Featured
Shangri-la’s Villingili Resort to celebrate Chinese New Year in style

As we celebrate the Year of the Rat in 2020, a time to turn over a new leaf and take a fresh look at life, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives offers guests abundant opportunities to ring in the Lunar New Year.
From sumptuous feasts at a unique Shang Palace pop-up, activities and entertainment for the whole family to memorable moments with loved ones, these are just a few of the unrivalled experiences to enjoy on a luxury hideaway framed by white-sand beaches, lush forests and spectacular coral reef.
Gastronomic delights, culinary journeys
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa will be debuting the first-ever Shang Palace pop-up, from January 24 to February 8. Guests will be able to experience fine dining Cantonese cuisine during its culinary tour of the Shangri-La resorts in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East, before its return to the Maldives for Golden Week, in October 2020.
Gourmands can indulge in Shang Palace’s signature Cantonese and Chinese cuisine, as well as a Michelin-starred eight-course menu with iconic dishes from Shangri-La’s multiple award-winning restaurants around the world, including Paris, Singapore, Beijing, Kowloon, and Guangzhou.
The pop-up brings to life the Shangri-La cuisine experience, combining Asian dining values, gastronomic innovation, and award-winning talent. The dishes will be crafted by Dr. Ali’s restaurant’s Chinese supremo, Chef Liu Shengquan, who boasts over 20 years of experience, including 10 years with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. Specialising in Sechuan, Cantonese, Hunan, and North-eastern Chinese cuisine, Chef Liu continuously creates exciting new dishes as well as traditional favourites, with his signature flair and passion.

Guests will be able to feast on Braised Abalone with Chinese Yam in a casserole, Shang Palace Fried Rice, and a special creation of Deep-fried Stuff¬ed Crab Meat in its shell, elaborated by Shangri-La’s Executive Chinese Chef, Gordon Leung, who has earned Michelin stars for his Cantonese cuisine.
On January 24, the resort will host Chinese New Year’s Eve reunion dinners at Javvu restaurant, offering a sumptuous buffet with Asian specialties and live cooking stations. Meanwhile, Dr. Ali’s restaurant will feature a Shang Palace set menu, showcasing the finest Cantonese cuisine.
On Chinese New Year day, guests will be treated to a superb seafood buffet at Javvu, using fresh and seasonal ingredients from the Indian Ocean and beyond.
During the Spring Festival, Fashala restaurant will present a special “Mediterrasian” menu featuring Mediterranean-Asian fusion in the magical setting where the ocean meets the lagoon.
Guests can also enjoy tailor-made gourmet moments, such as a Floating Breakfast from the comfort of the private pool at their villa, or a Dine by Design experience at a location of their choice, whether it’s on the beach, in the jungle, at the highest peak in the Maldives, or even at the equator, aboard a luxury yacht.

