Drink
Six-resort dining experience, Baa Atoll Summer Festival 2018 wraps up

Six resorts, all located in the central Baa atoll, have successfully completed 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 joined hands to celebrate the summer holidays with a bang in Baa atoll, calling it the “Baa Atoll Summer Festival 2018”.
The first ever and one-of-its-kind festival was held from July 20 to August 3, bringing the best each resort had to offer in the dining scene. Guests from each resort had the opportunity to experience the varied cuisines Baa atoll had to offer as a destination, on dedicated nights. That gave them a taste of the creativity and service of their resort of choice, with a chance to explore other islands during their stay.
The Baa Atoll Summer Festival officially launched on July 20, with a cocktail event in each of the resorts where the teams celebrated with their guests the opening night. From the following day, each resort welcomed 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.
That gave 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 was organised by the respective resort to the featured resort on a daily basis.
If the guests wanted to repeat their experience in a specific resort, then special arrangements were made to accommodate the same. Each resort presented 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 remained the same. That was compiled with an aim to create an experience for the guests as the talented chefs unveiled their dishes.
The Baa Atoll Summer Festival closing ceremony brought the teams and guests together in celebration, on a sandbank for a Catamaran Regatta competition on August 3.
“This destination dining concept allowed us 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,” Mark Hehir, the CEO and Curator at The Small Maldives Island Co. (TSMIC) said, during the closing ceremony.
“With this first ever event, Baa atoll destination has created a benchmark for itself. We hope to recreate this success next year with more participants and at a grander scale.”
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.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Golden Week Festival with exclusive collaborations

This Golden Week, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort will host a celebration that unites culture, family, and world-class experiences, highlighted by exclusive collaborations under the resort’s renowned Sirru Icon Series. From 1 to 8 October, guests will be invited to take part in a curated programme of culinary experiences, wellness activities, and festive island moments.
As part of the Sirru Icon Series, two special activations will take centre stage:
- Behind the Bar with Opium Bangkok – On 2 and 4 October, guests can enjoy a sunset mixing session at Onu Onu Bar with Julie Nguyen, Head Bartender of Opium Bangkok, recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Despite having only three years’ experience in bartending, Nguyen has gained international recognition, including victory in a prestigious global cocktail competition. Her artistry and signature cocktails are set to create an unforgettable Maldivian evening by the sea.
- Holistic Wellness with Josiah Ngai – Certified Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist and NASM Personal Trainer, Josiah Ngai, will offer a holistic approach to well-being through bespoke treatments. From pulse and tongue diagnosis to acupuncture, fire cupping, moxibustion, and facial rejuvenation, each session is designed to restore balance and vitality. Guests may also enhance their wellness journey through one-to-one personal training, gentle movement, or small group sessions, supporting both body and mind.
Beyond these collaborations, the Golden Week programme will feature a Chinese buffet by the beach, family games, a Hot Pot by the Beach experience, an exclusive tennis camp, a sunset lagoon cruise, and more, offering memorable experiences for families, couples, and friends alike.
Cooking
Just Veg Festival returns to Atmosphere Kanifushi for fifth anniversary

Atmosphere Kanifushi will mark the fifth anniversary of its Just Veg Festival this October, showcasing once again that plant-based cuisine can be both inventive and memorable.
The festival, taking place from 3 to 9 October 2025, will feature an exclusive ‘Just Veg Festive’ dinner menu curated by Italian chef Fabrizio Marino. The Tuscan chef, recognised for elevating vegan and vegetarian fine dining, is known for his creative approach that transforms fruits, vegetables, and herbs into refined culinary experiences.
Chef Fabrizio’s menu will be complemented by vintages from five wine partners. New to this year’s line-up is Bottega SpA, Italy’s award-winning winery, which will present its wines alongside three artisanal Grappas. Returning partners include Champagne Guy Charbaut, Bodegas Viñátigo, Glenelly Estate, and Martín Códax, offering a broad selection to pair with the dishes.
“Food should thrill you. It should challenge what you think you know,” commented Chef Fabrizio. “It is a privilege to share my culinary philosophy in such a remarkable setting. That is why I continue to return to Just Veg Festival – it is a space where we can experiment, surprise, and create something worth remembering.”
Since its launch, the Just Veg Festival has developed from a niche event into a recognised feature on the international culinary calendar. Atmosphere Kanifushi has built a loyal following by combining hospitality with a strong focus on food experiences, demonstrating that the Maldives is not only about beaches but also a destination where cuisine plays a central role.
“Plant-based dining can support a healthy lifestyle and, most importantly, be rich and flavourful when crafted with imagination and care,” said Raman Gomathi, Director of Food and Beverage at Atmosphere Kanifushi.
The Just Veg Festival 2025 will be held at Atmosphere Kanifushi’s signature restaurant, Just Veg, from 3 to 9 October. Participation in the exclusive dinners will be available to guests through pre-booking as part of the Atmosphere Kanifushi Plan™.
Drink
Kandolhu Maldives introduces new villas and gastronomic journeys

Kandolhu Maldives has announced a new season of island experiences, highlighting the resort’s refurbished Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas and a series of exclusive dining collaborations with internationally acclaimed chefs. The resort aims to offer guests opportunities to rediscover its intimate setting through refreshed accommodation and elevated culinary events.
The newly enhanced Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas, each spanning 120 sqm, have been designed with relaxation and comfort in mind. The villas now feature a spacious bedroom, a light-filled bathroom with a deep oval bathtub overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a private deck furnished with sun loungers and a sun umbrella. A new 23 sqm private pool has also been added, alongside a hammock suspended above the water, offering uninterrupted ocean views.

The resort has also introduced a line-up of exclusive dining events, bringing together Michelin-starred chefs and distinguished winemakers. These collaborations, hosted at Olive restaurant, combine fine cuisine with curated wine pairings, promising immersive gastronomic experiences.
- 3 October 2025: Chef Bernd Bachofer will present a degustation menu combining Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French haute cuisine. The evening will be paired with vintages from New Zealand’s Schubert Wines, led by winemaker Kai Schubert. Chef Bachofer, awarded a Michelin star in 2015, brings decades of expertise from renowned kitchens in Germany and Switzerland.
- 23 November 2025: The Kandolhu culinary team, headed by Chef Justin, will prepare a five-course Mediterranean dinner paired with Stonefish wines. Wine expert Peter Papanikitas will guide guests through each course, providing insights into the pairings.
- 3 December 2025: Michelin-starred Chef Theodor Falser will craft contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine in a five-course dinner for just 14 guests. Each course will be paired with fine Italian wines, offering an intimate dining experience.
Kandolhu’s Island Hosts, Claudio Stupan and Luciana Codiferro, commented, “Our vision has always been to create a space where guests feel both completely relaxed and deeply inspired. With refreshed villas and new culinary journeys ahead, we are proud to offer an experience that truly reflects the spirit of Kandolhu.”
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