News
Gili Lankanfushi’s Celebration Escapes offers castaway-style vacation
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, invites guests to mark their biggest milestones with a series of ‘celebration escapes’ all year. Whether toasting an engagement, vow renewal, special birthday, new baby or anniversary, the Maldives’ original luxury eco-resort offers the ultimate array of shared experiences – from castaway dolphin cruises to private sensory beach suppers and endless aquatic adventures – to create memories of a lifetime with the whole family.
A Luxurious Hideaway: The Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi
For large, multigenerational families and groups looking to spread out, switch off and enjoy quality time together in unrivalled luxury, The Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi is the accommodation of choice. The largest standalone overwater villa in the world, the property is Gili Lankanfushi’s most secluded and luxurious residence and features four bedrooms, an open-air cinema, gym, spa, 21m infinity pool and a recently refurbished waterslide that drops straight into the lagoon.
Set across more than 1,700 sqm, the sprawling Private Reserve perches atop a turquoise lagoon 500 metres from the island and 300 metres from the nearest residence, ensuring utmost privacy and serenity.
The castaway celebration begins as soon as guests step foot on the eco-chic island, when they are whisked away to their very own paradise by luxury yacht. A private boat remains at guests’ disposal throughout their time at the Reserve, though with a 24-hour “Mr/Mrs Friday” private butler service and all the amenities guests could dream of, most residents never find the need to leave.
When it comes to in-residence celebratory suppers, the possibilities are infinite, with several open-air dining areas ideal for an extravagant feast. Guests can choose to use the fully-equipped kitchen or invite Executive Chef Hari Govindaraj and his talented brigade to whip up their favourite dishes using ingredients from the island’s ‘Gili Garden’. Residents can even design their own wine cellar selection from a list of over 400 labels or choose to enjoy their cocktail of choice from the well-stocked bar.
Bucket-list experiences for the whole brood await at Gili Lankanfushi, with a range of private family excursions that are ideal for celebrating life’s most special moments and creating shared memories to treasure. These include:
- Castaway Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Sealife lovers will delight in this bucket-list opportunity to spot dolphins, eat canapés and enjoy a drink or two as they enjoy this two-hour sunset experience. Departing at dusk to coincide with the migration of the dolphins from the atoll to catch their supper in the deep sea, couples will create memories to last a lifetime aboard this very special cruise. From $115++ per person.
- Scuba-diving and Snorkelling for All Abilities: Set within a stunning house reef and located just moments away from some of the country’s most renowned dive sites, Gili Lankanfushi provides an unrivalled opportunity to delve into the underwater world. The resort’s PADI-certified Ocean Paradise Dive Centre, with its multilingual instructors and state of the art equipment, caters to divers of all abilities, offering a variety of snorkel and diving experiences as well as the chance to complete a range of PADI certifications.
- Surfing and Watersports: An endless choice of watersports and aquatic excursions await at Gili Lankanfushi. Those wishing to upskill in the water will revel in the opportunity to partake in lessons in paddle boarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, catamaran sailing and water-skiing, accompanied by the island’s most experienced pros, or simply hire the equipment of their choice and take to the seas solo. If surfing is the main focus then Gili Lankanfushi’s world-class Tropicsurf instructors are on island 24/7, ready to help guests realise their surfing ambitions. Before heading out to the ocean, instructors will discuss the client’s current skill level and goals – whether they want to simply stand on the board or hang-ten, waft and reverse like Kelly Slater – creating a programme that is completely bespoke.
- Coral Lines Project: Sustainability is at the heart of Gili Lankanfushi’s vision, with an emphasis on preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and leaving only footprints behind. Thanks to the island’s Coral Lines project, guests can now get involved in the island’s sustainability initiatives during their stay. The Coral Lines project provides a nursery environment for new corals to grow, bolstering the house reef and monitoring health and survival types across coral genotypes. Guests can participate in the famed conservation project, where they will learn about coral reef restoration and rehabilitation, visit the nursing coral on ropes and even adopt a coral.
- Adventures for All Ages: With endless activities to keep the littlest in the brood happy while adults indulge at the spa, Gili Lankanfushi offers a true castaway adventure for all. Little ones can learn a new skill with sushi, smoothie and mocktail-making classes, or take part in arts and crafts with ocean life origami sessions, treasure hunts and sand-castle building. Active adventurers will delight in the chance to snorkel with the resort marine biologist, play badminton and practice yoga on the beach, learn to drive a buggy and enjoy bike rides around the island with their Mr/Mrs Friday and much more. For special bonding sessions the whole family can enjoy, there’s the chance to learn the art of Maldivian dancing and drums and movie nights in Gili’s very own jungle cinema, with themed snacks and cocktails to boot.
