Featured
Time of togetherness: Embracing Ramadan in Maldives
As the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar approaches, Muslims worldwide prepare for the sacred period of Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and community connection. In the Maldives, a nation of more than 1,000 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, Ramadan is a unique celebration that brings families and communities together. Amidst a setting of crystal-clear waters and idyllic white-sand beaches, Maldivians honour their faith and embrace the spirit of togetherness during this special time.
The Maldives is a 100% Islamic nation. During Ramadan, Muslims in the Maldives and around the world fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from consuming food and water during daylight hours. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called Iftar, traditionally starting with dates and water, followed by a diverse array of delicious dishes.
Traditionally, Iftar has been a family affair in the Maldives, with households coming together to prepare, cook, and enjoy the meal. It’s a time to reconnect and bond with loved ones, with the focus on sharing, gratitude, and humility. As Maldivians have embraced modernity, this family-oriented Iftar has evolved into a broader social gathering that sees extended families, friends, and neighbours coming together to share in the festive atmosphere.
In the capital city of Malé, you can find a unique blend of tradition and modernity during Ramadan. The bustling streets get even busier, as families gather in homes, communal spaces, or local restaurants. Restaurants and cafes offer special Iftar menus and buffets, catering to families and friends seeking to share their meal. In recent years, the Iftar scene in Malé has become more cosmopolitan, with international and fusion dishes being introduced to the mix.
As you venture beyond the capital, the spirit of togetherness remains strong on the inhabited islands. These communities, with their slower pace of life and deep-rooted traditions, offer an authentic glimpse into the Maldivian way of life. During Ramadan, islanders come together to share Iftar at local mosques, community centres, or simply by hosting friends and neighbours in their homes.
Ramadan in the Maldives is not just limited to the capital and inhabited islands. The nation’s luxury resort islands, renowned for their stunning beauty and world-class hospitality, also embrace the spirit of Ramadan. Though catering primarily to international guests, these resorts offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the local traditions of Ramadan, including Iftar.
Many resorts organise special Iftar events, where guests can break their fast with a variety of Maldivian and international dishes, set amidst a serene and picturesque backdrop. To further enhance the experience, some resorts offer educational sessions on the history and customs of Ramadan, providing guests with a deeper understanding of the holy month and its significance.
One key element of the Maldivian Ramadan experience that should not be missed is the Taraweeh prayer, which takes place after the Isha prayer each night. Both in the capital and on the inhabited islands, mosques fill with worshippers seeking spiritual solace and connection. Visitors to the Maldives are encouraged to witness this beautiful display of devotion and unity, as it serves as a testament to the strong sense of community that defines the Maldivian people.
In the Maldives, the enchanting archipelago renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white-sand beaches, the sacred month of Ramadan takes on a unique and captivating charm. As devout Muslims across the nation partake in a month-long fast, the Maldivian culture comes alive with a deep sense of togetherness and spiritual rejuvenation. During this time, the true essence of Maldivian hospitality and warmth can be experienced in its purest form, as families, friends, and communities come together to break their fast.
The Maldivian Ramadan experience varies across the nation, with bustling Iftar gatherings in the capital city of Malé, to the tranquil and intimate family meals in smaller inhabited islands, and the luxury resorts offering their guests a taste of local traditions. Each corner of this breathtaking island paradise presents an opportunity to embrace the spirit of Ramadan and immerse oneself in the customs that define the Maldivian people. From the mouthwatering array of traditional cuisine to the serene Taraweeh prayers in local mosques, a journey through the Maldives during Ramadan is sure to leave visitors with an indelible memory of the nation’s rich culture and enduring devotion to their faith.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will welcome Indian chef and restaurateur Atul Kochhar for a culinary residency from 7 to 9 November 2026, coinciding with Diwali.
Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, will bring the culinary approach of his London restaurant, Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, to Helios. The residency will present his contemporary interpretation of India’s regional cuisines, drawing on the traditions and influences that have shaped his cooking.
Rooted in Kochhar’s connection to India, the menu will combine regional flavours with contemporary techniques and carefully selected ingredients. It will reflect his approach to developing Indian cuisine while retaining its cultural foundations.
With more than 30 years in the industry, Kochhar has built an international reputation for his contribution to Indian dining. He received his first Michelin star in 2001, followed by another in 2007. His culinary philosophy brings together India’s regional diversity, traditional cooking practices and contemporary methods.
At Patina Maldives, this philosophy will be interpreted through the resort’s Indian Ocean setting and the multicultural character of the Fari Islands. The residency will give Kochhar an opportunity to adapt his culinary identity to the island and the Diwali celebrations, creating an experience shaped by the occasion and its surroundings.
Kochhar leads the Atul Kochhar Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes Kanishka in Mayfair, Vaasu and Sindhu in Marlow, Riwaz in Beaconsfield, Masalchi in Wembley Park, Indian Essence in Petts Wood and Essence in Tunbridge Wells.
The residency forms part of Patina Maldives’ culinary programme, which connects guests with different cultures, perspectives and creative disciplines. Through Kochhar’s cooking, guests will have an opportunity to explore India’s regional food traditions and celebrate Diwali through shared dining experiences.
Baros Maldives will welcome guests for its festive season from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, with a programme centred on the island’s natural surroundings, Maldivian heritage and a series of culinary, marine and cultural experiences.
The programme will combine Christmas and New Year traditions with activities inspired by island life, including ocean excursions, local cultural experiences, festive dining and wellbeing sessions.
