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O Beach Ibiza celebrates 10 years with first ever international weekender in Maldives

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An unmissable 4 days in paradise in all-inclusive 5* accommodation with beach parties, beach club events, brunches and so much more

Ever dreamt of spending a morning snorkelling with tropical fish, an afternoon relaxing in a multi-sensory music-themed spa, an evening of gastronomic delight in a world class restaurant followed by a beach party as a perfect sun sets into the Indian Ocean?

Well, wonder no more: O Beach Ibiza, celebrating their 10 year anniversary, are taking over Maldives for a pioneering, first of its kind ultimate paradise island experience for those who love the highlife, taking place from 24th – 29th November 2022. This four day, four night event welcomes just 800 people to two breathtaking islands, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, with parties hosted by O Beach favourites KISStory, Boat Club, Pool Party, Aces, Ibiza Spray, SIN Sundays and Hot Bed, two idyllic resorts to stay in and a wealth of unbelievable activities, restaurants, holistic experiences and so much more. Prices start from £1750 for four nights all-inclusive F&B accommodation, access to all events, plus transfers from Male airport at https://obeachmaldives.com.

Ibiza’s celebrated O Beach Ibiza is the powerhouse behind this magical offering, so you can be sure to see the same attention to detail that has made it such a popular spot since launching in 2012. Their first ever international weekender is the perfect way to celebrate 10 years of the beloved brand, and there is no destination that truly encapsulates the O Beach ethos and paradisiacal atmosphere quite like the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

The once in a lifetime location for this VIP experience is CROSSROADS Maldives including the stunning Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, SAii Lagoon Maldives and The Marina. These interconnected islands are situated in the breathtaking Emboohoo lagoon and have all been exclusively taken over for O Beach Maldives. The three islands will come alive with daily events from beach parties to beach club events, brunches and after parties that all offer their own unique vibes.

Says Gemma Charters, Director of Brands & Events: “We are so excited to be offering this trip of a lifetime to the Maldives so people can come and celebrate our 10th year with us in true style! It will be 4 days and 4 nights of pure celebration with one of the most beautiful backdrops in the world, the Indian Ocean. It is unlike anything anyone has seen before upon those archipelago of islands and it will be a very special trip not to be missed.”

Throughout your stay you’ll be free to island hop, sample the rich variety of bars, restaurants, shops and beach clubs or simply lay back and soak up the sun on your own private deck. The 5* Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has a music inspired rock spa, pools with underwater speakers and large suites, beach villas or overwater villas to stay in. Meanwhile, SAii Lagoon Maldives is another 5* resort that pairs high end luxury with bohemian detail, world class facilities and expansive balconies offering open sea views of the ocean with a range of exceptional gastronomical experiences.

The islands have a delicious selection of all-inclusive restaurants all with their own flavour of cuisine including fresh BBQ, Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican as well as some fresh Maldivian dishes with unlimited house wine, beer, branded spirits, cocktails, mocktails, juices, teas, coffees and water.

There is also a resort gym based in the sumptuous and leafy surroundings of SAii Lagoon Maldives and a second has views overlooking the Indian Ocean at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, while an ultimate day of pampering awaits at Lén Be Well with new levels of relaxation, spa treatments and holistic activities. Complete your escape with some activities both above and under the water, including snorkelling, kayaking and diving. On top of what the islands already offer, O Beach will program a range of hospitality and wellness experiences to make this a truly magical getaway.

With endless activities and parties hosted by all your favourite O Beach brands and residents, O Beach Maldives will be a paradise experience like no other. Join us as we celebrate 10 years in style.

Culture

Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to discover real island living in Kihadhoo

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Milaidhoo Maldives, a boutique luxury resort situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, has unveiled its latest signature offering – the Local Island Tour – a meaningful and intimate cultural experience that provides guests with a genuine insight into everyday life in the Maldives.

Nestled amidst the natural splendour of Baa Atoll, celebrated for its vibrant marine biodiversity and unspoilt local islands, this new experience extends beyond the boundaries of the resort. Guests are invited to journey just 15 minutes by boat to Kihadhoo, a serene and authentic island where tradition, community and simplicity remain firmly embedded in daily life.

