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
W Maldives welcomes acclaimed ‘Dessert King’ Reynold Poernomo for Flavours Unscripted culinary takeover

W Maldives is turning up the flavor dial this August with a high-profile culinary collaboration that is equal parts bold, artful, and wildly indulgent. As part of the resort’s Dare To Taste programming under the Flavors Unscripted series, W Maldives will welcome acclaimed chef and culinary creative Reynold Poernomo for a two-part takeover on August 10 and 12, 2025. This exclusive collaboration is set to redefine island dining—one plate at a time.
Born in Indonesia and raised in Sydney, Chef Reynold is no stranger to pushing culinary boundaries. A self-taught prodigy who rose to fame as a finalist on MasterChef Australia, he quickly became known as the nation’s “Dessert King” for his intricate, art-driven creations. In 2016, he co-founded KOI Dessert Bar with his family, which has since become one of Sydney’s most iconic culinary destinations with a cult following. The brand expanded in 2017 with KOI Dessert Kitchen, a production space that also hosts exclusive masterclasses and guest chef collaborations. Reynold’s approach to food is anything but ordinary—his plates are immersive, imaginative, and unapologetically bold. This August, he brings that same creative fire to W Maldives.
The main event unfolds on August 12, when guests will have the rare opportunity to experience Chef Reynold’s culinary artistry firsthand at FISH, the resort’s signature overwater venue renowned for its sustainable ocean-to-table fine dining. For one night only, Chef Reynold will present a specially curated three-course dinner inspired by island ingredients, global technique, and his unmistakable visual flair. Guests can expect bold plating, layered flavors, and a few unexpected turns—this is Reynold unleashed, Maldives-style.
As part of this exclusive collaboration, W Maldives presents Marriott Bonvoy Moments–a once-in-a-lifetime experience for members to bid on a Private Castaway Dining Experience with Chef Reynold, paired with a luxurious four-night villa stay in a Premier Overwater One-Bedroom Villa from August 9 to 13, 2025. The package includes roundtrip shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport, daily breakfast, and a one-time signature treatment at AWAY Spa for the bid winner and their guest.
The highlight of the stay begins on August 10, with an intimate starlit dinner on Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ private castaway island, where Chef Reynold will personally host and curate a bespoke tasting menu. On August 12, the duo will receive front-row seats to his culinary showcase at FISH. With only one package available, anticipation is high and competition will be fierce.
To mark the collaboration, Chef Reynold will also unveil an exclusive signature dessert, created just for W Maldives and available on the menu for six months following his visit. Daring, decadent, and destined to be the most photographed dish on the island, it is a lasting tribute to this unforgettable partnership.
“There’s something electric about the Maldives—its textures, its moods, its light,” said Chef Reynold Poernomo. “This menu is my response to that. A dreamscape of flavor brought to life through technique, imagination, and a little island heat.”
Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives, added, “At W Maldives, we’re all about pushing boundaries—on the plate, behind the bar, and in the guest experience. Reynold brings a daring, creative energy that aligns perfectly with our vision. This isn’t just a dinner; it’s a story told in flavor.”
This collaboration is part of Flavors Unscripted, W Maldives’ platform for culinary expression where global tastemakers meet untamed island creativity and nothing is ever scripted. It is food without rules. Flavor without borders.
Tucked away in the heart of the North Ari Atoll and a 25-minute scenic seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, W Maldives is a bold luxury escape featuring 77 private villas—each with a plunge pool and unobstructed access to the Indian Ocean. Following a recent design refresh, the resort seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with the island’s raw natural beauty.
Members can now bid for a Private Castaway Dining Experience with Chef Reynold Poernomo and a four-night stay at W Maldives until July 21, 2025 through Marriott Bonvoy Moments.
Guests looking to stir things up in paradise can book the Stay, Dine, and Fly package, which includes daily breakfast, a three-course dinner, and roundtrip seaplane transfers. For more information, visit www.wmaldives.com or contact reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.
Awards
JOALI Maldives ranked Asia’s best and No. 7 in world’s top 100

JOALI Maldives has been named the #1 Resort in Asia and #7 Resort in the World in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025, reaffirming its place as one of the leading luxury destinations globally and the hallmark of excellence of the Maldives.
Each year, Travel + Leisure readers rate the world’s most exceptional hotels based on rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. JOALI Maldives’ consistently high ratings reflect an enduring commitment to thoughtful luxury and heartfelt guest experiences.
With an outstanding score of 99.46 this year, the resort stands among the highest-rated properties in the world in this year’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Guests praised every element of the experience, from the design of the villas to the warmth of the service, with one reader declaring Saoke, the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, as “the best food in the world.” This level of acclaim reflects not only exceptional facilities, but also the resort’s unwavering commitment to curating personalised, soulful journeys for every guest.
This award adds to an ever-growing list of honours for the resort. JOALI Maldives has proudly upheld Forbes Five-Star status consecutively, has been celebrated in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards most recently as the #1 Resort in the Indian Ocean, and continues to earn praise in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards and previous editions of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best.
“We are truly humbled by this recognition from Travel + Leisure readers,” says Shifaz Hassan, General Manager of JOALI Maldives. “It’s especially meaningful because it comes from our guests — many of whom return year after year, sharing heartfelt feedback about our island. Our team works with quiet dedication to anticipate needs, honour privacy, and create moments of true joy. The recognition reflects the connections we have built with our guests, and I am immensely proud of this achievement”
A beacon of creativity and conscious living in the Maldives, JOALI continues to elevate luxury hospitality by meaningfulness, beauty, and soul.
Awards
Villa Park, Villa Nautica crowned among world’s top 100 hotels

Villa Resorts has been recognised in the TopHotels “Top 100 Hotels of the Year 2024” list, with two of its properties, Villa Park and Villa Nautica, featured among the highest-rated hotels based on guest reviews from Russia and the CIS.
TopHotels is one of the most widely used hotel review platforms among Russian-speaking travellers, and its annual ranking reflects feedback from thousands of verified guests. Earning a place in this list highlights the strong appeal of Villa Resorts’ offerings in these markets and the high level of satisfaction experienced by guests throughout the year.
Villa Park, located in South Ari Atoll, is well known for its lush landscapes, vibrant marine life, and wide range of activities suited for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts. Villa Nautica, situated near Malé, offers a more energetic island setting with beachfront villas, lively experiences, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
While each resort offers something unique, both share the brand’s signature focus on heartfelt service, comfortable luxury, and a strong sense of place inspired by the Maldives.
This recognition reflects Villa Resorts’ longstanding relationship with guests from Russia and the CIS. The brand has continually invested in understanding the needs of these travellers, offering multilingual support and culturally considerate service across its properties.
With roots in the Maldives since the early 1980s, Villa Resorts remains one of the country’s most established hospitality brands. This recent acknowledgment from TopHotels reinforces its position as a trusted choice for international travellers seeking authentic island experiences grounded in comfort, care, and connection.
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