Family
‘From Fluff to Cut with The Marshmallowist’ this Easter at Vakkaru Maldives

This Easter, Vakkaru Maldives teams up with The Marshmallowist – the UK’s first producer of gourmet marshmallows, for an unforgettable Easter in the tropics.
From April 12 to 16, The Marshmallowist will be popping up all over the island with bespoke treats like the “Easter Bunny Hot Chocolate Bar” at Amaany on Easter Sunday morning, a dedicated adult and children’s sessions of “A Very Marshmallowist Masterclass” and an adults-only “Baileys x The Marshmallowist Cocktails” at Lagoon Bar.
The Marshmallowist will also be serving her signature mallow ice cream sandwiches at Cabana Bar’s “Easter Beats Pool Party” for guests to cool off from the afternoon sun.
Ending the week on a high, the “Gimme S’More Sugar” bonfire movie night will feature the squishy, gooey goodness of marshmallows freshly roasted on a stick over a bonfire for s’mores, promising guests an unforgettably cosy Easter under the stars at Vakkaru Maldives.
Founded by Oonagh Simms, The Marshmallowist is the first producer of gourmet marshmallows in the UK using premium ingredients – only whole fresh fruits, organic herbs & spices and boutique alcohol.
The Marshmallowist combines classic confectionery with unexpected flavours like raspberry and champagne, strawberry and basil, charcoal and jasmine tea and more. Having trained as a chocolatier in Paris, Simms creates Marshmallows with a French soufflé-like texture and a signature London edge.
With a flair for the adventurous and a taste for success, The Marshmallowist has collaborated with brands like Alexander McQueen, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Lancome, Roland Mouret and has been featured in publications like VOGUE UK, Wallpaper magazine, The Guardian, The Times, Harper’s BAZAAR, The Economist and more.
Simms’s first recipe book The Marshmallowist was published by Penguin Random House in 2016, and follows her journey from Paris to Portobello Road and includes recipes of her sweet treats.

April 12: The Marshmallowist Easter Bunny Hot Chocolate Bar at Amaany
Renowned for their gourmet marshmallow hot chocolate, The Marshmallowist will be bringing her signature recipes to Amaany – Vakkaru Maldives’ signature all day dining restaurant, with a pop-up bar on Easter Sunday morning.
“A proper hot chocolate is as cosy an indulgence you can have”, says Oonagh Simms as she looks forward to sharing her very indulgent experience like the S’mores Hot Chocolate – a classic hot chocolate topped with a torched vanilla marshmallow an a chewy biscuit crumb for the most decadent start to the Easter festivities.
Look out for the adults-only hot chocolate that was featured at the Baileys Treat Bar at Covent Garden over winter in 2018 and the beautifully presented Love Potion – a rose hot chocolate with torched raspberry and champagne marshmallows drizzled with pistachio praline and rose petals, will take your breath away.

April 13: A Very Marshmallowist Masterclass at Vakkaru Reserve & Parrotfish Club
Learn to whip and get your hands messy this Easter as you fluff up your very own gourmet marshmallows with The Marshmallowist.
Sign up and join The Marshmallowist as she shares her secrets on how to master marshmallow making – from flavour combinations to whipping the lightest of fluffs and decorating your mallow creation using fresh ingredients from the island’s organic farm, this is your chance to get truly experimental with your confectionery.
Each guest can try their hand at all stages of the making process – including boiling up aromatic fruit purees and fluffing the mixture into perfect peaks, hand-cutting and taking home their own personalised Marshmallowist mallows.

April 14: Baileys x The Marshmallowist Cocktails at Lagoon Bar
Whilst overlooking a surreal Maldivian sunset at Lagoon Bar, The Marshmallowist together with Vakkaru Maldives’ mixologist will curate three signature drinks based on ingredients harvested from the island’s organic farm.
In an exclusive collaboration with Baileys and their celebrated Baileys Chocolat Luxe that is made from luxurious layers of Baileys Irish cream liqueur and real Belgian chocolate, marshmallow cocktails will be taking centre stage at Lagoon Bar throughout Easter week.

