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Maldives media, tourism officials discover new RAAYA by Atmosphere

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Atmosphere Core highlights RAAYA by Atmosphere, a stunning property located in the beautiful Raa Atoll in the northern Maldives, which has recently been the focus of a special visitor experience for Maldivian media and tourism representatives.

The island RAAYA is a natural wonder in itself and shares an intriguing backstory that lies at the heart of every intrepid travellers. The story of RAAYA begins with Seb, an artistic sailor who washed up on the island shore after a fierce storm, sent his ship off course leaving him stranded on this stunning natural paradise. Seb dedicated himself adapting to castaway life and learning from what mother nature has provided. Today, Seb’s adventurous spirit is reflected in every aspect of RAAYA’s exceptional experience, from unique dining to the artistic activities and creative adventures, all woven together with subtle storytelling.

To share the story of RAAYA, this epic journey and life on the island for our artistic hero, Atmosphere Core recently invited their local media and tourism delegates to experience RAAYA by Atmosphere first hand. Distinguished attendees included representatives from the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Maldives Insider, Hotelier Maldives, Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), International Maldives Travel Market (IMTM Online), Maldives Halal Travel, and Travelution Media.

This visit allowed Maldivian media and tourism marketers to experience the island’s unique features and reconnect with island life through Seb’s art and installations. One of the standout experiences was the Dhoni building and painting workshop. This hands-on activity held special significance, as it was inspired by Seb’s desire to preserve his memories through arts and crafts. During his time on the island, sought to document his journey by capturing it in pictures, ensuring that others could connect with and understand his story. This meaningful activity is followed by the Raaya Ritual – a symbolic Dhoni race that represents both the beginning and the end of Seb’s extraordinary journey on the island.

The dining experiences shared were exceptional, deeply rooted in Seb’s sustainable practices. Cultivation of his own food from scratch, starting with seeds he collected from plants. This legacy continues, as the seeds he left behind are now for anyone to use from Seb’s farm, reflecting his enduring connection to the island.

The nature walk through the island’s lush mangrove trees offered a glimpse into the ‘circle of life’ Seb observed during his time here. This journey through nature was more than a walk, it was an exploration of Seb’s profound relationship with the environment that nurtured him.

Lastly, the group observed the watchtowers that Seb constructed around the island, and which ultimately played a crucial role in his eventual rescue. These towers stand as a testament to his resourcefulness and determination, marking key points in his survival story.

Seb’s installations are scattered throughout RAAYA, each revealing a part of his story for visitors to discover and explore, which our local representatives experienced throughout their stay. These experiences provided deeper understanding of Seb’s journey and the unique charm of RAAYA, making the visit both enriching and memorable.

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Sheraton Maldives to celebrate Eid with Maldivian culture and island experiences

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Set on a lush private island just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate Eid al-Adha with sun-soaked festivities, meaningful traditions, and joyful moments shared by the sea. Blending Maldivian culture with relaxed island luxury, the resort becomes a vibrant playground of music, flavours, family experiences, and festive island spirit.

From the first light of morning to lively celebrations beneath the stars, each moment unfolds with warmth and ease. Guests are welcomed to begin the day with a peaceful Eid Prayer Gathering, followed by a lavish Eid Buffet Breakfast at Feast, where fresh pastries, comforting favorites, tropical fruits, and rich aromas fill the air as families and friends gather over long, leisurely conversations.

Throughout the day, little ones can step into a world of colour and creativity at the Kids’ Adventure Camp in Jalsaa, where face painting, piñatas, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, and playful Eid games keep the excitement going from one activity to the next. Meanwhile, those seeking a slower pace can retreat into pure relaxation with indulgent wellness experiences at Shine Spa for Sheraton, where soothing treatments and tranquil island surroundings invite moments of calm and reconnection.

As the afternoon drifts into golden hour, Kakuni Beach comes alive with festive energy. Live DJ sessions set the mood by the ocean, guests adorn their hands with elegant henna artistry, and families come together for the Maldivian Traditions Games Challenge, where laughter,
friendly competition, and local heritage create moments that feel both playful and memorable.

