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Baa Atoll Summer Festival: six resorts come together to promote destination

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Six resorts, all located in the central Baa atoll, have come together ahead of summer holidays to host a joint promotional event to promote the atoll as a single destination.

Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Dusit Thani Maldives, Amilla Fushi, Finolhu Maldives and Vakkaru Maldives have joined hands to celebrate the Summer Festival with a bang in Baa atoll, calling it the “Baa Atoll Summer Festival 2018”.

This first ever and one-of-its-kind festival will be held from July 20 to August 3, bringing the best each resort has to offer in the dining scene. Guests from each resort will have the opportunity to experience the varied cuisines Baa atoll has to offer as a destination, on dedicated nights. This will give them a taste of the creativity and service of their resort of choice, with a chance to explore other islands during their stay.

On Wednesday, all participating resorts came together at Soneva Fushi sandbank to bring this festival to light with an official announcement during a gathering with chefs, marine biologists and the leaders.

The Baa Atoll Summer Festival will officially launch on July 20, with a cocktail event in each of the resorts where the teams will celebrate with their guests the opening night. From the following day, each resort will welcome the guests from other resorts with a special set menu for dinner in their featured dining restaurant, for two consecutive weeks on a designated night.

This gives the resort the opportunity to showcase its dining scene to the guests of the resort itself and those visiting from the other islands for dinner. Transportation will be organised by the respective resorts to the featured resort on a daily basis, for a minimum charge of USD 25++ per person.

If the guests would like to repeat their experience in a specific resort, then special arrangements will be made to accommodate the same. Each resort will present a set menu for USD 120++ per person on food, with a special menu for kids. The price of the menu in each featured restaurant will remain the same. This is compiled with an aim to create an experience for the guests as the talented chefs unveil their dishes.

Schedule for the festival:

  • July 21 and 28: Amilla Fushi
  • July 22 and 29: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
  • July 23 and 30: Finolhu
  • July 24 and 31: Dusit Thani
  • July 25 and August 1: Soneva Fushi
  • July 26 and August 2: Vakkaru

Participating restaurants:

  • Out of the Blue (Soneva Fushi): Once Upon a Table, which opened in May 2018, is one of the five new outlets in Soneva Fushi’s ‘Out of the Blue’ dining complex; a two-storey overwater structure with beautiful views of the sunset. A culinary theatre showcasing some of the biggest names in fine dining, Once Upon a Table’s horseshoe shaped table seats just eight diners for an intimate dining experience. In 2018, more than 30 of the world’s top chefs, most with one or two Michelin stars, will cook at the outlet.

  • Blu (Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru): Overlooking a 1.2 mile lagoon, Blu embraces the essence of the Maldives as the place where the ocean meets the sky. This contemporary Italian restaurant serves light Mediterranean fare during the day and offers a fine dining experience in the evening, serving up vibrant dishes with a Southern Italian accent.

  • Benjarong (Duist Thani): Benjarong, the signature overwater Thai restaurant, takes diners to the Land of Smiles with authentic delicacies bringing Royal Thai cuisine to Baa atoll.

  • Feeling Koi (Amilla Fushi): Crystal waters lap below Amilla Fushi’s signature restaurant. Japanese minimalism on an open deck, chefs performing in a theatre kitchen – culinary magic with exquisite presentation. Izakaya-style dining comes to life with openhearted service and shared ‘tapas’ plates. Umami works of art in a spectacular setting. Downstairs, a lounge bar for post-dinner drinks. Smooth sounds from the DJ, moon reflecting off the seas.

  • Kanusan (Finolhu): Kanusan’s deck dips you into a dazzling dining experience. Whet your whistle on classic favourites such as Mandarin roasted duck and larb gai — with a refreshing Kanusan twist. Kanusan features a totally fresh overwater bar area and two dining areas. There is a chilled indoor dining space, and an open lower deck which provides the archetypal Maldivian experience of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the sea.

  • ONU (Vakkaru): ONU means Bamboo in local Dhivehi language. An elegant bamboo fashioned culinary theatre within a tropical plantation offering a dining experience inside and out, seasoned with a tropical ambiance, idolising the finest from our organic farm. A designed space with showcase kitchen, counter dining, garden pavilions and lounge areas.

“This destination dining concept aims to tantalise the taste buds of our guests in all participating resorts and make Baa Atoll location  in Maldives a ‘must visit’ Atoll during summer. Moreover, during this summer festival, each resort will offer a calendar of activities to keep the entire family entertained, from water sports to kids’ activities and more. It is fun time for all,” a joint statement read.

“The team have come together to show the strength in the form of a dedicated website and social media account that will be constantly updated with beach activities, events and water experiences. With this first ever event, Baa Atoll destination has created a benchmark for itself and aims to be more creative in the years to come with the support of Maldives Media.”

