News
Celebrate Lunar New Year: 9 auspicious activities at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa invites guests to participate in nine delightful activities throughout the week of January 23 to 29, 2025. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to celebrate a season of joy and good fortune, while honouring traditional spring customs. Within the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Snake is associated with wisdom, renewal, and growth, making 2025 the perfect year to embrace new beginnings and positive transformations.
- DIY Fireworks Workshop: Guests can create colourful paper fireworks to be displayed throughout the week and illuminated during a special ceremony to symbolise a bright start on New Year’s Day.
- Chinese Calligraphy Class: Enjoy a session where guests can learn to write New Year wishes such as “happiness” and “harmony” in traditional Chinese calligraphy.
- Dim Sum Masterclass at Habitat: Delight in the process of creating authentic dim sum as a skilled chef demonstrates the art of making crystal dumplings, symbols of fortune and prosperity, along with flavourful barbecued chicken buns. Following the demonstration, guests will share in a family-style lunch, savouring these delicious creations.
- Chinese Tea Tasting at Sip Tea Lounge: Experience a curated tea tasting that fosters social connections and cultural appreciation. Sample a diverse selection of black, green, white, and oolong teas, including smoky Lapsang Souchong, aged pu-erh, delicate Buddha’s Tears, mellow Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, the imperial White Silver Needle, and the renowned Iron Goddess of Mercy oolong.
- Savour Seasonal Signature Drinks and Hot Pot Specialties: Resident mixologists have crafted a selection of signature cocktails in auspicious shades of red, gold and orange, infused with happiness and vitality. These include Lunar Bloom, an enchanting fusion of house-made pink gin and hibiscus tea syrup, and Shanghai Glamour, a sophisticated blend of sesame-washed vodka, lemongrass, and strawberry cordial. Zero-proof options are also available in all restaurants and bars. A longstanding staple of Chinese home cooking and a symbol of family harmony, the hot pot is a simmering, aromatic broth, served with a medley of thinly sliced meats, fresh seafood, and vegetables. Each hot pot set is accompanied by chilli, peanut, ginger scallion, and garlic and soy dipping sauces. A curated collection of hot pot menus, aptly named Mountain’s Bounty, Ocean’s Harvest, and Fields of Plenty, is available for dinner at Aura Pool Bar from January 29 to February 28, 2025.
- Dress Up in Chinese Traditional Attire: Guests who wish to experience wearing traditional Chinese garments can visit the immersive booth at Habitat and choose from a selection of satin cheongsams (high-necked dresses), silky men’s vests, child-sized Tang jackets with mandarin collars, and two-piece hanfu – translated to “Han clothing” – suits. A festive backdrop, decorated with evocative Chinese lanterns, completes the scene. Enjoy a complimentary photo session, inclusive of an instant-camera photo.
- Welcome Good Fortune: Meet the robust God of Prosperity on his island tour, and write wishes to hang on the traditional wishing tree.
- Watch the Vibrant Lion Dance: Catch the lively parade through the island.
- Ring in New Year’s Day: Enjoy sundowner cocktails, followed by a sumptuous reunion dinner buffet under starry Maldivian skies at Beach Shack. Richly symbolic favourites include vegetarian Hokkien fried noodles for longevity, grilled fish with ginger and scallion-infused sauce for abundance, golden spring rolls for prosperity, and snow fungus soup representing hopes for a sweet future.
The purpose-built Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives, introduces a selection of New Year activities, in addition to its regular schedule of sports camps and pajama parties, art sessions, pool games and pirate cruises. The festive program includes classes in cherry blossom painting, traditional dance and Mandarin, workshops in crafting festival masks and headbands, Chinese charades, lantern making, and paper cutting art.
Springtime breathes fresh life and renewed radiance. Discover the spa’s seasonal treatments.
The Goddess of Serenity Journey begins with a 30-minute body cleansing ritual, followed by a signature massage and divine glow facial.
For the Well-Groomed Gentleman, the spa offers a muscle melt massage and pedicure, accompanied by a luxurious hot towel wrap and a comfortable shave.
