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From swimming with whale sharks to writing workshops: English author Imogen Edwards-Jones shares her love for Maldives
For a scuba diving enthusiast, Maldives is undoubtedly an underwater paradise!
Known internationally as one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, the Maldives has an abundance of dive sites with one thrilling dive opportunity after another. The islands of the Maldives have consistently warm waters with outstanding visibility throughout the year, and consist of exhilarating dive sites such as vibrant thilas, exciting channels, coral-filled overhangs and fascinating wrecks.
And like many others, renowned English author Imogen Edwards-Jones first arrived in the Maldives some 25 years ago, hoping to catch a glimpse of those breath-taking underwater sceneries.
“I was quite adventurous. I had been to Madagascar, Bali and Sri Lanka. And someone suggested the Maldives. I was very keen on scuba diving and this is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving,” Imogen recalls her first visit to the Maldives during which she stayed at Fesdu Fun Island (now Fun Island Resort and Spa).
Since then, Imogen and her family has returned to the Maldives on several occasions, staying at different resorts across the archipelago, including Taj Exotica Resort and Spa Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah, and the latest being the LUX* South Ari Atoll.
LUX* South Ari Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*
It was at LUX* South Ari Atoll in 2013 that she came across whale sharks for the first time. It was, as Imogen described it, almost a religious experience.
“Everyone had already left the boat with their snorkels and I was late because my son was crying. By the time we hit the water, everyone else had gone miles away. So it was just me and this beautiful creature. And I swam with it for about five minutes. I looked in the eye, which was sort of like the ‘soul of the world’,” she says.
And for her nine-year-old daughter, the holiday at LUX* South Ari Atoll proved to be a learning experience too. She was introduced to the resort’s marine biology programme, and learned all about marine conservation and sustainability from its resident marine biologist. Now, she is an eco-warrior!
“[LUX* South Ari Atoll is] very blessed with its natural environment. Some islands in the Maldives are small and you might get an anxious feeling. But here, it feels like you’ve the freedom. There’s a lot to do, especially for children,” Imogen describes the island of Dhidhoofinolhu in South Ari Atoll.
Imogen with her kids during their first visit to LUX* South Ari Atoll in 2013. PHOTO/ IMOGEN
But perhaps the most interesting aspect of Imogen’s love for the Maldives is how one of her bestselling books, Beach Babylon was inspired by her many trips to the island nation. The book explores the lengths to which employees at island resorts like those in the Maldives go to in order to make others’ holiday possible.
“The Maldives is the epicentre of the can-do service philosophy. The idea that you could’ve caviar sent from somewhere or belly dancers and fire dancers all flown in here, to the middle of nowhere. That I find fascinating,” Imogen says.
“Having done Hotel and Air Babylon before, what’s perfect about this is that it was a great opportunity to look at a small community from a different perspective. Island life is fascinating because somebody’s paradise can also be someone else’s hell. These island resorts are a microcosm of the rest of the world because they’ve characters and nationalities from all over the world: Filipinos in the spa, Dutchmen teaching tennis, French chefs, Italian pizza makers and English doing the admin work. It was like putting the rest of the world under a microscope.”
Imogen, who authored the Sunday Times best sellers Hotel Babylon, Air Babylon, Fashion Babylon, Beach Babylon and Pop Babylon, is back at LUX* South Ari Atoll this week.
This time, she hosted a writing workshop and a meet and greet series of events for the guests. In her workshop on bestseller writing, she shared her secrets on how she got into the business, how she stayed there, how she has written everything from columns in Arena Magazine to the worldwide hit Hotel Babylon, and working on Belgravia with Julian Fellowes. She also advised on how to get started on your story, how to pace it properly, how to structure it, how to develop character and, hopefully, how to end up selling over a million books.
“This is my first writing workshop in an island resort. I’m very excited,” Imogen says.
Imogen autographs a copy of her book, Beach Babylon during her last visit to LUX* South Ari Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*
For the British author, one week in the Maldives is just not enough! As she leaves the island paradise after another week of fun, diving and whale sharks, she has just one message for everyone who has had plans to come to the Maldives: “Get your arse on the plane and hurry up!”
And LUX* South Ari Atoll may just be the ideal choice for your Maldives holiday, be it your honeymoon, a romantic getaway or even just a family vacation.
Beach at LUX* South Ari Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*
Cutting-edge designer villas and world-class dining can be found only a 30-minute seaplane flight away from the main Velana International Airport, making LUX* South Ari Atoll one of the most exciting resorts in the Maldives.
With 187 private villas dotted at the water’s edge along four kilometres of powder fine beach or perched on stilts above a crystal clear lagoon, these spacious pavilions and villas bring an entirely original vibe of coastal, beach house chic to the Maldives.
A Lagoon Pavillion at LUX* South Ari Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*
Excellent eating and drinking is always a cut above the rest at LUX*, and at LUX* South Ari Atoll, there is authentic South East Asian street food in the Maldives’ only over-the-water gourmet night market and world-class Chinese cuisine at East, along with the Japanese restaurant Umami, which offers live teppanyaki and dazzling selection of sakés.
