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Karis Scarlette’s Dance & Wellness Retreat returns to Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort

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Nestled amidst the crystalline waters of Baa Atoll, Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort beckons as a haven for wellness enthusiasts. The beloved Baa Atoll Ballet Retreat makes its triumphant return, spearheaded by the esteemed Karis Scarlette, a luminary in both British Royal Ballet training and certified breathwork facilitation. Following last year’s overwhelming success, Karis extends a warm invitation to novices and seasoned dancers alike, promising an immersive ballet experience from November 12th to 23rd, 2024.

Surrounded by idyllic sandy shores, Fares Island emerges as a verdant paradise, its emerald landscapes interwoven with tranquil azure waters. The resort, now transformed into a sanctuary for holistic rejuvenation, offers a unique fusion of physical movement and mental tranquility. Participants can anticipate a myriad of benefits, including enhanced muscular strength, improved posture, and decreased stress levels. Amidst this immersive experience, attendees will indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, partake in ballet-themed amenities, and delve into Karis’s inspiring journey, all while savoring themed cocktails and exquisite beachfront dining.

“I find that the Maldives, with its incredible beauty, is a perfect fit for ballet retreats, with pristine nature enhancing the healthful virtues of the art,” said Karis Scarlette. “After last year’s success, I’m excited to continue my partnership with Avani+ Fares, making ballet more accessible and expanding our understanding of wellness.”

This year’s retreat reintroduces beloved classes tailored for children, such as ‘Tutus & Twirls’, fostering creativity, coordination, musicality, and technique. For adults, ‘Sunrise Serenity’ intertwines mindfulness and breathwork, while both private and group ballet sessions cater to diverse skill levels, enriching the Maldivian holiday experience.

Enrollment is now open, featuring two package options for adults and families. Priced from USD 4,183++, the five-night adult package includes:

  • Lodging for two individuals in a Premium Ocean View Room with half-board meal plan included.
  • Two Ballet Basics for Beginners classes per adult (60 minutes each)
  • A single exclusive ballet session per adult, lasting for 60 minutes.
  • Two Sunrise Serenity: Breathwork in Baa workshops per adult (30 minutes each)
  • Choice of one Tutu Tension Release massage or Dancer’s Detox wrap at AvaniSpa
  • Two ballet-themed cocktails at Tribe bar
  • The final Adrift Beach Dinner, graciously hosted by Karis Scarlette.
  • Round-trip seaplane transportation from Velana International Airport (MLE).

The five-night family package, catering to two adults and two children (aged 10 and under), begins at USD 5,459++. It features:

  • Family accommodation in a Two Bedroom Ocean View Pavilion with half-board included
  • Two Tutus & Twirls: Ballet for Tots classes (30 minutes each)
  • A dedicated Family Ballet Session, lasting for 60 minutes.
  • One Me & Mom or Dad massage at AvaniSpa (60 minutes)
  • Ballet-themed arts and crafts at AvaniKids
  • Farewell Petit Bistro Ballet Brunch hosted by Karis Scarlette
  • Round-trip seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport (MLE)

Nestled within a shallow atoll lagoon, Fares Island, shaped like a teardrop, is among the select 61 islands nestled in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s protected marine waters. Beyond the Wellness Studio, days here are filled with snorkeling the house reef and exploring fourteen dive sites and two dive holes, offering guaranteed sightings of dolphins and turtles. Further aquatic adventures await at the renowned Hanifaru Bay, known for its manta ray feeding frenzy, and at a nearby chain of ring-shaped islands bustling with vibrant tropical fish.

Awards

Gili Lankanfushi wins Best Honeymoon Resort title at UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards 2026

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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury, has been awarded ‘Best Honeymoon Resort’ at the 2026 UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards. In a glittering ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel on 5th February 2026, Gili Lankanfushi collected the coveted award, a recognition of its outstanding honeymoon offering.

Each year, the United Kingdom Weddings & Honeymoons Awards (UKWHA) brings together the very best of the weddings and honeymoons industry for Europe’s largest and most anticipated awards event. Hosted at the iconic Dorchester Hotel, the 2026 edition of the black-tie gala welcomed a vibrant audience of leading wedding professionals, industry innovators, award nominees and engaged couples for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and excellence.

Commenting on the win, Gili Lankanfushi General Manager Rodrigo Buanafina said: “We were thrilled to receive the ‘Best Honeymoon Resort’ Award at the 2026 UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards. We are incredibly proud of our honeymoon offering here at Gili and it is wonderful to gain this recognition from the industry’s most prestigious bridal awards. From supper under the stars to traditional Dhoni boat rides, our island paradise promises a true castaway honeymoon experience that will have couples falling in love all over again.”

