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JA Mafanaru creates collaborative menu with Michelin-starred Chef Da Dong
JA Manafaru has announced a collaboration with China’s most renowned chef Da Dong to create a signature culinary experience for its guests.
Admired for his innovation of modern Chinese cuisine, Chef Da Dong founded Da Dong Roast Duck in Beijing more than 30 years ago and it has since expanded to nine locations around Beijing. Two of his Shanghai restaurants have Michelin stars.
Chef Da Dong spent several weeks in JA Manafaru exploring the potential of combining Maldivian flavours and ingredients with his distinctive Chinese cooking styles and techniques. The result is a menu combining both local ingredients and his signature dishes – a uniquely memorable dining experience.
The collaborative menu is offered at JA Manafaru’s award-winning overwater White Orchid restaurant, which offers Asian fusion cuisine that takes your taste buds on a journey across Asia with an exotic mix of Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Thai specialty dishes.
The collaboration between JA Manafaru and Chef Da Dong is part of a new group-wide push by JA Resorts & Hotels — one of Dubai’s longest-serving homegrown hospitality brands — to build on its excellent culinary offerings, with the opening of 10 new restaurants in 2019 alongside four collaborations with international chefs of Michelin star acclaim.
JA Resorts & Hotels cites their food and beverage vision as creating community-focused restaurants providing one-of-a-kind experiences that energise everyone, with an enthusiastic welcome, exceptional service, awesome food, killer tunes and an unforgettable time, resulting in profitable restaurants.
“Our fundamental belief is that the Food & Beverage outlets of any hotel are what provide the character and energy of the property. These restaurants can define the personality of the hotel, if they are attractive and exciting to the local community. We are on a journey to creating unique and memorable F&B outlets for our consumers,” Rob Cunningham, newly appointed Vice President of Food & Beverage at JA Resorts & Hotels, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Situated on the northern tip of Haa Alifu atoll, a picturesque 75-minute seaplane flight away from Velana International Airport, the luxurious JA Manafaru beckons adventurous groups to its island paradise and chilled summer scene. Travellers can snorkel through Manafaru island’s stunning shallow reef and the gram-worthy azure blue ocean whilst spotting an array of exotic sea life including Triggerfish, Angelfish, Unicornfish, Eagle Ray, Moorish Idol, Butterflyfish, Clownfish, Stingrays and Blacktip Sharks. Super adventurers can even try night snorkelling and experience a whole new world of wonder.
Food lovers can try deep-sea fishing in a secluded tropical island setting on a traditional Maldivian boat, before indulging the taste buds and dining on your day’s catch in Ocean Grill, which features palm trees and idyllic blue-sky views. For a day of relaxation and laidback vibes, explorers can set sail on a castaway adventure to an uninhibited picture-perfect island. Known as one of the most serene islands in the Maldives, Medhafushi is just a short 10-minute trip away and offers a deserted island setting for picnics and dinners that will create unforgettable memories.
Featuring a stunning selection of beach bungalows and water villas equipped with their own private pool, the tropical paradise has everything adventure aficionados desire, including bicycles to explore the island, scuba diving, water sports, tennis, beach volleyball, plus seven world-class restaurants. Step into your best summer yet at JA Manafaru, Maldives – the perfect escape from city life!
Featured
Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
Featured
SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration
SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.
The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.
Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.
On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.
The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.
The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.
Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.
Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.
Featured
Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences
Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.
The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.
The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.
Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.
The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.
Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.

Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.
Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.
Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.
Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.
For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.
The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.
The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.
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