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
The Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package
The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.
The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.
The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.
The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.
The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.
The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.
Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.
Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives announces culinary collaboration with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti
Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.
The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.
Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.
The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.
A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.
On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.
Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
-
Action1 week agoEri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
-
Action1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
-
Honeymoon7 days agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples
-
Awards6 days agoKuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
-
Awards1 week agoAngsana Velavaru achieves 4.8 rating in British Airways Customer Awards
-
Action7 days agoFour Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to stage 14th edition of Surfing Champions Trophy
-
Featured7 days agoGrand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May
-
Awards6 days agoCinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition


