News
Maldivian inflight magazine enjoying success
Following the success of the previous two issues of the national airline’s inflight magazine, Maldivian Holidays has introduced a special business listing section. The section is solely targeted to provide additional exposure to local businesses and medium business enterprises. After an increased amount of requests and enquiries from local businesses and guesthouses, the publisher and the airline have now listened and after much consideration agreed to involve more of their participation in the inflight circulated magazine.
Custom Full page in the business listing section with a distinctive layout compared to the magazine, businesses who advertise with Maldivian Holidays will benefit from the change of direction. Since all of the businesses would be listed in one section – distinguishable from the rest, even when closed – future clients and the overall audience of the section would be at a higher rate. It also provides the audience an easier access to brands, hence increasing the number of possible future clients.
Since the beginning, Maldivian Holidays has achieved a huge success in entertaining the travellers of the national airline and the domestic passengers. The magazine with themed issues come with contents such as Top Holiday Options, Spa Selections, Best of Food & Beverage and various column articles aiming to promote the airline destinations and the unique attractions of the Maldives Islands.
The Re-branded new concept of the magazine has been reached by over 4,000,000 people around the world, and neighbouring India leads as the country which draws in the largest readership base. The statistics calculated by the external magazine publisher website, issuu.com confirms it as an outstanding achievement for Maldives. Issuu.com has been promoting the inflight Maldivian Holidays in their social medias since the first issue.
“Issuu is proud to be working with The Official Magazine of National Carrier of Maldives ‘Maldivian’ owned and operated by Island Aviation Services Limited. Their publication has over 4 million impressions across the Issuu platform on desktop, mobile, native app and social platforms. We look forward to continuing our work with the publisher, MVHOTELS, on growing their impressions, readers and engagement in the coming months.” Fernando Romero, Head of Brand Partnership, Issuu.com
With about 10,000 copies being published per issue, Maldivian Holidays enjoys a broad distribution network apart from In-flight to provide additional value to the supporting partners and consumers. It’s reach close to one million passenger per annum in over 10 different international destinations. The digital edition of the magazine is also available on the official website of the airline, the publisher and famed ISSUU – reaching millions of readers across the globe.
“We had our doubts during the initial stage in maintaining an inflight magazine, but looking at the statistics and feedback by passengers and partners prove the support and value it adds to the airline. We are discussing more ways to further develop the brand with the publisher, MVHOTELS, to get more recognition as the national airline’s inflight magazine. ” Mohamed Rizvi, Head of Maldivian Holidays, Island Aviation
MVHOTELS with the editorial team based in UK & operations in Maldives was contracted to publish the magazine mid-2015. “The magazine had its challenges since start and even now, but our team is young, energetic and most importantly very passionate about the work we do, with the best experts within the team, which is far greater than the challenges. Our prime objective was to promote the destination and airline to the international consumers and we are happy with the results. Now with introduction of Business Listing Section, Medium businesses of Maldives can budget for the upcoming year and participate from next issue onwards” Mohamed Aryf, Director of MVHOTELS revealed.
MVHOTELS is also the publisher of the internationally distributed Luxury Travel magazine, The Asian Story. The publisher’s website mvhotelsonline.com is among the leading travel industry media websites which is constantly updated with travel industry updates, interviews, openings, reviews and other related important contents.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is hosting an exclusive Mastroberardino Wine Dinner on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, inviting wine enthusiasts and culinary travellers to an evening of fine wine and gastronomy at The Shack, the resort’s secluded sandbank venue.
Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the intimate dinner celebrates Mastroberardino, one of Italy’s longest-established winemaking families, known for championing Campania’s native grape varieties since the mid-18th century. Led by Piero Mastroberardino, a tenth-generation winemaker and an internationally recognised figure in Italian viticulture, the estate is widely regarded for preserving and promoting historic varietals such as Greco, Fiano and Aglianico, including the Taurasi DOCG.
