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.
Cooking
VARU by Atmosphere celebrates Maldivian cuisine with new Kaagé cookbook
VARU by Atmosphere has unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of the Maldives to life through an immersive new experience. As part of the island experience, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses, offering a hands-on connection to authentic local flavours and the opportunity to take home the beautiful cookbook as a memento.
At Kaagé, the award-winning speciality restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through the history and traditions of the Maldivian islands. Time-honoured local recipes are paired with modern culinary techniques, allowing the distinctive flavours of the Maldives to be recreated in kitchens around the world.

Held on 20th August, the exclusive cookbook launch event brought together journalists, culinary influencers and resort guests, who joined the resort’s chef team for an interactive masterclass. The session explored local ingredients including skipjack tuna, coconut and fiery Scotch bonnet chillies, offering participants an authentic taste of Maldivian culinary traditions.

“These immersive cooking classes are now a permanent part of your resort experience. Kaagé is a tribute to the vibrant culinary identity of the Maldives,” says Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere. “Through our cookbook and masterclasses, we invite you to connect deeply with island culture. We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.”

VARU by Atmosphere is a naturally Maldivian island escape in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. Blending authentic Maldivian culture with contemporary elegance, the resort offers an intimate island experience centred around warm hospitality, vibrant dining, wellness and immersive experiences. From its distinctive overwater villas and unique overwater cellar to its island-inspired cuisine and commitment to sustainability, VARU by Atmosphere celebrates the essence of the Maldives while offering a refined and relaxed tropical retreat.

The Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook is available exclusively to participants of cooking masterclass. To discover more or reserve your spot, visit www.varu-atmosphere.com or contact reservations@varu-atmosphere.com.
Business
BBM Hulhumalé Phase 2 opening promotion winner receives Honda Airblade
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has presented a brand-new Honda Airblade motorbike to the winner of a lucky draw held to mark the opening of its newest wholesale outlet in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
The outlet, located at Lot 20286 on Nirolhu Magu, opened on 16 February 2026 as part of BBM’s expansion of its wholesale operations.
To celebrate the opening and thank customers for their continued support, BBM introduced a special lucky draw exclusively for customers who made purchases from the new outlet on its opening day.

Customers who purchased products during the opening were eligible to enter the draw, with a Honda Airblade motorbike offered as the grand prize.
The lucky draw was conducted on 13 August 2026, with Ibrahim Shifaz of Vagthun Vaguthah outlet selected as the winner.
Shifaz was recently presented with the ceremonial key to the Honda Airblade by AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives.

The promotion formed part of BBM’s activities surrounding the opening of its Hulhumalé Phase 2 outlet, which provides customers with access to the company’s range of wholesale products from the growing residential and commercial area.
Bestbuy Maldives is a supplier and distributor serving businesses across the Maldives, including customers in the hospitality, food service and retail sectors.
Drink
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes SUSHISAMBA Dubai for exclusive pop-up
SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.
Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.

Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.

“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”

Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.

Event Details:
Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Dates: September 25–27 2026
Seating Schedule:
Friday, September 25:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.
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