Gili Lankanfushi recently unveiled a spoiling array of honeymoon packages and offerings, which include:

Romantic Retreats at Meera Spa

Couples will feel the weight of the world float away as they enter Gili Lankanfushi’s tranquil overwater Meera Spa. The ‘couples’ journeys’, which are all complimented with a bubble bath therapy session for two overlooking the lagoon, include:

Gili Honeymoon BlissGuests will start their romantic journey together with a foot ritual to relax the feet before being pampered from head to toe with a full body Aromatherapy couples massage. A mini facial and scalp massage will revive guests from their tranquil state as an aromatic bath awaits, with Champagne and spa refreshments on ice. From $499++ per couple.

Wonders of Gili

Designed to awaken and lift all five senses, this treatment sees couples enjoy a blissful massage by candlelight as they enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean. This is followed with an ‘ocean therapy’ incorporating a Seaweed Body Buff & Detox Seaweed Mud Wrap to deeply clean and revitalise the skin and a gentle scalp massage. The journey completes with a candlelit desert rose Aroma Bath for two accompanied by a bottle of Champagne, chocolates and fresh fruit.

From $699++ per couple.

Traditional Dhoni à Deux

The perfect pick for those who like their romance served with a side of local culture, the Dhoni à Deux experience sees couples set sail on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat at sunset. Guided by a private skipper, guests will float around the island’s turquoise lagoon enjoying champagne and canapés before returning to the jetty for supper. The most indulgent aperitif on-island and an incredible photo opportunity!

From $180++ per person.

Castaway Sunset Dolphin Cruise

Sealife lovers will delight in this bucket-list opportunity to spot dolphins, eat canapés and enjoy a drink or two as they enjoy this two-hour sunset experience. Departing at dusk to coincide with the migration of the dolphins from the atoll to catch their supper in the deep sea, couples will create memories to last a lifetime aboard this very special cruise.

From $115++ per person.

Private Dinner in the Wine Cellar

The ultimate follow-up to a sunset cruise, lovebirds can opt for a private dinner in Gili Lankanfushi’s intimate wine cellar. As Gili Lankanfushi Maldives boasts 3 sommeliers available at all times, couples can enjoy daytime tastings in the cellar or at a chosen location on the island. With a delectable gourmet menu that changes on a monthly basis, guests can expect four sumptuous courses paired with the finest wines from around the world.

From $230++ per person dinner only/$290++ per person with wine pairing.

Supper Under the Stars

Gili Lankanfushi’s supper under the stars experience is a wonderfully romantic and completely private dining offering. Here, guests will enjoy a fine dining meal with champagne and wine pairings as they soak up the magical sunset and crystal-clear Maldivian constellations. Whether couples prefer a champagne toast on a lantern-lit private beach or an exotic feast served amid lush palms and birdsong, the experience is completely tailored to their tastes and preferences. For the ultimate surprise, the team can even whisk lovers away to a mystery location where they will enjoy the chef’s culinary creations in a dreamy setting.

From $275++ per person.

Slumber Beneath the Stars

For a truly romantic experience, couples have the opportunity to spend an unforgettable night beneath the stars on their very own star bed. Upon request, the Mr/Mrs Friday private butlers can make up the daybeds on the private roof terrace of each villa with luxurious linens, setting the scene with candlelight, champagne on ice and strawberries.

Gili Romance Story Package

For couples who want to go all out for their honeymoon, the Gili Romance Story full package is the only way to go! The indulgent half-board package is available all year round and includes:

  • Choice of villa accommodation with a minimum 4-night stay
  • Return speedboat transfers
  • Daily gourmet breakfast and dinner at Kashiveli restaurant
  • A choice of 60 minutes of Ayurvedic therapy or Kahnuma Lomi Lomi
  • Private in-villa couples’ yoga
  • A tropical flower bath with candlelight, champagne, and strawberries
  • Meera “Better Sleep” Spa Gift (Pillow Mist)
  • Dine in the Dark – A blinded dinner experience for the senses during guests’ stay
  • Sleeping under the stars experience

Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport with direct flights from London now available. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery.

Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,397/$1,722 based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.

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Awards

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives named Luxury Family Friendly Resort of the Year

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Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives has been named Luxury Family Friendly Resort of the Year – Maldives by Travel & Hospitality Awards, recognising its dedication to creating meaningful experiences for families in the Maldives.

Located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the resort is designed specifically for multi-generational travel, offering spaces where parents, children, and grandparents can share time together in a setting that feels home in a private island and thoughtfully arranged.

A defining feature of the resort is its dedicated water attraction, centred around the Octo Splash water playground. Inspired by an underwater world, this vibrant space invites families to gather throughout the day as children explore slides wrapped around marine-themed structures and splash zones designed for safe, supervised adventure. At the heart of the experience is Uncle Octopus, the friendly resident character who adds a sense of familiarity for younger guests. Nearby, the Maldives’ first lazy river offers a slower pace, allowing families to drift together and enjoy unhurried moments under the open sky.