The Baa Atoll Summer Festival closing ceremony will once again bring the teams together in celebration, on a sandbank for a Catamaran Regatta competition on August 3.

Baa atoll, the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, is currently home to a number of resorts, including those run by world-renowned brands.

Established in 1995, Soneva Fushi is the original Soneva. The No News, No Shoes blueprint for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways is located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 65 spacious beachfront villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, hidden amongst dense foliage.

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from the main Velana International Airport, Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestled amongst lush tree tops or hugging the shores of pristine white sand. Additionally, eight spectacular four to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy are also available.

Just 30 minutes by speedboat from sister resort Amilla, Finolhu is a stylish and eclectic retreat with a buzzy bon-vivant vibe and a refreshing, retro-inspired burst of fun for the region. Bringing toes-in-the-sand relaxation to fun-loving beach-erati alongside the best DJs, live acts and most fabulously chic parties in the Maldives. Finolhu’s 125 villas come on the ocean, the lagoon or by the beach, with or without pool in either one or two bedroom options being the ultimate island experience for chic couples, fun-loving families and gatherings of friends alike.

Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre wonderland of pristine tropical beauty. Exotic jungle greenery is flanked by immaculate white beaches and one of the Maldives’ largest natural lagoons.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll — the Maldives’ first ever UNESCO biosphere reserve — Dusit Thani Maldives blends gracious Thai hospitality with the unparalleled luxury setting of the Maldives. This luxury island resort comprises 95 villas encircled by white sandy beaches, a stunning 360 degree house reef and a turquoise lagoon. With a unique combination of beach and lagoon accommodation, Dusit Thani Maldives provides an unmatched luxurious escape for all travellers.

A secluded tropical island resort blessed with timeless ocean views, white sandy beaches and nurtured by nature, Vakkaru offers guests a holistic approach to unassuming luxury and unforgettable experiences.  Whether travelling on a romantic break or with family and friends, the resort offers a superlative choice of accommodation types, including family rooms. Each of the 125 beach and overwater villas and suites have a natural aesthetic and sense of privacy.

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Huvafen Fushi to host iconic 17-course omakase by Japan’s Chef Setsuo Funahashi

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Huvafen Fushi, the iconic resort in the Maldives, is set to host an exclusive one-night culinary residency with the renowned two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Nikaku.

On Monday, 11 August 2025, Huvafen Fushi’s overwater restaurant RAW will welcome celebrated Chef Setsuo Funahashi for a 17-course omakase dinner – a traditional Japanese dining experience where the chef selects each dish. This special evening will offer a rare insight into the world of authentic Edomae sushi, a style developed during Japan’s Edo period in the 1700s. Originally created as a method to preserve fish caught in Tokyo Bay before the advent of refrigeration, Edomae sushi involves techniques such as curing with vinegar or salt, simmering, and marinating in sauces.

Chef Funahashi, a third-generation sushi master and the owner of Nikaku in Kitakyushu, is widely respected for his dedication to traditional Japanese methods. He sources the freshest fish from the Kanmon Straits, which separate the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. For this occasion at Huvafen Fushi, every ingredient will be flown in directly from Japan to guarantee the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

Nikaku, which translates as “a pair of cranes” – a symbol of lasting prosperity – stands as a tribute to the enduring craftsmanship of Japanese cuisine. Chef Funahashi continues a two-century legacy, employing techniques such as hontegaeshi for forming nigiri, and refining the anbai – the precise balance of salt and vinegar in sushi rice. Each course will be presented with meticulous attention to detail, offering guests an experience where each dish becomes a work of art.

The evening’s dining will be highly exclusive, with two intimate seatings limited to eight guests per session. A curated selection of premium champagne, fine white wines, and exceptional sake will be available to complement the nuanced flavours of the omakase menu.

This exceptional collaboration exemplifies Huvafen Fushi’s commitment to delivering sophisticated, world-class culinary experiences. It is a celebration of two refined traditions – the serene luxury of the Maldives and the disciplined precision of Japanese cuisine – coming together for an unforgettable night of gastronomic artistry.

Dining at Huvafen Fushi has long been regarded as an elevated affair, with each venue offering distinctive culinary expressions against a backdrop of unspoiled natural beauty. Among them, SALT is considered one of the finest restaurants in the Maldives, blending elegant Japanese flavours with Latin flair in a relaxed Izakaya-style setting poised above the ocean. Designed for sharing and pairing with drinks, its offerings are best enjoyed as the sun sets over the water.

For a more health-conscious alternative, RAW presents a 100% organic, raw food menu in a bistro-inspired format, featuring fresh ingredients sourced from the chef’s own garden and served alongside energising juices. With panoramic views of the sea, RAW offers a tranquil yet refined setting – making it the perfect stage for Chef Funahashi’s rare residency.

