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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives lights up with festive programming for Christmas, New Year 2023

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has announced its festive journey looking ahead to a season of joyful and heart-warming experiences.

The theme of this year’s celebrations pays tribute to the beauty of the sun, and all that the greatest star bestows through its solar cycles. For those looking to embrace the holidays in warmer climes, the Indian Ocean retreat in the coveted Fari Islands will gift its guests with treats for all the senses, from glittering gourmet trails, celestial spa indulgence, to magical sunset performances.

A programme of theatre begins on the 22nd December with a sparkling evening of light, transforming the resort’s Eau Bar in to an evolving dreamscape for the season. While the Christmas tree is switched on, guests will ring in the celebrations with signature Sangu cocktails in hand, looking ahead to a radiant line-up running until the 9th January 2024.

For the epicures, a journey of gourmet treats will provide culinary theatre across the destination’s jaw-dropping dining venues and curated by the resort’s stable of exceptional talent. Celebratory gastronomy will mark holiday days starting with the Christmas Eve cocktail reception at sundown, a prelude to a night of epicurean splendour at La Locanda. A Christmas Day Dim Sum brunch at Summer Pavilion introduces an Asian flavour to the festivities, followed by a Chef’s Table and sake pairing menu at the resort’s IWAU Japanese restaurant. New Year’s Day never tasted so good as a barbecue brunch of dreams is prepared on an open grill at the resort’s Beach Shack.

Peppered throughout, a decadent series of dining experiences will span lobster feasts under the stars, Champagne dinners with Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart and Taittinger, and pop-up dining events with the resort’s popular Arabesque restaurant. Bringing the festive frosting, exclusive masterclasses will include Panettone and ‘Bean to Bar’ chocolate culinary labs, gingerbread workshops, and from the home of the ‘Behind the Bar’ series – mixology experiences in the footsteps of some of the world’s best bartenders.

For those looking to learn, move and explore, festive programming will ensure a breadth of activities. With Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, the resort’s marine naturalists will be on hand to guide exploration in to the big blue, including the ‘Cities under the Sea’ and turtle snorkelling experiences. Above sea-level guests can board a luxury sunset cruise to explore sun-dappled waters at golden hour, or at dawn a more traditional past time of fishing by Maldivian Dhoni boat. On land, a sunset painting and champagne soiree at the Beach Shack will ensure memories captured for a life-time, and to keep the blood pumping, sunrise cardio tennis sessions on the resort’s high spec tennis courts – no stranger to a Wimbledon champion!

If looking to re-set and re-charge, the design masterpiece spa, perched masterly over its sparkling lagoon will provide unadulterated wellness with Bamford. In addition to its menu of holistic treatments, spa-seekers will enjoy workshops to master gua sha self-massage, while in the Mystique Garden, sunrise yoga can be practiced at the foot of the resort’s 98-foot-tall banyan tree, and for those looking to soar, aerial yoga takes practice to another level.

For junior guests, Santa Claus will arrive in a festive surprise to greet families on Christmas Day, followed by a magical parade through the Mystique Garden. Leaving his legacy for the holidays, Santa’s Workshop will keep children aged four to twelve entertained at the Indian Ocean’s first Ritz Kids. Little ones won’t want to leave the futuristic indoor-outdoor space including playgrounds, napping pods, an area for video games and movies, and a pool with jets and slides. Daily festive workshops will include gingerbread house decorating, Christmas wreath making, and Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program’s fascinating learning for junior guests, where joining marine scientists they will explore the micro world of organisms living in the ocean. For teens, beach water polo, tennis and football camps will keep inspire a healthy dose of competition.

Dazzling performances and headline events will run throughout the season transforming Eau Bar’s iconic spherical pool in to an aquatic stage. A floating string quartet and dance performance by candlelight on Christmas Eve will set an enchanting tone, while a performance-art fantasy in the ‘Twilight Gateways’ show on the 29th December, will open a series of floating doors to spellbinding acts, and a soundtrack of ethereal beats at sundown. Another night, another awe-inspiring set, will transport guests to a surrealist moonlit concerto. As 2023 comes to a close, the resort’s New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner will cast a golden glow in a spectacular culmination of culinary excellence and entertainment. An evening of three chapters will create a dreamscape of aerial dancers, gilded performers and fireworks with champagne flowing until the dawn of 2024.

Gliding over to Fari Marina Village, in the surrounds of international artist James Turrell’s luminous Skyspace Amarta installation, The Fari Marina Carnival will bring together the very best of the unique Fari Islands’ destination. A celebration of gourmet delicacies from The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and neighbouring Patina resort, local crafts and live DJ, sets a vibe.

