Featured
Centara guests rediscover Maldives

Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting travellers to escape to the Maldives, with a choice of resorts that combine breath-taking natural beauty, world-class facilities and warm Thai hospitality.
The Maldives opened to international tourists last July and continues to attract visitors successfully while adopting the highest safety measures to keep guests safe.
International visitors know the Centara brand and love the group’s hotels and resorts in Thailand for their blend of world-class accommodation, fantastic facilities and warm, Thai-inspired services.
Travellers can experience the same high standards of hospitality at two idyllic island resorts in the Maldives, one perfectly suited to families and the other ideal for couples; Centara is ready to create unforgettable experiences for every guest.
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Nestled on a pristine island in the South Ari Atoll, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a fantastic option for families.
Amid a landscape of pure white sand, crystal clear seas and swaying palm trees, parents and kids can choose to stay in a 93-square metre Deluxe Family Water Villa, which includes bunk beds, a PlayStation and a secure terrace with breath-taking ocean views and steps down to the lagoon.
A collection of beachfront villas are also available, with private pools and direct access to the powder-soft sand. And now, under the resort’s all-new child policy, up to two children can stay and eat free-of-charge.
Effective 1 May 2021, guests will be able to select from a full range of meal plans, including Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, All Inclusive and Grand All Inclusive.
Whichever they choose, all ages will be able to unwind in the sparkling beachfront swimming pool, enjoy exciting activities such as tennis, volleyball, water sports and snorkelling, or dine at six exceptional restaurants, bars and lounges, including a Suan Bua, an elegant and authentic Thai restaurant, and Azzuri Mare, which showcases the finest Italian seafood.
Youngsters will also have endless hours of fun at the dual-age kids’ club.
With the All-Inclusive option, families will be treated to daily afternoon tea, all-day beverages, a daily replenished minibar, and discounts on Thai-inspired wellness treatments at SPA Cenvaree.
For the ultimate island adventure, the Grand All-Inclusive programme also includes enhanced dining and beverage packages, daily spa credits, banana boat and tube rides, and a choice of sublime sunset cruises, offshore snorkelling trips and even whale shark-spotting excursions.
Want to elevate your stay? Every guest can opt for an Island Club upgrade, which features a wealth of enticing extras such as private check-in, Club lounge access, daily refreshments, in-villa breakfast, laundry services, Private Island Club pool access, priority spa reservations and more.
With such an outstanding array of benefits, there has never been a better time to book your Maldivian family vacation. Rates start from just $350++ per night.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa
For couples, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa is an exquisite adults-only island retreat in the North Malé Atoll.
This heavenly hideaway houses a collection of beautiful beachfront and overwater accommodation, including the Deluxe Spa Overwater Villa, which is accessed via a wooden boardwalk and offers 42 square metres of living space with an outdoor spa bathtub and direct steps down to the reef – ideal for swimming or snorkelling around the lagoon.
Alternatively, the Premium Deluxe Spa Water Villa features an elegant ocean-facing deck with an outdoor spa bathtub and direct access to the sparkling lagoon.
With a choice of seven sensational restaurants and bars, exhilarating water sports, scuba diving, ocean excursions and soothing therapies at SPA Cenvaree, this intimate resort promises many romantic moments during the day and under the stars.
Every couple can immerse themselves in the tranquil turquoise seas with complimentary non-motorised water sports and snorkelling equipment hire throughout their stay, along with beach sports and activities, access to the fitness centre, E-Zone and Chill Lounge, and free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with home or post the most spectacular social media updates.

