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South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) receives overwhelming support

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Taj Exotica - Arrival

Maldives.net.mv – SATA 2016 scheduled for this October in Colombo , Sri Lanka has received a tremendous support from major international hotel brands present in Maldives , Sri Lanka and India.

The South Asian Travel Awards is the first ever regional Travel Awards endorsed by Multi-National organizations providing the Tourism sector of the South Asian Region with recognition towards their facilities and service excellence. The South Asian Travel Awards aims to encourage and raise service standards within the regions of the Tourism industry.

The endorsement of organizations include Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Confederation of Associated Tour Operators (India), Association of Travel Agents (ATA) Maldives, Association of Tourism Trade Organizations India (ATTOI), Kerala Hotel General Managers Club (KHGMC) and Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM).

The brand has its affiliations from regional associations ensuring the process within a smooth and transparent procedure. The judging panel will consist of 02 senior representatives from each destination (total of 06) with vast knowledge and background of the industry to assure an accurate and fair process. SATA is a Highrise concept in Collaboration with India and Sri Lanka.

SATA was open for nominations from 30th June until 15th August. The nominations were open with an initial press briefing at the Sri Lanka Tourism premises amidst the presence of the press and heads of regional associations.

SATA is as promising as its nominated brands. While everyone gets ready for the upcoming online voting from 20th Aug till 5th October 2016. SATA will be having its programme as a South Asian Travel Retreat during a weekend in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

SATA Opportunity : with an Investment Opportunity evening.

SATA Gala & Awards ; an event full of colors , entertainment and the grand award function.

SATA Celebrate : celebration of winners with a special gathering at the after event party.

Deadline to Nominate is (Monday) 15th August 2016 while SATA waits to receive nominations from more brands.

“We already have received many queries from major brands which has committed to come in as nominees., as of now we have over 160 nominations. So I believe, we are celebrating the best of South Asian Hospitality” with the best tourism brands – Tuan Saabir Vaffoor , Vice President , SATA.

Major Tourism Industry Medias including Asian Traveller, Asian Geographic, Asian Diver, Floating Asia and Maldives.net.mv has been appointed as media partners of SATA 2016.

Photo courtesy Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives

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Love

COMO Cocoa Island, COMO Maalifushi unveil Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day celebrations

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This February, COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi invite guests to experience two of the most cherished occasions of the year—the Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Horse, and Valentine’s Day—in the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives. Each island resort presents bespoke celebrations that blend cultural richness, heartfelt romance, and signature COMO hospitality.

“We are delighted to welcome guests to celebrate renewal, connection and love across our two islands this season. Whether it’s the bold beginnings of the Lunar New Year or the intimate joy of Valentine’s Day, our experiences combine deeper cultural meaning with the serenity and natural beauty of the Maldives,” said Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “From lantern-lit dinners by the sea to bespoke romantic moments under the stars, each celebration has been thoughtfully curated to inspire lasting memories.”

Lunar New Year: A Fresh Start by the Sea

At COMO Cocoa Island, the Lunar New Year programme embraces the spirit of bold renewal with experiences designed to reconnect body, mind and nature. Guests can explore pristine coral reefs, swim with reef sharks, rejuvenate with holistic treatments from visiting practitioner Kimiko Briody, and gather for a festive Oriental-style dinner that honours tradition and togetherness.

Meanwhile, COMO Maalifushi invites families and friends to celebrate amidst open skies and sea breezes. The highlight is a lantern-lit reunion feast by the ocean, where guests come together to savour seasonal flavours and shared joy. Throughout the day, world-class diving, snorkelling and curated cultural activities make for a meaningful start to the Year of the Fire Horse.

Both resorts offer Lunar New Year experiences crafted to reflect rich tradition, mindful wellness, and unforgettable island living.

Valentine’s Day: Romance, Curated the COMO Way

Love takes centre stage as COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi present exceptional Valentine’s Day dining and romantic moments against the backdrop of Indian Ocean splendour.

At COMO Cocoa Island, couples can enjoy:

  • A complimentary wine tasting on Valentine’s Eve.
  • Signature Champagne cocktails under the setting sun.
  • A seven-course beachside dinner designed to celebrate love.
  • Bespoke experiences such as Private Yakiniku BBQs, served in-villa or beneath starlit skies. Available throughout the romantic season.

Meanwhile, at COMO Maalifushi, lovers are invited to a thoughtfully curated four-course Valentine’s Day menu crafted to elevate every moment. Complementing the dinner, a Valentine’s Package features sundowner Champagne, bespoke romantic touches, and personalised service for an unforgettable evening on February 14th, 2026.

Whether dining beside glistening waters, on a secluded sandbank, or within the intimacy of overwater villas, every experience is tailored to celebrate love’s lasting joy.