Guests can expect the festivities at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to continue until the 9th January, before welcoming in the lunar new year. On the 6th January an Orthodox Christmas celebration will include a cocktail event at Eau Bar followed by a sumptuous gala dinner at La Locanda, with themed workshops for the kids at Ritz Kids.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives

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Place to connect within and beyond: Meyyafushi Maldives to open on October 1, 2025

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Meyyafushi Maldives, a five-star Premium All -Inclusive Boutique Resort, awaits for its guests from 1st October 2025. Meyyafushi is nestled on a natural island in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, offering an extraordinary escape that blends eco-conscious luxury with boundless adventure – a place to connect within and beyond.

Only 35- minutes from Velana International Airport, Meyyafushi offers a 24-hour Premium All- Inclusive plan ensuring a carefree and enriching journey, from fine -dining and wellness experiences to exhilarating activities.

Meyyafushi will feature 10 outlets including 5 restaurants, 3 bars, a wine cellar and a 24 -hour café. Fabulous and unique dining experiences are available at Meyyafushi such as ‘Bubble’ – the exclusive underwater restaurant, ‘Sukun’ – the gourmet Teppanyaki experience and ‘Raa’ – an overwater wine cellar with a curated selection of fine wines. Meyyafushi’s 24-hour Premium All-Inclusive plan covers all aspects of the guest experience, featuring seven dining venues, serving international cuisine including Mediterranean and Asian specialities. The 24-hour café, and an adults-only rooftop ‘Sky Bar & Sunken Lounge’ with a glass-bottom pool are also included.

Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul with exclusive wellness experiences, including complimentary massages based on the length of your stay, group yoga sessions, and access to an overwater fitness centre. Enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, from swimming pools and an overwater padel tennis court and a Recreation Centre with mini bowling, billiards, and more. The Kids Club offers endless fun with a skate ramp, climbing wall, playhouse, and a kid’s pool, while complimentary snorkelling gear and non-motorised water sports let you explore the stunning lagoon. Guests staying four nights or more can also enjoy complimentary group excursions such as dolphin cruises, snorkelling trips, or a sunset cruise. With dedicated children’s menus, family-friendly adventures, and babysitting services available, every member of the family is sure to have a memorable stay.

The resort will offer 95 villas and suites, each with a private pool, generous indoor-outdoor living space, authentic Maldivian-inspired interiors, and an Island Host service. Options will range from one-bedroom suites to the four-bedroom Presidential Overwater Suite – one of the finest in the Indian Ocean, which features a private infinity pool, spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, a personal spa treatment room, a private kitchen and cinema, and exclusive access to uninterrupted ocean views. Ideal for large families or VIPs, it promises the ultimate island escape.

The island also introduces Maldives’ first overwater padel tennis court, alongside a two bowling lanes, multi -sports court, games room and more. For little guests, the Kokko Kids Club offers a safe, imaginative world of discovery – featuring indoor and outdoor play zones, a climbing wall, mini skate ramp, splash pool with slide, arts and crafts and a child-friendly dining.

The semi-water Veyoge Spa is a sanctuary for holistic wellness, offering bespoke rituals and treatments rooted in island healing traditions. Daily yoga and meditation sessions are held on the spa deck, providing serene views of the gorgeous lagoon.

Located within a National Protected Area, Meyyafushi offers direct access to well-known dive sites. Guests can swim alongside turtles, manta rays and reef sharks, or enjoy private snorkelling excursions and thrilling watersports. From jet skiing and parasailing to sunset dolphin cruises and sandbank escapes – why not try them all?

Weddings, honeymoons and celebrations are made unforgettable with a private overwater wedding pavilion, talented photography team and bespoke event planning services tailored to every need and desire.

Business travellers and group retreats can take advantage of state-of- the-art conference facilities and even exclusive island buy-out options, turning the entire island into a private escape for events, weddings or wellness retreats.

Meyyafushi offers the best of barefoot luxury while embodying the values of BeKind Hospitality, rooted in its four core pillars: Kindness to the Environment, Kindness to the Community, Kindness to our Visitors, and Kindness to our Residents. Every aspect of the resort is designed to create a positive, responsible impact – from energy-conscious operations and plastic-free policies to meaningful community connections and a dedication to guest well-being.

As a sister property to the award-winning Fushifaru Maldives, Meyyafushi introduces an exciting opportunity for twin-centre stays and exclusive day trips between the two resorts – offering guests the unique chance to explore two distinctive island experiences in one unforgettable holiday.

