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
Culture
Sheraton Maldives to celebrate Eid with Maldivian culture and island experiences
Set on a lush private island just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate Eid al-Adha with sun-soaked festivities, meaningful traditions, and joyful moments shared by the sea. Blending Maldivian culture with relaxed island luxury, the resort becomes a vibrant playground of music, flavours, family experiences, and festive island spirit.
From the first light of morning to lively celebrations beneath the stars, each moment unfolds with warmth and ease. Guests are welcomed to begin the day with a peaceful Eid Prayer Gathering, followed by a lavish Eid Buffet Breakfast at Feast, where fresh pastries, comforting favorites, tropical fruits, and rich aromas fill the air as families and friends gather over long, leisurely conversations.
Throughout the day, little ones can step into a world of colour and creativity at the Kids’ Adventure Camp in Jalsaa, where face painting, piñatas, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, and playful Eid games keep the excitement going from one activity to the next. Meanwhile, those seeking a slower pace can retreat into pure relaxation with indulgent wellness experiences at Shine Spa for Sheraton, where soothing treatments and tranquil island surroundings invite moments of calm and reconnection.
As the afternoon drifts into golden hour, Kakuni Beach comes alive with festive energy. Live DJ sessions set the mood by the ocean, guests adorn their hands with elegant henna artistry, and families come together for the Maldivian Traditions Games Challenge, where laughter,
friendly competition, and local heritage create moments that feel both playful and memorable.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the celebration is the Eid Bodu Mas & Maali Parade. Inspired by Maldivian folklore and island traditions, the vibrant procession fills the island pathways with rhythmic drumming, colourful performances, traditional Maali characters, and the iconic giant Bodu Mas fish, creating a spectacular celebration that captures the joyful spirit of Eid.
As evening settles over the island, the celebrations continue with the Flavors of Eid Dinner Buffet. Set beneath a canopy of stars in a relaxed beachside setting, guests are invited to indulge in a generous spread of local specialties, international favorites, and freshly prepared live grilling stations, where smoky aromas and ocean breezes come together in a warm and festive atmosphere.
The night then builds into the lively Rhythms of Eid Boduberu Night at Anchorage, where traditional Maldivian drumming, island beats, and energetic performances invite guests to gather, celebrate, and dance barefoot by the sea.
At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Eid al-Adha becomes more than a celebration. It becomes a joyful island story filled with culture, connection, laughter, and unforgettable moments shared together in paradise.
For more information or reservations, visit www.sheratonmaldives.com.
Culture
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa invites guests to immersive Eid island celebrations
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa invites families to celebrate Eid al‑Adha rooted in celebrating culture and heritage with an uplifting blend of flavours, seaside adventures, and imaginative activities for young explorers, complete with family‑friendly villas and the recently unveiled six‑bedroom residence, an exclusive sanctuary perfect for bringing everyone together.
On May 27th families are invited to gather for an Eid Feast, where the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East comes alive. Talented chefs from the region present authentic dishes crafted from treasured traditional recipes.
The vibrant market-style dinner features:
- A live grill with shish tawook, lamb kebab, and chermoula fish
- A lively falafel bazaar and shawarma station
- Middle Eastern favourites such as mezze, dolma, chicken kabsa rice, and lamb tagine
- A sweet finale of umm Ali, basbousa, and more
Adding to the magic of the evening, families will be treated to live entertainment, creating an unforgettable celebration under the stars.
Family‑Friendly Adventures
At the heart of the resort’s family offering is the Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives, where young guests are invited to explore a vibrant program designed to spark creativity and curiosity.
During Eid, the Kids’ Club comes alive with a festive blend of cultural discovery and joyful celebration. Children can take part in hands-on activities inspired by Maldivian traditions, including Eid card making, intricate henna art, and traditional palm leaf weaving.
Extending beyond the Kids’ Club, families are invited to immerse themselves in the spirit of Eid through a lively, culturally inspired “Bodu Mas” and “Maali” parade. Rooted in time-honoured Maldivian island celebrations, this vibrant procession brings together guests of all ages with drumming, dancing, and imaginative costumes, capturing the essence of how communities across the Maldives traditionally mark the occasion.

This thoughtfully curated family programming offers a meaningful connection to local culture, creating memorable Eid moments filled with creativity, togetherness, and authentic island spirit.
Wellbeing Journeys
Guests can embark on deeply rejuvenating body and mind experiences at Amingiri Spa & Hammam.
Inspired by time-honoured Maldivian beauty rituals, the Ultimate Summer Glow experience embraces the nourishing power of coconut, long used by Maldivian women in traditional body treatments through oils and scrubs passed down for generations. This 120-minute journey begins with a morning yoga session, followed by a revitalising coconut body scrub, a choice of spirulina wrap or hydration facial, and concludes with a personalised 60-minute massage for complete rejuvenation.

