News

Fall in love with Maldives this summer with tailored escapes at Centara resorts

Published

1 year ago

April 29, 2025

Summer is almost here, and these four stunning Centara properties in the Maldives make the perfect escape for GCC travellers. Just a short flight from the UAE, each resort – Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection – offers a unique, immersive experience to suit every kind of guest. Set against a backdrop of turquoise waters and soft sandy beaches, and combining Centara’s signature Thai hospitality with authentic Maldivian charm, your unforgettable summer getaway awaits.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

As the newest addition to Centara’s Maldivian properties, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives completes The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a multi-island destination that creates a truly unique holiday experience. Home to a variety of elegantly designed accommodations, this serene sanctuary seamlessly blends Thai-inspired hospitality with the stunning natural beauty of the Indian Ocean. Guests can indulge in world-class dining, experience holistic wellness at SPA Cenvaree Retreat, and enjoy a wealth of activities, making it a haven for those seeking both serenity and adventure.

To celebrate the resort’s official opening, Centara invites guests to secure their next escape with its Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Available on bookings made until 30^th June 2025 for stays between now and 15^th October 2025, enjoy a relaxing 4-night stay while only paying for 3, or extend your escape with Stay 7, Pay 5. To make your stay that extra bit special, this incredible offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary bubbly and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, plus extra perks for CentaraThe1 members and more.

Booking dates: From now until June 30^th

Stay dates: From now until October 15^th, 2025

Offer: Pay for 3 nights and stay for 4 OR pay for 5 and stay for 7

Additional benefits:

Complimentary meal plan upgrade
Club access
Complimentary bubbly and couples’ massages
Choice of stunning ocean excursion

For bookings and more information, please click here.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is also situated within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, completing this multi-island wonderland. In contrast with its sister property, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers a vibrant and lively family-centric destination. This, underwater-themed resort marks Centara’s fourth resort in its renowned family-focused Mirage brand, promising a fun and engaging experience for guests of all ages.

Experience an unforgettable family escape this summer with a special introductory offer at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. Enjoy up to 25% off best available rates and settle into one of 145 stylish, beach-inspired rooms, each featuring a dining table and a private outdoor bathtub, jacuzzi, or pool. Dive into non-stop fun with thrilling activities, an exciting kids club, a tropical lazy river, and relaxing treatments at the world-class SPA Cenvaree, plus playful mini treatments for little ones at the colourful Candy Spa.

Adding to the family fun, up to 2 kids aged 11 and under can stay, play, and dine for free. What’s more, to ensure a seamless summer getaway from arrival to departure, enjoy complimentary airport transfers. On top of this, CentaraThe1 Members will receive X3 CentaraThe1 points on their stay.

Don’t miss out – beat the heat, Maldivian style, with boundless fun and adventure for guests of all ages at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

Booking dates: From now until April 30^th

Stay dates: From now until October 31^st, 2025

Offer:

Special room rates
Up to 2 children aged 11 and under stay, play, and eat for free
Free roundtrip transfers*
An additional 15% discount for CentaraThe1 Members with X3 CentaraThe1 points
Access to an array of family-centric attractions, restaurants, and more

For bookings and more information, please click here.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

Accessible by a short speedboat ride, this idyllic island retreat is an adults-only haven, blending indulgence and tranquillity in equal measure. Reconnect, and rejuvenate in a private beachfront villa, savour a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach, or simply soak up the summer sun beside the sparkling lagoon. Guests can also explore vibrant marine life through snorkelling, or enjoy resort-wide activities, beach games, and water sports.

Cool off this summer season as you reboot, recharge, and rejuvenate with a one-of-a-kind getaway at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. This adults-only island paradise invites guests to bask in the Maldivian sunshine with 30% off on all villas and 45% off for CentaraThe1 Members. To begin your summer sojourn in style, guests can enjoy 50% off on transfers for stays of 2 to 4 nights, plus guests staying in an opulent Overwater Villa will be treated to a bottle of sparkling grape and a fruit basket upon arrival.

To make your escape even more unforgettable, savour the resort’s world-class dining experiences with 20% off food and drinks throughout your stay or savour a succulent 3-course poolside dinner, available for guests on Half Board and above. Additionally, take advantage of 10% off water sports and excursions alongside complimentary snorkelling, pedalo, and kayaking, allowing you to make cherished memories with loved ones. Finally, a visit to Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives would not be complete without a pampering session at SPA Cenvaree, where guests can enjoy buy one, get one on select treatments.

