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Unlocking gastronomic dreams: Flavourful feast of upgrades at SAii Lagoon, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

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It will come as no surprise that the Maldives has scooped up the crown of the most elusive destination in the world every year. After all, this string of pearl atolls with dolphins swimming in front of your villas freely and some of the most unreal sunsets you will ever see is all about extravagant character and easygoing exotica. A proper beach getaway should feel like you’ve stumbled across a deeply buried secret in the sand.

Just like CROSSROADS Maldives – For families seeking beachside adventures, and for lovers searching for a cinematic tropical paradise where time stands still, CROSSROADS Maldives is the only leisure destination in the Maldives that offers unadulterated joie de vivre without restricting you to simply one island-one resort. With two resorts, a 30-berth quay, the legendary Hard Rock Cafe, Rock Spa, diverse shopping and dining, thrilling excursions, SAii Beach Club, and blissful Len Be Well spa offering, this is where your uber-chic must-try modern Maldives holiday begin – Dazzlingly biodiverse, sensationally calm, yet achingly dramatic.

With the new year around the corner and a spirit of gifting in the air, the serene SAii Lagoon Maldives, and the iconic Hard Rock Hotel Maldives are coming together to roll out the festive vibe early this year, by offering a meal plan upgrade to all the gastronomic enthusiasts out there.

At SAii Lagaoon Maldives you are entitled to an upgrade to the Full Board Meal plan if you book on Half Board and going one level higher Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is offering an upgrade to their popular All-inclusive meal plan to all those who book on Full Board. The holiday season is when most of us learn the art of letting go and slip into the carefree dine & imbibe mood as we get ready to unwind and recharge for the brand new year ahead. This quintessential upgrade offer is just the right push you need to book that Maldives holiday at the extraordinary CROSSROADS Maldives and embark on a journey of pre-festive partying, relaxing, indulging, and repeating.

Privacy, seclusion. A taste of the sublime – at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton you can expect on top of the upgrade, complimentary use of snorkelling gear, kayaks, and pedal boats to raise up your holiday experience, and Hilton Honors members are entitled to their benefits. If that doesn’t rev your motor, there will always be bubbles served complimentary with breakfast which will offer a champagne-boost to set your mood for the day. More exciting details are listed here.

Hard Rock Hotel is setting the stage for you to shine on with the terrific all-inclusive meal plan which comes with beverages and the cherry on top will be the extra thirty percent discount on your roundtrip speedboat transfers. The mini-roxtars below the age of eleven get to ride the waves with the parents completely free. For the grown-up rock stars there will always be complimentary drinks at the sundown rituals and if that is not enough to make you groove, the resort is offering an additional fifteen percent discount on the villas when you book directly on the website.

What is really shaking things up at CROSSROADS Maldives is the unmatched choice for dining. Collectively the resorts and the marina put together you are spoilt for choice with over fourteen dining experiences offering cuisines from Tokyo to California. Think of it as a mood board for holiday cravings – an option for every mood you are in. Light bites, poolside snacks, playful desserts, buffets that you can’t finish through, or even more refined, indulgent, and intimate dining – CROSSROADS will be your springboard for all culinary imaginations you wish to bring to life.

In between the Robinson Crusoe expeditions and the unforgettable villa stays, take the time to worry less and indulge more with the “Meal Plan Upgrade” offer, which serves up a complete all-cure, food, beverages, entertainment, watersports plan for you so that your holiday has all the extra frills at a much lesser rate and double the fun at CROSSROADS Maldives.

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Kandolhu Maldives introduces new villas and gastronomic journeys

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Kandolhu Maldives has announced a new season of island experiences, highlighting the resort’s refurbished Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas and a series of exclusive dining collaborations with internationally acclaimed chefs. The resort aims to offer guests opportunities to rediscover its intimate setting through refreshed accommodation and elevated culinary events.

The newly enhanced Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas, each spanning 120 sqm, have been designed with relaxation and comfort in mind. The villas now feature a spacious bedroom, a light-filled bathroom with a deep oval bathtub overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a private deck furnished with sun loungers and a sun umbrella. A new 23 sqm private pool has also been added, alongside a hammock suspended above the water, offering uninterrupted ocean views.

The resort has also introduced a line-up of exclusive dining events, bringing together Michelin-starred chefs and distinguished winemakers. These collaborations, hosted at Olive restaurant, combine fine cuisine with curated wine pairings, promising immersive gastronomic experiences.

