News
Experience All the Magic of Easter in Full Bloom at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Easter is a wondrous time of rebirth and regeneration, and what better way to experience this magical transition than amidst the full blooming glory of a Spring Wonderland Adventure on a tropical island paradise. Welcome to Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, where the enchantment of Easter meets the magic of springtime to reawaken your sense of joyous wonderment.
Get in the Easter groove on Wednesday 27 March at Manzaru Restaurant as the fun begins by the pool with the Easter Splash Pool Party. With the tunes flowing from the resort’s resident DJ and a selection of gourmet treats for you to savour, it’s time to make a splash in a fun-filled afternoon of family-friendly pool games and watersports activities. Then after the sun goes down, the fun is turned up at Sky Bar with one of Anantara Kihavah’s legendary White Parties, where white clothes, good times and island glamour are the order of the day. Don’t worry if you miss it. The next White Party is less than a week away on Tuesday 2 April.

The excitement builds on Thursday 28 March with an Easter Bunny chocolate-making session at Plates Restaurant where the resort’s young guests learn to create delicious treats under the guidance of the restaurant’s chefs. Later in the day, it’s time for the little ones to head over to the Kids Club to see if they can catch the elusive Easter Bunny! The resort’s bigger guests have a chance to get into the swing of spring too as they are invited to engage in some friendly competition at the Easter Tennis Open, featuring both singles and doubles matches.
In the evening, guests have the choice of either joining An Island Soiree for an evening of free flowing Champagne and canapés, or indulging their senses at Six-Metres Below with Duval Leroy – Dégustation Secrète. Presented by The Finest of Kihavah Wine Dinner, this exclusive evening of gastronomic indulgence features an exquisite 5-course dining event expertly paired with versatile Champagnes from Duval-Leroy, all served in the mesmerising surrounds of SEA Underwater Restaurant, six metres below the ocean surface.
March 29 is Good Friday and it’s a good day for fashion lovers of all ages. For the more sophisticated fashionistas, what better way to spend a lunchtime than sipping and shopping as you enjoy a glass of Champagne while browsing through Anantara’s stunning boutique collections at Sip ‘N’ Style Champagne Shopping. Fashion-loving kids have the chance to blossom like spring flowers as they strut their stuff on the catwalk later in the day at the Spring Chic Easter Kids Fashion Show.
Saturday is soccer day, even on a tropical island paradise. Anantara Kihavah’s guests are invited to join in the Friendly Football Match as they work up a thirst and an appetite for the evening’s main event, Spring Wonderland: An Enchanting Easter Gala. This evening of
Easter enchantment begins with cocktails and live entertainment surrounded by floral glamour and caressed by the refreshing Maldivian breeze at Manzaru before the fun moves onto Kihavah Beach for the magic of an Easter Gala Dinner with soft white sands beneath your feet and stunning Indian Ocean views providing the perfect backdrop. As you feast on a rich array of culinary delights, and live entertainment keep the magical Easter spirit flowing.
As you would expect, Easter Sunday is packed full of activities for the whole family. The fun begins at the Kid’s Club from 11:30 with Easter T-shirt Painting, as the little ones have the chance to express their creative side by decorating their t-shirts with everything from abstract glittery scenes to their favourite characters. Next up, it’s time for the whole family to come together for a floral-themed Easter Sunday Brunch at Manzaru Restaurant. Bloom and Brunch features signature dishes from each restaurant, decadent sweets and desserts, and chilled beverages, all served against the soul-soothing backdrop of live music and stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
After brunch, the young and young-at-heart are invited to create their own fun Easter designs with Egg-cellent Chocolate Easter Egg Decorating under the supervision of the resort’s chefs. Then later in the afternoon, it’s time for more family fun and adventure with the Grand Easter Egg Hunt at 4:00 pm. Starting from the Kid’s Club, the whole family can join in the traditional search for hidden eggs amidst the verdant greenery and flora along the pathway to Plates Restaurant, with the Easter Bunny on hand to provide encouragement and clues.
Easter Monday begins with a chance to discover the amazing artistry of THONArtisan, a local resin artist who draws inspiration from the breathtaking natural wonders of the Maldives, particularly the shorelines and islands. The Resin Art Workshop is separated into an adult session in the morning and a kid’s class in the afternoon. Later in the afternoon, the young guests are invited to put on their pirate hats and join the Easter Bunny on the Pirate Bunny Cruise as they go in search of fun and adventure while exploring the captivating sights of the Indian Ocean.
