News
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives wins awards & accolades at the International Culinary Challenge Maldives 2016

Maldives.net.mv – Holiday Inn Resort® Kandooma Maldives – for the 2nd consecutive year, hauled the most medals and awards during the recently concluded Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2016 held at Maldives September 4th – 7th 2016.
Holiday Inn Resort® Kandooma Maldives Executive Chef Vincent Tan, together with his Culinary Brigade of 14 Chefs and 2 Bar Mixologists recently participated in the 12th Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2016 – dubbed as the ultimate culinary challenge held in Male, Maldives.
For the 2nd consecutive year Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives hauled the most medals and awards offered during the competition. The team’s accolade reached a first ever 28 medals which included 8 Gold, 13 Silver & 7 Bronze and 4 “Best in Class” awards. Each team participant brought back medal’s that justifies their hard work and passion which reflects on their well-deserved medals and awards.

The “Best in Class” awards were given for the following categories: Dessert, Creative Asian Dish, Perfect Steak and Omelet and Tea Challenge. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place for the “Perfect Steak” and “Perfect Omelet” Challenge was a clean sweep from the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. This category tests the chef’s basic skills; technique, temperature control and timing.
A new category this year was the “Tea Challenge” which Holiday Inn Resort bagged the 1st and 2nd place respectively. Jasmine Pham who topped the Challenge has won herself complimentary air ticket, accommodation and 3-day training at TWG Tea Institute in Singapore.
Chef Ronnel Go, the Resorts Executive Sous Chef received the award being placed in the top 3 “Most Outstanding Chef in Maldives” – an award that more than 500 chefs from over 40 hotels and resorts who participated in the competition sought for.
“I congratulate and give thanks to the whole culinary team, competitors and staff that without their passion, teamwork and support, achieving these great results would be impossible. A big gratitude for our General Manager and management’s support and encouragement. It really helps to motivate the staffs to perform well in the competition! I was very happy with the results this year as there were many first timers in the team, their hard work really paid off. And our results this time was far better than last year in terms of quantity and quality of awards achieved by the team.” Chef Vincent Tan said.
Meanwhile, Joseph Della Gatta, the Resort General Manager expressed his appreciation on the latest accomplishments by the Resort Culinary Team. “I am so proud on the team’s success in this year’s Culinary Challenge. They have demonstrated gastronomic greatness and excellence, I look forward on having the award winning dishes on the Resort menus to be sampled by our guests”, said Joseph.
Holiday Inn Resort® Kandooma Maldives’ delegation includes chefs Vinh Co, Min, Rungsimet, Ronnel, Dat, Kalim, Hui, Chee Ken, Phuong, Laiju, Cam Nga, Yen & Lucas and the Resort Mixologists, Jasmine and Dinesh.
Love
Romance in nature: Valentine’s week at Eri Maldives
Newly-launched Eri Maldives introduces its first Valentine’s programme A Love Set in Nature (10–16 February 2026), offering a nature-rooted, pared-back celebration of love designed for couples seeking presence, simplicity and meaningful time together.
Love, Shared at the Table
At the heart of Valentine’s at Eri is an intimate dining experience centred on an exquisite six-course Aphrodisiac Menu, paired with a chilled glass of Rosé Champagne at Soul Kitchen’s beach area or The Jetty, with live music and ocean sounds. Couples can also sample a Jumbo Valentine Cocktail designed for two at Sip & Dip, or opt for private dining at a secluded corner on the beach or in-villa with the Under the Canopy of Stars experience.
Adventures for Two
For couples who connect through discovery, Eri’s Valentine’s programme invites love to unfold through shared adventure, where guests can cement their love and Dive into Forever with a private Discover Scuba Diving session, welcoming learners of all levels. For a more elaborate adventure between sky and ocean, travellers can also sign up for the Tides & Togetherness combo excursion, which combines a 30-minute jet ski ride with a 45-minute guided snorkelling among Eri’s world-class house reef.

