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Kurumba recognised as Maldives’ leading meeting, conference resort

Kurumba Maldives has been recognised as the Leading Meeting & Conference Resort in the Maldives.
The award was presented at the prestigious Maldives Travel Awards gala, held Thursday evening at Crossroads Maldives.
With its convenient location, a 10-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport and capital Male, Kurumba is an ideal destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and events.
Kurumba has had the privilege to organise numerous events since its opening in 1972, ranging from formal state dinners and visiting dignitaries to regional corporate workshops and international events.
The Bougainvillea Hall is Kurumba’s main convention hall. Its high ceilings give the well-appointed room an open feel, without pillars obscuring attendees’ view. This meeting space can accommodate up to 200 guests in a variety of layouts.

A separate VIP lounge, connected to the main conference hall, can be divided into two spaces. Suitable for up to 60 guests, this space is perfect for breakouts, a rest area for speakers, or for smaller meetings.
Opened by four young Maldivians on an uninhabited coconut plantation island in October 1972, Kurumba marked the beginning of the tourism industry in the Maldives.
Kurumba began with 30 huts built of coral and thatched with coconut leaves; the first guests were barefoot backpackers in search of sand, sea and sun.
Today, the resort is still Maldivian owned and managed. About 1,000 tourists visited the island in 1972; now, it is over 1.5 million tourists, staying in over 150 resorts throughout the Maldives.
Kurumba is set on a tropical island in the North Male Atoll, conveniently situated a brief 10-minute speedboat ride from the airport. It draws on its proud history, charismatic personality and heartfelt service, to offer compelling and diverse experiences amidst a stunning island setting.
The resort offers an array of eight styles of accommodation, ranging from comfortable Superior Rooms to the spacious Two Bedroom Villa, spread amongst the island’s lush tropical gardens with easy access to the beach.
With eight different restaurants, three bars and one shisha lounge to choose from, Kurumba will charm you with its unparalleled choice of dining experiences and a wide range of recreation activities and entertainment — all the while maintaining idyllic spaces of relaxation to create the perfect balance for a holiday in paradise, perfect for honeymooners and families alike.
Initiated in 2012 by MATATO, the Maldives Travel Awards celebrate and honour the best tourism and hospitality products in the Maldives whilst fostering relationships with suppliers and local travel agents. From 20 categories in 2012, the awards have now expanded into three editions totalling 55 categories.
MATATO hosts three editions: the People’s Edition, which recognises successful pioneers and long serving individuals in the tourism industry, a Guesthouse Edition, which celebrates the outstanding performance of the up and coming guesthouse sector, and the Gala Edition, which is exclusive for winners in the categories for resorts, airlines and liveaboards.
Featured
Luxurious Valentine’s getaways at Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa

