Featured
Milaidhoo Maldives introduces new ‘mood dining’ experience
A private oasis set over 13 acres in the Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo’s pristine beauty is an incredible location to switch off from the outside world.
This year, guests can benefit from new and improved ‘Mood Dining’ offerings — a series of dining and wellness packages based on the theory that certain foods can affect body chemistry and, in turn, alter a person’s mood. ‘Moods’ include ‘Rise and Shine’, ‘Get into the Milaidhoo Mood”, ‘Deep Sleep’ and newly introduced ‘Revitalise and Reset’.

Consisting of thoughtfully curated food and drink menus paired with wellness activities, the programmes will evoke energised moods, increase concentration and even help to tackle ‘brain fog’ and anxiety post Covid.
Meal settings also help to shape moods, with dining options on deserted sandbanks in the middle of the ocean, on the beach or in the privacy of the guests’ villa.
‘Getting into The Milaidhoo Mood’
For those looking to overcome jetlag and ease into the holiday mindset, ‘Getting into The Milaidhoo Mood’ offers just that.
The programme begins with a 60-minute TheraNaka African Awakening Massage at the resort’s over-water Serenity Spa.
Massage movements incorporate breathing techniques to awaken the body’s senses and align both body and mind, and the treatment is followed by a Breathwork Session with the resident Yogi.
In the evening, guests can enjoy a sushi tocused dinner aimed to ease digestion with dishes rich in vitamins, omega 3 and nutrients on their private villa deck.
‘Revitalise and Reset’
Aimed specifically towards Covidl9 related health problems such as burnout, anxiety and respiratory issues, guests can now opt for the brand-new ‘Revitalise and Reset’ mood, which extends across two to four days. Guests can create their own schedule for the chosen days with a range of relaxing and respiratory focused treatments to fit their needs.
Brain fog and feelings of anxiety are targeted during a 30-minute breathing workshop led by Milaidhoo’s resident Yogi.

Taking place at sunrise, the magical setting aids an incredibly focused practice. Guests will understand and learn to control their breathing to release any builtup physical and psychological tension and prepare them for the day ahead.
The development of self-awareness and self-control through breathing can also help guests overcome stressful and challenging situations in their daily lives.
A private sunrise yoga session and meditation on the secluded sandbank can be arranged, followed by a healthy breakfast to continue the peaceful mindset, and daily detox juices or teas are on offer throughout the programme, cleansing the body physically.
Perfect for relaxing in-between activities, guests can ease into a comforting bath during the programme, featuring soothing Elemis spa products and rehydrate on fresh fruit juice and roasted coconut slices, grown on the island.
A 30-minute gentle dry-skin brushing treatment is also included, which increases lymphatic circulation and prepares the skin before completely switching off for a 1 hour 30-minute, full-body intuitive massage.
‘Deep Sleep’
Choose the ‘Deep Sleep’ mood to enhance sleeping patterns and maximise an undisturbed night’s sleep.
The programme begins with a peaceful 90-minute Swedish Massage in the early evening to physically relax the entire body and ease muscle tension.
Atter that, a light and early dinner of chicken or reef fish is served
in the guests’ villa with a menu designed to encourage sleep. Following this, Milaidhoo’s resident Yogi leads a private moonlight meditation session on the deck of their villa to calm and slow the mind.
The evening ends with a scented candlelit bath, helping the body temperature to fall and induce a feeling of sleepiness.

‘Rise and Shine’
Alternatively, the ‘Rise and Shine’ programme brings guests into the day feeling healthy and full of energy.
The day begins with an early private yoga class in the Yoga Pavilion, a 30-minute mud application to relieve muscle ache, steam, hot shower and a 45 minutes TheraNaka Vigor Back Massage, all before breakfast.
The wholesome spread and important fuel for the day follows and includes fresh, tropical fruit, yoghurt, seeds, nuts, caviar, smoked salmon, and other island delicacies.

HOW: Milaidhoo can be easily reached via a 30-minute seaplane from the international airport in Male or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo domestic airport in Baa Atoll, followed by a 15-minute speedboat to Milaidhoo.
Rates start from $1,625 per night in a Water Pool Villa on a half board basis, based on two sharing. Mood Dining programmes are one day experiences that start from USD 435 per person and can be individually enhanced and red customised upon request. ‘Revitalise and Reset’ can be used across two to four days and costs USD 1170.
For reservations or more information, please visit www.milaidhoo.com, call the reservations team on +960 660 0484 or email reservations@milaidhoo.com.
Featured
‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.
The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.
During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.
“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.
“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”
The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.
The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.
Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards
Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.
Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.
The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.
This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.
The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.
“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.
Action
Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme
Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.
Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.
On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.
The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.
The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.
At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.
Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.
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