Connect with us

Entertainment

Velaa Private Island to host Lebanese singer Diana Haddad on Eid

Published

on

UAE-based Lebanese singer and TV personality Diana Haddad is set to enthral guests at Velaa Private Island for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr.

On June 6, the private island will be treating its guests to a special celebration and a private performance by singer Haddad.

Haddad is widely acclaimed across the Gulf region and has previously headlined both New Year’s Eve celebrations as well as National Day celebrations in the United Arab Emirates.

Tucked away within the collection of islands that form the northern Noonu atoll, Velaa Private Island is elegantly positioned to overlook enchanting vistas of a cerulean ocean. Its name derived from generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch; it is comprised of 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. The resort also includes a Romantic Pool Residence which can only be reached by boat.

At Velaa Private Island, all details have been considered: each villa comes with a personal butler, all services offered can be tailored to personal specifications. Attention to detail everywhere is also impeccable: stone pavements from the desert in Jordan, Indonesian flowerpots, luxury wood panelling from Borneo, and glimmering Italian marble.

Velaa Private Island offers endless exclusive opportunities. These unique offerings include the Maldives’ first and only snow room, the largest and most extensive wine collection in the region, one of the few Maldivian resorts with a private submarine, an extraordinary kids’ club conceptualised as the world’s ideal kids’ club by the owner’s seven-year-old daughter, and the only resort in Asia with a My Blend by Clarins spa.

Personalising and tailoring the entirety of the island depending on specific requirements, there is no limit to ensure the ultimate experience. Guests can sit back in the knowledge that the island’s highly trained and dedicated butlers will cater to each and every whim. Whether it is watching a spectacular fireworks display within the Maldivian night sky, dancing into the early hours with an Al fresco live music event, stepping aboard the island’s private yacht for a glamorous sunset cruise or enjoying a private, open air cinema night, anything is possible. Other interactive activities perfect for private groups include gourmet cooking classes with one of the resort’s chefs or wine tasting within the Maldives’ largest wine cellar.

For those looking to get involved in some Indian Ocean adventure, Velaa’s high-tech water toys, including the hover board, jetpack and fly board serve as the definitive adrenaline rush. Whilst discovering the wonders beneath the island’s welcoming waters, guests can learn to dive or simply snorkel the coral rainbow.

Velaa Private Island is currently offering exclusive Eid offers to Middle East residents. For more information and bookings, visit the resort’s official website

Cooking

Patina Maldives welcomes global, Maldivian talent for latest ‘Perpetual Journey’

Published

on

Transformative luxury retreat Patina Maldives, Fari Islands unveils a new stage of The Perpetual Journey, its ongoing programme of art, culture, wellness and conscious dining experiences. Highlights from August to November include acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Shezad Dawood’s inaugural Patina Art Residency, a junior football camp led by FC Bayern Munich coach Jonas Caryot and a three-day Diwali celebration bringing together chef Atul Kochhar, mixologist Giancarlo Mancino and DJ Sakré.

The Perpetual Journey is Patina’s evolving programme of experiences designed to inspire couples, families and solo travellers to embrace connection, growth, wellbeing and nourishment at their own pace through collaborations with global and local guest talent.

Aishath Shuaila – Art Gallery Malé Collaboration, 22 September – 10 October

Developed in partnership with Art Gallery Malé, the rolling creators in residence programme at Patina Maldives’ Fari Art Atelier provides an ongoing international platform for contemporary Maldivian artists.

Following the success of Ahmed Khaleel’s residency in June and Hassan Najih’s residency in July, Patina Maldives will collaborate with Aishath Shuaila as part of its commitment to nurturing and showcasing local talent. Rather than simply displaying her paintings, the Fari Art Atelier will become Aishath’s working studio during the residency, allowing guests to encounter her work and creative process through an open-studio format, alongside workshops and informal exchanges.

Drawing on her love for nature and background in sustainable development, Aishath’s signature style uses vivid colours and bold brushstrokes to represent the patterns and textures found in the natural world. The resulting works encourage viewers to better understand and appreciate Maldivian flora and fauna.

Patina Art Residency: Shezad Dawood, 18 October – 8 November

Winner of the inaugural Patina Art Residency, London-based multidisciplinary artist Shezad Dawoodwill undertake extended fieldwork at Patina Maldives, deepening his practice that connects art, science and environmental advocacy. With more than a decade spent in dialogue with marine biologists and environmentalist, Shezad will take this time to explore the island’s environment and marine ecology to create a piece of work shaped by the 2025 Theme, Fluid Worlds, which invites artists to examine how boundaries shift and change, whether between cultures, ideas or elements.

Bayern Munich Football Camp, 25 – 29 October

Designed for young players aged six to 17, this exclusive camp takes place across five days with FC Bayern Munich’s Coach Jonas Caryot, blending expert coaching, small-group sessions, and up to five hours of focused training every day. With two days reserved for rest, the camp offers participants a rare opportunity to refine their football skills in the island’s serene setting.

