Featured
Cora Cora Maldives to open Oct 1
Cora Cora Maldives has appointed Martin van der Reijden as General Manager of this new resort, opening in the unspoilt Raa Atoll on October 1.
Dutch-born Martin has decades of experience with major hotel projects, including Crossroads, Lux* North Male Atoll, Per Aquum resorts and 16 years with Hilton International.
Having worked in the Maldives for the past 10 years, Martin has become known in the industry for his solid expertise in leading on all aspects of pre-opening, from planning and construction to team-building, finance and IT infrastructure. He has a passion for the Maldives and strongly supports local talents.
As a former managing director for hotel interior design company Miaja Design, he is well-placed to ensure a strong design aesthetic, which reflects the setting and culture of the resort.
The redevelopment of Cora Cora Maldives will see the island — 45 minutes by seaplane from Male — open with 100 villas, split between overwater and beach-front.
Positioned as an affordable luxury all-inclusive resort with a unique cultural offering, it will appeal to couples and families from a wide range of destinations, including the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
The villa interiors will have a completely new visual aesthetic, with lighter, brighter colours and original Maldivian artworks which reflect the setting and mood of the resort.
When guests aren’t snorkelling or diving in the island’s coral-rich waters or relaxing on the sugar-soft white-sand beaches that fringe the island, they can dine at four restaurants, sip cocktails at two bars, be pampered at the spa pavilion, work on their fitness at the gym and watersports centre or take their pick of the resort’s new swimming pools.
The island’s layout and placement of villas will mean couples can relax in a tranquil setting while families can have fun in their own private space or at the island’s kids’ club.
Unique to the Maldives, the resort includes a museum of Maldivian art and culture, with more than 400 artefacts and artworks. Working with a renowned local artist, the villas will also feature original Maldivian artworks.
Cora Cora Maldives will also offer a very attractive Premium All-inclusive Meal Plan, created by Culinary Director Umberto Piccolini, who previously worked with Martin at Crossroads.
“We’re establishing Cora Cora Maldives as a vibrant, colourful resort with an emphasis on excellent, healthy food, a heritage museum with a Maldivian art collection, a lush interior landscape, and beaches, waters and reefs that are wonderfully preserved. And the all-inclusive plan means guests can truly relax and enjoy the resort,” Martin said.
“I see Cora Cora Maldives as a place where people can be themselves, while also connecting with our culture, making the most of our island’s natural beauty, and going home with a suitcase full of enriching experiences.”
Celebration
Festive delights await at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives
This Christmas, guests are invited to escape to paradise and revel in the enchanting beauty of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives. The resort offers a tropical promise of adventure, entertainment, and festive magic, encouraging visitors to create unforgettable memories with their loved ones.
As the holiday season unfolds, the pristine lagoons, charming island, and romantic beaches come alive with festive excitement. The resort’s luxurious villas are designed to immerse guests in the warmth and joy of Kodhipparu’s holiday spirit.
Each day brings a unique program of experiences tailored to ignite the holiday mood. From enchanting adventures in crystal-clear waters to festive gatherings by the beach, there’s something for everyone to enjoy:
December 8-30: Guests can explore the wonders of the house reef, engage in festive crafts at the kids’ club, and unwind with expert spa therapies. Christmas Eve highlights include a spectacular tree-lighting ceremony with live entertainment and a refined 5-course Christmas Eve dinner at Firedoor.
On Christmas Day, a lavish brunch awaits, followed by a surprise visit from the North Pole, and a delightful Christmas dinner accompanied by live carols.
To ring in the New Year, the resort hosts a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, complete with a grand countdown pool party, fireworks, live music, and an exquisite dining experience.
Celebration
Hilton Maldives Amingiri welcomes guests to nature-inspired festive celebration
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is inviting guests to celebrate the holiday season with a festive program inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldives. With the theme “Nature’s Mystique,” the festivities will kick off on December 21 with carols, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and a cocktail reception.
On Christmas morning, Santa Claus will arrive on the island, spreading joy and gifts, and on December 31, a grand New Year’s Eve gala dinner will take place under the Maldivian sky. Guests can enjoy a festive buffet, live entertainment, and a stunning fireworks display to welcome the New Year in style.
