News
Maldives welcomes 750,000th tourist of Visit Maldives Year

Maldives.net.mv – Maldives crosses another milestone in the tourist arrival target of Visit Maldives Year with the welcoming of 750,000th tourist this morning. Mr. Wang Shuai, a Chinese tourist, was the distinguished 750,000th tourist to the Maldives who arrived with his family at 06.53 hrs this morning on a Maldivian flight from Xian.
Wang Shuai and his family were warmly welcomed by the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Moosa Zameer Hassan, H. E. Mr. Wang Fukang the Ambassador of China to Maldives together with senior officials from the tourism industry, Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC), Maldivian, Maldives Airports Company as well as the Maldives Immigration, at a ceremony held at the airport VIP lounge. Wang Shuai was presented with a commemorative plaque and a holiday in the Maldives sponsored by Meeru Island Resort & Spa.
Upon landing of the Maldivian flight, the guest was welcomed at the arrival terminal by officials of MMPRC in colourful Maldivian traditional attire with a welcome bouquet, and escorted to the arrival lounge. Mandhira Boduberu Group joined in escorting the family to the VIP lounge with a performance of traditional boduberu music and dance at this colourful event. This is the third event held this year to celebrate the achievement of arrival milestones of Visit Maldives Year 2016. During the interview given to the media today by Wang Shuai, he expressed his excitement towards being the 750,000th visitor to Maldives. On this second trip to Maldives, he shared that his first trip to Maldives was for his honeymoon. He is also thrilled to have received the opportunity to experience Meeru Island Resort & Spa with his family during his next trip.
One of the important targets of Visit Maldives Year 2016 is to achieve 1.5 million tourist arrivals this year. Visit Maldives year events are being undertaken throughout the year locally and internationally. The biggest international event being the partnership with ITB, the biggest international tourism fair held in Berlin, Germany as the host country. Upcoming events include Maldives Photography competition and Surfing Competition to be held in the Maldives. Tourism being the most important industry for Maldives, the VMY2016 campaign is expected to strengthen the industry giving more opportunities to locals to promote their products and services in a greater platform.
China being the biggest source market to the Maldives, and one of the biggest booming outbound markets in the world, it is a great privilege for the Maldives to honour a Chinese tourist as the 750,000th tourist. This enhances the opportunity for the Maldives as a tourist destination to the further strengthen and promote positive awareness in the Chinese market.
Since 2010, China has maintained its position as the no.1 market to Maldives with more and more Chinese tourists visiting Maldives each year. Chinese currently contributes to 25.4% of the total market share, and is the first Asian market to take the no. 1 position in terms of arrivals.
Drink
Atmosphere Core celebrates 100th wine masterclass with Bottega Gala Gold event
A standout achievement in the Maldives’ experience-led hospitality scene, Atmosphere Core has completed its 100th Wine Masterclass as part of the resorts’ signature Holiday Plan. Held at Atmosphere Kanifushi on 6 December 2025, the landmark centenary event, Bottega Gala Gold, offered guests a rare opportunity to meet and engage directly with representatives of one of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine makers, while discovering the stories, terroir and craftsmanship behind the label.
What began in September 2021 with a Champagne Guy Charbaut masterclass at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has since evolved into one of the region’s most distinctive wine-hospitality initiatives. Spanning nine island resorts, all the complimentary wine masterclasses invited in-house guests to enjoy hosted tastings and immersive encounters directly with the company’s partner winemakers.
Over the past four years, Atmosphere Core has forged pioneering partnerships with five terroir producers. Champagne Guy Charbaut (1er Cru Champagne) masterclasses have been held annually since 2021; Bodegas Viñátigo (Canary Islands) since 2022; Glenelly Estate (Stellenbosch) since 2023; Martín Códax (Galicia) since 2024; and, most recently, Bottega SpA a fourth-generation Italian estate, whose masterclasses debuted in 2025. Each partner was selected for its authenticity, expressive terroir, and craftsmanship, qualities increasingly sought by today’s global traveller.

From formal masterclasses and intimate vineyard-style dinners to lively sundowners and gala tastings, Atmosphere Core’s wine experiences showcase the versatility of its partners and the culinary team’s evolving sommelier expertise. In an innovative approach within the industry, all 100 events have been included within the resorts’ signature Holiday Plans.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wine at Atmosphere Core, said, “We set out to build a wine culture that allows us to be outrageously creative with the way we pair wines with culinary experiences and tell stories, while being vigorously disciplined in our selection, partnerships, training, and service. Reaching our 100th Wine Experience reminded us why we started. To make wine knowledge accessible, to spark curiosity, and to give generously to our guests and colleagues. That mindset, the Joy of Giving, is what has shaped every single one of these 100 moments.”
