Featured
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands celebrates Eid Al-Adha in the Circle of Island Life
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will host an unforgettable Eid Al-Adha to follow its milestone first anniversary celebrations. From the 8th-11th July, in celebration of Eid, guests are invited to awaken all their senses in the exquisite luxury of the design masterpiece resort, from the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The perfect setting for an Eid escape, guests will be immersed in a curated programme of Fari Island experiences to mark the festivities.
A feast to remember
The culinary journey at this Indian Ocean jewel spans Japanese, Southern Italian, Cantonese and Lebanese cuisine throughout its seven restaurants and bars. For the Eid Al-Adha celebrations guests can enjoy an exclusive dining experience with celebrity Chef Tala Bashmi, named winner of Middle East and North Africa’s Best Female Chef 2022. Chef Patron at her renowned Fusions by Tala restaurant in Bahrain, Chef Tala will bring the flavours of the Middle East to an innovative and vibrant menu at the resort’s Arabesque restaurant.
For an authentic cultural immersion, the resort’s Beach Shack will present Maldivian Night, a feast for the senses, serving inspired dishes fusing tropical ingredients, simple spices and flavours from the north to the south of the Maldives. For those keen to learn and create, a Maldivian Cooking Class at La Locanda restaurant shares islander’s favourite recipes in live demonstrations by the resort’s Chefs de Cuisine.
Indian Ocean adventures
Plugging in to nature is essential at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and exploring the abundant reef surrounding the atoll is high on the agenda. Dipping in to the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program marine naturalists will present the diversity of wildlife below the ocean, including its unique drone programme monitoring sea-life in the deep blue. Guests will get hands-on in the Coral Regeneration Ceramics Workshop, creating marine life-inspired clay ceramics for the coral nurseries, and for the explorers, a chance to snorkel with turtles and discover the biodiversity of the ocean for themselves awaits.
Those who prefer to stay above water can board a sunset Dolphin Cruise gliding alongside pods of playful dolphins, leaping and dancing to the setting sun.
Wellness rituals
With wellbeing at its core, The Ritz-Carlton Spa perches masterly over its sparkling lagoon, ready to welcome guests to sensory escapism shaped by the ocean forces, wind and waves. Guests can enjoy blissful treatments from holistic British brand Bamford, channelling the ocean’s rhythm in wave-like massage. In the Mystique Garden an Island Sunriser welcomes guests to a three kilometre scenic sunrise jog followed by a restoring body balance session, while Sunset Yoga will close balmy island days beachside.
Legendary experiences
To ensure memories are created to cherish for years to come, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands curates signature experiences showcasing the unique natural beauty of its setting, from total immersion in seascapes, and sunrise and sunset views. Guests will be invited to celebrate the resort’s Defining Moments, a sunset ritual with a Bodu Beru performance of Maldivian drums and elegant flaming ceremony.
In the Legendary Sandbank Experience, guests are transported to the Fari Islands’ sandbank for a day of remote island escapism. From noon to 4pm, guests will enjoy a lavish lunch, drinks on tap, water sports and entertainment on their very own Indian Ocean Island.
A family affair
No guest is too small for unforgettable moments and at Ritz Kids – a futuristic indoor-outdoor space of fun is home to playgrounds, napping pods, video games, movies, and a pool with slides and jets! For Eid Al-Adha, children will discover the ancient art form of Henna through beautifully designed skin art. Getting the creative juices flowing and inspired by nature, mini VIPs can join a coconut shell arts and crafts workshop and led by the Ladies and Gentlemen of the resort, a fun pom pom and accessories making session. At Kids’ Night Out, the youngest guests will enjoy an evening packed with hours of games, activities, movies, and delicious treats for tummies.
Villas by design
Set above vibrant azure waters or nestled along white-sand beach coves, the resort’s luxury villas blend island living with architectural mastery. Guests can retreat to a choice of 100 villas, designed by the late venerated Kerry Hill and Kerry Hill Studios, blurring the line between indoors and out, and offering complete privacy. From spherical-lux overwater and beachfront villas, sleeping up to four adults and two children, and to the pinnacle of accommodation, for larger families, The Ritz-Carlton Estate sleeping up to nine adults, or six adults and three children, complete with private chef and its own spa studio. Whatever the choice, guests are lavished in luxury with all villas providing mesmerising ocean views, private infinity pools, Aris Meeha island service for personalised experiences, and luxurious Bamford amenities.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
Action
Family fun meets Premier League coaching: Kuramathi and Campioni experience
Families seeking the ultimate summer escape in 2025 will find the perfect destination with Kuramathi and Campioni. These two exceptional partners offer a holiday experience where children can combine their love for football with the thrill of training alongside former Premier League players and UEFA coaches at breathtaking resorts. The exclusive Campioni football training camps cater to children aged 4-15 years, running across two weeks with three football legends. Liverpool and England star John Barnes MBE, accompanied by a UEFA coach, will lead sessions from July 28th to August 1st. Meanwhile, England icons Harry Redknapp and Stuart Pearce MBE will join from August 4th to August 8th, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for budding young footballers.
Campioni’s ethos, “Train Like A Pro,” offers a unique chance for children to be coached for two hours daily by some of English football’s most celebrated figures. These interactive and engaging sessions focus on fundamental skills while emphasising teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. With personalised guidance provided throughout, participants gain invaluable insights from the experts and create unforgettable memories.