Entertainment, memorable moments
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, guests can sit back and enjoy the vibrant Chinese festival ceremony broadcast live from China, before indulging in activities and traditional customs such as dumpling making, Chinese couplet-writing, and Mah-jong games. The evening will also feature a lively karaoke session, a performance by talented local artists Black Pearl and a Maldivian Bodu Beru folklore show.
To welcome in the New Year, guests will be invited to take part in a thrilling Golden Treasure Hunt around the resort, searching through the lush jungle, along pristine beaches, climbing Mount Villingili and even exploring the underwater for the chance to win coveted prizes.
Shangri-La’sVillingili Resort & Spa is the ultimate destination for celebration and creating memorable moments with loved ones, especially during this auspicious time. From a tropical safari to discover the flora and fauna, Chinese lanterns making, crab hunting or an up-cycled art workshop, the resort provides an action-packed programme.
Sports fanatics can also take part in a tennis clinic with the pro player, Aymeric Petit, to improve their game or compete against other guests in social tennis matches, whilst those hoping to improve their swing can head to the golf clinic, for private sessions and beat the pro challenges with the resident instructor, at the only nine-hole golf course in the Maldives.
The retreat also offers bespoke excursions and activities such as dolphin cruises, coral planting, eco-adventures and the opportunity to explore the neighbouring islands for a fascinating insight into the local culture and customs.
Wellness, holistic harmony
Celebrating the Year of the Rat and its dexterity and vitality, CHI, The Spa has a wellness programme offering re-energising and rejuvenating treatments. From Asian massages to restore physical and spiritual harmony, Ayurveda treatments to release toxins, and local therapies to boost the natural immune system, wellness fans can start the first cycle of the zodiac year feeling relaxed, refreshed and revitalised.
Surrender to spa bliss, as specials during this season include complimentary group yoga sessions with an expert naturopath, and for every 90-minute full body massage booked, guests will receive a complimentary spa enhancement to choose from, such as Hot Oil Hair and Scalp Treatment, Caviar Firming, Collagen Mask, Healing Hot Stones, or Probiotic Massage Booster.
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa offers incredible packages for Chinese New Year.
The half-board offer starts from USD 980 per night, for two persons in a Pool Villa, and the All-Inclusive Package starts from USD 1,165 per night for two persons, including full-board, house selection of beverages, unlimited access to non-motorised water sports, 20 per cent off motorised water sports, 25 per cent off spa treatments at CHI, The Spa, daily fitness and recreational group activities, and daily Eco-Centre group activities.
A private hideaway, in a world of its own, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa is the perfect setting for couples, with its secluded location as part of the Maldives southernmost atoll.
For the ultimate luxury experience, Villa Muthee, is the epitome of tropical refinement. The presidential villa nestles in its own luxurious environment with its private walkway entrance, a spacious deck with a private infinity pool and direct access to the ocean, a separate living room, yoga pavilion and even its own spa treatment room to let guests relax without leaving the villa.
Beyond Villa Muthee, the resort offers an extensive choice of accommodation, such as the unique Tree House Villas, Perched on stilts among the emerald green treetops, the villas offer intimate settings with marvellous views of the ocean and a large deck with its own private infinity pool. For true ocean lovers, the Water Villas, positioned over the lagoon, offer the perfect seascape for those who cannot resist slipping into the aquamarine waters teeming with tropical marine life. These open and airy villas come with overwater hammocks for languorous lounging.
The resort offers many options for water adventurers, such as turtle-quest snorkelling, diving to a unique shipwreck site, surfing with half a dozen great wave setups or parasailing for a bird’s eye view of the island. Tropical ‘havenists’ will also find their own piece of paradise in the unique flora and fauna that can be explored while cycling around Villingili’s jungle and coastal pathways or while playing on the only golf course in the Maldives. Couples can also enjoy a range of cultural experiences like no other in the Maldives, with guided tours of the neighbouring islands of Addu atoll, visits to the local farms and samplings of Maldivian cuisine.
The brightest gem in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, Villingili island is a haven for those seeking true romance. As if it was meant to be, the resort is located in the heart-shaped Addu atoll, just a five-minute boat ride away from Gan International Airport.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives
Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
Featured
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort marks Mental Health Day with Tai Chi for inner peace

As the seasons change, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves through a tranquil wellness retreat. In observance of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the resort will host an exclusive ‘Tai Chi for Internal Peace’ session led by visiting practitioner Thana Jindashotinun, followed by complimentary one-on-one consultations. Guests can also opt for the AVI Wellness Journey, a holistic programme featuring breathwork, meditation, yoga, and spa rituals inspired by the island’s serene natural surroundings.
Located on the southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort provides an ideal setting to reset both mind and body. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental property in the Maldives, the resort combines five-star island luxury with exclusive Club InterContinental benefits. Guests can customise their stay across 81 villas and residences, seven restaurants and bars, and The Retreat, an adults-only enclave dedicated to relaxation. The resort’s AVI Spa offers an overwater sanctuary specialising in signature treatments and therapies.
Harmony healer Thana Jindashotinun will guide guests on their wellness journey from October to 30 November. Having begun practising Tai Chi at the age of eight to manage asthma, Thana has dedicated his life to mastering the art. Combining a background in psychology, anatomy, and Oriental medicine, his sessions integrate a range of disciplines, including Qi Gong, Meridian breathwork, yoga, postural assessment, and acupressure.
Guests will have the opportunity to join Thana’s signature class, ‘Tai Chi for Internal Peace’, on 10 October at 18:00 hrs at Lighthouse Beach. The class focuses on calming the nervous system through gentle movement and mindful breathing, aiming to ease anxiety, improve sleep, and restore inner balance. Following the session, participants will receive a complimentary 15-minute consultation to explore personalised wellness guidance.
Throughout his residency, Thana will also offer a variety of therapeutic experiences such as Yin Yang Bodywork, the EnerQi Massage for restoring inner harmony, and energy-focused treatments designed to promote deep relaxation and improved circulation. His Energy Detox Treatment is particularly aimed at revitalising the body’s natural rhythms and promoting a sense of renewal.
Complementing Thana’s offerings, guests can join regular wellness sessions with resident experts Zhazira Kurmangalina and Mett, including guided yoga, aerial yoga, meditation, and mat Pilates. For those seeking more active pursuits, the resort offers high-energy bootcamps, circuit training, and private personal training sessions.
The resort’s wellness philosophy extends to guests of all ages, with dedicated activities for teenagers such as Peace of Mind meditation and posture yoga at the Yoga Pavilion. Younger guests can take part in Muay Thai boxing, creative crafts, and Boduberu drumming workshops, while the Young Spa Ritual offers facials, massages, and body scrubs tailored for teens.
Visitors are encouraged to celebrate wellness throughout the season by participating in the resort’s holistic programmes and exclusive sessions with Thana Jindashotinun. From complimentary Tai Chi and meditation classes to bespoke therapies at AVI Spa, the resort presents an ideal opportunity to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
For a complete restorative experience, the AVI Wellness Journey offers guests a curated itinerary based on individual goals, including private yoga, meditation, and fitness sessions, spa treatments, and thermal suite access. The package also includes complimentary breakfast and dinner, use of non-motorised water sports, and Club InterContinental benefits such as afternoon tea and evening aperitifs. Extended stays come with added privileges—30% savings on seaplane transfers and meal plans for stays of four nights or more, and USD 50 daily resort credit for stays of seven nights or longer.
This October, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort reaffirms its commitment to wellbeing, inviting guests to embrace stillness, mindfulness, and renewal in one of the Maldives’ most serene settings.
Entertainment
Joy, creativity and connection define JOALI Maldives’ ‘Rise & Shine’ festive journey

