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Renowned Marine Conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau Returns to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives for Exclusive Guest Experience

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has announced that Jean-Michel Cousteau will be returning to the resort not only as a continuation of his Ambassadors of the Environment program but also to provide a truly unique guest experience this April. Guests can embark on an extraordinary journey to explore the mesmerizing underwater wonders of the Maldives during the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands from April 13th to 17th, 2024. 

The Marriott Bonvoy Moment will offer two guests the chance to explore the ocean depths guided by marine legend Jean-Michel Cousteau. This extraordinary package includes accommodations in a luxurious Beach Pool Villa, complete with daily breakfast, a captivating marine biology presentation tailored for enthusiasts, and the resort cocktail hosted by Cousteau. To secure this unforgettable journey, interested parties can start bidding from February 10th, with the auction closing on March 23rd, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime fusion of luxury, marine exploration, and insightful discourse with Jean-Michel Cousteau.

During his time on property, Cousteau will host several presentations focused on marine biology, connect with the Ambassadors of the Environment team to discuss future programming, host a resort cocktail hour, and conduct several dives with guests including a coral regeneration session at the resort’s Beach Shack. Here, participants will actively contribute to the preservation of the underwater ecosystem by planting coral near the overwater villas, representing the property’s unwavering dedication to marine conservation. Cousteau will also interact with local school programs through the resort’s Community Footprints initiative, fostering environmental awareness and education. As the only resort in Asia Pacific to offer the Ambassadors of the Environment program, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, remain steadfast in upholding the values of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society through immersive and educational programming aimed at exploring and safeguarding the delicate ecosystem of the Maldives.

Resort guests will have the opportunity to partake in a Cinema under the Stars event at the property’s Mystique Garden. This captivating evening will showcase Jean-Michel Cousteau’s acclaimed film ‘Wonders of The Sea,’ followed by an interactive Q&A session where participants can delve into his marine exploration and conservation efforts.

For those craving a more immersive experience, the “Cities Under the Sea” snorkeling trip awaits. Here, guests can engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Cousteau, alongside marine biologists and representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy. Together, they will delve into crucial environmental issues, including climate change and its profound impact on nature, fostering enlightening dialogue and heightened awareness among participants.

To conclude the week, guests can celebrate World Dolphin Day with a memorable dolphin cruise, experiencing the beauty of Maldivian dolphins in their natural habitat. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s visit underscores The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and marine conservation. Through these engaging experiences, the resort aims to inspire guests to cherish and protect the fragile ecosystems of the Maldives.

Cooking

Flavours Unscripted: W Maldives welcomes Bali’s culinary masters

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This October, W Maldives invites guests to an unforgettable culinary chapter as part of its Flavors Unscripted series — a two-night, six-hands collaboration bringing together three of Bali’s most sought-after chefs: Benjamin Cross of Mason and Bar Vera, Stephen Moore of Shelter, and Chris Smith of Red Gunpowder.

Taking place on 18th and 20th October 2025, this exclusive event welcomes each of the chef’s distinct culinary approaches to the Maldives, each united by their mastery of open-fire cooking, sustainable sourcing, and globally-inspired cuisine. The gathering forms part of W Maldives’ signature Dare to Taste programming: a platform that regularly convenes international culinary talent within the Indian Ocean setting, positioning the resort’s natural environment and local Maldivian ingredients as both stage and inspiration for their craft.

Unfolding across two of the resort’s signature restaurants, the six-hands experience begins at FIRE, the beachfront smokehouse renowned for bold, wood-fired cuisine, and concludes at FISH, the resort’s overwater destination dedicated to refined, ocean-to-table dining. Guests will experience an evolving menu of elemental dishes grounded in craftsmanship, place, and personality—a rare opportunity to witness three culinary perspectives over two immersive nights.

Benjamin Cross, originally from New South Wales, is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Mason and Bar Vera in Bali, and Culinary Director for Aqua Expeditions. Known for his Mediterranean-influenced, fire-led cooking and dedication to seasonality, Cross honed his approach through time at Can Fabes in Spain and Craft NYC, developing a philosophy that celebrates the marriage of technique and terroir.

Joining him is Stephen Moore, Culinary Director and Co-Owner of Shelter in Pererenan, whose culinary journey spans globally respected kitchens including El Celler de Can Roca, Aman properties in India, and several of Australia’s leading restaurants. His cooking brings structure and subtlety to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, creating dishes that are both refined and deeply soulful.

Completing the trio is Chris Smith, Executive Chef and Partner at Red Gunpowder and Culinary Director at 7AM Bakers Club, whose background in Michelin-starred restaurants in London and Paris informs a distinctive style that blends French technique with Indian spice and Balinese freshness. Together, they represent a new generation of Bali-based chefs reimagining regional cuisine with global intent, each bringing their own story to the table.

