Family
Maldives targets investors for integrated holiday facility
Maldives has sought investors to develop an integrated holiday facility in the greater Male region targeted towards visitors and locals alike.
In an announcement, the newly created Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC) invited interested companies to submit proposals to reclaim a lagoon known as Galufalhu, located between Dhoonidhoo and Feydhoo Finolhu in Kaafu Atoll, and develop a picnic island that would cater for a minimum of 1,000 picnic goers at a time. The island, exclusive for locals, would be developed with 20 rooms along with an area dedicated to water sports as well as a futsal and volleyball court, the corporation added.
The usual lease rate of a lagoon is between USD20-50 million, but MITDC will waive rent for a period of 50 years.
Male, the most congested capital city in the world, is home to over a third of the archipelago’s population of some 350,000. Despite being globally renowned for its white sandy beaches, locals in Male are resigned to two artificial beaches on the two end of the city, as the government has leased all three picnic islands in the region for resort development.
For developing the picnic island at Galufalhu, investors will receive an incentive to develop rest of the seven-hectare lagoon as a tourist resort.
Maldives, known world over for its upmarket tourism industry, has resorts in the hundreds. The industry has in recent times expanded to introduce more affordable segments, including guesthouses and liveaboards.
Greater Male region has the highest concentration of tourist resorts in the Maldives, and with the recent leasing of several islands and lagoons in the region for resort development more tourist properties are expected to come up soon.
Cooking
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa sets season of culinary experiences and island celebrations
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa is set to welcome guests to a season of dining, family celebrations and island experiences, with a programme of events taking place from September through October.
The season begins with the Japanese Cocktail & Dining Experience on 26 September, featuring a six-course dinner inspired by the flavours of Japan and Peru. Guests can look forward to dishes including yellowfin tuna tartare, robata-grilled octopus, butter-poached lobster and slow-braised beef short rib, finished with a refreshing citrus dessert.

The dinner will be accompanied by cocktails created by award-winning Japanese bartender Norihiko Furuse, known for his creative and sustainable approach to mixology, bringing together Japanese spirits, seasonal fruits, local herbs and botanical ingredients.
On 3 October, Kuredhivaru will bring a taste of Germany to the Maldives with its annual Oktoberfest Celebration. Guests can enjoy Bavarian favourites including roast pork knuckle, beef goulash, German sausages, BBQ pork ribs and freshly baked pretzels, followed by classic desserts such as apple strudel, Black Forest cake and Bavarian cream. Live music and games will add to the festive atmosphere.

The celebrations continue with Halloween at Kuredhivaru from 30 to31 October, bringing two days of family-friendly activities, including Kids Club experiences, costume creations, the Rising Star Halloween Fashion Show, pumpkin carving, themed games, creative workshops and deliciously Halloween-inspired dining, and a few surprises lurking around every corner.

From the tiniest trick-or-treaters to grown-ups ready to join the fun, it’s Halloween island- style, full of imagination, laughter, sparkle and just the right amount of spooky!

With a mix of culinary experiences and seasonal celebrations, Kuredhivaru’s upcoming programme offers guests different ways to enjoy the island throughout the season.

For reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.
Awards
ROBINSON NOONU wins Best Fun & Friendly Resort title for second time
ROBINSON NOONU has been named Best Fun & Friendly Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026 for the second time. This marks the fourth consecutive TTM award for ROBINSON Clubs in the Maldives.
“Receiving the award for the second time is particularly gratifying. It shows that our concept resonates with both our guests and our industry partners, whilst we continue to follow our own path. ROBINSON NOONU has its very own character,” says General Manager Jan Karliczek.

ROBINSON NOONU is located on Orivaru Island in the Noonu Atoll. Guests stay in beach and water villas, many with direct ocean access or private pools. The club’s house reef invites snorkelling and diving. Sports offerings include fitness classes from yoga to HOT IRON as well as padel. The resort also features special event weeks, diverse entertainment, and programmes for children and teenagers.

