News
This Holiday Season It’s New Year No Rules at W Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – With the holiday season approaching, W Maldives has created exciting happenings from December 11, 2016 to January 1, 2017. Breakfasts with international DJs, pool and desert island parties, sunset sessions and cruises, cocktail parties and a gala dinner, offer guests a plethora of choice this festive season.
W Maldives will upend tradition and rewrite the rules of the holidays with a street art–style take on the season. In the spirit of the graffiti artists who inspired us, W Maldives will push the boundaries and colour outside the lines in 2017. W Hotels have partnered with graffiti legend John “Crash” Matos to create a custom Christmas tree and celebrate the New Year with bold messages in bright colors.
Raised in the Bronx, Crash first honed his craft tagging subway cars. These days he can be found collaborating with luxury brands including Ferrari, Tumi and Fender. Like W, Crash also has deep roots in the music world, with close connections to Grandmaster Flash, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys as well as a partnership with MTV.

On December 11, 18 and 24, W Maldives will hold Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony hosted by its Resident DJ Ivan Zubo from Slovakia. Complimentary snacks and a glass of Champagne will be available upon arrival.
On CHRISTMAS EVE, Saturday 24 December, guests can join the Dreamscape Sunset Cruise with Champagne, canapés and festive mixes by DJ Kane Ian from Singapore on the two-mast yacht ‘Escape’. 5:30PM-7:30PM / US$110++ per person.
Extraordinary Gala Dinner Under the Stars on serene beachfront including a large selection of live cooking BBQ stations featuring supreme meat and local “catch of the day”. The island’s interactive chefs will be carving, stirring and whipping up whatever guests are craving. 7:30PM-11:00PM / US$390++per person incl. a free flow of house beverages.
After dinner guests can make their way to the scenic WET deck to celebrate Christmas with W Maldives’ Resident DJ Ivan, who will keep his guests entertained with his ‘Chillout Beats by the Pool’ party. 8:30PM – midnight / free entry.

On CHRISTMAS DAY, Sunday 24 December, breakfast will be served at KITCHEN to celebrate Christmas in a tropical style, complemented by vibrant mixes from DJ Justin Paul, our celebrity guest DJ from LA. 7:00AM – 1:30AM.
On both of the above dates Parasailing and Jet Ski with Santa will be offered by DOWN UNDER & WAVE (watersports and diving) team.
Fuel at the Pool party will be held on WET pool deck, and hosted by DJ Kane. There will be endless BBQ and dessert options.1:00PM – 4:00PM / price upon consumption.
Overwater Sunset Session at SIP overwater bar will quench everybody’s thirst with mouthwatering cocktails created by resort’s talented mixologists to the tune of intoxicating sunset beats by DJ Ivan. 6:00PM – 7:30PM.
Chillout After Dinner Party with DJ Justin will keep everyone entertained, where guests will sip on creative cocktails, mix and mingle! 8:30PM – MIDNIGHT.
W Maldives will launch 31 December in style and with a party of a lifetime ‘Stranded on a Desert Island’, during which guests will be escorted to the Gaathafushi private island located just minutes away from the resort. Our culinary team will set up a special BBQ on the beach, and DJ Justin will entertain everybody with his LA inspired mixes. 12:00NOON – 3:00PM / US$ 210++ per person including two glasses of Champagne, a free flow of house beverages and BBQ. US$ 110++ per person incl. BBQ only.
The NEW YEAR’S EVE will start with the Glamorous Cocktail Party at LIVING ROOM, where Champagne and canapés will be served to DJ Ivan’s festive tunes. 19:30PM – 9:00PM / Free entry includes a glass of Champagne.
White Sensation Gala Dinner will take place on the FIRE beach and it will be a top feast sensation! Guests will savour fresh bites like oysters, canapés, prime meat cuts and locally sourced seafood. 9:00PM – 11:00PM / US$650 per person and includes food and house beverages.
Let the Countdown Begin with spectacular midnight fireworks and impressive line-up of international DJs and performers afterwards, including DJ Ivan Zubo, DJ Justin Paul, DJ Kane Ian and Céline Roscheck, a ravishing violinist from Vienna, the night will be truly hipped, vibrant and unique! 11:00PM – 1:00AM / Entry included in the Gala Dinner.
After the party on the beach guests will be able to enjoy After Midnight Munchies at 15BELOW underground club. These will including glow-in-the-dark cocktails and snacks complemented by more festive beats from DJ Justin. 1:00AM – until early morning / Entry doesn’t include food and drinks.
On NEW YEAR’S DAY everybody will enjoy a late Hangover Breakfast at KITCHEN restaurant. 9:00AM – 12:00NOON.
In the evening at FISH specialty overwater restaurant, Director if Cuisine Ilias Kafalis will treat guests with his famous four-course dinner Lobster Fiesta featuring the freshest Maldivian lobsters. 6:00PM – 10:30PM / US$ 180++ per person.
Alternatively, guests will be able to enjoy the Sunset Session at SIP overwater bar while listening to the chill out beats by DJ Ivan, or sipping on yummy. 6:00PM – 7:30PM.
AWAY Spa will offer a Detox. Retox. Repeat Journey that will include an aroma infused steam followed by the 80-minute AWAY massage and Detox Body Wrap to get back your own self. Our therapist’s magical hands will drift your body and mind away from toxins and unnecessary tension. 110 minutes / $ 270++ per person.
For more information please visit www.wmaldives.com
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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