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SriLankan Airlines to start flights to 11 new destinations

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Maldives.net.mv – SriLankan Airlines has announced the launching of 11 new destinations focusing on the Asia-Middle East region, one of the fastest growing travel markets in the world. The launching of the new destinations reflects the airline’s further commitment in strengthening its presence in the region and beyond.

SriLankan will operate direct flights from Colombo to 11 new destinations namely Lahore, Pakistan, Jakarta, Indonesia, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Muscat, Oman, Kolkata, Madurai, Varanasi & Bodh Gaya India, Bahrain, Seychelles and Gan, Maldives.

Commenting on the network expansion, Ajith Dias, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, said: “We have realigned our strategic focus to Asia, from the Middle East to the Far East, as we see excellent opportunities in this high-growth region. We are confident that the linking of so many Asian cities will produce a travel network which will be extremely convenient for our passengers and profitable for the airline.”

The Asia-Middle East region generated 923,338 visitors to Sri Lanka of the total 1,798,380 visitors in 2015, according to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority statistics. The 11 new destinations include routes which generate business travelers, leisure travelers, labour traffic, pilgrim traffic and passengers in transit to and from SriLankan’s global route network.

Captain Suren Ratwatte, CEO of SriLankan Airlines, said: “Travelers throughout the Asia-Middle East region will now be able to enjoy the superb levels of service on SriLankan Airlines. We have modernized our product with brand new A330-300 aircraft which have already been added to our fleet, and will soon be joined by new A320neo and A321neo aircraft. So we treat our passengers to comfortable seating, state of the art entertainment systems, excellent in-flight cuisine, and flight attendants famed for their warmth and caring.”

The addition of Kolkata, Madurai, Bodh Gaya and Varanasi will make SriLankan Airlines the foreign airline with the largest network in India, one of the world’s largest travel markets, covering 11 cities with 106 flights per week, increasing from its present 88 flights to seven cities.

Sri Lanka’s award-winning carrier was just named “Best Full Service Airline in Central and South Asia” at the Future Travel Experience Asia Awards 2016 in Singapore for the second consecutive year.

SriLankan, which has for many years been the largest airline operation to the Maldives through its flights to the capital, Male, will become the only airline operating to Gan island in the southern part of the island chain.

Services to the Pakistani city of Lahore commenced on 27th September with a thrice-weekly frequency; while on 30th October services will be launched to Jakarta (4 flights), Dhaka (daily), Madurai (daily), Muscat (5 flights) and Kolkata (3 flights), and on the following day (31st October) to Bahrain (5 flights), Seychelles (4 flights), Varanasi (2 flights) and Bodh Gaya. Gan Island (4 flights) in the Maldives will join SriLankan’s network on 1st December, bringing the total number of destinations to 102 in 47 countries.

SriLankan Airlines is a member of the prestigious oneworld global airline alliance which connects over a thousand cities in 160 countries around the world.

For more information and special offers please log into www.srilankan.com

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The St. Regis Maldives introduces multi-sensory collaboration with Farina est. 1709

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When two houses shaped by centuries of heritage come together, the result is more than a collaboration: it is a sensorial journey. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and Farina est. 1709, the world’s oldest fragrance house, have announced their exclusive partnership, transforming scent into extraordinary travel moments. Blending olfactory tradition with modern hospitality, the collaboration celebrates refinement, craftsmanship and a contemporary vision of luxury – shifting from superficial display to authentic, personal experiences that leave a lasting impression, set within one of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

To mark the beginning of the partnership, the island resort located in the Dhaalu Atoll introduces a curated series of offerings around the Easter season, bringing together fragrance, fine dining and meaningful encounters.

On April 1, an exclusive dinner inspired by the signature notes of the original Eau de Cologne translates the brand’s olfactory heritage into a refined gourmet experience. Each course reflects a distinct scent note: bergamot in ceviche with amberjack and black truffle, orange blossom with prawns, a refreshing lime and peach sorbet, lobster ravioli with grapefruit sabayon, as well as mandarin and vanilla in a delicate mille-feuille accented with lavender and jasmine. The menu unites fragrance and cuisine in a multisensory moment, complemented by carefully selected wines that enhance the aromatic profile of each course.

Throughout April, a bespoke signature cocktail inspired by the fresh, citrus-forward character of Eau de Cologne takes centre stage at the iconic Whale Bar, inviting guests to ease into the evening overlooking the Indian Ocean. The programme is further enriched by exclusive fragrance masterclasses for small groups, offering an intimate introduction to the art of perfumery.

In 1709, Johann Maria Farina laid the foundation of modern perfumery with Eau de Cologne, giving name to an entire fragrance category. Guided by Louise Farina, Managing Director and ninth-generation family member, guests discover the raw ingredients that define the original Eau de Cologne, learn how notes interact and explore how personal expression can be translated into scent. Participants refine the original fragrance base with selected essences, creating their own bespoke perfume – a keepsake that carries the spirit of the resort far beyond the stay.

