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MMA, BJJ, UFC Champions José Aldo, Leo Santos visit The Red Mat at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

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The Red Mat at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is all set to warmly welcome the MMA, BJJ & UFC champs, José Aldo and Leo Santos during their five-day holiday break on the integrated multi-island destination in the Maldives.

José Aldo, with a screen name “Junior” is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter from Manáus, famous for his Muay Thai fighting style and a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, where he excelled in the early 2000’s prior to his MMA career. He gained fame when he won his first MMA fight at the age of 17. Junior is also widely known for being the UFC’s first Featherweight Champion, and was the fourth and final WEC Featherweight Champion. Currently, he holds 31 wins out of his 37 fights of his career. Junior currently competes at the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the Bantamweight division. His recent win at UFC was in December 2021 fight against Rob Font. Considered to be one of the best fighters ever lived, a Brazilian Movie about his early years called “Stronger than the World” is an inspirational story of his life.

Leonardo Santos, a four-time World Cup champion of Brazilian Jiu-Jistu is also currently vacationing at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives along with José Aldo and family. Santos is currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a good friend with Jose Aldo and also a well accomplished Jiu Jitsu & MMA Fighter. In the light weight division, in early 2000, he has won against big names of the time and holds an impressive record.

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives offers Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and self-defense classes designed for adults and children of all levels led by certified coaches from CheckMAT Academy under guidance of Master Leo Vieira. This iconic hotel is no stranger to many of the world-renowned top-level fighters and martial art practitioners, who regularly visit The Red Mat and chose Hard Rock Hotel Maldives as their preferred vacation spot. Amongst them are the famous Fabrício Werdum, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira or famously known as Minotauro (Big Nog), Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza, Marcus Buchecha, Renzo Gracie, Tainan Dalpra, & Lucas Lepri.

Located within CROSSROADS Maldives – the first integrated multi-island leisure destination in the country, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is just a 15-minute boat ride from the airport. Inspired by local culture, tropical architecture is infused with contemporary design features alongside regionally inspired authentic music memorabilia.

Stunning views and legendary amenities take vacation at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives to the next level with 178 extravagant guestrooms, suites, villas and over water pool villas. Guests can also treat their taste buds to delectable on-site food and beverage options, ranging from a Pool Bar and Pan-Latin restaurant to authentic American cuisine, just steps from the hotel.

The hotel also offers direct access to The Marina @ CROSSROADS Maldives, where an array of shops and over 12 restaurants, all styled on the chic elegance of a European Riviera, await. From authentic American cuisine at Hard Rock Cafe to the acclaimed flavors of Ministry of Crab’s award-winning dishes and finely curated local specialties, the culinary offering sees a collision of cultures come together to offer an array of exotic international cuisines.

To learn more about Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, visit www.hardrockhotels.com/maldives.

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‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season

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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.

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards

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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.

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Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme

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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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