Featured
Le Meridien Maldives celebrates art of dining with spectacular culinary season
French tropical getaway, Le Meridien Maldives, continues to elevate dining in the Indian Ocean in creative and innovative ways, highlighting local produce and collaborative talent, limited-edition menus, and exclusive offerings. Bringing by the culinary season from 5th to 9th August, life, guests are invited to experience the best of gastronomy from all around the world. Presented with a series of pop ups, Michelin Starred Chef Manu Thevar and talented Mixologist Diego Ferrari will bring a twist to the resort’s variety of prolific dining outlets and a Summerfest by the shores to celebrate the finest of international flavours.
For an unforgettable summer soiree, explore the outdoor fest Au Soleil on 7th August. Fuelled by upbeat and music pop ups by star-studded chefs, Mano Thevar and Diego Ferrari, guests can taste the unexpected and indulge in a variety of activities at this shoreline hub, featuring a wine bar where diners can raise a toast to the mesmerising hues of a Maldivian sunset.
Michelin Star Restaurant Thevar by Mano Thevar – 5th to 8th August
Discover the flavours of India with the two Michelin starred chef, Mano Thevar, whose namesake restaurant, Thevar, is a modern Indian restaurant and bar along the vibrant Keong Saik Street which recently ranked No. #92 of Asia’s 50 Best Top 100 Restaurant’s in 2022. He brings a variety of experiences to guests to help unravel their palette with an explosion of flavourful plates. From family-style set menus to enjoy with loved ones, dawning a chef’s hat to embrace cooking classes with one of the world’s finest talents, to a pop up at the immersive Summerfest, Chef Mano brings his best dish forward for guests at Le Meridien Maldives. Starting at $540.00 for a 1-bedroom overwater beach bungalow, guests can make the most of their time in the Maldives with a min. 3-night stay and experience all of Chef Mano’s culinary mastery.
Diego Ferrari – 7th to 10th August
Diego Ferrari wears many hats; the iconic mixologist and author of the world prized book, Low Alcohol Cocktails-New Frontier in Mixology, is also the creater of the largest photo group of the world’s most famous cocktails, Facebook Cocktail Art, and will be debuting a one-of-a-kind cocktail pop up bar at the resort from 7th to 9th August. Ranked as #81 in the 100 world most influential figures in the bar industry in 2021, Diego is set to introduce a refreshing and innovative selection of carefully crafted cocktails at Le Meriden Maldives’s beach side dining spot, Riviera, following a pop up at the Au Soleil hub. Indulge in a specially curated mixology class at Tebamasu, paired with an omakase tasting menu with a fresh Maldivian breeze in a private open-air pavilion. Diego will also prepare dinner cocktails at Velaa Bar + Grill, followed by an Aperitivo private Island Bodufinholu bar for the discerning diners looking for an intimate culinary journey of a kind.
For further information or to make a reservation, please visit www.lemeridien-maldives.com.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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