Island Goers
Kuoni, Crafting Romance And Luxury
Maldives Promotion House – According to Kuoni, one of the world’s leading travel brands, they have launched their biggest ever campaign to offer a range of value holidays with exceptional service in stunning destinations such as Maldives. Named as ‘Requested by you…Crafted by Kuoni’, the campaign started on 26th December 2011.
In association with Brighton based advertising agency Designate, Kuoni has designed a multi-media campaign that resonates with customer sentiment and needs as they think about planning their time away from it all. As such, the campaign will include outdoor media in key locations including London, Bristol, Liverpool and Sheffield and Manchester, escalator panels in the Bank, Knightsbridge and High Street Kensington tube stations, and radio advertising for 14 Kuoni stores and two Kuoni partner stores, as well as brand advertisements in a range of glossy travel and lifestyle magazines throughout 2012.
“This campaign brings the essence of Kuoni alive – that we listen to our customers’ needs and are specialists in creating unique travel memories that endure – as our Personal Travel Experts can craft the perfect holiday for you. The themes of the campaign are based around customer requests and real customer behaviour,” Kuoni’s Head of Marketing, Naomi Wilkinson said.
Alongside the brand campaign runs a multi-million pound tactically-led brand campaign including synergy of creative across all media channels, supported by stunning imagery to mirror customers’ needs. These needs were highlighted in an extensive customer centric research carried out by the company earlier this year. All the activity is designed to showcase Kuoni’s hand-made approach to personalised holidays and service which all serve to underpin Kuoni’s values of authenticity, reliability and passion.
“We were excited when we won the pitch, and we are thrilled to see the work come to fruition and go live. Kuoni are a great, truly prestigious brand and they gave us an exciting advertising brief to work to. We think that with our ‘Requested by you… Crafted by Kuoni’ concept we’ve come up with a strong memorable idea that will stretch across all media and deliver on a truly integrated level,” Designate’s MD, Jason Triandafyllou said.
Kuoni was established in 1906 in Switzerland by Alfred Kuoni, a visionary adventurer and explorer of his time who opened some of Europe’s first travel agencies. Today it has branch operations in over 40 countries. For 105 years Kuoni has been creating holidays with a spirit of adventure and has been recognised consistently.
Kuoni has been winning coveted awards such as The World’s Leading Tour Operator for 11 years in a row at the World Travel Awards, Best Large Tour Operator at the 2011 Daily Telegraph Ultratravel 100 Awards for five consecutive years, best Luxury Tour Operator at the Sunday Times Travel Magazine Readers’ Awards and has also scored most highly in the Which top 20 travel company survey 2011. Kuoni has also been voted Britain’s Best Long-haul Tour Operator by travel agents for the past 29 years.
Kuoni offers some of the best tours and holidays to Maldives, with customised packages including those suited to honeymoons.
Culture
Visit Maldives brings spirit of island Eid to worldwide audiences
The spirit, colour, and traditions of a Maldivian island Eid will take centre stage this festive season as Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) prepares to deliver immersive daily coverage of the Eid celebrations from Raa Atoll Meedhoo, bringing one of the country’s most vibrant cultural festivities to audiences around the world.
Beginning on 26 May, Visit Maldives will provide daily coverage from the island across its social media platforms and digital channels, continuing through 30 May. The initiative will showcase the atmosphere, traditions, and community celebrations that define Eid in the Maldives, offering audiences a deeper connection to the cultural identity of the islands beyond their well-known luxury experiences.
Throughout the five-day coverage, Visit Maldives teams will provide daily updates, feature segments, and behind-the-scenes storytelling from the island, capturing traditions that continue to shape community life across the Maldives. The campaign aims to position Maldivian culture and heritage as a central part of the destination experience while highlighting the unique character of local island communities.
Among the key traditions featured is Vedhuma Dhiyun, a longstanding custom where groups of islanders formally seek permission from community elders and leaders to begin Eid festivities. The practice reflects the strong communal values and cultural continuity preserved within island life.
The celebrations will also spotlight Bodu Mas, one of the most recognised Eid traditions in the Maldives. Meaning “big fish” in Dhivehi, the celebration centres around a giant fish structure crafted from woven coconut palm leaves and ceremonially carried through the island in a lively communal gathering rooted in the Maldives’ seafaring heritage.
Another major highlight is Maali Neshun, a traditional performance where participants dress as mythical figures and spirits using handcrafted costumes made from coconut leaves and local materials. Accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of boduberu drums, the performances transform the island into a visually striking cultural celebration.
The campaign will additionally feature Koadi Kendun, a traditional community event centred around a decorated wooden structure crafted from coconut palm materials. The celebration combines performance, competition, and artistic expression, reflecting both longstanding traditions and evolving forms of island creativity.
Speaking about the initiative, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, noted that showcasing living traditions and community celebrations remains an important part of strengthening destination storytelling.
“The Maldives is shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by the traditions, people, and communities that continue to preserve our cultural identity. Through this campaign, we want global audiences to experience the warmth, creativity, and spirit of a Maldivian island Eid in an authentic and meaningful way,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support and collaboration of the people of Raa Meedhoo, particularly the communities of Hulhangu Avah and Irumathi Avah, along with the Raa Meedhoo Island Council, for their role in supporting and facilitating the initiative and helping bring the island’s Eid celebrations to wider international audiences.
Following the daily coverage period, Visit Maldives will continue the initiative through long-form storytelling content scheduled for release from next month onwards on its YouTube platform, offering in-depth features, interviews, and cultural narratives from Raa Meedhoo and its celebrations.
Through this campaign, Visit Maldives continues to expand destination storytelling by highlighting the Maldives as a place shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by its living traditions, island communities, and cultural heritage.
Island Goers
Island life at your own pace at Cocomo Maldives
Set on the serene island of K. Himmafushi, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Cocomo Maldives is a tropical retreat where the rhythm of the waves guides your days. Whether you’re sharing sunsets as a couple, creating memories with family, or simply unwinding on your own, this laid-back beachfront haven invites you to relax, recharge, and embrace island life at your own pace.
Your Island Hideaway Awaits
At Cocomo Maldives, comfort meets simplicity across 27 thoughtfully designed rooms, each offering a calming blend of modern touches and tropical charm. Surrounded by palm-lined paths and just steps from the beach, every room features air conditioning, a private balcony or terrace, and all the essentials you need to unwind.
Choose the space that suits your journey:
- Deluxe Double Room – Compact and cozy, perfect for couples
- Superior Deluxe Room – A little more room for small families or close friends
- Premium Family Suite – Spacious and refined, ideal for those who want extra comfort
All rooms come with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, and a sleek ensuite bathroom.
And there’s more to look forward to – Cocomo will be expanding its accommodation inventory in the coming months, adding new rooms to welcome even more guests to this island.