The partnership is deeply rooted in the heritage of both brands. Caroline Astor, the grande dame of New York society and a defining figure behind the original St. Regis, understood fragrance as a powerful expression of identity, refinement and social ritual. In an era when scent was an essential marker of elegance, perfume accompanied every grand ball, salon gathering and moment of arrival. This appreciation for timeless fragrance lives on today through The St. Regis Maldives partnership with Farina est. 1709, whose heritage mirrors the brand’s own devotion to craftsmanship, tradition and modern luxury.

“When two houses with such strong heritage come together, something truly special emerges. The original Eau de Cologne is a cultural icon with over 300 years of history. This partnership allows us to present our heritage in a setting that itself stands for the highest standards, tradition and timeless elegance,” says Louise Farina.

Beyond the Easter season, the collaboration will remain a highlight of the year and continue in autumn as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. The programme will showcase new fragrances inspired by destinations across the globe, thoughtfully paired with curated culinary experiences where scent, wine and gastronomy converge. The journey is enhanced by exclusive, limited-edition keepsakes – personal treasures that carry the memory of the stay long beyond departure.

Vincent Pauchon, General Manager of the resort, comments: “We place great value on authentic, thoughtfully crafted experiences. Collaborating with Farina est. 1709 allows us to bring together fragrance and hospitality in a thoughtful way, drawing on shared values of heritage, craft and attention to detail. This partnership reflects our approach to offering our guests something distinctive, rooted in excellence and genuine storytelling.”

With this collaboration, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and Farina est. 1709 set a statement for a form of luxury that is quiet yet impactful. Fragrance becomes the invisible signature of every stay – subtly present in every moment.

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OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi invites guests to break fast island-style this Ramadan

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OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi invites guests, residents, and visitors to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with meaningful Iftar gatherings, just a short 15-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport. Designed for colleagues, friends, and families to come together in a relaxed island setting, the resort offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to share the blessings of the season over a thoughtfully curated Iftar spread.

Hosted daily throughout Ramadan, from 18th February to 19th March at Element X restaurant from 06:00 — 07:15 PM, the Iftar experience features an extensive buffet showcasing traditional Maldivian flavours alongside popular regional favourites. Guests can enjoy juice, dates, mixed dry fruits and nuts, yoghurt, Maldivian short eats, a selection of main courses, and desserts, offering a wholesome and festive dining experience in the spirit of Ramadan.

The experience is well suited for corporate gatherings and family groups, with special packages available for group reservations, and guests are encouraged to confirm their bookings at least 24 hours in advance. Convenient speedboat transfers make the island easily accessible for those joining the evening gathering.

This Ramadan, gather your loved ones and share the joy of togetherness over a memorable island Iftar experience at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.

For details and bookings, please call +960 934 2685 / +960 934 2550, or email fbreservations.ailafushi@coloursofoblu.com. 

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Kuda Villingili to host family-focused Easter celebration with dining, wellness events

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its Easter Celebration 2026 programme, inviting guests to experience a week of festivities inspired by the playful charm of Candy Land, reinterpreted through the resort’s signature approach to calm, space and understated luxury.

Located on a private island in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort features 75 villas and residences designed to offer privacy and connection to the surrounding natural environment. The Easter programme has been structured to combine dining, wellness, family activities and ocean-based experiences.

The Easter calendar includes a series of themed dining events intended to bring families and friends together throughout the week. Guests will be able to explore curated culinary journeys such as Caravan of Flavours, Pan-Asian Voyage and the Easter Grapevine Dinner, each designed to showcase diverse global cuisines in a convivial setting.

A key highlight will be the Kuda Villingili Grand Easter Gala Buffet on Easter Sunday, featuring festive dishes, live cooking stations and live band entertainment. The celebration aims to serve as the focal point of the week’s activities.

For guests seeking a more relaxed island-style experience, the Surfside Sunset BBQ at Raalhu Bar will present flame-grilled specialities and fresh seafood against the backdrop of the Chickens surf break, accompanied by sunset views and live music.

Younger guests will also have the opportunity to participate in the Little Chefs of Kuda: Easter Baking Workshop, a hands-on culinary session designed to introduce children to baking in a playful environment.

Wellbeing remains central to the resort’s Easter offering. A series of wellness experiences will be available throughout the week, including sound healing sessions, Ocean Breeze Yoga conducted over the open sea, and guided yoga flows focused on balance and mindfulness.

These activities are designed to provide space for families, couples and friends to reconnect and mark Easter as a period of renewal and shared experience.

For guests interested in marine activities, MSTS Dive & Water Sports will offer a range of Easter-themed experiences. Young guests can explore introductory diving through the Seal Team for Kids programme, while families can participate in an Easter Kayak Race across the lagoon.

A customised Big Game Fishing experience will also be available for those seeking a more private excursion on the Indian Ocean.

At Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, the Candy Land theme will be brought to life through Easter egg hunts, baking sessions, arts and crafts, themed movie nights and games. The programme has been designed to provide structured activities for children while allowing parents time to relax.

With a combination of festive dining, wellness programming and ocean-based experiences, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives’ Easter Celebration 2026 aims to offer a balanced island escape that blends seasonal celebration with tranquillity.

More information on the Candy Land Easter programme is available via the resort’s official brochure and website.

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