Featured
Family glamour or crimson couples: Celebrate sparkling festive season in Maldives with Centara

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is inviting couples and families to end the year in paradise with a joyous festive vacation at a choice of award-winning resorts in the Maldives. With two world-class island retreats, glittering dinners, immersive activities, sparkling parties and much more, every guest can enjoy a heavenly holiday season with Centara!

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a breath-taking five-star retreat in the South Ari Atoll that is perfectly suited to families. With spacious accommodation including Family Overwater Villas with bunk beds and PlayStations, plus tennis, volleyball, water sports, snorkelling and diving, six restaurants, bars and lounges, a Spa Cenvaree and more, all surrounded by pure white sands and turquoise lagoons, this is the perfect destination for multi-generational festive vacations.
This holiday season, all ages are invited to a season of “Ritz & Glitz” with a wealth of exciting experiences. Starting with the “Christmas Tree Lighting” on 22nd December, which will be marked with carol singing and canapés, the festive calendar of activities will run all the way through until the first Friday of 2023, on 6th January.
Highlights include the “Classical Christmas Gala Dinner” with live music and carols on 24th December, “A Treasured Christmas Morning” with a visit from Santa, and a traditional “Christmas Lunch” at Reef Restaurant (25th December), “Light Up the Night”, a funk-house DJ party at Coral Bar on Boxing Day (26th December) and “Bedazzled Summer Beach Party” on 29th December. Then on the last night of the year, guests can dress up for a glamorous Great Gatsby-themed “Ritzy-Glitzy Affair Gala Dinner,” with electrifying performances to end 2022 in style – including a line-up of internationally-renowned Thai musicians!
Families can come together and kickstart 2023 with a “Rise & Shine” New Year’s Day breakfast and “Gastronomical Holiday Lunch” on 1st January, plus beach games and Pilates. To ensure that the resort caters for all guests, an “Orthodox Christmas Buffet” will be staged on 6th January, and revellers can get their groove on with a “First Friday of 2023” beach party. Throughout the season, Camp Safari will host a daily line-up of exciting activities, from Christmas craft sessions to meetings with Santa, kids’ discos and even special dinners!

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, the exclusive adults-only island sanctuary in the North Malé Atoll, is inviting couples and friends to its “Crimson Tales” celebrations this December. This serene retreat houses a collection of beautiful beachfront and overwater villas, seven restaurants and bars, a Spa Cenvaree, water sports, diving and much more. For 10 fabulous days, the resort will raise the tempo with a full calendar of experiences, ranging from “Tai Chi”, “Yogalates” and “Tranquility & Meditation” sessions during the day to exhilarating after-dark events, including “Cuban Duo Beats” every evening!
The festivities commence on 22nd December with the “Christmas Tree Lighting” at Waves Beach and “Santa’s Arrival” on 24th December. The “Christmas Eve Gala Dinner” will feature a full range of traditional fare and “East meets West” flavours at Waves Beach. The week between Christmas and New Year will be marked with a series of spectacular culinary occasions, including “Masterchef Culinary Secrets” on 26th December and a “Seafood BBQ” on 27th December. Then, as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean for the last time this year, couples can ring in 2023 at the “New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner” – a sensational celebration of international cuisine, cultural dances, traditional bodu beru drums and Cuban beats!
For a truly unforgettable vacation, travellers at both resorts can also go parasailing or diving in a Santa hat – a unique photo opportunity that will create memories that last a lifetime. The therapists at Spa Cenvaree will also be giving guests a holiday glow with a choice of revitalising therapies that embrace the shimmer and sparkle of the season.
Whether you’re seeking an inspiring island escape with your loved one or a fun-filled vacation with friends and family, the “Winter Getaway” package will make your festive season even more magical. Enjoy up to 35% discounts at either of Centara’s world-class resorts in the Maldives, plus a bottle of wine and fruit basket upon arrival, and 20% off spa treatments. Guests booking a pool villa for four nights or longer will also be treated to a floating or in-villa breakfast and late 4pm check-out (subject to availability). Book between 15th November and 15th December 2022 and receive triple Centara The1 points! Not a member yet? Click here to join for free!
Rates start from USD 350++ per night at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives and USD 300++ per night at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.
For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts and to book your “Winter Getaway” in the Maldives, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/winter-getaway.
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.
-
Featured1 week ago
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening
-
Awards1 week ago
Summer Island Maldives wins TUI Global Hotel Awards Quality 2025
-
News7 days ago
Cricket icon Rohit Sharma enjoy family vacation at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
-
News1 week ago
Noku Maldives invites guests to spellbinding Earth Hour 2025 celebration
-
Family1 week ago
Celebrate Easter with ‘Blooming Bunny Bash’ at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
-
Awards1 week ago
Amilla Maldives recognised for inclusive travel at 2025 Experientialist Awards
-
News6 days ago
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers rich culture, vibrant traditions this Eid-al-Fitr
-
News7 days ago
Celebration of relaxation, creativity, togetherness this Eid al-Fitr at SO/ Maldives