News
Sun Siyam Resorts presents five-star line-up of Christmas classics with tropical twist
Sun Siyam Resorts has unwrapped this year’s festive season programme, creating an ideal haven for those seeking to revel in the warmth and joy of the holidays. Across their five exquisite private island properties in the Maldives, guests are invited to exchange snowflakes for sandy shores this December and embrace a carefree Christmas castaway experience like never before.
Around the world at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli will be making merry with an eclectic extravaganza of decadent musical delights and cultural activities from around the globe. Guests will be in for a treat when singer and songwriter Emma Ochia, talented musician, producer, Synthetic sax player Mikhail Morozov, and the mesmerising duo of belly dance sensations, Julia Anastasia Armellini and Kovijanic Nedeljkovic Tara perform during Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties promising unforgettable celebrations for everyone. Party goers can drop by the Wonderland Stage to experience a mesmerising performance by the world’s leading LED artists Dennis Kiss & Szulita Szekrényes for a performance like nothing you have ever seen before!
From ballads to floor-fillers, colour runs to Bollywood beach parties, and a Tour de Olhuveli cycling race to mini-Olympic Games, the world tour ends with a fireworks-filled crescendo on 31 December at the Around the World Gala Dinner, where a host of acclaimed DJs – including British House legend DJ Karno, a Pacha and Ministry of Sound regular and local Maldivian music band 2 Sense, who will encourage guests to dance the year away as they ring in the new year.
Royal blend of Christmas lights at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
With dazzling fire and circus performances from the international talents of La Circocracia and fire queen PYRO to enjoy at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, guests will be invited to replace their traditional fireside Christmas for remarkable fire and lights shows guaranteed to make any stay merry and bright. Local DJ Watte will make sure every guest is in tune with what’s coming in 2024.
For the ultimate yuletide gift, there’s also a host of unforgettable experiences and flavoursome flavours – including rum pot-infused treats – on the menu at the luxury resort.
From private castaway breaks with your own secluded beach to romantic champagne cruises, and flyboarding to bespoke spa rituals – including a Majestic Prince and Princess option for guests aged 3-12 – the five-star boutique resort is sure to leave a trail of wonder in its wake.
Paradise on Bloom at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
Hoping to make every member of the family’s festive dreams come true this year, Sun Siyam Iru Veli has a host of activities certain to make the all-inclusive paradise the place where winter sun meets festive island fun. Felicity, popular Jazz- Saxophonist, and DJ Jeremiah graces Iru Veli with their exceptional talent at the Christmas and New Year’s Eve cocktail parties and celebrations. Guests will be captivated by Chandana and the Dancers Guild, a fusion dance group from Sri Lanka, and can enjoy a festive programme merging culture and tropical festivities with extraordinary performances set against the backdrop of magnificent sunsets.
From a playful programme of creative crafts and fun-packed beach activities to classic Christmas movies and carol karaoke, the Turtle Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained while adults find other ways to celebrate in seasonal style. From stargazing cruises to whale shark snorkelling trips, and sushi-making classes to traditional Maldivian BoduBeru dancing shows, guests are spoilt for choice with ways to take full advantage of the blue skies, clear waters and pristine beaches.
Time Traveller’s Ball at Siyam World
From aerial displays to sand art, fire shows to pool parties, and floating feasts to Great Gatsby themed gambling nights, Siyam World continues to strengthen its reputation as a carefree playground with this year’s enviable holiday line-up.
Promising the best seat in the house this New Year, the resort will be ringing in 2024 as it hosts the Time Traveller’s Ball on Arigato Beach. The instrumental countdown begins with ONEVIOLIN – the boundary-breaking Finnish violinist who performs well-known songs across musical genres, and uses his one violin to create everything from drums to melody – before DJ Jetro takes centre stage. Known for incorporating saxophone solos into his Ibiza-style sets, together they’ll get the party started with sets destined to see guests substitute dashing through the snow for dancing barefoot on the sand.
Midsummer Nights at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Holidaymakers in search of the ultimate beach bliss can swap tinsel for twinkling stars, mince pies for massages and stockings for snorkelling at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this Christmas, with those booking the 23 and 28 December Vilu Festival receiving 25% on all activities.