April 15: The Marshmallowist Ice Cream Sandwich Pop-up Parlour at Cabana’s Pool Side
This limited-edition experience will see The Marshmallowist’s fruit-based ice cream popping up at Cabana Bar’s poolside ice cream shack. Joining her will be a DJ on the decks and a pool party in full swing for some fun in the sun.
Using fresh ingredients from the island’s organic farm, this interactive and immersive experience will have guests queuing for delicious toasted vanilla fluff sandwiched between soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies topped with fresh fruit, Easter eggs, chocolate shards and more.

April 16: “Gimme S’More Sugar” Bonfire Movie Night on Cabana Beach
Under the starry skies of the Maldives, Vakkaru Maldives will set the scene for a cosy movie night warmed by a bonfire for guests to toast their own marshmallows.
Bringing a social, family-feel to the evening, there will be boards of cracked chocolate shards, handcrafted biscuits and jars spilling out with creative toppings from fairy floss to fresh fruit.
Let your imagination go wild and dream up your fantasy S’more with a little help from The Marshmallowist.
To be part of this cherishable experience, guests can book their stay with Vakkaru Maldives’ Joyous 2020 Offer and enjoy up to 35 per cent off room rates with daily breakfast and dinner when booking directly on vakkarumaldives.com.

This 2020, Vakkaru Maldives continues with its collection of curated, ultra-immersive and cherishable guest experiences in partnership with guest experiences specialist, The Magnolia Creative Collaborations. Watch out for more experiences from culinary greats, wellness mentors and scent experts, as well as luxurious fashion collaborations and exquisite artisanal pop-ups.
Through these experiences, Vakkaru Maldives aims to inspire guests to create timeless memories, effortlessly.
A secluded tropical island resort in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa atoll, a scenic 30 minutes north of Velana International Airport by seaplane, Vakkaru Maldives offers guests a holistic approach to unassuming luxury and cherishable experiences as you discover the warmth and affection of its people.
Blessed with timeless ocean views, white sandy beaches and nurtured by nature, the resort boasts an extensive selection of accommodation featuring 113 contemporary beach and over water villas and suites with Maldivian rustic charms. Indulgent dining choices from across the world are served in six restaurants and bars, as well as a wine cellar, specialising in global cuisine with Maldivian twist, Italian, Japanese, Southeast Asian as well as luxury beach grill.
Engaging experiences abound for everyone, every day at Vakkaru Maldives with a variety of water sports and excursions await at Splash, two tennis courts and a badminton court at the Sports Fields, recreational activities at Coconut Club, Parrotfish Club for children below 12 years of age, 24/7 overwater gymnasium with personal trainer as well as pampering head to toe treatments at Merana Spa.
Vakkaru Maldives has become the latest addition to Global Hotel Alliance’s (GHA) award-winning DISCOVERY loyalty programme under the curated “Ultratravel Collection” that features premium brand of exceptional hotels and resorts from around the world, hand-picked for the most discerning travellers.
For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
Family
Island living redefined: Le Méridien Maldives offers enriching family retreat

