News
An Unforgettable and Inspiring Day to Celebrate Women and Local Culture at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives

In honor of International Women’s Day, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives hosted a celebration dedicated to promoting inclusion, empowerment, and the achievements of women while paying significant importance to the vibrant culture of the Maldives.
The event, held on March 8th, 2024, showcased a series of workshops highlighting various local women-led industries of Maldives, followed by a therapeutic art session and delectable snacks and drinks.
Amongst the unique traditions and cultures of Maldives, one of the most pleasing ones to the eye is certainly the traditional attire of Maldivians called Kasabu Libaas which translates to “dress”. Kasabu boavalhu, the embroidered part of the dress elaborately decorates the neckline with a technique, slowly fading into history today called Kasabu Viyun. The entire procedure is one of the most fascinating aspects of Maldivian culture featuring a short wooden stout vase-like structure called a Gathaa Fai.
In the local language, the art of weaving is called “Thundu Kunaa Viyun” (reed mat weaving) and is considered a dying form of art that originated from the Gadhdhoo island. One large mat takes approximately one month to weave, which probably is the reason that it is not practiced by the youth today. However, the ladies at the resort got the chance to learn the rich history of the local culture and the significance that the local women held in society then and today to uphold the economy by doing their part.
In addition to the workshops, guests were treated to a delectable selection of canapes and women’s day inspired drinks along with a therapeutic art workshop held by the resident artist “Kadek” providing an opportunity to enjoy rhythmic movements and to let the inner stress flow out of the body with every stroke of the brush, where the guests were able to explore their creativity and express themselves through the subtle language of art.
“As a luxury boutique resort in the Maldives, we are honored to be part of a rich culture where women of all walks of life bring color and energy into the society in numerous unspoken ways,” said Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of the resort.
“At Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, we strive to be an equal opportunity employer by inspiring inclusivity to eliminate all gender barriers and stereotypes by encouraging women to join our team. We believe in creating not only a safe workplace for women but also, our female guests with heightened privacy, be it whether you are on a solo trip or traveling with your girlfriends”.
This event was part of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives’ commitment to promoting and uplifting females as well as local talent. The resort is dedicated to providing its guests with authentic experiences that allow them to connect with the local culture and community.
Featured
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas unveils magical holiday celebrations

This festive season, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas will offer guests a journey of connection, wonder and celebration, inspired by the four natural elements: earth, water, fire and air. A series of thoughtfully curated experiences will capture the spirit of the season and the beauty of the island, creating a magical escape for both couples and families.
Christmas celebrations will begin with the lighting of the island tree and Santa’s arrival in true Kihavah style. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, guests will enjoy beachfront feasts, sunset cocktails and joyful family gatherings.
Younger guests will be treated to a host of festive activities, from gingerbread house decorating to a children’s pirate cruise exploring local islands, as well as a friendly wall-climbing challenge.
As the year draws to a close, New Year’s Eve will invite guests to celebrate beneath the stars with cosmic-themed cocktails by the sea, followed by a Gala Dinner featuring world-class cuisine, live cooking stations and vibrant entertainment, culminating in a spectacular countdown under the Maldivian night sky.
On 7 January, Orthodox Christmas will be marked with a serene celebration inspired by the element of water, offering oceanfront dining, soulful live music and moments of quiet reflection.
Throughout the festive period, guests will also be able to enjoy signature experiences such as a sunset wine tasting on a private sandbank and a five-course coral-aged wine dinner at SEA, the world’s only underwater wine cellar. Complementing these will be grounding island activities, rejuvenating wellness rituals and culinary delights, all designed to reconnect guests with nature, loved ones and themselves.
With its breathtaking setting, newly reimagined Beach Pool Villas and exceptional holiday programme, Anantara Kihavah promises an unforgettable seasonal celebration in luxury and style.
Cooking
Theme nights at Kula: The Standard, Maldives turns up the heat with gobal buffet glow-up

