellness residency at Finolhu Maldives
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is set to welcome renowned wellness practitioner Dr Tridendra Shakya for an exclusive residency at Fehi Spa from 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, the residency invites guests to explore a more mindful approach to wellbeing through personalised treatments, traditional healing practices and restorative experiences.
Hailing from Kathmandu, Nepal, Dr Shakya brings 17 years of experience in naturopathy and holistic wellbeing, drawing upon ancient Eastern healing philosophies and contemporary wellness practices. His approach centres on understanding each individual’s needs, combining therapeutic techniques with lifestyle guidance to encourage relaxation, balance and a deeper connection between mind and body.
Throughout his seven-week residency, Dr Shakya will offer a carefully curated selection of therapies encompassing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, reflexology, cupping, manipulative massage and therapeutic yoga. Personalised wellness consultations, incorporating pulse diagnosis alongside lifestyle and nutritional guidance, will allow guests to explore treatments tailored to their individual wellbeing goals.
Among the signature experiences is Yin & Pin, a combination of gentle passive stretching and acupuncture designed to encourage deep relaxation and release muscular tension. Acu-Massage brings together acupuncture, Marma point massage and traditional cupping techniques, while the Head to Toe Reviver draws upon the principles of reflexology to provide a restorative experience particularly suited to travellers seeking relaxation after a long journey.
The programme also explores the relationship between movement, breath and mindfulness. Therapeutic yoga sessions incorporate supportive postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques adapted to individual needs. Guests can also discover Motion Meditation, blending the graceful movements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong with mindful breathing, or experience Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation practice that encourages profound relaxation and mental stillness.
For those seeking a more personalised wellness journey, the residency includes specialised experiences focusing on sleep, stress management, spinal care and traditional yogic cleansing practices. Each experience begins with an assessment, allowing Dr Shakya to tailor his approach to the guest’s individual preferences and wellbeing objectives.
The residency complements Finolhu’s existing wellness offering at Fehi Spa, where the island’s natural beauty provides an inviting setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by turquoise waters, powder-soft beaches and lush tropical vegetation, the resort offers an opportunity to step away from everyday routines and embrace a slower, more considered pace of life.
With its distinctive blend of barefoot luxury, contemporary design and immersive island experiences, Finolhu continues to introduce thoughtfully curated programmes that enrich the guest journey. Dr. Shakya’s residency adds a new dimension to the resort’s wellness offering, inviting guests to incorporate moments of restoration and self-discovery into their Maldivian escape.
Dr Tridendra Shakya’s residency will take place at Fehi Spa from 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Complimentary initial consultations are available, with advance reservations recommended. For further information or reservations, guests may visit www.finolhu.com or contact stay@finolhu.com.
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