Lifestyle
Astronaut Tim Peake lands at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Resort for stellar week of space talk and astronomy

One of the UK’s most famous astronauts, Tim Peake, is visiting Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Resort, this November to host a special evening of conversation with guests and a separate talk about space dedicated to teens.
Situated in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah is home to the first overwater observatory in the Maldives and the most powerful telescope in the region. The private island resort’s location just above the equator means that both hemisphere’s stars are visible from the resort. Coupled with minimal light pollution and open skies, it is possible to see sights such as the pale-yellow rings of Saturn and the counter-rotating zones and belts of Jupiter and the Omega Centauri in the Milky Way making Anantara Kihavah the perfect partner for Tim’s talks and the ideal resort for astronomy and space enthusiasts.
A relaxed and intimate talk on Tim’s ‘Journey Beyond Earth” will take place early evening on Thursday, 2 November 2023 on Anantara Kihavah’s Sky Deck, an overwater observatory combined with a luxury cocktail bar. Accompanied by champagne and cosmic-inspired cocktails, Tim will act as a personal guide through life in space, offering a fascinating insight into what it’s really like to be an astronaut; from training to launch, spacewalk to re-entry and the wonders of how and why humans journey into space. With a maximum of 20 guests joining, it will be possible to ask Tim questions delving deep into life as an astronaut.
Tim’s talk will be complemented by a 60-minute stargazing session at Sky with Anantara Kihavah’s resident Sky Guru, Hammadh, at a time that suits guests during their holiday. A native Maldivian, Hammadh will take guests on a journey across both hemisphere’s stars and planets, clarifying what can be seen both with the naked eye and using the resort’s powerful research-grade 16” Meade LX200 telescope mounted on a super-giant field tripod within the custom-built Ash-dome observatory which has a viewing capacity of 30 million light years away.
As his stay falls over the half term period, he will also host a talk on exploring space, for teens aged between 10 and 18 years-old on Friday, 3 November 2023. A bestselling author, Tim also has a popular series of books for young teens including the ‘Swarm Rising’ books and ‘The Cosmic Diary of our Incredible Universe’. Accompanied by cosmic inspired mocktails and space inspired snacks and deserts, Tim will chat about his books and life as an astronaut, including becoming the first British astronaut to both visit the International Space Station and conduct a space-walk during his six-month mission, and also running the London marathon from space. He may even give a few tips to anyone hoping to following in his footsteps. This will be followed by a 60-minute stargazing session with Hammadh, tailored to younger guests.
Fitting in with the astrology theme, Anantara Kihavah’s Kid’s Club will have an intergalactic takeover from 1 to 5 November, with little guests taking part in space-inspired activities such as recycled rocket craft, space cookie making, planet puppet making and space painting using coffee.
‘Journey Beyond Earth: An Inspiring Conversation with Tim Peake’ will take place from 5.30 – 6.30pm on 2 November. Tickets cost 165 USD (approx £130) per person, for up to 20 people accompanied by champagne, cosmic-inspired cocktails and canapes, and includes a 60-minute stargazing session with Sky Guru Hammadh. For younger guests, tickets for ‘Exploring Space with Tim Peake’ cost 125 USD (approx £98) per person, for up to 10 guests with cosmic-inspired mocktails and snacks and including a stargazing session with Hammadh.
Villas at Anantara Kihavah start from £1,200 per night with breakfast and dinner. There are six restaurants and bars, each offering a distinctive setting, menu and ambiance, including SEA, the resort’s signature underwater restaurant and wine cellar.
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
Featured
Medhufushi Island Resort marks National Day with Maldivian heritage showcase

Medhufushi Island Resort recently marked Maldives National Day with an immersive celebration of Maldivian heritage, transforming the resort grounds into a living museum that reflected the country’s cultural roots. The event recreated the atmosphere of a traditional island village and offered guests the chance to experience authentic island life through interactive activities, performances, and storytelling.
The resort team constructed a replica village featuring ancestral-style houses and traditional architecture that demonstrated the resourcefulness of early island communities. Guests explored the structures and learned how Maldivians adapted to their environment over generations. The experience was enhanced by a variety of activities, including food stalls that served traditional dishes, demonstrations of local craftsmanship, and opportunities to take part in games once enjoyed by island families. Musical traditions were brought to life with the sounds of Bodu Beru drums, where visitors not only observed but also participated alongside local performers.