- Romantic Vow Renewals: A dedicated wedding concierge is on hand at Gili to help couples design their perfect vow renewal ceremony down to the smallest detail, either within the custom-built Wedding Champa pavilion or on the pristine palm beach, complete with an officiant, bridal bouquet, headband, groomsman pin and bridesmaid bouquet, with a traditional Maldivian BoduBeru Performance available on request. Couples will be able to customise everything from décor to dining, resulting in a truly unique and unforgettable day. From $3,980.
- Bespoke Sand Art Creations: Those wishing for a picture-perfect moment to accompany that special occasion can even enjoy a bespoke sand art creation from their Mr/Mrs Friday. As a special surprise, the team will craft a personalised sand art creation (from sand turtles to manta rays, family portraits and everything in between) complete with an individual message – a perfect photo opportunity.
Celebratory Destination Dining
For large groups looking to raise a toast over a memorable dining experience, Gili Lankanfushi’s destination-dining experiences await. From sensory supper in the dark with toes in the sand to a sommelier’s tasting table for wine lovers, there’s an unforgettable experience for all palates at the castaway paradise this season:
- Private Dinner in the Wine Cellar: The ultimate follow-up to a sunset cruise, lovebirds can opt for a private dinner in Gili Lankanfushi’s intimate wine cellar. As Gili Lankanfushi boasts three sommeliers available at all times, couples can enjoy daytime tastings in the cellar or at a chosen location on the island. With a delectable gourmet menu that changes on a monthly basis, guests can expect four sumptuous courses paired with the finest wines from around the world. From $230++ per person dinner only/$290++ per person with wine pairing.
- Supper Under the Stars: Gili Lankanfushi’s supper under the stars experience is a wonderfully romantic and completely private dining offering. Here, guests will enjoy a fine dining meal with champagne and wine pairings as they soak up the magical sunset and crystal-clear Maldivian constellations. Whether couples and families prefer a champagne toast on a lantern-lit private beach or an exotic feast served amid lush palms and birdsong, the experience is completely tailored to guests’ tastes and preferences. For the ultimate surprise, the team can even whisk guests away to a mystery location where they will enjoy the chef’s culinary creations in a dreamy setting. From $275++ per person.
- Sensory Supper in the Sand: The number one choice for the guest who has tasted it all (until now!), Gili Lankanfushi’s sensory supper sees diners transported to a secret island location to embark on a true gourmet adventure. With blindfolds at the ready, feet in the sand and cutlery in hand, guests are invited to take a leap of faith as their private chef serves up a surprise menu. Once the blindfolds are on, diners will experience a heightening of all other senses, from the inviting aromas of the food to the sound of the lapping waves, before they are invited to guess the dishes as they taste each flavour. Party for the tastebuds and fun for all ages, guaranteed. From $250++ per person.
- Sommelier’s Tasting Table: Featuring a different theme each week, the sommelier’s tasting table is a weekly event taking place in Gili Lankanfushi’s glorious wine cellar. Ranging from ‘A Voyage to South Africa’ to ‘Wines of Asia’, each session provides a unique experience and chance to uncover new favourites. Led by one of the island’s expert sommeliers, the host will guide guests through the many tasting notes, inviting them to guess the prices and even partake in some blind tasting. This is the perfect pre- or post- dinner sipping stop. From $85++ per person.
- Castaway Canapés & Cocktails Sunset Experience: One for the honeymooners (or proposers), couples or families toasting a special occasion, guests can savour delicious canapés and inventive cocktails as they watch the sun set on the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. A one-of-a-kind experience set on Gili Lankanfushi’s floating Castaway platform, this is the ultimate private experience in which to soak in the stunning setting with nearest and dearest. From $75++ per cocktail pitcher.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,070/$1,440, based on two adults sharing a Villa with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.
Family
Easter in Maldives: COMO Cocoa Island and Maalifushi launch curated festivities
This Easter, COMO Hotels and Resorts invites guests to celebrate the season of renewal with a week of curated island experiences at COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi. Set across two distinctive Maldivian islands, the Easter programmes combine family traditions, culinary highlights, ocean exploration and wellness experiences in some of the Indian Ocean’s most beautiful settings.
Running from March 30 to April 5, 2026, both resorts present Easter celebrations designed to bring families and couples together through meaningful experiences inspired by nature and the ocean.