Like its sister resort, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa offers a complete collection of meal plans: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, All Inclusive and Gold All-Inclusive.
Guests who choose the All-Inclusive option will be treated to bountiful daily breakfasts, delectable lunches and dinners with generous daily credits at a choice of restaurants, including Thai, Italian, Middle Eastern and international options, along with afternoon tea, daily replenished minibar, all-day beverages, and evening canapés as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
The Gold All-Inclusive package promises all the benefits of All-Inclusive, plus unlimited lunch and dinner privileges at every dining destination on the island, plus premium beverages, laundry services, daily credits for Thai-inspired treatments at SPA Cenvaree, and even daily snorkelling excursions by boat.
After the unprecedented upheaval of the last 12 months, a Maldivian vacation is a magical and memorable way to relax your body, revive your spirit and reconnect with your loved ones. Let Centara create your ultimate island escape.
To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.
Cooking
Malaa – The Maldivian Café: NH Kuda Rah’s new culinary jewel

NH Maldives Kuda Rah has announced the launch of its newest food and beverage outlet, Malaa – The Maldivian Café. Now open to guests, the café offers a taste of authentic Maldivian cuisine alongside interactive Maldivian cooking classes.
Guests staying at NH Maldives Kuda Rah can delve into the country’s rich culinary traditions with guidance from award-winning Executive Chef Farish Mukhthar. With over 22 years of experience in the hospitality and culinary industries across five-star and ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives, Chef Farish brings a deep-rooted passion and refined expertise to the resort. Trained under renowned European celebrity chefs, he has earned a strong reputation for his culinary artistry.
The café focuses exclusively on authentic Maldivian dishes, using locally sourced ingredients from nearby islands as well as the chef’s own garden within the resort. Cooking classes offer guests the opportunity to prepare classic Maldivian dishes, such as curry and local salads, under the guidance of Chef Farish—culminating in a delicious homemade lunch.
As fish (both fresh and smoked) is the staple of the Maldivian diet, it is often prepared with coconut and rice or roshi (Maldivian flatbread). Other traditional ingredients include breadfruit and sweet potato—versatile and starchy staples that feature in a wide range of local dishes. The cuisine is often boldly spiced, with the fiery Scotch bonnet chilli, locally known as githeyo mirus, playing a central role. This essential chilli, along with herbs grown organically in the resort’s garden, imparts a distinctive heat and fruity flavour to many Maldivian dishes.
While many resorts in the Maldives offer a wide array of international cuisine—ranging from Italian and Japanese to French and Indian—the opportunity to savour authentic local flavours can be one of the most memorable aspects of travel. Malaa – The Maldivian Café provides a unique and immersive dining experience for those curious about Maldivian culinary heritage and the fascinating stories behind its traditional ingredients.
This initiative is part of NH Hotels & Resorts’ broader effort to connect guests with meaningful local experiences through its Live Local programme, under the Minor DISCOVERY loyalty scheme. The programme is designed to offer curated, immersive activities and authentic cultural encounters, allowing guests to engage more deeply with their destination.
Featured
Madifushi Private Island makes impact at ILTM Asia Pacific 2025

Madifushi Private Island has announced its successful participation in the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific 2025, which took place from 30 June to 3 July at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.
ILTM Asia Pacific is an exclusive, invitation-only luxury travel event, recognised for bringing together the world’s foremost luxury travel advisors, high-end hospitality brands, and experience curators. The event serves as a key platform for forging meaningful connections and crafting bespoke itineraries for high-net-worth individuals across the Asia Pacific region.
As Madifushi Private Island continues to position itself at the pinnacle of luxury, its presence at this esteemed event offered a strategic opportunity to present the resort’s distinctive offerings to a targeted audience of industry professionals and media. Delegates at ILTM engaged in pre-scheduled one-to-one appointments, networking sessions, and educational forums with some of the most influential figures in the luxury travel sector.
Ali Shakir, Group General Manager of MIC Group, commented, “Our participation in ILTM Asia Pacific reflects our commitment to sustained growth and excellence within the luxury travel sphere. This platform enables us to connect with the right partners to attract discerning travellers to Madifushi, ensuring that our brand repositioning truly reflects our luxury potential.”
Ibrahim Inad, Commercial Director of MIC Group, added, “It was an honour to represent Madifushi Private Island at ILTM Asia Pacific this year. Being among prestigious luxury brands and esteemed advisors reaffirmed our dedication to redefining the Maldivian luxury experience, while upholding authentic hospitality and personalised service.”
Throughout the event, Madifushi Private Island showcased its tailored experiences, bespoke services, refined culinary offerings, and unspoilt natural surroundings — all of which resonate with the evolving preferences of the luxury traveller in the Asia Pacific region.
Participation in ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 represents a key milestone in Madifushi Private Island’s journey to broaden its presence within the global luxury travel arena. The resort aims to foster strong partnerships with leading travel advisors and agencies, welcoming a new wave of discerning visitors to the Maldives.
Located in the tranquil Meemu Atoll, Madifushi Private Island is an elegant retreat offering carefully curated luxury experiences rooted in authentic Maldivian hospitality. Set amidst the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the island is a sanctuary for those in search of serenity, bespoke services, and transformative moments.
Action
Jesse Mendes to ride at 2025 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing showdown

