From a strategic partnership for renovation in 2023 that introduced a vibrant make-over with new water villas, to ongoing collaborations ensuring continual improvement of the guest experience, DERTOUR’s specialist team at SENTIDO continue to play an instrumental role in driving the success of OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO.

To kick off the year in style and at peak occupancy, at the end of February two of the leading figures in SENTIDO’s culinary team flew out from Europe to host a creative culinary extravaganza for guests and specialist training for associates at OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO.

Sharing the inspiration for such collaborations with valued partners like SENTIDO, VP of Food & Beverage Anupam Banerjee stated, “At Atmosphere Core, we focus on crafting a food and beverage experience that cultivates an immersive journey, elevating guest satisfaction while honouring local heritage and sustainability”.

From SENTIDO’s headquarters in Germany, Corporate F&B Manager Chef Frank Funke took to the kitchens of the island to create Maldivian inspired dishes closely collaborating with island Executive Chef Ajay Sahoo, whilst behind the bar and ranked #3 in the world for Mixology, Manuel Perez foraged the island for fresh natural ingredients to add to cocktails paired with the flavourful cuisine.

The highlight of the three days featured a mouth-watering four-course degustation menu paired with cocktails organised by island F&B Manager Bishnu Bhattarai and team. Chef’s Frank’s starters included a “Hiki Mas” Maldivian-style diced tuna with coconut-lime dressing, whilst Caesar Salads took a twist with ingredients including charred coconut, crispy curry leaves, anchovy-lime dressing, and parmesan crisps with an added touch of crispy tinapa (smoked fish) flakes. For the mains, the finest Angus Beef Fillets were served with a Maldivian black pepper sauce and “Fish n Chips” were served pea mint Breadfruit (Banbukeyo) purée, turmeric pesto and ube (purple yam) fries. The most popular dessert of the night was the dark chocolate ‘Maldivian Bounty Tart’ with coconut ganache, vanilla cream and crushed cocoa nibs enhanced with polvoron shortbread.

Mixologist Manuel’s shaker never stopped as cocktails made from fresh island fruits and herbs paired each dish of the degustation. With combining flavours in mind, Manuel’s concoctions included Fresh Coconut-Lime Spritzer, Fresh Mango-Ginger Cooler, Black Tea & Date Infusion, Green Mango & Mint Iced Tea, Honey-Thyme Lemonade, Cucumber & Passion Fruit Iced Tea and a Spiced Hibiscus & Date Brew, the finale a Coconut & Vanilla Bean Iced Coffee to complement the Maldivian Bounty Tart.

Commenting on the three-day culinary journey, General Manager Alain Trefois concluded, “With a full schedule of activities set out over the three days including functions for both our guests and associates, this visionary duo entertained all with events ranging from mixology classes to a unique culinary journey through pairing Maldivian inspired food and drink.

“By partnering with both these acclaimed mentors, our F&B associates at Helengeli have not just learnt new skills, they’ve raised the quality standard for entertaining guests through the power of cuisine. From everyone on the island, we are indebted to Mr. Frank & Mr. Manuel for taking the time to travel and knowledge-share with our team, whilst also adding a magical culinary experience for our guests”.

Corporate F&B Manager SENTIDO Frank Funke also comments, “It was a unique experience, and I am very grateful to the entire team for helping to make this event so unforgettable”.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced its first ever SeaChella The Island Festival for Easter 2025. The event will take place on Saturday 19th April and feature festival-style food and drinks stalls including an Oyster Bar and Champagne Stall, headline DJ acts, a four-piece live band playing all the classics, fire shows, ground aerial acts, pool parties and more, all within the beautiful setting of Maamunagau Island. Younger guests will be entertained by Sharky & George with face-painting, kids movie nights on the beach and Easter themed art classes. Come nightfall, everyone will gather to dance to world-renowned DJs Marvin Humes and DJ Charlesy as part of the exclusive grand finale, which will feature an elaborate beachside seafood buffet under the stars, hand-crafted cocktails and Neon White Light Party. With so much variety and unmissable headline acts, SeaChella The Island Festival is the most exciting Maldives family experience this Easter.