Upon arrival, visitors are immersed not only in a new landscape but in a slower, more deliberate way of life. Much like the ethos of Milaidhoo, where barefoot luxury is designed to encourage presence and connection, Kihadhoo exudes its own quiet charm – a lifestyle shaped by nature, calm and community. Along its sandy paths, occasionally crossed by a scooter or two, time appears to slow down. It is a place grounded in authenticity and understated beauty.

The experience is personally guided by Ali “CR” Niushad, a Kihadhoo native and esteemed member of the Milaidhoo team. Acting as both host and storyteller, CR offers guests the rare opportunity to experience the island not as tourists, but as warmly welcomed friends. The visit begins with a traditional greeting from local flower girls dressed in Maldivian attire, setting the tone for an encounter steeped in culture and sincerity.

As the tour unfolds, guests are met with the everyday sights and sounds of the island: children waving in the distance, neighbours exchanging greetings, the rhythmic sweep of a broom, the gentle clatter of cooking utensils, and women gathered in joali seats, softly conversing in the afternoon light. A walk through Kihadhoo reveals vividly painted doors on homes – reminiscent of the colourful doors of Milaidhoo’s own villas – reflecting the island’s quiet charm and creative spirit.

This is not a traditional sightseeing excursion; it is an immersion into the heartbeat of island life. Guests enjoy fresh coconuts at a small, family-run café, visit the local school and community centres, and spend time in CR’s family home, sharing stories and perspectives. Each moment is organic, heartfelt, and grounded in sincere human connection.

In an era where travellers increasingly seek meaningful and mindful experiences, Milaidhoo’s Local Island Tour captures the spirit of slow travel: an invitation to pause, observe, and engage with respect and curiosity.

Experience Highlights:

  • Price: USD 95++ per person (minimum of four guests)
  • Inclusions: Return boat transfers, traditional island welcome, guided walk with CR, refreshments (fresh juice or coconut), visits to village landmarks, and a selection of homemade Maldivian snacks with tea or coffee

While Milaidhoo offers refined barefoot luxury that nurtures a sense of inner calm, Kihadhoo presents the soulful essence of Maldivian island life. Together, they create a compelling contrast – sanctuary and simplicity, elegance and authenticity.

This experience is more than a cultural outing. It is a return to the original purpose of travel: to connect, to learn, and to be changed in quiet, unforgettable ways.

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Cooking

From garden to gourmet: Dusit Thani Maldives celebrates local, responsible cuisine

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Widely recognised as a premier luxury resort in the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives is redefining the concept of sustainable dining. Central to the resort’s culinary ethos is a strong commitment to sourcing ingredients locally and responsibly, crafting exceptional, globally inspired dishes that reflect the natural abundance of the Maldivian archipelago.

Located just a short stroll from the resort’s kitchens, the organic Chef’s Garden thrives with fragrant herbs, edible flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Ingredients such as lemongrass, basil, papaya, and chillies are carefully hand-harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring that vibrant flavour and freshness are brought directly to the plate.

All fish featured on the resort’s menus is sustainably sourced from within the Maldives, provided by local fishermen who utilise traditional, low-impact fishing techniques. Wherever possible, produce is also procured from Maldivian farmers—an approach that supports island communities, reduces carbon emissions, and celebrates the rich biodiversity of the atolls.

“Our approach is rooted in a respect for the land and sea,” explains Executive Chef Olivier Portret. “Every dish reflects the story of the Maldives—not just its flavours, but its culture and its people. We want guests to experience something truly meaningful with every bite.”

Guests can enjoy these thoughtfully sourced ingredients across a variety of dining experiences, from fine Thai cuisine at Benjarong, to freshly grilled seafood served al fresco at Sea Grill, or even through interactive cooking classes led by the resort’s culinary team.

Through this garden-to-table philosophy, Dusit Thani Maldives offers more than exceptional cuisine—it fosters a deeper connection to place, purpose, and the planet. This commitment not only sets the resort apart as one of the finest in the Maldives, but also as a destination where sustainability and luxury exist in perfect harmony.

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Action

Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

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Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.

This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:

  • 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
  • 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
  • 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.

These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.

Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.

This immersive day features:

  • Guided dives to the shipwreck
  • Underwater treasure hunts
  • Marine conservation talks
  • Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals

The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.

Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.

  • 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
  • 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
  • 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.

The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.

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