Featured
Gordon Ramsay back in Maldives, spends festive family getaway in Amilla Fushi

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is back in Maldives for a festive family getaway at one of their favourite resorts in the island nation, Amilla Fushi.
Ramsay shared a festive snap of his family wearing matching pyjamas. The TV chef, 53, seemed in high spirits as he posed up a storm next to his five children and wife Tana, 45, on the beach in Amilla Fushi.
The couple, who welcomed their fifth child Oscar in April this year, were dressed in matching navy pyjama sets featuring skiing snowmen and snowflakes.
They stood with Jack, 19, Matilda, 17, and Megan, 21, while Holly, 19, knelt down and cradled her brother Oscar, eight months, in her arms.
Gordon captioned the post: “Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and have a great and busy 2020 lots of love from all the Ramsay’s.”
The Michelin-starred chef who also hosts TV show Hell’s Kitchen and judges MasterChef has spent family vacations in the Maldives on several occasions. The family spent their festive break in Amilla Fushi in 2017.
Following the visit, Amilla teamed up with Gordon’s Bread Street Kitchen to host restaurant pop-ups at the trailblazing luxury resort.
Meanwhile, Amilla has announced another stellar line up for its renowned annual NYE extravaganza, with award-winning British singer-songwriter, Ella Eyre, confirmed as the headline artist for what has been described as the Maldives’ party of the year.
Amilla’s festive ‘tribe’ will also be treated to an exclusive DJ set by BBC Radio 1 ‘Drivetime’ host Nick Grimshaw and by British model-turned-singer Pixie Geldof, before BRIT and double MOBO award winner, Ella, takes the stage. With rumours rife that a long-awaited follow up to her Gold-selling 2015 debut album ‘Feline’ is set to drop next year, guests will be hoping to be amongst the first to hear Ella’s new material.
Famed for its star-studded festivities, Amilla’s hotly anticipated annual festive shenanigans will this year culminate in an era-spanning New Year’s Eve ‘party of the century’ that will see guests dancing through 100 years in a single night; from the Roaring Twenties all the way through to the dawn of 2020.
Open to all guests at no extra charge, Amilla’s ‘Twenty Twenty’ New Year’s Eve extravaganza kicks off at sunset with a revival of the ‘Roaring Twenties’ – think live jazz, clandestine cocktails from an art deco speakeasy and gangsters and flapper girls dancing the Charleston.
As night falls, the boomers take over the beach for an interactive culinary carnival featuring a 50’s Americana-inspired ‘drive-in’; a ‘flower-powered’ hippie hangout serving CBD oil-based starters and desserts as well as an 80’s disco buffet – all brought vividly to life with dazzling entertainment by Area 51 performers.
The party then moves to the marina for the triumvirate of exclusive live performances and a spectacular midnight firework display.
As well as the star-studded New Year’s Eve party, an enchanting array of festive foodie surprises are also in store at Amilla. An incredible journey of flavourful Japanese cuisine awaits at Amilla’s signature overwater restaurant, ‘Feeling Koi’; showcasing a selection of artfully crafted sushi, nigiri and sashimi by the water’s edge, as well as lip-smacking theme nights at the chilled-out foodie hub, ‘Baa-zaar’, and enchanting dining experiences in the magical ‘Mystique Garden’.
Australian football hero and former Everton player Tim Cahill will also be on hand to inspire young footballers with a four-day festive training camp. Kids aged from five-eight years as well as tweens and teens from 9-16 years can perfect their skills on Amilla’s very own full-sized pitch with elite coaching from the Socceroos’ all-time leading goal scorer.
A seven-night festive stay at Amilla starts from USD 10,415++ (approx. GBP 8,594++) per person based on two adults sharing a Lagoon Water Villa with Pool, including daily breakfast, return seaplane transfers and participation in the ‘Twenty Twenty’ NYE extravaganza.

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestle among lush tree tops or hug the shores of pristine white sand; plus eight spectacular four- to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy.
Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop & Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses.
With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club The Sultan’s Village, Amilla Fushi is putting the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.
Maldives is amongst the most sought after destinations by high profile personalities and celebrity travellers from around the world.
Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio and American TV personality Paris Hilton have partied in the Maldives. The likes of English singer and television presenter Rochelle Humes and her husband Marvin, and British TV personality Billie Faiers have all declared the Maldives as their favourite part of the world for a relaxing getaway. Another British singer Perrie Edwards and English actress Millie Mackintosh have also fell in love with the white sands, turquoise waters and the blue skies of the Maldives.
Hollywood actress Gal Gadot and Lindsay Lohan along with Bollywood personalities such as Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Parineeti Chopra, the Bachchan family and Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, as well as world-renowned music artists such as Robin Thicke and Justin Bieber have declared their love for the Maldives.
Sports personalities, including the likes of David Beckham, Carlos Tevez, Arjen Robben, Miroslav Klose, Franz Beckenbauer, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcel Desailly and Mohamed Salah have also spent their hard-earned vacations in the tropical paradise.
Entertainment
Game on! Kandima unveils Maldives’ most exciting all-ages entertainment hub

