Featured
Ritz-Carlton artist partner Louis-Nicolas Darbon unveils painting of iconic Kerry Hill Villas at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

From London to Tokyo and now the Maldives, Artist Partner, Louis-Nicolas Darbon unveils a bespoke painting inspired by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ sustainable architecture and design, adding to the resort’s stunning art collection.
Darbon is a London-based French artist thriving off the visual stimulation he attains while exploring new and familiar locales. Painting the resort’s iconic Kerry Hill designed water villas in his signature vibrant and pop art style, Darbon unveiled his painting to guests at the resort’s Defining Moment whilst a breathtaking Maldivian sunset set the scene for an exquisite evening. Inspired by the natural landscape of the turquoise lagoon and the swirling ocean breezes, Darbon’s painting captured the clean sweeping curves and lines of the water villa architecture where the water, landscape and breeze flow around and between the spaces and where each villa looks out to an unending view of the horizon.
Speaking about how the resort’s architecture and sustainable design inspired his painting, Darbon commented, “Architecture has always been a big inspiration for my art and the first time I saw the Kerry Hill designed water villas at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands I knew that this was a place that I just had to visit. It was an honour to have the opportunity to paint my own interpretation of this stunning design and to be able to spend some time immersing myself in the resort and its beautiful surroundings. This is a place where you truly feel at one with nature and it’s impressive to see the steps that have been taken to ensure the resort has a low impact on the environment. From the pioneering pre-fabricated design methods used to reduce impact on the fragile reef ecosystem to the extensive use of solar energy and sophisticated glazing to avoid unnecessary air-conditioning use, The Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to building and running a sustainable island ensures the resort really respects its surroundings.”
Having exhibited his work all over the world where his signature pieces have found residency in luxury homes of private collectors and international galleries, Darbon’s piece for The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will find its forever home at the luxurious oceanfront Ritz-Carlton Estate – a 16, 000sqft villa with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, accommodation for up to six adults, exquisite spa treatment rooms for in-villa treatments, a fully equipped kitchen, a host of state-of-the-art entertainment systems and more.
Throughout the year, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will host an exhilarating line-up of bespoke guest experiences through personalised encounters with masters of crafts and craftsmanship that create deeply meaningful and memorable experiences. Embark on curated culinary journeys with Michelin-starred Chefs and artisanal gastronomic mavens, partake in exhilarating Behind the Bar experiences with award-winning bartenders from around the world, discover the essence of balance at The Ritz-Carlton Spa through wellness retreats and enrich each stay with impactful conservation programmes.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservation enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives wins Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort at Golden Travel Awards 2025

Ifuru Island Maldives has been officially named Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort Maldives 2025 by the prestigious Golden Travel Award, recognising the resort’s exceptional guest experience and innovative all-inclusive offering. The resort distinguished itself through its commitment to redefining the premium all-inclusive concept with a bold combination of curated adventures, gourmet dining, and a true sense of luxury.
Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it celebrates the dedication and passion the team invests in creating unforgettable moments for every guest. He emphasised that the resort’s experience is designed to offer guests the freedom to relax, explore, and feel truly at home, all within the comforts of a premium all-inclusive package.
Ifuru Island Maldives has quickly established a strong reputation with its thoughtfully crafted ‘Exclusively Yours’ Premium All-Inclusive package. With a fresh approach to luxury and authenticity, the resort continues to resonate with modern travellers who seek both comfort and meaningful connections.
This acknowledgment from the Golden Travel Award further solidifies Ifuru Island’s growing reputation as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive and experience-driven destinations.
Featured
Float & Flow Yoga debuts at Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives now offers guests a unique wellness activity: Float & Flow Yoga. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings of crystal-clear waters, this innovative session blends balance, movement, and mindfulness on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), fostering a joyful connection with nature.
Designed to accommodate both experienced yogis and beginners, Float & Flow Yoga provides a 60-minute session on the resort’s SUP Yoga Dock. This specially designed floating platform, shaped like a flower, features eight “petals,” each securing a SUP board around a central space designated for the instructor. Participants are guided through gentle yoga sequences that emphasise balance, breath, and flow.
Courtney Chambers, the resident Yoga Instructor at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, describes the activity as a joyful and liberating experience. She notes that SUP yoga encourages participants to embrace the playful side of the practice while reconnecting with nature.
Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:00 am, with a maximum of eight participants per session to maintain an intimate and supportive atmosphere. A minimum of three guests is required for each session. The class fee is priced at US$45 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charges.
Additionally, a professional drone photo and video package is available for US$25 per person, providing guests with a memorable keepsake of their experience.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable swimwear or yoga attire and to arrive 10 minutes early at the Perfect Wave Surf Shop for a pre-session briefing.
Whether the goal is mindfulness, gentle movement, or simply a splash of fun, Float & Flow Yoga at Kandooma offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with both self and sea.
Featured
Five-course Indian fine dining by Atrangi to feature at Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s June pop-up

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced an exclusive culinary pop-up in collaboration with Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, the renowned Indian restaurant located at Jumeirah Al Qasr in Dubai. Scheduled from 7 to 12 June 2025, this special event will feature Atrangi’s Head Chef, Aniket Chatterjee, who will partner with the resort’s culinary team to present a refined five-course dining experience. This unique collaboration aims to reinterpret regional Indian dishes through a contemporary perspective.
Atrangi, inspired by the vision of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ritu Dalmia, is celebrated for its bold and eclectic approach to Indian cuisine. Ritu Dalmia, a self-taught chef, began her culinary journey by launching Delhi’s first standalone Italian restaurant at just twenty-two. Over the years, she has established a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants across India and Europe, earning her widespread recognition in the culinary world. Representing her creative vision in the Maldives, Chef Aniket Chatterjee brings a modern sensibility and a profound respect for Indian culinary traditions, promising a dining experience that is both sophisticated and soulful.
For this special occasion, Chef Aniket has curated a bespoke menu that masterfully blends traditional Indian techniques with global influences. Guests will be treated to intimate oceanfront dinners and relaxed beach grills under the stars, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus available.
The dining journey will commence with a playful twist on the nostalgic chilli cheese toast, followed by pickled doodhi and smoked dahi. Main course offerings include Malvani chicken tikka with confit garlic, or for vegetarians, paneer peeli mirch tikka accompanied by spring onion curry. A whipped butter board will serve as a palate cleanser before guests savour dishes such as kappa meen curry or satu pulao with dalma, parwal, and burnt tomato chutney, celebrating the rich diversity of Indian flavours. The meal will conclude with an indulgent Indian sweet, followed by mignardise featuring pistachio soan papdi and a mini jalebi with rabri.
Chef Ritu Dalmia expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “The Maldives has always been a special country for me, having visited several times. It is a thrill to bring Atrangi to Jumeirah Olhahali Island, where we can showcase community-inspired dishes while celebrating the best produce the Maldives has to offer.”
The beach grill dinner at Shimmers Beach on 10 June will be priced at USD 225 plus taxes per person. On other evenings, the five-course set menu will be served at a designated ocean-view location for USD 195 plus taxes per person.
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