JOALI Maldives, the Maldives’ first and only art-immersive resort, is set to welcome guests to a radiant festive season celebration under the theme ‘Rise & Shine’ — a tribute to joy, beauty, and inner light. Taking place from 21 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, the Raa Atoll retreat will transform into a celestial haven of creative expression, blending art, culture, and wellbeing experiences inspired by the resort’s Joy of Creative Living philosophy.
“Each festive season, our goal is to create an atmosphere that uplifts and inspires,” said Shifaz Hassan, General Manager of JOALI Maldives. “With this year’s Rise & Shine theme, we invite guests to reconnect with loved ones, express their creativity, and celebrate the holidays surrounded by the island’s natural beauty.”
The celebration will encompass culinary artistry, interactive workshops, family adventures, and world-class fitness programmes led by visiting experts.
Visiting Experts:
- Chef Nina Tarasova, the acclaimed pastry chef, will return to host her signature Russian Voyage Wine Dinner — a multisensory journey through traditional flavours and curated wine pairings.
- Dr. Sanket Yadahalli, a respected wellness practitioner, will conduct transformative sessions in breathwork for pain relief alongside Pranayama Renewal classes designed to restore energy and balance.
JOALI Maldives’ Rise & Shine celebrations will feature a dynamic array of experiences across its restaurants and creative spaces:
- Culinary Events: Guests can savour themed dining experiences including A Taste of Japan at Saoke, Indian Ocean Voyage, and the Mediterranean-inspired Levantine Dream. Curated cocktail evenings such as Once Upon a Sake, Old World Wine Dinner, and Theatre of Gin will complement indulgent festive feasts for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, Orthodox Christmas and beyond.
- Art, Culture & Creativity: The resort’s immersive art spaces will host celestial pottery classes, wooden craft workshops, starry night painting sessions, and festive embroidery workshops at the JOALI Art Studio. Sustainability takes centre stage with coral nursery tours and reef restoration projects like Christmas Corals, reflecting JOALI’s ongoing commitment to marine conservation.
- Wellbeing & Movement: The resort will offer a holistic wellbeing schedule featuring Lunar Glow meditations, Qi Flow, HIIT Challenge, a Padel Tournament, and Sunrise Bootcamp. Guests may also book night snorkelling adventures, Primal Flow, and Core Connect sessions.
- For Families & Young Explorers: Under the enchanting theme “Stardust & Sparkle”, the Muramas Kids Club will curate daily programmes for younger guests — from Christmas tree decorating and mocktail mixology to galactic kite flying and star map painting — guided by Pico the Heron, the resort’s beloved festive mascot.
Beloved traditions will return, including the lighting of the Holiday Tree, the unveiling of the Gingerbread House, and the eagerly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. Guests can enjoy festive favourites such as the Christmas Scavenger Hunt, a Football Tournament, and the dazzling New Year’s Eve Starlight Gala — a night of fireworks, live entertainment, and fine dining. The celebrations will also include My Maldives, an elegant cocktail reception where guests can toast the season alongside JOALI’s leadership team.
Guests can experience the festivities from one of 73 beach and over-water villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, each attended by a personal Jadugar (meaning “skilled magician”). Villa rates start from USD 5,851 per night based on two guests sharing a Water Villa with Pool on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
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