The spa’s signature Age Defying Body Treatment offers a luxurious 90‑minute journey designed to deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Organic shea butter is used in an indulgent conditioning massage, while lotus, ginkgo, and clinically proven botanical extracts work together to firm, plump, and smooth for a youthful glow. The ritual is completed with an infusion of biodynamic flower essences, calming the nervous system and supporting gentle detoxification.
Guests may also choose from an extensive menu of salon services, restorative hammam rituals, calming massages, and dedicated sleep‑wellness experiences designed to encourage deep rest.
The Residence, A Private Haven for Family Celebrations
This Eid, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa presents The Residence for families seeking exceptional privacy and exclusivity, with every element of the stay tailored to the individual preferences of each guest.
Located in its own secluded cove and accessed via a private arrival pier, The Residence spans over 4,000 sqm and accommodates up to 12 guests, offering the intimacy of a private island with effortless access to the resort’s world‑class dining, leisure, and wellness facilities.
Dedicated Guest Experience Makers personalise every moment, from private meals and curated spa rituals to bespoke island adventures, allowing families to design their own unforgettable Eid celebration.

Villas Designed for Families
Families can select from an array of spacious villas designed for comfort and connection:
- One‑Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villa: Perfect for two adults and two children under 12, featuring a king bed, sofa bed, private pool, a large swing, gazebo, and direct beach access.
- One‑Bedroom Overwater Suite with Pool: Ideal for those seeking tranquillity with a separate living area, overwater hammocks, and sea stairs leading straight into the lagoon.
- Two‑Bedroom Pool Villas: Designed for larger families, offering generous living space, two king rooms, and a bright, airy ambience complemented by a private pool.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website or call +960 664 63 64.
Action
Kai Lenny joins 2026 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy line-up
The Indian Ocean does not need much convincing to put on a show. But for one week each September, it outdoes itself. From September 4 to 11, 2026, Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy returns to the Sultans break for its 14th edition, with multi‑discipline world champion Kai Lenny confirmed as the first athlete in the 2026 line‑up.
Most surfers build careers in one lane. Lenny has built his across all of them. From Jaws to playful walls, thrusters to twins, singles and foils, he has forged a career defined by versatility across disciplines, reflecting the ethos the Surfing Champions Trophy was created to celebrate.
Hosted by Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the invitation‑only event brings together six of surfing’s most celebrated athletes to compete across three board divisions: single fin, twin fin and thruster. Set against the high‑performance walls of Sultans, the format rewards adaptability as much as power, style as much as strategy, and timing as much as talent.

For Lenny, that challenge feels less like unfamiliar territory and more like home. A multi‑time world champion with a reputation forged in big waves and emerging disciplines such as foiling, he is among the athletes well suited to a format that requires competitors to shift craft, rhythm and approach throughout the week.
When Lenny first competed in the Surfing Champions Trophy in 2019, it was not only his performance that stood out, including a win in the thruster division. It was the way he appeared suited to the event itself: a week of changing boards, shifting conditions and high‑performance surf, shaped around a format that values exploration alongside competition.
“Every heat is a final,” says Lenny. “You’re surfing epic waves in paradise against some of the best in the world, but it’s still rooted in having fun. Being able to ride different types of boards is something I love doing every day, so to compete across all of them is epic.”
For 2026, Lenny takes that connection one step further by shaping the boards he will ride throughout the event, adding an additional layer of intent to a competition defined by craft, adaptability and feel.
At a wave like Sultans, defined by consistent conditions and open to interpretation, the ability to adapt across boards and conditions becomes a clear advantage. It also positions Lenny as a fitting first announcement for an event known for attracting athletes recognised for both approach and performance.
Where Champs Come to Surf
First staged in 2011, the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy has become one of surfing’s most distinctive invitation-only events, bringing six celebrated athletes to Sultans to compete across single fin, twin fin and thruster divisions. Past participants include Mark Occhilupo, Taj Burrow, Josh Kerr, Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, Michel Bourez, Carissa Moore, Maya Gabeira and more. Following Bourez’s 2025 win, marked by a return from injury and the event’s only perfect 10, the 2026 edition carries strong momentum. With Kai Lenny now confirmed, the event is already shaping an anticipated return.

The Garden-Island Base at Kuda Huraa
Located 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa gives the event its warm, garden-island base, with easy access to North Malé Atoll’s best breaks and a longstanding collaboration with Tropicsurf. Between heats at Sultans, guests can expect post-surf stories, recovery rituals, sunset gatherings and the rare chance to swap board talk with world champions in boardshorts.
The Surf’s Up Package: For Those Who Want In
For guests interested in participating in the week’s program, the Surf’s Up package includes round-trip shared speedboat transfers for two, daily breakfast, four days of Tropicsurf coaching, guided boat transfers to local breaks, use of surf equipment and stand-up paddleboard, daily group yoga, and a 90-minute Myofascial Renewal treatment for two at ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island.

The remaining 2026 competitor line-up will be revealed in the coming weeks, with updates shared across surfingchampionstrophy.com and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa channels.
To reserve a stay during the 2026 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy or enquire about the Surf’s Up package, contact reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call +960 66 00 888.
-
News1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives marks Mental Health Awareness Month with wellness series
-
News1 week agoAtmosphere Kanifushi celebrates one year of Essens Spa
-
Action1 week agoInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau unveils ‘Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks’
-
Cooking7 days agoOBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO unveils chef-led 9-Hands Dinner experience
-
News6 days agoSun Siyam celebrates Mother’s Day across its Maldives resort collection
-
Action6 days agoHoliday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers Dive Free programme
-
News6 days agoThe Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands unveils updated 2026 Masters of Crafts calendar
-
Awards1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi secures dual nomination in Condé Nast Traveler Awards