With this latest recognition, ROBINSON continues its TTM Awards success in the Maldives: ROBINSON MALDIVES won awards in 2023 and 2025, whilst ROBINSON NOONU impressed in the Best Fun & Friendly Resort category in 2024 and now 2026.
The TTM Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the Maldivian tourism industry and are presented annually at the international TTM Maldives trade fair. Winners are determined through online voting accessible via the TTM website. In 2026, awards were presented across 32 categories.
Action
Michael Owen returns to Avani+ Fares Maldives for October football camp
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort has announced the return of former England striker and Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen for a third Kids’ Football Camp, scheduled from 14 to 17 October 2026.
The four-day programme will be open to children aged five to 13 of all skill levels, with sessions combining football coaching, skills drills and games alongside beach activities and island experiences. The camp will conclude with a Grand Finale on 17 October, when participating children will receive medals and certificates.

Participation in the camp will be complimentary for guests staying at Avani+ Fares Maldives during the event period.
The October programme will mark Owen’s third football camp at the Baa Atoll resort and his second visit to the property this year, following an Easter edition held in late March and early April. The resort first introduced the programme in October 2025.
The inaugural camp ran from 20 to 23 October 2025, followed by a Grand Finale on 24 October. Owen led coaching sessions on the resort’s football pitch, with the programme designed to give young guests opportunities to learn from the former England international while focusing on football skills, teamwork and participation. The first edition was complimentary for eligible children staying at the resort.
Following the response to the first camp, Avani+ Fares brought Owen back for its Easter programme in 2026. More than 30 children and teenagers participated in the second edition, taking part in daily sessions led by Owen and assistant coaches. Training covered areas including dribbling, passing, positioning and teamwork, with sessions adapted for different ages and ability levels.

The second camp also formed part of a wider programme for families, incorporating activities for children and teenagers beyond the football pitch. Participants concluded the programme with certificates and medals, while opportunities were also provided for meet-and-greet sessions, autograph signings and photographs with Owen.
Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 and represented England during an international career that included appearances at three FIFA World Cups. At club level, he played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City. His involvement in the Avani+ Fares programme has been centred on introducing younger players to football through training and activities within a resort holiday setting.
The third edition will retain the programme’s focus on children aged five to 13, combining coaching with recreational activities during the October school holiday period. According to the resort’s announcement, the camp will include expert coaching, drills for different skill levels, beach games and island adventures before the final session and awards ceremony on 17 October.

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is located on Fares Island in Baa Atoll, within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and close to Hanifaru Bay. The property offers 176 rooms, pavilions, beach and overwater villas and residences, together with seven dining and bar venues. Its family facilities include AvaniKids, a Teens Club and Petit Bistro, a restaurant dedicated to younger guests.
The resort also provides access to snorkelling and diving on its house reef, alongside water sports, tennis, fitness and spa facilities. Avani+ Fares was named Best Beach Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2025, following its Best Dive Resort recognition in 2024.
The return of Owen for a third camp continues Avani+ Fares Maldives’ use of sports-led programmes as part of its family offering, bringing the former England striker back to Fares Island less than seven months after his previous camp.
-
Fitness1 week agoThe Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort celebrates World Wellness Weekend with movement, mindfulness and nutrition
-
Action1 week agoJOALI Maldives expands reef restoration programme with over 11,000 coral fragments planted
-
Cooking1 week agoCinnamon Hakuraa Huraa takes private dining to a Maldivian sandbank
-
Awards1 week agoCentara Grand Lagoon named Best Emerging Resort, Mirage Lagoon Best Family Resort at TTM Awards
-
Food1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu Maldives introduces first Thanksgiving celebration
-
News1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi brings music, Michelin-starred sining and wellness to festive season
-
News1 week agoKandooma Maldives reveals new brand identity ahead of 1 October debut
-
News1 week agoEri Maldives to celebrate first festive season with ‘La Dolce Vita’