Slowing Down Time
As day gives way to dusk, the Golden Hour Serenades offers a gentle sunset cruise across the lagoon, with sparkling wine in hand and live guitar drifting as a prelude to the evening. Slipping into wellness, Between Sea & Stars offers another balanced alternative for guests to treat loved ones to a calming 60-minute aromatherapy massage and a private dinner at sunset with Champagne, giving travellers a reason to linger.
Curated for those wanting stillness to stay, Maldivian Ocean Dream offers an extended moment of rest, with a couples’ ritual lasting for an hour and half, using flowing palm stroke techniques inspired by the sea with aromatherapy to release tension.
A Love Story – Extended
Catering to couples who want it all, Eri’s full-day An Eternal Love Story itinerary offers a complete romantic journey that removes the need for choice. Thoughtfully curated, the experience flows from a Champagne breakfast and an afternoon of spa serenity into an evening of sunset cruising and dinner accompanied by Dom Pérignon Champagne, with a private photographer on hand to quietly capture the moments.
To top it all off, guests booking a minimum of two body massages during Valentine’s Week are invited to enjoy a complimentary 30-minute Foot Massage.
Sky Studios start from £313 per night on a Full Board basis, with 40% off applied when booking directly with Eri Maldives.
Action
Bestbuy Maldives supports health, wellness as Main Sponsor of MNU Marathon 2026
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), one of the Maldives’ leading and most trusted distribution partners to the hospitality and retail sectors, served as the Main Sponsor of the MNU Marathon 2026, organised by Maldives National University (MNU) and held in Hulhumalé on 13 February. The event drew over 1,500 runners and focused on promoting fitness, health and wellness, active lifestyles, and community unity, as part of a long-term sponsorship arrangement.
As Main Sponsor, BBM maintained a strong on-ground presence throughout the marathon, with high brand visibility and activations designed to engage participants and spectators.

A key highlight was BBM’s collaboration with Unilever – Vaseline, with free product samples distributed to all marathon participants, reinforcing messages around skincare. Additional brand activations included a dedicated Cornitos stall offering free nacho samples, and a Godrej Aer booth focused on product sampling and brand awareness. BBM also distributed Cavin’s milkshake samples to runners at the finish line.

BBM’s participation extended beyond sponsorship, with more than 50 BBM employees taking part in the marathon as runners. Representatives from Unilever International also joined the run, underscoring a shared commitment to wellbeing and community engagement.
“Supporting the MNU Marathon aligns closely with BBM’s commitment to healthier communities and meaningful national partnerships,” said Ali Afrah Hassan, Head – Human Resources, Administration & Corporate Affairs at Bestbuy Maldives. “It was especially rewarding to see our colleagues participate as runners alongside the wider public, demonstrating that wellbeing is part of our culture, not just our sponsorship. We are proud to work with MNU to create a positive platform that brings people together around health, wellness and unity.”

Through its portfolio of internationally recognised FMCG and consumer lifestyle brands—spanning food and beverage, personal care, and home care—BBM continues to support initiatives that create shared value for communities, partners and customers across the Maldives. The company’s involvement in events such as the MNU Marathon reflects BBM’s broader commitment to championing positive lifestyles, strengthening local partnerships, and backing platforms that bring people together with purpose.

BBM noted that the event strengthened its partnership with Maldives National University and provided an opportunity to connect directly with the Maldivian community in an uplifting setting, reinforcing BBM’s role as a responsible corporate partner supporting national initiatives.
Cooking
Maagiri Hotel invites guests to celebrate Ramadan with daily Iftar
Maagiri Hotel has announced the availability of a daily Iftar experience throughout the holy month of Ramadan, inviting families, friends and corporate groups to gather and break their fast in a welcoming setting.
The Iftar buffet will be available every day during Ramadan and will feature a selection of traditional Ramadan dishes alongside international cuisine. Prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, the buffet will include local specialities, Middle Eastern favourites and a range of global offerings designed to cater to diverse preferences.
In addition to its daily Iftar service, Maagiri Hotel has introduced early booking benefits for corporate groups. Groups of 1 to 49 guests will be eligible for a 10 per cent discount, while groups of 50 guests and above will receive a 15 per cent discount. These corporate rates are available for bookings confirmed on or before 18 February.
The Ramadan Iftar programme reflects Maagiri Hotel’s focus on providing shared dining experiences centred on tradition, hospitality and togetherness during the holy month.
Guests and corporate organisers may make reservations or seek further information by calling 331 8484 or 722 8484, contacting the hotel via Viber on 722 8484, or emailing events@maagirihotel.com.
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