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Vakkaru Maldives: from parrotfish to paradise

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Within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll in the Maldives lies a reef island composed entirely of sediment produced on the surrounding coral “faru” (or reefs), 85 percent it is thought, by parrotfish, the fish grinding up coral during feeding and, after digesting the edible content, excrete the rest as sand, creating the powder soft, brilliant white sands that encircle the island. (According to a study published in the journal Geology in 2015 after having taken samples and surveys on the reefs around Vakkaru island.)

From that beginning, the exceptional beauty and awe-inspiring location were what drew the owners of this untouched jewel, to select Vakkaru in their quest to fashion an idyllic, sustainable environment of pared-back luxury under the endless emeralds and azures of the Maldives.

Vakkaru Maldives has welcomed guests since December 2017, and is accessible by a scenic 25-minute seaplane flight from the Velana International Airport.

Drawing on the rich traditions of the locale, design elements are focused on Maldivian style fused with the finest natural resources in order to preserve the integrity of local architecture with a contemporary style. The result is the creation of amazing spaces for guests to connect with each other and the environment around them.

“It is an extraordinarily stunning island with an impressive house reef and more than 1,400 mature coconut trees left from earlier days when the island was a coconut plantation. I love that we were able integrate the trees within the design of the resort, especially given that Vakkaru means coconut wood in Dhivehi. We also wanted to consider the importance of parrotfish to our island, so we have named the little islanders club Parrotfish Club,” says Narelle McDougall, Director of Business Development.

The resort offers an extensive selection of accommodation, with 125 beach and overwater villas and suites catering for couples and families alike. Indulgent dining choices allow guests to enjoy flavours from Europe to Asia in four restaurants and two bars.

Preferring to keep the natural beauty of the island as unspoilt as possible, this independently operated resort is remarkably elegant and understated.

“Fashionable design elements, impressive jungle feel to the gardens and vegetation, apothecary organic bathroom amenities, intelligent guest room connectivity and an array of recreational activities await travellers seeking an intimate getaway in arguably one of the most desirable island destinations on the planet,” says General Manager Wicus Prinsloo.

Less than three months after welcoming guests from around the world, Vakkaru Maldives was announced “New Comer of the Year” during ITB in Berlin at the annual Hideaways Party, a prestigious event hosted by publishers of exclusive travel magazines and the Hideaways Hotels Collection.

Let the timeless allure of the Maldives welcome you in as you discover the warmth and affection of its people in this idyllic island retreat.

Drink

Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.

Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen

Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.

Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse

At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.

The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven

Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.

Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.

Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.

Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”

With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.

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Spring reawakens: Sirru Fen Fushi showcases Maldives at its calmest

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Sirru Fen Fushi, a soulful island retreat in the Shaviyani Atoll and a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced the launch of its Spring Reawakens 2026 campaign. Centred on the season’s exceptional natural conditions, the initiative invites guests to experience the Maldives at its calmest, clearest, and most inspiring time of year.

Each spring, the lagoon surrounding Sirru Fen Fushi becomes remarkably still, bathed in soft seasonal light, while the resort’s nine-kilometre house reef grows particularly vibrant with young coral and flourishing marine life. These conditions create some of the best opportunities of the year for snorkelling, diving, and stargazing.

The Spring Reawakens campaign is tailored to guests who feel most connected to the resort’s nature-centred and purpose-driven identity. It appeals to Nature-Led Explorers seeking immersion and clarity, Experience Seekers looking for meaningful encounters, and Quiet Luxury Travellers who value privacy, tranquillity, and refined simplicity. Boutique family groups—gently addressed within this campaign—will particularly appreciate the calm lagoon and the learning experiences offered through the Sustainability Lab. Spring provides the ideal emotional setting for all guest types: a moment to pause, breathe, and rediscover the beauty of the natural world.

Guests booking the Spring Reawakens offer will receive breakfast and dinner, one curated seasonal experience per stay, a Sustainability Lab workshop, and early check-in and late check-out subject to availability. Signature experiences include sunrise paddling on still waters, guided Coralarium discovery sessions, sunset sailing, art and nature walks, and nature-inspired wellness rituals.

The resort’s pioneering Sustainability Lab—dedicated to plastic upcycling and coral propagation—anchors the campaign’s emphasis on purpose, circularity, and renewal.

Leaders Club members of The Leading Hotels of the World will enjoy added privileges during the campaign, including a private introduction with the resort’s marine biologist and a 30-minute Spring Wellness Ritual when booking any spa treatment.

“Spring at Sirru Fen Fushi is when the island reveals its true soul. The lagoon settles into calm clarity, the reef comes alive with renewed energy, and each sunrise feels like a gentle fresh start. It is one of the most beautiful times for our guests to reconnect—whether with nature, loved ones, or themselves. Spring Reawakens is an invitation to slow down and experience the island in a deeper, more meaningful way,” said Gerhard Stutz, General Manager at Sirru Fen Fushi.

Booking & Stay Details:

  • Booking window: 8 December 2025 – 31 January 2026
  • Stay window: 1 March – 31 May 2026
  • Rates: From USD 750
  • Eligible villa categories: Beach Sunrise, Beach Sunset, Deluxe Beach Sunrise, Deluxe Beach Sunset, Water Sunrise, Grand Water Sunset Villas

With its immersive privacy, nature-focused design, and thoughtful service, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a soulful Maldivian experience rooted in clarity, connection, and natural beauty. Spring Reawakens 2026 presents travellers and media with a powerful seasonal perspective on the Maldives—celebrating renewal and the restorative force of the natural world.

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Entertainment

New Year’s Eve Gala at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La to feature live performance by Nasooh

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JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is preparing to host a vibrant New Year’s Eve Gala Night on 31 December 2025, inviting guests to welcome 2026 with an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and festive celebration.

The event will be headlined by Mohamed Nasooh, one of the Maldives’ emerging musical talents whose voice has earned national recognition. Nasooh first rose to prominence as a former vocalist of the popular band 2ofus, which represented the Maldives internationally and achieved notable success as the 2nd Runner-Up at the Battle of the Bands International. His growing popularity on TikTok, combined with his expressive vocal performances, has made him a well-loved figure among audiences of all ages.

Guests attending the New Year’s Eve Gala Night can look forward to a memorable live performance from Nasooh, who will bring his distinctive vocal style and stage presence to the celebration as the country ushers in a new year.

Adding to the excitement, the evening will also include a special grand prize, with details set to be announced soon. The announcement has already generated anticipation and is expected to be a highlight of the event.

The Gala Night will offer an elegant dining experience and a festive atmosphere, providing an inviting setting for families, couples, and friends wishing to celebrate the start of 2026 in style. The full programme and menu will be shared in the coming days.

JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La welcomes guests to join this exceptional evening—an occasion filled with music, flavour, and celebration marking the arrival of the new year.

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