Featured
JEN Maldives Malè by Shangri-La introduces Little Chefs in the Making programme

JEN Maldives Malè by Shangri-La has introduced the first of its little chefs in the making classes with the Master Chefs at JEN.
The first classes were held during the weekend of August 7 to 8 at JEN Maldives Malè by Shangri-La.

With experienced chefs from around the world under one roof, JEN continues to be recognised locally and globally as one of the city’s prime dining outlets.
Extending the experience to nurture the curiosity of younger generations about food and the culinary arts the chefs’ team have created a series of fun hands-on classes for the little chefs, allowing the children to learn valuable skills in a safe environment and teaching them the basics, starting from proper hand washing.

The first weekend class was dedicated to children who love pizza, as pizza-making is always a winner with people.
Prabu Vijayan and his team taught the little ones how to make dough with the correct measurements of ingredients and gave them a chance to stretch their own dough, add toppings, then they could watch it bubble to perfection in the pizza ovens. The freshly-baked pizzas were finally taken home to be enjoyed with the family.
The children were accompanied by their parents during these sessions and the cooking class was certainly a successful start.
“We certainly will conduct more cooking classes over the coming months and this great start is just the beginning,” the Chef de cuisine Prabu Vijayan said.

As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, JEN works with the community and this was in conjunction with International Youth Day 2021, themed as ‘Transforming food systems, youth innovation’.
Shangri-La and its properties are well known for their part in CSR and raising awareness and contributing and conducting initiatives and awareness programmes every year for their guests, staff and for society.
JEN by Shangri-La has been designed with modern, highly driven pacesetters in mind, a generation of that are hungry to explore all that Asia has to offer.
JEN’s design and lifestyle centric hotels boast inspired interiors, buzzing co-working spaces, exciting mod-Asian F&B concepts, performance-driven wellness, and thought-provoking programming that champions the culture, conversations and communities driving the region today.
JEN has a strategic portfolio of nine hotels located in key Asian gateway cities – Beijing, Hong Kong SAR, Shenyang, Johor Puteri Harbour, Maldives Malé, Manila, Penang, and Singapore; with five more hotels in the pipeline across Mainland China.
Shangri-La’s Golden Circle is the award-winning loyalty programme offering members a world of benefits when staying at participating Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Kerry Hotels, JEN by Shangri-La and Traders Hotels.
The programme offers members access to mobile check-in and check-out, free nights and more. To enrol or learn more about Golden Circle, visit golden-circle.com. For more information about the hotel, please visit www.hoteljen.com.
Featured
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’

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

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

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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