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Raising the Barre: Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort brings ballet retreat to Baa Atoll

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Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is bringing classical ballet to its shores with the launch of a new “Baa Atoll Ballet Retreat”. This exclusive retreat, featuring Royal Ballet-trained dancer Karis Scarlette, is set to grace the island of Fares from 6th to the 19th of November 2023.

The resort, which opened in April 2023, beckons sunseekers to indulge in the art of ballet and experience a classical touch in an upbeat island setting. Representing a shift towards holistic wellness that goes beyond the gym and spa, this event marks the first in a series of innovative retreats planned at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort this year, and beyond.

Echoing the balletic performances of marine life beneath the waves, Karis will introduce guests of all ages and levels to classical ballet, breaking the steps down and adding her own energy for an uplifting experience. Group classes and one-to-one sessions will take place in a dedicated dance studio complete with barres and mirrors.  From pliés to pirouettes, group classes and one-to-one sessions will focus on perfecting posture, footwork and the all-important port de bras, or carriage of arms. Young dancers aged five and under can delight in the “Tutus & Twirls” class, blending storytelling elements and interactive props. Guests looking to connect with nature can join “Sunrise Serenity”, a revitalising session that combines stretching, mobility exercises, and mindful breathwork, set to the natural sounds of the island at dawn.  

Enhancing the ballet programme, guests can pamper themselves with unique spa experiences, like the Tutu Tension Release Massage and Dancer’s Delight Detox Wrap, all accompanied by melodic ballet scores, at the resort’s AvaniSpa. They can also savour imaginative cocktails, including the Tutu Tini and Grand Jeté Gin Fizz, seamlessly transitioning from the barre to the bar. Additionally, they can indulge in enchanting, starlit dining concepts right on the sandy shores.

Karis Scarlette, the inspirational force behind this unique retreat, is a ballet dancer par excellence, whose expertise have attracted actors, models, singers and even British royalty. Her remarkable journey began at the age of two, and she honed her talents through training at the Royal Ballet School, gracing the stage of London’s illustrious Royal Opera House. In more recent years, Karis has turned her attention towards teaching, making the world of ballet inclusive and accessible to all.

Commenting on the retreat, Karis said: “I’m excited to partner with Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort to bring ballet to Baa Atoll. The contemporary, sun-soaked setting of the resort provides the most amazing, once-in-a-lifetime backdrop for guests of all ages and levels to enjoy ballet. My classes focus on movement, mobility and mindset and I cannot wait to use these techniques to encourage guests to discover their inner dancer.”

Wellness takes centre stage at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, offering guests a multitude of ways to embrace a healthy lifestyle, from sunrise sound healing and nourishing smoothies to unique vinotherapy massages at the AvaniSpa. In addition to the ongoing wellness retreat series featuring international experts, the resort boasts its own dedicated wellness team, including Dr. Aleena Simon, an Integrative Wellness Practitioner bridging Eastern and Western traditions; Ashna Hanma Hurbansee, a Wellbeing Therapist and cupping therapy specialist; and Rithik Aggarwal, an International Tennis Federation-certified coach renowned for his ability to transform beginners into accomplished athletes. The resort’s special opening offer for villas starts from USD 510 per night in a Beach Villa based on two people sharing and includes breakfast and lunch or dinner. Classes include Adult Ballet Basics for Beginners (USD 60pp), Tutus & Twirls: Ballet for Tots (USD 35pp), Kid-Friendly Ballet Basics (USD 35 pp) and Sunrise Serenity: Breathwork in Baa (USD 50 pp).

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TAPASAKE Maldives marks first anniversary with Luca Cinalli guest mixology night

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TAPASAKE Maldives, the destination restaurant set in the private island of One&Only Reethi Rah, will be welcoming internationally renowned mixologist Luca Cinalli to celebrate its 1 Year Anniversary with an exclusive dining experience. On 20th December, Cinalli joins the restaurant’s resident Chef Ahmed Jameel for an immersive cocktail experience, elevated by a one-night five-course anniversary menu.

The first of its kind since the inception of One&Only Reethi Rah, TAPASAKE Maldives re-opened on 20th December 2024 and features breathtaking ocean views, bold contemporary design, and dining experiences and a beverage program that unite the precision of Japan and the soul of the Mediterranean in a flowing exchange of flavour, texture, and culture. In addition to the original restaurant in the Maldives, TAPASAKE also operates in Dubai, Mauritius, and Montenegro.

The exclusive event features the creativity of Luca Cinalli, originally from Lanciano, a small fishing town in Italy, and now globally acclaimed for his work with The World’s 50 Best Bars, including Nightjar and Oriole in London. Guests can experience his inventive and masterful flavours, honed by over 20 years of experience in the hospitality, food and beverage, and bar industries. Cinalli will be collaborating with the restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, Ahmed Jameel, a native of the Maldives whose culinary work is rooted in balancing both traditional and contemporary Japanese techniques.

