News
Spotlight on Maldives with 2024 Surfing Legends Series at Kandooma
Together with partners, The Perfect Wave, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is delighted to announce the return of the Surfing Legends Series to the private island paradise. Attracting former World Champions Barton Lynch and Pam Burridge, and ex-pro Ace Buchan, who will share their stories, secrets and coaching tips in their exclusive surfing programmes.
Take advantage of the knowledge on offer and polish up your surfing skills with a series of special Surf schools to choose from during the surfing season in the Maldives.
“Many of the surfers who join us for the Surfing Legends Series have non-surfing friends and family, so we can ensure they are well looked after too. The island Kandooma has so much to offer in terms of great food, activities, relaxation, watersports and even a Spa,” said Ben Horvath, Business Development & Marketing Manager, The Perfect Wave.
“Surf, hang out and learn from some of the greatest surfers of all time. There’s no better place to do it than the home of Kandooma Right in the Maldives.”
Take your pick of your favourite Surfing Legend from a choice of three greats this season.
Aussie Barton Lynch whose exemplary career included 17 World Championship victories to become one of the most successful professional surfers of all time. He is now one of the most sought after coaches, an expert commentator and loves to surf more than anything. Barton will host a seven night camp 27 April to 4 May, 2024 starting from US$4,250 per person (based on twin share 1 surfer/1 non-surfer occupancy) staying in a Beach Villa. Barton will be hosting exclusive dhoni (Maldivian boat) trips to nearby waves including lefts such as Tucky Joes and fun rights like Quarters and Riptides. At Kandooma-fushi, your private island home for the week, your villa is positioned just steps away from the beach and a private world-class right hand point break wave called Kandooma Right.
The Barton Lynch Surf Week package includes:
- Accommodation in a Beach Villa (twin share basis one surfer/one non-surfer)
- Shared speedboat transfers airport-Resort-airport
- Daily Buffet Breakfast at Kandooma Cafe
- Surfer Pass
- Dhoni transfers to nearby waves
- Food & Beverage package, from US$65 per person per night (Optional extra)
1990 World Surfing Champion Pam Burridge and her husband the legendary surfboard shaper Mark Rabbidge will host a week of coaching at Kandooma. Offering tips in and out of the water over seven fun-filled days 9 – 16 June 2024, Pam and Mark’s programme is designed to help you improve your surfing in the user-friendly breaks on the doorstep to Kandooma Maldives, but do note that this one is not for absolute beginners or those learning to surf!
The Pam Burridge Surf Week packages start from US$2,962 per person (based on two surfers sharing a room) and includes:
- Accommodation in a Beach Villa (twin share basis) (note other room types are available)
- 6 days coaching from Pam and Mark
- 7 day Surfer Pass
- Shared speedboat transfers airport-Resort-airport
- Daily Buffet Breakfast at Kandooma Cafe
Ace Buchan hails from the Australian Central Coast where he grew up surfing. Ace invites you to join him and his family for a week at Kandooma, surfing the perfect waves 31 May – 10 June, 2024. This week of surfing fun is tailored to surfing families but everyone is welcome, whether you are a passionate everyday surfer looking to experience the rippable walls of Kandooma Right, a pre-teen grom or gromette perhaps going for your first overseas surf trip with your family, or a Mum or Dad looking to improve your skills and share some waves with your kids. Ace Buchan Surf Week packages are yet to be released with options for Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses and the 2-bedroom Family Beach House and will include access to nearby breaks via a dedicated Dhoni (boat). Add to that surf lessons, photo and video packages, movie nights with all the family and opportunities to learn more about Maldivian culture.
Surfers can expect some great action in the water. Kandooma Right breaks just a stone’s throw away from the Resort. It’s a fast breaking right with two take-off spots and a great barrel. This wave is exclusively for Kandooma Resort Maldives guests with Surfer Passes. Nearby waves include: Tucky Joes / Boatyards which is a fickle, but freight-train of a left hander that provides a long, perfect but intense ride. Riptides is a right hander breaking for 150 metres on a reef in the middle of a channel. Sometimes there are very strong currents, evident in the naming of this beauty so watch the conditions! It’s a great wave for long- and short-boarders as well as low intermediate surfers. Quarters is a short boat trip away, this wave has two sections. The outside is fat, slow and meandering, ideal for long-boarders and even beginners, while the inside is a really terrific, fast little right hander. On a good day it delivers perfect barrels.
Receive world class coaching tips and when you’re not riding a wave, eat and drink like a king. Chill out, take it easy and bask in the sun or experience one of the many activities at Kandooma Maldives. And when those tired muscles beg for respite, it’s good to know the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala has a massage treatment designed especially for surfers.
For surfers the 2024 Surf Legend Series at Kandooma is one not to be missed. Book early to avoid disappointment, as numbers are strictly limited to ensure the best possible experience for participants.
For information about the Surfing Legends Series, visit https://www.perfectwavetravel.com/surf-trips/legends/
News
Joy Island plans festive season celebrations inspired by Maldivian island life
Joy Island has unveiled its festive programme for 2026/2027. Titled Joyful Horizons the festive season runs from 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, offering a vibrant programme of celebrations and experiences inspired by the island’s natural rhythm.

