Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.

Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.

The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.

This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.

The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.

“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.

On September 15th 2026, COMO Maalifushi will welcome Maldivian surfer Rishtha Shuja for COMO Conversation: The Wave is Hers, an intimate conversation about her surfing journey, her connection to the sport, and the growing surf culture in the Maldives. Held in collaboration with Tropicsurf, the conversation will take place at Thila bar beach and is exclusively available to in-house guests.

Introduced to surfing by her late father, a respected Maldivian surfer, Rishtha began bodyboarding in 2019 before moving into competitive surfing in 2021. She has since competed nationally and internationally, including placing third at the 2024 Rannamaari Challenge and representing the Maldives at an Asian Games qualifying event in India. During The Wave is Hers, she will share her experiences, inspirations and aspirations with guests.

“We wanted ‘The Wave is Hers’ to embody our deep connection to this place. Surfing is a vital part of Maldivian culture, and Maalifushi provides our guests with a unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in that experience. Rishtha’s story beautifully highlights this connection, along with the incredible surfing available right at our doorstep,” said Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Resorts, Maldives.

World-Class Surfing in Thaa Atoll

Located in Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi is positioned centrally between Dhaalu and Laamu Atolls, giving guests access to an exceptional range of surf spots across the region. Maalifushi offers access to 14 recognised waves, providing a variety of breaks and conditions throughout the surf season.

Running from April through October, the season brings consistent southwest swells and favourable winds, creating world-class conditions for surfers of different abilities. Farms, one of the most versatile breaks, offers forgiving conditions for beginners and intermediates before developing into a longer, more powerful right-hander for advanced surfers. Nearby Chambers and Shipwrecks can pick up larger swells, adding to the range of experiences available.

The diversity of surf spots lets guests choose the ideal breaks based on the swell, tide, wind, and their skill level. Accessible waves help beginners build confidence, while more challenging reef breaks suit experienced surfers. With warm, clear conditions and uncrowded lineups, COMO Maalifushi is an exceptional base for enjoying the Maldives’ world- class surfing.

Set in untouched Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi is a private island resort surrounded by turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and uninhabited islands. The resort offers beach and overwater villas, COMO Shambhala wellness, dining, and a range of experiences, including surfing, freediving, flyfishing and marine exploration. Its location provides access to some of the Maldives’ most rewarding surf breaks and an immersive way to experience the destination’s natural beauty and ocean culture.

Ayada Maldives has unveiled its festive programme for the 2026–2027 holiday season, with celebrations scheduled from 18 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.

This year’s programme is built around four themes — Sea, Fire, Light and Magic — with each element reflected through dining experiences, entertainment, cultural activities and family-focused events across the resort.

The Element of Sea will draw on the Maldives’ relationship with the ocean, incorporating marine encounters, Maldivian folklore and activities inspired by the island environment and the wildlife found beneath the surface.

Fire will form the basis of several evening experiences, including fire performances, Ayada Maldives’ SeaSalt Beach BBQ and Teppanyaki dining. The programme will make use of beachfront settings and open-flame cooking as part of the resort’s festive dining calendar.

The Element of Light will see festive decorations and evening light displays installed across the island. Illuminated pathways and after-dark presentations will feature throughout the Christmas and New Year period as part of the resort’s seasonal transformation.

Magic, meanwhile, will bring together children’s activities, carnival games and other experiences designed for families and guests of different ages. The resort said the theme will also be reflected through smaller touches incorporated throughout the festive programme.

Running for three weeks, the programme will span Christmas, New Year and the first week of January, combining culinary experiences, entertainment and activities across Ayada Maldives.

Located in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives is a private island resort offering villas and suites alongside dining, wellness, water sports and recreational experiences.