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Prosperity & Love: Celebration of Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day at W Maldives

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Embark on a journey of indulgence and charm this February at W Maldives, nestled on the heart-shaped Fesdu Island and surrounded by one of the best house reefs in the country. Get ready for an affair that blends tradition with a W twist, promising an escape into luxury that will leave you captivated.

Lunar Prosperity Dinner


Join W Maldives for a Lunar Prosperity Dinner that’s as liberating as it is luxurious. Picture the finest fusion of flavors, where traditional dishes get a modern makeover in the most decadent setting. The culinary odyssey is not just a feast for the palate, but a celebration that transcends borders and cultures.

As you savor every bite, let the special performance and entertainment elevate the evening to new heights of excitement. Believing in spreading prosperity to every corner of your escape cocoon, expect special Lunar New Year-themed turndown amenities with delightful surprises that redefine the art of celebration.

At W Maldives, we’re turning the page on ordinary celebrations, ensuring that your prosperous year looks and tastes absolutely extraordinary.

Vibes of Love


Step into the enchanting world of W Maldives this Valentine’s Day, and feel the vibes of love through a series of well curated experiences that will last a lifetime. Indulge in W Maldives’ captivating dining experiences, from the beachside bliss of a 3-course romantic dinner at FIRE, where the sand becomes your dining carpet, to the overwater extravagance of a 5-course feast at FISH, serenaded by the gentle lapping of waves and speciaI entertainment.

Seeking an intimate affair? Opt for a 5-course romantic dinner at your choice of Coral Terrace or Beach, each setting as unique as the love you share. For those craving adventure, set sail on our ESCAPE yacht for a sunset cruise and a 5-course dinner, or escape to the private castaway Gaathafushi island for a fantasy dinner under the stars. At W Maldives, we don’t just create moments; we craft love stories that are as witty as they are luxurious, promising a Valentine’s Day celebration that goes beyond the expected.

But the romance doesn’t end there—extend your love affair with Eternally Ours stay package. With a minimum 4-night stay, relish daily breakfast at KITCHEN, nightly dinners at selected venues, and a one- time 60-minute massage at AWAY Spa, where relaxation meets indulgence. Your romantic journey continues with a one-time dinner at your chosen destination— Beach or Coral Terrace—excluding beverages, ensuring an intimate dining experience. Elevate your escape and explore more about our enticing room package by clicking here.

As February beckons, seize the opportunity for an extraordinary rendezvous at W Maldives, where the vibrant rhythm of Lunar New Year’s prosperity dances seamlessly with the romantic melody of Valentine’s Day on Fesdu Island. Let the stage be set, and your love story unfold against a backdrop of unscripted luxury and charm. Experience the perfect blend of celebration and romance — only at W 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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