While the resort has a PADI-certified dive centre, two infinity pools, a floodlit tennis court, a fitness centre and a renowned spa which hosts a wellness concierge and a menu of indulgent treatments, what sets the property apart from its neighbours are surprises, or better known as #ReasonstogoLUX. Designed to create lasting memories for guests, these ‘reasons’ can range from island-roasted coffee in Café LUX* to impromptu movie screenings at cinema paradise and the chance to hang your wishes on the Tree of Wishes.
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
Ifuru Island Maldives will celebrate the 2026 festive season with “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars”, an immersive Christmas and New Year programme running from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldivian ocean, the night sky and the festive season, the theme will bring together marine and celestial elements across the resort’s décor, entertainment, dining, activities and guest experiences.
At the centre of the concept is the idea that the ocean carries memories, while the stars represent dreams and new beginnings. Rather than presenting the festive season as a series of standalone events, Ifuru Island plans to create a connected journey spanning Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas.
The visual identity of “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will combine an underwater-inspired world with celestial elements. Bioluminescent-inspired colours, reef motifs and glowing details will be paired with stars, constellations and moonlit features throughout the resort.
The colour palette will include deep ocean blue and midnight navy alongside pearl white, silver, soft turquoise, pink and purple, with accents of celestial gold. Coral forms, waves, shells and reef-inspired features will be combined with stars and festive details, giving traditional Christmas elements an interpretation inspired by Ifuru Island’s natural surroundings.
The concept will extend beyond decorations to dining, entertainment, activities, uniforms, signage and festive communications.
The resort said the theme is also intended to reflect the emotions associated with the festive period. The ocean represents peace, connection and possibility, while the stars symbolise hope, dreams, guidance and new beginnings.
The festive journey will begin on 21 December and continue through 10 January, encompassing Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Eve on 24 December will feature festive dining and entertainment, while Christmas Day on 25 December will centre on family celebrations and relaxed island experiences.
On 31 December, Ifuru Island will mark New Year’s Eve with the main celebration of the festive period, before welcoming 2027 on New Year’s Day with activities centred around the island setting and surrounding ocean.
Celebrations will continue from 1 to 10 January during the Orthodox festive period, including Orthodox Christmas.
According to the resort, the broader concept is intended to connect the entire guest experience, with the island’s natural environment forming part of the festive setting. The ocean will provide inspiration during the day, while the night sky will shape the atmosphere after sunset.
Dining experiences, entertainment and activities will each form part of the wider “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” narrative, giving guests different experiences throughout their stay while maintaining a consistent creative theme.
The programme is designed for guests travelling with family, friends or loved ones, with Ifuru Island aiming to combine its natural surroundings with festive celebrations and shared experiences.
The full festive programme, including entertainment, activities, culinary experiences and special events, will be announced separately.
“Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will run at Ifuru Island Maldives from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Christmas Eve will be marked on 24 December, Christmas Day on 25 December, New Year’s Eve on 31 December, New Year’s Day on 1 January and the Orthodox festive period from 1 to 10 January 2027.
Milaidhoo Maldives will welcome Chef Laurence Tan, Head Chef of Michelin-starred JAG in Singapore, for two culinary experiences on the island in October.
Tan’s interest in cooking began at home, inspired by his parents and by preparing and sharing food with his family. After experimenting in the family kitchen, he went on to attend culinary school before joining The White Rabbit in Singapore in 2016, where he began developing his professional career.
He later worked at Tower Club before joining JAG in 2020. Working alongside Chef Jeremy Gillon, Tan developed an approach centred on precision, seasonality and the integrity of individual ingredients.
He progressed from Chef de Partie to Junior Sous Chef and later Sous Chef. When Gillon took on an international consultancy in Taiwan, Tan assumed leadership of the JAG kitchen.
He is now Head Chef of the restaurant, which retained its Michelin star in 2026, reflecting the consistency and quality of its cuisine under his direction.
During his visit to Milaidhoo, Tan will introduce guests to elements of JAG’s culinary philosophy while sharing some of the techniques and ideas that shape his cooking.
On 16 October, he will conduct an intimate cooking class, giving guests an opportunity to learn directly from him and explore his approach to ingredients, technique and flavour.
The following evening, on 17 October, Tan will host a five-course dinner limited to 16 guests.
The menu will begin with Hiramasa crudo with tomatoes and sea grapes, followed by Gambero Rosso with Jerusalem artichoke and cashew. Lobster ravioli with lobster bisque will precede Tajima Wagyu MB8 tenderloin with celeriac and black autumn truffle.
Dessert will feature a dark chocolate parfait with buckwheat ice cream and tonka bean. A preserved lemon sorbet will be served between courses, while the evening will open with a leek and potato croustade.
The collaboration reflects Milaidhoo’s culinary philosophy, which places emphasis on craftsmanship, curiosity, shared experiences and the role of dining in creating memorable moments.
The cooking class will take place on 16 October, followed by the five-course chef’s dinner on 17 October, with the latter limited to 16 guests.
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