Featured
Kandima Maldives to transform into a spectacular Imaginarium for guests

Kicking off this December, Kandima Maldives will transform into a spectacular Imaginarium for guests. Kandima, the game changing resort with a passion on being #anythingbutordinary is fulfilling everyone’s wildest dreams.
Kandima presents the very kool festive theme ‘Imaginarium’ for all its guests this season. A place devoted to imagination, this festive season has been designed to stimulate the senses and ignite guests’ creative fantasies yet again.
With a two-week long schedule of activities, performances and imagination infused art installations, guests at Kandima Maldives will be endlessly entertained, whether it’s the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, DELI Of illusions, Kocktail Making masterclasses, Resin art exhibition, Gingerbread House Decorating or Island Scavenger Hunts and not to forget the legendary Kula Run, there’s something for every imaginative traveller.
Whether you are a family, a couple or just a solo traveller, Kandima is the place to be this festive season!
A Kandima Christmas
Everyone’s invited to take part in Kandima’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the 22nd of December. Kandima’s Breeze Beach will be transformed into a tree lighting extravaganza, with decorations, creative tropical lights, and singing Christmas carols.
On Christmas Day itself, forget the city grotto and line up for a photoshoot with Santa! With an in-house photographer to capture memories, everyone can put down their screens and have a wonderful time relishing the stunning Maldivian sunsets against the backdrop of the festivities.
For the Christmas day buffet, expect delicious menus serving classic Christmas dishes with a Maldivian twist. Fresh seafood and accompanying imaginative cocktails and bubblies will whet your appetite with live music to enjoy whilst dining. Try five imaginative and wonderful chocolate flavours specially curated by the Kandima pastry chefs all available to be picked at Kandima’s kool food retail outlets.
Endless entertainment
From incredible bands such as the high-octane group Nothing but Hits to globally renowned DJs such as Tanya Vie and famous children’s entertainer Marvel, Kandima has music and dancing to everyone’s taste from day to night to mark your perfect Maldivian festive holiday. With 10 unique dining choices, from restaurants and bars, Kandima is the best place to keep the party going.
The oh-so-kool resort will be throwing a festive bash on Christmas Eve before Christmas day but the party doesn’t stop there day next brings on a retro party before a big adult’s only white party hosted at the islands forbidden bar on the 28th, but don’t let the name fool you, nothing is forbidden at Kandima! Every generation has been thought of, with pool parties, guest football matches, kids crab hunts and karaoke at the island so parents can enjoy themselves without worrying about the kids.
The big entertainment kicks off with the official launch of the Imaginarium soon after Christmas where the islands transform into the new world of fantasies! From the Kula Run to the entertaining art illustrations to the super kool entertainment with fireworks to bring in the New Years! Maritime imaginers and adrenaline chasers will be delighted to discover a calendar of paddle board races, water volleyball, night snorkelling, dolphin cruises and diving with Santa during the period of imaginarium festivities!
Arts, crafts, K’reativity
The Imaginarium theme will see the anything but ordinary Kandima’s DELI transformed into a ‘DELI Of Illusions’ where guests will have the chance to experience the entertaining illusionary illustrations while they sip their kool-coffee’s and get creative at the nearby spaces with a Tattoo Parlour, resin art painting, Kocktail creation masterclasses or just a wellness filled vacation at the resorts esKape Spa to relax your imaginative soul.
The guests are also invited to join Kadima’s resident artist for painting sessions and unleashing creativity at the Kula art studio at Kandima. Located at the edge of a natural lake with a special ecosystem also boasting of the Aroma Café with a view, take a moment of peace to marvel at the work of talented local artists and their inspiring.
And for anyone looking to keep fit during the festivities, join the endless sports activities including football matches for the guests. Getting even more imaginative, everyone is invited to take part in the KULA Colour Run, an epic trail that sees guests run through clouds of colour as they explore one of the Maldives’ longest stretches of beach.
A new year like no other
Welcome 2022 with tasty treats at the 2 expansive all-day diners Zest, Flavour and other fine dining restaurants, offing a worldly New Year’s Eve selection.
Think of a world of choices, from the freshest seafood to the choicest of meats or the Asian delicacies to the mouth-watering delicious desserts – there is something for everyone’s palate.
After dinner, guests are invited to party the night away on the white sandy beach for a night with live entertainment and oh-so bedazzling fireworks display, a NYE that will be for the books, an unforgettable night of fun fit for the imagination, but in the real world.
The day after, guests can sooth aching heads with an indulgent New Year brunch, an intimate floating breakfast or lunch in your private villa, plan a castaway island experience for the couple /family or simply soak up the sun discovering the incredible reefs around the island.
With great accommodation options for every type of traveller and enough space to discover something new each day, Kandima is the fail-safe recipe for escapism this winter.
After months of stunted summer plans, it’s the perfect time to start a tropical tradition of Christmas in paradise or the Imaginarium New Year’s to give you that rush. Equipped with all the couple or family feels of a yearend holiday in the middle of the blue azure but none of the winter blues, guests find their imaginations ignited at Kandima this Christmas.
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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