On 18th October, the first dinner at FIRE will take place under the stars with a menu designed around smoke, flame, and shared plates. Highlights include whole roast wagyu ribeye, smoked duck with green chilli chutney, and smoked banana split — all served against the backdrop of the resort’s natural beachfront. On 20th October, the focus shifts to seafood at FISH, with dishes such as line-caught fish pilpil with piquillo pepper, lobster risoni in tom yum butter, and inventive seafood preparations designed to reflect the surrounding waters of the Indian Ocean.

“This collaboration brings together everything I love about food — craftsmanship, connection and creativity — in one of the most stunning places in the world,” says Chef Benjamin Cross. “There’s so much synergy between the islands of Bali and the Maldives when it comes to respect for ingredients, sustainability, and storytelling through cuisine.”

Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives, adds, “We’re proud to bring together such visionary talent from Bali’s thriving food scene for a unique culinary moment at W Maldives. This is more than a dining experience — it’s a celebration of place, personality and the unexpected.”

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.

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.

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa named Best Resort for Sports & Fitness at TTM Awards

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has been named the “Best Resort for Sports & Fitness” at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards, further establishing its position as one of the Maldives’ leading destinations for wellness and activity-driven holidays.

Sports and Recreation on Land and Sea

Located on a naturally lush island in the north of the Maldives, the resort offers an extensive programme of sports and recreational experiences designed for both leisure and performance. Regular tennis and padel camps are hosted with international coaches, providing opportunities for both beginners and experienced players to develop their skills. Pickleball has also been introduced as part of the resort’s expanding range of racket sports.

Beyond the courts, guests have access to a variety of land-based fitness and wellness activities. Daily fitness classes, yoga sessions timed with sunrise and sunset, and a fully equipped gym overlooking tropical surroundings form part of the wellness offering. Facilities also include a five-hole putting green, a golf simulator, football, beach volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and foosball.

The resort’s double house reef is central to its marine-based activities, attracting snorkellers and divers with its rich coral and marine life. Water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, and e-surfing add further options for adventure and relaxation.

Wellness and Spa Experiences

Hideaway Spa provides a sanctuary for recovery and rejuvenation after sport and activity. Surrounded by greenery, the spa offers a wide range of treatments inspired by nature, with Balinese and Ayurvedic therapies among the highlights. Yoga and meditation sessions, often held at sunset, complement the spa’s extensive menu of experiences and support the resort’s holistic approach to wellbeing.

Natural Environment and Lifestyle

The island’s unspoiled environment enhances the wellness journey, with powder-white beaches, lush vegetation, and clear reef waters creating a natural setting for relaxation and activity. Guests may explore the island by bicycle or on foot, with the scenery forming an integral part of the resort’s appeal.

Dining is another element of the Hideaway experience, with a diverse culinary offering across the resort’s restaurants and bars. The Signature Collection, the resort’s premium villa category, provides an elevated sense of privacy while granting guests full access to the resort’s sports, fitness, and wellness amenities.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa continues to expand its wellness and activity-led initiatives. From 18–21 September 2025, the resort will host the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2025 as part of World Wellness Weekend. The event will feature 5K, 10K, and Kids Dash races alongside a programme of yoga sessions, sound healing, fitness clinics, and evening celebrations, blending physical activity with relaxation.

By combining sports, wellness, natural beauty, and fine dining, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has positioned itself as a destination where active living and indulgence meet in harmony.

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Featured

Angsana Velavaru weaves wellbeing into World Wellness Weekend celebrations

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Angsana Velavaru is marking World Wellness Weekend with a series of holistic activities designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. From 19 to 21 September, the resort is hosting three days of complimentary sessions led by its in-house yoga instructor.

Each morning begins with aqua aerobics at the Kuredhi Pool, combining gentle resistance and the movement of water to awaken the body. On 20 September, attention shifts to an evening sunset yoga session, guiding participants through a flow of movement and breath as the sun sets over the island. The programme concludes on 21 September with sunrise yoga on the beach, a practice blending pranayama and ashtanga elements in the calm of dawn.

The resort’s wellness approach extends beyond the weekend, with a range of treatments available at the award-winning Angsana Spa. Therapists draw upon traditional Asian techniques to restore balance and energy, offering treatments such as body polishes, facials, and holistic massages with natural ingredients. Guests may also take part in personalised wellness rituals designed to nurture both body and mind.

Located in South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru integrates wellbeing into the island experience. From yoga and spa therapies to the tranquil pace of island life, the resort provides an environment where health and renewal are at the centre of the guest experience.

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