Featured
Tropical-chic festive season at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Set in one of the Maldives’ largest crystal-clear lagoons, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is the ultimate destination for a picture-perfect festive holiday.
After months of unrest and uncertainty, this Christmas guests are invited to reset, reconnect, rediscover and relieve in the otherworldly Maldivian setting.
The resort has organised a host of fun and educational activities both underwater and on land to keep its discerning guests entertained for the most awaited season of the year.
From Michelin-starred tasting menus to countless interactive initiatives to preserve and protect our environment, from world-class wellness visiting practitioners to mood-boosting fitness programs, there’s no limit to what one can experience on the island this Christmas.
Reset mind, body
At Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, holistic and ancient wellbeing disciplines are combined with personalised treatments at the island-inspired Willow Stream Spa, exceptional fitness facilities, world-class coaches and new nourishing plant-based menus.
Those looking to develop a closer relationship with their inner self and the natural surroundings can join resident instructor Lamy for peaceful sunrise or sunset yoga sessions while fitness junkies can boost endorphin levels with the resort’s bespoke FIT programme, comprising of private personal training sessions and boxing lessons.
Tennis fans can release their inner Nadal on the island’s splendid court and improve their technique with the new private tennis clinics, while families can bond with a friendly match on the football pitch.
This festive season, gift yourself with peace of mind and embark on a journey of self-healing, emotional regeneration and personal discovery as part of the new visiting wellness practitioner series.
The series will continue throughout 2022 and will include world-renowned personalities from the worlds of fitness, holistic wellbeing, and aesthetic medicine.
Reconnect with nature
Built on an ethos of positive environmental impact, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi enables eco-conscious travellers to reconnect with the surrounding nature while also protecting and preserving it.
Home to the world’s first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art installation, the Coralarium, Fairmont Maldives recently launched the Turtle Ranger programme.
Budding marine biologists can learn how to track critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles from the resort’s very own Resident Marine Biologist, Sam Dixon, who spearheads the island’s environmental projects. Sam oversees the children release hatchlings into the ocean, care for nests, plant crucial new coral and snorkel one of the most biodiverse reefs in the world.
Ready in time for the festive, Fairmont Maldives will be the first Maldivian resort to host a Sustainability Lab. A hub of eco-education, the Sustainability Lab will turn plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs and unique products, educate guests and empower local communities, helping the resort achieve its goal of being the first zero waste generating resort in the Maldives and becoming the main recycling centre in the North Malé region.
Boasting some of the world’s most pristine beaches and mesmerising marine life, Fairmont Maldives provides guests with a vibrant setting for a wealth of adrenaline-filled activities: from canoeing the lagoon to paddle boarding, from jet ski to kayak, recharge and boost your mood with a menu of water-based, upskilling experiences.
Intrepid guests can go on exciting diving and snorkelling excursions, exploring the 9km house reef and crystal-clear lagoon (seasonal activity). Only a short boat ride away from the beach, they will be enchanted by manta ray cleaning stations – where gliding rays stop to be cleaned by tiny fish – swim with guitar sharks and reef sharks while rubbing shoulders with the 40 resident turtles and a variety of vibrant reef fish.
Rediscover your zest for life
Thanks to the extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences available at Fairmont Maldives, this festive season will be all about creating life-long memories.
Families can enjoy their favourite movies under the stars with a pop-up cinema experience at the Tented Jungle Villas – safari-style lodgings in the heart of the island’s jungle – or rekindle with their other half at the tranquil Willow Stream Spa.
Epicureans can feast on the mouth-watering creations of three passionate visiting chefs. Decorated with two Michelin stars, chef Mickael Viljanen will take over AZURE restaurant from 29th December to 3rd of January and serve up a 6-course tasting menu inspired by his awarded Dublin restaurant; the Greenhouse.
Acclaimed chef Alexandre Demard will bring to the island famed French delights, including his signature Onion Soup, topped with savory foamy cream, while diners at Onu Onu can taste the Thai-Balinese aromatic dishes of top female chef, Sojinda Tongtawin.
Culture vultures interested in discovering the local way of life can do so with carefully curated experiences by Fairmont Maldives.
Join the team for a fishing expedition as the sun disappears behind the water or hop aboard a boat with a picnic basket and snorkel-mask in hand, sailing to a deserted island for an otherworldly sandbank picnic.
Socially conscious travellers can visit one of the nearby inhabited islands and meet the local community to learn about their culture and experience their way of life (subject to local regulations).
Relieve
To welcome 2022 in style, the resort will host a tropical-chic masquerade party featuring music from the talented ABBA Tribute Band and a whole host of other sensational acts. A spectacular firework show will light up the beautiful Maldivian sky as the clock turns to midnight.
Thanks to the world-famous bespoke Fairmont service, state-of-the-art island facilities and thoughtfully designed packages, at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi guests can enjoy the most seamless and carefree of stays.
With the new all-inclusive Limitless Festive Season package guests can enjoy sumptuous daily buffet breakfast and lunch at the island’s vibrant dining hub, Raha Market, and sip non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks around the clock.
For dinner, guests are free to choose between a three-course meal at the beachfront Onu Onu – the vibrant social heart of the resort – or a three-course sushi feast at the Japanese restaurant, Kata.
The Limitless Festive Season package costs from $3326++ and can be booked until 30 November 2021 for stays between 21 December 2021 and 10 January 2022. For further information please visit https://www.fairmont-maldives.com/festive-season/
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.
-
Awards7 days ago
The St. Regis Maldives recognised among Maldives’ top 10 hotels in DestinAsian 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
-
News1 week ago
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers rich culture, vibrant traditions this Eid-al-Fitr
-
News1 week ago
Introducing Sirru Residences: Luxurious seven-bedroom estate at Sirru Fen Fushi
-
News1 week ago
Creating artful moments: Shimha Shakeeb captures essence of island life at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
-
Family1 week ago
Lily Beach Resort introduces egg-citing Easter programme
-
Family1 week ago
Easter in paradise at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
-
Action1 week ago
Nova Maldives, PADI partner for transformative Ocean Adventure Week with India Black this July
-
Family1 week ago
Embrace Spring’s renewal with Eid, Easter traditions at Jumeirah Olhahali Island