As part of the festive entertainment, guests will be dazzled by the Double Power Show, an international LED and Laser Show duo from Russia acrobatics, who mesmerise their audience with their geometry display and harmonious fusion of power, elegance, and grace in their LED and laser show.
Being the season to be jolly, guests are also invited to join the Mixology Academy under the 27 December Full Moon for cocktails, mocktails and more, before embracing the new year bartending show where Snowballs will be replaced by a refreshing Sea Breeze.
Drink
Château Palmer brings Bordeaux heritage to Finolhu Maldives
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, will welcome the renowned Château Palmer to its island shores on 25 October 2026 for an exclusive wine dinner, bringing together exceptional Bordeaux wines, thoughtfully crafted cuisine and the relaxed elegance of the Maldives.
For this special evening, Finolhu will be joined by Monsieur Charles Sichel, representing a family whose connection with Château Palmer dates back to 1938. The Sichel family remains one of the families behind the celebrated Margaux estate today, continuing a relationship spanning generations.
Set within the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, Château Palmer is recognised for a distinctive style shaped by its terroir. Its Grand Vin brings together Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a touch of Petit Verdot, producing wines characterised by finesse, elegance and an aromatic expression of flowers, fruit and spice. The estate’s wines are matured for more than 20 months before revealing their full expression.
The Château Palmer Wine Dinner at Finolhu will take guests on a journey through a curated selection of wines from the estate, each thoughtfully paired with a specially created menu from Finolhu’s culinary team. Throughout the evening, Monsieur Charles Sichel will share insights into the heritage, terroir and craftsmanship behind Château Palmer, offering guests a more personal perspective on the wines in their glasses.
The dinner forms part of Finolhu’s evolving calendar of culinary experiences, bringing distinctive producers and personalities from the international world of food and wine to Baa Atoll. From the wine selection to each accompanying dish, the evening will celebrate the relationship between cuisine and wine while retaining the relaxed, experiential character that defines dining at Finolhu.
The event follows Finolhu’s recent recognition as one of the Best Culinary Resorts at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, an accolade celebrating the creativity and dedication behind the resort’s food and beverage experiences. Gastronomy is an integral part of the Finolhu experience, with thoughtfully developed menus, international influences and distinctive settings coming together to create memorable moments around the table.
The Château Palmer Wine Dinner continues this culinary story, following a series of wine-led experiences at the resort and further strengthening Finolhu’s focus on creating dining occasions that extend beyond the plate. Most recently, the resort welcomed Sato Wines from Central Otago for a series of intimate dinners, including an evening at the iconic Crab Shack.
Sunny Chuang, Director of Food & Beverage, said: “We are delighted to welcome Monsieur Charles Sichel and Château Palmer to Finolhu for what promises to be a very special evening. Our approach to dining has always been about creating experiences that bring together exceptional flavours, inspiring stories and memorable settings. To share the heritage and wines of Château Palmer with our guests in Baa Atoll is a wonderful continuation of that journey.”
Guests attending the dinner can look forward to an intimate evening of fine wine, considered pairings and conversation, bringing the character of Margaux to the shores of the Maldives.
For more information and reservations, visit finolhu.com.
News
Sun Siyam brings Halloween to paradise across five Maldives resorts
White sands. Crystal-clear lagoons. Palm trees swaying in the breeze. Not exactly where you would expect to come face-to-face with a horror icon, wander through the strange world of Beetlejuice or find little witches and superheroes trick-or-treating beneath coconut palms.
Yet every October, Sun Siyam proves that Halloween and paradise make an unexpectedly perfect match. Across the collection, guests can choose their own Halloween adventure. Lose yourself inside a cinematic horror of Cult Classics production at Siyam World, step into the delightfully strange universe of Beetlejuice at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, celebrate Maldivian traditions beneath the stars at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, embrace relaxed beachfront festivities at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, or watch little monsters set off on tropical trick-or-treat adventures at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. Whatever your Halloween personality, there is an island waiting.