Set against the backdrop of a tranquil lagoon and unspoilt beaches on the private island of Thilamaafushi in Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa provides an ideal setting for multigenerational travel. Emphasising connection, creativity, and discovery, the resort offers families a tropical haven where shared moments unfold effortlessly—from the stillness of sunrise to the warm hues of Au Soleil’s golden hour.
The resort presents two-bedroom beachfront and overwater villas, thoughtfully designed to balance privacy with shared living. Each villa comprises a master bedroom and twin room, a private pool, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and direct access to either the lagoon or the shoreline. For those seeking greater exclusivity, the three-bedroom Thilamaafushi Beach Villa delivers an expansive indoor-outdoor living experience, complete with a private beach, infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and direct access to the turquoise sea—ideal for larger family holidays or special occasions.
Families are encouraged to build their days around meaningful activities, with curated experiences tailored to all ages. Guests may snorkel the vibrant house reef, take a dolphin cruise, or engage in friendly matches on the padel court. Evenings bring a sense of togetherness, with karaoke, bingo, and open-air cinema creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
Le Méridien’s sun-drenched Au Soleil offers a vibrant gathering space for families to enjoy live music, refreshments, and signature treats. Poolside games and summery beverages are served alongside ocean vistas, while children can savour Le Scoop homemade gelato in a laid-back beachfront setting—an ideal stop between island escapades.
Reinforcing the resort’s dedication to sustainability, the Marine Conservation Hub provides an engaging educational experience for guests of all ages. Families can explore the local marine ecosystem with the resident biologists and take part in hands-on conservation efforts during their visit.
The Greenhouse, one of the Maldives’ largest hydroponic gardens, complements these efforts. Guests are invited to participate in the Family Foraging experience, where they can learn about hydroponic farming, harvest fresh produce together, and enjoy a communal Harvest Table—an experience designed to spark curiosity and environmental mindfulness in younger guests.
At the Le Méridien Family Kids Hub, children are immersed in a world of creative learning. This vibrant space hosts a variety of daily activities including arts and crafts, junior mixology classes, marine awareness sessions, and a signature kids’ night camping experience. While children are engaged, parents can unwind at the overwater Explore Spa, join a Sip & Paint session at La Vie bar, or enjoy bespoke destination dining. Babysitting services are also available for toddlers and infants, ensuring parents can enjoy peaceful moments throughout their stay.
The resort’s six restaurants and bars offer diverse dining experiences suited to every palate. Mediterranean cuisine is served at Riviera, while Japanese specialities and Teppanyaki are featured at Tabemasu. Velaa Bar + Grill offers wood-fired pizzas, and Turquoise provides a broad international menu. Each venue delivers a unique culinary journey, blending global flavours with locally sourced ingredients.
With sweeping views of the ocean and soft white sands, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa promises an enriching family escape where connection, exploration, and joy are seamlessly woven into each day.
Families booking the Family Adventure offer will enjoy a range of added benefits, including complimentary stays and meals for children under 12, daily half-board for the whole family, access to the Kids Hub, daily marine education sessions, non-motorised watersports, and more. The offer is available for bookings and stays through to 31 December 2025.
Family
Family Eid moments at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

