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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives unveils ‘Bucket list on the Beach’ dining experiences

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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, has launched an unparalleled array of dining experiences as part of its new ‘Bucket list on the Beach’ offering. From sensory supper in the dark with toes in the sand to a sommelier’s tasting table for wine lovers, there’s an unforgettable experience for all palates at the castaway paradise this season.

The ‘Bucket list on the Beach’ dining experiences include:

Sensory Supper in the Sand

The number one choice for the guest who has tasted it all (until now!), Gili Lankanfushi’s sensory supper sees diners transported to a secret island location to embark on a true gourmet adventure. With blindfolds at the ready, feet in the sand and cutlery in hand, guests are invited to take a leap of faith as their private chef serves up a surprise menu. Once the blindfolds are on, diners will experience a heightening of all other senses, from the inviting aromas of the food to the sound of the lapping waves, before they are invited to guess the dishes as they taste each flavour. Party for the tastebuds and fun for all ages, guaranteed!

From $250++ per person.

Sommelier’s Tasting Table

Featuring a different theme each week, the sommelier’s tasting table is a weekly event taking place in Gili Lankanfushi’s glorious wine cellar. Ranging from ‘A Voyage to South Africa’ to ‘Wines of Asia’, each session provides a unique experience and chance to uncover new favorites. Led by one of the island’s expert sommeliers, the host will guide guests through the many tasting notes, inviting them to guess the prices and even partake in some blind tasting. This is the perfect pre- or post- dinner sipping stop!
From $85++ per person.

Seafood Under the Stars

Gili Lankanfushi’s Seafood Under the Stars is a wonderfully romantic and completely private dining offering. Here, guests will enjoy a three-course meal of the highest quality seafood (including locally-caught Maldivian Lobster) at the overwater bar with a bottle of chilled Louis Roederer Champagne. The team at Gili Lankanfushi can even decorate a table on the beach by candlelight for those who prefer to enjoy the seafood under the twinkling stars. This gourmet experience allows couples to create memories to last a lifetime whilst sampling the freshest local seafood, soaking up the magical sunset and crystal clear Maldivian constellations.
From $220++ per person.

Battle of the Bartenders

The ultimate activity for those who like their fun in liquid form, Gili Lankanfushi’s Battle of the Bartenders: Destination Drinking experience is an activity not to be missed. With a little healthy competition and more than just a sip of cocktail, guests can sit back, relax and enjoy as the resort’s leading mixologists battle it out, mixing up some of their most delicious cocktails in an attempt to win them over. Guests are presented with a personalised judging card allowing them to critique the two mixologists, or can even opt to go head to head with one of the top bartenders themselves. This is a fun and interactive way for guests to test their bartending and judging skills as they put the team to the test!
From $85++ per person.

Castaway Canapés & Cocktails Sunset Experience

One for the honeymooners (or proposers!), couples or families toasting a special occasion, guests can savour delicious canapés and inventive cocktails as they watch the sun set on the crystal clear Indian Ocean. A one-of-a-kind experience set on Gili Lankanfushi’s floating Castaway platform, this is the ultimate private experience in which to soak in the stunning setting with those one loves the most.
From $75++ per cocktail pitcher.

Gili Lankanfushi’s gastronomic vision, led by Executive Chef Hari Govindaraj, harnesses the bounty of the surrounding waters alongside carefully-sourced seasonal ingredients and produce from the resort’s very own organic garden. Chef Hari has recently introduced a new plant-based menu, with the finest dishes grown from the Gili garden to offer guests a new plant-to-plate option. Three restaurants provide unique culinary experiences while an overwater bar and underground wine cellar offer ample opportunity for refreshments.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives enjoys an unspoiled island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy. The award-winning eco-resort celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2022, following a complete refurbishment of all 45 villas in 2019.

Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,070/$1,440 based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.

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Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

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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.

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Entertainment

Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

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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.

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Excursions

From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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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.

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