Yakido by Yardbird Hong Kong, 6 – 10 October

Hong Kong-based modern izakaya and bar Yardbird brings its travelling Yakido concept to Brasa for two nights alongside a week of pop-ups and collaborations, including ALWAYS FRIENDS BY ALWAYS JOY on October 8; a pop- up at Veli Bar with Max Levy’s pizza project, MR. IKO; and a series of strength and mobility movement sessions led by Lindsay Jang.

Moments of Connection: Diwali

Chef Atul Kochhar, 7 – 9 November

Widely recognised as a pioneering figure in Indian fine dining, Atul Kochhar is the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, receiving his first at Tamarind in 2001 and a second at Benares in 2007. With over 30 years in the culinary world, he brings a contemporary expression of India’s regional cuisine through bold flavours, refined technique and premium ingredients. For Diwali, Kochhar brings the culinary identity of Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, his acclaimed London restaurant, to Helios, presenting a special menu that reinterprets his signature contemporary Indian cuisine for the Maldivian setting.

Giancarlo Mancino

Internationally renowned bartender and the creative mind behind SeiBellissimi, a luxury sparkling bottled cocktail line, Giancarlo Mancino returns to Patina Maldives with a series of guest shifts and cocktail experiences.

Sakré

Bangalore-based producer, DJ and sound artist Sakré brings his genre-blurring approach to electronic music to Patina Maldives during Diwali. Drawing on ambient textures, lo-fi beats and South Indian cinematic influences, his immersive soundscapes offer a contemporary interpretation of India’s evolving music culture.

Patina Resonance: Visiting Practitioners

Jasmin Küster – Holistic Bodywork, 14 September – 14 October

Jasmin is a holistic therapist and aquatic bodyworker whose practice brings together Water Therapy, Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage, fascia-focused Somatic Bodywork and other specialised treatments to encourage deep relaxation, release tension and restore balance between body, mind and emotions. Her approach focuses on deep relaxation, release and greater connection with the body, with each experience adapted to the individual.

Minako Saito – Japanese Wellness Innovator and Founder of Platinum Ritual Series, 15 October – 15 November

Minako Saito specialises in Japanese thermal therapy and women’s wellness counselling. She is the founder of the Platinum Ritual Series, a holistic treatment collection designed to calm the nervous system, encourage deep relaxation and restore inner balance. Each ritual combines gentle, deep-reaching warmth with therapeutic techniques to support harmony between body and mind. Guests can choose between rituals promoting relaxation and restorative sleep, a neuro-relaxing facial ritual, or women’s wellness-focused rituals that support hormonal balance, nervous system regulation, pelvic wellbeing and hip mobility.

Thalia Jones – Breathwork Practitioner and Holistic Therapist, 15 December – 15 January 2027

Thalia Jones returns to Patina Maldives, working with guests on personal transformation with her rounded approach that integrates the mind, body and soul. Through guided breathwork and holistic therapies, Thalia creates space for guests to pause, reconnect and develop a greater awareness of body and breath.

To book, email reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com, tel. +960 4000555, or visit patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Silent DJ brings music and movement to Madifushi Private Island

Published

on

Madifushi Private Island has introduced a new Silent DJ experience, inviting guests to enjoy an evening of music, movement and connection in a way that remains true to the resort’s serene island character.

Set within the resort’s dedicated Silent DJ and Karaoke Lounge, the experience gives each guest a wireless headset and the freedom to choose between multiple music channels. Guests can switch channels whenever they wish, dance to their own soundtrack or tune into the same channel and share the beat with family and friends.

With the music delivered directly through individual headsets, there is no need for amplified DJ sound to fill the surrounding area. The concept therefore allows participating guests to immerse themselves in the energy of the evening while helping to minimize ambient noise and preserve the calm enjoyed by others across the island.

“Madifushi Private Island is known as the Island of Serene Wonders, and every new experience we introduce should complement that promise. Silent DJ gives our guests the freedom to celebrate, dance and enjoy music together while respecting the tranquility that makes the island so special. It is lively on the inside, peaceful on the outside, and unmistakably signature to Madifushi Private Island,” said Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager, Madifushi Private Island.

The room also offers a dedicated Karaoke experience. Using wireless microphones and a curated song library, guests can perform solo, sing together as a group or combine Karaoke with Silent DJ for a more varied private event.

The introduction of Silent DJ reflects Madifushi Private Island’s wider approach to thoughtful luxury: creating memorable experiences that feel personal and joyful while remaining sensitive to the setting. It also offers an inventive response to noise disturbance, showing that entertainment and tranquillity can comfortably coexist when an experience is designed with intention.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Ifuru Island Maldives to stage four nights of music and culture with Ripple & Friends

Published

on

From 17 to 21 September 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives welcomes Ripple & Friends for an intimate island gathering bringing together music, live performance, art, wellness, movement, dining and unforgettable shared moments.

From 17 to 21 September 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives introduces Ripple & Friends in collaboration with Ripple Effect for an intimate island gathering bringing together music, live performance, art, wellness, movement, dining and unforgettable shared moments.