Brazilian surf icon Jesse Mendes has been confirmed as one of the competitors for the 2025 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. A former contender on the Championship Tour and winner of the 2018 Triple Crown of Surfing, Mendes is set to bring his trademark power, fluid style, and love of alternative boards to the prestigious event held at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.
Mendes expressed his excitement at the invitation, recalling a moment with fellow Brazilian surfer Adriano de Souza, who had previously received his own call-up to the event. Mendes recounted how de Souza had eagerly accepted the invitation on the spot, not wanting to give Four Seasons a chance to reconsider—a testament to the event’s reputation among professional surfers. Now, Mendes is preparing for his own turn in the lineup and is eager for what lies ahead.
The Surfing Champions Trophy is renowned for its distinctive format, inviting six elite surfers to compete on single fin, twin fin, and thruster (tri-fin) boards across three rounds, before a grand final in which they choose their preferred board to battle for the title. With heats staggered by age and a handpicked field of legends, the event offers a blend of competitive intensity and playful camaraderie, set against the backdrop of some of the world’s most perfect waves.
At 31, Mendes built his competitive career on his dynamic rail work and comfort in heavy barrels. Since stepping back from the professional circuit, he has turned his attention to the more expressive side of surfing, favouring twin fins and riding boards shaped by Album Surfboards. He shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming twin fin division and revealed that he has been collaborating with shaper Matt Parker—who has crafted boards for past Surfing Champions Trophy competitors Josh Kerr and Coco Ho—to prepare for the contest. Confident in Parker’s expertise, Mendes joked that his only job now is to surf.
Beyond the waves, Mendes is also looking forward to the full experience at Kuda Huraa. Having visited the Maldives before, he is relishing the opportunity to return and surf pristine waves in an intimate and relaxed competition format. He spoke warmly of the luxury offered by Four Seasons, especially the prospect of long surf sessions followed by world-class dining with his wife on a secluded island paradise.
The Surfing Champions Trophy is as celebrated for its setting as for its surfing. From the flawless right-handers of nearby Sultans to the lush tropical charm of Kuda Huraa, the event offers an unforgettable experience for both participants and guests. Those staying at the resort during the tournament can watch the action up close from luxury surf vessels anchored at the lineup.
With Jesse Mendes and Craig Anderson now confirmed, anticipation is mounting for this year’s showdown. Three additional international invitees and one Maldivian wildcard are set to be announced soon.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is also inviting guests to embrace the spirit of surfing with the Surf’s Up package. Combining expert coaching from Tropicsurf professionals with guided surf excursions to iconic local breaks, the package offers a complete surf lifestyle experience. Guests can enjoy daily yoga sessions, a soothing massage at The Island Spa, breakfast each morning, round-trip speedboat transfers, and premium surf equipment—all from the comfort of the resort’s idyllic island setting.
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