News
AirAsia’s Thrilling ‘No Clue Escape’ promotion whisks passengers to Maldives
Last Friday, twenty passengers boarded an AirAsia A320 in Hong Kong, completely unaware of where their journey would end. They had no clue about their destination and only discovered it mid-flight, cruising at 30,000 feet somewhere between Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.
In August, AirAsia and CLS Holiday launched the “No Clue Escape,” offering travellers a surprise trip for HK$4,888 (around $634) without revealing the destination. Despite the mystery, the package quickly sold out, reflecting the enthusiasm of Hong Kongers for adventure and the unknown.
AirAsia added to the excitement by handing out surprise boxes and unique souvenirs. The final destination was revealed during a signature AirAsia event onboard the flight. At 30,000 feet, the passengers discovered they were heading to the Maldives, with a brief stopover in Kuala Lumpur.
Excitement filled the cabin on AirAsia flight AK139 from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur as the secret destination was unveiled. The group is now spending five days at Bandos Maldives, enjoying various tourist activities or simply relaxing in the island paradise.
The “No Clue Escape” is a unique promotion by AirAsia and CLS Holiday aimed at increasing awareness of AirAsia’s extensive network across Asia and the Pacific. It encourages travellers to explore new or popular destinations affordably, with easy connections.
AirAsia, known as the world’s first low-cost carrier network, connects Hong Kong to key hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila, and soon Jakarta. From these hubs, passengers can travel across Asia, Australia, and Africa. Terence So, AirAsia’s Head of Marketing for Greater China, expressed the airline’s excitement over the positive response to the event. He noted how it aligns with AirAsia’s motto of “Small Win, Big Happiness,” and encouraged travellers to discover more of Asia and beyond, with access to 130 destinations.
Earlier this year, AirAsia’s co-founder Tony Fernandes shared his vision of creating the world’s first low-cost carrier network, and the “No Clue Escape” embodies this idea. The event showcases the airline’s seamless and affordable connections across continents, from Asia and Australia to Africa starting in November.
The Hong Kong-to-Maldives route via Kuala Lumpur exemplifies AirAsia’s FlyThru service, which allows passengers to transfer smoothly between AirAsia flights without the hassle of re-checking luggage. This service facilitates journeys like flying from Melbourne to Nairobi, Kenya, with a quick connection in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing the efficiency of AirAsia’s global network.
Featured
The Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package
The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.
The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.
The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.
The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.
The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.
The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.
Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.
Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives announces culinary collaboration with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti
Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.
The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.
Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.
The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.
A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.
On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.
Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
-
Cooking1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
Cooking1 week agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
-
Action1 week agoEri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
-
Action1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
-
Honeymoon6 days agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples
-
Awards7 days agoAngsana Velavaru achieves 4.8 rating in British Airways Customer Awards
-
Featured6 days agoGrand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May
-
Awards5 days agoKuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026