World on a Plate
Rukuraa invites you on a flavourful journey with its carefully curated menu inspired by Pan-Asian and international cuisines. Dine indoors in a relaxed setting, or take your seat by the shore, where the breeze is soft, the waves provide the soundtrack, and every meal feels like a moment to savour.
Adventures at Cocomo
Adventure is always within reach at Cocomo. With its ideal spot on Himmafushi, the island offers direct access to some of the Maldives’ best marine experiences – from colourful coral reefs to the world-class Jailbreaks surf break just offshore. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or chasing your next thrill, our team is ready to help you plan every splash, paddle, and wave.

Conveniences That Make a Difference
Offering a range of thoughtful amenities to make your stay as comfortable and carefree as possible, including:
- Direct beach access with sun loungers
- A refreshing outdoor swimming pool
- 24/7 front desk and concierge support
- High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- Reliable airport transfers and daily housekeeping
Everything is designed to ensure a relaxed, hassle-free island experience from arrival to departure.
Exciting Additions Just Around the Corner
Cocomo Maldives is gearing up to introduce a vibrant new chapter in the Himmafushi experience, with expanded facilities set to open in the coming months. Guests can look forward to the island’s very first full-scale recreation hub, featuring:
- A tranquil spa offering relaxing massages and rejuvenating treatments
- A fun and inviting karaoke lounge
- A cozy shisha bar perfect for winding down
- A dynamic games arcade with billiards and classic favorites
- And the highlight – Cocomo Beach Club, a lively beachfront spot for music, cocktails, and golden hour vibes
These exciting additions are designed to make Cocomo more than just a stay – it’s a place to connect, celebrate, and create memories that last long after your footprints fade from the sand.
Whether you’re chasing serene escapes, weekend getaways, or fun-filled family adventures, Cocomo Maldives is your lively playground in paradise. Dive into crystal-clear waters, take a refreshing swim in the pool, ride the breathtaking surf, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the genuine warmth of island hospitality – your island home, Cocomo Maldives.
Discover more and plan your stay!
Featured
Medhufushi Island Resort marks National Day with Maldivian heritage showcase
Medhufushi Island Resort recently marked Maldives National Day with an immersive celebration of Maldivian heritage, transforming the resort grounds into a living museum that reflected the country’s cultural roots. The event recreated the atmosphere of a traditional island village and offered guests the chance to experience authentic island life through interactive activities, performances, and storytelling.
The resort team constructed a replica village featuring ancestral-style houses and traditional architecture that demonstrated the resourcefulness of early island communities. Guests explored the structures and learned how Maldivians adapted to their environment over generations. The experience was enhanced by a variety of activities, including food stalls that served traditional dishes, demonstrations of local craftsmanship, and opportunities to take part in games once enjoyed by island families. Musical traditions were brought to life with the sounds of Bodu Beru drums, where visitors not only observed but also participated alongside local performers.

Cultural performances formed the highlight of the evening, with local women presenting traditional dances that narrated stories of island life and men delivering energetic Bodu Beru drum sessions. Guest participation was strong, with many joining in the dances and trying their hand at drumming. One visitor remarked that it felt like stepping into another time and described learning Bodu Beru from locals as an unforgettable experience.
Resort Manager Iyaz explained that the event is organised annually to preserve and share Maldivian heritage with visitors, noting his pride in the team for creating such an engaging showcase and expressing gratitude to the guests for their enthusiasm.
The celebration reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural preservation through tourism, ensuring that traditional practices remain visible and valued. By offering authentic experiences, Medhufushi Island Resort connects guests with the history and identity of the Maldives while supporting sustainable tourism.
This annual showcase serves not only as entertainment but also as a bridge between past and present, reinforcing the importance of cultural continuity. Through initiatives such as these, the resort demonstrates how tourism can help protect traditions and foster community pride, enabling visitors to leave with more than memories of beaches and scenery, but with a deeper understanding of the people and heritage of the Maldives.
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