At COMO Cocoa Island, the Easter Escape programme celebrates springtime with a series of relaxed island traditions and immersive experiences. Guests can enjoy Easter-themed breakfasts, creative workshops, family egg hunts and outdoor cinema evenings beneath the stars. The week culminates with a traditional Easter Roast Dinner featuring classic trimmings and seasonal desserts, while Ocean’s Harvest Seafood Market on Good Friday showcases the freshest daily catches in a vibrant ocean-inspired feast.
The celebrations are further enriched by a special COMO Journey in partnership with Ocean Culture Life, led by renowned photographer Matt Porteous and environmental advocate Tamsin Raine. Through storytelling sessions, ocean film nights and photography workshops, the residency invites guests to deepen their connection with the marine world and explore the power of ocean conservation through art and storytelling.

Further south in the pristine Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi presents A Maldivian Easter Escape, blending ocean adventures, culinary experiences and wellness. Families can join themed activities hosted by Play by COMO, including island picnics, colourful crafts and Easter egg hunts designed especially for younger guests.
Dining highlights throughout the week include special culinary events such as a Japanese Omakase dinner at Tai, while guests seeking relaxation can take part in wellness experiences at COMO Shambhala Retreat, including family spa treatments and holistic therapies.

The programme also features the Guardians of the Reef COMO Journey, led by Sharks4Kids founder and marine biologist Jillian Morris alongside Emmy Award-winning cinematographer Duncan Brake. This hands-on marine education experience introduces families to the fascinating world of sharks through guided reef explorations and conservation storytelling.
Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi, says: “Easter is a special time on our islands, when guests can slow down, reconnect with nature and spend meaningful time together. Across both resorts, we have created programmes that celebrate the ocean, creativity and family traditions—allowing guests to experience the Maldives in ways that are both joyful and enriching.”

Together, COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi offer two distinct yet complementary ways to experience Easter in the Maldives—whether through ocean storytelling and intimate island traditions in South Malé Atoll, or through adventure, wellness and marine discovery in the untouched waters of Thaa Atoll.
Family
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island introduces Roarsome-themed adventure programme
Ventive Hospitality has announced a pioneering collaboration between Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Roarsome Outdoor Kidswear, marking what is believed to be the first partnership of its kind between a luxury resort and a purpose-driven children’s outdoor apparel brand.
The initiative brings Roarsome’s adventure-led philosophy to one of the world’s most iconic island destinations, creating immersive outdoor experiences designed to encourage children to step away from screens and reconnect with nature.
Set against the extraordinary natural backdrop of the Maldives, the collaboration will introduce Roarsome-themed adventure experiences for young guests, including interactive treasure hunts across the island, imaginative exploration trails, and nature-inspired outdoor activities designed to spark curiosity about the ocean and the environment.
Children visiting the resort will be invited to participate in Roarsome Adventure Quests, using bespoke illustrated maps and storytelling-driven challenges that guide them across the island while discovering marine life, natural habitats and sustainability initiatives. The partnership also introduces exclusive Roarsome merchandise and adventure gear available at the resort, allowing families to bring a piece of the experience home.

“Hospitality has the power to shape experiences that stay with people for life especially young minds” said Ranjit Batra. “Roarsome’s mission to get kids off screens and back into the outdoors is both timely and important. Through Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, we are bringing that mission to life in one of the most extraordinary natural environments in the world. This first-of-its-kind collaboration shows how hospitality and purpose-driven brands can come together to shape a future rooted in purpose and sustainability, where we constantly strive to create a better world for the next generation’
Roarsome creates durable outdoor adventure clothing for children aged 1–10, with 90% of its products made from recycled plastic bottles using innovative textile technologies such as REPREVE® and FENC® TopGreen®.
Recognised among the BE100 2025 list of the world’s most innovative purpose-led brands, Roarsome has embedded sustainability across every aspect of its operations, from manufacturing and materials to packaging, fulfilment and resale.
For Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the partnership enhances its reputation as a destination where families can experience the wonders of the natural world — from vibrant coral reefs to unique island ecosystems — while inspiring young travellers to become future stewards of the planet.
For Ventive Hospitality, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting brands and collaborations that combine innovation, sustainability and meaningful global impact.
As Roarsome continues its international expansion, the collaboration at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island marks a significant step in bringing its spirit of adventure to families visiting one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.Located in the South Ari Atoll, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is globally recognised for its distinctive experiences, including the iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s first all-glass underwater dining venue, as well as its award-winning culinary offerings and immersive marine experiences.
The Easter takeover will further enhance the resort’s family offerings, bringing together adventure, storytelling and island discovery to create a memorable holiday experience for guests of all ages.