One of the most anticipated highlights of the celebration is the Eid Bodu Mas & Maali Parade. Inspired by Maldivian folklore and island traditions, the vibrant procession fills the island pathways with rhythmic drumming, colourful performances, traditional Maali characters, and the iconic giant Bodu Mas fish, creating a spectacular celebration that captures the joyful spirit of Eid.

As evening settles over the island, the celebrations continue with the Flavors of Eid Dinner Buffet. Set beneath a canopy of stars in a relaxed beachside setting, guests are invited to indulge in a generous spread of local specialties, international favorites, and freshly prepared live grilling stations, where smoky aromas and ocean breezes come together in a warm and festive atmosphere.

The night then builds into the lively Rhythms of Eid Boduberu Night at Anchorage, where traditional Maldivian drumming, island beats, and energetic performances invite guests to gather, celebrate, and dance barefoot by the sea.

At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Eid al-Adha becomes more than a celebration. It becomes a joyful island story filled with culture, connection, laughter, and unforgettable moments shared together in paradise.

For more information or reservations, visit www.sheratonmaldives.com.

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Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa invites guests to immersive Eid island celebrations

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Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa invites families to celebrate Eid al‑Adha rooted in celebrating culture and heritage with an uplifting blend of flavours, seaside adventures, and imaginative activities for young explorers, complete with family‑friendly villas and the recently unveiled six‑bedroom residence, an exclusive sanctuary perfect for bringing everyone together.

On May 27th families are invited to gather for an Eid Feast, where the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East comes alive. Talented chefs from the region present authentic dishes crafted from treasured traditional recipes.

The vibrant market-style dinner features:

  • A live grill with shish tawook, lamb kebab, and chermoula fish
  • A lively falafel bazaar and shawarma station
  • Middle Eastern favourites such as mezze, dolma, chicken kabsa rice, and lamb tagine
  • A sweet finale of umm Ali, basbousa, and more

Adding to the magic of the evening, families will be treated to live entertainment, creating an unforgettable celebration under the stars.

Family‑Friendly Adventures

At the heart of the resort’s family offering is the Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives, where young guests are invited to explore a vibrant program designed to spark creativity and curiosity.

During Eid, the Kids’ Club comes alive with a festive blend of cultural discovery and joyful celebration. Children can take part in hands-on activities inspired by Maldivian traditions, including Eid card making, intricate henna art, and traditional palm leaf weaving.

Extending beyond the Kids’ Club, families are invited to immerse themselves in the spirit of Eid through a lively, culturally inspired “Bodu Mas” and “Maali” parade. Rooted in time-honoured Maldivian island celebrations, this vibrant procession brings together guests of all ages with drumming, dancing, and imaginative costumes, capturing the essence of how communities across the Maldives traditionally mark the occasion.

This thoughtfully curated family programming offers a meaningful connection to local culture, creating memorable Eid moments filled with creativity, togetherness, and authentic island spirit.

Wellbeing Journeys

Guests can embark on deeply rejuvenating body and mind experiences at Amingiri Spa & Hammam.

Inspired by time-honoured Maldivian beauty rituals, the Ultimate Summer Glow experience embraces the nourishing power of coconut, long used by Maldivian women in traditional body treatments through oils and scrubs passed down for generations. This 120-minute journey begins with a morning yoga session, followed by a revitalising coconut body scrub, a choice of spirulina wrap or hydration facial, and concludes with a personalised 60-minute massage for complete rejuvenation.

The spa’s signature Age Defying Body Treatment offers a luxurious 90‑minute journey designed to deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Organic shea butter is used in an indulgent conditioning massage, while lotus, ginkgo, and clinically proven botanical extracts work together to firm, plump, and smooth for a youthful glow. The ritual is completed with an infusion of biodynamic flower essences, calming the nervous system and supporting gentle detoxification.

Guests may also choose from an extensive menu of salon services, restorative hammam rituals, calming massages, and dedicated sleep‑wellness experiences designed to encourage deep rest.

The Residence, A Private Haven for Family Celebrations

This Eid, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa presents The Residence for families seeking exceptional privacy and exclusivity, with every element of the stay tailored to the individual preferences of each guest.

Located in its own secluded cove and accessed via a private arrival pier, The Residence spans over 4,000 sqm and accommodates up to 12 guests, offering the intimacy of a private island with effortless access to the resort’s world‑class dining, leisure, and wellness facilities.