Where horror becomes a holiday
At the centre of it all is Siyam World, where Halloween has become something of a legend in its own right. Never one for a handful of pumpkins and a themed buffet, the resort returns with CULT CLASSICS, its boldest Halloween production yet. Inspired by the cult horror films that defined generations, guests are invited to step inside an interactive walkthrough where every corner reveals another surprise. Live performers, cinematic sets, immersive storytelling and unexpected encounters blur the line between audience and performance, creating an experience that is as theatrical as it is thrilling. Survive the walkthrough and the night is only just beginning.
The experience unfolds into a spectacular live production, where cinematic storytelling, immersive sets, theatrical performances and unexpected encounters blur the line between audience and show. It is horror, but with a distinctly Siyam World twist: bigger, bolder, brilliantly over the top and impossible to experience from the sidelines. And when the scares give way to the after-party, DJ and music producer SARRA takes over the decks. Blending Afro House, Afro Tech House, Indie Dance and Latin House, her sound moves through deep grooves, layered percussion and global rhythms, bringing a high-energy electronic soundtrack to the night. Known for building sets that evolve with the dancefloor, SARRA will take CULT CLASSICS from immersive horror spectacle into a Halloween party that keeps going long after the final scare.

“Halloween has become one of those moments guests genuinely plan their holidays around. Every year we challenge ourselves to create something completely different, something that feels more like stepping into a movie than attending an event. CULT CLASSICS is nostalgic, theatrical, brilliantly over the top and genuinely immersive. Exactly as Halloween should be,” says Sara Siyam, Director of Marketing, Sun Siyam Resorts

The Wonderfully Weird Side of Paradise
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, guests are invited to leave reality behind and enter the wonderfully weird world of Beetlejuice. Inspired by the cult classic, the resort undergoes a dramatic transformation, where black-and-white stripes, glowing green lighting, theatrical installations and playful surprises turn familiar island spaces into an immersive fantasy. From themed cocktails and imaginative dining to roaming characters and live performances, the island embraces the strange from day into night. Taking over the decks is international DJ Giada Brincè, bringing her signature blend of hypnotic Afro House rhythms and sophisticated electronic sounds to the celebration. Having performed across destinations including Monte Carlo, Mykonos and Italy, and built a global following through her live sets and social channels, Brincè will bring a refined but high-energy soundtrack to Olhuveli’s Halloween night. Expect the wonderfully weird, the theatrical and the unexpected, with a seriously good beat behind it.

At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Halloween meets authentic Maldivian hospitality. Guests gather beneath the stars at Islander’s Grill for a beachfront barbecue showcasing freshly caught seafood, premium cuts and Mediterranean and Asian-inspired flavours before the rhythmic energy of a traditional Bodu Beru performance fills the night. The celebrations continue at Water’s Edge with a lively Halloween DJ party where tropical rhythms keep families and friends dancing late into the evening.

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Halloween unfolds at an easy island pace. Young guests begin the day with festive crafts at Turtle Kidz Club before the celebrations move to Chemistry Bar for a lively pool party complete with DJ beats, themed drinks and poolside dining. As evening arrives, the island swaps spooky surprises for barefoot elegance with a beachfront Lobster BBQ accompanied by live music beneath the stars.
Meanwhile, at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Halloween comes to life with Ocean Haunt, an island-wide celebration where tropical charm meets playful imagination. Families can expect a day filled with music, dancing, face painting, creative crafts and the colourful Little Monsters Parade, while younger guests unleash their creativity decorating ghostly cookies and spooky treats at Turtle Kidz Club. As darkness falls, the festivities continue with a themed beachfront BBQ, where DJ beats, ocean breezes and a touch of island magic transform Halloween into a relaxed celebration beneath the stars. Equal parts family fun and barefoot luxury, Ocean Haunt captures the lighter, more whimsical side of Halloween in paradise.

Whether guests are seeking blockbuster entertainment, immersive fantasy, authentic island celebrations, elegant beachfront evenings or unforgettable family adventures, Sun Siyam offers a Halloween unlike anywhere else in the Maldives. Because Halloween does not have to be wrapped in fog, falling leaves or cobwebs. Sometimes the best scares happen with warm sand beneath your feet, a cocktail in hand and the Indian Ocean quietly watching in the background.

Fear has never looked so good
For those inspired to swap autumn for the tropics, there has never been a better time to plan an island escape. Sun Siyam Resorts is currently offering a range of exclusive seasonal offers across its Maldivian collection, with added value including savings on accommodation, complimentary transfers, resort credits and signature experiences. Many offers are available for bookings made until 31 October 2026, making Halloween the perfect excuse to discover paradise with a darker twist.
To discover the latest offers and book your Halloween escape, visit www.sunsiyam.com/offers.
Cooking
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa announces six-chef Masters of Food & Wine series
Building on the success of its inaugural Masters of Food & Wine event held in July 2026, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa unveils the Masters of Food & Wine Series, a season-long celebration of world-class gastronomy that will welcome six internationally acclaimed MICHELIN-starred chefs to Our Living Island from October 2026 through April 2027.
More than a collection of guest chef dinners, the series is conceived as a culinary journey through the celebrations and rhythms of the season, where each chapter is inspired by a meaningful moment of the year, from Chinese Golden Week and the festive season to New Year celebrations and Easter by the sea.
For one exceptional season, guests will embark on six exclusive culinary chapters, each led by a distinguished chef making a rare appearance in the Maldives. From Cantonese mastery and Tuscan traditions to contemporary European innovation and French artistry, every experience offers a unique expression of culture, craftsmanship and culinary excellence.
Set against the pristine natural surroundings of Hadahaa, each chef will present a bespoke dining experience inspired by their culinary heritage while drawing from the rich bounty of the Maldives, creating a dialogue between world-class gastronomy and the extraordinary ecosystem that defines Our Living Island.
“The Masters of Food & Wine Series reflects our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with culture, craftsmanship and nature. Following the remarkable success of our inaugural event, we are delighted to evolve the concept into a season-long journey that brings some of the world’s most celebrated culinary talents to Hadahaa,” said Anshul Sharma, General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa.
A Culinary Journey Through the Seasons
For the first time in the Maldives, six celebrated chefs from across Europe and Asia will make their first appearance in the Maldives at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, each bringing a distinctive culinary perspective shaped by their heritage, expertise and passion. Together, they will create an extraordinary season celebrating culture, craftsmanship and the world’s most treasured ingredient: nature.