As the sun sets on another day in Paradise, the Finest of Kihavah Wine Dinner Presents a Journey to Super Tuscan, where the exquisitely-crafted flavours of a 5-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Joachim Textor are paired with iconic Tuscan wines by Anantara Kihavah’s Resident Wine Maestro, Lenka Praveen, to create a perfect harmony of flavours for 20 lucky guests in this exclusive dining event.
The Easter programme comes to a close with a friendly Kids Football Match on Tuesday 2 April, but every day is fun day for kids at Anantara Kihavah with full programme of games and activities available throughout the Easter period and beyond.
Of course, for many guests, Anantara Kihavah is an island retreat where time moves more slowly as they connect with nature’s healing energies to revive mind, body and spirit through the lovingly curated treatments of Anantara Spa. While every day offers opportunities to refresh and reinvigorate, with the rebirth symbolism of Easter and Spring, what better time to embark on a journey of rejuvenation than in the blossoming days of Spring Wonderland. In addition to all the usual favourite spa journeys, the Easter Programme features a number of specially curated treatments to help you blossom like a spring flower.
This Easter, discover a whimsical world of pastels and petals, as you enjoy a host of fun filled family activities, from beach games to an Easter Gala Dinner, while the little ones spark their curiosity and imagination in an Easter egg hunt, a kids’ fashion show, a Pirate Cruise and so much more! Embark on culinary and water adventures or choose to refresh and reinvigorate on a bespoke wellness journey in a tranquil getaway.
Easter is a wondrous time of rebirth and regeneration, and what better way to experience this magical transition than amidst the full blooming glory of a Spring Wonderland Adventure on a tropical island paradise. Welcome to Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, where the enchantment of Easter meets the magic of springtime to reawaken your sense of joyous wonderment.
Get in the Easter groove on Wednesday 27 March at Manzaru Restaurant as the fun begins by the pool with the Easter Splash Pool Party. With the tunes flowing from the resort’s resident DJ and a selection of gourmet treats for you to savour, it’s time to make a splash in a fun-filled afternoon of family-friendly pool games and watersports activities. Then after the sun goes down, the fun is turned up at Sky Bar with one of Anantara Kihavah’s legendary White Parties, where white clothes, good times and island glamour are the order of the day. Don’t worry if you miss it. The next White Party is less than a week away on Tuesday 2 April.
The excitement builds on Thursday 28 March with an Easter Bunny chocolate-making session at Plates Restaurant where the resort’s young guests learn to create delicious treats under the guidance of the restaurant’s chefs. Later in the day, it’s time for the little ones to head over to the Kids Club to see if they can catch the elusive Easter Bunny! The resort’s bigger guests have a chance to get into the swing of spring too as they are invited to engage in some friendly competition at the Easter Tennis Open, featuring both singles and doubles matches.
In the evening, guests have the choice of either joining An Island Soiree for an evening of free flowing Champagne and canapés, or indulging their senses at Six-Metres Below with Duval Leroy – Dégustation Secrète. Presented by The Finest of Kihavah Wine Dinner, this exclusive evening of gastronomic indulgence features an exquisite 5-course dining event expertly paired with versatile Champagnes from Duval-Leroy, all served in the mesmerising surrounds of SEA Underwater Restaurant, six metres below the ocean surface.
March 29 is Good Friday and it’s a good day for fashion lovers of all ages. For the more sophisticated fashionistas, what better way to spend a lunchtime than sipping and shopping as you enjoy a glass of Champagne while browsing through Anantara’s stunning boutique collections at Sip ‘N’ Style Champagne Shopping. Fashion-loving kids have the chance to blossom like spring flowers as they strut their stuff on the catwalk later in the day at the Spring Chic Easter Kids Fashion Show.
Saturday is soccer day, even on a tropical island paradise. Anantara Kihavah’s guests are invited to join in the Friendly Football Match as they work up a thirst and an appetite for the evening’s main event, Spring Wonderland: An Enchanting Easter Gala. This evening of Easter enchantment begins with cocktails and live entertainment surrounded by floral glamour and caressed by the refreshing Maldivian breeze at Manzaru before the fun moves onto Kihavah Beach for the magic of an Easter Gala Dinner with soft white sands beneath your feet and stunning Indian Ocean views providing the perfect backdrop. As you feast on a rich array of culinary delights, and live entertainment keep the magical Easter spirit flowing.
