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Experience All the Magic of Easter in Full Bloom at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

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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

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Maakeyolhu: RAH GILI MALDIVES launches signature dining experience honouring Maldivian fishing culture

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In time with Fishermen’s Day in the Maldives, RAH GILI MALDIVES — the debut island of the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS constellation — unveils Maakeyolhu: an immersive dining experience that honours the enduring spirit of Maldivian fishing culture and the figure at its heart — the Head Fisherman.

Set to welcome guests from February 2026, RAH GILI will introduce Maakeyolhu as one of its signature destinations — a living story shaped by tides, tradition, and table. Anchored in deep respect for the sea and the coastal communities that depend on it, the restaurant brings guests into the rhythm of island life through food, design, and shared memory.

Honouring the Head Fisherman

In Maldivian fishing culture, the Maakeyolhu is more than a navigator — he is a guide, a keeper of rhythm, and a trusted voice at sea. He reads the tides, chooses the fishing grounds, and holds the wisdom of those who came before. This figure inspired not only the restaurant’s name but its entire philosophy — leading with instinct, serving with humility, and grounding the guest experience in the language of the ocean.

“Maakeyolhu is a table led not by chefs alone, but by the sea and those who know it best,” said Marc Gussing, Director of Operations at SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS. “On this island, we do not perform luxury — we return to its truest form: thoughtful, elemental, and guided by deep cultural memory. The Head Fisherman is not a symbol; he is a living rhythm. This restaurant is our tribute to him and the stories he carries.”

The Daily Catch Philosophy

At Maakeyolhu, there is no fixed menu. Each morning, the kitchen receives its direction from the boats that return to shore — carrying Maldivian yellowfin tuna, reef fish, lobster, and octopus caught using traditional methods.

The restaurant’s culinary rhythm is simple: serve what is fresh, cook with restraint, and honour the story of each ingredient. Signature preparations include a refined Garudhiya Essence, snapper grilled over coconut husk with curry leaf emulsion, Maldivian lobster slow-roasted in a toddy glaze, and smoked tuna brightened with lime and coconut.

Many of the recipes are shaped by knowledge passed down through generations — fisherman’s breakfasts, wood-fired marinades, family-seasoned broths. Nothing is styled for spectacle. Everything is served to be shared.

Meals unfold in circles, as they do in island homes. Guests pass dishes by hand, savour in silence, then speak in stories. The act of dining becomes an exchange — of salt, memory, and care.

“There’s something quietly powerful about serving seafood the Maldivian way — honest, elemental, and rooted in the day’s catch,” adds Marc. “That’s the spirit guests will find at Maakeyolhu. It’s not just a seafood restaurant located in the Maldives — it is a Maldivian seafood restaurant in the truest sense.”

A Space Crafted from Island Life

Designed as a breezy extension of the shoreline, Maakeyolhu is woven into the existing contours of the island. Its architecture listens more than it declares — allowing water, sky, and wind to lead.

The palette is natural and purposeful: white lime plaster and coral-toned stucco reflect the brightness of island homes. Coconut fibre softens the space through screens, seating, and floor textures. Bamboo shelters the bar structure. Glass and timber frames open every corner to light and breeze.

Every element has meaning. At the beach, guests step across a Thun’du Kunaa — the woven mat present in every Maldivian home. It is not branded, but familiar. A quiet signal that they’ve arrived at something rooted. Sustainability is built into every layer — from passive cooling design and coral-friendly piling to native planting and modular joinery. Maakeyolhu enhances what’s already here, without replacing it.

More Than a Meal

Guests are welcomed by the scent of smoked coconut, the sound of traditional Boduberu, and the warmth of a team that feels like family. The space is alive — not curated. Dishes arrive with context, not instruction. Servers speak of the morning’s catch. Drummers play at dusk. And always, the sea remains in sight.

On select evenings, Maakeyolhu hosts Maldivian Nights — intimate gatherings led by local storytellers, drummers, and a real-life Maakeyolhu from a neighbouring island. He joins not as performer, but as elder — sharing the rhythm of his fishing life through tales, pauses, and silence. These evenings are not designed events, but real ones — honest reflections of what it means to live by the sea. Here, the act of savouring becomes a kind of ceremony — not formal but felt. A slow rhythm of sharing, remembering, and returning.

A Rayyithun Expression

As part of the Rayyithun philosophy that guides SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, Maakeyolhu reflects the archetypes of island life — the fishermen (Masverin), the women who prepare the daily catch, and the rhythms they move in.

Guests don’t just observe this rhythm — they enter it. They savour what the ocean gave that morning. They hear the songs that have shaped generations. And they leave with the feeling that something was passed on — not just served.

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IHG signs Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection, opening in 2026

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IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection with partner Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Gateway Maldives Pvt Ltd, a leading tourism development company in the Maldives.

Set to open in late 2026, the resort will feature 52 land and overwater villas, offering guests soulful, immersive stays on Vaagali island – a boutique jewel in the Indian Ocean shaped by the legacy and devotion of a Maldivian family. This treasured sanctuary will now welcome a new generation of travellers seeking one-of-a-kind stays.

Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will expand IHG’s presence in the Maldives, joining Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, and further building the company’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in the region alongside its Six Senses and InterContinental brands.

Shi’ai Liang, Senior Director, Development, South East Asia & Korea, IHG, said: “In partnership with Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd, we are delighted to introduce a beautiful new all-villa resort in the South Malé Atoll – a destination renowned for some of the best diving sites in the world, just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.

Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will invite travellers to rediscover the authentic Maldives of the past by seamlessly integrating luxury, design and cultural authenticity, while accentuating guest connection and purpose. Vignette Collection is the perfect brand to bring to life everything that makes this island extraordinary, creating an outstanding addition to IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle footprint in the country.”

Statement from the Owners: “As a family, Vaagali has been part of our lives for decades a place of memory, discovery, and deep connection. For us, this island has always been a sanctuary, lovingly shaped by our parents and founders, Mr. Hussain Shareef and Mrs. Fathimath Naseema, whose vision, integrity, and devotion to Maldivian hospitality continue to guide and inspire us.”

Opening Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection to the world is profoundly meaningful. We are honoured to partner with IHG to share the island’s history and soul with guests who seek something personal, authentic, and rooted in place. Vaagali has always been defined by its raw beauty, quiet serenity, and the freedom it gave us as a family and we are committed to preserving these qualities in every detail of the guest experience. We look forward to welcoming travellers to Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection, where heartfelt hospitality, cultural heritage, and the natural essence of the Maldives come together in a way that is both refined and deeply authentic.”

Defined by its untouched natural beauty and intimate scale, the island features naturally formed underwater caves – a rare geological wonder that reveals its ancient origins and offers guests a remarkable marine exploration experience. Immersive nature encounters invite guests to reconnect with the environment, with themselves, and with the traditions that shape Maldivian island life.

The resort will spearhead initiatives including coral restoration, reef-health monitoring, responsible energy and waste management, reduced single-use plastics, and the protection and regeneration of native vegetation. Locally sourced materials and craft-led design elements further reinforce its commitment to responsible development.

Guests will choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom pool villas all with a yoga pavilion, complemented by a 3,000-square-metre spa which includes aqua wellness facilities and wellness programmes, a natural freshwater swimming pool, a sports complex with paddle courts, kids club and five unique dining experiences.

Maldives tourism remains strong, with 1.7 million international arrivals from January to October 2025 – a 10% year-on-year increase, and placing the country on track to reach its target of 2.3 million arrivals this year.

Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will be IHG’s sixth property in the Maldives, joining Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives, Six Senses Laamu, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection and Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. Since its launch in 2021, Vignette Collection has attracted owners seeking the strength of IHG’s global platform while preserving each hotel’s individuality. Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will join a growing portfolio of 68 open and pipeline properties, strengthened by recent openings in Dubai, Lima, Osaka, and Shanghai.

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ONE Atmosphere: Atmosphere Core enters extended-stay market with fourth brand

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Leading hospitality company, Atmosphere Core has announced the launch of its fourth brand, ONE Atmosphere, marking its strategic entry into the extended-stay segment. Designed for today’s work–live–travel flow, ONE Atmosphere will offer fully serviced apartments that combine the freedom and expanse of residential living with the consistency of hospitality, including branded amenities, seamless concierge services, and thoughtful design details.

Speaking about the launch, Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director, Atmosphere Core, said, “As travel becomes more fluid and work becomes borderless, guests expect more than a hotel room, they expect a lifestyle solution. They want a space that adapts as they move through different cities, work patterns, and rhythms of everyday life. ONE Atmosphere is designed to meet this shift by offering a reliable model of flexible living that blends the warmth of home with the precision of hospitality. Our spaces will be consistent, functional, design-led, and deeply attuned to how people live today.”

Building on this guest-centred philosophy, the design of ONE Atmosphere will focus on efficient layouts, layered with calming materials and curated local art to create intuitive environments that feel welcoming, practical, and visually inspiring. Every element will aim to enhance comfort and usability while reflecting a sense of place.

ONE Atmosphere apartments will be built for living, not simply staying overnight, with hotel-style services operating quietly in the background. Across all locations, the brand will deliver ‘ONE Experience’, a portable sense of home ideal for long stays, relocations, project assignments, holidays, and hybrid travel. This experience will be further strengthened by a comprehensive suite of amenities and leisure, work, and convenience features, under the ‘ONE Promise’, elevating intelligent serviced living into a lifestyle statement. Together, these amenities and services will create a holistic, flexible environment.

Commenting on the brand’s growth potential, Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director, ONE Atmosphere, said, “The serviced apartment sector is expanding rapidly yet remains highly fragmented. With ONE Atmosphere, we aim to establish a unified standard that can scale with ease while delivering a consistent, comfortable, and efficient experience. By leveraging the operational discipline we’ve developed across our award-winning resorts in the Maldives, we are confident in our ability to set a new global benchmark for extended-stay hospitality”.

ONE Atmosphere’s launch pipeline features a mix of metropolitan, urban, and leisure destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Gulf countries, with further international markets under evaluation as part of the brand’s long-term global rollout.

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