As unique dining concepts remain high on the wish list for discerning travellers to the Maldives, competition among luxury resorts continues to centre on innovation and creativity. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, already home to the world-renowned underwater restaurant M6m, has further expanded its culinary portfolio this summer with the launch of Hudhu Bay’s barefoot bistro – a refined take on the traditional crab shack.

Speaking about the new outlet, Anupam Banerjee, Vice President of Food & Beverage, explained: “Located on a prime stretch of beach, our aim was to activate Hudhu Bay with a dining concept rooted in sustainability. From the outset, every aspect was designed to minimise environmental impact, from the nautical-inspired décor to the sourcing of ingredients. The idea was to create a fine dining experience that could be enjoyed barefoot on the beach, free from formalities, while still savouring exquisite flavours.”

Guests begin their evening with tropical welcome cocktails prepared by the island’s mixologists, accompanied by crab amuse-bouche. The culinary journey then unfolds with a menu centred on sustainably sourced Sri Lankan mud crab, prepared with global influences. Choices include the aromatic À la Provençale Crab from southern France, Hong Kong’s wok-fired Butter Garlic Crab, Singapore’s iconic Chilli Crab, and the fiery Jaffna Spiced Crab from Sri Lanka’s Tamil culinary tradition. Completing the menu, the Sri Lankan Scampi highlights the island nation’s seafood heritage, using locally sourced crustaceans and traditional methods. Post-dinner, guests are invited to relax under the night sky with coffee and liqueurs served on the beach.

Every dish is carefully crafted to showcase authentic regional culinary traditions alongside the freshness of locally sourced seafood, offering guests an international dining experience in a distinctly Maldivian setting.

The new concept underscores OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s commitment to sustainable gastronomy, with a focus on traceability, conservation and marine stewardship. The resort’s approach ensures that exceptional cuisine goes hand in hand with the preservation of fragile ecosystems.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is recognised for its diverse culinary offerings, from the immersive underwater dining at M6m to authentic Asian cuisine at Tradition Peking and Maldivian heritage dishes at Lonu. Across The OZEN Collection, the group continues to redefine luxury dining with innovative concepts, sustainable practices and memorable settings. Guests may also enhance their stay through the acclaimed INDULGENCE™ Plan, which includes unlimited premium beverages, curated wines and signature cocktails.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, in collaboration with Music in Paradise, has announced that ICEHOUSE — one of Australia’s most iconic and internationally acclaimed bands — will perform live on its private island from 5 to 12 September 2026.

For the first time in the Maldives, guests will be able to enjoy two intimate sunset beach concerts by ICEHOUSE, with attendance limited to just 250 fans. The week-long celebration will combine the experience of a tropical island escape with exclusive music moments, including a special fan Q&A with frontman and creative visionary Iva Davies.

Formed and led by Iva Davies, ICEHOUSE rose to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s, establishing itself as one of Australia’s defining rock bands. With 28 Platinum albums, eight Top 10 albums, and more than 30 Top 40 singles, the band’s music has continued to resonate across generations.

Their 1982 anthem Great Southern Land is regarded as a cultural landmark, widely acknowledged as an unofficial Australian anthem and permanently preserved in the National Film and Sound Archives’ Sounds of Australia registry. Fans attending the concerts can expect to hear this and other timeless tracks, including We Can Get Together, Can’t Help Myself, and Hey Little Girl.

For more than 45 years, ICEHOUSE has captivated global audiences with sell-out performances, uniting music lovers across age groups. Their blend of rock, new wave and electronic influences, coupled with distinctive songwriting, has secured their reputation as one of Australia’s most enduring musical exports.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives General Manager, Mark Eletr, reflected on the announcement: “I remember when the band was known as Flowers in the late 70s. I grew up in Australia listening to them, and for me, Great Southern Land is the unofficial Aussie anthem, but my favourite would have to be Walls or Can’t Help Myself. To hear these songs performed live on our beach at sunset will be an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience for our guests.”

The Gold Experience Package is now available at a special launch rate of A$3,990 per person twin share (regular price A$4,290). The package includes:

• Seven nights in a Beach View Villa (5–12 September 2026)
• Entry to two exclusive ICEHOUSE beach concerts
• Q&A session with Iva Davies
• Music in Paradise welcome bag, commemorative event poster and t-shirt
• Return shared speedboat airport transfers
• Daily buffet breakfast at Kandooma Café
• Complimentary snorkel trip and use of snorkelling equipment
• Two scuba dives per day for two (terms and conditions apply; licensed divers only)
• Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee

From 20 September to 20 October 2025, Canareef Resort Maldives will host an Oktoberfest celebration each evening on Dhoni Beach. The event is set to bring the authentic flavours of Germany to the Maldives, enhanced by the island’s tropical setting.

Guests will be able to enjoy live German food counters offering traditional dishes, paired with a curated selection of German beers. Prepared by the resort’s chefs, the menu is designed to reflect Bavarian culinary traditions in a relaxed beachside atmosphere.

Entertainment will feature a mix of live bands and DJs, creating a lively setting where guests can dance or unwind by the sea. On selected evenings, entertainment will also be held in the resort bar, providing a variety of options to suit different preferences.

While access to Oktoberfest is complimentary for in-house guests, those on all-inclusive packages will be subject to a cover charge. The arrangement ensures a premium experience with quality food and entertainment throughout the festivities.

By combining German cultural traditions with Maldivian island leisure, Canareef’s Oktoberfest offers guests an immersive opportunity to celebrate with good food, music, and the spirit of Oktoberfest beneath the stars.