Kandima Maldives, the bold lifestyle resort known for redefining island getaways, has once again raised the bar with the launch of PlaySpace – an all-ages entertainment destination transforming the leisure landscape of the Maldives.
Centrally located within the island resort, PlaySpace blends nostalgic retro flair with cutting-edge fun, offering a dynamic mix of activities for families, thrill-seekers, and social guests alike. From action-packed bowling and immersive virtual reality to escape room challenges and private karaoke sessions, the venue strengthens Kandima’s position as the Maldives’ leading active lifestyle destination.
According to Dermot Birchall, General Manager at Kandima Maldives, “At Kandima, we’re constantly evolving the island experience. PlaySpace adds a new dimension – it’s immersive, social, and above all, wildly entertaining.”
Key Highlights of PlaySpace Include:
- Bowling Lanes with a Twist: Themed experiences such as Team Challenge, Date Night Deluxe, and Family Blitz, complemented by snacks, drinks, and curated playlists.
- Karaoke & Cocktails: Private singing rooms paired with wine, beer, or bubbly under the Karaoke & Cocktails Package.
- VR & Arcade Zone: Thrilling VR adventures, air hockey, billiards, and timeless arcade classics.
- Escape Rooms: Brain-teasing challenges for up to three guests – ideal for team bonding or friendly competition.
- Eats & Treats: A variety of gourmet snacks including paninis and mini pizzas, plus refreshing beverages like Tropical Dreamscape and Lychee Breeze – all alcohol-free.
With its vibrant 80s-inspired design and bold approach to leisure, PlaySpace perfectly reflects Kandima’s playful luxury ethos. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, it promises guests a unique and energetic addition to their island stay.
Adding to the excitement, Kandima has also introduced Fast Track, the Maldives’ first and only oceanfront e-go-kart circuit. Spanning 500 metres with 10 turns and speeds reaching up to 80 km/h, this professional-grade asphalt track brings a high-octane edge to island adventure.
As Kandima continues to innovate and launch new experiences, guests can expect even more surprises in the near future – with fun, flair, and freedom at the heart of it all.
Awards
Equator Village wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel 2025 at World Travel Awards

Equator Village has once again been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2025, held on 28 June in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This marks the third consecutive year the resort has received this prestigious accolade, following earlier wins in 2023 and 2024, underscoring its commitment to service excellence and consistent guest satisfaction.
Mohamed Waheed, Resort Manager at Equator Village, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that the recognition reflects the dedication, creativity, and hard work of the entire team. He highlighted their commitment to delivering warm, personalised service and creating welcoming spaces that resonate with the charm and hospitality of the south. Waheed also extended gratitude to the resort’s guests and partners for their continued support and trust.
Celebrating over three decades of recognising hospitality excellence, the World Travel Awards is regarded as one of the most esteemed honours in global tourism. Winners are selected through a rigorous international voting process involving both travel professionals and the public.
Located just a five-minute drive from Gan International Airport, Equator Village offers exceptional convenience along with the relaxed charm of the southern Maldives. The resort features 78 spacious bungalows surrounded by lush flower gardens, alongside facilities including a beachfront restaurant, bar, pool, gym, and meeting spaces – all infused with tropical flair and heartfelt southern hospitality.
Awards
Dhawa Ihuru recognised among Maldives’ Best House Reefs by Travel + Leisure Asia

Dhawa Ihuru has been named one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by Travel + Leisure Asia in its esteemed Luxury Awards 2025. Renowned as a stylish retreat for diving enthusiasts, the resort’s house reef—home to reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and vibrant coral ecosystems—continues to attract and inspire travellers from across the globe.
This accolade goes beyond recognition, reflecting over two decades of steadfast dedication to marine conservation, scientific research, and coral restoration. These efforts have transformed the house reef into a living testament to sustainable tourism.
Since the establishment of the Banyan Group’s Marine Lab in 2004—the first resort-based conservation and research facility in the Maldives—Dhawa Ihuru has been at the forefront of environmental responsibility. Through long-term coral preservation projects and guest-focused educational initiatives, the resort has consistently promoted biodiversity and sustainability.
Guests at Dhawa Ihuru are invited to participate in a range of conservation efforts, including:
- Coral planting and reef regeneration
- Reef monitoring alongside marine biologists
- Turtle identification and tracking
- Sustainability workshops and marine talks
- Community engagement programmes
These hands-on experiences not only aid in ecosystem restoration but also nurture awareness and a sense of shared responsibility among travellers.
“This recognition is a reflection of our long-standing commitment to marine protection,” said Elias Pertoft, General Manager of Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. “What began as a vision nearly three decades ago has evolved into a living legacy of conservation. We are proud to continue nurturing one of the Maldives’ most biodiverse reefs—not only for our guests, but for future generations.”
Nick, Marine Lab Manager at the resort, added, “Over the past 20 years, our immersive marine biodiversity programmes, including hands-on conservation activities, have provided both educational and inspiring experiences. By involving our guests, we are enriching their stay and fostering a global community of marine stewards.”
To commemorate this achievement and celebrate the resort’s flourishing marine environment, Dhawa Ihuru will host the Rannamaari Dive Fest on 24 July 2025—a full-day celebration running from 10 AM to 10 PM. Inspired by the legendary Rannamaari shipwreck, the event will showcase the vibrancy of island life both above and below the waterline.
Event highlights include:
- Underwater treasure hunts for divers and non-divers
- Marine conservation talks and activities with the resort’s Marine Lab team
- Cultural and creative island experiences, such as Maldivian arts & crafts with local artists, a Maldivian cooking class, a DIY wellbeing workshop, and family-friendly activities
- A sunset cocktail celebration at Velavani Bar, followed by a beachfront DJ night
Travellers are invited to take part in this unique celebration that blends adventure, culture, and conservation—honouring one of the Maldives’ most iconic house reefs and contributing to its protection for generations to come.
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