News
Michelin-starred chef Jan Van de Voorde takes helm at Dusit Thani Maldives
he recently appointed Executive Chef and F&B expert is dedicated to expanding the range of cuisine offered at the luxury resort.
Dusit Thani Maldives has announced the appointment of Jan Van de Voorde as the new Executive Chef.
“We are delighted to welcome Jan Van de Voorde to the Dusit Thani Maldives team,” said Mr. Jean-Louis, General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives. “With his extensive experience and passion for the industry, he is the ideal candidate to lead our food and beverage department’s efforts as we strive to provide the utmost experience to our guests.”
Bringing a wealth of expertise and creativity from his background in Michelin-starred restaurants in Belgium and the Netherlands, Chef Jan will lead the Culinary and Food and Beverage Departments in his new role.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Dusit Thani Maldives and to enhance the culinary experience at this stunning resort,” Chef Jan remarked. “I am passionate about using local ingredients and crafting innovative dishes that highlight the flavours of the Maldives.”
Chef Jan has built a career focused on delivering exceptional guest satisfaction, adept problem solving, effective food cost control, and meticulous HACCP hygiene management. His expertise extends to Nikkei cuisine and encompasses strong management skills, including team leadership, decision-making, and budgeting.
Before joining Dusit Thani Maldives, Chef Jan held executive chef positions at Centara Grand Beach Resort Krabi, Dhigali Maldives Resort, and Holiday Inn Resort Pattaya. In these roles, he achieved significant success in reducing food costs, enhancing guest satisfaction scores, and introducing new culinary concepts.
Chef Jan is a graduate of Ter Groene Poorte hotel school in Bruges, Belgium, where he obtained his Bachelor’s in Hotel Management in 1992. He is fluent in Dutch, French, and English, with basic proficiency in German and Thai.
Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll – Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – Dusit Thani Maldives is just 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital city, Malé, or a 25-minute domestic flight and 10 minutes by speedboat from Dharavandhoo Airport.
Encircled by white sandy beaches, a stunning 360-degree living house reef, and a turquoise lagoon, the resort comprises 94 luxury villas and residences, five restaurants and bars, Baan Sanook Kids Club, and Dusit’s signature Devarana Wellness, which features spa treatments inspired by ancient Thai healing principles and a wide range of healthy, invigorating, and meaningful activities for guests to enjoy.
For more information about Dusit Thani Resort Maldives, please visit the resort’s official website or contact resmaldives@dusit.com.
News
SAii Lagoon Maldives brings Retro Tropicana vibes to festive season
This festive season, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, welcomes guests to a nostalgic island escape with “Retro Tropicana” — a celebration of timeless style, sun-soaked moments, and heartfelt connection. From December 20, 2025, to January 9, 2026, the resort transforms into a nostalgic tropical retreat, where every moment captures the beauty of connection and the warmth of the season.
The festivities begin with the Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony, an enchanting evening that marks the official start of the season. Guests gather on the beach as the first lights illuminate the resort, casting a warm, golden glow across the sand and reflecting in the gentle waves, setting a serene and celebratory tone for the weeks ahead.
Throughout the season, guests can indulge in themed dinners that celebrate global and local flavours, from Mediterranean-inspired evenings to authentic Maldivian feasts under the stars. Families will find a sense of play woven into each day, with creative activities, poolside fun, and a special visit from Santa for the little ones. Young guests can join the Treasure Quest and Masquerade, take part in the Gingerbread House Decorating Competition, and make new holiday memories filled with laughter and imagination.
As Christmas approaches, the island takes on a glow of its own. Guests are invited to gather for a Retro Eve: A Tropicana Christmas and enjoy a vibrant evening of festive flavours, tropical ambience, and live music under the stars. The celebrations continue on Christmas Day with a lavish Christmas Dinner Buffet, featuring an array of seasonal favourites and island-inspired delights in a relaxed beachfront setting.
Together, these moments capture the true essence of a Tropical Christmas, joyful, effortless, and warmly shared.
As the year draws to a close, the Retro Tropicana New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Countdown invites guests to welcome 2026 in true SAii style, surrounded by ocean breeze, glowing lanterns, and beautifully curated cuisine. It is a celebration that blends understated elegance with the relaxed rhythm of island life.
