The Nautilus Maldives welcomes award-winning pastry chef and CREAMO founder Elena Nabiullina from 7 to 12 November 2026 as part of its Masters for Masters series. Her residency will bring contemporary pâtisserie to the island through a guest dessert masterclass and a special creation offered to all guests staying during the week.

At The Nautilus, culinary experiences begin with individual tastes and curiosity. Within this spirit of unscripted dining, Elena invites guests to explore the imagination, precision and care that transform familiar ingredients into memorable desserts.

Her journey began in her mother’s kitchen, making nut-shaped biscuits filled with condensed milk and delicate pastries. Although she initially pursued a career in industrial and civil construction, an encounter with French chef David Emmerle inspired her to turn a lifelong fascination with confectionery into a profession. Elena studied at the Ragout School and interned at Akrame in Paris, further refining her craft through training with Cédric Grolet, Garuharu, Ramon Morato, Jordi Bordas and Karim Bourgi. Her specialist education includes Valrhona’s private school in Dubai, Carpigiani Gelato University and the Institut National de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie in Rouen, France.

Named Pastry Chef of the Year in 2024 by WHERETOEAT, she has contributed to more than 14 restaurant openings. She also served as pastry chef at Café Garage at the Garage Museum and founded CREAMO, her artisanal gelato brand. Her work combines contemporary technique, unexpected flavours and a thoughtful balance of textures and presentation.

On 8 November, Elena will lead a dessert masterclass for guests, sharing the techniques and creative inspiration behind her signature CREAMO cookies. Easy to recreate at home, these treats will allow guests to bring a taste of the experience into their own kitchens. Throughout the residency, all guests staying at The Nautilus will also receive her signature Bublik, an elegantly crafted, ring-shaped dessert, presented with a specially designed card sharing the story behind Elena’s creation. The Masters for Masters series brings accomplished creators to The Nautilus to share the passions that define their work. Elena’s residency offers a personal encounter with the chef behind the craft, with time to learn, exchange ideas and savour her artistry in the intimacy of a private island home.

To learn more about Chef Elena Nabiullina Residency at The Nautilus Maldives, visit here.

This festive season, the lost kingdom of Atlantis rises from beneath the waves as Cora Cora Maldives transforms into The Enchanted Tide: A Festive Journey to Ocean Magic. From 19 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the five-star freedom paradise in Raa Atoll invites guests to step into a joyful Christmas and New Year celebration shaped by ocean magic and island freedom.

Beneath the glow of the Coral Tree, the island comes alive from day to night with pool parties, beachside feasts, live entertainment and celebrations that keep the festive energy flowing from sunset to midnight. Follow the tide through an eventful festive calendar designed to surprise, delight and bring everyone together. Dance beneath the stars, celebrate by the lagoon and soak up the joy of island life as The Enchanted Tide brings the festive season to life from the very first splash.

Atlantis Rises for Christmas and New Year

The journey begins with The First Spark of Atlantis, a magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony that opens the season with island warmth and the first glow of the Coral Tree. It sets the mood for a festive escape where every day brings a new reason to celebrate the freedom of the island. Christmas Eve becomes a grand ocean-inspired celebration with the ‘Pearl Palace Christmas Eve Banquet’. Step into an evening of festive flavors, live music, and elegant island magic as Atlantis rises beneath the glow of The Enchanted Tide. On Christmas Day, Santa’s Magical Arrival brings joy to guests big and small.

As the year comes to a close, raise a glass at The Sapphire Sundown before the night unfolds into the ‘Great Atlantis Countdown’. Welcome 2027 with festive dining, live entertainment, dancing by the sea, and fireworks lighting up the Maldivian sky. When midnight has passed, the Sunken Kingdom After Party keeps the celebration alive until the first morning of the New Year.

