News
Ifuru Island Maldives unveils private retreat offers
All beach, all sunset, all-inclusive luxury resort Ifuru Island Maldives, located in the beautiful Raa Atoll, is elevating group celebrations with its collection of ‘Retreats’ and ‘Villages’ – carefully arranged coteries of accommodation that can be booked privately for groups of up to 96, creating exclusive resort-within-resort experiences that balance sociability and seclusion.
From villa Villages to suite Retreats, the island resort offers a range of private accommodation options for groups – ideal for milestone celebrations, destination weddings and group escapes. Ensuring guests can make the most of their island retreat, Ifuru Island Maldives offers a dedicated event manager to co-ordinate an exclusive daily itinerary of activities and culinary experiences.
What’s more, with the resort’s exceptional Exclusively Yours Summer Offer, guests can enjoy up to 50 per cent off Suites and Villas, and as an extra family bonus, those booking a seven-night or more stay in a Sunset Beach Suite or Sunset Sky Suite for two adults and two children can enjoy an interconnecting room for free. You will love the extra space for everyone to have more fun.
Ideal for family escapes and gatherings of friends, each of Ifuru Island Maldives’ seven ‘Villages’ comprises five one-bedroom villas, which together create an intimate enclave for up to 15 people. Carefully arranged and enveloped by lush foliage, the villa terraces provide privacy for individual guests, before opening up into communal spaces that offer direct beach access, seamlessly blending privacy with opportunities for sociability.
Larger groups can make the most of the island’s three ‘Retreats’, each comprising 20 Sunset Beach and Sunset Sky Suites to create a secluded escape for up to 60 people. Each Retreat’s five pavilions, encompassing two suites on the ground floor and two on the first floor, form an elegant crescent around a shared sunken social lounge. Lush greenery provides natural privacy from the rest of the resort, yet still allows for sunset views and direct access to the beach.
With fresh, complimentary cocktails – provided daily in the Suites’ mini-bars – in hand, groups can gather around the firepit in their very own sunken lounge for a private evening soiree – or for an extra special evening together, enjoy a private beachside BBQ by Ifuru Island’s talented culinary team. Reef Retreat for up to 96 guest and the Ocean Retreat , Island Retreat and the Seaside Retreat all taking up to 60 adults .
Larger groups of up to 96 people can choose from either the Island Retreat, which comprises 32 Suites; or the Palm Cove Retreat, which combines three stunning Two-Bedroom Villas with Pool and eight Suites to create a uniquely versatile group getaway.
Located at the tip of the resort’s 1.2km beach, with easy access to the Beach Club, guests at the Palm Cove Retreat can enjoy their own private stretch of white sands, complete with sunbeds and terraces, and the three private pools that accompany their Villas.
As well as its custom-configured group accommodation options, Ifuru Island Maldives’ own private island airport and independent domestic transfer service, elevates exclusivity to the next level. As guests touchdown on the island’s runway, they’ll be promptly welcomed by the resort’s team and escorted on the resort’s signature pink buggies to the Friendship Centre for check-in and a welcome beverage, whilst luggage is swiftly delivered to their room.
As well as the six premium dining options included in the resort’s ‘Exclusively Yours’ all-inclusive concept, groups can celebrate with private culinary experiences, including beach BBQs, destination dining and exclusive bookings of The Waterfront signature restaurant.
For those staying seven nights or more and looking to embark on a journey of matrimonial bliss whilst at the resort, Ifuru Island Maldives offers free wedding ceremonies, complete with one-tier wedding cake, bridal bouquet, personalised wedding signage and more. Betrothed couples can enjoy a private ceremony at the island’s Secret Spot, a secluded location on the pristine white sand beaches, under an elegant white arch, before enjoying a romantic three-course dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant, with romantic views of the water and setting sun.
General Manager and Island Vibe Boss, Rochelle Kilgariff, expressed her enthusiasm by saying, “The Maldives is the ultimate multi-generational holiday destination for all your friends and family or corporate group reward trip. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy healthy, quality time together, and it’s now more affordable than ever. The magic and memories created in the Maldives are truly timeless and will last a lifetime.”
News
COMO Maalifushi introduces new all-inclusive experience, Simply COMO
COMO Maalifushi, the only resort in the unspoiled Thaa Atoll, has announced the launch of a new all-inclusive plan – Simply COMO – available from February 1, 2026. Designed for depth over excess, this elevated experience brings together COMO Hotels and Resorts’ renowned culinary philosophy, transformative wellness, and bespoke ocean adventures into one effortless, thoughtfully curated journey.
Simply COMO reshapes the conventional all-inclusive approach. Dining spans multiple venues — from Mediterranean flavours at Thila to Japanese at Tai and the wellness-driven COMO Shambhala Kitchen — complemented by weekly chef-led themed dinners, beach BBQs and a curated beverage list including more than 50 labels of wines, variety of spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic options, complemented by a daily restocked in-villa private bar. Offering oceanfront dining, barefoot lunches and dinner under the stars, each culinary experience showcases the resort’s dedication to quality, simplicity, and naturally sourced ingredients.
Simply COMO includes an enriching selection of island and marine activities that reveal the beauty and unique surrounding COMO Maalifushi including:
- Dolphin Sunset Cruise – a spectacle of nature creating a moment of wonder for guests they’ll never forget
- Splash Boat Cruise – a must for the family at sunset to hop onto our dhoni’s splash net and experience the thrill of being towed through the ocean
- Guided turtle and reef snorkeling safaris to experience the rich house reef in this remote atoll
- Offshore sunset drop-line fishing, for a moment of calm as the sky turns gold (one per guest)
Wellness forms the heartbeat of Simply COMO, with inclusion of a signature COMO Shambhala massage per guest as well as daily movement classes – ranging from yoga and stretching to meditation and functional strength – all supported and enhanced by COMO Shambhala Kitchen, for those guests looking to enrich their wellness experience.