The Cosmic Calm Experience is designed for young guests, with a mini stardust glow facial, age-appropriate aromatherapy massage and a mindful constellation meditation led by a wellness specialist.
An extensive Sleep Wellness menu is designed to ease the mind and body into a state of deep and rejuvenating slumber. Options include a calming signature massage on the spa’s Skye deck; an evening hammam ritual in the modern hammam room; or an in-villa session incorporating guided meditation, yoga and breathwork.
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly on the hotel’s website will have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors app.
For more information or to make reservations, guests may visit Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa or call +960 664 63 64.
News
COMO Maalifushi introduces new all-inclusive experience, Simply COMO
COMO Maalifushi, the only resort in the unspoiled Thaa Atoll, has announced the launch of a new all-inclusive plan – Simply COMO – available from February 1, 2026. Designed for depth over excess, this elevated experience brings together COMO Hotels and Resorts’ renowned culinary philosophy, transformative wellness, and bespoke ocean adventures into one effortless, thoughtfully curated journey.
Simply COMO reshapes the conventional all-inclusive approach. Dining spans multiple venues — from Mediterranean flavours at Thila to Japanese at Tai and the wellness-driven COMO Shambhala Kitchen — complemented by weekly chef-led themed dinners, beach BBQs and a curated beverage list including more than 50 labels of wines, variety of spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic options, complemented by a daily restocked in-villa private bar. Offering oceanfront dining, barefoot lunches and dinner under the stars, each culinary experience showcases the resort’s dedication to quality, simplicity, and naturally sourced ingredients.
Simply COMO includes an enriching selection of island and marine activities that reveal the beauty and unique surrounding COMO Maalifushi including:
- Dolphin Sunset Cruise – a spectacle of nature creating a moment of wonder for guests they’ll never forget
- Splash Boat Cruise – a must for the family at sunset to hop onto our dhoni’s splash net and experience the thrill of being towed through the ocean
- Guided turtle and reef snorkeling safaris to experience the rich house reef in this remote atoll
- Offshore sunset drop-line fishing, for a moment of calm as the sky turns gold (one per guest)
Wellness forms the heartbeat of Simply COMO, with inclusion of a signature COMO Shambhala massage per guest as well as daily movement classes – ranging from yoga and stretching to meditation and functional strength – all supported and enhanced by COMO Shambhala Kitchen, for those guests looking to enrich their wellness experience.
For families, Play by COMO offers younger guests a world of discovery, with dedicated supervision that gives parents complete peace of mind. Children can dive into purposeful, creative play including treasure hunts, fort building, yoga sessions, and conservation projects, while parents embrace the island’s natural beauty and curated barefoot rituals. Thoughtful touches, from handcrafted afternoon tea to an all-day ice-cream bar, add a gentle sense of indulgence for little ones too.
Designed to meet the needs of every type of traveller, Simply COMO brings people together across generations – appealing to couples seeking privacy and reconnection, families looking for effortless bonding, and wellness seekers drawn to restorative practices – while inviting everyone to explore the Maldives’ extraordinary marine life and unique position of COMO Maalifushi.
“With Simply COMO, we focused on creating an experience that feels effortless yet elevated,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Every element — from cuisine and wellness to our ocean-led adventures — has been crafted to feel distinctly COMO.”
Simply COMO all-inclusive plan is available to book now for stays from February 1, 2026, offered alongside the resort’s existing Half Board meal plan to provide guests with flexible choices tailored to their style of travel.
Cooking
Meera Sodha to host plant-forward dining experience at Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives has announced an exciting culinary collaboration with acclaimed food columnist and cookbook author Meera Sodha. Scheduled from 13 to 15 February 2026, this partnership brings Meera Sodha’s celebrated plant-forward cooking philosophy to the coral shores of Kurumba for a series of curated dining experiences.
