Featured
Expect unexpected at Finolhu Maldives: ‘Cabin by the sea-turned-carnival’ festive season

With a full programme of activities and feasts to enjoy, Finolhu Baa Atoll invites guests to celebrate a “cabin by the sea-turned-carnival” festive season on the barefoot chic resort that puts a playful twist on luxury.
Festivities Begin
While Finolhu offers its guests a whole host of fun activities and culinary specials throughout the year, the festive season gets underway with a Celebration Cocktail and Festive Tree Lighting party on 21 December. The excitement starts to build on 24 December with a Festive Trivia Game. As the sun sets on Christmas Eve, a Festive Cocktail Party and Kids & Teens Fashion Show take place, followed by a Festive Gala Dinner featuring a special selection of traditional favourites, local specialities and festive treats.
On Christmas Day, guest can enjoy seasonal favourites at the Festive Day Special Lunch. Starting at 5:00 pm., the Santa Arrival Parade features music, food and Santa’s entrance along with his helpers, as they hand out gifts to all the children on the island. This special day ends with the must-not-miss Edible Cinema, where guests are invited to participate in a unique movie experience that includes aroma, texture and taste.
Festive Feast of Culinary Treats
Food plays an important role throughout the seasonal celebrations. Aside from Gala Dinners and special feasts for Christmas, Orthodox Christmas and New Year, Finolhu hosts a variety of culinary nights across the festive season. Each Tuesday, guests are invited to explore the exciting favours of the Middle East and North Africa on Arabian Night. Couples in particular should not miss the Caviar and Oyster Nights, when air-flown caviar is paired with luxurious champagne, carefully selected by the resort’s Sommelier.
For the young ones, too, there are plenty of food-based activities to keep their flavour buds excited and their minds stimulated with opportunities to learn how to make everything from holiday-themed pancakes, muffins and cookies to Italian pizza and even a traditional Maldivian dish.
Big Fun for the Little Ones
While the magic of the holiday season is felt by all, it is an especially delightful time for children. To ensure maximum enchantment and wonder for its young guests, Finolhu has arranged a stimulating variety of fun activities throughout the festive season. Under the fantaSEA theme, the Kid’s Mermaid Experience gives the little ones the chance to enter the fantaSEA world and become a mermaid. Young guests can also join the Treasure Hunt with the resident Marine Biologist, when they will seek out treasures hidden around the island, or take the Pirate Cruise and Treasure Hunt for more fun and adventure. Taking adventure to a new level, the Night Camping and Bonfire activity allows young guests to experience stargazing, participate in games and enjoy delicious snacks under the stars.
Family That Plays Together
Perhaps more than anything, the festive season is a time for family and there are lots of activities designed to keep families playing together at Finolhu. Watch out for the Family Fun Challenges and the chance to enjoy some fun in the sun in friendly competition. The resort lives up to its famous island playground reputation with Family Fun Pool Games and regular Family Beach Volley Competitions.
Friendly Competitions on the Island Playground
It’s not just families and kids who get to play at Finolhu. Everyone has the chance to join in the festive fun and games. From a Festive Triathlon and a High Intensity Workout for the more athletic guests to Fun Olympic Games, Aqua Aerobics, Stand Up Paddling Races, Balance Board Challenges, Kayak Competitions, Mini Golf Contests and even Kite Flying, there really is something to get everyone playing at Finolhu this festive season.
Wellness Retreat for Body, Mind and Soul
For those who like to take things at a slower pace, Finolhu offers a choice of wellness activities. Guests can join the regular Sun Salutations to awaken body, mind and soul, or learn how to cool the body and calm the mind during the Moon Salutations. The Pranayama and Cleansing Meditation sessions offer the chance to release muscle tension, reconnect body and mind, and find inner peace by combining physical poses, controlled breathing and meditation. Yoga enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga sessions as well as Yogalates and Kids Yoga activities.
Carnival Countdown to New Year
The Countdown to the New Year begins with a Bubble Pool Party for the young ones, followed by a New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party for guests of all ages. The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Countdown to 2023 combine great food with spectacular entertainment. As guests tuck into a sumptuous buffet of international delicacies, fresh seafood and festive favourites, world class performers provide the entertainment. While DJ Jorge Montiel keeps the party flowing all night, he is joined by international singer Andre Espeut and French pop band, the Gypsy Queens.
Finolhu is also delighted to welcome world-renowned event entertainers Area 51 as they create a carnival-inspired theme show of international artists performing fire shows, acrobatics, and circus acts that include the Viva Brazil Samba Show, and performer for the stars, Tibor, also known as Lord of Fire. The evening’s performance reaches its climax with a full cast show leading up to the highly anticipated Countdown.
As New Year’s Day dawns, guests are invited to enjoy a Recovery Brunch before joining the New Year Scavenger Hunt.
Inspired to book your festive holiday at Finolhu? Click on www.finolhu.com or email stay@finolhu.mv.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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