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Hideaway Beach Resort Maldives receives gold for Covid-19 readiness
The Best Luxury Hideaway Resort in the Maldives as per Luxury Lifestyle Awards in 2021 continues to impress, this time with a new health-related accolade.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is now a Covid-Ready Gold certified property, administered by Hotel Resilient and verified by the Maldives’ own auditing company, NSURE.
Gold Certification status verifies that Hideaway is following international and local guidelines, industry best practices, and the latest scientific research related to the pandemic.
To receive this top-ranking credential, Hideaway had to meet each and every global and local standard overseen by Hotel Resilient which included enhanced cleaning, risk controls, physical distancing, and response plans.
Since last year, the resort has focused a lot of time, energy, and resources into combatting the pandemic and reducing its negative effects.
Several new strategies and policies were put in place, such as the creation of coronavirus-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the formation of a Covid-19 Taskforce, and the hiring of new staff specifically dedicated to Covid-19.
This dedication to safety, coupled with the unique geographic disposition of the Maldives, is the perfect frontline defence.
All resorts are situated on their own islands, accessible only by speedboat or seaplane and only accessible after getting a negative PCR test. They are thus separated from each other, the capital city, and the main airport. This “one-island, one-resort” concept has kept the hospitality industry afloat in these challenging times and strengthened the public health response in the Maldives.
Balancing vacation and fun with health and safety is a unique challenge, but one that the Hideaway team takes seriously.
Hotel Resilient’s Gold Certification is a culmination of all these measures and highlights the fact that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is doing everything it can to be a safe tropical destination for tourists during the pandemic.
“I would like to sincerely express my gratitude for the COVID-READY GOLD Certification and the amazing work accomplished by our team. More than ever, our priority is still unchanged and the health and safety of our guests and team members is our utmost priority,” Resident Manager Christophe Adam said.
While externally seeking this recognition, Hideaway Beach also turned internally and has been vaccinating staff against Covid-19. Through their #strongertogether campaign, and in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism, and Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital and Dhidhdhoo Atoll Hospital, Hideaway Beach established a vaccination centre and was able to offer the vaccine to all staff members that wanted to receive it.
At this time, the resort is excited to report 94 per cent of their staff have received two doses and are thus fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
“With the use of all tools we have in-hand such as masks, cleaning tools, resort app, and communication materials, we believe managing safety and cleanliness procedures and effective communication of those procedures to guests as well as associates is possible during this pandemic,” Safety & Security Manager Akhil P Chandran said.
He is joined in the sentiment by the Resort Doctor, Dr Anita Gurung who works tirelessly in the Covid-19 response and ensuring the well-being of all guests and associates on the island.
“Proud to be a part of a team who is prepared to welcome you to where you can relax in a safe and tranquil environment while we ensure your safety and well-being is taken care of. With our vaccination efforts and common-sense approach to Covid safety at the resort, I am sure we will all get through this together,” she said.
For travellers who are anxious about Covid-19 or vacationing during a pandemic, look no further: the Best Luxury Hideaway Resort in the Maldives has the health and safety of guests and staff as its main focus, both before and during your stay.
Tourists travelling during the pandemic can rest easy knowing their favourite hotel has made mitigating Covid-19 a top priority, and now has the gold medal and vaccine card to prove it. Thus, guests can make it their top priority to rest, relax, and rejuvenate in our slice of paradise in the Maldives.
To inquire about Hideaway or book a stay at the resort, please visit www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com or send an email to reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com.
Featured
Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
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SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration
SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.
The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.
Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.
On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.
The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.
The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.
Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.
Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.
Featured
Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences
Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.
The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.
The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.
Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.
The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.
Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.

Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.
Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.
Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.
Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.
For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.
The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.
The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.
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