News
Emerald Faarufushi Resort celebrates one-year anniversary
The world-renowned 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced its one-year anniversary since its re-opening and celebrate the resort’s incredible success.
Over the past 12 months, the Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa has soared to new heights, boasting an astonishing average occupancy rate of 85%. Italy, the UK and Germany account for 45% of total bookings (with 15% each), while the remaining 55% of guests come from the rest of the world. This remarkable achievement in international markets has solidified its status as a true gem in the world of luxury travel. The resort already ranked on the top 10 resorts for guests’ satisfaction on TripAdvisor and a score of 9.8 on Booking.com.
To commemorate this momentous occasion and usher in another year of success, the resort is throwing a dazzling celebration open to all its guests on Sunday, October 1.
The festivities will kick off with a splash in the morning, featuring an exhilarating Water Sports Show and Free Trial Diving session. Guests can dive into the world of aquatic adventure, paddling on a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) or explore the vibrant coral reefs beneath the crystal-clear waters.
In the early afternoon, the celebrations will continue with a delightful Choco Swiss Roll Class at the Aqua Restaurant, where culinary creativity will go beyond bounds. Later, guests can test their mixology skills during an enchanting Cocktail Masterclass at the Eclipse Bar, offering mesmerising ocean views.
For those with a competitive spirit, a thrilling rendezvous awaits at 5 pm on the padel court, where guests can challenge the resort’s General Manager, Patrick De Staercke, to an epic showdown. As twilight descends upon the island, the true revelry begins at 7 pm with a lively Cocktail Party at the Sunset Pool Bar. Everyone will be invited to raise a glass and toast to the resort’s incredible journey over the past year! The celebration will then transition into a sumptuous Gala Dinner, followed by a vibrant Pink DJ Party that will keep guests dancing under the stars until the early hours.
“We are delighted with the results achieved in these first 12 months of operation,” says Simone Scarapicchia, Chief Commercial Officer of The Emerald Collection.
“Since our opening on 1 October 2022 and up to April, we have recorded a constant occupancy of around 85% and the forecast for Q4 2023 consolidates on this average. Our Deluxe All-Inclusive formula, in addition to attentive but non-invasive refined service and the sophistication of the villas and common areas, have immediately won over the relevant European markets. Among the new additions coming in 2024, we have made improvements to make the beach surrounding the island even wider and created a new category of over-the-water villas: the Sunset Water Villa with pool, which provides priceless views of the sunsets that each day lights up the waters surrounding Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa in pink and orange.”
Cooking
Baros Maldives’ The Lighthouse to present Duval-Leroy champagne pairing experience
Baros Maldives invites guests and discerning epicureans to an exclusive Champagne pairing dinner at The Lighthouse, the island’s iconic fine-dining restaurant, on 4 March 2026. Hosted for one evening only by Louis Duval-Leroy, family representative and Brand Ambassador of Maison Duval-Leroy, the intimate five-course experience celebrates the harmony between refined gastronomy and Champagne craftsmanship.
Perched above the Indian Ocean with panoramic ocean views, The Lighthouse is synonymous with Baros’ culinary philosophy. Long regarded as a benchmark for fine dining in the Maldives, the restaurant is known for its elegant setting, considered menus, and a focus on precision and technique. This one-night collaboration brings together Baros’ culinary team and the heritage of one of Champagne’s notable family-owned houses.
Founded in 1859, Maison Duval-Leroy is recognised for its Chardonnay-driven style, contemporary approach, and commitment to terroir and sustainability. Independent and family-owned for six generations, the House has been a pioneer in responsible viticulture, becoming the first Champagne house to achieve ISO 9002 certification in 1994, followed by Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certification in 2015.
Representing the sixth generation, Louis Duval-Leroy brings both heritage and a modern perspective to the estate. With a background in business and extensive commercial experience, he has developed close relationships with chefs and sommeliers across the international fine-dining community. During the evening, he will personally guide guests through each cuvée, sharing insights into the philosophy, craftsmanship, and stories behind every Champagne.
The five-course menu has been carefully curated to complement the character of each pairing. Highlights include Smoked Goat Cheese Parfait with golden beets, paired with Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve; a Black Cod Mosaic matched with Brut Rosé Prestige Premier Cru; and a Lemon Meringue Tart served alongside Prestige Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs.
The Duval-Leroy Champagne Pairing Dinner offers an opportunity to experience Baros Maldives through destination dining, heritage Champagne, and an oceanfront setting.
With limited seating available, advance reservations are recommended. For bookings and enquiries, please contact +960 664 2672 or email reservations@baros.com.
Awards
Villa Park secures second straight HolidayCheck Award
Villa Park has been recognised with the HolidayCheck Award 2026 for the second consecutive year, reflecting continued guest trust and consistently strong feedback.
Set on one of the Maldives’ largest natural islands in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) region, Villa Park is a standout choice for families seeking a lush, activity-filled escape. With tropical greenery woven throughout the island, long stretches of beach, and a wide range of experiences to suit every age, the resort offers the space and variety that make family travel feel effortless. From active lagoon days to slower, restorative moments, families can shape each day around what matters most to them.
Villa Park is also home to an extensive range of Beach Pool Villas, offering picture-perfect settings designed for easy indoor-outdoor living. Surrounded by palms and gardens, these private stays deliver the bright, tropical backdrop guests return for and love to capture.
For families, the island experience is elevated further by Park Players, positioned as the Maldives’ largest kids’ club, with a dedicated world of play, creativity, and discovery. The combination of nature, space, and things to do across the island continues to shape Villa Park’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ most trusted family resorts.
Love
Azur rooftop at JEN Maldives sets stage for Valentine’s Day dining
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is set to mark Valentine’s Day with a curated rooftop dining experience at Azur Rooftop, combining ocean views, live music and a specially designed menu for couples.
Taking place against the backdrop of the Malé skyline and the Indian Ocean, the Valentine’s Day dinner is designed for couples seeking an intimate yet lively evening. The experience begins with a Tropical Sweetheart welcome drink, blending strawberry, lime and honey, followed by an amuse-bouche served as a shared moment between partners, featuring romesco mousse in a rye tart.
The dinner continues with a selection of starters including Indonesian chicken satay with peanut sauce and a chilled watermelon coconut gazpacho. A passion fruit and mango sorbet is served as a palate cleanser ahead of the main courses.
For the main course, guests may choose between roasted chicken with thyme and beet jus, seared seabass with smoked paprika mashed potatoes, or beetroot risotto finished with burrata. The dining experience concludes with a dessert sequence titled Kiss Me Goodnight, accompanied by petit fours such as dark chocolate passion bites and strawberry rose macarons. Illy coffee, teas, chilled juices and soft drinks are also included.
Live music performances by Akku will accompany the evening, adding to the rooftop ambience created by soft lighting, décor and panoramic views.
The Valentine’s Day dinner at Azur Rooftop is priced at USD 110 per couple, inclusive of all taxes and service charges. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +960 330 0888.
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