Featured

Fushifaru Maldives makes key executive appointments

Published

6 years ago

February 3, 2020

Fushifaru Maldives has appointed Ali Sameer as its Food and Beverage Manager, and Connie Galvez as Sales and Marketing Manager.

Sameer is a Maldivian national with 16 years of experience in the field of food and beverage. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (hons) in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a Master’s in Business Administration.

In his new position, Sameer will oversee the boutique resort’s food and beverage operations and create curated dining experiences for guests.

He has already introduced new dining concepts such as a ‘Wine Dinner’ and a brand new Teppanyaki menu. In fact, he has revamped most outlet menus to keep traditional methods of cooking combined with fresh seafood, high quality produce, and most importantly, maintaining the balance of good taste and flavour.

“We are looking forward to having a fresh and improved outlook on all our Food and Beverage operations and with his vast experience, we are sure that Sameer will greatly contribute to the continued success of Fushifaru,” an announcement by the resort read.

Meanwhile, Connie Galvez has been appointed as Sales and Marketing Manager at Fushifaru.

In her new position, she will oversee all sales and marketing operations of the resort and provide invaluable knowledge from her extensive experience in the Maldives’ tourism industry.

Connie is a Filipino national with over 11 years of experience as a travel consultant and in the field of sales. Prior to joining the Fushifaru team, Connie worked as the Assistant Sales Manager at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives and as a Senior Travel Consultant in the Maldives for Amazing Asia Travels and Tours.

“With impressive experience in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry in the Maldives, we are excited to have Connie join our young Business development Team and we wish her a successful career at Fushifaru,” the announcement read.

Only a 35-minute breathtaking seaplane flight away from Velana International Airport, Fushifaru is nestled between a national Marine Protected Area and three of the Maldives’ most iconic dive sites. Fushifaru is a with an endless promise of adventure, excitement, discovery and serenity all in one diverse landscape.

Merging quintessential Maldivian design with modern aesthetics, this boutique Maldivian chic resort’s 49 Beach and Water Villas exude a sense of cosines yet luxurious in space and amenities. Each of the villas features open-air bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, private verandas with dining areas and breath-taking views of the surrounding area – some villas feature private plunge pools.

Dining experiences focus on regional and international flavours to suit every taste and dietary requirement. Scrumptious breakfast buffets and palate pleasing international cuisine are offered at Korakali whilst flavourful Asian delicacies and mouth-watering varieties of freshly caught seafood can be savoured at Raakani. Signature cocktails and detoxtails are complemented by the best sunset views on island whilst lounging by the pool at Fanihandhi. A range of international dishes and snacks can be served straight to the privacy of your villa, 24 hours.

Above the waterline — to up the ante on adventure, a fully-equipped gym overlooks the Indian Ocean, whilst a multi-sports court hosts regular matches between residents and guests. Alternatively, take your game to the water with jet skis, kayaks and catamarans. Off-island visits include the largest tuna canning factory in the Maldives or numerous social and sustainable activities.

Below the waterline — Fushifaru Kan’du, a national Marine Protected Area home to three iconic dive sites including the renowned Fushifaru Thila, is teeming with marine life, unique cave formations and a marine cleaning station and sits right beside the resort. A true haven for diving enthusiasts and snorkelers alike.

Private wedding celebrations, picnics and desert island getaways are available at the resort’s own sandbank – only a few metres away in a crystal clear turquoise lagoon.

Featured

Ancient banyan tree anchors spiritual experiences at Machchafushi Island Resort

Published

2 hours ago

February 20, 2026

m@ldives

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, part of The Centara Collection, offers an island experience shaped by the rhythm of the ocean in the heart of South Ari Atoll. While the resort is widely recognised for its celebrated dive sites, award-winning house reef and rich marine life, another presence quietly anchors the spirit of the island.

Within the peaceful grounds of SPA Cenvaree stands a centuries-old banyan tree known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, meaning Wish Fulfilment. With its expansive canopy and cascading aerial roots, the tree is regarded as more than a natural landmark. It is a symbol of continuity and reflection, standing as a silent witness to the island’s past and present.

Long before the island became a resort destination, the banyan tree stood rooted in the sands of Machchafushi. Today, the resort honours it as the spiritual heart of the island, inviting guests to pause beneath its branches and engage in moments of reflection and reconnection.