  • 3 October 2025: Chef Bernd Bachofer will present a degustation menu combining Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French haute cuisine. The evening will be paired with vintages from New Zealand’s Schubert Wines, led by winemaker Kai Schubert. Chef Bachofer, awarded a Michelin star in 2015, brings decades of expertise from renowned kitchens in Germany and Switzerland.
  • 23 November 2025: The Kandolhu culinary team, headed by Chef Justin, will prepare a five-course Mediterranean dinner paired with Stonefish wines. Wine expert Peter Papanikitas will guide guests through each course, providing insights into the pairings.
  • 3 December 2025: Michelin-starred Chef Theodor Falser will craft contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine in a five-course dinner for just 14 guests. Each course will be paired with fine Italian wines, offering an intimate dining experience.

Kandolhu’s Island Hosts, Claudio Stupan and Luciana Codiferro, commented, “Our vision has always been to create a space where guests feel both completely relaxed and deeply inspired. With refreshed villas and new culinary journeys ahead, we are proud to offer an experience that truly reflects the spirit of Kandolhu.”

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Bavarian traditions meet island living at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Oktoberfest

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli has announced that it will host its own take on Oktoberfest from 1 to 5 October 2025, bringing one of the world’s most recognised celebrations to a tropical island setting. The resort will combine Bavarian traditions with Maldivian hospitality, offering guests a week-long programme of music, food, and festivities.

A highlight of the event will be a performance by international DJ twins Kristina and Anna Grushina. With a strong global following of more than two million on social media and chart-topping success on Spotify, the sisters are renowned for their high-energy sets that transform any stage into a vibrant dance floor. Their performance on the resort’s beachfront is expected to be a key feature of this year’s festival.

Alongside live music, the festival will present German brews and themed culinary experiences inspired by Oktoberfest. Guests will be able to enjoy Bavarian-style dishes alongside a selection of hops and lagers served beachside. To add to the atmosphere, family-friendly activities and games will be organised throughout the resort, creating a spirit of connection and celebration in an island environment.

“We are excited to bring together international music talent, authentic gastronomy, and our island’s natural beauty in this celebration,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Every year, Oktoberfest and many other celebrations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli continue to highlight culture, community, and entertainment in a way that is unique to our resort and to the Maldives.”

The five-day festival will not only celebrate Oktoberfest but also demonstrate Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s ability to host immersive experiences that blend international entertainment with the relaxed lifestyle of the Maldives. Guests staying at the resort during this period will experience a beachfront festival of music, cuisine, and festivities designed to leave a lasting impression.

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MU Maniku, key architect of Maldives tourism industry, dies

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Mohamed Umar Maniku (MU Maniku), a key figure in the establishment and growth of the Maldives tourism industry, has died in Singapore. He passed away on Saturday while in intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment for about a month.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Universal Enterprises announced:

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mohamed Umar ‘M.U.’ Maniku on 30th August 2025 at 0630 hrs Singapore time in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore. As Chairman of Universal Enterprises, he will forever be remembered as a pioneer whose vision, loyalty and integrity were felt by generations of industry professionals, who will remember him with deep affection and respect. He had been an integral part of the inception and growth of the tourism industry in the Maldives. We remember a man whose legacy cannot be confined to a date or a place.”

“To those close to him, M.U. Maniku was a guiding light. He was the steady hand that led Universal Enterprises through decades of change, and a mentor for many. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all who have offered support and condolences during this difficult time.”

Maniku was part of the group that opened Kurumba Maldives in 1972, the country’s first resort, widely regarded as the starting point of the modern tourism industry in the Maldives.

As Chairman and a principal shareholder of Universal Enterprises/Universal Resorts, Maniku oversaw the development of a portfolio that has included properties such as Kurumba, Kuramathi, Baros, Velassaru, Kandolhu, Milaidhoo and Huvafen Fushi.

Beyond the Maldives, he also served as Chairman of Mahaweli Reach Hotels PLC in Sri Lanka from 2012, reflecting the group’s cross-border hospitality interests.

Maniku chaired the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), which was formed in 1982 to represent resort owners and operators and to engage with government on policy and sector development. Under his leadership, MATI became a key platform for industry coordination and dialogue.

Contributions and legacy:

  • Pioneering market entry (1972): Helped establish Kurumba and proved the commercial viability of resort tourism in the country.
  • Resort development: Guided Universal’s expansion into multiple resort segments, supporting destination diversification and supply growth.
  • Institution-building: Long-time chairmanship of MATI, fostering private-sector collaboration on standards, training and policy.
  • Regional footprint: Leadership roles in hospitality ventures beyond the Maldives, including Mahaweli Reach Hotels.

Maniku had been hospitalised in Singapore for several weeks prior to his passing; local media had reported his transfer to intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

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