The season continues with experiences that celebrate renewal, connection, and the joy of being outdoors. Guests can join Roots of Hope, a meaningful tree-planting initiative that honours nature and community, or take part in the island’s spirited Padel Tennis Tournament, where friendly competition meets the carefree rhythm of the tropics.
As the festive season unfolds, SAii Lagoon Maldives invites guests to celebrate the season with warmth, laughter, and a sense of effortless joy. From sparkling evenings by the ocean to shared meals and lively gatherings, the festivities capture the spirit of the island — bright, welcoming, and full of memorable moments for every guest.
To learn more about SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and book your next mindful escape, visit saiihotels.com/lagoon-maldives.
News
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives strikes right chord this festive season with ‘Beach, Baubles & Beats’
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is all set to celebrate the festive season in style with “Beach, Baubles & Beats”, a vibrant holiday experience running from 21st December 2025 to 10th January 2026. Nestled on the pristine shores of the Maldives, the resort will transform into a musical playground where sun, sand, flavors, and festive cheer come together in perfect harmony.
Guests can expect a symphony of experiences, from lively live band performances and soulful acoustic sets to high-energy DJ sessions under the stars. Every moment is designed to keep the rhythm alive, whether it’s an afternoon jam by the pool, a sunset beach party, or an electrifying New Year’s Eve countdown. Culinary delights set the stage with a range of themed feasts, from zesty Tostilocos and margaritas to indulgent seafood and lobster nights, turning every meal into a celebration of taste and creativity.
The little rockstars are not left out, with Roxity Kids Club offering festive crafts, cookie decorating, talent shows, scavenger hunts, and hands-on activities designed to spark imagination and holiday joy. From playful beach games to interactive performances, families can enjoy shared experiences that create lasting memories.
Signature events will light up the season, including magical tree lightings, Christmas Eve gala dinners, Santa’s grand arrival, and New Year’s Eve parties that combine mesmerizing performances, fire shows, and beachside beats. Each day and night blends music, movement, and festive spirit, creating a seamless celebration from dawn to dusk.
Whether guests are swaying to acoustic melodies, dancing poolside to DJ beats, or savoring a decadent festive feast, “Beach, Baubles & Beats” at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives promises a holiday season filled with rhythm, joy, and unforgettable moments.
For more information and reservations, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com/maldives.
News
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort unveils festive season programme with beachside Christmas, Gatsby-themed New Year
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort unveils its Festive Season programming with “Golden Nights, Timeless Lights,” a celebratory series inspired by the glamour and spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Running from December 22, 2025, through January 6, 2026, the calendar blends sparkling beachfront moments with wellness-forward experiences that capture the magic of the season in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Festivities begin on December 22 with a tree-lighting ceremony that sets the tone for a fortnight of golden evenings and joyful gatherings. On December 24, a Christmas Eve Cocktail Party invites guests to dress to dazzle while sipping signature concoctions crafted by the resort’s mixologists. Christmas Day brings a special appearance from Santa Claus and a warm meet-and-greet for families, complemented by a full program at the Westin Family Kids Club, including gingerbread house decorating, Christmas bingo, and more.
The season crescendos on December 31 with The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, a barefoot beach celebration where vintage elegance meets island flair. Guests can expect an exquisite international buffet, a live swing band, a mesmerizing fire dance performance, and a dazzling fireworks finale to welcome 2026 in an unforgettable way.
Throughout the holidays, the resort’s Move Well and Play Well ethos takes center stage. Sunrise yoga, energizing beach workouts, the scenic runWestin program, and various complimentary recharging activities offer restorative balance to evenings of celebration. Guests can also venture out on unforgettable excursions to explore an underwater world teeming with marine life, or paddle leisurely on complimentary ocean kayaks. For rejuvenation, guests are invited to indulge in a relaxing treatment at Heavenly Spa by Westin™, an overwater sanctuary with a glass floor and sweeping ocean views.
The resort’s five distinctive restaurants and bars will host a series of themed dinners, each showcasing fresh flavors and thoughtful pairings. Whether gathered for a sparkling cocktail at sunset or a family meal under the stars, guests will discover a season of connection and well-being wrapped in the tropical warmth of Maldivian nights.
To secure your year-end getaway and for more information, visit westin-maldives.com. Click here to see the full festive calendar at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.
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