Dedicated Guest Experience Makers personalise every moment, from private meals and curated spa rituals to bespoke island adventures, allowing families to design their own unforgettable Eid celebration.

Villas Designed for Families

Families can select from an array of spacious villas designed for comfort and connection:

  • One‑Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villa: Perfect for two adults and two children under 12, featuring a king bed, sofa bed, private pool, a large swing, gazebo, and direct beach access.
  • One‑Bedroom Overwater Suite with Pool: Ideal for those seeking tranquillity with a separate living area, overwater hammocks, and sea stairs leading straight into the lagoon.
  • Two‑Bedroom Pool Villas: Designed for larger families, offering generous living space, two king rooms, and a bright, airy ambience complemented by a private pool.

For more information, please visit the resort’s website or call +960 664 63 64.

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Kai Lenny joins 2026 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy line-up

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The Indian Ocean does not need much convincing to put on a show. But for one week each September, it outdoes itself. From September 4 to 11, 2026, Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy returns to the Sultans break for its 14th edition, with multi‑discipline world champion Kai Lenny confirmed as the first athlete in the 2026 line‑up.

Most surfers build careers in one lane. Lenny has built his across all of them. From Jaws to playful walls, thrusters to twins, singles and foils, he has forged a career defined by versatility across disciplines, reflecting the ethos the Surfing Champions Trophy was created to celebrate.

Hosted by Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the invitation‑only event brings together six of surfing’s most celebrated athletes to compete across three board divisions: single fin, twin fin and thruster. Set against the high‑performance walls of Sultans, the format rewards adaptability as much as power, style as much as strategy, and timing as much as talent.

For Lenny, that challenge feels less like unfamiliar territory and more like home. A multi‑time world champion with a reputation forged in big waves and emerging disciplines such as foiling, he is among the athletes well suited to a format that requires competitors to shift craft, rhythm and approach throughout the week.

When Lenny first competed in the Surfing Champions Trophy in 2019, it was not only his performance that stood out, including a win in the thruster division. It was the way he appeared suited to the event itself: a week of changing boards, shifting conditions and high‑performance surf, shaped around a format that values exploration alongside competition.

“Every heat is a final,” says Lenny. “You’re surfing epic waves in paradise against some of the best in the world, but it’s still rooted in having fun. Being able to ride different types of boards is something I love doing every day, so to compete across all of them is epic.”

For 2026, Lenny takes that connection one step further by shaping the boards he will ride throughout the event, adding an additional layer of intent to a competition defined by craft, adaptability and feel.

At a wave like Sultans, defined by consistent conditions and open to interpretation, the ability to adapt across boards and conditions becomes a clear advantage. It also positions Lenny as a fitting first announcement for an event known for attracting athletes recognised for both approach and performance.

Where Champs Come to Surf

First staged in 2011, the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy has become one of surfing’s most distinctive invitation-only events, bringing six celebrated athletes to Sultans to compete across single fin, twin fin and thruster divisions. Past participants include Mark Occhilupo, Taj Burrow, Josh Kerr, Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, Michel Bourez, Carissa Moore, Maya Gabeira and more. Following Bourez’s 2025 win, marked by a return from injury and the event’s only perfect 10, the 2026 edition carries strong momentum. With Kai Lenny now confirmed, the event is already shaping an anticipated return.

The Garden-Island Base at Kuda Huraa

Located 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa gives the event its warm, garden-island base, with easy access to North Malé Atoll’s best breaks and a longstanding collaboration with Tropicsurf. Between heats at Sultans, guests can expect post-surf stories, recovery rituals, sunset gatherings and the rare chance to swap board talk with world champions in boardshorts.

The Surf’s Up Package: For Those Who Want In

For guests interested in participating in the week’s program, the Surf’s Up package includes round-trip shared speedboat transfers for two, daily breakfast, four days of Tropicsurf coaching, guided boat transfers to local breaks, use of surf equipment and stand-up paddleboard, daily group yoga, and a 90-minute Myofascial Renewal treatment for two at ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island.

The remaining 2026 competitor line-up will be revealed in the coming weeks, with updates shared across surfingchampionstrophy.com and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa channels.

To reserve a stay during the 2026 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy or enquire about the Surf’s Up package, contact reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call +960 66 00 888.

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