As you would expect, Easter Sunday is packed full of activities for the whole family. The fun begins at the Kid’s Club from 11:30 with Easter T-shirt Painting, as the little ones have the chance to express their creative side by decorating their t-shirts with everything from abstract glittery scenes to their favourite characters. Next up, it’s time for the whole family to come together for a floral-themed Easter Sunday Brunch at Manzaru Restaurant. Bloom and Brunch features signature dishes from each restaurant, decadent sweets and desserts, and chilled beverages, all served against the soul-soothing backdrop of live music and stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
After brunch, the young and young-at-heart are invited to create their own fun Easter designs with Egg-cellent Chocolate Easter Egg Decorating under the supervision of the resort’s chefs. Then later in the afternoon, it’s time for more family fun and adventure with the Grand Easter Egg Hunt at 4:00 pm. Starting from the Kid’s Club, the whole family can join in the traditional search for hidden eggs amidst the verdant greenery and flora along the pathway to Plates Restaurant, with the Easter Bunny on hand to provide encouragement and clues.
Easter Monday begins with a chance to discover the amazing artistry of THONArtisan, a local resin artist who draws inspiration from the breathtaking natural wonders of the Maldives, particularly the shorelines and islands. The Resin Art Workshop is separated into an adult session in the morning and a kid’s class in the afternoon. Later in the afternoon, the young guests are invited to put on their pirate hats and join the Easter Bunny on the Pirate Bunny Cruise as they go in search of fun and adventure while exploring the captivating sights of the Indian Ocean.
As the sun sets on another day in Paradise, the Finest of Kihavah Wine Dinner Presents a Journey to Super Tuscan, where the exquisitely-crafted flavours of a 5-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Joachim Textor are paired with iconic Tuscan wines by Anantara Kihavah’s Resident Wine Maestro, Lenka Praveen, to create a perfect harmony of flavours for 20 lucky guests in this exclusive dining event.
The Easter programme comes to a close with a friendly Kids Football Match on Tuesday 2 April, but every day is fun day for kids at Anantara Kihavah with full programme of games and activities available throughout the Easter period and beyond.
Of course, for many guests, Anantara Kihavah is an island retreat where time moves more slowly as they connect with nature’s healing energies to revive mind, body and spirit through the lovingly curated treatments of Anantara Spa. While every day offers opportunities to refresh and reinvigorate, with the rebirth symbolism of Easter and Spring, what better time to embark on a journey of rejuvenation than in the blossoming days of Spring Wonderland. In addition to all the usual favourite spa journeys, the Easter Programme features a number of specially curated treatments to help you blossom like a spring flower.
This Easter, discover a whimsical world of pastels and petals, as you enjoy a host of fun filled family activities, from beach games to an Easter Gala Dinner, while the little ones spark their curiosity and imagination in an Easter egg hunt, a kids’ fashion show, a Pirate Cruise and so much more! Embark on culinary and water adventures or choose to refresh and reinvigorate on a bespoke wellness journey in a tranquil getaway.
Whatever you do this Easter, rediscover wonder and embrace adventure in Anantara Kihavah’s exotic island retreat, where life always shines on the sunny side. For more information or to book, call +960 664 4111, visit www.anantara.com/kihavah-maldives or email reservations.maldives@anantara.com.
Cooking
Chef Heiko Nieder brings two-Michelin-starred culinary artistry to Sirru Fen Fushi
This February, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, welcomes acclaimed chef Heiko Nieder for an exclusive gastronomic showcase celebrating culinary innovation, precision, and artistry kicking off The Michelin Series for 2026.
Recognised as one of Switzerland’s most celebrated chefs and the visionary culinary force behind The Dolder Grand in Zurich, Chef Heiko will headline two exceptional dining events designed for discerning travellers and food connoisseurs seeking a truly elevated island experience.
Events at a Glance:
14 February 2026: Four Hand Dinner with Chef Heiko x Chef Girish
In celebration of Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year, Chef Heiko Nieder joins Sirru Fen Fushi’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma for an intimate Four-Hand Dinner, where two distinct culinary worlds meet in one extraordinary evening. Expect imaginative compositions, elevated island elegance, and a dining experience crafted to ignite the senses.