The season will begin with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, followed by a series of activities introducing guests to festive traditions and Maldivian culture. These will include a Christmas cookie workshop, an Ocean, Coconut & Spice cooking class, a Maldivian Heritage Evening and an Island Christmas Market.
Marine experiences will remain a central part of the festive programme. Guests will be able to join a Sunrise Nooma sailing experience, take part in fishing trips at sunrise or twilight, explore the house reef with the resort’s marine team or join a dolphin-watching cruise.
Private yacht excursions, visits to local islands and trips to Malé will also be available for guests wishing to explore beyond the resort.
Baros Maldives will also offer a series of culinary experiences throughout the festive period. These will include a Sake Pairing Dinner, a Great Gatsby-themed five-course dinner and a Champagne Dinner inspired by the Seven Seas.
Other dining experiences will include a Butcher’s Block buffet, an Omakase tasting lunch and a Master Chef Tuna Carving Show & Tasting. Guests will also be able to take part in wine discovery experiences, cocktail-making sessions and an Island Crafted Cocktails programme.
On Christmas Eve, guests will gather at The Lighthouse for a cocktail reception before continuing to Lime for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.
Christmas Day will feature breakfast, festive activities and time for guests to enjoy the beach, lagoon and other island experiences with family and friends.
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a Gala Dinner, live entertainment and the countdown to 2027.
New Year’s Day will start with a celebratory brunch, followed by a selection of wellbeing and dining experiences. These will include a beachfront degustation dinner accompanied by live violin and saxophone performances.
Younger guests will also have a dedicated programme of festive activities, including mocktail-making, Christmas cookie workshops and island-based activities designed for families and children.
Throughout the season, Baros Maldives will host live music, marine presentations, yoga and meditation sessions alongside its wider programme of dining, recreation and ocean experiences.
The festive programme is intended to reflect the character of Baros Maldives by combining Christmas and New Year celebrations with the island’s marine environment, culinary offering and Maldivian culture.
From 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, Niva Kuramathi will mark the festive season with “A Tropical Festive Season”, a programme of dining, entertainment, outdoor activities and family experiences shaped around the island setting.
The programme will make use of Kuramathi’s natural surroundings, including its house reef and sandbank, alongside its 12 restaurants and seven bars.
The festivities will begin on the evening of 21 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the sandbank. Guests will be welcomed with drinks and live music at sunset, followed later in the evening by a traditional Bodu Beru performance.
On 28 and 29 December, the resort will host a traditional Maldivian Market, featuring Bodu Beru drumming, a folklore parade and locally made artisanal crafts.
Christmas Eve festivities
Christmas Eve celebrations will begin on the sandbank at sunset, with welcome drinks and Christmas carols. Santa Claus and his elves will also make an appearance before guests gather for a gala buffet dinner.
The evening will conclude with an outdoor screening of a classic Christmas film under the stars.
Countdown to 2027
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin at sunset with cocktails on the sandbank.
A gala dinner will then be served across Farivalhu, Malaafaiy and Haruge restaurants before the countdown to 2027. Fireworks will mark the arrival of the New Year, while live music and DJ performances will continue at Fung Bar and Sand Bar.
Festive activities
Throughout the festive period, Niva Kuramathi will offer a programme of recreational, culinary and entertainment activities.
Guests will be able to take part in moonlit yoga sessions on the sandbank, sand sculpting, Sip & Paint evenings for couples and fire dance performances.
Sporting activities will include beach volleyball, a football match between the Niva Kuramathi team and guests, as well as kayak, pedal boat and stand-up paddleboard races.
The entertainment programme will also include wine tastings, karaoke, music trivia, live music and DJ evenings.
Cooking classes will be held at Kobe, where guests will be able to take part in sessions centred around the restaurant’s open kitchen experience.
The festive programme is designed to allow guests to participate in scheduled activities while also having the option to spend time at leisure.
The season will conclude on 1 January 2027 with a late-morning brunch and the first house reef dive of the year.
Festive programme for children
Bageecha Kids Club will host a separate festive programme for younger guests, combining recreation, creative activities and environmental learning.
Activities will include treasure hunts, splash pad games, cookie-making, arts and crafts, eco workshops, nature exploration, holiday films, karaoke, bracelet-making and gardening in the resort’s hydroponic garden.
Children will also be able to take part in scavenger hunts, mini-Olympic games, yoga and disco dancing, as well as shared lunches and dinners with other young guests.
On Christmas Eve, the programme will begin with a family photograph session, followed by gingerbread house decorating, writing letters to Santa, a palm-leaf handicraft workshop and outdoor games.
Christmas morning will feature a pyjama party with musical games and pool activities. Later in the day, families will gather at Athiri Deck to welcome Santa Claus, who will distribute gifts to children.
New Year’s Eve activities for younger guests will take place during the afternoon, with music and games around the pool followed by a children’s disco as part of the resort’s final celebrations of 2026.
-
Awards1 week agoCentara Grand Lagoon named Best Emerging Resort, Mirage Lagoon Best Family Resort at TTM Awards
-
Food1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu Maldives introduces first Thanksgiving celebration
-
News1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi brings music, Michelin-starred sining and wellness to festive season
-
Awards1 week agoROBINSON NOONU wins Best Fun & Friendly Resort title for second time
-
News1 week agoKandooma Maldives reveals new brand identity ahead of 1 October debut
-
News1 week agoGullivAir announces direct Maldives–Bulgaria service for winter 2026/27
-
News1 week agoEri Maldives to celebrate first festive season with ‘La Dolce Vita’
-
News1 week agoFushifaru Maldives unveils Coachella-inspired festive celebrations