ONE SHARED PHILOSOPHY
Inspired by Nature. Driven by Passion.
Though their journeys span different continents, cultures and culinary traditions, all six chefs share a common philosophy.
A belief that exceptional cuisine begins with exceptional ingredients. Throughout the season, each chef will draw inspiration from the natural bounty surrounding Hadahaa, incorporating local seafood, seasonal ingredients and the flavors of the Indian Ocean into their own unique culinary expressions.
Chapter I
Golden Week | A Celebration of Prosperity, Family and Culinary Heritage
Executive Chef Ku Chi Fai
2 & 5 October 2026
The journey begins during Chinese Golden Week with Executive Chef Ku Chi Fai, founder of MICHELIN-starred Beijing Kitchen and one of the region’s most respected masters of Cantonese cuisine. With more than four decades of culinary experience, he has led Beijing Kitchen to earn seven consecutive MICHELIN Stars and eight consecutive Black Pearl One-Diamond Awards, establishing the restaurant among China’s most distinguished culinary destinations.
Chapter II
The Festive Spirit of Tuscany, Inspired by Nature
Executive Chef Andrea Mattei
14 & 18 December 2026
As the festive season arrives on Our Living Island, Executive Chef Andrea Mattei brings the warmth and traditions of Tuscany to the Maldives. Recognised with a MICHELIN Green Star for Sustainable Gastronomy, his cuisine celebrates seasonality, responsible sourcing and a deep respect for nature, creating a festive experience that reflects the values shared by both Tuscany and Hadahaa.
Chapter III
New Year, New Perspectives
Executive Chef Ruben Christiaens
6 & 10 January 2027
The New Year begins with Executive Chef Ruben Christiaens of La Villa Lorraine, whose contemporary European cuisine is shaped by experience in some of the world’s most renowned kitchens, including Eleven Madison Park in New York. Recipient of the MICHELIN Young Chef Award 2022, Executive Chef Christiaens brings a fresh and creative perspective that celebrates discovery, innovation and new beginnings.
Chapter IV
A Celebration of Innovation and Creativity
Executive Chef Michael Dyllong
23 & 26 January 2027
Representing a new generation of culinary excellence, Executive Chef Michael Dyllong of MICHELIN-starred The Stage is renowned for his technical mastery, creativity and contemporary approach to European gastronomy. Recognized as one of Germany’s youngest MICHELIN-starred chefs, he brings a dynamic culinary vision to Hadahaa.
Chapter V
Easter by the Sea: A Celebration of Togetherness and Renewal
Executive Chef Richard Gabriel Toix
26 & 29 March 2027
As Easter arrives, the journey continues with Executive Chef Richard Gabriel Toix of MICHELIN-starred Le Charlie in Corsica. Combining the precision of French technique with influences gathered throughout a career spanning France and Asia, Executive Chef Toix presents a refined culinary experience inspired by the Mediterranean spirit of sharing, discovery and connection.
Chapter VI
The Art of French Gastronomy, Inspired by Our Living Island
Group Chef David Hemmerlé
5 & 8 April 2027
The season concludes with Group Chef David Hemmerlé, whose distinguished international career spans France, Brazil, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Guided by classical French techniques and decades of culinary excellence, Group Chef Hemmerlé will present a grand finale celebrating craftsmanship, gastronomy and the natural beauty of Our Living Island.

At Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, nature is more than a setting. It is the inspiration behind every experience, every flavor and every memorable moment shared around the table. While each visiting chef arrives with extraordinary achievements and international acclaim, what truly unites them is a shared passion for craftsmanship, nature and exceptional ingredients. The Masters of Food & Wine Series celebrates not only culinary excellence, but also the meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences that food and hospitality create.
For reservations and further information, please call +960 682 1234, email maldives.parkhadahaa@hyatt.com or visit www.parkhyattmaldives.com.
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