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Underwater dining reaches ‘Michelin stars’. You & Me Maldives rebrands its underwater restaurant to ‘H2O by chef Andrea Berton’

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You & Me Maldives by Cocoon has rebranded its underwater restaurant to ‘H2O by chef Andrea Barton’ and rolled out the new menu crafted by the Michelin starred chef. It’s the first time in the world that an underwater restaurant is branded and supervised by a Michelin starred chef.

It’s worth mentioning: from the stars… to the underwater universe of Raa Atoll in the Maldives. The parable of starred chef Andrea Berton has seen yet another important milestone on 1st April 2021: the management of H2O, the flagship restaurant of You & Me by Cocoon Maldives, the adults-only resort opened just 2 years ago.

“It is with great pleasure and pride that we announce we have signed an agreement with the renowned Chef Andrea Berton who will manage our H20 restaurant. Starting April 1st, the Michelin-starred chef will create a fantastic menu that will delight all our guests” commented Alessandro Azzola, Managing Director of You & Me by Cocoon Maldives.

Berton is also on the same wavelength, explaining: “I am very satisfied with You & Me by Cocoon collaboration, not only for the very high level of quality that the resort offers, from gastronomic to experiential, but also for the unique nature of the H20 restaurant, one of the very few underwater restaurants in the world, the only one in the Raa atoll“. 

Berton started working in the kitchen in the 90s, firstly with Gualtiero Marchesi and then with Alain Ducasse. In 2005 he began his collaboration with the Ristorante Trussardi alla Scala where he gained the first Michelin star in 2008 and the second in 2009. In December 2013 decided to open the Ristorante Berton in Milan, where the broth becomes the protagonist of a real tasting menu. In 2014 he was awarded a Michelin star, which was replicated in 2016 just 9 months after the opening of the Ristorante Berton al Lago at the hotel Il Sereno on Como Lake.

A partnership between Andrea Berton and You & Me, which joins another Italian excellence in the resort: the leading made-in-Italy design company Lago, which bears the signature of H2O furniture with the unmistakable Air MadeTerraneo suspended tables, in hand-painted ceramic. Lago has also shaped in its own image Cocoon Maldives, the first design hotel in the Maldives.

The arrival of Berton’s star-studded cuisine at You & Me is just the icing on the cake of a season full of success for the new-born resort which, just a few months after its opening, has already made its mark on the market thanks to its unique features.

A favourite destination for honeymooners, You & Me stands out in the tourist offer as one of the unique adults-only resort in the Maldives as being the first entirely à la carte island: through the innovative dine-around concept, guests have the opportunity to choose between different restaurants, from breakfast to dinner. There is no shortage of bubbles: thanks to the partnership with Veuve Clicquot, You & Me is in fact a real Bubbles Island.

The rustic-chic style, the undisputed natural beauty of the lagoon and the rich marine life that can be reached by swimming… simply do the rest! Love is in the air

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its Halloween programme for 2025, titled ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’. The celebrations will take place from 28 October to 1 November, transforming the island into a Halloween-themed destination that combines the tropical setting of the Maldives with seasonal festivities.

The programme is designed to offer activities for both adults and children. On 31 October, adults can begin the evening with Haunted Cocktails at the Raalhu Bar, featuring themed drinks served against the backdrop of the sunset. This will be followed by the Spectacular Buffet Halloween Dinner at The Restaurant, showcasing a range of Halloween-inspired dishes and desserts. The night will conclude with The Halloween Spirit DJ Night at The Bar, offering music and entertainment alongside shisha under the stars.

Children will be able to join the Spooky Under the Sea adventure at the Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, running throughout the week from 28 October to 1 November. Activities will include crafts such as Shark Creation and Ghost Jellyfish making, a Spooky Story Circle, a Sea Monster Treasure Hunt, Trick-or-Treat, and Halloween costume making. The programme is intended to combine creativity with playful seasonal themes.

Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, said: “Halloween at Kuda Villingili promises something spine-tingling for everyone, from our little explorers enjoying a spooky under-the-sea adventure to adults indulging in a thrilling tropical Halloween experience. This year’s theme allows us to create an atmosphere that is both exciting and enchanting, offering guests a uniquely memorable way to celebrate the holiday in our tropical paradise.”

The resort has stated that the Halloween celebrations aim to provide a range of events and crafts within an atmosphere that balances seasonal themes with the resort’s luxury environment, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests.

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Experience ocean encounters: Manta Month at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of Manta Month this September, following the success of last year’s initiative. Now established as an annual programme, the celebration offers guests of all ages the opportunity to engage with the ocean while supporting marine conservation, with a particular focus on the manta ray.

Throughout the month, guests are invited to take part in guided excursions to known manta hotspots, led by the resort’s experienced team, who share insights into manta behaviour and conservation. Awareness talks highlight the story of a manta rescued near the island, serving as a reminder of the resort’s continuing efforts to protect marine life. Children can enjoy manta-themed arts and crafts as well as beach games, while the wider community will join reef and island clean-up activities, with collected waste repurposed into manta sculptures. In addition, proceeds from manta pendant sales at the resort’s retail boutique will be donated to The Manta Trust, extending support for research and protection initiatives.

Located close to several of the Maldives’ top ten dive sites, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives places importance on the wellbeing of the ocean and its ecosystems, a priority shared by both guests and staff. The resort’s sustainability initiatives are aligned with IHG’s purpose, True Hospitality for Good, through its Journey to Tomorrow programme, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates a commitment to long-term environmental protection.

Commenting on the event, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said: “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration. Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.”

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ROBINSON NOONU expands summer offering with wellness, sports, and cultural events

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ROBINSON NOONU, one of the Maldives’ leading resorts, has introduced a summer programme that combines culinary highlights, family activities, wellness initiatives, and entertainment events. The resort is recognised for creating memorable experiences that remain with guests long after departure and has curated a schedule designed to appeal to a wide range of travellers.

Guests at ROBINSON NOONU are offered a selection of culinary experiences enhanced by weekly live performances from international artists and DJs. These performances provide a varied musical backdrop, creating an immersive atmosphere for dining and evening entertainment.

Families visiting the resort this season can participate in the Weekly Splash Action at the newly renovated water sports jetty. The highlight of the event is a ten-metre-long air cushion (Blob), which catapults participants into the lagoon. The activity attracts additional interest when the General Manager joins in, adding to the sense of occasion.

The resort has expanded its sports and wellness offering with the introduction of a padel tennis court, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to its facilities. Another addition is ‘YinSurf’ on the Strobel & Walter Balance Board, combining yoga, mindfulness, and full-body training. This programme is designed to promote physical wellbeing while supporting mental focus.

Every two weeks, the resort hosts themed events, including:

  • Jungle Party – held in a driftwood-inspired venue.
  • Underwater Party – featuring an inflatable octopus and 360° underwater visuals.
  • Sundowner Beach Party – an evening gathering on the beach during sunset.
  • White Party – an event on the pool deck with themed décor.
  • BOHO Festival Show – a new addition, with a bohemian setting of teepees and natural tones.
  • Pink Pool Party – a lively celebration with a colourful theme.

The highlight of the season will be the ‘This is NOONU’ Week, scheduled from 22 to 29 September. The programme includes performances from eight international artists, guest DJs, and WellFit experts. Events such as the Suite Party and a special edition of the Pink Pool Party will be featured, offering guests a range of experiences throughout the week.

By combining entertainment, wellness, sport, and culinary experiences, ROBINSON NOONU continues to strengthen its position as a Maldivian resort offering diverse programmes for its guests.

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