News
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi unveils tropical wonderland festive programme
This festive season, those dreaming of swapping snow and busy shopping streets for sugar white-sand and crystal-clear waters should look no further than Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi. Nestled in the picturesque Shaviyani atoll, the luxury resort has unveiled a captivating calendar of festive Tropical Wonderland activations designed to showcase the destination’s natural splendour. Fun, family-friendly and full of festivities, the Tropical Wonderland programme promises an unforgettable escape, from ‘Santa’s Lab’ and eco-art workshops in the island Art Studio, to underwater adventures on the expansive house reef.
Sitting in one of the largest resort lagoons in the Maldives and surrounded by a reef of kaleidoscope colours, Fairmont Maldives houses a collection of sunrise and sunset beach or overwater villas, each with their own private pool and direct access to the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, including 4, 5 and 7-Bedroom Deluxe Beach Villas, designed to accommodate groups of up to 20. Villas on the sunrise side of the island are particularly ideal for adventure-seeking travellers, with the best snorkelling spot on their doorstep – discover over 250 species of ocean life and join the resident marine biologist to track endangered local turtles. Eco-conscious travellers are invited to turn plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs and even create special gifts for local children at the resort’s Sustainability Lab – known as ‘Santa’s Lab’ during the festive season.
Carefully curated, the diverse Tropical Wonderland programme includes activities tailored to every guest – from tiny explorers to avid travellers. Alongside the rich underwater adventure programme, guests who prefer to stay on dry land can enjoy tennis lessons with renowned tennis coach Julian Hein, Christmas cake baking under the watchful eye of Fairmont Maldives’ chefs, dance classes and art workshops with resident local artists. Creative guests can craft their own Christmas cards, while younger travellers write a letter to Santa, who is set to make a special appearance on the island, equipped with a sleigh full of presents, after a unique tree lighting ceremony on December 20th.
A festive break calls for hearty and wholesome food, and Fairmont Maldives’ new all-inclusive offering offers access to all three restaurants and in-villa dining. Guests can dine at the recently refurbished Raha Market, with live cooking stations and cuisine from around the globe, or opt for an exquisite three-course meal at beachfront Azure and Japanese Kata restaurants, accompanied by cocktails, mocktails and expertly-crafted non-alcoholic drinks. In the spirit of the season, a Christmas Eve dinner at Raha will also be on the menu, while a New Year’s Eve extravaganza boasts an unforgettable culinary experience, perfectly paired with flowing wines and chilled Champagnes. The festive programme will be accompanied by world-class entertainment including live music by local artists, beachside beats by the resident DJ and a festive troop of multi-skilled circus performers.
Children up to 11 years old go free. For more information, please visit https://www.fairmont-maldives.com/festive-season/
Love
COMO Cocoa Island, COMO Maalifushi unveil Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day celebrations
This February, COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi invite guests to experience two of the most cherished occasions of the year—the Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Horse, and Valentine’s Day—in the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives. Each island resort presents bespoke celebrations that blend cultural richness, heartfelt romance, and signature COMO hospitality.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to celebrate renewal, connection and love across our two islands this season. Whether it’s the bold beginnings of the Lunar New Year or the intimate joy of Valentine’s Day, our experiences combine deeper cultural meaning with the serenity and natural beauty of the Maldives,” said Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “From lantern-lit dinners by the sea to bespoke romantic moments under the stars, each celebration has been thoughtfully curated to inspire lasting memories.”
Lunar New Year: A Fresh Start by the Sea
At COMO Cocoa Island, the Lunar New Year programme embraces the spirit of bold renewal with experiences designed to reconnect body, mind and nature. Guests can explore pristine coral reefs, swim with reef sharks, rejuvenate with holistic treatments from visiting practitioner Kimiko Briody, and gather for a festive Oriental-style dinner that honours tradition and togetherness.
Meanwhile, COMO Maalifushi invites families and friends to celebrate amidst open skies and sea breezes. The highlight is a lantern-lit reunion feast by the ocean, where guests come together to savour seasonal flavours and shared joy. Throughout the day, world-class diving, snorkelling and curated cultural activities make for a meaningful start to the Year of the Fire Horse.
Both resorts offer Lunar New Year experiences crafted to reflect rich tradition, mindful wellness, and unforgettable island living.
Valentine’s Day: Romance, Curated the COMO Way
Love takes centre stage as COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi present exceptional Valentine’s Day dining and romantic moments against the backdrop of Indian Ocean splendour.
At COMO Cocoa Island, couples can enjoy:
- A complimentary wine tasting on Valentine’s Eve.
- Signature Champagne cocktails under the setting sun.
- A seven-course beachside dinner designed to celebrate love.
- Bespoke experiences such as Private Yakiniku BBQs, served in-villa or beneath starlit skies. Available throughout the romantic season.
Meanwhile, at COMO Maalifushi, lovers are invited to a thoughtfully curated four-course Valentine’s Day menu crafted to elevate every moment. Complementing the dinner, a Valentine’s Package features sundowner Champagne, bespoke romantic touches, and personalised service for an unforgettable evening on February 14th, 2026.
