News
Celebrate mid-autumn festival, Chinese golden week at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
Nestled amidst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island warmly invite those seeking a unique blend of traditional festivities and tropical luxury to book a visit this upcoming holiday season. From September 29th to October 6th, 2023, this stunning contemporary resort transforms into a haven of culinary excellence, moonlit wonder, and cultural discovery in observance of the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese Golden Week.
A Week of Culinary Delights
No celebration is complete without culinary delights, and Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island offers a culinary journey that transcends borders. Guests can start their day with a taste of China at GLOW, where breakfast features delicacies like chicken congee, house-made dim sum, and Cantonese Chow Mein. In the afternoon, Café Lounge extends an invitation to explore wine and cheese pairings, complemented by a curated selection of Chinese wines. As day turns to evening, they can indulge in traditional prawn and egg fried rice and reef fish steamed with soya, ginger, and spring onion. The culinary extravaganza continues with an International Market Night, featuring a tantalising array of Asian flavours. For an immersive dining adventure, guests can join the hot pot experience, savouring seafood, fresh vegetables, and their choice of signature Sichuan spicy broth or clear mild chicken broth, paired with authentic dipping sauces.
Beyond these exceptional culinary experiences, the all-villa island resort boasts a diverse selection of dining options that traverse the globe, including Japanese and Peruvian fusion delights at Kayto, signature Greek-Mediterranean cuisine at Shimmers, international dishes at GLOW, and tailor-made private dining experiences.
A Week of Adventures and Moonlit Wonder
Adventure enthusiasts and moon admirers can relish a range of experiences at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island that seamlessly unite tradition with wellness. Here, guests have the opportunity to participate in Full Moon Yoga sessions on the rooftop of the resort’s renowned Talise Spa, unwinding amidst the tranquil sounds of gentle waves beneath the moon’s enchanting glow. Alternatively, serenity can be found in Tibetan Bowl Sound Healing sessions, offering meditative moments against breathtaking overwater vistas. As a cherished festival tradition, guests are also welcomed to make wishes and release floating lanterns over the resort’s expansive GLOW infinity pool, creating a captivating moment of moon appreciation (shangyue).
With over 50 weekly activities to choose from, boredom is simply not an option at this stunning secluded island paradise. Guests can dive into the vibrant marine life with a Semi-Submarine adventure at the Dive Centre or embark on an exhilarating Dolphin Quest. Those seeking a unique experience can try their hand at traditional sunset fishing, even having the chance to catch their own dinner. For a blend of water fun and fitness, Beachside Splash Zumba at Shimmers Pool awaits. And if the dream includes cinematic nights under the stars or underwater adventures, private rooftop cinema and snorkelling exploration experiences promise to fulfil the island getaway bucket list.
Discover Maldivian Charms
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island opens doors to the rich tapestry of Maldivian culture. Individuals can dive into the heart of local life with a guided visit to a nearby island, led by a knowledgeable Maldivian team member from the resort. The rhythms of the islands come alive as they engage in a masterclass to learn the traditional art of playing the Bodu Beru drum. Younger visitors are invited to partake in an exciting island treasure hunt, where a well-deserved prize can be claimed. As the sun gently sets, the resort hosts a lively cocktail party featuring enchanting Maldivian cultural performances, crafting memorable evenings infused with local charm.
Create golden memories with loved ones this Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese Golden Week with exclusive discounts of up to 25% and a Resort Credit of USD 300 per villa. For more information about Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island and to secure reservations, please contact Reservations.JMH@jumeirah.com.
News
Amilla Maldives unveils first dedicated pottery and ceramics studio on the island
Amilla Maldives has announced a groundbreaking partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives, introducing the island’s very first dedicated pottery and ceramic production space. This innovative studio will invite guests to embark on a grounding, tactile journey, deeply rooted in local artistry and mindfulness.
Set to provide an unhurried sensory experience, the upcoming studio aligns seamlessly with Amilla’s signature gentle rhythms and commitment to holistic well-being. Designed as a meditative retreat, this space will encourage guests to slow down, connect with the earth, and tap into the creative flow of working with clay.