Kula, the breezy all-day dining spot at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, is doing what it does best: keeping things deliciously unpredictable. Starting Sunday, 3rd August, the team will be rolling out weekly theme nights that serve up serious flavor and curated vibes.
By day, Kula is your go-to for buffet-style bites with a side of ocean views and jungle-chic greenery. By night, it’s a full-on flavor parade, with chefs whipping a new theme menu for every day of the week. The daily-changing lineup globe-trots from India’s spice markets to Mexico’s street stalls, with pit stops in Italy, the Maldives and beyond. Expect open kitchens, live cooking stations and playful decorations to get you in the mood.
On Monday, ease in with a Peru-Mex Fiesta—a Latin mashup of Mexican, Peruvian and Caribbean flavors that hits every tropical note. Come Tuesday, it’s time for a wild ride through Asia’s finest street stalls, from India’s and Sri Lanka’s spices to Thailand’s tang and Indonesia’s sizzle. Wednesday is surf & turf territory: burger patties and sizzling kebabs cozied up next to net-fresh seafood in a BBQ showdown. Thursday goes full wok mode with stir-fried everything, plus fresh sushi and sashimi. Friday brings it back home with Maldivian Night where island-inspired salads, curries and seafood are served up by Kula’s team in traditional gear. And just when you think the week peaked, Taste of Italy rolls in on Saturday with pasta, pizza and risotto. Wrap it all up on Sunday with Fisherman’s Catch – net-fresh ocean bounty barbecued, poached or served as ceviche.
Nanda, Executive Chef at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, said: “Curating the new Kula theme nights was like creating a world tour through food. Each evening brings a fresh energy—whether it’s the fiery Latin vibes of Monday or the soulful taste of home on Maldivian Fridays. It’s more than just a buffet; it’s a culinary experience, meant to spark curiosity and conversation. We’ve layered in authentic flavors, live action stations, and a whole lot of heart.”
News
World-renowned healer Emilie Chanon joins Milaidhoo as visiting practitioner for journey of deep healing

Milaidhoo Maldives, a private boutique island devoted to barefoot elegance and personalised wellbeing, has announced the immersive residency of Emilie Chanon, world-renowned energy healer and transformational facilitator, from 24th August to 15th September 2025.
Surrounded by Milaidhoo’s tranquil, natural beauty, guests are invited to embark on a deep personal journey of release, realignment and renewal through Emilie’s intuitive healing therapies. With over a decade of experience, Emilie brings a powerful blend of Reiki, Family Constellation Therapy and Energetic modalities to those seeking balance, clarity and emotional freedom.
Throughout her residency, Emilie will offer a curated selection of holistic sessions, each designed to meet guests exactly where they are, whether seeking inner peace, emotional healing or spiritual reconnection.
- Reiki Healing and Chakra Crystal Balancing: This deeply restorative session releases energetic blockages and restores the body’s natural flow. Crystals enhance the healing process, guiding guests into a state of deep calm, harmony and inner stillness.
- Family Constellation Therapy: Explore and release inherited emotional patterns and ancestral burdens. This profound therapy provides clarity and liberation from long-held subconscious blocks, offering emotional freedom and renewed perspective.
- Access Bars: A gentle yet transformative technique that activates 32 points on the head to clear mental clutter, emotional stress and limiting beliefs, leaving space for clarity, creativity and deep relaxation.
- Deep Energetic Alignment: A fusion of chakra balancing, Reiki and intuitive healing, this session clears emotional stagnation and recharges your energetic field, leaving you grounded, rebalanced and reenergised.
- Bespoke Healing Sessions: Tailored to each guest’s unique journey, these sessions blend Emilie’s full range of techniques for a highly personalised experience of transformation and renewal.
Emilie has guided healing experiences at leading resorts and private retreats around the world. She is a World Spa & Wellness Awards Judge (2020–2025), Spa Leader of the Year (2020) and was recently nominated Wellness Practitioner of the Year 2025 by Destination Deluxe.
Her residency embodies Milaidhoo’s “Wellbeing Your Way” philosophy, where wellness is intimate, intuitive and grounded in nature. Within the island’s serene environment, guests are offered space to pause and reconnect with their inner world.
Discover the serene spirit of our peaceful island this summer, where transformation meets barefoot informality.
Take advantage of the resort’s exclusive Summer Offer and experience Emilie Chanon’s healing journey in paradise.
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