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
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
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