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s Nautilus Bar returns: An icon reimagined

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has unveiled the newly renovated Nautilus Bar, a reimagined oceanfront haven designed to capture the timeless elegance of the nautilus shell and the laid-back luxury of island life. Elevated, refined, and more inviting than ever, this refreshed space is set to reclaim its spot as the resort’s most coveted destination for sunset cocktails and starlit conversations.

Perfectly poised above the turquoise waters, the new Nautilus Bar blends sophisticated barefoot charm with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views, offering a multisensory experience that is both serene and indulgent. Guests can expect a menu as vibrant as the views, from craft cocktails and tropical bites to wholesome smoothies and indulgent milkshakes. Every element has been thoughtfully curated to evoke a sense of relaxation and connection with the island’s natural rhythm.

“Perched above the ocean with nothing but the horizon in view, The Nautilus Bar is one of those rare places where time seems to slow down. It is not just a bar—it is where you can swing gently in a hammock, sip a perfectly crafted cocktail, and lose yourself in the colours of a Maldivian sunset. It is one of my favourite spots on the island, and I truly believe it captures the soul of what makes Sun Siyam Vilu Reef so special,” shared Thoha Yoosuf, Resort Manager, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

This transformation was thoughtfully envisioned by Studio Sixty7, whose designers Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol reimagined every detail to honor the laid-back spirit of the Maldives with contemporary refinement.

“Our design ethos was all about creating a home-away-from-home feeling, only with your feet in the white sands. Fully upholstered lounge chairs and oversized, low-slung sofas invite guests to unwind in a relaxed, barefoot-luxury setting. At the heart of the space is an organically carved bar set into white plaster walls, with Calacatta marble countertops and bespoke joinery adding a subtle sense of indulgence. To create visual impact, we introduced oversized rope pendants that draw the eye upward and emphasise the generous scale of the space. The relaxed aesthetic continues onto the extended decking, where new hanging nets and pops of bright aqua add energy against the neutral backdrop, blending beautifully with the natural surroundings. It’s a space where guests can fully immerse themselves in peace and tranquility, while still experiencing the refined spirit of Maldivian luxury,” explain Lee & Jose, Founders and Creative Directors of Studio Sixty7.

Whether you arrive for an early evening apéritif, a hammock-side escape, or a quiet moment beneath the stars, The Nautilus Bar invites guests to pause, savor, and simply be.

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Dare to taste with W Maldives at Island Alchemy Ft. Beckaly Franks

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This July, W Maldives—The Original Wavemaker—dials up the flavor and the flair as award-winning mixologist, Beckaly Franks touches down in the Maldives for a one-of-a-kind takeover. As part of the resort’s Island Alchemy series—a bold celebration of global mixology talent— Franks brings her trailblazing energy, genre-defying cocktails, and unapologetically original spirit to heart of the Indian Ocean for an experience that’s equal parts spectacle and substance.

Known for turning heads and rewriting the rules, Beckaly Franks is no stranger to shaking things up. From co-founding the iconic The Pontiac in Hong Kong—featured on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for seven straight years—to launching the Hungry Ghost group and buzzy venues like Call Me AL and ARTIFACT, Franks has long been a driving force behind Asia’s cocktail renaissance. In 2023, she became the second woman to win the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award, a recognition for her fearless creativity, inclusive ethos, and magnetic presence behind the bar.

“At the heart of every great cocktail is a story—and this one’s set on a postcard-perfect island,” said Franks. “W Maldives has this incredible energy that mirrors what I love about mixology: it’s immersive, unexpected, and made for people who want to feel something. I can’t wait to have my world collide with the destination.”

At W Maldives, she is bringing it all. The collaboration kicks off with two exclusive guest shifts at SIP on 24 and 25 July, where Franks will serve up a mix of her iconic signature and bespoke creations crafted just for the island. Think sun-drenched flavors, unexpected textures and bold spirits made to match the lagoon views. On 27 July, the experience moves to the resort’s noon-to-moon social hub, WET Deck, for an elevated daytime poolside revelry—an atmospheric day of sensory storytelling, boundary-pushing cocktails, and barefoot glamor under the vibrant Maldivian sky.

“This is more than a bar takeover—it’s a meeting of minds, a celebration of mastery, and a moment to connect with the spirit of W Maldives,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “We are proud to welcome Beckaly as part of our Island Alchemy series and continue offering our guests experiences that are anything but ordinary.”

Part island escape, part liquid installation, this collaboration is more than a moment—it is a statement. Island Alchemy is W Maldives signature mixology program designed to spotlight innovators, connectors, and tastemakers who bring something original to the table. With Beckaly Franks at the helm, this edition serves as both a toast to women redefining the global bar scene and a bold glimpse into the future of mixology—where craft and character collide in all the right ways.

Guests looking to stir things up in paradise can book the Stay, Dine, and Fly package, which includes daily breakfast spread and three-course dinner as well as return seaplane transfer from Male, and get exclusive benefits. Book your stay now and raise the bar on your next escape via this link or contact reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.

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