Featured
Naturally distanced: Hideaway Beach Resort reopens

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is now reopen and welcoming guests.
The resort reopened with rigorous health and safety measures, along with new technological assistance like a very much needed update to its mobile app and web menus to provide the safest holiday experience the Maldives has to offer.
The 33 hectares ‘garden resort’ reopened its doors on November 15 with a renewed vigour and interesting features to pleasantly surprise even the discerning of guests.
At Hideaway, guests can enjoy the epitome of unrivalled luxury services and facilities. This includes the luxurious Hideaway Spa where guests can rejuvenate and unwind.
The resort also boasts a fabulous selection of restaurants and bars.
For some fun, it offers a vast selection of exciting and relaxing activities. From tennis and badminton to scuba diving and water skiing, there is something for everyone to keep guests entertained throughout their stay.
Hideaway wellness programme
The Hideaway Wellness Programme is committed to deliver Hideaway’s promise of a safe holiday experience with enhanced safety and hygiene measures, in collaboration with Diversey for guests’ wellbeing and comfort.
Hideaway’s refined hygiene standards and dedication will create a home away from home for them while enjoying their getaway at paradise at the fullest.
The comprehensive plan is one covering social distancing, health, hygiene and enhanced sanitisation across the entire guest journey, as well as extensive training, accreditation and monitoring done with the staff to ensure that the SOPs are followed to the letter.
The whole team of Hideaway butlers have been retrained and are eager to welcome back guests as well.

Hideaway’s beautiful foliage, flora
Hideaway features some of the largest guest villas in the Maldives. This is especially true for the beach villas; from the lowest to the highest category, the rooms are huge and are paired with a backyard and beach which is surrounded by thick foliage, providing the illusion that each villa’s guest is in their own private island.

This natural social distancing concept is only possible due to the expert landscaping, fully done by local gardeners at the resort. One would find it surprising that the resort’s incredible flora has been well maintained so that even after reopening after a few months, the resorts flora looks beautifully landscaped creating a jungle-garden experience.
The landscapers have done and are still doing a great job taming the jungle-like greenery at the resort which makes up 95 per cent of the island.

Revitalised dining options
Revamped menus are now available at all the restaurants at Hideaway. The resort’s chefs are eagerly waiting to entice your tastebuds with new flavours.
The ward-winning Asian fusion restaurant Samsara offers Thai, Indian and Japanese cuisine is ready to provide interesting culinary experiences such as Teppanyaki.
The Sunset Beach Café is a must try at the resort for various western cuisines like pizzas and burgers, and is one of the best spots to hang out and relax and have some exquisite drinks made by expert butlers and bartenders.
And if any guest needs specific dietary requirements such as a gluten-free diet, the expert butlers will learn everything about your needs and will communicate well with the chefs to make sure all your meals are perfect so that your meals will not get in the way of you enjoying a perfect vacation at Hideaway.

Activities, experiences
Living up to the high standards that the resort team keeps for themselves, guests can find a cacophony of enjoyable experiences at the island. Choose from relaxing in the bright swimming pool or enjoying a private beach lunch.
For the thrill-seekers, rise high above the shoreline on an exciting parasailing adventure.
For travellers who really want to retreat, opt to relax on your very own private beach in your own backyard and social distance in style by sinking into a sun lounger for an afternoon nap – the choice is yours!

The resort will soon launch a competition via their social media channels together with influencers David and Jaclyn Merch from the US. A lucky winner will get to enjoy a three-day, two-night stay at the resort.

To win the competition, you will need some creative thinking. Keep an eye on Hideaway’s Facebook and Instagram channels for competition related updates.
So, come hide away at Hideaway so that you can relax, rejuvenate and get out of a rut, or just take a break from the stressful lives that we lead in this time in our lives!
Hideaway has exciting reopening offers with savings from 30-40 per cent off their stay. For more details, please visit www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
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.
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