Featured
LUX* South Ari Atoll is calling for Ed-Ventures

From Easter fun to exciting workshops: there are fun activities for everyone on the island.
Maldives is no longer a destination for honeymoon and weddings only. LUX* South Ari Atoll, located in a magnificent preserved marine area, opens doors to a world of educational adventures for travellers of all ages and interests. Guests are invited to stay, play, and learn to take home not only happy memories but great lifestyle tips and family fun ideas.
This year’s Easter programme offered eight days of an exciting journey. Traditional festive treats and egg hunt were accompanied by an array of games, workshops, and culinary experiences to remember. The Pirate Cruise and Sandcastle competition revived childhood memories gathering all the family for hours of amusement. Super Quiz was there to tickle brain ‘muscles’ for an opportunity to win a great prize. And the traditional kids fashion show is already a regular beloved event of all LUX* South Ari Atoll guests.

The ‘icing on the cake’ was a set of engaging workshops with resort’s visiting artists: Jeaninne Platz, Maryam Barsha Mohamed, and Hassan Raaif Siraj, who hosted complimentary classes at the resort throughout the third week of April. Known for their unorthodox approach to painting, the invited talents turned canvas, postcards, and even coconuts into art pieces. There was also a special master class dedicated to the World Art Day and an Easter egg decorating workshop. For kids and adults staying at LUX* South Ari Atoll, this was a unique opportunity to turn their traditional painted eggs into masterpieces, guided by renowned artists. Certainly, a family experience to remember.
Ed-ventures at LUX* South Ari Atoll do not end with the Easter holiday. Foodies of the island are treated with chef’s specials, lavish garden barbecues, and themed buffet nights. To make the most out of the culinary experiences, guests are welcome to book a personalised Master Chef class, which can be also turned into another family ed-venture to remember, combined with a sunrise fishing trip.
Wellness and fitness enthusiasts are not forgotten. Apart from traditional yoga and functional trainings, guests can also book the much-awaited Reiki healing and massage sessions. The last one is not only a relaxing experience but also a learning takeaway. Those eager for something more heart-thumping are invited for aqua boot camp, Jungle Gym workouts, and the Iron Man triathlon competition.

Children are always welcome to enjoy the Grain to Cookie class – a great activity for little chefs. Gathered at the PLAY kids club, they will be milling organic wheat into flour to bake delicious whole grain cookies. The Ice Cream Lab is another opportunity to learn while having fun. Using ice cream makers, kids will make their very own healthy frozen delights with the resort’s chef.
The rich underwater world of the South Ari Atoll offers wonderful learning opportunities for kids and grownups alike. Swimming along the whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles is as exciting as attending a Marine Biology class, hosted at the Cinema Paradiso every week. The resident Marine Biologist will make sure no secrets and fun facts are left undiscovered.
Adults will also appreciate a guided wine tasting with the resort’s sommelier, who will pass the knowledge of perfect pairing, selecting, and storing wines of different vintages. Later, the breezy setting at Beach Rouge invites for a sunset live DJ outing, turning into a party under the stars.
Promising a lighter and brighter experience, LUX* South Ari Atoll is all about enjoying vacation days to the fullest and will keep helping guests Celebrate Life in a tropical island setting.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.luxresorts.com, contact stay@luxmaldivesresort.com or call +960 668 0901.
Featured
Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.
Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.
Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.
South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.
Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.
Entertainment
Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.
The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.
Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.
Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
-
Awards1 week ago
Hulhule Island Hotel wins South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel at SATA 2025
-
Featured1 week ago
Shangri-La Villingili Resort reopening announced for December 2025
-
News1 week ago
Madifushi Private Island named Best New Resort at SATA 2025
-
Featured1 week ago
Minor Hotels to reopen NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort in December 2025
-
News1 week ago
Amilla Maldives announces special experiences for Autumn, year-end holidays
-
Featured1 week ago
Ifuru Island Maldives brings New Orleans vibes to festive season
-
Featured6 days ago
Karan Veer Mehra celebrates Bigg Boss success at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
-
Action6 days ago
Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli