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Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru launches new Marine Discovery Centre
Four Seasons Maldives Resort at Landaa Giraavaru has opened a brand new Marine Discovery Centre, which has been completely reimagined, restructured and redesigned inside and out.
The new interactive state-of-the art tribute to the resort’s ocean conservation initiatives showcases the fish lab, turtle rehabilitation centre, Reefscapers coral rejuvenation programme and the Manta Trust research station – all within one of the most comprehensive oceanic research and education facilities in the Maldives.
A darkened spot lit interior gives an underwater feel to the indoor exhibition. Big screens, inspiring touch-activated Prezi presentations, and detailed wall displays cover topics such as drowning islands, coral reefs and fish breeding.
In addition, a large (108 cubic feet) aquarium, kids’ touch tank, video wall, naturally styled fish breeding tanks, and portholes into the inner workings of fish lab combine to create a truly immersive experience. Outside, glass fronted turtle tanks enable up close interactions with the inhabitants of the turtle rehabilitation centre.
Guests are invited to join orientation sessions or explore the Marine Discovery Centre at their leisure. They can also visit and help care for the injured turtles, assist the Reefscapers project by sponsoring and transplanting their own coral frame, and join a number of fascinating talks and wildlife snorkel safaris.
With more than 15 marine scientists and researchers working on conservation projects across the two resorts of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons is at the cutting edge – and caring heart – of ocean safeguarding in the Maldives.
Operating under the moniker ‘Marine Savers’, the team’s work extends to year-round research programmes, community outreach projects and guest education.
Key achievements include the transplantation of 300,000 coral fragments onto some 5,000 coral frames, the successful breeding of thousands of reef fish, the rescue and successful rehabilitation of 149 sea turtles, mostly injured by drifting ‘ghost’ nets, and the hosting of dozens of local school children on awareness days.
Having already collected and analysed thousands of photographs for the national Turtle ID database, the team is now also developing a new Dolphin ID project – using photos of dorsal fins to identify individuals seen regularly in local waters – already with very interesting results. Other ongoing work involves the support of The Manta Trust (the world’s leading manta ray charity), which began life at Landaa Giraavaru over a decade ago.
Last year saw two further notable highlights: firstly, the gathering of Maldivian ministers and their counterparts from Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Fiji, Mauritania, Senegal and Sri Lanka for a symposium dedicated to the safeguarding of shark and ray populations, and secondly, the ‘Flying Turtles’ project, which made Maldivian and European history with the transfer of four endangered Olive Ridley turtles – deemed ‘non-releasable’ by international standards – to a new forever home at Belgium’s Pairi Daiza Zoo, which is considered to be the finest in Europe.
Dubbed the ‘Flying Turtles’, Kerry, Zahiya, La Petite and Peggy were the first live turtles to fly overseas from the Maldives for conservation purposes and the first of their species to take up residence in a European facility.
Commenting on the completion of the new facility, Marine Discovery Centre Manager, Sebastien Stradal, said: “It’s great to be able to showcase our work in such an exciting way and to draw more attention to over a decade of pioneering conservation work. The ‘Flying Turtles’ event epitomised exactly what can be achieved by a dedicated effort to make a difference – something we hope the new Centre inspires in guests of all ages.”
More information and regular updates on the conservation efforts and projects at both Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa can be seen at the dedicated website www.marinesavers.com. Here, among other things, visitors can see the progress of their sponsored Reefscapers coral frames and catch up on the latest news and photos of the rescue turtles.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will welcome Indian chef and restaurateur Atul Kochhar for a culinary residency from 7 to 9 November 2026, coinciding with Diwali.
Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, will bring the culinary approach of his London restaurant, Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, to Helios. The residency will present his contemporary interpretation of India’s regional cuisines, drawing on the traditions and influences that have shaped his cooking.
Rooted in Kochhar’s connection to India, the menu will combine regional flavours with contemporary techniques and carefully selected ingredients. It will reflect his approach to developing Indian cuisine while retaining its cultural foundations.
With more than 30 years in the industry, Kochhar has built an international reputation for his contribution to Indian dining. He received his first Michelin star in 2001, followed by another in 2007. His culinary philosophy brings together India’s regional diversity, traditional cooking practices and contemporary methods.
At Patina Maldives, this philosophy will be interpreted through the resort’s Indian Ocean setting and the multicultural character of the Fari Islands. The residency will give Kochhar an opportunity to adapt his culinary identity to the island and the Diwali celebrations, creating an experience shaped by the occasion and its surroundings.
Kochhar leads the Atul Kochhar Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes Kanishka in Mayfair, Vaasu and Sindhu in Marlow, Riwaz in Beaconsfield, Masalchi in Wembley Park, Indian Essence in Petts Wood and Essence in Tunbridge Wells.
The residency forms part of Patina Maldives’ culinary programme, which connects guests with different cultures, perspectives and creative disciplines. Through Kochhar’s cooking, guests will have an opportunity to explore India’s regional food traditions and celebrate Diwali through shared dining experiences.
Baros Maldives will welcome guests for its festive season from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, with a programme centred on the island’s natural surroundings, Maldivian heritage and a series of culinary, marine and cultural experiences.
