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.

The celebrated Japanese artist and designer Verdy brought his distinctive creative vision to the tranquil shores of the Maldives through a pop-up experience that left a lasting impression on enthusiasts of art, fashion, and culinary arts. Hosted at Patina Maldives, the exclusive event marked the global debut of Henry’s Pizza outside Osaka and featured a meticulously curated line of limited-edition merchandise.

At the centre of the pop-up was Henry’s Pizza, Verdy’s iconic concept, known for its bold, handcrafted flavours inspired by Osaka’s vibrant food culture. Guests enjoyed signature creations reimagined to reflect the relaxed luxury of Patina Maldives.

The event also showcased a compelling merchandise collection. This creative collaboration with Chef Natsuko Shoji of the Michelin-starred restaurant été in Tokyo celebrated the fusion of art and culinary excellence. The collection embodied Verdy’s playful aesthetic while paying homage to the dynamic cultural exchange between Japan and the Maldives.

Verdy described the pop-up as an opportunity to bring the essence of Osaka to an unexpected setting. He highlighted the collaboration with Chef Natsuko and the Patina Maldives team as a unique blend of creativity, taste, and design that resulted in a memorable experience.

The pop-up attracted global tastemakers, including art enthusiasts, fashion insiders, and gastronomes, further solidifying Verdy’s reputation as a cultural innovator. Although the event has concluded, its impact continues to resonate as a benchmark for blending multidisciplinary creativity with luxury hospitality.

Anantara Veli Maldives Resort has announced the return of its Around The World Michelin Star Guest Chef Series for 2025, promising unforgettable culinary journeys with a sustainable twist.

In alignment with the resort’s commitment to sustainability, this year’s Michelin-starred guest chefs are incorporating eco-friendly elements into their menus. These initiatives include the use of local ingredients from the resort’s Chef’s Garden, adapting menus to feature the catch of the day, or creating zero-waste dishes.

Reflecting on the inaugural series, Chef Francis Purification, Culinary Director of Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, recalled how Chef Gary Foulkes of Angler Restaurant prepared a remarkable wahoo dish, utilising the fish to its fullest extent, even creating a rich bouillabaisse with its bones. Inspired by that memory, Chef Francis decided to challenge this year’s lineup of chefs to bring their own innovative approaches to the table.

Chef Francis remarked, “The Maldives presents unique challenges in terms of sustainability in the kitchen since most ingredients need to be imported. Fortunately, we have a passionate purchasing team working with suppliers who share our sustainability goals.”

The 2025 series begins on February 27 with culinary power couple Chef Michelle Goh and Chef Pongcharn “Top” Russell of Mia Restaurant in Bangkok, who will introduce modern European cuisine infused with Asian influences.

On March 13, Chef Melvin Chou of Terra Tokyo Italian in Singapore will showcase his signature fusion of Japanese food culture and Italian cuisine. Known for his creative use of seasonal ingredients, Chef Melvin’s omakase menu masterfully merges two distinct culinary traditions.

Chef Oli Marlow of Roganic Hong Kong, renowned for his commitment to zero-waste cooking, will appear on April 17. Inspired by his mentor Simon Rogan, Chef Marlow is on a journey to establish his own culinary legacy.

On May 22, Malaysian-born Chef Victor Liong of Lee Ho Fook in Melbourne, Australia, will bring a Chinese culinary experience, while Chef Arnaud Dunand of Maison Dunand in Bangkok will deliver refined French cuisine on June 5.

Michael Parker, Complex General Manager of Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, expressed excitement for Chef Victor Liong’s visit, noting, “Having lived in China for eight years, I appreciate the diversity and provincial influences in Chinese cuisine. I look forward to seeing how Chef Victor’s creations might evoke nostalgic memories.”

British culinary talent will also be spotlighted, with Chef Ricki Weston of The Dining Room at Whatley Manor cooking on July 24 and Chef Adam Smith of Woven by Adam Smith in Ascot appearing on September 4.

Returning on October 30 for the second consecutive year, Chef Simon Hulstone of the Michelin-starred Elephant in Torquay will once again captivate guests. Last year, Chef Hulstone impressed with his squid risotto and a beautifully cured sea-bass dish. He expressed enthusiasm for the sustainability element this year, noting that he enjoys collaborating with the resort’s kitchen team and interacting with guests.

The series will conclude on December 4 with Chef Jeremy Gillon, known as the “vegetable whisperer,” who will present a menu featuring sustainable innovations during his second appearance at Anantara Veli.

Chef Francis highlighted the series as not only an exceptional dining experience for guests but also an invaluable opportunity for the resort’s culinary team. “Over the last two series, our chefs have had the privilege of working alongside world-renowned talents, gaining exposure to a range of techniques and perspectives,” he said.

The Around The World Michelin Star Guest Chef Series offers an exclusive dining experience for 24 guests at Anantara Veli’s Japanese restaurant, Origami. Each evening features a curated menu paired with fine wines.