Featured
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives brings SEVA Experience for wellness takeover this International Women’s Day

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has partnered with Middle East based wellness centre, SEVA Experience, to bring its leading yoga, meditation and holistic program to the beautiful Maldivian blues from 7-11th March 2023.
SEVA, one of the leading Yoga, Meditation and holistic wellness centres in the Middle East, was founded to encourage deep reflection and acknowledge life’s journey through a range of multifaceted practices. The space provides a sanctuary for the conscious traveller and offers learning opportunities for those who want to restore balance in their daily life.
Located on Huruvalhi Island in the Raa Atoll, The Standard, Maldives’ 360° white sand beaches and crystal-clear lagoon offers the perfect backdrop to facilitate such a journey. The Standard, Maldives has a strong wellness offering of daily yoga and meditation; as such the partnership with SEVA simply elevates this offering.
Hosted by SEVA founder Eda, SEVA Table Head Chef Kiki and The Standard, Maldives resident Yogi Karan, the five-day takeover is overflowing with a range of yoga, meditation and breath-work exercises as well as an abundant menu curated by SEVA Table, the Middle East’s award winning first plant based café. SEVA Table will takeover the Joos café offering sustainable holistic eats for the duration of the partnership.
Highlights include ‘Kundalini In The Dark’, a full moon glow in the dark yoga and meditation class and an International Women’s Day chanting masterclass that celebrates and honours women through connection between the body and feminine power, both hosted by Eda. Guests can also expect a unique cacao ceremony that combines two different cultures and traditions to not only open the heart but also deep cleanse our system at The Standard Maldives Hammam Studio, followed by daily nourishing boosts at the Tonic Bar.
“We have tailored an incredibly unique takeover in one of the most beautiful places in the world……, move, breath, chant, meditate, dance to let go of whatever is not serving you, and manifest a brand new reality.” – Eda, SEVA Founder
SEVA Experience Takeover
March 7
6:00AM Kundalini Culture at The Tonic Bar
Tune into yourself and connect with others through dance, yoga, breath and more.
10:00AM
Aqua Yoga with The Standard Maldives’ Resident Yogi, Karan at the Main Pool
Flow it out and splash it up during a yoga session in the pool.
6:00PM
Sunset Energy Cleanse at the Beach CoveWelcome the night with guided meditation, breathwork, and sound healing.
March 8
6:00AM International Women’s Day Chanting and Kundalini Yoga at The Tonic Bar
International Women’s Day Chanting and Kundalini Yoga at The Tonic Bar: Open the connection between the body and feminine power in this womens-only workshop.
6:00PM: Water Blessing Ceremony at Beach Cove Let go of the past and manifest your future through meditation and water blessing.
March 9
3:00PM: Sensory cooking experience, design to improve health and balance hormones Embark on a sensory workshop into plant-based deliciousness with Kiki and Edi.
6:00PM Full Moon Glow In The Dark Kundalini Yoga and Meditation
Experience the intimate magic of The Standard’s very own private island, Baby Island, with a moon lit Kundalini flow.
March 10
All Day Joos Café Takeover by SEVA Table
Fuel up on holistic and sustainable eats as SEVA Table takes over our Joos Cafe.
3:00PM Sensory cooking experience, design to improve health and balance hormones Embark on a sensory workshop into plant-based deliciousness with Kiki and Edi.
March 11
10:00AM Hammam Cacao Sound Bath at The Standard Spa Hammam Studio
Cleanse your system with an ancient plant medicine and the power of sound.
Costs start at USD 428 per night, exclusive of 10% service charge and 16% GST. Guests can currently receive 35% off using code ‘SEVA’ here. For full details, terms and conditions and booking information, see here.
Featured
Research places Maldives among best winter sun destinations

New research by long-haul travel specialist Travelbag has placed Malé, Maldives, among the top destinations for winter sun seekers this year. With average temperatures of 28°C and around eight hours of sunshine a day during the UK’s winter months of October to January, the capital city offers one of the warmest and most reliable escapes for those looking to leave behind grey skies.
The findings highlight Malé’s appeal not only for its climate but also for its consistently low rainfall during the winter season, averaging just 10 millimetres. While the cost of a beer in Malé is higher than in many of the other destinations listed, at an average of £3.54, the Maldives remains a leading choice for travellers seeking a balance of tropical warmth, clear seas, and relaxation.
The research reflects a broader trend in which holidays are increasingly being recognised as important for mental wellbeing, particularly during winter months. A recent survey found that half of British travellers view holidays as vital for their mental health, with winter escapes offering a chance to recharge and find respite from the seasonal gloom.
Helen Wheat, Destination Manager for Asia at Travelbag, noted that the Maldives continues to stand out for those seeking total relaxation. She explained that the country’s tropical temperatures and soft sandy beaches make it an ideal choice for unwinding, contrasting with city-based winter sun destinations where nightlife and cultural activities often take precedence.
The Maldives’ inclusion among the top ten destinations underscores its enduring reputation as a haven for travellers in search of sun and tranquillity during the colder months in the UK. For those wishing to trade winter blues for blue skies, Malé offers a dependable and inviting option.
Cooking
Sirru Fen Fushi unveils exclusive dining series with Michelin-starred talent

