Featured
Now is the time to celebrate: Accor Maldives Collection invites guests to turn missed celebrations into memorable ones
As friends, family and loved ones come together again, the five-star resorts across the Accor Maldives Collection invite guests to celebrate missed milestones and past occasions with once-in-a-life-time experiences. From big birthdays to heartfelt anniversaries, vowel renewals, engagements and new family members, the teams at each of the resorts can make dreams come true with each celebration. Whether it’s exchanging vows in paradise or marking a big birthday milestone with a private pool party or reuniting with friends over adrenalin fuelled activities, the Accor Maldives Collection offers casual catch-ups, extravagant festivities and special private moments so that those missed celebrations become the most cherished.
Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives – for a dreamy engagement to remember

An engagement or a renewal of vows should be one of the more memorable and cherished experiences in life. The team at Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives do the utmost in creating a truly personalised event inspired by a couples’ own heart warming story. From an idyllic beach set up to a ceremony under the iconic azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort has a paradise-like setting to ignite or rekindle the romance for its guests.
To help loved ones celebrate their romance, Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives offers the Beach Side Affair package which includes a hosted wedding ceremony, dedicated coordinator and Master of Ceremony, welcome drinks for the couple, wedding cake and marriage certificate, as well as a romantic turn down service and floral bath along with an in-villa breakfast the following day. The Beach Side Affair is available from USD700++ per person based on two people sharing. The romance transcends throughout the resort — from the expansive villas with private pools, to the adventurous aquatic experiences, golden sunsets and coastal dining as well as access to the island’s private luxury yacht.
Rates start from USD500 in an Overwater Pool Villa Lagoon. To book or for more information, email Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@movenpick.com or phone +960 656 3000
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort – for an unforgettable anniversary for two

Anniversaries are an important part of life when couples come together to celebrate their relationship and love. For those wanting to extend their anniversary beyond a single day, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort transports couples far away from the distractions of everyday life to relax, reconnect and align together in their own privacy. The luxury five-star resort offers a selection of handpicked extraordinary experiences to heighten the senses so that an anniversary becomes one that is never forgotten.
From gourmet delights including a floating breakfast in the private villa pool and a candle lit wine pairing in the resort’s cellar, to adventurous days spent snorkelling throughout the island’s two house reefs, Robinson Crusoe island hopping, magical tiger shark encounters, and a private sunset cruise on the resort’s luxury yacht; each moment of the day can be elevated to an extraordinary experience. Not forgetting the resort’s Spa oasis which offers a wide range of treatments for couples and the legendary butlers who will do everything to ensure needs are met.
The Romance Package is available for USD1200++ for two guests and includes breakfast and dinner, one daily Sundowner cocktail per person at Long Bar, one floating Breakfast, one Romantic Private Dinner in Villa and One Raffles Signature Massage, 90 minutes per person. For more information or to book, visit www.raffles.com/maldives
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi – for a nurturing first family holiday

While some people think of the Maldives as a honeymoon destination or only for couples, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is an island paradise designed for all ages to enjoy. Ideal for a first getaway as a new family, every detail of a little one’s first holiday has been carefully thought through with convenience and relaxation in mind.
The spacious villas with separate living areas create an opportunity for parents to have some alone time to sit under the stars whilst the extensive wellness offering provides the ultimate in parent pampering, and the many restaurants on the island mean that parents need only to think about what to order from the gourmet-laden menus.
The natural habitat of the island is a tonic for worn out parents offering them the opportunity to recharge whether that is walking barefoot in the golden sand or swimming in one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons. Parents can watch in delight as their little ones’ imaginations thrive whilst they make friends in the kids club (suitable from infancy to age 12 and over) and discover the magical sights and sounds from life on an exotic private island.
For families, the newly introduced package “More Escapes” offers an exotic escape for four nights where the focus is to reset, reconnect, and rejuvenate with the resort’s bespoke wellness programmes created by the Willow Stream Spa. The package includes daily buffet breakfast and dinner, two return seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport to Fairmont Maldives, and 20% discount on any spa treatments.
Rates start from USD4,999 a night (including Tax and service charge, Excluding Green Tax). For more information or to book, visit www.fairmont.com/reservations/checkavailability/
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa – for a supercharged reunion with friends

There is no better place to reunite with friends and loved ones from around the world than the idyllic setting of the Maldives. For those looking to book a special getaway to enjoy long missed quality time with friends, the all-inclusive Pullman Maldives Maamutaa offers a paradise playground where guests can play, reset and reconnect The resort has created a range of ‘retreats’ to suit reunions of all kinds including wellbeing journeys, to tailor made adventures.
Referred to as the most generous all-inclusive resort in the Maldives, friends can make the most of the exclusive benefits to enjoy together. From boot-camp workouts on the beach and daily yoga sessions to talks led by a marine biologist, nature walks, and guided snorkelling; there’s an abundance of activities for groups of friends who share a passion for living life to the fullest. The resort also provides a selection of tailored themed evenings where long awaited catch ups can continue into the starry night skies.
Rates start from USD870 per villa per night including taxes, for 2 adults on ultra All inclusive basis (excluding transfers). For more information or to book, visit www.pullmanmaldivesmaamutaa.com/
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo – for a big birthday bash

