Celebration
‘Mama and Papa’ returns to Sun Aqua Vilu Reef for 30th time
A German couple is holidaying at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef for the 30th time, returning to the Maldives for a grand welcome.
Harns Guard Richter and his wife Bärbel Richter have visited the Maldives a total of 37 times, and on one of their visits the couple went to Sun Aqua Vilu Reef for the first time in 2002. They immediately fell in love with the resort, opting to stay there on every single visit to the Maldives since then.
The team at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef now affectionally call Harns and Bärbel as “Mama and Papa”.
As the couple arrived in the Maldives on Tuesday for the 37th time, they were surprised and taken aback when they saw the grand welcome the resort has prepared for them at the airport. Parent company The Sun Siyam Resorts’ Executive Director Zuleykha Manik and a team from its travel agency Sun Travels greeted the couple at the airport.
Later on, the team at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef welcomed their Mama and Papa with traditional dances as they arrived in the island for the 30th time.
“They give us a surprise every time, but we never thought they would greet us at the airport in such a grand way. To us, they are like our own children,” Bärbel told Sun Online newspaper.
“Vilu Reef offers just the right balance between luxury and Maldivian culture. That’s why we love the place so much.”
Harns and Bärbel will stay in Sun Aqua Vilu Reef for 20 days this time, but that is not enough for them! They are already planning to return to the Maldives — more specifically to their second home of Sun Aqua Vilu Reef — in December for the festive season.
Sun Aqua Vilu Reef is a palm fringed paradise-like island located in South Nilandhe atoll, a mere 35-minute seaplane flight away from the main Velana International Airport.
Hidden amongst the foliage are 62 shell shaped bungalows, (14 Beach Villas, 18 Deluxe Beach Villas, 10 Jacuzzi Deluxe Beach Villas, five Deluxe Beach Villas with Pool, and 15 Sun Aqua Pool Villas) with lava-stone pools, whirlpool bathtubs, private sundecks and day swing beds. A further 41 Water Villas (20 Reef Villas, nine Sunset Reef Villas, six Aqua Villas with plunge pools, five Aqua Suites with private swimming pool and a Grand Reef Suite) complete the accommodation offering with a select few even hiding inviting overwater hammocks.
Guests can be selective at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef and explore the spice and warmth of home style Maldivian cuisine, feast on gourmet organic and free-range produce grown on the resorts private Farm Island, sink their teeth into freshly caught, barbecued seafood or dine under the stars with private dining experiences.
A major focus, the Sun Aqua Spa at the Sun Aqua Vilu Reef consists of six private treatment pavilions each with open air flower baths, open showers, a hydrotherapy area and double treatment beds. On offer is also a salon, manicure/pedicure and a beautiful relaxation area. Encompassing the Five Element Theory — Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth and Water — the spa will offer a lengthy menu of Ayurvedic wellness rituals, pampering beauty therapies and massage techniques from around the world. It also offers a selection of signature therapies to help renew body and mind, including a rich scrub of coconut or coffee, a herbal Udavarthanam detox or a relaxing, fragrant flower bath.
Celebration
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives brings Holiday cheer: spectacular end to 2024
As the year came to a close, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives transformed into a festive wonderland, offering guests an unforgettable Christmas and New Year experience. With picturesque settings, sumptuous feasts, enchanting decorations, and vibrant entertainment, the celebrations created cherished memories for all who attended.
Culinary indulgence took centre stage during the festivities, as each resort presented an array of delectable dishes inspired by global and Maldivian traditions. Guests enjoyed an impressive selection of Christmas-themed buffets, live cooking stations, and decadent desserts, all perfectly paired with fine wines and tropical cocktails. The New Year’s Eve gala dinners were particularly noteworthy, featuring exquisite menus that provided a delightful conclusion to 2024.
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by breathtaking decor throughout the resorts. Twinkling fairy lights, intricately crafted ornaments, and shimmering Christmas trees added a magical touch, beautifully set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Each resort embraced the festive theme in its own unique way, creating a warm and joyous ambiance that immersed guests in the holiday spirit.
Entertainment options ensured the celebrations were filled with excitement. Live performances and cultural experiences added vibrant energy to the festivities. Children were not forgotten, as fun-filled activities, games, and a special visit from Santa Claus made the season especially magical for families.
Building on the success of this year’s celebrations, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives invites travellers to plan their next holiday in the Maldives. With upcoming events such as Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Summer Escapes, and year-end celebrations, the resorts promise more incredible experiences tailored to make every occasion memorable. Guests are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming events and exclusive offers to ensure their next visit is unforgettable.
Celebration
Fall in love again at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives’ third annual Month of Love
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced its third annual ‘Month of Love,’ a celebration dedicated to romance, connection, and cherished memories. Scheduled from February 1 to 28, 2025, the resort invites couples to escape to a tropical paradise and experience a thoughtfully curated series of intimate activities.
According to Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, the Month of Love offers couples an opportunity to create unforgettable memories amidst the stunning beauty of the Maldives. He highlighted the resort’s commitment to designing experiences that celebrate love, including romantic dinners under the stars and intimate wellness retreats, aimed at helping couples reconnect and unwind in magical moments together.
The resort offers exquisite dining experiences tailored for couples, such as:
- A Taste of Love: A six-course culinary journey with optional wine pairings in an elegant setting.
- Love Birds Under the Stars: A magical four-course dinner on the beach under a canopy of stars.
Couples can rejuvenate and reconnect through wellness experiences, including:
- Couples’ Massage Workshop: Guided sessions on relaxation techniques by expert therapists from Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala.
- Couples’ Rejuvenating Combo: A day filled with wellness-focused activities such as yoga, ice baths, and peaceful sunset sessions.
For those seeking excitement and adventure, the resort offers:
- Romantic Sunset Parasailing: A chance to soar above turquoise waters with professional drone-captured views.
- Love Boat Excursion: A private sandbank visit combined with a vibrant reef snorkelling experience.
- Sunset Jet Ski Tour: An exhilarating ride across sparkling waters during sunset.
To celebrate love and milestones, the resort presents:
- ‘Marry Me” Proposal: A curated beachfront dinner with floral decorations, a celebratory cake, and a romantic turndown service.
- Underwater Proposal or Wedding Ceremony: A unique underwater experience featuring scuba kits, a master of ceremonies, and a ring exchange beneath the waves.
- Elopements & Vow Renewals: Intimate beachfront ceremonies paired with a candlelit dinner, romantic bubble bath, and personalised details.
Couples can preserve their love story through a ‘Couples’ Beach Photoshoot’, featuring professionally captured moments against the stunning Maldivian backdrop.
The Island Romance Package enhances the romantic getaway with accommodations in the villa of choice, daily buffet breakfast and dinner at Kandooma Café, personalised in-villa welcome amenities, and an indulgent breakfast in bed. Couples can enjoy a beach picnic lunch, an intimate beach dinner setup, and complimentary access to non-motorised water sports. Certified divers can also take advantage of up to two complimentary scuba dives per person daily. Prices for this package start at USD 475++ per night for two adults, with flexible cancellation up to seven days before arrival.
From underwater proposals to vow renewals, sunset cruises, or candlelit beach dinners, every experience during the Month of Love at Kandooma Maldives has been meticulously crafted to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Celebration
Unforgettable Valentine’s escapes at Milaidhoo Maldives
In February, Milaidhoo Maldives invites couples to experience a world of unmatched romance, where every moment is designed to celebrate love in its purest form. Renowned for its barefoot luxury and genuine hospitality, Milaidhoo offers a sanctuary for couples to rekindle their connections, create treasured memories, and honour their unique love stories.
Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo’s natural beauty provides an idyllic setting for love to thrive. With its pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, and secluded luxury villas, this boutique island is a haven crafted for intimacy. From sunrise to moonlit evenings, every aspect of Milaidhoo exudes romance, making it a perfect destination for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Throughout February, a variety of bespoke experiences are curated to bring couples closer. Guests can begin their day with a floating breakfast served in the privacy of their villa pool, accompanied by a bottle of Ruinart Champagne Rosé. A dessert cooking class led by a skilled pastry chef adds a sweet and interactive touch to the stay. Couples seeking exclusivity can enjoy a private dinner on a secluded sandbank, complete with a candlelit setting under the stars. On Valentine’s Day, a specially curated romantic dinner is offered beneath the starlit Maldivian sky, celebrating the essence of love.
For those desiring relaxation and reconnection, Serenity Spa presents a unique Love Reconnection Journey. This experience begins with a romantic bubble bath, followed by a soothing couple’s massage and a rejuvenating facial. The journey concludes with a refreshing cup of Avantcha tea or fragrant rosebud tea, leaving couples feeling renewed and deeply connected.
An extraordinary private movie screening on a secluded sandbank is the highlight of Milaidhoo’s romantic offerings. Couples can enjoy a cozy setup under the expansive Maldivian sky, surrounded by the serene sounds of waves and the shimmering ocean. Whether watching a timeless romance or a personal favourite, this experience promises to create an unforgettable memory.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to ensure an authentic and personal experience. In February, the island becomes a canvas for love stories, offering couples a chance to surprise their partners or embark on a shared journey of discovery. Each moment is designed to be as unique and special as the bond they celebrate.
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