While children hone their skills on the pitch, parents are free to unwind in a variety of ways. They can relax on the beach, explore the island, work out in the gym, visit the spa, or simply enjoy the vibrant energy of the training sessions from the sidelines.
The Campioni experience extends beyond football. Families are invited to participate in additional activities, such as welcome drinks at the start of the week, a mid-week parents’ game featuring the football legends, and an end-of-week medal and certificate presentation. These events ensure everyone in the family enjoys a dynamic and engaging holiday.
Kuramathi, a renowned Maldivian resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for this unique experience. Famous for its winding white sandbank and tropical jungle spanning the 1.8km island, the resort features 12 room categories, 12 restaurants, 6 bars, evening entertainment, and an array of facilities. Options range from one-bedroom Beach Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Houses to overwater villas perched above the island’s turquoise lagoon, making it a perfect choice for families.
Off the field, Kuramathi’s complimentary Bageecha Kids’ Club caters to children aged 3-12 years with indoor and outdoor play areas, arts and crafts, splash pads, and a large swimming pool. Activities for older children include badminton, football, ping pong, baseball, and basketball. For couples seeking a romantic evening, extended kids’ club hours are available at an additional charge, alongside 24-hour babysitting for younger children.
The resort also offers unique environmental activities, such as eco-centre presentations, hermit crab trails, tree planting, and visits to hydroponics gardens, encouraging younger guests to learn about sustainable practices.
For adventurous families, Kuramathi provides a fully equipped dive school with multilingual instructors who guide participants through PADI and SSI courses, including options for children as young as eight. Guests can also explore the ocean through snorkelling safaris, turtle discovery trips, dolphin excursions, and semi-submarine tours. Water sports such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and catamaran lessons are available for children aged 12 and above.
While children are occupied, parents can relax at the spa or enjoy evening cocktails at the Champagne Loft or pool bars. Dining options include international cuisine at the buffet restaurant and specialty venues like The Reef, La Belle Vie, and Siam Garden. Nightlife on the island is vibrant, with live music, beachside movie nights, DJ performances, and more.
Kuramathi and Campioni promise a summer holiday filled with excitement, learning, and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Awards
Sun Siyam Resorts honoured at Target Taste Awards 2024
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced its receipt of the prestigious 2024 Target Taste Award for ‘Overseas Island Hotel Group.’ The accolade was presented during the ‘Target Taste’ awards ceremony in December 2024, held in Beijing. This event celebrated innovation and excellence within the luxury lifestyle industry.
The 2024 awards, themed ‘Revolutionise and Innovate,’ gathered leading brands and visionaries to highlight advancements in high-end hospitality, design, travel, and culinary arts. Sun Siyam Resorts was honoured for its commitment to redefining island luxury through exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and innovative offerings.
Ashley Zhang, Regional Marketing & Communications Manager for China, accepted the award on behalf of the company, marking a significant milestone for the group.
Target Taste, a prominent Chinese luxury lifestyle magazine established in 2013, has consistently recognised industry pioneers. Its awards serve as a hallmark of innovation, elegance, and excellence in the luxury sector.
Claudia Klingbeil, Group Director of PR & Communications at Sun Siyam Resorts, stated: “This recognition is deeply meaningful to all of us at Sun Siyam Resorts. It reflects the passion, dedication, and heart that our team pours into creating memorable experiences for our guests, and this recognition fuels our commitment to constantly evolve and innovate.”
Celebration
Tropical elegance meets cultural heritage: SO/ Maldives’ festive celebration
Step into a realm of unparalleled luxury and avant-garde elegance as SO/ Maldives prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year in high style from 28 January to 31 January 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives, this iconic celebration promises a curated experience of haute cuisine, holistic indulgence, and captivating festivities, transforming the holiday into a statement of sophistication.
Renowned for vibrant celebrations and rich heritage, this year’s Chinese New Year program offers an unforgettable lineup. Highlights include a spectacular light-up ceremony, spellbinding cultural performances, a chic DJ party, and elegant festive fairs, all steeped in glamour and refinement.
The theme for 2025, “Ushering Fortune and Unity for a Prosperous New Year,” emphasises joy, harmony, and good fortune. Anchored in multiculturalism and diversity, the festivities aim to bring families and couples together for a stylish celebration of new beginnings. Through vibrant events and a glamorous ambiance, SO/ Maldives sets the stage for a bright and prosperous year.
Guests can immerse themselves in a fusion of cultural traditions and tropical luxury. Highlights include the energetic Lion Dance, which winds through the resort, and thrilling adventures such as snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Culinary experiences like the Asian Street Market and Beach BBQ showcase Chinese-inspired gourmet delights, while creative workshops such as Handmade Pottery and Canvas Bag Painting ensure magical moments for younger guests.
SO/ Maldives elevates the festive allure with dazzling red lantern installations and breathtaking dragon dance performances on pristine beaches. Villas adorned with bespoke Chinese New Year decor blend cultural heritage with contemporary chic, creating an atmosphere of bold sophistication.
“At SO/ Maldives, we reinvent luxury celebrations, merging vibrant traditions with a cutting-edge, fashion-forward perspective. This Chinese New Year, the experience will be as bold and dazzling as the Year of the Wood Snake itself,” says Olivier MOIESDELVAL, General Manager of SO/ Maldives.
SO/ Maldives invites guests to embrace the finer things in life, where every taste, touch, and moment sparkles with creativity and glamour.
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