This November, the flavours of Chiang Mai arrive in the Maldives as Michelin recognised The House by Ginger and Ginger Farm Kitchen joins Heritance Aarah for a special culinary collaboration celebrating the depth, character and creativity of Thai cuisine.

Taking place from 4-6 November 2026, the collaboration will see Chef Aree bring the culinary identity of The House by Ginger to the shores of the Raa Atoll through a series of curated dining experiences, chef-led demonstrations and vibrant Thai flavours.

Based in Chiang Mai’s Old City, The House by Ginger has been part of the city’s dining scene since 2004. Set within a restored heritage house dating back to 1937, the restaurant brings together Thai culinary traditions, regional ingredients and contemporary interpretation. Its approach is rooted in cooking from scratch and respecting the stories behind familiar Thai dishes, while presenting them with a distinctive modern character.

At Heritance Aarah, guests will have several opportunities to experience this philosophy throughout the week.

On 4 November, Ralu will host a special Thai à la carte experience featuring familiar favourites such as chicken satay with peanut sauce, som tum, green curry, seafood hor mok, stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts, pad Thai and mango sticky rice.

For a more refined expression of the collaboration, wine pairing dinners on 5 November will explore Thai flavours through a contemporary five-course menu. Dishes include crab pani puri with coconut citrus sauce, Burmese tea leaf salad with soft-shell crab, Tom Yum lobster bisque and mains such as beef Massaman with garlic mashed potatoes or grilled sea bass with Tom Kha sauce. The evening concludes with lemongrass panna cotta accompanied by tropical fruit.

Guests can also get closer to the techniques behind the cuisine through cooking demonstrations on 5 November, featuring Thai favourites including Tom Kha, pad Thai and green curry.

The experience becomes more relaxed on 6 November, when Thai street food takes centre stage. Live cooking stations and a generous selection of dishes will bring together everything from chicken satay and spring rolls to Khao Soi, seafood Tom Yum, Massaman curry and mango sticky rice.

The collaboration adds another dimension to Heritance Aarah’s already diverse culinary story, creating an opportunity for guests to discover Thai cuisine through both traditional flavours and contemporary presentation.

For 3 days this November, Chiang Mai meets the Maldives through food, craft and shared culinary discovery at Heritance Aarah.

For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website. 

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced a special edition of The Astor Club Soirée in partnership with LUX Tennis, welcoming three of the sport’s most accomplished players, Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa, and Donna Vekić, for a series of tennis residencies from October 26 through November 30, 2026. Taking place at the Maldives’ finest address, the program will feature private coaching sessions, group clinics, junior development activities, and guest appearances, offering participants direct engagement with some of tennis’s most recognized names.

The Astor Club Soirée Tennis Series will commence with Donna Vekić from October 29 to November 1, 2026. One of Croatia’s most accomplished tennis players, Vekić has captured five WTA singles titles throughout her career and achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 17. Her recent achievements include a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a semifinal appearance at Wimbledon, and victory at the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships in 2026. Renowned for her powerful playing style and competitive spirit, Vekić will share her expertise through a series of guest sessions designed for players of all levels.

From November 13 to 14, 2026, the resort will welcome Paula Badosa, one of the most inspiring players on the WTA Tour. After capturing the French Open Girls’ title and turning professional in 2015, Badosa rose steadily through the ranks to reach a career-high World No. 2 ranking in 2022. Following a determined comeback from injury setbacks, she re-established herself among the world’s elite with a title run at the Washington Open, a quarterfinal appearance at the US Open in 2024, and an Australian Open semifinal appearance in 2025. Guests will have the chance to spend time with one of modern tennis’ most resilient and admired competitors through a series of coaching and on-court sessions.

The pinnacle of the series arrives November 26 to 27, 2026 with the highly anticipated residency of Daniil Medvedev, former ATP World No. 1 and one of the defining champions of his generation. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players in contemporary tennis, Medvedev’s distinguished career includes a historic US Open title, multiple ATP Masters 1000 victories, ATP Finals success, and numerous Grand Slam final appearances.

Celebrated for his tactical brilliance, relentless competitiveness, and commanding presence on court, Medvedev has consistently performed at the highest level of the sport while establishing himself as one of tennis’ most influential global stars. As the headline appearance of The Astor Club Soirée Tennis Series, he will lead a schedule of private lessons, clinics, and guest events throughout this stay.

“The Astor Club Soirée was created to bring influential figures in sport and culture to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort through bespoke guest programming,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “We are pleased to welcome Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa, and Donna Vekić, whose achievements have made a lasting impact on professional tennis. Their presence reflects our continued focus on presenting distinctive experiences that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression on our guests.”

