Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is preparing to celebrate its 28th anniversary with three days of music, culinary experiences and wellness from 28 to 30 October 2026. Under the theme A New Rhythm of the Reef, the celebrations will bring together international artists, a visiting chef and wellness practitioners, while marking the debut of YAYA Beach Club and Tuscany, two new additions to the island’s guest experience.

Since welcoming its first guests in 1998 as the first resort in the Sun Siyam portfolio, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has established itself as an intimate island retreat, recognised for its warm Maldivian hospitality, natural surroundings and relaxed atmosphere. Following the introduction of new villas earlier this year, the anniversary celebrations will offer a first glimpse of the resort’s latest developments and the next chapter in its evolution.

Three Days of Island Celebrations

The festivities will begin on 28 October with the official opening of YAYA Beach Club, bringing together music, cocktails and beachside celebrations. Taking centre stage will be British-born DJ and creative duo The Flag Twins, Kevin and Karl, founders of the London-based music collective HE&D. Known for their distinctive presence across music and fashion, the twins have collaborated with international fashion houses including Gucci, Armani, Christian Louboutin and Calvin Klein. Since being discovered by Renzo Rosso in 2018, they have built a growing profile within London’s electronic music scene, combining house music, fashion and creative expression. They will be joined by DJ Abee for the opening celebrations, bringing an energetic soundtrack to the island’s newest social venue.

The evening will continue with the grand opening dinner at Tuscany, hosted by Chef Fatjon Goga, an Albanian-born Italian chef whose culinary approach combines Tuscan traditions with contemporary Mediterranean influences. Having worked in acclaimed kitchens including Don Alfonso and Arnolfo, Goga currently leads Osteria Grande in Arezzo’s historic Piazza Grande, bringing a focus on seasonal ingredients and refined Italian flavours.

Live entertainment will accompany the evening, with a performance by Chinese vocalist Zhu Zhihao, whose career includes appearances on CCTV’s Global Chinese Music Chart and Avenue of Stars. DJ Molly will then bring the first day to a close with an Island Beats session.

On 29 October, the programme will move into a more relaxed rhythm, with wellness experiences and culinary activities throughout the day. Visiting practitioner Nour Montasser will lead a morning sound-healing session, followed by breakfast and coffee accompanied by DJ Molly D. Maryna Pavlenko will introduce guests to slow-living practices through a guided conversation and movement session, encouraging moments of relaxation and reconnection.

In the evening, Tuscany will once again take centre stage as Chef Goga hosts an interactive pasta masterclass and dinner, inviting guests to discover the flavours and traditions behind Italian cooking.

The celebrations will continue on 30 October with morning yoga and sound healing led by Maryna and Nour, followed by a special breakfast experience at Tuscany. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience SUP yoga on the lagoon with Wu Feifei, known as Fay-Yoga, a former lululemon brand ambassador and AquaX Academy instructor, alongside Wang Xue from the AquaX team.

The afternoon will feature Float & Feast with live music from Zhu Zhihao, before YAYA Beach Club hosts a finale pool party with DJs Abee and Molly D. The three-day programme will conclude with a culinary storytelling experience hosted by Chef Goga at Tuscany, followed by a final Island Beats celebration featuring Abee and The Flag Twins.

A New Chapter for Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Beyond the anniversary festivities, the celebrations will offer guests a first introduction to two new experiences at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

YAYA Beach Club, introduced as part of Sun Siyam’s Signature Experiences, will bring a fresh social dimension to the resort, combining music, relaxed dining and beachside gatherings throughout the day.

Meanwhile, Tuscany will introduce a new Italian dining experience, inspired by traditional flavours, seasonal ingredients and leisurely meals overlooking the ocean.

Both venues reflect the resort’s ongoing evolution, introducing new ways for guests to experience the island while maintaining the intimate atmosphere and personal hospitality that have defined Sun Siyam Vilu Reef for nearly three decades.

As the resort marks its 28th anniversary, A New Rhythm of the Reef will celebrate its heritage while offering a preview of the experiences shaping its future.

For more information or to explore exclusive offers, visit the Sun Siyam Vilu Reef website.

Stellenbosch’s finest wines arrive in the Maldives this December 2026 at RAAYA by Atmosphere and VARU by Atmosphere. Both private island resorts within the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts  portfolio will welcome Glenelly Estate for an exclusive celebration of wine and culinary discovery from 4 to 10 December 2026. Designed to honour the visionary legacy of Glenelly’s 101-year-old founder, May‐Éliane de Lencquesaing, the week-long journey seamlessly weaves her French winemaking heritage with South African terroir through rare vintages, artful pairings, and warm island hospitality.