A real highlight of the festival will be headline sets from Marvin Humes, best known for his time in English boy band JLS, and DJ Charlesy, former Capital Xtra radio DJ, who will be performing live sets throughout the festival. DJ Charlesy and budding DJ Charlesy JNR will be performing an afternoon set perfectly tailored to families, with Marvin Humes taking to the decks during the grand Gala Beach Dinner Party in the evening.

As well as the SeaChella The Island Festival, InterContinental Maldives will be running a specially curated programme of traditional Easter family activities with a Maldivian twist from 14th to 21st April. For budding marine biologists and curious young minds, InterContinental Maldives’ ‘Planet Trekkers’ programme, for ages 4-12, will showcase the wonders of the Indian Ocean through arts, crafts and mini-expeditions. The programme is packed full of fun activities including unforgettable Pirate Cruises in the Maamunagau Lagoon and special Easter themed crafting sessions. The resort’s recently launched ‘Teen Programme’ will be in full swing over Easter with informative talks from the Manta Trust, culinary classes for budding chefs, blue water adventures in the crystal clear lagoon, private movie screenings under the stars, mocktail masterclasses, and a selection of spa treatments expertly tailored for teens.

Adults who want to make the most of island paradise can retreat to the tranquil beach, overwater AVI spa or take part in an oceanside yoga class for ultimate relaxation. There are plenty of opportunities for families to explore the island together, with bikes of all sizes available to use, boat trips for island-hopping and dolphin watching, or snorkelling on the house reef. There are various villas and residences, perfectly suited for families, with their own private plunge pool and spacious garden, located just steps from the beach.

Festival rates include a 25% saving on accommodation, starting from USD 1393++ per night in an Overwater Pool Villa including breakfast and dinner for two. For 2 Bedroom Family Villas, rates start from USD 3018++ per night including breakfast and dinner. For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email  reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.

Ennismore has announced the upcoming Mondrian Maldives, set to open on Kuredhivaru Island in 2026. The resort will be situated on a secluded island in the Noonu Atoll.

Before its transformation into Mondrian Maldives, the property will operate as Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa under Ennismore’s management.

Previously part of the Mövenpick portfolio, the resort remains available for booking on ALL.com and will continue its association with Accor’s loyalty program, ALL. This transition highlights Ennismore’s and the owner’s commitment to enhancing the island’s hospitality offering under the Mondrian brand.

Mondrian Maldives will feature 105 villas, offering diverse accommodation options, such as 30 beach pool villas, surrounded by tropical greenery 72 overwater pool villas, overlooking the turquoise waters and three-bedroom beach pool residences, providing direct beach access.

Each villa will include a private pool, ensuring guests experience a secluded and tranquil retreat.

True to Mondrian’s ethos of cultural engagement, the resort will offer a variety of curated experiences reflecting the Maldives’ rich heritage.

Guests will have access to a luxury spa, fitness and sports facilities, including a gym, yoga pavilion, tennis and volleyball courts, a diving centre, offering opportunities to explore Maldivian marine life, multiple pools and a kids’ club, 4 dining venues, featuring mixology experiences.

Mondrian is known for its strong design identity and cultural influence, with properties in key locations such as Los Angeles, Miami, Doha, Mexico City, and Ibiza.

The brand is currently expanding into destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Tulum, and Australia’s Gold Coast. Mondrian is not the only Ennismore’s brand on a growth path as the company unveiled many new openings throughout the year.

“Surrounded by stunning beaches and turquoise waters, Mondrian Maldives will create the perfect sanctuary for our guests. Where bold design intersects with island style, the resort realises new dream-like spaces where guests can escape into nature’s wonders on a secluded private island. In bringing Mondrian’s oversized imagination to the Maldives, we hope to raise the bar as a cultural and culinary destination in the islands,” said Phil Zrihen, Brand COO for Mondrian Hotels at Ennismore.