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Culture

Kuda Villingili presents family-focused Eid al-Fitr experience in Maldives

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced a three-day Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH programme, inviting guests to celebrate the occasion from 19 to 21 March 2026 in a tranquil island setting that brings together family, reflection, and shared moments.

Following the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr at the resort is designed as a gentle transition into celebration, offering guests the freedom to mark the festival at their own pace. The programme brings together families, couples, and friends through curated dining experiences, relaxed island gatherings, and moments of quiet connection by the Indian Ocean.

Culinary experiences form the centre of the Eid programme. Celebrations begin with the Kuda Eid Feast Buffet Dinner at The Restaurant, featuring Middle Eastern and Maldivian dishes served under the stars, accompanied by soft island music. Guests can also gather at Spice for the Kuda Eid Lunch Feast, a five-course Middle Eastern fusion menu by the Qureshi brothers, inspired by traditional flavours and designed for sharing in the spirit of Eid. Evenings continue at The Bar with an Arabic Shisha Night, combining live DJ music with a relaxed social atmosphere.

Eid mornings at the resort offer a calmer start to the day, with a Signature Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa pool. Guests can also enjoy Eid Signature Mocktails, created with floral and spice notes that reflect the season’s sense of gratitude and renewal. An interactive Art of Shisha Making experience is also available, encouraging conversation and shared storytelling.

The Eid programme has been curated to include guests of all ages. Younger visitors are welcomed at Kuda Fiyo, where Eid-themed creative workshops, treasure trails, storytelling sessions, games, and movement activities are organised to create memorable experiences while reflecting the cultural significance of the occasion.

For families and adventure-seekers, the resort also offers Eid al-Fitr Ocean Adventures. A personalised Big Game Fishing experience provides an opportunity to spend time together on the open sea, combining quiet reflection with exploration of the surrounding waters.

With its expansive island layout, eight dining destinations, and the Maldives’ largest swimming pool, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives presents an Eid al-Fitr celebration that blends tradition with contemporary island living, offering space, privacy, and a relaxed setting for guests seeking a meaningful Eid experience in the Maldives.

The full Eid al-Fitr 2026 programme can be viewed here. More information about the resort is available from the resort’s website.

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Cooking

Michelin-starred Chef Jaume collaborates with One&Only Reethi Rah’s TAPASAKE for four-hands dinner

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TAPASAKE Maldives, the destination dining restaurant set in the private island of One&Only Reethi Rah, will be welcoming Michelin-starred Chef Jaume to serve an exclusive four-hands dinner at the iconic overwater restaurant alongside their resident Chef Ahmed Jameel.

The first of its kind since the inception of One&Only Reethi Rah, TAPASAKE Maldives features breathtaking ocean views, bold contemporary design, and dining experiences that unite the precision of Japan and the soul of the Mediterranean in a flowing exchange of flavour, texture, and culture. In addition to the original restaurant in the Maldives, TAPASAKE also operates in Dubai, Mauritius, and Montenegro.

The exclusive collaboration features the authentic and sophisticated artistry of Chef Jaume, originally from Mallorca and Head Chef of Béns d’Avall in Sóller, Spain, awarded one Michelin star since 2021 and a Michelin Green Star in 2023. Chef Jaume’s cuisine is deeply rooted in family tradition, cultural heritage, and the Mallorcan landscapes, and with his meticulous eye for detail and instinctive sense of harmony, Chef Jaume transforms local, seasonal produce into refined compositions that evoke memory, place, and authenticity. Chef Jaume will be collaborating with the restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, Ahmed Jameel, a native of the Maldives whose culinary work is founded in balancing both traditional and contemporary Japanese techniques.

Set against the soothing backdrop of the azure Indian Ocean, the Four-Hands Dinner offers an exceptionally curated menu celebrating Chef Jaume and Chef Jameel’s quiet artistry, refined technique, and harmonious blend of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisines, with each dish shaped to honour the purity of ingredients and the emotional power of flavour.

“We are excited to collaborate with Chef Jaume on this exclusive dining experience,” says Jan B. Tibaldi, General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah. “Paired with Chef Jameel’s refined techniques and Chef Jaume’s sophisticated creativity and philosophy grounded in a deep respect for nature, this Four-Hands Dinner offers an exceptional evening to celebrate the fusion of soulful cuisine against the spectacular backdrop of the Maldives.”

The dinner will be held exclusively on 18 February at TAPASAKE Maldives, which will be open from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

For pre-bookings and more information, please email guest.information@oneandonlyreethirah.com or call +960 664 8800. For more information about the resort, please visit oneandonlyreethirah.com

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