Through this collaboration, the resort will further enrich its vibrant tapestry of cultural and artistic programming. The studio will offer a welcoming haven for all generations, featuring thoughtfully crafted workshops in wheel throwing, hand building, and pottery painting. Guided by skilled artisans, adults, couples, and inquisitive young minds from the Sultan’s Village kids club will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the quiet satisfaction of creation.
Each session will empower guests to transform raw clay into personal narratives, crafting authentic, locally fired keepsakes. These unique creations will serve as meaningful mementos of their time on the island, tangible souvenirs that are truly “Made in Maldives.”
This partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives beautifully reflects our commitment to celebrating local creativity. By bringing this contemporary ceramic tradition to our shores, we look forward to honoring homegrown talent and offering our guests an intimate, immersive way to engage with Maldivian creative culture.
The forthcoming clay studio will add a tactile dimension to Amilla’s carefully curated blend of wellness, nature-led experiences, and the serene ease of island life.
For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.
News
InterContinental Maldives invites guests to reconnect through yoga and mindfulness
With International Yoga Day fast approaching, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to reconnect the mind, body and spirit through a curated programme of new wellness focused experiences at its award-winning AVI Spa. Celebrating the global day of mindfulness and movement, the resort will introduce a series of restorative spa activities designed to inspire balance and relaxation, and allowing guests to find their inner calm amidst the serenity of the Indian Ocean.
Guests can begin their days with Aqua Yoga at The Retreat, available from 6am–11am. This gentle, water-based yoga practice combines mindful movement with the soothing support of water, helping to improve flexibility and enhance balance. Guests are encouraged to welcome deep relaxation in the tranquil overwater setting. As evening falls, the 60-minute Floating Sound Therapy session begins at AVI Spa, running from 6pm–8pm. Floating effortlessly on water, participants are immersed in a deeply calming sensory journey as the soothing vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls and delicate chimes create a calming atmosphere of relaxation and renewal.

Wellness and mindfulness are at the heart of the InterContinental Maldives experience. Inspired by the turquoise waters that surround the island, the overwater AVI Spa serves as a sanctuary for restoration and rejuvenation. The award-winning spa features six tranquil overwater treatment villas, each designed to harness natural light, ocean sounds and the calming rhythm of the sea. From holistic therapies to immersive wellness rituals, expert therapists guide guests through transformative experiences that nurture both physical wellbeing and emotional balance, making InterContinental Maldives an idyllic destination for wellness-focused escapes.
AVI Spa is hosting a full-day wellness experience dedicated to mindful movement and wellness. The day will begin at sunrise with an energising yoga session designed to awaken the body and mind. Guests will then enjoy a nourishing breakfast to support their wellness journey. Throughout the day, guests can firstly immerse themselves in Floating Yoga, balancing across calm waters. Guests will have the opportunity to explore their strength, balance, and flexibility through Aerial Yoga, using suspension techniques to deepen movement and core engagement. As the day unfolds, guests will reconnect through guided breathwork, and meditation practices focused on clarity and mindfulness. The day will conclude with a restorative Yoga Flow and Sound Healing session, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind and end the day in a state of balance and renewal.

Aqua Yoga (45 minutes) from $85++ per person, Floating Yoga (45 minutes) from $85++ per person, Floating Sound Therapy (60 minutes) from $170++ per person and Aerial Yoga (60 minutes) from $50 ++ per person. Breathwork & Meditation (60 minutes) from $45++ per person.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives unveils exclusive dining collaboration with Chef Benjamin Peifer
This December, Kandolhu Maldives is set to host an extraordinary gastronomic event in collaboration with celebrated German Chef Benjamin Peifer. Recently named Chef of the Year 2025 by Gault & Millau, Peifer brings his highly distinctive culinary vision to the Maldives. His signature approach masterfully blends traditional Japanese techniques with carefully selected regional ingredients, with all dishes prepared over an open fire to create intense aromas and complex flavour profiles.
Benjamin Peifer’s journey from a baker’s apprentice to a two-star Michelin chef has forged a unique path in the world of high-end gastronomy. At his restaurant, Intense in Wachenheim, he creates an original fusion where traditional Palatinate pub fare meets Japanese haute cuisine. His goal is to deconstruct regional tastes into their core components and reimagine them, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and excitingly new.

Peifer’s culinary style is deeply connected to his personal history. After an unfulfilling start as a baker, he found his calling in the restaurant industry, drawn to its creativity and immediate feedback. He honed his skills at establishments like Zum Schwanen and Ketschauer Hof before opening Intense in 2017 with his wife, Bettina, who serves as the restaurant’s maître d’ and sommelier. He is known for reinterpreting everyday ingredients with exceptional technique and imagination, aiming to showcase the potential of what is readily available.

The collaboration features two distinct evenings of epicurean excellence, both beginning with a personal Meet & Greet. The first event on Saturday, 26 December, presents a bespoke four-course dinner, while the second evening on Tuesday, 29 December, offers an elevated five-course Wine & Dine experience. In keeping with Chef Peifer’s “no menu, trust the chef” philosophy, guests are invited to embrace a spontaneous and immersive culinary journey.

Discerning travellers and epicureans are encouraged to secure their reservations early to partake in this perfect blend of Maldives luxury and Michelin-starred artistry.
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