Designed for aspiring young athletes, tennis enthusiasts, and seasoned players, each residency offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from some of the sport’s most accomplished professionals.

The Astor Club Soirée forms part of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s signature platform for distinctive guest programming. Inspired by the Astor family’s appreciation for sports, culture, and refined leisure, The Astor Club Soirée unites influential figures from around the world through engaging experiences that inform, inspire, and connect, embodying the quintessential St. Regis tradition of bringing people together through personalized service.

For more information, please visit stregismaldives.com. 

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is preparing to celebrate its 28th anniversary with three days of music, culinary experiences and wellness from 28 to 30 October 2026. Under the theme A New Rhythm of the Reef, the celebrations will bring together international artists, a visiting chef and wellness practitioners, while marking the debut of YAYA Beach Club and Tuscany, two new additions to the island’s guest experience.

Since welcoming its first guests in 1998 as the first resort in the Sun Siyam portfolio, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has established itself as an intimate island retreat, recognised for its warm Maldivian hospitality, natural surroundings and relaxed atmosphere. Following the introduction of new villas earlier this year, the anniversary celebrations will offer a first glimpse of the resort’s latest developments and the next chapter in its evolution.

Three Days of Island Celebrations

The festivities will begin on 28 October with the official opening of YAYA Beach Club, bringing together music, cocktails and beachside celebrations. Taking centre stage will be British-born DJ and creative duo The Flag Twins, Kevin and Karl, founders of the London-based music collective HE&D. Known for their distinctive presence across music and fashion, the twins have collaborated with international fashion houses including Gucci, Armani, Christian Louboutin and Calvin Klein. Since being discovered by Renzo Rosso in 2018, they have built a growing profile within London’s electronic music scene, combining house music, fashion and creative expression. They will be joined by DJ Abee for the opening celebrations, bringing an energetic soundtrack to the island’s newest social venue.

The evening will continue with the grand opening dinner at Tuscany, hosted by Chef Fatjon Goga, an Albanian-born Italian chef whose culinary approach combines Tuscan traditions with contemporary Mediterranean influences. Having worked in acclaimed kitchens including Don Alfonso and Arnolfo, Goga currently leads Osteria Grande in Arezzo’s historic Piazza Grande, bringing a focus on seasonal ingredients and refined Italian flavours.

Live entertainment will accompany the evening, with a performance by Chinese vocalist Zhu Zhihao, whose career includes appearances on CCTV’s Global Chinese Music Chart and Avenue of Stars. DJ Molly will then bring the first day to a close with an Island Beats session.

On 29 October, the programme will move into a more relaxed rhythm, with wellness experiences and culinary activities throughout the day. Visiting practitioner Nour Montasser will lead a morning sound-healing session, followed by breakfast and coffee accompanied by DJ Molly D. Maryna Pavlenko will introduce guests to slow-living practices through a guided conversation and movement session, encouraging moments of relaxation and reconnection.

In the evening, Tuscany will once again take centre stage as Chef Goga hosts an interactive pasta masterclass and dinner, inviting guests to discover the flavours and traditions behind Italian cooking.

The celebrations will continue on 30 October with morning yoga and sound healing led by Maryna and Nour, followed by a special breakfast experience at Tuscany. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience SUP yoga on the lagoon with Wu Feifei, known as Fay-Yoga, a former lululemon brand ambassador and AquaX Academy instructor, alongside Wang Xue from the AquaX team.

The afternoon will feature Float & Feast with live music from Zhu Zhihao, before YAYA Beach Club hosts a finale pool party with DJs Abee and Molly D. The three-day programme will conclude with a culinary storytelling experience hosted by Chef Goga at Tuscany, followed by a final Island Beats celebration featuring Abee and The Flag Twins.

A New Chapter for Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Beyond the anniversary festivities, the celebrations will offer guests a first introduction to two new experiences at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

YAYA Beach Club, introduced as part of Sun Siyam’s Signature Experiences, will bring a fresh social dimension to the resort, combining music, relaxed dining and beachside gatherings throughout the day.

Meanwhile, Tuscany will introduce a new Italian dining experience, inspired by traditional flavours, seasonal ingredients and leisurely meals overlooking the ocean.

Both venues reflect the resort’s ongoing evolution, introducing new ways for guests to experience the island while maintaining the intimate atmosphere and personal hospitality that have defined Sun Siyam Vilu Reef for nearly three decades.

As the resort marks its 28th anniversary, A New Rhythm of the Reef will celebrate its heritage while offering a preview of the experiences shaping its future.

For more information or to explore exclusive offers, visit the Sun Siyam Vilu Reef website.