Set against the soothing vistas of the azure Indian Ocean, the exclusive cocktail pairing is the leading attraction of the evening’s anniversary celebrations, where expertly paired signature cocktails curated by Cinalli and the TAPASAKE team pair beautifully with dishes like Black Cod Medallion and Sakura Tea-Smoked Wagyu Short Rib. Each cocktail draws inspiration from different elements of TAPASAKE – from its diverse culinary influences and contemporary overwater design to the iconic golden sunsets that have become synonymous with the restaurant. Wave Kiss, for example, is reminiscent of watching waves break over the reef, recreated as an umami-rich liquid foam. TAPASAKE Chocolate, on the other hand, bridges the sweet yet distinctive palates of Japan, the Mediterranean, and the Maldives, blending sake chocolate liqueur and pistachio.

“We are excited to celebrate this momentous occasion with Luca Cinalli at TAPASAKE Maldives,” says Jan B. Tibaldi, General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah. “With Luca’s creative flair influenced by his years working with The World’s 50 Best Bars paired with our team’s unrivalled service and deep connection with the island, this evening promises a truly special celebration of a remarkable first year.”

The dinner will be held exclusively on 20 December at TAPASAKE Maldives, which will be open from 7.00pm to 10.30pm.

For pre-bookings and more information, please email guest.information@oneandonlyreethirah.com or call +960 664 8800. For more information about the resort, please visit oneandonlyreethirah.com.

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Award-winning singer Nicole Scherzinger to appear at One&Only Reethi Rah’s New Year’s Eve celebrations

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One&Only Reethi Rah, the all-villa resort in the Maldives, has announced the international star and award-winning singer Nicole Scherzinger will make an exclusive live appearance during the resort’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations, welcoming guests into 2026 with a special musical performance as part of the countdown.

Renowned for her magnetic stage presence and powerhouse vocals, Nicole Scherzinger originally rose to fame as a member of one of the best-selling female groups of all time, the Pussycat Dolls, before pursuing her career as a solo musician, a judge on various television shows, and a stage actress in theatrical work such as in Cats and Sunset Boulevard. Throughout her career, Scherzinger has received numerous nominations and awards, including the 2024 Laurence Olivier Award and the 2025 Tony Award, both for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Sunset Boulevard.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s annual New Year’s Eve celebrations take place on 31st December 2025 at the Believe Ball, the Festive program’s main event featuring a refined beachside cocktail reception before unfolding into a joyous evening of epicurean discovery and thrilling entertainment. As the year draws to a close, Scherzinger will take the stage for a highlight live performance as part of the countdown, bringing the New Year’s celebrations to new heights with glamour, energy, and musical prowess.

“We are thrilled and honoured to welcome Nicole Scherzinger to One&Only Reethi Rah for our New Year’s Eve celebrations,” said Jan Tibaldi, General Manager of the resort. “Her global appeal, extraordinary talent, and dynamic energy make her the perfect artist to be part of our most iconic evening of the year, setting the scene for a remarkable welcome to 2026.”

The Festive season at One&Only Reethi Rah invites guests to embrace the spirit of the season with this year’s theme of Believe, centered on celebrating the joy, wonder, and magic of the holidays. From Christmas family traditions and world-class culinary experiences to quiet moments of deep wellbeing and exciting sports tournaments, the resort’s Festive program promises an array of unforgettable moments designed to delight guests of all ages and interests. Scherzinger’s special live appearance will be the highlight of the program, culminating with an exciting countdown to welcome the New Year.

The Festive season at One&Only Reethi Rah commences on 20th December 2025 with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony & Cocktail and ends on 13th January 2026 with the Orthodox New Year Gala Dinner.

Reservations and pre-bookings are recommended for most of the Festive events. For inquiries and bookings, please contact the VIP Services team at reethirah.festive@oneandonlyreethirah.com. For bookings, please call +960 664 8800 or contact the Reservations team at reservations@oneandonlyreethirah.com.

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes Chef Renzi Gianluca for Tastemaker series collaboration

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues its celebrated Tastemaker Series with an exclusive culinary collaboration featuring acclaimed Italian Chef Renzi Gianluca. Taking place across three days, the immersive experience invites guests to discover Chef Gianluca’s contemporary interpretation of Italian gastronomy through thoughtfully curated dining moments and an interactive masterclass.

The collaboration will be highlighted by two intimate guest dinners on 21 January 2026 and 23 January 2026, where Chef Gianluca will present a bespoke menu inspired by his culinary heritage, seasonal ingredients, and refined technique. On 22 January 2026, guests are invited to deepen their appreciation of Italian cuisine during an exclusive masterclass led by the chef, offering insight into his creative philosophy and signature approach.

Set on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is renowned for its striking architecture, secluded villas, and exceptional dining experiences. The resort is home to a diverse culinary portfolio, including Alba, its signature Italian restaurant; Orientale, celebrating Asian flavours; the overwater Whale Bar; and Cargo, a destination for Indian Ocean-inspired cuisine under the stars. Each venue reflects the brand’s commitment to refined craftsmanship, immersive storytelling, and memorable moments at the table.

Chef Renzi Gianluca’s residency builds upon the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which has recently welcomed distinguished culinary talents such as Chef Gregory Doyen, Chef Alexander Herrmann, and Chef Jolly. These collaborations underscore The St. Regis Maldives’ position as a leading epicurean destination, offering guests rare access to globally celebrated chefs and elevated gastronomic experiences in an extraordinary setting.

With its seamless blend of luxury, culture, and culinary artistry, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine destination dining in the Indian Ocean.

For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.

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