The resort offers a diverse selection of accommodation designed to meet the unique needs of every guest. This includes overwater and beachfront villas suited to families of all sizes, with a range of amenities such as open-air baths, generous outdoor terraces, Jacuzzis, or private pools. The signature Mirage category villas feature options with bunk beds for younger travellers, as well as interconnecting rooms ideal for families seeking both togetherness and privacy. Across all 145 villas and rooms, guests enjoy stunning views of the lagoon or pristine beachfront, providing the perfect setting to relax and connect with the natural beauty of the Maldives.

A journey of flavour and culinary delights awaits across six culinary outlets, offering a variety of dining experiences to suit every palate. Begin the day with an array of international favourites, indulgent buffets, and bespoke creations that tantalise the taste buds. Savour the charm of freshly prepared seafood and Italian-inspired sharing dishes or embrace the essence of Thai cuisine with innovative, flavourful creations.

Younger guests are welcomed at the Kids’ Club, where a variety of recreational activities are offered in a supervised and engaging environment. Teenagers can spend time at the E-Zone, a dedicated space designed specifically for them, featuring interactive gaming experiences and social entertainment areas. These thoughtfully designed spaces ensure that every age group feels included, while still encouraging families to come together and share moments across the island.

For a more tranquil escape, the award-winning SPA Cenvaree offers a sanctuary of wellness and serenity. Guests can indulge in a variety of traditional and contemporary treatments thoughtfully designed to soothe the mind and rejuvenate the body. For younger guests, the dedicated candy-themed Cand Spa provides a unique wellness experience, where children can enjoy edible treatments as well as fun manicures and pedicures, all designed to delight and pamper little explorers in a safe and engaging environment.

“At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, we wanted to create a resort where families could truly connect and celebrate time together, while enjoying experiences tailored for all ages,” stated Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives. “This award recognises our commitment to redefining family travel in the Maldives with thoughtful design, innovative facilities, and heartfelt hospitality.

This latest recognition highlights Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives as a leading family-friendly resort in the Maldives, where thoughtfully designed facilities and warm hospitality create the perfect setting for families to connect, relax, and make lasting memories together.

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Cooking

Ifuru Island Maldives positions itself as leading culinary destination

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Ifuru Island Maldives is positioning itself as one of the Maldives’ emerging culinary destinations, with dining experiences spread across six restaurants and four bars, all included under its Premium All Inclusive offering. The resort presents dining as a central part of the guest experience, encouraging exploration of flavours, textures, aromas and settings, complemented by ocean views and an open-air island atmosphere.

At the centre of the island’s dining offering is Social House, the all-day dining restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a lively and welcoming environment. Designed in line with the resort’s lifestyle concept, Social House encourages guests to interact, share tables and connect with one another while enjoying 12 rotating theme nights, globally inspired menus and interactive live cooking stations, making it a focal point of island life.

Palm Grill continues the culinary journey as a rustic steakhouse specialising in flame-grilled meats and fresh, locally sourced seafood. The open-grill concept allows guests to experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the kitchen, combining bold flavours with an intimate setting. Meanwhile, The Waterfront offers an overwater dining experience, where chefs prepare personalised dishes in front of guests, turning the cooking process itself into part of the dining experience.

The island’s relaxed and social atmosphere extends to Hubba Hubba and The Beach Club. During the day, Hubba Hubba serves as a poolside venue for cocktails and relaxation, while evenings feature DJs, music and social gatherings. The Beach Club is set along a prime stretch of shoreline, offering handcrafted cocktails and beachside music in a casual setting where guests can unwind with their feet in the sand.

More informal dining options are available at Poolside Pizza, the Ice Cream Tower and Ifuru Eats. Poolside Pizza serves freshly baked pizzas from a beachside oven, while the Ice Cream Tower by the main pool offers a range of ice cream selections throughout the day. For guests seeking late-night dining, Ifuru Eats provides in-villa delivery from 10:30 pm to 7:30 am, offering comfort food without leaving the privacy of their accommodation.

“Dining at Ifuru is meant to be easy, fun, and full of surprises,” says General Manager Marcel Sawyer. “With six restaurants and four bars under Premium All Inclusive, guests can explore different flavours, enjoy relaxed or elevated moments, and make every meal a memory. That’s the freedom we love to offer.”

For guests looking for a more elevated dining experience, Kai offers teppanyaki dining, where chefs prepare seafood, meats and vegetables in a live cooking performance. Through its range of dining venues and concepts, Ifuru Island Maldives aims to position itself not only as a resort destination, but as a location recognised for its evolving and experience-driven food culture.

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