News
Bandos Maldives celebrates 51 years of exemplary hospitality
As Bandos Maldives celebrates its 51st anniversary, it is not merely a milestone but a testament to a legacy of warmth, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the brand of the “Island of Hospitality”.
Nestled just 10 minutes away from the Malé International Airport, Bandos Maldives has been a haven for travellers seeking not just an escape but an immersive experience of luxury, tranquility, and authentic Maldivian charm. Over the past 51 years, this island retreat has etched its name as one of the finest family-friendly resorts, creating a space where guests become part of a cherished tradition, and memories are eternally etched in the sands of time.
A Journey of Shared Memories
Bandos Maldives has stood witness to the ebb and flow of tides, the changing hues of sunsets, and the laughter that has echoed through its palm-fringed shores. For many, it’s not merely a resort; it’s a home away from home, a place where families return year after year to celebrate milestones and create memories that last a lifetime. Some of our cherished guests have been part of this journey for over five decades, a living testament to the enduring allure of Bandos Maldives.
The Island’s Finest Talents
Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and luxurious accommodations, Bandos Maldives has been a cradle of talent for the Maldivian tourism industry. Over the years, the resort has played a pivotal role in shaping and nurturing some of the island’s finest professionals. Former Bandos team members now hold esteemed Executive titles in various resorts across the Maldives and abroad. This commitment to talent development is not just a legacy; it’s a promise to contribute to the growth of the local hospitality sector.
A Brand of Excellence
Bandos Maldives has consistently ranked among the top hotels in the Maldives across various platforms, a testament to the dedication of its exceptional team. The brand of the “Island of Hospitality” is not just a tagline but a philosophy deeply ingrained in every aspect of the guest experience. From the warm smiles of our associates to the meticulous attention to detail in our services, Bandos Maldives has set the standard for excellence in the Maldivian hospitality landscape.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Endless Possibilities
Ismail Rasheed, the General Manager of Bandos Maldives, reflects on 51 years of creating unforgettable moments and fostering enduring relationships with gratitude and enthusiasm. He emphasises that the commitment to hospitality is more than a tradition; it’s a way of life—a living legacy that evolves and inspires.
“As we look towards the future, we express our deepest gratitude to our guests, partners, and the entire Bandos family for their continuous support in making this journey extraordinary,” he said.
Bandos celebrates not just an anniversary but a legacy of hospitality that transcends time and tides. Bandos Maldives— where every moment is an embrace, and every guest is family. Here’s to 51 years of excellence, and to the countless moments yet to be shared on the island paradise.
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
-
News1 week agoKuda Villingili Resort Maldives becomes part of Global Hotel Alliance network