Hosting these exclusive gatherings is Nina-Mari Bruwer from Glenelly Estate. With over 18 years of winemaking artistry, Nina-Mari brings a deep passion for the stories woven into every vintage. “It is wonderful to return to the Maldives and share Glenelly’s story through its wines,” says Nina-Marie of Glenelly Wine Estate. “Each experience reveals a different side of the estate, from elegant pairings at the table to relaxed, open-air moments that capture the spirit of Stellenbosch.”

RAAYA by Atmosphere

The festivities launch at RAAYA by Atmosphere on 4 December with La Vita Stellenbosch at The Village, an indulgent evening celebrating the vibrant flavours and elegant heritage of the Cape Winelands. On 5 December, the setting shifts to the lush greenery of Seb’s Farm for Garden to Glass – Glenelly Unplugged, an intimate open-air gathering where farm-to-table dining meets fine wine and barefoot island ease. The RAAYA celebration reaches its crescendo on 6 December at AMPERS&ND with Sunset: The Glenelly Golden Hour, where live stations, canapés, and wine come together as the island slips into dusk.

VARU by Atmosphere

The spotlight then moves to VARU by Atmosphere on 8 December, where KAAGÉ & The Cape pairs rich South African winemaking with authentic local traditions during a memorable dinner at the resort’s signature venue. On 9 December, NÜ presents NÜances of the Cape, a dinner exploring the balance, texture, and layered personality of Glenelly’s wines. The visit concludes at Bay Rouge Bar with The Cape Extravaganza, a lively evening of live stations and canapés that offers a fitting farewell to Glenelly’s Maldivian journey.

Reflecting on the milestone, Rohit Salunke, Assistant Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, shares, “Glenelly’s wines have a remarkable sense of place. Across these six experiences, guests will discover how naturally they complement different cuisines while expressing the distinctive character of Stellenbosch. Marking Atmosphere Core’s 117^th wine event in the Maldives, this fourth collaboration reflects our commitment to authentic wine encounters. We look forward to welcoming Nina-Mari Bruwer to our shores and continuing this valued partnership, following the warm hospitality extended to our resort sommeliers in February 2026, when they visited Glenelly’s Stellenbosch winery to experience the harvest of Lady May’s 2026 vintage first-hand.”

This exclusive wine journey is complimentary for in-house guests on the RAAYA Plan™ and VARU Plan™ (with prior reservation). Book your stay at atmospherehotelsandresorts.com to discover the elegance of Glenelly Estate, one exceptional pairing and one memorable island evening at a time.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, part of the Luxury Group by Marriott International portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, have received recognition from MICHELIN Guide, Tatler Asia, and the US and UK editions of Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, including Two MICHELIN Keys for The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and a place among the Best 100 Hotels in Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2026 for The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.

Among the standout recognitions, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands was awarded Two MICHELIN Keys following the unveiling of the global MICHELIN Keys for 2026, advancing from its One MICHELIN Key distinction in 2025 and placing the resort among the world’s most exceptional hotels.

Most recently, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort was named among the Best 100 Hotels in the third edition of Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2026, an annual selection recognising exceptional hospitality experiences across the region. Announced on October 22, the awards celebrate 300 outstanding establishments spanning hotels, restaurants and bars.

Both resorts also earned distinction in the US and UK editions of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, ranking among the Indian Ocean’s top resorts based on the votes of discerning travelers worldwide.

“We are honoured to see our resorts in the Maldives recognised by some of the most respected names in global travel and hospitality,” said Silvio Rosenberger, Vice President of Operations, Asia Pacific (excluding China) and Market Vice President, Maldives at Marriott International. “These accolades reflect the strength of our Luxury Group portfolio and the passion and dedication of our teams in creating exceptional experiences for today’s luxury traveller. We are grateful to our guests for their continued trust and for inspiring the meaningful moments we strive to create every day.”

The recognition comes as the Maldives continues to be celebrated among the world’s leading island destinations, ranking No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the US and UK editions of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 for Best Islands in Africa & the Indian Ocean.

See the complete rankings below:

Global MICHELIN Key Awards 2026 – Two Keys: An Exceptional Stay

• The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2026: Best 100 Hotels

• The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Awards 2026: Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean

• The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort (No. 2)
• The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands (No. 5)

Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2026: Best Resorts in the World – Indian Ocean

• The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands (No. 14)

The Luxury Group by Marriott International portfolio of resorts in the Maldives comprises The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, W Maldives, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, and JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort.

For more information, visit marriott.com/maldives.