News
Amari Raaya Maldives: Castaway celebrations
Set on one of the lushest natural islands in the Raa Atoll and set to open on August 1, Amari Raaya Maldives celebrates the art and beauty of the archipelago’s natural riches.
With design inspired by the surrounding natural flora and fauna, the resort offers a sense of castaway and celebration. Not only does the resort celebrate the locale and wonders of Maldives but also provides a sense of place for families, friends and couples to celebrate life’s best moments through a myriad of experiences and spaces to enjoy and explore together.
The island’s 187 villas, surrounded by untouched reefs and tropical palms, each give a distinct experience and moments to treasure. With direct access to the beach, guests can select from Beach Villa to Beach pool Villa or interconnecting Family Beach Villas with shared private outdoor living space for quality time together.
The Ocean Villas and Ocean Pool Villas overlook the azure blue teaming with local marine life. Guests who will enjoy the beautiful hues of sunset from the privacy of their villas, can select the Sunset Ocean Villas or Sunset Ocean Pool Villas.
Guests can explore their palette through multiple dining experiences across the resort’s eight dining options. Each dining destination offers something special, from famous street – food and bustling hawker food stalls at the signature Amaya Food Gallery to sunset snacks and cocktails on rooftop bar Ampers&nd, Italian favourites served poolside and sumptuous freshly caught seafood daily combined with deep flavours of the Maldives and from across Asia. The mobile snacks and drinks served from a bus adds a bit of fun to the guests’ adventure. In the evening, guests can find community through live music, traditional Boduberu nights and regular cultural events and festivities.
Beyond the fun in the sea, sun and sand, Amari Raaya Maldives also offers incredible adventures including The Village Hub – recreational area with café, retails space and access to the resort’s Maai Spa, for young adventures, the Kids Club with an outdoor and indoor play area filled with zip line, archery, trampoline, skateboard park and many more. The island is home to a 9-hole mini gold course, multi-function court with paddle tennis, badminton, an art zone area for the creative minds and natural mangrove area for guests to explore. A paradise for underwater lovers, Amari Raaya Maldives is surrounded by a bustling coral reef, home to marine life including eagle rays, manta rays and other diverse marine life.
Interwoven into the resort experience is the fictitious Seb’s adventure – a shipwrecked artist who made the island his home. This castaway story frames the resort’s experience, showcasing the remnants of Seb’s life including an Art and Crafts studio, which features workshops and activities from local artists for guests to enjoy, his ship and jutting above the lush island grounds three watch towers converted to private dining and star gazing venues. The island is also home to natural mangrove with walking path ideal for exploring.
Experience the new Amari Raaya Maldives with amazing opening promotional rate that includes 40 per cent discount on villas and extra perks for guests to enjoy. For more information https://www.amari.com/raaya-maldives/special-offer
Love
COMO Cocoa Island, COMO Maalifushi unveil Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day celebrations
This February, COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi invite guests to experience two of the most cherished occasions of the year—the Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Horse, and Valentine’s Day—in the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives. Each island resort presents bespoke celebrations that blend cultural richness, heartfelt romance, and signature COMO hospitality.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to celebrate renewal, connection and love across our two islands this season. Whether it’s the bold beginnings of the Lunar New Year or the intimate joy of Valentine’s Day, our experiences combine deeper cultural meaning with the serenity and natural beauty of the Maldives,” said Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “From lantern-lit dinners by the sea to bespoke romantic moments under the stars, each celebration has been thoughtfully curated to inspire lasting memories.”
Lunar New Year: A Fresh Start by the Sea
At COMO Cocoa Island, the Lunar New Year programme embraces the spirit of bold renewal with experiences designed to reconnect body, mind and nature. Guests can explore pristine coral reefs, swim with reef sharks, rejuvenate with holistic treatments from visiting practitioner Kimiko Briody, and gather for a festive Oriental-style dinner that honours tradition and togetherness.
Meanwhile, COMO Maalifushi invites families and friends to celebrate amidst open skies and sea breezes. The highlight is a lantern-lit reunion feast by the ocean, where guests come together to savour seasonal flavours and shared joy. Throughout the day, world-class diving, snorkelling and curated cultural activities make for a meaningful start to the Year of the Fire Horse.
Both resorts offer Lunar New Year experiences crafted to reflect rich tradition, mindful wellness, and unforgettable island living.
Valentine’s Day: Romance, Curated the COMO Way
Love takes centre stage as COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi present exceptional Valentine’s Day dining and romantic moments against the backdrop of Indian Ocean splendour.
At COMO Cocoa Island, couples can enjoy:
- A complimentary wine tasting on Valentine’s Eve.
- Signature Champagne cocktails under the setting sun.
- A seven-course beachside dinner designed to celebrate love.
- Bespoke experiences such as Private Yakiniku BBQs, served in-villa or beneath starlit skies. Available throughout the romantic season.
