Featured
Love story in five chapters: Valentine’s at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo
Every love story deserves a setting that reflects its depth, passion, and intimate moments. This Valentine’s season, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo serves as that setting, offering couples a five-day journey where romance is not just celebrated but truly experienced. From February 11 to 15, guests are invited to create their own love stories—chapter by chapter—through carefully curated experiences designed to ignite the senses and strengthen connections.
Love has always possessed a sweet side. The journey begins at Vista Restaurant, where guests participate in a hands-on dessert-making session led by the resort’s master pastry chef. Indulgence extends beyond taste—it is about shared moments, playful glances over fluffy icing, and fingers dusted with sugar. With waves shimmering beyond the glass-walled restaurant, each couple crafts something uniquely theirs, serving as a reminder that love is found in the details.
For those wishing to extend this indulgence, the Sweet Life Package offers a deeper escape into decadence. Guests can enjoy a 120-minute Chocolate Body Scrub and Massage at Suvadiva Spa, followed by a private romantic dinner—an experience designed to be savoured with every sense.
Romance is more than words; it is expressed through presence, touch, and care. At Suvadiva Spa, couples engage in a private massage workshop, learning the art of mindful relaxation. The experience is not solely about mastering techniques but about understanding unspoken needs and deepening connections through touch.
For those desiring an extended retreat, the Romeo & Juliet Package provides a 90-minute Hot Stone Massage infused with rose oil, followed by a 30-minute rose bath—an invitation to dissolve into warmth and tranquility.
On the third night, love stories are not only lived but also told on screen. At the main pool, guests settle into relaxed seating as the sea breeze carries the scent of salt and moonlight. A classic romantic film flickers against the night sky, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Couples wishing to enhance the evening can opt for the Paradise Awakening Package, an all-day romantic journey beginning with a floating breakfast for two. This experience continues with a 60-minute couple’s massage and concludes with a private starlit dinner.
On Valentine’s night, the resort transforms into a world of wonder. The evening begins with an intimate ‘Dine in the Dark’ experience at Vista Restaurant, where flavours become richer, conversations deeper, and the absence of sight heightens every other sense. The journey then moves outdoors to the restaurant’s al fresco area, which becomes the Stargazing Love Lounge.
Here, guests are encouraged to slow down, listen to live music, and gaze at the constellations that have watched over lovers for centuries. In that moment, the sky is no longer just a sky—it becomes a canvas for whispered dreams and unspoken promises.
The final chapter is one of creation. At the Pool Bar, guests craft their own signature cocktails, blending ingredients that symbolise their love. Some choose citrus for energy, others add spice for passion, and some incorporate honey to represent the sweetness of shared memories. As glasses clink, a toast is made not just to the five-day journey but to the countless unwritten chapters ahead.
At Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, Valentine’s is more than a celebration—it is a journey, a story told in five chapters, and an invitation for every couple to write the next one, wherever their love may take them. For those who dream of a love story beyond the horizon, another chapter always awaits.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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