Mermaids of the Bikini Bottom at Cora Kids® Club

Little explorers can dive into Mermaids of the Bikini Bottom at CoRa kids® Club, a playful festive adventure inspired by underwater creativity and the colorful world of SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends. Each day brings a new reason to play, create, and discover. Kids can make ocean crafts, decorate festive treats, and create their own souvenirs before heading out for beach games, treasure quests, and themed island adventures made for holiday fun. The programme is made for curious little guests who are ready for a challenge at Bubble Olympics, setting off on a Mermaid Treasure Quest, taking part in Kids Night Camping & Bonfire and Patrick’s Scavenger Hunt, enjoying a Mermaid Makeover, and settling in for Kids Movie Nights. It is a festive celebration made just for children, with plenty of magic for grown-ups to enjoy too.

A Festive Journey of Serenity at Moksha®

Between the celebrations, MOKSHA® Spa & Wellbeing Centre invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect. This year’s festive wellness programme brings together alternative therapies, daily wellbeing activities, and hands-on workshops designed to help you welcome the New Year feeling restored. Each experience offers a peaceful pause between the island celebrations. For a deeper relaxation, the ‘Re-Set Space’ takes you through a three-day journey of release, restore, and regain. It is your moment to pause, return to yourself, and step into the year ahead with renewed energy. This festive season, learn simple ways to bring relaxation, connection, and well-being home with you.

Island Days in Motion

You will never run out of things to do this festive season. The Recreational Activity Programme keeps the island alive with playful challenges, beach fun, poolside energy, and moments that bring everyone together. Start your day with Reef Rhythm Aqua Zumba or jump into Water Polo Splash. Gather your friends for beach football, beach volleyball, table tennis, or beer pong. As the evening settles in, take the mic at Coral Kingdom Karaoke and let the island mood carry you into the night. Every day gives you a new way to play, laugh, and feel the freedom of Cora Cora Maldives.

Dive into the Magic of the Enchanted Tide

Dive beneath the surface of the ordinary and follow the glow of Atlantis to Cora Cora Maldives. Let the music move you, the ocean calm you, and the island bring everyone together in true festive freedom. This season, The Enchanted Tide transforms Cora Cora Maldives into a world of ocean magic, joyful connection, and unforgettable memories that will shimmer long after the tide has turned.

Discover the full festive programme and start planning your escape at Cora Cora Maldives website. For more information and bookings, visit www.coracoraresorts.com.

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has partnered with internationally recognised chef and restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa to host a two-night culinary pop-up at B.Heaven Rooftop on 13 and 14 November 2026.

Chef Dharshan, the founder of Nihonbashi and Ministry of Crab, both of which have been featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, will present a selection of mud crab and freshwater prawn dishes during the event. He is also behind Carne Diem Grill at CROSSROADS Maldives, which has been featured in 50 Best Discovery this year.

The collaboration will bring Ministry of Crab’s approach to seafood preparation to Malé, with an emphasis on ingredient freshness and quality. The restaurant follows a strict no-freezer policy, and the two-day event will feature export-quality mud crabs and freshwater prawns flown in fresh for the occasion.

The dining experience will take place at B.Heaven Rooftop, offering guests views of the surrounding ocean while introducing a selection of dishes associated with Ministry of Crab.

“We are honoured to welcome a culinary maestro of Chef Dharshan’s global calibre to Barceló Nasandhura Malé this November,” said Enric Reina, Hotel Manager at Barceló Nasandhura Malé.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for both our hotel and the capital’s dining scene as we elevate the local epicurean landscape, offering our resident guests and Malé’s culinary connoisseurs a rare opportunity to experience award-winning gastronomy.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Chef Dharshan highlighted the Maldives’ connection to his culinary work and the opportunity to introduce Ministry of Crab’s signature preparations to diners in Malé.

“Maldives holds a special place in the regional food landscape, surrounded by the same pristine Indian Ocean waters that inspire much of my culinary work. Partnering with Barceló Nasandhura allows us to showcase our iconic Ministry of Crab signature dishes—from our Garlic Chili Crab to our hand-crushed Pepper Crab—alongside exclusive preparations crafted specifically for B.Heaven Rooftop,” he said.

The two-night event will feature a curated menu showcasing Ministry of Crab’s signature preparations, including Garlic Chili Crab and Pepper Crab, alongside dishes developed specifically for the collaboration.