Whether dining beside glistening waters, on a secluded sandbank, or within the intimacy of overwater villas, every experience is tailored to celebrate love’s lasting joy.
Culture
Kuda Villingili presents family-focused Eid al-Fitr experience in Maldives
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced a three-day Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH programme, inviting guests to celebrate the occasion from 19 to 21 March 2026 in a tranquil island setting that brings together family, reflection, and shared moments.
Following the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr at the resort is designed as a gentle transition into celebration, offering guests the freedom to mark the festival at their own pace. The programme brings together families, couples, and friends through curated dining experiences, relaxed island gatherings, and moments of quiet connection by the Indian Ocean.
Culinary experiences form the centre of the Eid programme. Celebrations begin with the Kuda Eid Feast Buffet Dinner at The Restaurant, featuring Middle Eastern and Maldivian dishes served under the stars, accompanied by soft island music. Guests can also gather at Spice for the Kuda Eid Lunch Feast, a five-course Middle Eastern fusion menu by the Qureshi brothers, inspired by traditional flavours and designed for sharing in the spirit of Eid. Evenings continue at The Bar with an Arabic Shisha Night, combining live DJ music with a relaxed social atmosphere.
Eid mornings at the resort offer a calmer start to the day, with a Signature Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa pool. Guests can also enjoy Eid Signature Mocktails, created with floral and spice notes that reflect the season’s sense of gratitude and renewal. An interactive Art of Shisha Making experience is also available, encouraging conversation and shared storytelling.
The Eid programme has been curated to include guests of all ages. Younger visitors are welcomed at Kuda Fiyo, where Eid-themed creative workshops, treasure trails, storytelling sessions, games, and movement activities are organised to create memorable experiences while reflecting the cultural significance of the occasion.
For families and adventure-seekers, the resort also offers Eid al-Fitr Ocean Adventures. A personalised Big Game Fishing experience provides an opportunity to spend time together on the open sea, combining quiet reflection with exploration of the surrounding waters.
With its expansive island layout, eight dining destinations, and the Maldives’ largest swimming pool, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives presents an Eid al-Fitr celebration that blends tradition with contemporary island living, offering space, privacy, and a relaxed setting for guests seeking a meaningful Eid experience in the Maldives.
The full Eid al-Fitr 2026 programme can be viewed here. More information about the resort is available from the resort’s website.
Cooking
Michelin-starred Chef Jaume collaborates with One&Only Reethi Rah’s TAPASAKE for four-hands dinner
TAPASAKE Maldives, the destination dining restaurant set in the private island of One&Only Reethi Rah, will be welcoming Michelin-starred Chef Jaume to serve an exclusive four-hands dinner at the iconic overwater restaurant alongside their resident Chef Ahmed Jameel.
The first of its kind since the inception of One&Only Reethi Rah, TAPASAKE Maldives features breathtaking ocean views, bold contemporary design, and dining experiences 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 collaboration features the authentic and sophisticated artistry of Chef Jaume, originally from Mallorca and Head Chef of Béns d’Avall in Sóller, Spain, awarded one Michelin star since 2021 and a Michelin Green Star in 2023. Chef Jaume’s cuisine is deeply rooted in family tradition, cultural heritage, and the Mallorcan landscapes, and with his meticulous eye for detail and instinctive sense of harmony, Chef Jaume transforms local, seasonal produce into refined compositions that evoke memory, place, and authenticity. Chef Jaume will be collaborating with the restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, Ahmed Jameel, a native of the Maldives whose culinary work is founded in balancing both traditional and contemporary Japanese techniques.

Set against the soothing backdrop of the azure Indian Ocean, the Four-Hands Dinner offers an exceptionally curated menu celebrating Chef Jaume and Chef Jameel’s quiet artistry, refined technique, and harmonious blend of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisines, with each dish shaped to honour the purity of ingredients and the emotional power of flavour.
“We are excited to collaborate with Chef Jaume on this exclusive dining experience,” says Jan B. Tibaldi, General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah. “Paired with Chef Jameel’s refined techniques and Chef Jaume’s sophisticated creativity and philosophy grounded in a deep respect for nature, this Four-Hands Dinner offers an exceptional evening to celebrate the fusion of soulful cuisine against the spectacular backdrop of the Maldives.”
The dinner will be held exclusively on 18 February at TAPASAKE Maldives, which will be open from 7.30pm 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.
-
Entertainment6 days agoCraig David shares emotional Maldives moment after ‘Rise & Fall’ surprise at resort dinner
-
Food1 week agoMichelin-starred Italian chef Maurizio Bufi brings Lake Garda flavours to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
-
Action1 week agoAtaraxis Grand & Spa hosts integrated work-and-dive corporate retreat in Fuvahmulah
-
Awards5 days agoFuvahmulah receives Tiger Shark Dive Award at DRT Expo KL
-
Action1 week agoFour Seasons Landaa Giraavaru shares manta sightings forecast for 2026 and 2027
-
Love1 week agoJW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites couples to a season of romance and refined indulgence
-
Action6 days agoDusit Thani Maldives adds padel and upgrades sports facilities
-
Cooking7 days agoONDA debuts at The Standard, Maldives as new Mediterranean dining venue