Ripple Effect is a Maldives-based creative company shaping experiences where music, hospitality and culture come together. From distinctive events to original music production, moments are created to bring people together and leave a lasting impression.

The “& Friends” is more than a name. It represents everyone who joins the gathering, creating an experience centred on music, good food, creativity and genuine connection.

Rather than following the format of a conventional music festival, Ripple & Friends is designed to move with the natural rhythm of island life. Each day brings its own defining moments, while leaving guests with the freedom to slow down, explore Ifuru Island and enjoy the experience at their own pace.

Across four days and nights, the programme moves between sunset sessions, live performances, DJ led nights, poolside gatherings, shared dining experiences, art, wellness and movement, before coming together for a unplugged jam session.

Four days; four distinctive rythms 

DAY ONE | FIRST RIPPLE
Thursday, 17 September 2026

The first ripple begins at sunset.

Guests gather at Waterfront as the sun goes down over Ifuru Island, setting the tone for the days ahead with music, dining and a first night dedicated to nostalgic sounds and good company.

  • Sunset Session at Waterfront
  • Welcome Dinner at Waterfront
  • 90s & Disco House at Hubba Hubba
  • Dress Code: White

From the first sunset session to the late night atmosphere at Hubba Hubba, Thursday is designed as an introduction to the people, music and spirit that will shape the rest of Ripple & Friends.

DAY TWO | LOW TIDE
Friday, 18 September 2026

Friday begins with movement before the tempo rises.

Dynamic Stretch with Martha at the Pool Deck starts the day, followed by an R&B and Hip Hop Brunch and a Pool Party, bringing music into the heart of the daytime island experience.

As evening arrives, guests come together for a BBQ Dinner at Social House before the night continues with After Dark at Hubba Hubba.

  • Dynamic Stretch with Martha at the Pool Deck
  • R&B and Hip Hop Brunch
  • Pool Party
  • BBQ Dinner at Social House
  • After Dark at Hubba Hubba

Low Tide brings together wellness, food, music and poolside energy in a day designed to move effortlessly from morning into night.

DAY THREE | HIGH TIDE
Saturday, 19 September 2026

Saturday sees the energy rise with High Tide.

The day begins with Morning Stretches with Sharu at the Pool Deck, offering a slower start before the island shifts towards an evening of music and celebration.

As sunset approaches, guests gather for a Sundowner at Beach Club, before the night reaches its peak with High Tide at Hubba Hubba.

  • Morning Stretches with Sharu at the Pool Deck
  • Sundowner at Beach Club
  • High Tide at Hubba Hubba

High Tide captures the contrast at the heart of the experience, moving from a relaxed island morning to sunset gatherings and an energetic Saturday night.

DAY FOUR | WHINE DOWN
Sunday, 20 September 2026

After three days of music, movement and shared experiences, Sunday brings a change of pace with Whine Down.

The evening begins with a Sundowner by the Pool, bringing everyone back together as the sun begins to set.

The night then moves to Hubba Hubba for Whine Down, closing the fourth full day of Ripple & Friends with music, connection and one more night shared among friends.

  • Sundowner by the Pool
  • Whine Down at Hubba Hubba

It is a fitting final full night for a gathering built around taking time, meeting people and enjoying each moment without rushing towards the next.

LAST RIPPLE
Monday, 21 September 2026

Ripple & Friends does not simply end after the fourth night.

On Monday, guests come together one final time for Last Ripple, featuring an Unplugged Jam Session at Hubba Hubba.

Stripping the experience back to live music and the people who have shared the previous four days, Last Ripple offers an intimate conclusion to the gathering before guests say goodbye to the island and to new friends made along the way.

  • Unplugged Jam Session at Hubba Hubba

At the heart of Ripple & Friends is a collective of talent spanning duos, selectors, art, wellness and movement.
The 2026 gathering features:

  • Inma & Mira
  • Farey & Nish
  • Afruh
  • Tappu
  • Amney & Aleef
  • Martha
  • Studio Odi by Naani
  • Sharu

Together, they bring different creative dimensions to the island, allowing the programme to move naturally between music, performance, art, wellness and movement throughout the four days.

What sets Ripple & Friends apart is its intentionally unhurried approach.

Instead of creating a packed schedule that asks guests to move constantly from one event to another, the experience allows the island itself to become part of the programme.

One moment each day is shaped around the Ripple & Friends community, while the rest leaves room for guests to wander, discover and enjoy Ifuru Island on their own terms.

Music moves between Waterfront, the Pool Deck, Beach Club and Hubba Hubba. Meals become social gatherings. Wellness and movement provide a different rhythm to the mornings, while sunsets naturally bring everyone back together.

At its heart, Ripple & Friends is about the people sharing those moments.

Guests may arrive as names on a list, but the idea is simple: Come as a guest, leave as a friend.

For more information, please visit the resort’s official website or contact bookingmagic@ifuruisland.com.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.