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Maldivian taste arrives in Bamberg, Germany

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Bamberg, a picturesque town in Germany, has recently become home to a new and exciting culinary experience. Annexx, a restaurant that specializes in Maldivian and international cuisine, has captured the attention of locals and tourists alike. We had the opportunity to talk with AJ Moosa, the proprietor of Annexx, to discuss his vision and the unique flavors he brings to the table.

AJ, a seasoned restaurateur with over a decade of experience in Bamberg, is no stranger to the city’s gastronomic scene. However, his latest venture is a departure from the traditional German fare that dominates the culinary landscape. AJ, who hails from the Maldives, noticed the immense popularity of his home country among German tourists but realized that not everyone could travel there to experience its vibrant flavors firsthand.

Driven by a desire to bridge this gap and share a taste of the Maldives with the local community, AJ opened Annexx. The restaurant has quickly gained popularity, attracting both Maldivian food enthusiasts and curious diners seeking something new and exotic. AJ’s ultimate goal is to recreate the authentic flavors of the Maldives and transport his guests to the idyllic islands through their taste buds.

During our conversation, AJ highlighted the overwhelming demand for Maldivian food at Annexx. One particular dish, a curry served with fragrant rice, has become a favorite among patrons. The curry, prepared using AJ’s mother’s cherished recipe, exudes aromatic spices and rich flavors that epitomize the essence of Maldivian cuisine. The dish’s popularity serves as a testament to AJ’s dedication to authenticity and his commitment to bringing the true taste of the Maldives to Bamberg.

AJ’s culinary journey began in the Maldives, where he started as a waiter in luxury resorts. Immersed in the world of fine dining, he developed a deep appreciation for the art of gastronomy. AJ’s passion for the industry led him to broaden his horizons, and he soon found himself managing restaurants in Hong Kong. However, it was his wife’s German heritage that ultimately brought him to Bamberg.

To hone his skills and expand his knowledge, AJ pursued a degree at the prestigious Swiss Hotel School, Glion Institute of Higher Education. Armed with a solid foundation in hospitality and a profound understanding of international cuisines, he was ready to embark on his culinary endeavors in Germany. His experience managing restaurants in Bamberg for over a decade provided him with valuable insights into the local dining scene and allowed him to establish a loyal customer base.

With Annexx, AJ has managed to create a unique and enchanting dining experience in Bamberg. By offering a glimpse into the vibrant culinary traditions of the Maldives, he has not only satisfied the cravings of Maldivian food enthusiasts but also introduced locals and tourists to an entirely new world of flavors. The success of Annexx stands as a testament to AJ’s passion, dedication, and his ability to bring a slice of paradise to the heart of Germany.

Photos courtesy Annex and Adelheid Wagner

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Westin Maldives Miriandhoo introduces Family Fun Summer package

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has introduced its Family Fun Summer offer, aimed at families seeking longer island stays built around shared activities and rest. The offer is available for booking from 15 April to 15 June 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights for travel through to 20 December 2026.

Located within Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is positioning the offer around family wellness, marine experiences and time spent together in a natural island setting. Seasonal snorkelling with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay remains one of the area’s key attractions, while the resort’s collection of beach and overwater villas is designed to accommodate families looking for space and flexibility during their stay.

For larger families and groups, the resort also offers the two-bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence, which includes a living room, kitchen and dining area intended to support longer and more relaxed island stays.

The resort says the guest experience can be shaped around both activity and downtime, supported by Westin’s Sleep Well concept and Heavenly Bed. Children have access to the Westin Family Kids Club, which includes a children’s pool and pirate ship, while parents can make use of Heavenly Spa by Westin.

Away from the villa, the resort is also promoting shared family experiences through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy activities focused on the culture and environment of Baa Atoll. These include traditional lacquer craft workshops, visits to local islands and guided marine activities in surrounding waters.

The Family Fun Summer package includes three meals per day, with children under 12 dining free of charge. It also includes a one-time dolphin cruise for two adults and two children, a 30-minute photography session with one printed photo, and a USD 150 resort credit.

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Reethi Faru Resort recognised in four categories at 2026 Haute Grandeur Awards

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Reethi Faru Resort has been recognised at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, receiving honours in four categories: Best Beach Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Pool Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Eco-Friendly Resort in Maldives, and Best Sustainable Hotel in Maldives.

The awards recognise performance across villa accommodation and environmentally focused hospitality, reflecting the resort’s emphasis on guest experience alongside sustainability and environmental stewardship.

According to the resort, the recognition supports its positioning within the Maldives market as a property that combines natural surroundings, accommodation standards and responsible hospitality practices.

Located on Filaidhoo in Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru Resort features 145 villas, including beachfront and overwater accommodation designed in a style that combines Maldivian elements with contemporary comfort.

The resort’s food and beverage offering includes six restaurants and six bars, while its leisure facilities cover watersports, diving, yoga, spa treatments and fitness activities. Surrounded by coral reefs, the resort also offers guests access to marine-based experiences in the Indian Ocean.

Sustainability remains a central part of the resort’s operations, with initiatives that include coral reef restoration and guest experiences linked to environmental awareness.

Through its recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, Reethi Faru Resort has added to its profile as a Maldives resort with a focus on both accommodation standards and sustainability.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli launches Coral Frame Adoption programme on Earth Day

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To mark Earth Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection within the House of Siyam, launched its new marine conservation initiative, the Adopt A Coral Frame experience, during a morning event held on 22 April at Milano Beach on Dream Island.

The initiative forms part of the resort’s wider marine conservation efforts and is designed to give guests a direct way to engage with coral restoration while supporting the protection of the surrounding reef ecosystem.

During the launch, guests were introduced to the coral restoration process through a hands-on experience that explained how new coral growth can be supported through frame-based planting. Under the programme, guests are invited to select and adopt a coral frame, attach healthy coral fragments to it, and take part in placing it within the lagoon to help form a new reef structure.

The process begins with the collection of healthy coral fragments under the guidance of the resort’s marine biologist. These fragments are then secured to specially designed coral frames and placed in selected areas within the resort’s coral garden, where conditions are intended to support growth and marine biodiversity. Guests who adopt a frame will also receive updates on its progress, including photographs shared every six months.

The resort said the programme is intended to make coral conservation more accessible to guests while also highlighting the role of reefs in supporting marine life, protecting coastlines and maintaining ocean ecosystems.

Chaminda Upul, Group Sustainability Manager for Sun Siyam, said the initiative was designed to give guests an opportunity to contribute in a direct way.

“Earth Day is a reminder that even the smallest actions can shape something far greater,” he said. “With Adopt-A-Coral Frame, we wanted to create an experience where our guests can leave a positive mark on the ocean. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it stays with you.”

Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said the resort wanted to create an experience that combines guest participation with long-term environmental value.

“At Olhuveli, we believe the best experiences are the ones that stay with you long after you leave. Adopt-A-Coral is our way of inviting guests to be part of something lasting, while caring for the natural beauty that makes this place so special,” he said.

Part of the proceeds from each coral adoption will go towards Sun Siyam Care, the group’s sustainability platform, supporting marine conservation and reef restoration efforts.

Through the launch of Adopt A Coral Frame, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is combining guest experience with reef restoration, reflecting a wider focus on environmental engagement within its island operations.

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