“We are thrilled to introduce Meyyafushi Maldives, a resort designed for discerning travellers who seek both comfort and adventure in a secluded, environmentally conscious setting,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager at Meyyafushi Maldives. “With unparalleled experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we invite guests to discover a new benchmark in Maldivian luxury.”

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Local tastes take centre stage as Hard Rock Cafe’s World Burger Tour arrives in Maldives

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Today, Hard Rock Cafe will kick off its annual World Burger Tour competition in celebration of Hard Rock International Founders’ Day. Hard Rock Cafe chefs from around the world were challenged to develop unique burger creations that showcase elements from their regional cultures and personal taste. These innovative recipes will be available exclusively for guests to try, including the Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, from June 14 through August 5. For example, guests at Hard Rock Cafe Rome can choose the Lasagna Burger with Ragu Bolognese and bechamel, those visiting Atlantic City can try the Jersey Shore Burger that features a house-made blueberry maple aioli and provolone.

Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger, developed by Chef Nikhil Gopinathan at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, is made with two smashed & stacked beef burgers, seasoned and seared medium-well, layered with homemade Curry Mayo, arugula, coconut flakes, cucumber, tomato, provolone cheese, chimichurri cheese sauce, topped with shredded fried potato mixed with homemade Island Curry Powder and is inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of the Maldives, melding local flavors and spices to create a truly tropical experience.

This year’s competition marks an exciting first for Hard Rock, with the addition of chef, content creator and brand partner Olivia Tiedemann as both a mentor and judge. She has worked closely with participating chefs throughout the competition, sharing her culinary expertise and burger-crafting techniques to help elevate each recipe.

“Working with these talented chefs from around the world has been incredibly fun. Each one brought such passion and creativity to their recipes, and I’m amazed by how they’ve transformed classic burger concepts with their unique local influences and personal stories,” said Olivia Tiedemann.

Based on Tiedemann’s input, sales performance and guests’ votes on social media, the top five burger recipes will be selected and announced later this summer. Then the five finalists will become available at Hard Rock Cafe locations globally for all fans to experience for a limited time before one final winner is selected.

“This is such a fun annual event where our chef gets to flex his creativity, and our guests get to try our new burger inspired by the vibrant culture of the Maldives for a limited time,” said Anna Melissa Olay, Manager – Hard Rock Cafe Maldives.

The first Hard Rock Cafe at Old Park Lane in London opened on June 14, 1971. Launching this competition on Founders’ Day celebrates how the brand has evolved over 54 years into an iconic entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle company with more than 300 Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops, Hotels, Resorts and Casinos worldwide.

Visit the cafe at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives to participate.

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Where wellness meets luxury: exclusive yoga retreats at Sun Siyam Resorts

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In celebration of International Yoga Day 2025, Sun Siyam Resorts is welcoming guests to embark on a week-long wellness journey across two of its idyllic Maldivian island retreats: Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, from June 19th to 25th. International Yoga Day, globally recognised for promoting mental and physical wellbeing, will be marked with a thoughtfully curated programme led by two distinguished wellness experts.

The event will feature Shane Seery, an award-winning Executive Health Coach renowned for his science-driven approach to functional movement and sustainable transformation, alongside Marina Violinha, a holistic Women’s Health & Fitness Specialist focused on hormone-balanced, strength-oriented wellness. Against the serene Maldivian backdrop, their immersive sessions are designed to guide participants toward harmony, vitality, and renewal.

From June 19th to 21st, Sun Siyam Iru Veli will present three immersive sessions set in some of the island’s most picturesque locations. The programme commences with a sunset yoga session and wellness talk by Marina at Magoodhoo Beach, followed by a high-energy functional fitness experience with Shane at the Tennis Court. On the morning of June 21st, Marina will lead a rejuvenating yoga and breathwork session at Turtle Beach during sunrise, aligning guests with the natural rhythm of the island through mindful movement and introspection.

The celebration will continue at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef from June 23rd to 25th, offering three serene sunset sessions at Aqua Beach. Marina will host two yoga and wellness talks by the shoreline, while Shane will conduct a dynamic beachside functional training session, all designed to inspire reconnection, relaxation, and realignment.

Guests planning a wellness-focused retreat can take advantage of exclusive summer offers available at both resorts. At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, a minimum seven-night stay includes complimentary round-trip seaplane transfers for two, a Lucky Dolphin Cruise, a USD 100 spa credit, veranda breakfast, and a welcome bottle of wine with signature bed decoration. Meanwhile, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s package features complimentary transfers, a bottle of sparkling wine and fruit basket upon arrival, one floating or in-villa breakfast, a 30-minute couple’s spa treatment, a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), access to selected water sports, and free accommodation for children under 12 — blending wellness, luxury, and family-friendly island living.

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