Featured
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives returns with annual Pink Festive programme

he festive season is upon us once again! Are you ready to experience another soul-stirring vibes at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, where the music and party never stop?
As the Festive Season draws closer, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, the country’s first integrated resort destination, is all set to return with its signature “Pink” festive theme to welcome its valued guests for an ultimate party atmosphere holiday.
Now on its third year, the resort continues to adopt the Pink Festive theme after culminating a rocking success for the past two years – this year’s celebration will certainly bound to shine even grander.
Throughout the festive season, the island is decorated with rose-colored ornaments to reflect the Pink Festive. A Christmas tree will be positioned at the resort’s panoramic Octagon Garden to add the holiday ambience.
There are so many reasons for choosing this iconic music and lifestyle resort this festive season, from wide-ranging program with enriching and exhilarating experiences, amazing live entertainment and to delectable culinary offerings — diverse enough to delight even the most discerning palettes.
The resort will also be hosting a series of late night parties to get the guests in the festive spirit.
As the sun sets on 21st December, a traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Octagon Garden will kick off the festive celebrations and completes with a dazzling reception, offering delicious Christmas cookies and fruit punch for little rock stars; and heart-warming mulled wine for adult rockers.

On Christmas Eve, Sessions restaurant will feature an al fresco dining experience under the stars with a sumptuous Christmas Gala Dinner offering traditional seasonal favourites, as well as live cooking stations and an array of decadent sweet treats.
Right after the dinner, a big party awaits those who are looking to dance the night away at the resort’s signature Marquee, celebrating festive in a true Hard Rock style.
The following day, the resort will have a special guest during the Kids’ Christmas Party at Hard Rock Cafe, who will bring festive cheer and entertain all the little rock stars.
The celebration continues with an inspiring New Year’s Eve celebration with an array of events and entertainments. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will take its guests to a dazzling and unique festive celebrations, as the whole island will be transformed into “the pinkiest island” in the Maldives on New Year’s eve.
All the guests will be invited to dress-to-impress in pink and party all night long at the Marquee with resident DJ April, right after dining at the extravagant festive-inspired international buffet served in a beautiful beach setting under the starry night sky, while listening to the beat of in-house band.
After the countdown, the music resumes and the party continues.
To fill up the resort with lively festive atmosphere and celebrate the island’s music scene, there will be an impressive lineup of live entertainments this year from local and International artists to Disc Jockeys (DJ), who will perform across the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and The Marina @ CROSSROADS Maldives.
Speaking about the resort’s Christmas celebrations, Managing Director, Tolga Unan said: “Festive celebrations at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is always the most magical time of the year. It is the ideal getaway destination to spend the holiday season – we’ve got all that you could possibly wish for a memorable year-end celebration with a Maldivian tropical twist.
“Our Pink Festive has been a huge success for the past two years. A lot of commendations from our previous guests, so we have decided to keep the same theme every year and wish to turn it to a tradition. I am confident that the theme will continuously add a further sparkle to the already glamorous setting on the island.”
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is committed to keeping its guests safe in response to COVID-19, therefore the Brand’s SAFE + SOUND programme ensures that its guests can enjoy the Pink Festive experience in a safe and sanitary environment.
Hard Rock International partnered with world-renowned public health and safety organisations like EcoSure, an Ecolab Division, and NSF International, formerly known as the National Sanitation Foundation, to ensure its properties are SAFE + SOUND, and meet the highest standards of safety, sanitation, food handling and employee training.
The enhanced SAFE + SOUND safety protocol includes, but is not limited to procedures such as a state-of-the-art, non-intrusive thermal temperature screening process before entering, social distancing measures and protective mask requirements for all team members.
For more information and booking, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com/maldives.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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