News
Experience joy of holidays, sense festive moments at Angsana Velavaru
As the joyous time of the year approaches once again, Angsana Velavaru, an all-inclusive premium resort in South Nilandhe Atoll, has announced, ‘The Wonders of Velavaru’, a line-up of festive activities from 21 December 2024 to 7 January 2025, designed to captivate and inspire guests of all ages. From traditional crafts to underwater adventures, culinary delights, and vibrant celebrations, inspired by the natural island in full bloom, the resort will set the stage for a sensational year-end tropical escape.
On 21 December, guests can join the annual cake mixing to usher in the joy of the season and witness the festive tree lighting to officially kick off the celebrations. On 27 December, they can delve into Maldivian culture with palm weaving lessons, explore traditional crafts, and gain insights into the local heritage. The day culminates with a mesmerising Boduberu performance, where the rhythmic drumbeats invite guests to experience a dance tradition preserved since the 18th century.
Guests are invited to indulge in the Sangria Fiesta and Innovative Cocktail Counters, offering perfectly crafted smooth concoctions and a tantalising selection of international flavours to suit every palate. On 24 December, experience the magic of Santa’s Arrival Parade, complete with a festive cocktail party and joyful holiday carols by the resort’s Chorale Group. The evening continues with a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner, featuring a global culinary journey and live performances by the Beatus Band from the Philippines with extensive experience performing in lounges and hotels worldwide. The night concludes with a lively Red & White Party, where guests can dance the night away with the resident DJ, Sumith, in their favourite festive outfits. On 25 December, guests can strike a pose and capture this magical moment with the ‘man of the hour’, Mr. Santa.
Guests are invited to embrace the beauty of natural skincare with the DIY Body Scrub workshop, where they will learn to blend natural ingredients for a glowing, radiant complexion just in time for the holiday. As the sun sets, the Sunset Stretch and Relaxation session helps ease the day’s tension, preparing the body for a restful night. Couples can master the art of a sensational massage technique from an expert spa therapist.
For children, activities such as Christmas Windsock Craft, Henna Tattoo Creations, and a Mystery Treasure Hunt offer engaging and creative fun. Families can enjoy the Festive 2-Spot Snorkelling Trip to discover colourful marine life, a Sunset Dolphin Cruise with bubbly and canapés, and a Croquet Tournament for some light-hearted competition.
On 31 December, guests can join the invigorating Water Aerobics session with DJ Sumith, combining fitness with fun in the pool. They can indulge in the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, featuring a sumptuous feast and live musical entertainment by Beatus Band. The evening culminates in the Year-End Extravaganza and Countdown Party, where guests can enjoy a pirate-themed celebration with dancing, DJ Sumith’s music, and the chance to win amazing prizes. As midnight approaches, guests can raise their glasses to new beginnings and fresh aspirations. On New Year’s Day, guests can savour a diverse buffet brunch that blends breakfast favourites with lunch delights, and participate in coral planting to support environmental conservation. The festive spirit continues with Orthodox Christmas Revelry on 6 January, including an International and Barbecue Buffet Dinner, and Orthodox Christmas Eve Dinner at Azzurro Restaurant and Bar. The festivities continue 7 January featuring a Taste of Asia Buffet Dinner and a Tropical Party with DJ Sumith.
Inspired to visit Angsana Velavaru soon? Discover Maldives Resort Packages & Specials | Angsana Velavaru, and enjoy earning Accor Live Limitless points. Experience the beauty and vibrance of ‘The Wonders of Velavaru’ on your festive getaway.
Cooking
VARU by Atmosphere celebrates Maldivian cuisine with new Kaagé cookbook
VARU by Atmosphere has unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of the Maldives to life through an immersive new experience. As part of the island experience, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses, offering a hands-on connection to authentic local flavours and the opportunity to take home the beautiful cookbook as a memento.
At Kaagé, the award-winning speciality restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through the history and traditions of the Maldivian islands. Time-honoured local recipes are paired with modern culinary techniques, allowing the distinctive flavours of the Maldives to be recreated in kitchens around the world.

Held on 20th August, the exclusive cookbook launch event brought together journalists, culinary influencers and resort guests, who joined the resort’s chef team for an interactive masterclass. The session explored local ingredients including skipjack tuna, coconut and fiery Scotch bonnet chillies, offering participants an authentic taste of Maldivian culinary traditions.

“These immersive cooking classes are now a permanent part of your resort experience. Kaagé is a tribute to the vibrant culinary identity of the Maldives,” says Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere. “Through our cookbook and masterclasses, we invite you to connect deeply with island culture. We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.”

VARU by Atmosphere is a naturally Maldivian island escape in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. Blending authentic Maldivian culture with contemporary elegance, the resort offers an intimate island experience centred around warm hospitality, vibrant dining, wellness and immersive experiences. From its distinctive overwater villas and unique overwater cellar to its island-inspired cuisine and commitment to sustainability, VARU by Atmosphere celebrates the essence of the Maldives while offering a refined and relaxed tropical retreat.

The Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook is available exclusively to participants of cooking masterclass. To discover more or reserve your spot, visit www.varu-atmosphere.com or contact reservations@varu-atmosphere.com.
Business
BBM Hulhumalé Phase 2 opening promotion winner receives Honda Airblade
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has presented a brand-new Honda Airblade motorbike to the winner of a lucky draw held to mark the opening of its newest wholesale outlet in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
The outlet, located at Lot 20286 on Nirolhu Magu, opened on 16 February 2026 as part of BBM’s expansion of its wholesale operations.
To celebrate the opening and thank customers for their continued support, BBM introduced a special lucky draw exclusively for customers who made purchases from the new outlet on its opening day.

Customers who purchased products during the opening were eligible to enter the draw, with a Honda Airblade motorbike offered as the grand prize.
The lucky draw was conducted on 13 August 2026, with Ibrahim Shifaz of Vagthun Vaguthah outlet selected as the winner.
Shifaz was recently presented with the ceremonial key to the Honda Airblade by AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives.

The promotion formed part of BBM’s activities surrounding the opening of its Hulhumalé Phase 2 outlet, which provides customers with access to the company’s range of wholesale products from the growing residential and commercial area.
Bestbuy Maldives is a supplier and distributor serving businesses across the Maldives, including customers in the hospitality, food service and retail sectors.
Drink
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes SUSHISAMBA Dubai for exclusive pop-up
SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.
Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.

Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.

“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”

Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.

Event Details:
Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Dates: September 25–27 2026
Seating Schedule:
Friday, September 25:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.
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