Meanwhile, at COMO Maalifushi, lovers are invited to a thoughtfully curated four-course Valentine’s Day menu crafted to elevate every moment. Complementing the dinner, a Valentine’s Package features sundowner Champagne, bespoke romantic touches, and personalised service for an unforgettable evening on February 14th, 2026.
Whether dining beside glistening waters, on a secluded sandbank, or within the intimacy of overwater villas, every experience is tailored to celebrate love’s lasting joy.
Culture
Kuda Villingili presents family-focused Eid al-Fitr experience in Maldives
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced a three-day Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH programme, inviting guests to celebrate the occasion from 19 to 21 March 2026 in a tranquil island setting that brings together family, reflection, and shared moments.
Following the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr at the resort is designed as a gentle transition into celebration, offering guests the freedom to mark the festival at their own pace. The programme brings together families, couples, and friends through curated dining experiences, relaxed island gatherings, and moments of quiet connection by the Indian Ocean.
Culinary experiences form the centre of the Eid programme. Celebrations begin with the Kuda Eid Feast Buffet Dinner at The Restaurant, featuring Middle Eastern and Maldivian dishes served under the stars, accompanied by soft island music. Guests can also gather at Spice for the Kuda Eid Lunch Feast, a five-course Middle Eastern fusion menu by the Qureshi brothers, inspired by traditional flavours and designed for sharing in the spirit of Eid. Evenings continue at The Bar with an Arabic Shisha Night, combining live DJ music with a relaxed social atmosphere.
Eid mornings at the resort offer a calmer start to the day, with a Signature Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa pool. Guests can also enjoy Eid Signature Mocktails, created with floral and spice notes that reflect the season’s sense of gratitude and renewal. An interactive Art of Shisha Making experience is also available, encouraging conversation and shared storytelling.
The Eid programme has been curated to include guests of all ages. Younger visitors are welcomed at Kuda Fiyo, where Eid-themed creative workshops, treasure trails, storytelling sessions, games, and movement activities are organised to create memorable experiences while reflecting the cultural significance of the occasion.
For families and adventure-seekers, the resort also offers Eid al-Fitr Ocean Adventures. A personalised Big Game Fishing experience provides an opportunity to spend time together on the open sea, combining quiet reflection with exploration of the surrounding waters.
With its expansive island layout, eight dining destinations, and the Maldives’ largest swimming pool, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives presents an Eid al-Fitr celebration that blends tradition with contemporary island living, offering space, privacy, and a relaxed setting for guests seeking a meaningful Eid experience in the Maldives.
The full Eid al-Fitr 2026 programme can be viewed here. More information about the resort is available from the resort’s website.
Cooking
Michelin-starred Chef Jaume collaborates with One&Only Reethi Rah’s TAPASAKE for four-hands dinner
TAPASAKE Maldives, the destination dining restaurant set in the private island of One&Only Reethi Rah, will be welcoming Michelin-starred Chef Jaume to serve an exclusive four-hands dinner at the iconic overwater restaurant alongside their resident Chef Ahmed Jameel.
The first of its kind since the inception of One&Only Reethi Rah, TAPASAKE Maldives features breathtaking ocean views, bold contemporary design, and dining experiences that unite the precision of Japan and the soul of the Mediterranean in a flowing exchange of flavour, texture, and culture. In addition to the original restaurant in the Maldives, TAPASAKE also operates in Dubai, Mauritius, and Montenegro.
The exclusive collaboration features the authentic and sophisticated artistry of Chef Jaume, originally from Mallorca and Head Chef of Béns d’Avall in Sóller, Spain, awarded one Michelin star since 2021 and a Michelin Green Star in 2023. Chef Jaume’s cuisine is deeply rooted in family tradition, cultural heritage, and the Mallorcan landscapes, and with his meticulous eye for detail and instinctive sense of harmony, Chef Jaume transforms local, seasonal produce into refined compositions that evoke memory, place, and authenticity. Chef Jaume will be collaborating with the restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, Ahmed Jameel, a native of the Maldives whose culinary work is founded in balancing both traditional and contemporary Japanese techniques.

Set against the soothing backdrop of the azure Indian Ocean, the Four-Hands Dinner offers an exceptionally curated menu celebrating Chef Jaume and Chef Jameel’s quiet artistry, refined technique, and harmonious blend of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisines, with each dish shaped to honour the purity of ingredients and the emotional power of flavour.
“We are excited to collaborate with Chef Jaume on this exclusive dining experience,” says Jan B. Tibaldi, General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah. “Paired with Chef Jameel’s refined techniques and Chef Jaume’s sophisticated creativity and philosophy grounded in a deep respect for nature, this Four-Hands Dinner offers an exceptional evening to celebrate the fusion of soulful cuisine against the spectacular backdrop of the Maldives.”
The dinner will be held exclusively on 18 February at TAPASAKE Maldives, which will be open from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
For pre-bookings and more information, please email guest.information@oneandonlyreethirah.com or call +960 664 8800. For more information about the resort, please visit oneandonlyreethirah.com.
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