Christmas on the Island
The season opens on 22 December with the lighting of the island’s Christmas tree on Rainbow Beach, with cocktails, and Captain Santa’s Ocean Escape, a family dhoni cruise. On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy cocktails at Rainbow Bar, a candlelit Gala Dinner at The Market and a Christmas Eve Party with a midnight snack spread. Christmas Day begins with Santa’s arrival on Rainbow Beach, followed by a festive brunch at The Market, a Christmas BBQ Dinner at Palm Beach and live music at Rainbow Bar.

Welcoming the New Year 2027
On 31 December, guests can start with a pre-dinner cocktail at Rainbow Bar, then sit down to a multi-course Gala Dinner on Rainbow Beach. Fireworks light up the beach at midnight for the countdown to 2027, and a midnight snack spread keeps the celebration going. New Year’s Day begins with breakfast, a Recovery Brunch at Market Restaurant, a Celebrate Maldivian Culture evening and Cinema Under the Stars at Palm Beach.

Dining Experiences
Explore signature culinary experiences such as Tales of the Maldivian Sea on 26 December, A Food Journey Through the Wines with Master Sommelier on 28 December, Endless Romance, a private candlelit dinner for two on 30 December, and the Italian Wine Journey on 4 January. Guests can also savour a diverse range of flavours across the resort’s restaurants, from international cuisine at The Market to authentic Italian dishes at Il Basilico and Asian specialities, including teppanyaki-inspired creations, at the Japanese Corner.

Family, wellness and discovery
Beach Family Olympics, a Family Kayak Race, a Family Amazing Race and family pool fiestas run through the season. Guests can also join a local island discovery tour, sunset fishing, coral planting with a marine biologist, and mixology and chocolate-making classes. The daily Kiddie Cove programme includes coconut shell painting, gingerbread crafts, treasure hunts and a kids’ talent show. Oasis Spa offers couples’ massages, facials and a Maldivian herbal poultice, and daily yoga runs at the Spa Yoga Pavilion.
As night falls, Rainbow Bar comes alive with vibrant themed evenings, including Hawaiian Night with a fire show, the Blanc & Beats White Party, Mystic Mask Night, Masquerade Party and Glow After Dark, creating a festive atmosphere filled with music, entertainment and unforgettable island moments.

“This festive season, we invite our guests to embrace the joy of togetherness and create unforgettable holiday memories. From exquisite gala dinners and vibrant themed evenings to exciting island adventures and fun-filled celebrations for all ages, we have curated a festive programme that captures the lively spirit of Joy Island, ” said Bandula Thilakarathne, Resort Manager of Joy Island.
News
You & Me Maldives to celebrate festive season with exclusive dining and island experiences
You & Me Maldives has unveiled its festive programme for 2026/2027. From 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, the adults-only romantic retreat will offer sixteen days of vibrant celebrations, exclusive dining experiences and unforgettable island adventures.
Christmas on the Island
The season opens on 22 December with a sunset cocktail party and “A Spark of Love” tree-lighting ceremony at Cheers Bar Beach. On Christmas Eve, guests are joined by carolers for a cocktail party, followed by a Christmas Gala Dinner on The Sand Beach and a late-night Christmas Party. Christmas Day brings carols, Santa’s arrival on the beach, a Christmas Brunch, an X-Mas Day Cruise and an Indian Chef Movement dinner.

Welcoming the New Year 2027
On 31 December, guests can enjoy a cocktail party at Cheers Bar Beach and a gala dinner on The Sand Beach. The night closes with the Disco Around the World Party, featuring dazzling performances, live music and DJ sets, before a midnight fireworks display over the Maldivian sky. New Year’s Day starts slowly with a “Love at First Light” breakfast and a New Year’s Brunch, then continues with the First Wave and First Catch of the Year excursions.

