Featured
Heritance Aarah awarded at Tea Masters Sketch Contest 2020

Aitken Spence Hotel’s Heritance Aarah resort in the Maldives has added to its accolades recently, with a prestigious recognition at The Tea Masters Sketch Contest.
The resort’s R&B Manageress Panchali Mandakini, who represented the Maldives, received the Audience Awards and was placed third in the overall competition.
Held to commemorate International Tea Day in May, the competition was organised by The Tea Master’s Cup with Ceylon Tea. The competition comprised of a freestyle tea service where Ceylon Tea was incorporated into the mix, to be presented with a snack and a narrative.
With global participation including previous winners of the National Tea Master title from 22 countries, Mandakini’s achievement was praised by the panel of judges for its innovative nature. Manadakini was the 2018 Sri Lankan winner and she got selected to participate the world championship.
The underlying objective of the Tea Masters Sketch competition was to focus on finding new formats and solutions wherein to help the promotion and growth of online tea promotion and creating a new community of tea ambassadors from around the world.
The ambassadors will work on online and offline platforms to disseminate the message of the significance of tea consumption across the world.
Mandakini has been part of the Heritance Aarah family since 2019, following a stint at Heritance Kandalama Sri Lanka from 2014.
With a bubbly personality and curiosity to learn new techniques and increase her culinary prowess, she is among the rising stars at Heritance Aarah.

Heritance Aarah is part of Heritance Hotels and Resorts brand of the Aitken Spence Hotels, the hospitality arm of Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC, which operates 23 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Oman and India.
The company’s owned hotels are reflected under the Heritance, Adaaran and Turyaa brands, popular around the world for exceptional service, undisputed product and curated lifestyle experiences.
The company’s Sri Lankan porttolio includes 11 resorts spread across the island, while the Maldives resorts totals to seven, four in Oman and one in India.
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
Featured
Elemental escape: Sirru Fen Fushi’s Earth Hour celebration

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort invites guests to disconnect from the ordinary and immerse themselves in nature through a purposeful evening that celebrates the four elements—Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. Under the Maldivian night sky, visitors embark on a sensory journey of mindful indulgence, blending sustainability, gastronomy, and elemental experiences.
A specially curated four-course menu takes diners on a sensory culinary experience, with each dish inspired by the four elements—paying tribute to nature’s balance and harmony. Carefully crafted to awaken the senses, this exquisite feast seamlessly merges sustainability with culinary artistry.
- Fire – Bold, smoky flavours that ignite the palate and awaken the senses.
- Earth – Deep, grounding flavours that honor the richness of the land.
- Water – Fresh, locally sourced ingredients that capture the purity and fluidity of the ocean.
- Air – Light, ethereal textures that embody the essence of the sky.
Set on the tranquil shores of Onu Onu Beach, this exclusive dining experience is illuminated by candlelight, offering a fusion of sustainable elegance and mindful gastronomy in observance of Earth Hour. The experience is priced at US$ 180 per person.
As the lights dim, Sirru Fen Fushi transforms into a sanctuary of reflection, connection, and sustainability, offering curated experiences designed to engage the senses:
- Fire – A vibrant Boduberu performance, bonfire, and dance bring the energy of the Maldives to life.
- Water – Handcrafted Earth-inspired mixology reflects nature’s purity.
- Air – Long-exposure photography at YASH Photo Studio captures the magic of the night.
- Earth – An exclusive stargazing session, guided by SpaceCat Astrotourism, offers a chance to reconnect with the universe.
Sirru Fen Fushi’s Earth Hour celebration represents a commitment to sustainability and mindful living. Guests are encouraged to unplug, embrace nature’s elements, and contribute to a global movement toward a more conscious and sustainable future.
Family
Easter festivities at Le Méridien Maldives: perfect family getaway

This Easter, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to immerse themselves in a world of adventure, creativity, and island indulgence. From April 13th to 20th, a week of festive celebrations takes place across the resort, where children embark on magical discoveries, and parents enjoy the warmth of endless summer.
At the Family Kids Hub, excitement fills the air as young explorers dive into Easter-themed arts and crafts, engage in hands-on cooking workshops, and take part in interactive games designed to spark curiosity and imagination. The highlight of the celebrations is the much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt, where children follow hidden clues across the island in search of sweet surprises, with a special visit from the Easter Bunny.
Beyond the Kids Hub, families can embark on unforgettable island experiences. The Marine Conservation Hub introduces children to the wonders of the underwater world, while guided snorkelling and dolphin cruises offer the opportunity to observe graceful creatures in their natural habitat. Adventure continues on land with beach games, sunset walks, and friendly matches on the resort’s padel court, providing moments of connection and laughter for all ages.
Easter at Le Méridien Maldives is also a journey of flavours. Curated dining experiences invite families to come together and savor life’s simplest pleasures. Easter weekend unfolds at La Vie with a sunset cocktail on the beach, where chilled rosé and golden hues create the perfect moment to pause and indulge. A five-course wine pairing dinner follows, guiding guests on an exquisite culinary journey, with each dish thoughtfully crafted to complement the finest wine selections. On Easter Sunday, the signature Au Soleil pool party brings the festivities to life, with poolside beats, live cooking stations, and crisp rosé for a relaxed afternoon under the Maldivian sun. The festivities culminate in a grand buffet featuring a sizzling barbecue grill, live cooking stations, and live music, bringing families together for a joyful island feast.
-
Action1 week ago
Score big at Michael Owen’s football camp at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort
-
Food6 days ago
Savour extraordinary with Chef Ollie Dabbous at Coco Bodu Hithi
-
Family6 days ago
Celebrate togetherness with bespoke family escape at The Nautilus Maldives
-
Featured7 days ago
Elemental escape: Sirru Fen Fushi’s Earth Hour celebration
-
Featured1 week ago
Varu Spa’s new holistic wellness experiences at Kandolhu Maldives
-
Action1 week ago
SAii Lagoon Maldives partners with GZ19 Padel to unveil padel tennis courts
-
Featured1 week ago
Westin Hotels elevate sleep experiences with holistic wellness initiatives
-
Awards6 days ago
Villa Resorts’ properties get triple nominations in T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025