Cultural performances formed the highlight of the evening, with local women presenting traditional dances that narrated stories of island life and men delivering energetic Bodu Beru drum sessions. Guest participation was strong, with many joining in the dances and trying their hand at drumming. One visitor remarked that it felt like stepping into another time and described learning Bodu Beru from locals as an unforgettable experience.
Resort Manager Iyaz explained that the event is organised annually to preserve and share Maldivian heritage with visitors, noting his pride in the team for creating such an engaging showcase and expressing gratitude to the guests for their enthusiasm.
The celebration reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural preservation through tourism, ensuring that traditional practices remain visible and valued. By offering authentic experiences, Medhufushi Island Resort connects guests with the history and identity of the Maldives while supporting sustainable tourism.
This annual showcase serves not only as entertainment but also as a bridge between past and present, reinforcing the importance of cultural continuity. Through initiatives such as these, the resort demonstrates how tourism can help protect traditions and foster community pride, enabling visitors to leave with more than memories of beaches and scenery, but with a deeper understanding of the people and heritage of the Maldives.
Celebration
Fari Islands Festival 2025: New chapter in cultural and creative luxury

The Fari Islands Festival, a pioneering celebration of cultural connection and creativity, will be held from 19 to 22 September 2025, across The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Patina Maldives. Rooted in the Fari Islands’ founding vision as ‘The Home of Island Artistry’—where ‘Fari’ means “beautiful” in Dhivehi—the festival brings to life the archipelago’s deeper ethos of celebrating nature, craft and connection.
Uniting international talent and regional voices under the theme of shared creativity and consciousness, the event features five core pillars: Culinary Artistry, Sonic Immersion, Nature Amplified, Body, Mind & Soul, and Creative Artistry. These elements shape a dynamic three-day programme designed to inspire transformation and meaningful exchange, while redefining luxury through a lens of ecological and emotional intelligence.
Among the highlights, marine scientist and National Geographic Explorer Gibbs Kuguru will collaborate with the Olive Ridley Project, engaging guests in marine conservation efforts. Through donations and educational encounters, attendees will support ongoing turtle rescue and rehabilitation work across the Indian Ocean. In the culinary sphere, nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson will host two intimate, wellness-oriented lunches—one at Wok Society, Patina Maldives and another at La Locanda, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives—focusing on seasonal nourishment and balance, complemented by curated juices throughout the festival.

Danico Bar of Paris, a mainstay in the World’s 50 Best Bars, will lead nightly cocktail showcases and a special masterclass featuring its famed Chicha Morada. The wellness programme also includes transformative facials and experiences from Allies of Skin, with participation from the brand’s founder Nicolas Travis and practitioner Leyen Tran.

Creative workshops will be led by STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery from Singapore, offering hands-on sessions in craft and expression for all levels. Daily schedules begin with grounding rituals by Bamford, followed by ocean excursions, creative exploration, and intimate dialogues led by Fari Voices—regional changemakers at the forefront of cultural and ecological innovation.

As evening falls, the festival transforms into a celebration of sound and reflection. The opening night features a performance by renowned poet and artist Rupi Kaur, set against the ethereal backdrop of Skyspace Amarta by James Turrell. The second evening blends sound and taste at EAU Bar, where DJ Kim Turnbull and bar takeovers by Danico and Nutmeg & Clove promise an immersive experience. The final night culminates in the Fari Marina Fiesta, headlined by French Kiwi Juice (FKJ), whose unique blend of jazz, funk and electronica sets the tone for a soulful close beneath the stars—followed by a final performance by Kaur.
The Fari Islands, conceived as a departure from the conventional ‘one island, one resort’ model, offer an interconnected hospitality experience. Patina Maldives champions artistic innovation and mindful luxury, while The Ritz-Carlton Maldives brings timeless refinement through its Circle of Life philosophy. Together, they create a destination designed for deep connection and thoughtful discovery.

Integral to this ecosystem is Fari Campus, the Maldives’ first dedicated island for staff accommodation, education, and development—an investment in local talent and a commitment to empowering communities through comprehensive skills training and growth opportunities.
Oscar Postma, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, noted the festival reflects the resort’s commitment to beauty in both detail and depth. Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives, added that the festival is a collective invitation to engage with purpose, through taste, movement and story.
Ultimately, the Fari Islands Festival is more than an event—it is an evolving expression of place, people and possibility. It aims to honour the Maldives’ heritage and environment, while empowering guests to become thoughtful stewards of the cultural and natural richness that defines this extraordinary destination.
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