Romantic Dining Experiences
Romantic dining is the heart of the programme, featuring exclusive culinary experiences such as Krug Beneath the Waves on 28 December, a five-course dinner paired with Krug Champagne at H2O, the resort’s underwater restaurant six metres below the ocean’s surface, curated by Chef Andrea Berton. Other highlights include Journey Through the Night, a five-course dinner aboard the Love Boat; Beneath the Canopy of Love, an intimate beachside dinner paired with Ruinart Brut; Sand & Romance, featuring a unique sunken table set into the sand; and An Affair with Lobster, a beachfront lobster barbecue accompanied by Champagne, alongside many other exquisite culinary offerings.

Experiences and entertainment
Guests can head out on a Love Drift castaway sandbank picnic lunch, sunset fishing, dolphin cruises, stargazing and local island excursions. Evenings feature a Maldivian Boduberu show, a fashion show, karaoke, belly dance performances, a Glow Party and an Orthodox Christmas Party on 6 January. By day, the resort offers morning flow yoga, aqua aerobics, Tabata and a pool party.

Wellness Packages include the Moonlight Spa Ritual under the stars and a Private Sandbank Massage. Highlights include the Asian Heritage Signature Massage, Chakra Therapy and Lava Stone Therapy at our beautiful You & Me Spa.
“This festive season, we celebrate the special moments and connections that make the holidays truly memorable. From sumptuous gala feasts to extraordinary dining experiences six metres beneath the ocean at H2O, we have curated an exclusive programme that reflects the essence of our adults-only premium all-inclusive resort, inviting guests to celebrate romance in its most enchanting form here on the Island of Love,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
News
Cocoon Maldives to mark 10th anniversary with beachfront gala and festive celebrations
Cocoon Maldives has unveiled its festive programme for 2026/2027, featuring 16 days of celebrations from 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027. This festive season is particularly special as the resort celebrates its 10th anniversary marking a decade of exceptional hospitality, distinctive design and unforgettable island experiences.

Christmas on the Island
The season opens on 22 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and carols at Loabi Loabi Bar, followed by a Family Feast BBQ. Celebrations build through Christmas Eve with a Christmas Cocktail Party, a Christmas Gala Dinner at Octopus Restaurant and a late-night Christmas Party.
On Christmas Day, guests can enjoy a festive breakfast, Santa’s arrival with carols on the beach, a Christmas lunch and a Lucky Dolphin Cruise. The day ends with Wine & Dine at Manta Restaurant, an Indian Night and a Christmas movie show with a live band.

Celebrating a Decade of Cocoon
On 26 December, Cocoon Maldives celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special cocktail party, followed by an Anniversary Dinner and cake-cutting ceremony on the beach. The celebrations also feature the Cocoon Run and a Lobster Beach BBQ at Kurumbar Beach, bringing guests together to commemorate this important milestone.

Welcoming the New Year 2027
New Year’s Eve begins with a pre-dinner cocktail on the beach, followed by a New Year Gala Dinner with special performances and a New Year’s Eve Party. At midnight, guests can join the countdown and watch the fireworks over the water. New Year’s Day continues with the First Breakfast of 2027, a New Year’s Brunch and Wine & Dine at Manta. The programme closes on 6 January with a Festive Grill and Goodbye Gala Dinner with lobster at Kurumbar Beach.

Dining and Entertainment
In between the main events, guests can enjoy a vibrant dining experiences at Octopus Restaurant, featuring Moroccan, Indian, Italian, Maldivian, Mediterranean, and International Buffet evenings, alongside the popular Fish Market night. . The evening entertainment continues with a captivating Maldivian Cultural Show, live music, and lively Hawaiian, Glow, and White parties, creating memorable moments throughout the stay.

Wellness and Discovery
Enjoy a selection of daily wellness activities, including yoga, Pilates, stretching, meditation, Zumba, and aqua fitness, designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Embark on exciting boat excursions for the chance to encounter magnificent marine life, from sea turtles and playful dolphins to graceful manta rays and sharks.

For Younger Guests
The Kids Village runs a full daily programme of crafts, games and activities. Highlights include 3D Christmas cards, gingerbread house making, a Christmas piñata, a Kids Fashion Show, a Mini Olympics and a New Year Wishing Wand.
“This festive season, our team is dedicated to surrounding you with thoughtful service and genuine hospitality. As we celebrate ten years at Cocoon, we are honoured to welcome our guests to a season of peace, joy and the effortless serenity of the Maldives,” said Anish Abdulla, Resort Manager of Cocoon Maldives
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