This special activation sees Sodha join forces with Kurumba’s own esteemed culinary team. Together, they’ll craft and present a collection of dishes inspired by her acclaimed cookbooks ‘Fresh India’ and ‘Made in India’, which champion bold, vibrant, and accessible vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The collaboration promises to deliver an authentic Gujarati experience that will delight guests, food enthusiasts, and discerning travellers alike.
Throughout her residency, guests at Kurumba Maldives will discover plant-based dishes that reflect Sodha’s signature style. The event showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients, presented through a series of thoughtfully crafted dining experiences including a Sunset Canapé Evening at Athiri Beach Bar on 15 February 2026.
The collaboration represents a significant moment for the Maldivian culinary scene – a rare chance to experience the creations of one of the UK’s most influential food writers in an iconic island setting. Travellers with a passion for creative and flavourful food will discover a fresh and inspiring take on vegetarian and vegan dining.
For more information or to make a booking, visit www.kurumba.com.
Featured
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort sets stage for 2026 with influential Tastemaker residencies
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced the return of its esteemed Tastemaker Series for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to bringing influential global talent to one of the Maldives’ most distinctive private island destinations. The programme continues to define the resort as a place where creativity, excellence and cultural expression converge, offering guests rare opportunities to engage with leading voices in the culinary arts, fine wine, mixology, wellness and sport.
The season opens in January with renowned chef Gianluca Renzi, who will host wine-led dining experiences, an intimate hands-on gnocchi masterclass and a signature dinner overlooking the ocean. His appearance sets the tone for the year ahead, combining classical Italian culinary heritage with contemporary craftsmanship and a spirit of conviviality that reflects the resort’s refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
In February, attention turns to innovation in both mixology and winemaking. Felice Capasso, World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, will bring his expressive approach to The Whale Bar through a bar takeover and an interactive masterclass exploring the narratives behind spirits, flavour and creativity. Shortly after, Romaric Chavy of Domaine Chavy-Chouet will bring Burgundy’s winemaking tradition to the Maldives, leading a wine tasting and a hosted dinner that offer an authentic encounter with one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.

The programme also embraces wellness, with Akiko Igarashi returning as Visiting Practitioner from 9 to 23 February. With extensive experience in Reiki, sound healing and holistic practices, she will guide guests through restorative therapies including Tibetan Singing Bowl healing sessions, Reiki treatments and bespoke couples’ experiences, each designed to promote inner balance, emotional clarity and transformative wellbeing.
In March, the series turns to elite sport as former World No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber joins the lineup. Through private coaching sessions, a dedicated children’s clinic, on-court interactions and an informal meet-and-greet, Kerber will share professional insight while maintaining an approachable presence that resonates with both experienced players and recreational enthusiasts.
The season continues in April with Michelin-starred British chef Glynn Purnell, who will present a showcase dinner, an intimate cooking class and a finale experience at The Whale Bar. Known for his modern British culinary identity, technical precision and engaging personality, Purnell’s residency brings a fitting conclusion to a season shaped by talent, storytelling and meaningful engagement.
In May, the Tastemaker Series will welcome one of tennis’s most respected figures, Feliciano López. Celebrated for his longevity, signature serve-and-volley style and lasting success across more than two decades on the ATP Tour, López is a former World No. 12 and a Grand Slam doubles champion with a prominent role in Spain’s Davis Cup victories. At the resort, he will lead curated sessions on advanced technique, movement, match awareness and the nuances of elite-level tennis, delivered in a relaxed island setting.
Reflecting on the return of the Tastemaker Series, General Manager Vincent Pauchon said: “The Tastemaker Series is more than a programme; it is a celebration of passion, artistry and human connection. Each year, we strive to curate experiences that feel personal and enriching, giving our guests the opportunity to engage not only with exceptional talent, but with new perspectives and inspiration. This year’s lineup captures the essence of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort—elevated, thoughtful and deeply memorable.”
With its 2026 edition, the Tastemaker Series continues to evolve as a defining hallmark of The St. Regis Maldives experience, inviting guests into a world where excellence is shared, discovery is encouraged and every encounter is designed to resonate long after the moment has passed.
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