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

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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

Outdoor adventures, football sessions planned for Velaa Kids Week

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Velaa Private Island will host Velaa Kids Week from 3 to 9 August 2026, bringing together outdoor activities, team challenges and sports sessions for young guests.

The programme will be delivered in partnership with Sharky & George, which specialises in activities and experiences for children. It has been designed to encourage creativity, curiosity and confidence through games and island-based exploration.

Activities will include outdoor adventures, interactive games, team challenges and opportunities to discover the resort’s natural surroundings. The programme will also provide children with opportunities to form friendships and develop teamwork skills during their stay.

World champion freestyle footballer Tobias Becs will join this year’s event, adding a sporting component to the programme. Becs will conduct sessions and demonstrations in which children can learn freestyle football skills, take part in physical activities and try new techniques.

His involvement is intended to introduce young guests to freestyle football in an accessible format, with sessions combining demonstrations, participation and play.

Velaa Kids Week forms part of the resort’s family programming and will offer a scheduled series of activities throughout the seven-day event.

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Family

Where families come together: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ luxury villa experience

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As travellers increasingly prioritise meaningful time together, multi-generational holidays and private group escapes are reshaping the luxury travel landscape. Responding to this growing demand, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, a Hyatt resort, offers thoughtfully designed two-bedroom accommodations that combine generous living spaces with the resort’s signature understated luxury, creating an idyllic setting for families and friends to reconnect amidst the natural beauty of the Maldives.

While the Maldives has long been synonymous with romantic escapes, today’s travellers are embracing a different kind of luxury—one centred on shared experiences, quality time, and the freedom to travel together without compromising privacy. At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, the Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas and the exclusive Boduge Residence have been designed to support these evolving travel preferences while remaining deeply connected to the island’s pristine environment.

Space Designed for Togetherness

Set along the island’s powder-soft shoreline, the Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa offers 265 square metres of thoughtfully planned indoor and outdoor living. Featuring one king bedroom and one twin bedroom, spacious living and dining areas, an enclosed bathroom with separate bathtub and shower, and a lush private garden with swimming pool and sun deck, the villa provides ample room for families to spend quality time together while enjoying moments of quiet retreat. Every stay is complemented by the attentive service of a dedicated villa host, ensuring a seamless and personalised island experience.

A Private Residence for Life’s Special Gatherings

For milestone celebrations, extended family holidays, or intimate group escapes, the Boduge Residence offers Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ most exclusive accommodation.

Spanning 395 square metres (4,251 sq ft), the residence features 235 square metres (2,530 sq ft) of elegant indoor living space with two beautifully appointed bedrooms—a king-bedded master suite, a twin bedroom and a dedicated service room with twin bedding, expansive living and dining areas, a kitchenette, maid’s room, premium amenities, and dedicated villa host service.

Its 160-square-metre (1,722 sq ft) outdoor sanctuary is designed for effortless island living, complete with a 45-square-metre private pool, spacious sun deck, outdoor dining area, wooden swing, and poolside BBQ—inviting guests to linger over shared meals, celebrate special occasions, or simply enjoy uninterrupted time together beneath the Maldivian sky.

For larger groups, the Boduge Residence can seamlessly connect to a neighbouring villa, creating a spacious three-bedroom retreat while preserving the privacy and tranquillity that define the Alila experience.

“Luxury today is increasingly defined by the quality of time we spend with the people who matter most,” says Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “Our two-bedroom accommodations were created to give families and groups the space to reconnect naturally, while immersing themselves in the calm, simplicity, and extraordinary beauty of our island. It’s an experience that reflects Alila’s philosophy of thoughtful luxury—where every detail is intentionally designed to foster meaningful moments.”

Rooted in Nature, Guided by Design

Home to 81 private pool villas, including 41 Beach Pool Villas, 36 Overwater Pool Villas, three Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas, and the exclusive Boduge Residence, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is defined by architecture that complements rather than competes with its surroundings.

Designed by Singapore-based Studiogoto, the resort embraces clean architectural lines, natural materials, and open spaces that blur the boundaries between indoors and out. Every accommodation has been carefully integrated into the island landscape, reinforcing Alila’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, mindful hospitality, and a deep respect for place.

Beyond the Villa

Surrounded by the vibrant marine life of Raa Atoll, guests enjoy direct access to exceptional snorkelling and diving, immersive wellness experiences at Spa Alila, and thoughtfully curated Alila Moments that celebrate Maldivian culture and nature.

Families can also enjoy quality time beyond the beach through the resort’s padel tennis court, outdoor game area, and Play Alila activities designed for younger guests, creating fun shared experiences for every generation.

Whether discovering local traditions, exploring the island’s rich biodiversity, or enjoying the resort’s signature Shack Sundowner on a secluded sandbank, every experience is designed to encourage genuine connection—to the destination and to one another.

For more information or to book your stay, visit www.alilahotels.com/kothaifaru-maldives.

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Awards

Fashion Travel Awards name Villa Park Maldives’ best family island resort

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There are family resorts, and then there are islands that seem to understand how families actually travel. Villa Park, set in the whale shark waters of South Ari Atoll, belongs firmly to the latter. Named Best Family Island Resort in the Maldives at the Fashion Travel Awards 2026, the resort has been recognised for an experience that feels generous, unforced and made for every generation.

Organised by Fashion TV Russia, the awards took place in Moscow in aboard the Radisson Royal Flotilla, bringing together tourism leaders, media, tastemakers and international travellers to celebrate standout names in global hospitality.

At Villa Park, the luxury is not only in the setting, though there is plenty of that. It is in the space to spread out, the ease of moving through the day, and the rare feeling that no one has to compromise. Children have the world of Park Players Kids’ Club, teens can cycle, snorkel or head out on the water, while parents find their own rhythm between the beach, Araamu Spa, long lunches and quiet moments by the pool.

Set on one of the largest natural islands in the Maldives, Villa Park has the scale to keep a holiday interesting and the softness to make it feel simple. Days move from palm-lined cycling paths to white-sand beaches, from watersports to whale shark excursions in the marine protected waters of South Ari, from casual family meals to evenings by the ocean. Polished, but never precious.

The recognition reflects Villa Park’s growing reputation as a Maldivian resort that does family travel with both style and substance, creating holidays that feel adventurous, easy and deeply shared.

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