This connection is expressed through the Sacred Thread Ceremony, a contemplative ritual designed to offer guests a personal and meaningful experience. The ceremony begins with a quiet walk through the spa gardens, encouraging stillness and intention. Guests select a delicate golden leaf to represent a personal wish—whether for love, wellbeing, success, abundance or inner peace—and hold it alongside a wish card while visualising that intention fulfilled. The golden leaf is then tied to the banyan’s ancient branches, symbolising the offering of the wish to the tree’s enduring presence. The leaf remains there, carrying the quiet energy of the intention until the guest’s return.

Beyond the banyan, the island continues its natural rhythm. The surrounding waters form part of one of the Maldives’ most significant marine environments, known for year-round whale shark encounters and an extensive house reef that stretches beyond the shoreline. Yet amid the movement of the sea and the vibrancy of coral life, it is often the stillness beneath the banyan tree that leaves the most lasting impression.

Sustainability and heritage are integral to life on Machchafushi Island. Located within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the island is committed to safeguarding both its marine ecosystems and its cultural identity. The banyan tree stands as a reminder that preservation extends beyond the natural environment to include traditions, stories and the deeper connections between people and place.

At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, each day unfolds with moments shaped by nature and intention. From golden sunrises over the lagoon to wishes entrusted to ancient branches, experiences on the island are designed not only to be remembered, but to take root.

Featured

City Iftar experience curated at JEN Maldives by Shangri-La

Published

3 days ago

February 17, 2026

m@ldives

JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is welcoming the holy month of Ramadan with a series of Iftar evenings at Lime Restaurant, inviting guests to gather in the spirit of reflection, gratitude and togetherness.

Recognising Ramadan as a time that brings families, friends and communities closer, the hotel has curated an Iftar experience designed to go beyond dining. The focus is on creating a welcoming environment where traditions are observed, conversations unfold naturally and shared moments are celebrated around the table.

Located in the heart of Malé, Lime Restaurant provides a warm and contemporary setting suited to a range of gatherings, from colleagues reconnecting after work to families and friends breaking fast together. Each evening reflects the generosity associated with Ramadan, featuring carefully prepared dishes, live cooking stations and a selection of sweet treats that balance traditional flavours with creative touches.

Iftar at JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is shaped by attentive service and thoughtful hospitality. Guests are welcomed into an atmosphere that blends comfort with understated elegance, allowing space for reflection while enjoying a relaxed dining experience. The hotel’s culinary and service teams work closely to ensure consistency, quality and authenticity throughout the season.

Whether for intimate gatherings or larger group celebrations, the venue offers flexibility supported by a culinary programme rooted in care and attention to detail. The Ramadan offering is designed to ensure guests feel at ease while enjoying a distinctive Iftar experience in the capital.

Throughout the holy month, JEN Maldives by Shangri-La invites guests to come together at Lime Restaurant to experience evenings defined by flavour, generosity and meaningful connection, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan.

Drink

Provence comes to Maldives with Château Minuty dinner at Milaidhoo Maldives

Published

3 days ago

February 17, 2026

m@ldives

Milaidhoo Maldives is hosting a wine pairing dinner celebrating Provençal elegance and gastronomy on 4 March 2026 at the resort’s Shoreline Grill. The evening will feature wines from Château Minuty and will be hosted by Sébastien Nore, Global Strategy and Export Director of Château Minuty, offering guests insight into the winery’s heritage and approach to fine winemaking.

Originally from Limousin, France, Nore brings extensive experience in the international beverage industry. His career includes roles with Kronenbourg Wineries and PepsiCo France, followed by senior leadership positions at Diageo and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. He has played a key role in expanding Château Minuty’s global presence and currently oversees the winery’s strategy, sales, communication and marketing, with a focus on innovation and the refined character of Provençal rosé.

During the dinner, guests will enjoy a curated selection of Château Minuty wines, paired with a bespoke menu created by the Shoreline Grill culinary team. The featured wines include:

Château Minuty M de Minuty Rosé Magnum 1.5L – Artist Edition 2024
Château Minuty Prestige Rosé 2024
Château Minuty Rosé et Or 2024
Château Minuty 281 2024

Beyond this event, the dinner reflects Milaidhoo Maldives’ wider commitment to gastronomy. The resort’s Gourmet Plan is designed for guests with a strong interest in food and wine, offering personalised, multi-course dining experiences throughout their stay. Each menu is crafted to highlight the relationship between carefully selected ingredients and complementary wines, with an emphasis on authenticity and balance.

The Château Minuty dinner marks the fourth wine-focused event hosted by Milaidhoo Maldives this year, underscoring the resort’s ongoing focus on curated culinary experiences. The evening is positioned as a sensory journey, combining refined flavours, thoughtful pairings and a convivial island setting.