18 February 2026: Haute Cuisine Cooking Class with Chef Heiko Nieder
The celebration continues with a rare and intimate cooking class, where Chef Heiko will guide guests through two dishes, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his culinary philosophy and artistry.
18 February 2026: Chef Heiko’s Exclusive Signature Dinner & Cooking Class
Guests are invited to indulge in an exclusive four-course dinner featuring Chef Heiko’s signature dishes, showcasing his hallmark style: daring creativity balanced with refined technique.
Born in Germany in 1972, Chef Heiko is one of Switzerland’s most celebrated chefs and currently serves as Culinary Director at The Dolder Grand in Zurich. He completed his classical culinary training at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, before refining his craft in some of Germany’s most respected kitchens, including Restaurant Le Canard in Hamburg, Hotel Zur Traube in Grevenbroich, and Restaurant Vau in Berlin. He further refined his culinary philosophy during five formative years at Restaurant L’Olivo in Bonn.
A multi-awarded culinary leader, Chef Heiko has received global recognition including:
- GaultMillau “Discovery of the Year” in 2003
- First Michelin Star (2004)
- Two Michelin Stars awarded by The Michelin Guide.
- GaultMillau “Chef of the Year” (2018)
- Currently holding 19 GaultMillau points
In 2014, he launched THE EPICURE, The Dolder Grand’s prestigious international gourmet festival, now recognised globally as a culinary platform of excellence. In 2023, Chef Heiko published his first cookbook, “Heiko Nieder – The Restaurant,” which was met with wide critical acclaim. And most recently in November 2025 – Chef Heiko has released his newest cook book, “Heiko Nieder – Private Dining.” The publication offers an intimate insight into his personal approach to haute cuisine, private dining culture, and the philosophy behind creating bespoke, highly exclusive culinary experiences.
The Michelin Series is Sirru Fen Fushi’s signature calendar of culinary icons and global tastemakers, designed to deliver immersive reconnection through flavours and unforgettable dining journeys in the Maldives.
Love
Grand Park Kodhipparu curates new ‘Romance in Paradise’ experience for couples
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, the contemporary island retreat set in the heart of the North Malé Atoll, has announced the launch of its Romance in Paradise offer — a thoughtfully curated couples’ experience debuting for the Valentine’s period and available for stays throughout the year.
Designed for couples seeking meaningful connection rather than occasion-led indulgence, Romance in Paradise invites guests to slow down, reconnect and celebrate love in one of the world’s most captivating natural settings — framed by luminous lagoons, soft white sands and endless Indian Ocean horizons.
At Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, romance is expressed through personalised moments and shared island experiences. Contemporary design blends effortlessly with the surrounding environment, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere where couples can enjoy time together in a way that feels natural, unhurried and deeply personal.
Set on a pristine island encircled by soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, the resort offers a sense of openness and ease, allowing romance to unfold organically. Days can be as tranquil or as adventurous as couples choose — from gliding across the lagoon by paddleboard and exploring vibrant marine life together, to quiet moments of reflection, wellness rituals for two and golden-hour sunsets by the ocean.
A signature highlight of Romance in Paradise is the resort’s Floating Deck experience — an intimate and unforgettable way to dine together on the open ocean. Couples sail gently into seclusion on a private floating deck, complete with plush daybeds, uninterrupted ocean views and a curated menu prepared and served by the resort’s chef. As the sun dips below the horizon and the Indian Ocean shifts through shades of gold and indigo, the experience offers a rare sense of privacy, presence and shared discovery.
Dining becomes a shared celebration with Romance in Paradise. Couples are invited to enjoy an intimate sunset dining experience in an inspired island setting, where carefully curated menus and attentive service are elevated by the rhythm of the ocean and the fading light of day.
Wellness is gently woven into the journey, with daily morning and evening yoga sessions offering couples the opportunity to reconnect in body and mind, guided by the natural pace of island life.
Offer Highlights Include:
- Daily Breakfast at The Edge – Start each day with a sumptuous spread of international and local delicacies in a relaxed island setting.
- Romantic Celebration Amenities on Arrival – Celebrate togetherness with a specially prepared cake, a bottle of wine, and a tropical fruit basket awaiting you in-villa.
