Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi with its renowned wave Lohis, recently welcomed an all-female surf group for a week of surfing, wellness, and meaningful connections. Beyond experiencing the Maldives’ world-class waves, the visit created an opportunity to bring together international surfers from Surferelle, a women-focused female surf KOL, and members of Surf Her Story, a local female surfing community, for an inspiring exchange of experiences, perspectives, and stories.

Connecting Women Through Surfing

The gathering brought together women from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, united by their shared passion for the ocean.

Through conversations and shared experiences, participants exchanged perspectives on surfing, personal growth, confidence, and the challenges women face in pursuing their passions.

What began as a meeting of surfers became a reminder that, despite cultural differences, women often share similar aspirations and challenges. The exchange offered an opportunity for mutual encouragement, new friendships, and inspiration that extended well beyond the water.

Surf Her Story: Empowering the Next Generation

Founded by former professional surfer Maju Freitas, with the support of local surfers Aya Naseem and Rishtha Suja, Surf Her Story is a community-driven initiative dedicated to introducing more girls across the Maldives to surfing.

The idea began four years ago when Freitas first visited the Maldives and noticed something missing from its incredible surf scene.

“I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God! This place has amazing waves… but WHERE ARE ALL THE GIRLS?'” she recalls.

Determined to make a difference, Maju created Surf Her Story to help more Maldivian girls discover the physical, mental, and social benefits of surfing.

Beyond developing surfing skills, the initiative aims to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and create a supportive sisterhood where girls can grow together, both in and out of the ocean.

“My biggest dream is for every girl to have the opportunity to experience the freedom, happiness, and empowerment that surfing has given me throughout my life,” says Maju. “I truly believe surfing can change lives, and through Surf Her Story, I hope to share that feeling with as many girls as possible.”

Giving Back to the Community That Makes Surfing Possible

As a surf destination, the Maldives offers extraordinary experiences to visitors from around the world. Lohis Maldives believes that the benefits of surf tourism should also extend to the local communities that call these islands home.

Welcoming Surf Her Story was a small but meaningful step toward that vision: creating space for local female surfers to connect with an international community, share their voices, and gain encouragement from women with different life experiences.

By facilitating these connections, the resort hopes to contribute to a future where more Maldivian girls feel welcome in the water, confident in their abilities, and supported in pursuing their ambitions.

At Lohis, the true value of surf travel lies not only in the waves we enjoy, but also in the positive connections and opportunities we leave behind.

The resort looks forward to continuing to support community engagement, celebrate women in surfing, and create experiences that bring lasting value to both visitors and the local community.

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is set to welcome guests to a festive season shaped by discovery, creativity, tradition and togetherness, with distinctive year-end experiences unfolding across Atmosphere Kanifushi, VARU by Atmosphere and RAAYA by Atmosphere.

Bringing together Maldivian heritage, immersive experiences, culinary celebrations, wellness and uniquely designed entertainment, the festive lineups invite guests to experience the season through the individual character of each island.

At Atmosphere Kanifushi, the festive season unfolds as Kanifushi Odyssey, from 21 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, with a journey through themed island celebrations. Guests can step into Pirates Under the Stars, welcome Santa by the sea on Christmas Eve and experience the enchanting atmosphere of Christmas in Neon Tides on Christmas Day. The programme also celebrates the island’s cultural spirit through The Spirit of Kanifushi, alongside themed culinary evenings such as Kanifushi Trattoria and World Kitchen. The festivities culminate in The Crown of Midnight, a spectacular New Year’s Eve gala marking the beginning of a new year in unforgettable island style.

At RAAYA by Atmosphere, Wonka Winter Wonderland runs from 23 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, bringing a playful, imaginative twist to the festive season with chocolate-inspired experiences, creative activities and celebrations for all ages. Highlights include the Wonka Winterland Glow-in-the-Dark Party, a Christmas morning featuring chocolate carving and Santa’s arrival, and a traditional Maldivian dinner accompanied by Bodu Beru. For New Year’s Eve, the island transforms into a Masquerade celebration, where distinctive dining and captivating entertainment set the scene for a memorable countdown.

At VARU by Atmosphere, the festive programme, from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, rooted in the spirit of the Maldives celebrates Colour of Lights – A Luminous Island Journey weaving local tropical island character into the celebrations. Guests can savour Maldivian high tea and treats prepared at live sweets stations, enjoy festive cinema beneath the stars and join the VARU family for Christmas carols. These island-inspired experiences lead into the Festive Christmas Eve Gala, bringing guests together through local traditions, warm hospitality and the naturally Maldivian character of VARU.

Beyond the major celebrations, the festive calendars across Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts feature a variety of experiences, with most activities included in the Holiday Plan. Designed to let guests experience the islands at their own pace, these include wellness and rejuvenation, marine exploration, creative workshops, family activities, culinary discoveries and evenings beneath the Maldivian sky.

Together, the three resorts offer distinctly unique interpretations of the festive season, united by a shared approach to hospitality: creating meaningful experiences that guests can discover, enjoy and remember long after their island stay.

Discover your next Maldivian escape and explore the festive calendars on the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts website.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has won three awards at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, with Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives receiving recognition across three categories.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives secured Gold in the Leading Surf Resort category for the eighth time and fourth consecutive year, while Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives retained Gold in the Leading Beach Resort category for the second consecutive year. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives also received Silver in the Nishan Seneviratne Best CSR Programme category.

The 10th edition of SATA was held at Barceló Nasandhura Malé on 8 October 2026, recognising achievements across South Asia’s tourism and hospitality industry, including guest experiences, industry leadership and responsible tourism.

Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is home to the Pasta Point surf break, which attracts surfers from around the world. The resort’s eighth Gold award in the Leading Surf Resort category reflects its position among the Maldives’ surfing destinations. In addition to surfing, the resort offers water sports, wellness activities and other guest experiences.

“We remain committed to delivering memorable surf experiences and holidays in the Maldives,” said Marlon Robert, General Manager of Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives.

Robert also acknowledged the continued support of guests, the international surfing community and the resort team in securing the recognition.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives received its second consecutive Gold award as Leading Beach Resort in recognition of its island setting, which features sandy beaches, a lagoon and a selection of beachfront and overwater accommodation. The resort also offers dining, wellness and recreational activities, providing guests with opportunities to explore the surrounding marine environment.

The resort’s Silver award in the Nishan Seneviratne Best CSR Programme category recognised its efforts to provide dive education and career development opportunities for young people from neighbouring island communities.

Implemented in partnership with Dive & Sail, the resort’s PADI-certified dive centre, the six-day programme enabled nine students aged between 16 and 18 from schools in Keyodhoo and Felidhoo to obtain PADI Open Water Diver certification.

The programme combined theoretical lessons, practical training and supervised dives to promote safe diving practices and reef conservation. It also introduced participants to potential career opportunities in marine tourism.

“These accolades reflect the dedication of our teams and the continued support of our guests, whose trust inspires us to keep raising the standard of our experiences,” said Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager, Cinnamon Maldives Resorts.

The three awards recognise the tourism experiences offered by Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, as well as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ initiatives in environmental awareness and community engagement across its Maldives properties.