Featured
Vela Private Island Maldives reopens
The luxury Velaa private island in the Maldives reopened to guests on September 15 following a summer-long renovation that refreshes the resort, bringing a new look to public spaces, villas and the resort’s extensive leisure facilities.
A series of exciting events will mark the resort’s grand anniversary in December, marking the ninth anniversary of the resort’s opening in one of the world’s most idyllic destinations, the ultimate island in the spectacular Noonu Atoll vacation spot.
From music to health, food to festivals, paradise in the Maldives will welcome guests with unique activities for all ages over the next few months.
In October, structural integration therapist and practitioner Thomas Andersen will visit Velaa to provide professional counseling and therapy to clients. Bringing his unique treatment modality, called Rolfing, he will focus on private sessions addressing integrative scar regeneration efforts and bone rearrangement treatments.
To celebrate Halloween, a group of mysterious fire-breathing dragons will nest on the island, getting ready for a fun-filled family celebration.
Scottish diva KT Tunstall, known for her unique brand of rock, will perform in the breathtaking setting of Athiri Beach in Velaa in an exciting new show on the resort’s shores.
Along with Velaa’s own talented chef Gaushan, some of the world’s top chefs will be visiting this upcoming season to provide an unforgettable “four-hands” dining experience at the resort known for its culinary excellence. Guest chefs include French master Maxime Gilbert, Jordy Navarra from the Philippines and rising Asian star Natsuko Shoji.
The year 2022 will culminate in a dizzying series of festive festivities, as well as the biggest anniversary celebration to date.
In addition to an exciting schedule of events, guests will soon be able to revel in the resort’s new beach bar and yoga and Pilates studios, both of which will open in December.
Wayne Milgate, general manager of Velaa Private Island, said: “We can’t wait to open our doors again for this exciting season. We have curated a diverse range of events to appeal to visitors of all tastes and ages, and continue to welcome those enjoying the Absolutely breathtaking destination for tourists looking for something unique at the same time.”
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi showcases mixology collaboration during Easter programme
Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort hosted a two-day Behind the Bar experience as part of its Easter programme, bringing together contemporary mixology and craft-led guest experiences.
The event featured collaborations with Modernhaus, led by Bar Manager Upay Aldi, and The Cocktail Club, represented by Co-Founder Mirwansyah Bule, both from Indonesia. Over two evenings, guests were invited to engage with the bartenders’ techniques, flavour profiles and creative processes, with Modernhaus recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
The programme included a curated selection of cocktails prepared using ingredients such as cempaka-infused whisky, hibiscus ginger maple, wasabi spirit, jasmine peach, coconut chai milk, salted tamarind, yuzu whey, salted fino sherry, sake gomme, guava vodka, Thai tea liqueur and malic. The offerings reflected a combination of tropical elements and contemporary mixology methods.
The first evening took place at Kata, the resort’s Japanese-fusion restaurant, where the experience was set against sunset views over the lagoon. The second evening was held at Raha Market in a beachside setting, offering a more informal atmosphere while maintaining the focus on crafted cocktails.
The event formed part of Sirru Fen Fushi’s ongoing programming, which centres on curated guest experiences and collaborations with international talent in food and beverage.
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