In time for the Eid holidays, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa has introduced Family Moments. Designed for stays of four nights or more in overwater suites and two-bedroom pool villas, the offer features a selection of engaging experiences for families to bond over, along with an array of thoughtfully considered touches.
Shared Discoveries
A zero-proof mixology masterclass. Curious guests can try their hand at creating spirit-free beverages in the Maldives’ first ever Cocktail Lab. This interactive one-hour private workshop is conducted by skilled resident mixologists who share professional techniques and insights into their craft.
Outdoor padel tennis. Active holidaymakers can take advantage of complimentary access to the padel court for a friendly game of padel tennis, a fast-growing sport suitable for all fitness levels. The brand-new seaside court complements the resort’s outdoor amenities, which include a futsal field and multipurpose court for tennis, basketball, badminton and volleyball.
Night fishing excursion. Families can also embark on a group fishing trip, where ocal guides teach the art of line fishing aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni. This excursion is an enriching opportunity to learn a new skill and be immersed in local customs, all while being surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Thoughtful Extras for a Worry-free Stay
The Family Moments offer also includes the following added benefits:
- A nightly resort credit of USD 100 nett per villa, which can be used towards any of the signature spa treatments, salon services and wellness sessions at Amingiri Spa & Hammam; any chargeable activities at the kids’ club, such as pizza making and evening sports camps; or in any of the resort’s distinctive restaurants, where young diners are welcomed with healthy, child-friendly menus.
- Daily buffet breakfast at Habitat
- Access to the purpose-built kids’ club, one of the largest in the Maldives, and scheduled complimentary activities for children and teens alike, including a weekly pirate cruise, arts and crafts activities, and beach games.
- Use of non-motorized water sports and snorkeling equipment throughout the stay
- A complimentary 30-minute photo shoot, inclusive of two professionally edited digital images
Families staying a minimum of seven nights will also enjoy complimentary roundtrip premium speedboat transfers. The Family Moments offer is available for booking until April 30, 2026. Hilton Honors members enjoy full points for their stay. Terms and conditions apply.
Joyful Festivities and Transformative Journeys
Eid celebrations come alive with Maldivian flair as a spirited Bodumas (“big fish” in Dhivehi) parade, accompanied by the beats of a Boduberu (traditional drum) performance, winds its way through the island. Families can then savor aromatic flavors of the oceanfront Beach Market buffet at Beach Shack, as the melodies of a live band fill the starlit evening.
Throughout the week, Middle Eastern flavors will be a highlight of the a la carte menu at Beach Shack. In addition, when guests book a shisha experience at Aura Pool Bar, Sip Tea Lounge and Eden, a complimentary pot of freshly brewed Arabic coffee will be served.
At Amingiri Spa & Hammam, spa enthusiasts can tailor their wellbeing journey by combining any of the 30-minute treatments in the Escape to Tranquility collection. These include foot reflexology, express manicures and pedicures, targeted massages, gua sha facials, body polishes and body wraps. Guests can also opt to join a variety of regularly scheduled group sessions such as aerial yoga, sound healing in the main pool, and the deeply soothing floating sound meditation in the yoga pavilion.
Family
The Nautilus Maldives redefines children’s spaces with ecoBirdy

The Nautilus Maldives, an ultra-luxury bohemian private island retreat in the heart of the Indian Ocean, has announced a partnership with ecoBirdy, the award-winning Belgian family-owned design brand renowned for its innovative approach to design rooted in social and environmental responsibility.
As part of this collaboration, The Nautilus has redesigned the furnishings of its Young Wonderers children’s club and The Nautilus Lounge at Velana International Airport. These areas now showcase ecoBirdy’s thoughtfully curated and ergonomically designed pieces, created from repurposed plastic toys. The result is an immersive experience for young guests that seamlessly blends creativity, sustainability, and style.
ecoBirdy, founded in 2018 by designers Vanessa Yuan and Joris Vanbriel, originated as a research initiative co-funded by the European Commission. The project aimed to develop a sustainable method for recycling plastic toys. ecoBirdy’s patented recycling process starts with the collection of used toys, undergoes a conscientious recycling journey, and concludes with the crafting of contemporary, functional furniture and home accessories. Central to their designs is ecothylene®—a 100% recycled and recyclable material—used to create visually distinctive and ergonomically supportive products tailored to children’s comfort, autonomy, and development.
From the moment children arrive at The Nautilus Airport Lounge to their playful experiences at Young Wonderers, they are welcomed into environments that emphasise imagination, beauty, and respect for nature. Each ecoBirdy piece is designed to foster children’s independence, featuring ergonomic shapes and easy-to-grip elements that reflect a deep understanding of young behaviour.
Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives, expressed that the partnership reflects the resort’s values: “This collaboration embodies The Nautilus’s ethos. Like ecoBirdy, we are family-founded and built on authenticity, creativity, and responsibility. Together, we’ve created inspiring spaces that not only delight our youngest guests but also reflect our commitment to timeless hospitality and respect for our planet.”
Joris Vanbriel, co-founder of ecoBirdy, noted, “True luxury carries a responsibility to future generations. Partnering with The Nautilus allows us to bring sustainable design to a new generation of conscious explorers.” Fellow co-founder Vanessa Yuan added, “We believe design has the power to inspire change. Through this collaboration, we hope to nurture creativity, care, and environmental stewardship among young guests of The Nautilus.”
At The Nautilus, where time stands still and freedom reigns, each young guest is invited to discover that the most meaningful form of luxury lies in living thoughtfully.
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