Featured
Fairmont Maldives to host eco-inspired festive celebrations

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi invites guests to swap winter blues for summer hues and celebrate the festive season with an array of activities and events.
From crafting their own Christmas decorations using recycled island materials, snorkelling the coral reef and dolphin spotting to relaxing in their Tented Jungle Villa with safari-style spa treatments, there’s something to tempt every type of traveler.
Unleash your inner artist
This is the season of gifting, and at the fully equipped on-site Art Studio, creative guests can paint, sculpt, draw or craft their own bespoke gifts for their loved ones, inspired by the natural beauty of the island. Guests can try coconut and canvas painting, authentic Maldivian rug weaving, pottery, shell jewellery design and sand turtle sculpturing, all guided under the watchful eye of the resident artist.

There will even be Christmas tree decorating for little ones, to complement the symbolic Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Raha Market.
Be pampered in paradise
Those seeking privacy and relaxation can retreat to the unique Tented Jungle Villas set in the heart of the Maldivian jungle, for fresh seafood barbecues and private film screenings of Christmas classics under the stars.
The Safari Spa Package brings the serenity of the spa to the outdoors where a rejuvenating Chamomile scrub, Blissful Marma massage and facial, champagne and fresh fruit smoothies combine with the tranquility of the inland jungle for a tropical spa experience.

For guests who prefer more traditional treatments, the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Maldives boasts a carefully curated selection of results-driven rituals inspired by local island life, using sustainable sourced, natural products.
Get active and adventurous
Active guests looking to keep their fitness levels in check this season can try paddle board yoga, cycling sandy walkways, a beach boot camp, parasailing, jet-skiing and kayaking around the resort’s lagoon – the largest in the Maldives.

Fairmont Maldives also invites exploration of the 9km lagoon and the underwater art sculptures in the Coralarium – a unique coral regeneration project in the Indian Ocean. Designed by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the semi-submerged sculptures in the Coralarium act as an artificial reef which guests can explore on guided snorkelling tours, before planting their own coral.

Whilst adults are occupied, little ones can get active with sunshine kids yoga and aqua aerobics, as well as a variety of exciting festive-filled activities at the Kids Club – Majaa; including everything from gingerbread house making, beach obstacle courses and kids Christmas movie nights to a child-friendly pirate cruise and visit from Santa on a jet-ski.
With a philosophy firmly rooted in eco-education, Fairmont Maldives also offers an informative and immersive Ocean Discovery Camp for children, including a workshop with the resident marine biologist, snorkelling lessons for junior explorers and turtle releases.
Feast in style
As the season to indulge with friends and family, Fairmont Maldives offers an abundance of delicious dinner and party celebrations.
The lively Onu Onu Bar will host a Ladies Soiree and Christmas Eve Beach Party with music from a live DJ and a fire show performance. The seafood restaurant Azure offers a Wine, Dine and Jazz evening, a Christmas wine pairing dinner and a New Year’s Day champagne breakfast, complimented by live music. At the sophisticated Japanese restaurant and bar, Kata, experimental guests can enjoy an Asian-inspired Christmas day dinner before indulging in mulled wines and Fairmont signature cocktails on Kata’s picturesque rooftop lounge, for the best sunset views on the island.
Whilst, to countdown and toast to the New Year in style, Fairmont Maldives’ Pirates of the Maldives theme party at Onu Onu beach will offer a delicious feast, surprise celebrity DJ, a live band, fire dancers and an array of fun and pirate themed games for the kids.
A sun-soaked sanctuary that opened in April 2018, Fairmont Maldives is the only resort on the pristine Shaviyani atoll, and offers 112 luxury villas each with their own private pool. In addition to the luxury safari-style Jungle Tented Villas, the Beach Villas and Water Villas inspired by the bohemian rustic chic vibe with copper bathroom fittings and carved wood detailing on furniture are also ideal for couples or families.
Fairmont Maldives is located in the northern Shaviyani atoll. The resort is accessible by domestic flight in 50 minutes from Velana International Airport followed by a speedboat from Hanimaadhoo Airport to the resort. Alternatively, guests can book a 50-minute scenic seaplane flight directly to the resort.
Visit https://www.fairmont-maldives.com/festive/ for more details of the festive programme.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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