Featured
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives presents dream island escape for festive season
For those looking to embrace the holidays in a picturesque paradise, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands offers an ideal getaway nestled along white beach cove and set above azure waters in the North Malé Atoll. Located in the coveted Fari Islands, the Indian Ocean retreat is gifting guests with the perfect luxury experience for all the senses this festive season, from a gourmet trail through the holidays, luxurious villa living for both couples and families, to seasonal activities to suit every travel tribe such as diving, tennis, fly yoga, or celestial spa indulgence with Bamford.
For epicures, a journey of gourmet treats will include culinary offerings across the destination’s picturesque dining venues at the helm of Executive Chef Glen Cooper. On December 22, guests can sip on Sangu Sundowners for the lighting of the festive tree in the sleek setting of the Eau Bar. Celebratory gastronomy will mark the holiday season and will feature a decadent series of dining experiences, from lobster feasts under the stars, champagne and whisky dinners at the Tasting Room, Teppanyaki & Sake dinners at the IWAU Japanese restaurant, and a secluded dining experience on a nearby sandbank surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
For travelers looking to reset and recharge, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, features a holistic menu of treatments and speciality wellness offerings from Bamford. Guests can indulge during various workshops such as the power of crystal healing, facial Gua Sha and restorative massage techniques to realign this holiday season. While in the Mystique Garden, sunrise yoga can be practiced at the foot of the resort’s 98-foot-tall banyan tree or guests can participate in aerial yoga.
Immersing in nature is essential at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, and with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment programme, the resort’s marine naturalists will host an array of activities with the preservation of the planet at its core. From diving the reefs and seeing marine life surrounding the resort, activities are available for all levels and include night snorkelling and the unique opportunity to be part of a regional-first conservation technology project to monitor ocean plastics in the Maldives using drones.
For junior guests, Santa Claus will arrive in a festive surprise to greet families on Christmas Day, followed by a magical parade through the Mystique Garden. Daily festive workshops will include gingerbread house decorating, dream catcher making, and lively treasure hunts. Leaving his legacy for the holidays, Santa’s Workshop will keep children aged four to twelve entertained at the Indian Ocean’s first Ritz Kids as kids will love this futuristic indoor-outdoor space including playgrounds, napping pods, an area for video games and movies, and a pool with jets and slides.
The Embrace the Festive Season package starts from $5,100 USD + tax per night, valid from the 18th December 2022 – 9th January 2023 and includes:
- Luxury accommodation in a Villa category of choice for a minimum of seven nights
- Welcome amenities
- Daily breakfast at La Locanda
- 24-hour island butler service
- Festive Dining:
- Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24, 2022
- Christmas Day Brunch on December 25, 2022
- New Year’s Eve Dinner on December 31, 2022
- Orthodox Christmas Eve Dinner on January 6, 2023
- Festive season activities
- A selection of non-motorized water sports experiences including: SUP, Kayak, Windsurfing and Catamaran
- Return transfer by luxury speedboat
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations enquiries, please visitritzcarlton.com/Maldives
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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