The programme will combine Christmas and New Year traditions with activities inspired by island life, including ocean excursions, local cultural experiences, festive dining and wellbeing sessions.
The season will begin with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, followed by a series of activities introducing guests to festive traditions and Maldivian culture. These will include a Christmas cookie workshop, an Ocean, Coconut & Spice cooking class, a Maldivian Heritage Evening and an Island Christmas Market.
Marine experiences will remain a central part of the festive programme. Guests will be able to join a Sunrise Nooma sailing experience, take part in fishing trips at sunrise or twilight, explore the house reef with the resort’s marine team or join a dolphin-watching cruise.
Private yacht excursions, visits to local islands and trips to Malé will also be available for guests wishing to explore beyond the resort.
Baros Maldives will also offer a series of culinary experiences throughout the festive period. These will include a Sake Pairing Dinner, a Great Gatsby-themed five-course dinner and a Champagne Dinner inspired by the Seven Seas.
Other dining experiences will include a Butcher’s Block buffet, an Omakase tasting lunch and a Master Chef Tuna Carving Show & Tasting. Guests will also be able to take part in wine discovery experiences, cocktail-making sessions and an Island Crafted Cocktails programme.
On Christmas Eve, guests will gather at The Lighthouse for a cocktail reception before continuing to Lime for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.
Christmas Day will feature breakfast, festive activities and time for guests to enjoy the beach, lagoon and other island experiences with family and friends.
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a Gala Dinner, live entertainment and the countdown to 2027.
New Year’s Day will start with a celebratory brunch, followed by a selection of wellbeing and dining experiences. These will include a beachfront degustation dinner accompanied by live violin and saxophone performances.
Younger guests will also have a dedicated programme of festive activities, including mocktail-making, Christmas cookie workshops and island-based activities designed for families and children.
Throughout the season, Baros Maldives will host live music, marine presentations, yoga and meditation sessions alongside its wider programme of dining, recreation and ocean experiences.
The festive programme is intended to reflect the character of Baros Maldives by combining Christmas and New Year celebrations with the island’s marine environment, culinary offering and Maldivian culture.
From 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, Niva Kuramathi will mark the festive season with “A Tropical Festive Season”, a programme of dining, entertainment, outdoor activities and family experiences shaped around the island setting.
The programme will make use of Kuramathi’s natural surroundings, including its house reef and sandbank, alongside its 12 restaurants and seven bars.
The festivities will begin on the evening of 21 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the sandbank. Guests will be welcomed with drinks and live music at sunset, followed later in the evening by a traditional Bodu Beru performance.
On 28 and 29 December, the resort will host a traditional Maldivian Market, featuring Bodu Beru drumming, a folklore parade and locally made artisanal crafts.
Christmas Eve festivities
Christmas Eve celebrations will begin on the sandbank at sunset, with welcome drinks and Christmas carols. Santa Claus and his elves will also make an appearance before guests gather for a gala buffet dinner.
The evening will conclude with an outdoor screening of a classic Christmas film under the stars.
Countdown to 2027
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin at sunset with cocktails on the sandbank.
A gala dinner will then be served across Farivalhu, Malaafaiy and Haruge restaurants before the countdown to 2027. Fireworks will mark the arrival of the New Year, while live music and DJ performances will continue at Fung Bar and Sand Bar.
Festive activities
Throughout the festive period, Niva Kuramathi will offer a programme of recreational, culinary and entertainment activities.
Guests will be able to take part in moonlit yoga sessions on the sandbank, sand sculpting, Sip & Paint evenings for couples and fire dance performances.
Sporting activities will include beach volleyball, a football match between the Niva Kuramathi team and guests, as well as kayak, pedal boat and stand-up paddleboard races.
The entertainment programme will also include wine tastings, karaoke, music trivia, live music and DJ evenings.
Cooking classes will be held at Kobe, where guests will be able to take part in sessions centred around the restaurant’s open kitchen experience.
The festive programme is designed to allow guests to participate in scheduled activities while also having the option to spend time at leisure.
The season will conclude on 1 January 2027 with a late-morning brunch and the first house reef dive of the year.
Festive programme for children
Bageecha Kids Club will host a separate festive programme for younger guests, combining recreation, creative activities and environmental learning.
Activities will include treasure hunts, splash pad games, cookie-making, arts and crafts, eco workshops, nature exploration, holiday films, karaoke, bracelet-making and gardening in the resort’s hydroponic garden.
Children will also be able to take part in scavenger hunts, mini-Olympic games, yoga and disco dancing, as well as shared lunches and dinners with other young guests.
On Christmas Eve, the programme will begin with a family photograph session, followed by gingerbread house decorating, writing letters to Santa, a palm-leaf handicraft workshop and outdoor games.
Christmas morning will feature a pyjama party with musical games and pool activities. Later in the day, families will gather at Athiri Deck to welcome Santa Claus, who will distribute gifts to children.
New Year’s Eve activities for younger guests will take place during the afternoon, with music and games around the pool followed by a children’s disco as part of the resort’s final celebrations of 2026.
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