- Sunset Rendezvous Private Dining – Share an intimate beachfront dinner as the sun dips below the horizon (advance reservation required).
- Non-Motorised Watersports Experience – Enjoy one hour of lagoon activities together — from paddleboarding to canoeing (advance reservation required).
- Yoga Sessions for Two – Rejuvenate with daily morning and evening shared yoga sessions — a perfect wellness ritual for balance and connection.
- Dedicated Lifestyle Host Service & Complimentary Wi-Fi – Ensuring personalised support and seamless connectivity throughout your stay.
Available exclusively for direct bookings via the resort’s official website, Romance in Paradise offers exceptional value for couples celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries or simply time together. Park Rewards members can enjoy additional savings of up to 15% on villa rates when signing up for free. “Romance in Paradise reflects our belief that the most meaningful luxury is time well spent together,” said Liz Smailes the Resort’s Director of Marketing. “This experience is designed to feel effortless and authentic — where connection, place and shared moments come together naturally, any time of year.”
The Romance in Paradise offer is available for stays up to 23 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 500 per night. For full details and reservations, guests are encouraged to book directly via the Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives website.
Cooking
JOALI BEING partners with Chef Kelvin Cheung for Lunar New Year residency
JOALI BEING has unveiled an exclusive culinary partnership with acclaimed Chef Kelvin Cheung, the award-winning pioneer of Third Culture cuisine, recognised by the MICHELIN Guide and MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. Taking place from 18th to 22nd February, the collaboration invites guests to gather and celebrate renewal and togetherness through a thoughtfully curated culinary journey.
Born in Canada, raised in Chicago, and now based in Dubai, Chef Kelvin Cheung’s culinary philosophy is shaped by a life lived between cultures. Drawing from his Chinese heritage, North American upbringing, and classical French training, his cuisine reflects a deeply personal narrative rooted in memory, movement, and meaning. Thoughtful and instinctive, his approach speaks to balance, harmony, and intention — values that align naturally with both the spirit of Lunar New Year and JOALI BEING’s philosophy of well-living through conscious, considered experiences.

The collaboration is expressed through a curated programme of dining and culinary moments across JOALI BEING’s signature spaces. From shared dining experiences that celebrate cultural storytelling and togetherness, to immersive workshops at the Culinary Learning Centre, guests are invited to experience food not only as nourishment, but as a meaningful expression of creativity, presence, and joy. With world-acclaimed recognition and a career shaped by cultural exchange, Chef Kelvin Cheung brings a distinctive culinary voice to JOALI BEING’s well-living journey. Rooted in intention and sustainability, the partnership highlights thoughtfully sourced ingredients — both local and global — crafted with respect for the land, the ocean, and the shared moments created around the table.
Programme highlights include a series of exclusive dinners showcasing Chef Kelvin’s signature Third Culture creations, where flavours move seamlessly across borders and traditions, capturing the energy and optimism of the new year. Complementing these experiences, hands-on cooking classes invite guests to explore Chef Kelvin’s culinary perspective through interactive learning, while a dedicated kids-only cooking class encourages young guests to reimagine familiar dishes through playful experimentation. Inspired by Chef Kelvin’s own experiences cooking with his son, the class nurtures confidence, curiosity, and self-expression, allowing children and teens to discover food as a creative and personal journey.

Chef Kelvin Cheung’s residency forms part of JOALI BEING’s wider Lunar New Year celebrations, thoughtfully curated to honour tradition, renewal, and the joy of coming together. The programme begins with festive dining to welcome the new year, followed by a diverse calendar of culinary and cultural experiences — from hot pot gatherings and hands-on masterclasses to tea rituals and celebratory dining moments — unfolding across a two-week period. Designed for families and guests of all ages, the celebrations extend beyond the table to include wellbeing rituals, marine adventures, recreational sports, interactive workshops, and sunset gatherings, creating a holisti,c island-wide celebration rooted in connection and joy.
To complement the experience, guests travelling as families or groups may also explore JOALI BEING’s Residence Escape Offer, designed for extended stays in the island’s three- and four-bedroom residences. Created for unhurried living, the offer invites guests to mark the season through meaningful rituals, shared moments, and time spent together.
For full programme details, including Chef Kelvin Cheung’s culinary experiences, please visit the resort’s website. For bookings and further information, please contact reservations.being@joali.com.
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