Young guests aged 4 to 12 years will find endless entertainment at Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest kids’ clubs in the Maldives. Activities include pottery workshops, beach art competitions, jewellery making, and pizza-making. Junior chefs can also try decorating gingerbread houses and holiday cupcakes. Cultural experiences, such as learning Dhivehi, Maldivian origami, and T-shirt painting, are also available. Outdoor adventures include pirate-themed cruises and island treasure hunts, with evening pyjama parties and a seaside fashion show providing after-hours fun.
Teens can enjoy a range of activities suited to their interests, from non-alcoholic mixology classes to tubing and kayak competitions. Competitive events include football matches, water polo, Beat the Pro badminton challenges, and fitness sessions like TRX training and teen Tabata workouts.
Families can join in with milkshake workshops, outdoor movie nights, Frisbee matches, beach volleyball, and table tennis tournaments. A multi-purpose court is available for outdoor workouts, tennis, pickleball, and padel tennis on the new padel court. For those looking for adventure, guided “Snorkie Talkie” tours, parasailing, and Jet Ski excursions to nearby sandbanks are also offered. Additional excursions include night fishing, dolphin spotting, and sunset cruises with Santa Claus.
Guests can experience the flavours of the season with a series of festive dining events. The Sip Tea Lounge will host Christmas high teas and Art of Tea workshops. Beach Shack will offer seaside buffets with themes such as Seafood Market and Street Food of the World. Aura Pool Bar will feature pool parties, DJ nights, and a bartender competition, while The Cocktail Lab will host Christmas-themed mixology classes. Culinary enthusiasts can also take part in a kombucha workshop or enjoy a five-course omakase dinner.
Origin, the overwater specialty restaurant, will serve a classic Christmas menu, while Eden Champagne & Gin Bar next door will offer rum and chocolate pairings and Negroni flights. Habitat will host themed buffets featuring a variety of international cuisines, with additional experiences like champagne tastings, curated wine dinners, and the Chef’s Table themed “The Five Elements of Nature,” creating memorable culinary moments.
For spa enthusiasts, Amingiri Spa & Hammam offers nature-inspired treatments designed to renew and revitalize:
- Woodland Wonder: An herbal massage followed by a forest-scented steam bath.
- Ocean’s Embrace: A spirulina body wrap and salt stone therapy that capture the sea’s healing essence.
- Island Bliss: A luxurious hammam bath ritual and foamy massage with eucalyptus-scented steam bathing.
Wellness activities are available to nurture body and soul, including laughter yoga, water yoga, sound healing baths, silent beach walks, and evening tea meditation led by the resort’s yoga practitioner. The spa’s Sleep Wellness menu offers calming options for deep rest, such as a signature massage on the Skye deck, an evening hammam ritual, or an in-villa guided meditation session.
International holistic healer Coco Maruno will return to the spa on December 15, offering energy healing sessions, including Tibetan sound healing therapy, reiki, and kundalini yoga, for transformative wellness experiences.
Action
Ifuru Island Maldives introduces vibrant Water Park and expanded kids club activities
Ifuru Island Maldives has announced that the brand-new Water Park Facilities at the Coconut Kids Club are now officially open for guests. The much-anticipated launch on November 1, 2024, marks a new chapter in family-friendly entertainment at the resort.
Designed for children aged 4 to 12, the Coconut Kids Club now boasts a vibrant water park complete with interactive splash zones and playful water play areas. These exciting additions provide a safe and engaging space where children can enjoy endless aquatic adventures, while parents relax and unwind in the sun.
Alongside the new water park, the Coconut Kids Club continues to offer a daily schedule of fun and educational activities, including arts and crafts, games, and creative projects, offering children enriching experiences throughout their stay.
“We’re delighted with the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our guests,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “It’s wonderful to see families creating joyful memories together, and we’re thrilled to be part of that experience.”
The new water park is now open, inviting young guests to explore and enjoy, as Coconut Kids Club fosters a vibrant, family-oriented atmosphere where quality time and unforgettable moments are central.
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