This Valentine’s Day, love takes centre stage at Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa as the island transforms into a haven of romance with its enchanting Tropical Love celebration. Nestled in the pristine beauty of the Maldives, the resort invites couples to indulge in an unforgettable escape, curated with passion, luxury, and intimacy in mind. From private island getaways to candlelit beach dinners, every experience is designed to celebrate love in its most magical form.
Throughout the celebration, guests can enjoy a variety of romantic experiences designed to create lasting memories. Exclusive dining options range from elegant wine dinners to intimate beachside feasts under the stars, each featuring expertly crafted menus paired with premium champagnes.
Couples can embark on a breathtaking sunset cruise leading to a secluded island retreat, where an intimate dining experience awaits amidst the serene sounds of the waves. For those seeking relaxation and pampering, indulgent spa treatments and floating breakfasts offer moments of tranquility and connection. Guests can unwind with a luxurious couple’s massage, followed by a serene breakfast served in the comfort of their private pool, where the scent of fresh tropical blooms and the gentle sea breeze enhance the experience.
The Tropical Love affair experiences include:
- Love & Escape – A sunset cruise to a private island, followed by an intimate five-course dinner with Bruno Paillard Rosé and luxury indulgences.
- Celebrate Love in Style – A refined five-course dining experience at Oak Wine Lounge, paired with Taittinger Rosé and exclusive romantic touches.
- A Night of Love – Dining under the stars with a five-course menu, Bottega Rose Gold Spumante, and handcrafted island chocolates.
- A Night of Romance Under the Stars – A candlelit beach dinner featuring a gourmet five-course menu, B&G Sparkling Rosé, and sweet island treats.
- Floating Valentine – A luxurious floating breakfast in a private pool, paired with Taittinger Rosé for a perfect start to the day.
- Floating Champagne with Canapés – A celebration of love with Taittinger Rosé and canapés, served in the tranquility of a villa pool.
- Ruinart Romance Surprise – A timeless romantic gesture with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and a delicate rose.
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa’s Tropical Love experience serves as a tribute to romance in its most exquisite form. Whether indulging in fine dining, toasting to love under the stars, or escaping to a private island retreat, each experience is designed to create timeless memories in the heart of the Maldives.
Cooking
Chocolate, spirits, and gourmet pairings with Patrick Gelencser at Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Renowned master chocolatier Patrick Gelencser will bring a touch of indulgence to Niyama Private Islands Maldives, hosting exclusive tasting sessions from February 21-25, 2025.
Born into a legacy of chocolate craftsmanship, Gelencser represents the third generation of the esteemed House of Gelencser. As one of only 15 chocolatiers in France specialising in bean-to-bar production, he has received numerous international accolades. His meticulously crafted creations are so exceptional that they are showcased in a chocolate museum in the Loire Valley, as well as in nearly half a dozen boutiques.
Guests at Niyama will have the rare opportunity to witness Gelencser’s artistry firsthand as he curates a series of tasting experiences set against the resort’s breathtaking backdrops.
- Single-Origin Chocolate & Rum: The terroir of the cocoa bean influences its flavour, resulting in creamy, fruity, citrusy, or nutty notes. Guests will explore the origins of Gelencser’s single-origin chocolates, expertly paired with the finest Caribbean and South American rums, in a setting like no other—perched half a kilometre out to sea amidst the sunset.
- Ganache, Praline & Whiskey: A masterful contrast of textures awaits with smooth, creamy ganache and nutty, complex pralines, complemented by a premium selection of whiskeys. This refined post-dinner experience will be hosted at the heart of the island of Chill.
- Tapas, Chocolate, Wine & Port: For the grand finale, guests will embark on a full gastronomic journey, surrounded by lush tropical beauty. The experience begins with tapas and wine, followed by a curated selection of chocolates and port, personally presented by Gelencser to an intimate gathering of 12 guests.
“We are thrilled to host rarefied events such as these, led by masters of their craft like Patrick Gelencser,” says Thierry Vergnault, Executive Chef of Niyama. “We take great pride in our culinary offerings, creating spectacular experiences found nowhere else, and look forward to hosting many more.”
Featured
Oaga Art Resort’s unique Valentine’s Day celebration

This Valentine’s Day, Oaga Art Resort is redefining traditional romance, inviting guests to embrace a broader celebration of love—one that honours self-love, friendship, and meaningful connections in all their forms. ‘A Different Kind of Love Story’ at Oaga is more than just an event; it is a movement.
Oaga Art Resort envisions Valentine’s Day as an inclusive celebration, welcoming singles, best friends, and those seeking to deepen their relationship with themselves. By shifting the focus beyond conventional narratives, the resort creates an atmosphere where guests can explore self-worth and celebrate the many dimensions of love.
The resort’s Valentine’s Day program offers curated experiences designed to inspire self-love and joyful connections:
- Self-Love Hours: Rejuvenating sessions at Hoba Spa, promoting self-acceptance and wellness. Guests can participate in a Face Massage Workshop, Harmony and Kindness Meditation, and Hydrotherapy & Skincare Rituals. Pre-booking is required.
- Live Music by Soul Salad: The soothing jazz melodies of Soul Salad set the perfect mood for relaxation and connection.
- Self-Love Celebration: A lively beach party under the stars featuring Digital.flock (Mirah Allly) encourages guests to dance and embrace the joy of self-expression.
- Self-Love Garden: Guests can plant a seedling along with a personal self-affirmation note, contributing to a growing sanctuary dedicated to self-love.
- Dinner for Two: A premium dining experience featuring a curated five- or six-course menu, complemented by wine, live music, and a romantic beachfront setting. Pre-booking is required.
- Colour Splatter Canvas: A large collective art installation invites guests to freely express themselves through painting.
Oaga Art Resort is inviting guests to break free from traditional Valentine’s Day expectations and embrace an unforgettable celebration of self-love, friendship, and joy. By redefining love beyond February 14th, the resort encourages individuals to nurture the most important relationship of all—the one with themselves.
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