Featured
Velaa Private Island launches well-being restaurant
Called Faiy, the highest-quality ingredients takes this well-inspired restaurant to the next level.
Launching this month, Faiy is the brand-new restaurant at Velaa Private Island in the Maldives, serving elevated wellness-focused cuisine within the island’s lush tropical gardens. Dishes are healthy, light and colourful, offering clean, unprocessed and whole foods that are as close to their natural states as possible, such as Marinated Avocado with Maldivian Yellow Fin Tuna and Beetroot Tartar and Fresh Water Prawns with Green Mango, Thai Basil and Pink Grapefruit.
Meaning ‘leaf’ in local Dhivehi, the new restaurant is part of a wider vision to expand the island’s wellness offering in 2023, including the opening of Velaa Serenity Pavilion, incorporating an indoor studio and elevated deck where guests can enjoy yoga, meditation and Pilates in tranquil surrounds.
Velaa is one of the world’s most exclusive island destinations, prioritising luxury and privacy with a collection of 47 beautifully designed villas and residences. Faiy joins the existing collection of bars and restaurants, which includes Aragu, where classic European flavours are given a contemporary Asian twist; teppanyaki restaurant Tavaru, home to the Maldives’ most extensive wine collection; and a new Beach Bar serving innovative cocktails and light bites on the shoreline.
Action
Avani+ Fares Maldives offers young guests football training with Martin Kelly
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort will host an Exclusive Kids’ Football Camp featuring former Liverpool FC defender Martin Kelly from 15 to 18 November 2026, offering young football enthusiasts an opportunity to train with a former Premier League player.
The four-day programme is open to children aged five to 13 of all skill levels and will combine professional football coaching with recreational activities at the resort in Baa Atoll.
The event follows three football camps previously hosted by Avani+ Fares Maldives with former England and Liverpool FC striker Michael Owen, as the resort continues to develop sporting experiences for younger guests.
The upcoming camp will feature daily afternoon training sessions led by Kelly, alongside a welcome meet-and-greet, beach games, pool parties, FIFA tournaments and other recreational activities.
Each participant will receive an official football camp kit comprising two customised jerseys, shorts and socks. The programme will conclude with a closing ceremony, during which participants will receive medals and certificates.
“A football camp is about so much more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about helping young players enjoy the game, believe in themselves and learn how much they can achieve as part of a team,” Kelly said.
“I’m looking forward to sharing some of what I’ve learnt throughout my career and, most importantly, having fun with the kids in such an incredible setting.”
Kelly, a graduate of Liverpool FC’s academy, made 62 senior appearances for the club and was part of the squad that won the League Cup in 2012. He later continued his Premier League career with Crystal Palace, where he spent several seasons.
The football camp comes in a year when Avani+ Fares Maldives was recognised as Best Family Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort offers a range of accommodation options for families, including Overwater Villas, Two-Bedroom Ocean View Pavilions and Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas.
In addition to the football camp, guests can participate in activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset fishing, watersports and beach recreation. The resort also offers activities for younger guests at AvaniKids, while wellness treatments are available at AvaniSpa.
The Exclusive Kids’ Football Camp will take place from 15 to 18 November 2026, with a participation fee of USD 399 per child.
A five-night accommodation package starts from USD 3,784 per room for two adults and one child staying in a Premium Ocean View Room.
The package includes accommodation, half-board dining, football camp participation for one child, seaplane transfers, and applicable taxes and service charges.
Entertainment
QUEENZ OF PIANO to perform at Reethi Faru Resort this festive season
Reethi Faru Resort has announced that internationally recognised piano duo QUEENZ OF PIANO will perform at the resort as part of its Christmas and New Year celebrations for the 2026/27 festive season.
The duo will present three live performances on 29 December 2026, 31 December 2026 (New Year’s Eve) and 2 January 2027, offering guests a series of musical experiences during the holiday period.
QUEENZ OF PIANO are known for combining classical music with contemporary pop, performing arrangements that bring together compositions from different musical periods and genres.
Their performances reinterpret well-known classical pieces and modern hits, incorporating elements of both musical styles to appeal to audiences of different ages and musical preferences.
The duo’s approach focuses on showcasing the versatility of the piano through arrangements that blend traditional classical techniques with contemporary musical influences.
The performances will form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s festive entertainment programme, providing live musical experiences for guests celebrating Christmas and New Year in the Maldives.
The three scheduled performances will take place during the resort’s year-end celebrations, including a special appearance on New Year’s Eve.
Featured
Kandooma Maldives unveils ‘Pirates’ Festive Adventure’ for Christmas and New Year
Kandooma Maldives has announced its Christmas and New Year programme, titled Pirates’ Festive Adventure, featuring festive dining, family activities, marine excursions, live entertainment and wellness experiences.
The programme will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, offering a range of activities and celebrations for guests staying at the resort in South Malé Atoll.
The festive programme forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ experience-led all-inclusive offering, which combines dining, recreational activities and marine experiences.
The resort provides round-the-clock dining at Kandooma Café, with meals and snacks available to accommodate international arrival and departure schedules. Eligible certified divers staying for four nights or longer can also participate in daily diving activities as part of the all-inclusive offering.
For families, Kandoo Kids’ Club will organise a series of themed activities throughout the festive period. These will include pirate-themed crafts, treasure-inspired games, creative challenges, festive card-making, gingerbread making and Christmas celebrations.
Younger guests will also have opportunities to participate in Christmas cookie decorating and other seasonal activities, while Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance as part of the festivities.
Marine excursions and watersports will feature throughout the programme, with activities including shark snorkelling, shipwreck safaris, turtle-point snorkelling, sunset cruises and night fishing.
Guests will also have opportunities to participate in surfing lessons, guided Jet Ski tours and other watersports activities around the island.
Festive dining will form a central part of the celebrations, with the resort organising a Maldivian-themed buffet dinner accompanied by traditional Bodu Beru drumming and a fire dance performance.
Other dining experiences will include a multi-course Christmas Eve gala dinner, Christmas dining events and special New Year celebrations. The menus will feature a combination of Maldivian cuisine, international dishes and traditional festive offerings.
For guests seeking wellness experiences, Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala will offer a range of treatments, including couples’ spa experiences, a three-day wellness programme and recovery treatments designed for surfers.
The festive programme will continue into January with additional activities at Kandoo Kids’ Club, marine excursions and recreational experiences.
The celebrations will conclude on 7 January 2027 with Orthodox Christmas activities for guests observing the occasion.
Andrew Drummond, General Manager of Kandooma Maldives, said the programme was designed to bring together different aspects of the resort’s guest experience during the festive season.
“Festive holidays are about spending meaningful time together, discovering something new and creating memories that last long after the journey home,” he said.
“Our programme brings together the experiences that make an island holiday special, whether that means an ocean adventure, a celebration around the table, time to relax or a little festive magic for the family.”
Located on a private island in South Malé Atoll, Kandooma Maldives offers accommodation, dining, marine activities and recreational facilities for families, couples and groups of friends.
Guests are advised to review the festive programme for activity schedules, package inclusions and advance-booking requirements. Additional charges apply to selected excursions, watersports and spa treatments.
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