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort is exclusively for adults and offers a unique boutique experience, perfect for hosting a milestone birthday celebration. Surrounded by untouched nature, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, it’s a bucket list worthy place to visit. The dedicated team at the resort are on hand to create an itinerary of celebrations throughout an island stay. Guests can throw their very own private pool party in paradise complete with DJ. More private, low key activities include a private cinema evening on the beach, PADI diving tours, snorkelling expeditions, dolphin cruises, and a variety of water sports. On-land activities range from tennis and beach volleyball to cooking classes, and karaoke.
Rates start from USD550 per villa per night including taxes, for 2 adults on ultra All inclusive basis (excluding transfers). To enquire about celebrating a special milestone, please visit www.mercuremaldiveskooddooresort.com
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
Cruising
Ifuru Island Maldives unveils ‘Echoes of the Ocean and Stars’ festive programme
Ifuru Island Maldives will celebrate the 2026 festive season with “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars”, an immersive Christmas and New Year programme running from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldivian ocean, the night sky and the festive season, the theme will bring together marine and celestial elements across the resort’s décor, entertainment, dining, activities and guest experiences.
At the centre of the concept is the idea that the ocean carries memories, while the stars represent dreams and new beginnings. Rather than presenting the festive season as a series of standalone events, Ifuru Island plans to create a connected journey spanning Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas.
The visual identity of “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will combine an underwater-inspired world with celestial elements. Bioluminescent-inspired colours, reef motifs and glowing details will be paired with stars, constellations and moonlit features throughout the resort.

The colour palette will include deep ocean blue and midnight navy alongside pearl white, silver, soft turquoise, pink and purple, with accents of celestial gold. Coral forms, waves, shells and reef-inspired features will be combined with stars and festive details, giving traditional Christmas elements an interpretation inspired by Ifuru Island’s natural surroundings.
The concept will extend beyond decorations to dining, entertainment, activities, uniforms, signage and festive communications.
The resort said the theme is also intended to reflect the emotions associated with the festive period. The ocean represents peace, connection and possibility, while the stars symbolise hope, dreams, guidance and new beginnings.
The festive journey will begin on 21 December and continue through 10 January, encompassing Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Eve on 24 December will feature festive dining and entertainment, while Christmas Day on 25 December will centre on family celebrations and relaxed island experiences.
On 31 December, Ifuru Island will mark New Year’s Eve with the main celebration of the festive period, before welcoming 2027 on New Year’s Day with activities centred around the island setting and surrounding ocean.

Celebrations will continue from 1 to 10 January during the Orthodox festive period, including Orthodox Christmas.
According to the resort, the broader concept is intended to connect the entire guest experience, with the island’s natural environment forming part of the festive setting. The ocean will provide inspiration during the day, while the night sky will shape the atmosphere after sunset.
Dining experiences, entertainment and activities will each form part of the wider “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” narrative, giving guests different experiences throughout their stay while maintaining a consistent creative theme.
The programme is designed for guests travelling with family, friends or loved ones, with Ifuru Island aiming to combine its natural surroundings with festive celebrations and shared experiences.
The full festive programme, including entertainment, activities, culinary experiences and special events, will be announced separately.
“Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will run at Ifuru Island Maldives from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Christmas Eve will be marked on 24 December, Christmas Day on 25 December, New Year’s Eve on 31 December, New Year’s Day on 1 January and the Orthodox festive period from 1 to 10 January 2027.
Cooking
Milaidhoo Maldives welcomes JAG Head Chef Laurence Tan for October culinary residency
Milaidhoo Maldives will welcome Chef Laurence Tan, Head Chef of Michelin-starred JAG in Singapore, for two culinary experiences on the island in October.
Tan’s interest in cooking began at home, inspired by his parents and by preparing and sharing food with his family. After experimenting in the family kitchen, he went on to attend culinary school before joining The White Rabbit in Singapore in 2016, where he began developing his professional career.
He later worked at Tower Club before joining JAG in 2020. Working alongside Chef Jeremy Gillon, Tan developed an approach centred on precision, seasonality and the integrity of individual ingredients.
He progressed from Chef de Partie to Junior Sous Chef and later Sous Chef. When Gillon took on an international consultancy in Taiwan, Tan assumed leadership of the JAG kitchen.
He is now Head Chef of the restaurant, which retained its Michelin star in 2026, reflecting the consistency and quality of its cuisine under his direction.
During his visit to Milaidhoo, Tan will introduce guests to elements of JAG’s culinary philosophy while sharing some of the techniques and ideas that shape his cooking.
On 16 October, he will conduct an intimate cooking class, giving guests an opportunity to learn directly from him and explore his approach to ingredients, technique and flavour.
The following evening, on 17 October, Tan will host a five-course dinner limited to 16 guests.
The menu will begin with Hiramasa crudo with tomatoes and sea grapes, followed by Gambero Rosso with Jerusalem artichoke and cashew. Lobster ravioli with lobster bisque will precede Tajima Wagyu MB8 tenderloin with celeriac and black autumn truffle.
Dessert will feature a dark chocolate parfait with buckwheat ice cream and tonka bean. A preserved lemon sorbet will be served between courses, while the evening will open with a leek and potato croustade.
The collaboration reflects Milaidhoo’s culinary philosophy, which places emphasis on craftsmanship, curiosity, shared experiences and the role of dining in creating memorable moments.
The cooking class will take place on 16 October, followed by the five-course chef’s dinner on 17 October, with the latter limited to 16 guests.
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