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Sun, Sea, and Surf Therapy: Kuda Villingili partners with The Wave Project

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The importance of ‘green spaces’ for mental health is a well-documented phenomenon, however recent study’s have found how impactful blue spaces are. Pan-European research initiative ‘Blue Health’ launched an investigation into the effect of ‘blue spaces’ on health from 2016 to 2020. They found: “A greater exposure to blue spaces correlates with improved mental health, wellbeing and more physical activity” (Dr Mireia Gascon). Even more intriguing, blue spaces have the edge over green because of water’s uniquely psychologically restorative effect.

Recognised by the NHS and prescribed by doctors to children in the UK, surf therapy has become an established form of therapeutic support in the UK. Spending time in nature, especially in these ‘blue spaces’, is proven to reduce the production of stress hormones, cortisol, and epinephrine. This, combined with the benefits of physical activity and the satisfaction of learning a new skill, makes surfing an unconventional and exciting new method of treatment.

Kuda Villingili is collaborating with UK-based charity, The Wave Project, to bring surf therapy to the one of the most beautiful blue spaces in the world: the Maldives. The Wave Project strive to transform the lives of young people with many years proving how getting in the sea, surfing and having fun in the water makes a measurable difference to young people’s health and wellbeing. This summer, the Wave Project will be leading thrilling surf retreats during their residency at the resort.

Whilst the Maldives is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and bright-white beaches, its potential as a surfing hot-spot is often overlooked. Kuda Villingili is, in fact, one of the best located resorts in the Maldives for surfers. Mere moments away from the famed Chicken’s Break, the long, lively left can hold swells from 3ft to well over 10ft and provide wave rides up to an impressive 500m long.

Kuda Villingili’s Soul Searching at Chickens Retreats will explore how these ‘blue spaces’ can provide such impact on the mental health and wellbeing on young people, focusing on outdoor activities to explore the Maldives renowned beauty and nature. With a focus on mindfulness and breathwork as well as exhilarating excursions from surfing and paddle boarding to yoga and meditation, guests are invited on this journey to experience the wonders for the water and truly immerse themselves in such idyllic blue spaces.

Soul Searching at Chickens will be running from 26th July – 26th August, to view the Soul Searching at Chickens brochure access Soul Searching at Chicken – Surf Retreat and to book onto the retreats email reservations@kudavillingili.com.

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Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration

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Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.

Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.

During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.

The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.

Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.

Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.

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SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration

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SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.

Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.

The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.

Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.

On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.

The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.

The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.

The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.

Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.

Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.

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Kandooma Maldives focuses on Asian travellers for Eid period

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As the Eid-al-Fitr holiday period approaches, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is turning its focus towards Asian markets, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Indian subcontinent, where the festive holiday period often creates opportunities for short-haul leisure travel.

With several days of public holidays across many Asian countries during Eid, the Maldives presents an attractive option for families and expatriate communities seeking a tropical island escape within convenient flying distance.

“Asian markets continue to present strong potential for short-haul leisure travel to the Maldives, particularly during holiday periods such as Eid,” said Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “For many families, it’s an opportunity to combine the celebrations of Eid with a relaxing island holiday in a safe, welcoming environment surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives.”

Located in the South Malé Atoll, the resort is just 45 minutes by speedboat from the new Velana International Airport terminal in Male, making it one of the more accessible private island resorts for regional travellers arriving via key Asian aviation hubs such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Mumbai and Colombo.

To mark the Eid holiday period, the resort will host a special celebratory dinner and a programme of family-friendly activities, designed to bring guests together in the spirit of Eid. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of island experiences, including snorkelling and scuba diving, as well as wellness treatments at Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala.

Families travelling with children are well catered for through the resort’s Kandoo Kids’ Club, alongside the popular IHG Kids Stay & Eat Free programme, which allows children under 13 to stay and dine free when sharing a room with their parents and dining from the kids’ menu when accompanied by adults in the resort’s restaurants.

Accommodation options range from garden and beach villas to spacious two-storey beach houses and overwater villas, appealing to couples and families alike. Two- and three-bedroom accommodation options are ideal for multi-generational families and small groups travelling together during the Eid holiday period.

As the Maldives tourism industry continues to diversify its source markets, regional Asian travellers remain an important segment, particularly during key holiday periods such as Eid.

More information about Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives can be found from the resort’s website

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