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.
Lifestyle
Rosamund Pike escapes to paradise at Patina Maldives

Award-winning British actress Rosamund Pike recently traded the bustle of London for the serene turquoise waters of the Maldives, enjoying a picture-perfect escape at the luxurious Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. The “Gone Girl” star shared a dreamy video on social media, offering fans a glimpse into her idyllic tropical retreat—and it’s everything a Maldivian holiday should be.
In the video, Rosamund is seen immersing herself in the full island experience. From soaking up the sun at a private overwater villa to cruising on a dolphin-watching tour, biking along palm-lined paths, snorkeling with manta rays, and diving alongside sea turtles, it’s clear she embraced the magic of the Maldives. She even took to the waves on a water scooter, channeling her adventurous side in the most scenic setting imaginable.
Pike captioned her post with heartfelt reflection: “I left London on my very last ember and had a holiday of magical dimensions! The Maldives offer a glimpse of paradise, an escape from rush. @patinamaldives is a destination I have sought out three times; to practice doing nothing in preparation for playing Elspeth and this time to recover from doing too much. It is a heaven on your own terms— and I washed all my cares in salt and rinsed my soul in the sea. Here is a glimpse of bliss as I see it.”
Rosamund Pike is no stranger to immersive roles and demanding projects. Known for her powerful performances in films like Pride & Prejudice, Gone Girl, and the fantasy series The Wheel of Time, her career has spanned decades and earned critical acclaim. With such a busy professional life, it’s no wonder she finds solace and renewal at Patina Maldives.Set in the pristine Fari Islands, Patina Maldives is a modern sanctuary that blends understated luxury with a deep connection to nature. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the resort offers minimalist aesthetics, eco-conscious living, and transformative experiences. Its overwater villas and beachfront retreats provide the ultimate in privacy and comfort, while curated wellness, art, and culinary journeys cater to mindful travelers seeking more than just a getaway.
For Rosamund Pike, Patina Maldives isn’t just a destination—it’s a refuge. Her third visit to the resort speaks volumes of its allure, where moments of stillness are as treasured as moments of adventure. As she puts it, it’s “a heaven on your own terms.”Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, indulge in marine adventures, or simply float into a state of bliss, Rosamund’s Maldivian escape is all the inspiration you need.
Entertainment
Ultimate experience of music and magic at Reethi Faru Resort

The stage is set for a one-of-a-kind celebration of artistry, wonder, and sustainable luxury as the Festival of Magic and Melodies arrives at Reethi Faru Resort. Taking place from April 26 to April 30, 2025, the festival promises an immersive journey through the realms of music and magic, all within the serene beauty of one of the Maldives’ most intimate island resorts.
Located on the tranquil island of Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru Resort is known for combining opulence with ecological responsibility. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, and lush tropical vegetation, the resort provides an idyllic backdrop for this exclusive event. With a strong dedication to preserving the island’s natural ecosystems, Reethi Faru offers guests a unique experience of sustainable luxury.
Headlining the festival are two internationally acclaimed performers who each bring a powerful and transformative artistic vision to the stage.
Swiss violinist and composer Nurdana Ernst will present her celebrated concert Soul Therapy. A graduate of the Haute École de Musique in Lausanne and certified in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music, Ernst is recognised for blending classical mastery with contemporary expression. Her performances invite audiences to explore inner emotions through the healing qualities of music, creating an atmosphere of deep reflection and emotional connection. With a background as a soloist with prestigious orchestras and a growing international fanbase for her debut singles Tomiris and The Voice of the Heart, Ernst is poised to deliver an unforgettable musical journey.
Sharing the spotlight is French magician and mentalist Nicolas Subra, also known as The Dream Guider. With over 15 years of experience and performances in more than 20 countries, Subra is renowned for his mesmerising stage presence and the philosophical depth behind his illusions. His shows are not just spectacles, but immersive experiences that blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy, offering audiences moments of wonder, inspiration, and introspection.
Together, these two exceptional artists will transform Reethi Faru into a realm where music and magic converge. The Festival of Magic and Melodies is designed to captivate the senses while honouring the natural beauty and sustainable ethos of its island setting.
Guests at the festival will not only enjoy world-class performances but also the chance to connect with nature, art, and themselves in a setting that celebrates mindful luxury.
The Festival of Magic and Melodies offers a rare and enriching escape—an opportunity to indulge in elegance, creativity, and ecological harmony.
Featured
Immersed in nature: marine life encounters at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

As the world comes together to celebrate World Wildlife Day, there is no better time to explore the turquoise waters surrounding Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ four Maldivian properties. These waters, home to some of the most captivating marine creatures, provide a glimpse into a thriving underwater ecosystem brimming with life. Experts from Dive & Sail, the official dive operator at the resorts, share insights into the marine marvels awaiting guests beneath the waves.
“Each of the four resorts in the Maldives by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts boasts a unique marine ecosystem,” says Adam Ali from the Dive & Sail team. He highlights the vibrant coral gardens of Ellaidhoo, the world-famous surf breaks and manta ray encounters near Dhonveli, and the diverse underwater landscapes that make each location a window into the wonders of the ocean.
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, divers and snorkelers frequently encounter nurse sharks gliding through the waters, while the pristine lagoons of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offer sightings of stingrays and colourful reef fish. The diversity of species across these resorts underscores the Maldives’ rich marine heritage, providing unforgettable underwater adventures.
One of the most sought-after experiences for divers and snorkelers is encountering manta rays and whale sharks. “The Maldives is one of the best places in the world for manta ray sightings, and they are often spotted in the channels near Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives and Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives,” explains Ibrahim Shaah, a seasoned instructor at Dive & Sail. Recalling a particularly memorable dive, he describes being surrounded by half a dozen manta rays, their graceful movements almost hypnotic, with one even looping around the divers as if performing a dance.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, renowned for its house reef, offers some of the best opportunities for close-up shark encounters. “Diving here, especially at night, is a surreal experience,” says diver Mohamad Amjey. He describes a moment of stillness as a school of reef sharks moved past him like shadows in the dark, an exhilarating yet peaceful experience.
Beyond providing exceptional underwater encounters, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts remains committed to marine conservation. “Sustainable diving and snorkelling practices are essential to protecting these fragile ecosystems,” the team at Dive & Sail emphasises. The dive centres educate guests on responsible marine interactions, encouraging them to maintain a safe distance from marine life and avoid contact with corals.
The resort group also plays a crucial role in reef restoration through coral propagation initiatives. By planting coral frames and monitoring their growth, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts contributes to preserving the reefs that support an incredible array of species. Guests are invited to take part in these efforts, fostering a deeper connection with marine conservation.
On this World Wildlife Day, the vibrant marine life of the Maldives is celebrated as a dream destination for ocean enthusiasts. Whether experienced divers or first-time snorkelers, guests at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives are encouraged to discover, appreciate, and safeguard this underwater wonderland. After all, the true beauty of the ocean lies not only in what is witnessed but in the efforts made to protect it for future generations.
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