Family
Emerald Maldives introduces new fun-filled, inspiring family activities

For months, families have been cooped up together inside, quarantined and isolated.
Looking ahead to spring, and with vacations optimistically once again on the horizon, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, located in the secluded Raa Atoll and a five-star member of The Leading Hotels of The World, is launching new fun-filled and inspiring activities for families: from pizza making and gelato classes, to meditation and yoga lessons designed for kids, there are a wide range of opportunities, all included within the resort’s new Family Offer.
Pizza, gelato making classes
Leveraging Emerald’s Italian heritage, kids and adults can learn to master mouth-watering Italian classics – such as pizza and gelatos – with the help of the resort’s Italian Chef Aldo.
Aldo will teach families how to prepare the perfect pizza from scratch: from preparing the dough to choosing the best combination of toppings.
For dessert, guests can learn how to make real-deal Italian gelato, using delicious local ingredients such as fresh coconut and papaya.
Organised in the beautiful Ocean-facing ambience of Aqua restaurant, the two-hour classes are bookable upon request and open to a maximum of two adults and four children.
Yoga for kids
With the belief that one is never too young to adopt mindfulness, build strength and reconnect with nature, Emerald has developed a yoga series for little ones this year.
The resort’s ‘Yoga for Kids’ is included in the Deluxe All-Inclusive offering and once per week the young yogis are invited to have fun while increasing their flexibility, and coordination.
Taking place in the lush garden of the Dolphin Kids’ Club – one of the most extensive and well-equipped children’s facilities in the destination – the classes are hosted by experienced professionals, who will design each session including age-appropriate games, animal sounds and creative names for poses.
Those wanting to embark on a family wellness journey and create long lasting memories can book a private family yoga session ($55++ per person) to be organised directly in their Family Villas, which boast private gardens and patios overlooking the Ocean.
Plant your heart in Maldives
While sustainable travel was the buzzword in 2020, this year will surround the concept of regenerative travel; how as tourists we can improve the local environment.
Emerald strives to encourage the regeneration of the Maldives’ ecosystem by allowing guests to plant their very own palm tree (75$++) and contribute to the safeguard of the local biodiversity while also creating a long-lasting bond to the resort and the destination.
A perfect activity for the whole family, the planting process starts by choosing their favourite young coconut tree, then dig up the soil and plant the seed, which will be then covered and watered.
Once guests have left the resort, Emerald’s team will continue to take care of the plant and update guests via photos and videos of the growing tree, until the guests’ next holiday to the Maldives.
Emerald’s special family offer
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is currently running a family offer: 20 per cent off on the best available rate for a minimum of seven night’s stay for a maximum of two adults and two children, applicable for all bookings received before February 28.
Offer includes deluxe all-inclusive package, complimentary weekly ‘Yoga For Kids’ and all Dolphin Kids Club activities, complimentary 60 minutes massage for two adults or one cooking class for the whole family and one in-room family breakfast.
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is developed by the Emerald Collection, an Italian company renowned for its construction and management of luxury all-inclusive resorts across East Africa, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean.
The new five-star, deluxe all-inclusive Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa officially opened in December 2019.
Located in the Raa Atoll, the resort is surrounded by 1.5km of soft white sand and boasts 120 luxurious villas, both contemporary and tropical in design, divided into 60 beach villas and 60 overwater villas. There are 11 different villa categories available.
The resort offers guests a choice of four restaurants, in addition to a Sunset Pool Café and Sunrise Café.
The Emerald SPA offers Balinese and Thai treatments in 10 air-conditioned bungalows, and comprises a jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish baths.
The resort also features a Kids Club, Technogym, two tennis courts, two paddle courts, plus a water sports centre and five-star diving centre.
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa has been the first hotel in the Maldives to achieve the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation for having implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention, in October.
Family
Oaga Art Resort’s Easter celebration: Case of Detective Kuku

Oaga Art Resort is set to transform the Easter holiday into an extraordinary artistic and cultural experience with Easter Week taking place from April 15th to 22nd, 2025. This meticulously crafted event promises a fusion of traditional Easter festivities with the resort’s signature artistic and musical flair, creating a unique and unforgettable island escape, centred around the “Detective Kuku” mystery.
Adding an element of playful intrigue to your Easter getaway is the unfolding case of “Detective Kuku” and the missing eggs. Families are specially invited to become sleuths in this island-wide whodunit, collaborating to decipher clues strategically scattered across the resort. The investigation officially commences with “The Sundown Brief” cocktail soirée on April 19th, where the puzzling details of the Easter Bunny’s disappearance will be unveiled. The following day, the hunt intensifies as families embark on a trail of riddles and engaging challenges, interacting with a cast of quirky characters who may hold the key to solving the mystery. This collaborative adventure promises fun and excitement for guests of all ages, culminating in “The Debrief” Easter pool party where the truth behind the missing eggs will finally be revealed.
Beyond the captivating mystery, the resort’s Suvasthi Art Studio will be a hub of creativity, hosting daily “Free Flow” sessions where guests can explore various artistic mediums. From crafting bunny ears and Easter sun-catchers to exploring watercolour techniques with local artists, these sessions offer a unique opportunity for artistic exploration. The “Roots in Motion – Easter Edition” dance program will provide a dynamic range of dance styles, including Tutting, Dancehall, and House, catering to all skill levels and ages, with dedicated sessions for beginners, intermediate, and advanced dancers.
Evenings will be alive with music and entertainment, featuring performances by local bands like Vaguthee Trio, Affan and the King Coconuts, and Sandpaper, as well as solo acts like Naffah and Isse. The “O’Fire Night” and “Breeze & Bass” beach party will provide vibrant nightlife experiences, while the “Starlit Cinema” offers a more relaxed evening under the stars.
For families, the Fiyoh Club will offer a dedicated program of Easter-themed activities, including arts and crafts sessions, while children and teens can participate in the 10-day “Roots in Motion” dance program.
Oaga Art Resort warmly invites guests to partake in an Easter celebration like no other. Easter Week at Oaga guarantees a week of artistic immersion, cultural exploration, and joyful festivities in the breathtaking Maldivian islands.
Don’t miss out! Book your stay at Oaga Art Resort and experience the redefined limits of all-inclusive with the Greatest All-Inclusive plan. Enjoy Free Flow (art) sessions, Take Notes (music) experiences, Floating meals, excursions, motorised watersports, and more.
Visit www.oagaresorts.com to book your stay.
Family
Refined island Easter celebration at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru

This Easter, guests at Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru are invited to celebrate the season with a curated mix of seaside tradition and tropical charm.
At Dhawa Ihuru, families can enjoy relaxed beachfront festivities including egg hunts, face painting, interactive cooking for little ones, and more.
Across the lagoon, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers understated elegance with Easter-themed beachfront barbecues, Maldivian traditions and a seasonal culinary Sakura Signature Omakase at its award-winning overwater restaurant, Madi Hiyaa.
From playful mornings to candlelit dinners by the sea, Easter is reimagined in a setting that is both vibrant and serene.
Experience the Original Maldives in barefoot eco-luxury at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, a secluded tropical sanctuary for the senses in North Malé Atoll, just 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Its 48 newly refurbished all-pool villas blend Maldivian heritage with sustainable design. At the heart of its sustainability commitment, the Marine Lab has been a pioneer of ocean stewardship since 2004. Savour a Dine-Around gourmet experience across three exceptional restaurants: Sangu Garden, Saffron, award-winning Madi Hiyaa, elevated by the beachfront Naiboli bar. Vabbinfaru is also home to the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa and offers the exclusive Twin-Island experience at sister property Dhawa Ihuru.
Unwind in style at the all-inclusive Dhawa Ihuru in the Maldives. Set on North Malé Atoll, just a swift 25 minutes complimentary speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Dhawa Ihuru is a distinct island retreat of its own, where abundant nature, local culture and warm hospitality meet with stylish comfort and modern design, ideal for the new generation of independent travellers.
Cooking
Renowned Japanese Chef Yuko Furuya takes residency at COMO Maalifushi this Easter

This Easter, COMO Maalifushi, the only resort in the unspoiled Thaa Atoll of the Maldives, welcomes guests to a rare culinary celebration with acclaimed Japanese Chef Yuko Furuya. Known for her elegant take on traditional Japanese cuisine, Chef Yuko will be in residence from April 19th to 22nd, 2025, bringing her refined flavours to the serene shores of COMO Maalifushi.
As part of the resort’s Easter festivities, Chef Yuko will curate a series of unforgettable dining experiences—from exquisite Omakase-style tasting menus to hands-on sushi masterclasses—set in the most scenic corners of the island, hosted at the island’s most scenic settings: the overwater Tai Restaurant and exclusive destination dining spots under the stars.
On 20th & 22nd April, guests can join Chef Yuko for an exclusive Japanese Culinary Masterclass, followed by a specially prepared lunch. This hands-on session offers a rare opportunity to learn authentic techniques from a certified fugu (puffer fish) chef, with prices starting from US$100 per guest.
On Monday, 21st April, guests are invited to savour A Taste of Japan—an à la carte lunch menu that celebrates iconic Japanese flavours with a contemporary twist. This leisurely yet sophisticated dining experience will take place in one of the resort’s most picturesque settings, offering a feast for both the palate and the senses.
On the final night, Tuesday, 22 April, guests will be treated to Omakase by the Ocean—a serene, intimate tasting experience personally curated by Chef Yuko. Set within Tai, our breathtaking oceanfront specialty restaurant, this exclusive multi-course dinner offers a deeply personal journey through Japanese culinary artistry. Pricing available upon request.
“We’re delighted to host Chef Yuko Furuya during this special Easter period,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director for COMO Hotels and Resorts, Maldives. “Her approach to Japanese cuisine
mirrors COMO’s values—fresh, seasonal and deeply rooted in place. This collaboration offers our guests a truly unique way to celebrate the season of renewal and indulgence.”
Born into a family of chefs, Chef Yuko Furuya trained under her mother, the esteemed Chef Satoko Furuya, and now runs her own private dining restaurant, Kenrantei, in Kobe, Japan. She is a certified fugu (puffer fish) chef and a respected culinary instructor, known for her meticulous technique and creative flair.
This exclusive Easter residency forms part of COMO Maalifushi’s ongoing programme of world-class experiences, blending global talent with the island’s natural beauty and COMO’s signature understated elegance.
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