The Roarsome Treasure Hunt will be available to all guests on a complimentary basis from 2nd April 2026.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Roarsome are offering each family visiting between 31st March – 7th April 2026 a GBP 60 voucher for the Roarsome website to purchase a swimwear outfit to use at the Roarsome Runway show. They’ll also receive FREE accessories and goodies during the Roarsome Runway fashion show.
Little explorers stay and dine FREE (for up to two children under 12), with complimentary access to the Kid’s Club and family cooking classes. Includes 25% savings on return seaplane transfers, complimentary snorkelling and non-motorised watersports, a lagoon tour and a visit to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant for canapés.
Cooking
Anantara Veli unveils all-female Michelin guest chef series
An adult-only sanctuary set amid crystalline lagoon waters, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort unveils an inspired celebration of culinary artistry with its fourth Michelin Star Guest Chef Series, featuring an exceptional all-female lineup. Set within the tranquil beauty of the Maldives, acclaimed chefs from around the world bring their distinctive perspectives and Michelin-starred mastery to the island for a series of exclusive dining experiences.
From the sun-soaked coasts of Italy to the vibrant streets of Bombay and the refined ateliers of Paris, each residency offers guests the opportunity to savour refined flavours, creative expression and the evolving voice of women in global gastronomy, thoughtfully curated in Anantara Style.

Kick-starting the series back in January was Chef Caterina Ceraudo, whose Calabrian-rooted cuisine reflects the landscapes and traditions of Southern Italy through a contemporary lens. Known for her thoughtful approach to ingredients and refined techniques, her dishes honoured the connection between land, heritage and modern Italian creativity.

Chef Gabriela Chamorro brought the vibrant spirit of Dubai’s cosmopolitan dining scene to the island last February. Her residency showcased bold flavours and contemporary flair, with standout dishes such as a Buñuelo with tuna tartare, guava jam and black garlic aioli, balancing sweetness, richness and bright coastal notes in a single elegant creation.

Looking ahead, the series continues with an inspiring lineup of female chefs from around the world, each bringing their own perspective and culinary artistry to the island.
Among them is Chef Kelly Rangama, a Michelin-starred chef and winner of Top Chef France, known for weaving her Creole heritage into refined French cuisine. Her signature Rougail Saucisse elevates the beloved Réunion Island classic of smoky sausage, tomato and aromatic spices with contemporary finesse.

Also joining the series is Michelin-starred Chef Emily Roux, of the legendary Roux family. Known for her elegant and inventive French-inspired cuisine, Chef Emily has earned the recognition through her restaurant Caractère in London and her place within one of Britain’s most iconic culinary dynasties. Her Seared John Dory with beurre blanc and seasonal vegetables showcases her refined technique and mastery of balanced, expressive flavours.
From the land of the rising sun, Chef Nao Motohashi of Restaurant JULIA brings the precision and quiet elegance of Japanese cuisine to the series. Known for her refined approach to seasonal ingredients and meticulous technique, Chef Nao creates dishes that balance purity, harmony and visual artistry. Her cooking reflects the philosophy of Japanese gastronomy, where flavour, texture and presentation come together in thoughtful simplicity, offering guests a dining experience that is both delicate and deeply expressive.

Expanding the chef list from its usual Michelin-starred lineup, visiting chefs for the rest of the year include Chef Iris Jordan Martin of Restaurant Ansils in Aragon, Spain, winner of the 2025 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award, Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger of Riverine Rabbit in Birmingham, UK and Chef Niyati Rao of Ekaa in Bombay, India.
“We’re excited to have an all-female lineup this year. The culinary scene is a male-dominated industry, but there are many female chefs out there whom we believe deserves the same recognition and our team of chefs would benefit tremendously from this experience,” said Culinary Director, Chef Francis Purification.

He added, “Each residency features collaborative dinners with our chefs, cooking classes and a long table dinner, hosted by a member of our family, allowing guests to engage not only with delicious food but with the stories and inspirations behind it.”
For more information on the dinner, visit www.anantara.com or email fbcoordinator.amd@anantara.com.
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