For families, Play by COMO offers younger guests a world of discovery, with dedicated supervision that gives parents complete peace of mind. Children can dive into purposeful, creative play including treasure hunts, fort building, yoga sessions, and conservation projects, while parents embrace the island’s natural beauty and curated barefoot rituals. Thoughtful touches, from handcrafted afternoon tea to an all-day ice-cream bar, add a gentle sense of indulgence for little ones too.
Designed to meet the needs of every type of traveller, Simply COMO brings people together across generations – appealing to couples seeking privacy and reconnection, families looking for effortless bonding, and wellness seekers drawn to restorative practices – while inviting everyone to explore the Maldives’ extraordinary marine life and unique position of COMO Maalifushi.
“With Simply COMO, we focused on creating an experience that feels effortless yet elevated,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Every element — from cuisine and wellness to our ocean-led adventures — has been crafted to feel distinctly COMO.”
Simply COMO all-inclusive plan is available to book now for stays from February 1, 2026, offered alongside the resort’s existing Half Board meal plan to provide guests with flexible choices tailored to their style of travel.
Cooking
Meera Sodha to host plant-forward dining experience at Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives has announced an exciting culinary collaboration with acclaimed food columnist and cookbook author Meera Sodha. Scheduled from 13 to 15 February 2026, this partnership brings Meera Sodha’s celebrated plant-forward cooking philosophy to the coral shores of Kurumba for a series of curated dining experiences.
This special activation sees Sodha join forces with Kurumba’s own esteemed culinary team. Together, they’ll craft and present a collection of dishes inspired by her acclaimed cookbooks ‘Fresh India’ and ‘Made in India’, which champion bold, vibrant, and accessible vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The collaboration promises to deliver an authentic Gujarati experience that will delight guests, food enthusiasts, and discerning travellers alike.
Throughout her residency, guests at Kurumba Maldives will discover plant-based dishes that reflect Sodha’s signature style. The event showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients, presented through a series of thoughtfully crafted dining experiences including a Sunset Canapé Evening at Athiri Beach Bar on 15 February 2026.
The collaboration represents a significant moment for the Maldivian culinary scene – a rare chance to experience the creations of one of the UK’s most influential food writers in an iconic island setting. Travellers with a passion for creative and flavourful food will discover a fresh and inspiring take on vegetarian and vegan dining.
For more information or to make a booking, visit www.kurumba.com.
Featured
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort sets stage for 2026 with influential Tastemaker residencies
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced the return of its esteemed Tastemaker Series for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to bringing influential global talent to one of the Maldives’ most distinctive private island destinations. The programme continues to define the resort as a place where creativity, excellence and cultural expression converge, offering guests rare opportunities to engage with leading voices in the culinary arts, fine wine, mixology, wellness and sport.
The season opens in January with renowned chef Gianluca Renzi, who will host wine-led dining experiences, an intimate hands-on gnocchi masterclass and a signature dinner overlooking the ocean. His appearance sets the tone for the year ahead, combining classical Italian culinary heritage with contemporary craftsmanship and a spirit of conviviality that reflects the resort’s refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
In February, attention turns to innovation in both mixology and winemaking. Felice Capasso, World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, will bring his expressive approach to The Whale Bar through a bar takeover and an interactive masterclass exploring the narratives behind spirits, flavour and creativity. Shortly after, Romaric Chavy of Domaine Chavy-Chouet will bring Burgundy’s winemaking tradition to the Maldives, leading a wine tasting and a hosted dinner that offer an authentic encounter with one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.

The programme also embraces wellness, with Akiko Igarashi returning as Visiting Practitioner from 9 to 23 February. With extensive experience in Reiki, sound healing and holistic practices, she will guide guests through restorative therapies including Tibetan Singing Bowl healing sessions, Reiki treatments and bespoke couples’ experiences, each designed to promote inner balance, emotional clarity and transformative wellbeing.
In March, the series turns to elite sport as former World No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber joins the lineup. Through private coaching sessions, a dedicated children’s clinic, on-court interactions and an informal meet-and-greet, Kerber will share professional insight while maintaining an approachable presence that resonates with both experienced players and recreational enthusiasts.
The season continues in April with Michelin-starred British chef Glynn Purnell, who will present a showcase dinner, an intimate cooking class and a finale experience at The Whale Bar. Known for his modern British culinary identity, technical precision and engaging personality, Purnell’s residency brings a fitting conclusion to a season shaped by talent, storytelling and meaningful engagement.
In May, the Tastemaker Series will welcome one of tennis’s most respected figures, Feliciano López. Celebrated for his longevity, signature serve-and-volley style and lasting success across more than two decades on the ATP Tour, López is a former World No. 12 and a Grand Slam doubles champion with a prominent role in Spain’s Davis Cup victories. At the resort, he will lead curated sessions on advanced technique, movement, match awareness and the nuances of elite-level tennis, delivered in a relaxed island setting.
Reflecting on the return of the Tastemaker Series, General Manager Vincent Pauchon said: “The Tastemaker Series is more than a programme; it is a celebration of passion, artistry and human connection. Each year, we strive to curate experiences that feel personal and enriching, giving our guests the opportunity to engage not only with exceptional talent, but with new perspectives and inspiration. This year’s lineup captures the essence of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort—elevated, thoughtful and deeply memorable.”
With its 2026 edition, the Tastemaker Series continues to evolve as a defining hallmark of The St. Regis Maldives experience, inviting guests into a world where excellence is shared, discovery is encouraged and every encounter is designed to resonate long after the moment has passed.
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