Featured
Le Meridien Maldives appoints Asaf Tasdan as Executive Chef
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has appointed Asaf Tasdan as Executive Chef who will oversee all F&B outlets at the luxury resort, including the newly refurbished Riviera Tapas & Bar.
Chef Tasdan has worked extensively at luxury properties throughout the Middle East including the prestigious The Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel and most recently JW Marriott Doha.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is committed to sustainability, self-sufficiency, and the resort features ‘The Greenhouse’, which is a semi-automated hydroponic system that produces fresh leafy vegetables for resort guests and consumption on neighbouring islands. The 480 m² greenhouse uses a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including an automated irrigation system that captures and recycles rainwater.
Chef Tasdan is passionate about sustainability and is keen to utilise the produce grown on the island for use within his dishes.
He commented: “I am delighted to join the team at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, it is a stunning location and has a fantastic range of dining options for guests. I share their vision of sustainability, it is fantastic on an island setting to be able to access such a wonderful array of produce and I cannot wait to start incorporating these into my dishes.”
Secluded in a southeastern pocket of Atoll Lhaviyani Le Meridien is located on Thilamaafushi, a natural island, and guests can unwind in paradise and enjoy the turquoise waters, unspoilt beaches, a separate private island to explore and lush vegetation.
There is an array of dining options at the resort including Le Meridien’s ‘Culinary Season’ programme, which showcases the best dining experiences from around the globe, Turquoise, Japanese restaurant Tabemasu, Waves Café, Velaa Bar + Grill restaurant, Riviera Tapas & Bar and Latitude.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a canvas inspired by the formation of the Atolls, fringing reefs and marine life. Soon to debut in Lhaviyani Atoll, the resort is located on the island of Thilamaafushi, defined as “island surrounded by vast lagoon” in Dhivehi, the parlance of the Maldives. The resort is an eco-conscious haven abundant with verdant flora and fauna and is enveloped by a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs bursting with marine life. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a playful sanctuary for the curious and creative traveller to discover the European spirit of savouring the good life.
Connect with Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa on Facebook (@lemeridienmaldives) and Instagram (@lemeridienmaldives) and visit www.lemeridien-maldives.com
Action
Eri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.
The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.
Turtle encounters
Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.
The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.
Manta ray season
From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.
Night diving experiences
Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.
At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.
Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.
Featured
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives collaborates with Maldivian artist Ahmed Aleem
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has announced a collaboration with Ahmed Aleem Shakoor, who is currently in residence at the resort, introducing a creative element to the guest experience.
Aleem, a self-taught artist, is known for work that combines maritime themes, surrealism and symbolism. His practice spans watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ history and ocean landscapes, often expressed through the use of light, depth and narrative.
During his residency, Aleem is working with the resort to develop a series of artistic and cultural experiences aimed at engaging guests. These include live painting sessions, informal interactions with the artist and workshops designed to encourage creative participation.
The programme forms part of the resort’s wider activities, with offerings such as mini canvas painting, coconut painting and creative art sessions available to guests. In addition, Tales Painted in Sunlight combines elements of Maldivian folklore, storytelling and visual art, providing further insight into local culture.
The collaboration reflects the resort’s approach to incorporating local artistic talent into its programming, while offering guests opportunities to engage with creative activities in a relaxed setting. The residency is designed to allow guests to explore artistic expression as part of their island experience.
As part of its seasonal programme, selected artistic activities are also included in the resort’s Easter offerings, providing additional opportunities for guests to take part in creative experiences during their stay.
Awards
Amilla Maldives wins ‘Most OutThere Initiative’ award for Inclusive Travel
Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.
The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.
At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.
Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.
As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.
Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.
The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.
-
Family1 week agoJA Manafaru launches Easter programme with family-focused experiences
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Halcyon Private Isles Maldives announces Easter residency by Chef Dimitry Eremeev
-
News1 week agoThe Standard Maldives curates sustainability-focused Earth Hour programme
-
Action6 days agoSix Senses Kanuhura participates in international COASTS Project on blue carbon ecosystems
-
Cooking6 days agoAnantara Veli Maldives continues Michelin guest chef series with female lineup
-
News1 week agoIfuru Island Maldives partners with Toddy to launch lifestyle collection
-
News1 week agoAlila Kothaifaru Maldives expands villa offering with multi-bedroom residences