Atmosphere Core’s award-winning wine program is designed around three dimensions: in-resort experiences for guests, in-vineyard expeditions for culinary teams, and in-market events with travel and media partners. Together, these threads create an impactful wine culture.
Partner winemakers travel to the Maldives to host masterclasses, while the resort’s culinary teams journey to their vineyards in Europe and South Africa, deepening mutual understanding. Guest feedback has also highlighted the rarity of such terroir-driven offerings being built into a resort island holiday, as curiosity for authentic wines continues to grow globally.
With the successful milestone of its 100th Wine Masterclass now achieved, Atmosphere Core looks ahead to an expanded calendar of planned wine experiences, with the 2026 program currently in development. As the wine program evolves, the Joy of Giving remains at its core, ensuring guests always have something new to discover, one expressive bottle and one memorable story at a time.
News
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces holiday season line-up with dining and entertainment
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate the holiday season in true Maldivian style with its enchanting Festive Programme, running from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026. The line-up promises a perfect blend of culinary indulgence, world-class entertainment, fun-filled activities, and family moments to make this festive season one to remember.
The celebrations begin on 21 December with a lively Indian Ocean Themed Buffet Night and Fisherman’s Night, setting the stage for a week of gastronomic adventures. Guests can savour global flavours with themed dining evenings that include the Silk Road Buffet, North & Latin America Buffet, North Africa & Middle East Buffet, and a vibrant South Asia & Sri Lanka Buffet. Signature dining experiences such as the Lobster Dinner Under the Stars at Meeru Beach and a Seafood BBQ Night with Boduberu add unforgettable flair to the season.
Entertainment takes centre stage each evening, with acoustic sessions, karaoke nights, and energetic DJ parties at Meeru Bar. Traditional Maldivian Boduberu drumming performances, fire and LED shows, and live music provide guests with plenty of reasons to gather and celebrate beneath the stars.
Recreation and wellness meet festive cheer through activities such as Face the Gingerbread Man, Olympic Games, Hands-Free Ornament Hanging, and Draw a Snowman, designed for light-hearted fun with friends and family.
Families can expect a programme that keeps all ages entertained. Children have a dedicated series of activities including pizza-making workshops, gingerbread-house decorating, sandcastle competitions, “Pin the Nose on Rudolph,” henna and face painting, and more. Each activity is thoughtfully designed to encourage creativity and build anticipation as Christmas approaches.
Christmas Eve is set to be a highlight of the season. Santa makes his grand arrival at Meeru Beach before joining children for music, carols, and a festive treasure hunt across the island. Guests will then gather for the spectacular Christmas Eve Dinner and Set Menu Experience, paired with live entertainment to create a truly magical night. The celebrations continue into Christmas Day with a leisurely Christmas Breakfast, themed buffets, live music, and joyful children’s workshops.
The festive atmosphere carries through the week, blending Hideaway’s signature luxury with heartwarming traditions, ensuring guests of all ages enjoy memorable moments against the backdrop of the Maldives’ turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.
New Year’s Eve marks the pinnacle of the celebration. Guests are invited to an elegant New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Matheefaru, followed by an evening of island-style celebration including live music, a Boduberu performance, DJ entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight — reflecting across the lagoon and lighting up the night sky.
The festive atmosphere continues into early January with relaxed beachside evenings, gourmet experiences, and light entertainment as guests ease into the new year amidst the serenity of the Maldives.
With its unique mix of fine dining, entertainment, and family-friendly experiences, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers the ultimate destination for those seeking to celebrate the holidays in a tropical paradise.
For bookings, click here. For the detailed programme, click here.
News
The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives to host holiday celebrations and seasonal experiences
This festive season, The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives invites you to step into a world of celebration, where the warmth of Maldivian hospitality meets the magic of the holidays. Set against a backdrop of turquoise lagoons and island charm, The Marina becomes a vibrant gathering place filled with festive energy, shared moments, and unforgettable experiences.
From lively evenings and immersive activities to relaxed seaside strolls and joyful celebrations, the season unfolds with something for everyone. Whether you’re joining friends for a festive meal, discovering seasonal experiences, or simply soaking in the island atmosphere, The Marina offers a festive journey designed to bring people together.
As day turns to night, the Marina comes alive with music, lights, and a celebratory spirit that captures the essence of the season. It’s a place to connect, to celebrate, and to create memories that linger long after the holidays end.
Explore the full festive programme and seasonal highlights on the official website.
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