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Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives focuses on wellness In 2022
Cheval Blanc Randheli, the Maldivian Maison of LVMH group Cheval Blanc, is launching a series of new wellness retreats designed for post-pandemic travel.
With so many exceptional island hideaways opening across the archipelago, it can be challenging for a resort to stand out in the Maldives. Rather than chasing trends, Cheval Blanc Randheli continually draws new and returning travellers back with its lavish accommodation and lifestyle offering fusing French l’art de vivre with an idyllic Indian Ocean setting in the Noonu Atoll. This experience defined by gastronomy, the breath-taking design of Jean-Michel Gathy and a spa offering the Maldives’ only Guerlain rituals is continually enhanced with new concepts immersing guests in life on the island.
Following pandemic lockdowns and addressing the increased demand for retreats benefitting both mental and physical wellness, the coveted island resort has developed a series of immersive wellness retreats to be launched in early 2022. This follows on from the creation of a new yoga and meditation program that the Maldivian Maison first launched for travellers returning to the archipelago in 2021.
Cheval Blanc Randheli is spread across six islands where white sand shores meet the vivid turquoise water of the lagoon and are backed by palm trees and lush tropical vegetation. One of these islands is dedicated to the Cheval Blanc Spa with access only possible by sailing across from the main island on the resort’s traditional dhoni.
The spa island’s jetty leads to a high-ceilinged ocean-view arrival area facing onto the island’s private white sand beach. The open-fronted Spa Bar with oceanfront pool lies to one side and paths to the other side of the beach lead through verdant greenery to a collection of ocean-facing spa villas and other wellness amenities including a thermal suite, hammams, a yoga deck and orchidarium – orchids run throughout the spa’s wellness concept.
Specific Guerlain wellness rituals, specially conceived for the Maldives resort, range from the After-Diving Experience and Randheli Sun Ritual to Orchidée Impériale Guerlain treatments. Yoga sessions span everything from Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa to aerial yoga, therapeutic yoga for healing, weight-loss yoga, power yoga and both sunrise and sunset sessions and meditation covers a range of approaches including Pranayama and mindfulness.
The yoga retreats run between three and five days and aim to bring balance to your life through the expertise of the on-island yoga master, Puneet Sharma. The three-day yoga retreat comprises a consultation followed by sunrise meditation, morning and afternoon yoga, a breathing session, mindful walking, use of the thermal facilities, aerial yoga discovery, sunset meditation, singing bowl meditation and a 60-minute massage. The five-day retreat also includes chakra healing and activation, breathing yoga flow, a 60-minute hammam treatment, 90-minute beauty lift facial and a 45-minute Watsu session.
The soon-to-be-launched immersive wellness retreats, which are being created in partnership with Guerlain, will combine the experiences had on these yoga and meditation retreats with additional personalised treatments and tailored wellness cuisine, which is to be created by the resort’s accomplished chefs wherever you are in the gastronomy focused resort.
Additional enhancements to the resort experience include the recent introduction of the Maldives’ first surf simulator and the transformation of the resort’s impressive kids’ club. Excursions add to the overall resort experience, with yacht trips taking guests out to see dolphins at sunset or to dive and snorkel in the archipelago’s marine-life-rich waters.
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Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
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SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration
SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.
The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.
Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.
On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.
The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.
The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.
Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.
Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.
Featured
Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences
Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.
The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.
The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.
Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.
The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.
Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.

Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.
Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.
Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.
Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.
For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.
The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.
The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.
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