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, a secluded sanctuary in the north of the Maldives, will launch The Michelin Series this October, an exclusive celebration of gastronomy that brings some of the world’s most renowned chefs to the turquoise waters of Shaviyani Atoll. The event will give guests a rare opportunity to enjoy a unique dining experience led by internationally distinguished culinary talents.
The Michelin Series will debut with a line-up featuring Chef Tristan Brandt, Chef Valentino Cassanelli, and Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet. Together with the resort’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma, they will create exclusive four-hand dinners and multi-course signature menus at Azure. Guests will be able to watch the chefs bring their creations to life in the open kitchen, set against the turquoise sea in a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.
This series forms part of the resort’s Sirru Icon Series, a curated programme of high-profile collaborations across gastronomy, fitness, wellness, astronomy and more. Each collaboration is designed to immerse guests in experiences that inspire and engage.
Chef Tristan Brandt will appear on 28 and 30 October 2025. Known for his contemporary French cuisine infused with international influences, Brandt is the culinary mind behind the one Michelin-starred Tambourine Room in Miami Beach. His residency will include both a collaborative four-hands dinner with Chef Girish and a standalone four-course menu showcasing his signature style.
Chef Valentino Cassanelli will follow on 8 and 10 December 2025. Head Chef of the Michelin-starred Lux Lucis at Principe Forte dei Marmi in Italy, Cassanelli is recognised for his modern interpretation of Tuscan cuisine. His residency will feature a four-hands dinner with Chef Girish, offering a journey through Tuscan flavours elevated with creativity.
On 3 January 2026, Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet, Chef Patron at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London, will present his philosophy of seasonal, ingredient-driven haute cuisine. In collaboration with Chef Girish, he will lead a one-night dining experience at Sirru Fen Fushi.
Executive Chef Girish Sharma described the vision behind the series as an effort to create more than just dinners, but experiences that celebrate craftsmanship, culture and connection. He emphasised that working alongside such esteemed chefs would allow the team to design menus that surprise and inspire, leaving lasting memories in one of the world’s most remarkable settings.
Featured
Medhufushi Island Resort marks National Day with Maldivian heritage showcase

Medhufushi Island Resort recently marked Maldives National Day with an immersive celebration of Maldivian heritage, transforming the resort grounds into a living museum that reflected the country’s cultural roots. The event recreated the atmosphere of a traditional island village and offered guests the chance to experience authentic island life through interactive activities, performances, and storytelling.
The resort team constructed a replica village featuring ancestral-style houses and traditional architecture that demonstrated the resourcefulness of early island communities. Guests explored the structures and learned how Maldivians adapted to their environment over generations. The experience was enhanced by a variety of activities, including food stalls that served traditional dishes, demonstrations of local craftsmanship, and opportunities to take part in games once enjoyed by island families. Musical traditions were brought to life with the sounds of Bodu Beru drums, where visitors not only observed but also participated alongside local performers.

Cultural performances formed the highlight of the evening, with local women presenting traditional dances that narrated stories of island life and men delivering energetic Bodu Beru drum sessions. Guest participation was strong, with many joining in the dances and trying their hand at drumming. One visitor remarked that it felt like stepping into another time and described learning Bodu Beru from locals as an unforgettable experience.
Resort Manager Iyaz explained that the event is organised annually to preserve and share Maldivian heritage with visitors, noting his pride in the team for creating such an engaging showcase and expressing gratitude to the guests for their enthusiasm.
The celebration reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural preservation through tourism, ensuring that traditional practices remain visible and valued. By offering authentic experiences, Medhufushi Island Resort connects guests with the history and identity of the Maldives while supporting sustainable tourism.
This annual showcase serves not only as entertainment but also as a bridge between past and present, reinforcing the importance of cultural continuity. Through initiatives such as these, the resort demonstrates how tourism can help protect traditions and foster community pride, enabling visitors to leave with more than memories of beaches and scenery, but with a deeper understanding of the people and heritage of the Maldives.
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