Guests will take part in a curated dining experience featuring a bespoke multi-course menu created by Executive Chef Frank and paired with a selection of Mastroberardino wines. The menu begins with Greco di Tufo DOCG and Fiano di Avellino DOCG, continues with Lacrimarosa Rosato, and concludes with Radici Taurasi DOCG, followed by a dessert course paired with Melizie Fiano Passito.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, said the resort aims to create dining experiences that go beyond conventional formats, where heritage, storytelling and setting come together in a meaningful way. He noted that hosting the Mastroberardino Wine Dinner on a private sandbank provides an opportunity to present one of Italy’s historic winemaking traditions while offering guests an intimate evening within the natural setting of the Maldives.
In addition to its heritage, Mastroberardino is recognised for its sustainability practices, including responsible vineyard management, biodiversity conservation and energy efficiency. These values align closely with Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ own approach to mindful luxury and environmental stewardship.
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has been named Resort of the Year 2025 by Target Taste China, one of China’s most influential platforms recognising excellence in hospitality, dining and experiential luxury.
The award places Grand Park Kodhipparu among a select group of internationally respected luxury resorts, acknowledged for their commitment to taste, craftsmanship and holistic guest experience. Winners were chosen by Target Taste’s editorial and expert panel, which is known for its rigorous evaluation process and strong influence among China’s high-end travel and lifestyle audiences.
Commenting on the recognition, Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, said the award was a meaningful endorsement of the resort’s team and its long-term vision. He noted that as the resort marks its ninth year of operations, being named Resort of the Year reflects the passion, creativity and dedication of its staff, as well as its continued commitment to delivering experiences that resonate with discerning travellers.
Located on a private island accessible by speedboat from Malé International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu has gained recognition for its contemporary interpretation of Maldivian luxury, combining modern design, attentive service and a strong culinary identity. A central feature of the guest experience is the resort’s destination dining portfolio, which has become one of its defining attributes.
Target Taste China is widely regarded as an authority on luxury taste and lifestyle, with a strong following among affluent Chinese travellers and industry professionals. Its annual awards recognise excellence across hotels, resorts, dining concepts and destinations worldwide.
Resort Executive Chef Raymond Tan said dining at the resort is intended to be immersive and sensory. He explained that the Firedoor signature dining experience is built around open-flame cooking, elemental techniques and the integrity of premium ingredients, allowing natural flavours to take prominence. He added that this is complemented by the Maldives’ only glass-floor overwater dining venue, where guests are connected to the ocean beneath them as much as to the cuisine itself.
The accolade further strengthens Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives’ position as a leading luxury resort in the Indian Ocean and reinforces its appeal within the Chinese market and internationally.
Kandolhu Maldives has announced its next culinary collaboration with Lima-born chef Claudia Canessa, with a special residency scheduled from 30 April to 4 May 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to experience the flavours of Peru through a series of dining events curated by one of the country’s most recognised contemporary culinary figures.
Chef Canessa brings extensive experience and a distinctive culinary perspective to Kandolhu Island. She is best known for her work at Amaru in St. Moritz, a bespoke restaurant created specifically for her and designed by Luke Edward Hall, where she presents Peruvian cuisine shaped by Swiss restraint. Her cooking style is rooted in the traditions of Peru while incorporating refined techniques, earning international recognition for the balance and precision of her ceviche dishes.
Her cuisine reflects influences from South America, Japan and Mexico. Having lived in Switzerland for many years, Chef Canessa credits her adopted country with shaping her approach to harmony in cooking. She describes the evolution of her style as a journey towards symmetry, with Swiss culinary discipline refining her palate, particularly in the use of spices, allowing her to present bold flavours that remain measured and controlled.
Chef Canessa’s signature style is defined by layered aromatic flavours and careful use of spice. Her residency at Kandolhu will feature a selection of her most noted dishes, including Tuna Chicano with lemon zest and a salmon tiradito served with yuzu ponzu.
The collaboration is designed to offer guests a focused gastronomic experience, combining Chef Canessa’s culinary approach with the setting of Kandolhu Island.
The programme for the residency includes:
- Special Peruvian Lunch: Served daily at Ato Roa from Thursday, 30 April to Sunday, 3 May. Two seatings will be offered each day, with a maximum of seven guests per seating.
- Surprise Dinner Menu: The residency will conclude on Monday, 4 May, with a four-course surprise dinner menu at Olive Restaurant, limited to 14 guests.
The partnership is expected to enhance Kandolhu’s culinary offering, support its reputation for curated dining experiences, and introduce new creative influences to the resort’s culinary team.
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