Book now and spoil yourself and a loved one with an unparalleled summer sojourn at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.

Booking dates: From now until January 10^th, 2026

Stay dates: From now until January 10^th, 2026

Offer:

45% off on all villas for CentaraThe1 Members

30% off for non-members
50% off on transfers with a minimum 2 nights to a maximum 4 nights
Sparkling grape & fruit basket upon arrival in Overwater villas
One 3-course poolside dinner under the stars for Half Board Plus and above
Buy one and get one on select spa treatments
Special evening turndown service with bed decoration on arrival night
20% discount on Food & Beverage from all outlets’ a la carte menu
10% discount on water sports and excursions
Complimentary use of Snorkelling gear, pedalo, and kayak

For bookings and more information, please click here.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection

Embark on a summer escape like no other at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, where Maldivian charm meets Thai-inspired hospitality in a setting of natural beauty and award-winning house reef . Choose from 112 spacious beachfront and overwater villas, each offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and a serene space to unwind. From colourful house reef snorkelling to a fascinating shipwreck dive site, this resort offers unforgettable experiences for couples, families, and adventure seekers alike.

Escape the ordinary with an unforgettable stay at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, with 40% off villas for CentaraThe1 members, 30% off for non-members, and an additional 30% off seaplane transfers, as well as endless perks and exciting experiences around every corner. From the moment you arrive to find handmade chocolates and fresh tropical fruit in your villa, you’ll know you’re somewhere special. Spend your days snorkelling vibrant reefs, paddling through crystal-clear waters, or exploring the island’s lush surroundings, then unwind with a buy-one-get-one spa treatment or sip cocktails with 20% off across all à la carte dining venues.

Families can look forward to a complimentary picnic lunch, while couples enjoy an intimate three-course dinner under the stars. Alternatively, enhance your stay further with floating breakfasts served in your private pool, beautifully decorated beds on arrival night, and generous savings on water sports, and more. With free stays and meals for little ones aged 6 and under, and complimentary access to snorkelling gear, kayaks, and pedalos, this island retreat offers everything you need for a truly magical Maldivian escape.

Booking dates: From now until January 10^th, 2026

Stay dates: From now until January 10^th, 2026

Offer:

45% off for CentaraThe1 Member on all villas
30% off on all villas for non-members
30% discount on seaplane transfers for all guests with a minimum stay of 2 to 6 nights
Homemade chocolates & fruit basket upon arrival in Overwater and Club Pool Villas
One free picnic lunch – for the whole family (Half Board Plus and above) or one 3-course private beach dinner under the stars for couples (Half Board Plus and above)
Buy one and get one on select spa treatments

Kids 6 years and below Stay & Eat for Free as per the meal plan booked by parents
20% special discount on indulging floating breakfast (Only in Club pool villas)
Special evening turn-down service with bed decoration on arrival night
20% discount on Food & Beverages in all outlets on the à la carte menu
10% discount on Water Sports and Excursions
Complimentary use of Snorkeling gear, pedalo and Kayak

For bookings and more information, please click here.

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Soneva reveals star-studded calendar of residencies through end of 2026

Published

28 minutes ago

September 16, 2026

m@ldives

Soneva has unveiled the latest Soneva Stars calendar, seeing out the year with a line-up spanning space, sport, gastronomy, craftsmanship and wellbeing. Across Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret, guests are invited to train, learn and interact with remarkable personalities who have spent their careers at the top of their fields.

Among the year’s headline residences is Tim Peake, the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station. Peake will host talks, interactive sessions and stargazing experiences at Soneva Fushi from 19 to 29 December, sharing insights from his extraordinary career in space exploration beneath some of the clearest night skies on Earth.

The sporting calendar will welcome a series of internationally recognised athletes. A Premier League record goalscorer and former Manchester United striker, Andy Cole will lead football sessions from 25 October to 1 November, while former world No. 8 Marcos Baghdatis (25 October to 5 November) and current ATP star Karen Khachanov (12 to 22 November) will host tennis clinics and coaching experiences, giving guests a rare chance to train with players who have competed at the sport’s highest level. In September, Olympic medallist and world champion decathlete Leo Neugebauer will lead a session at Soneva Fushi’s outdoor gym as part of his residency.

In the world of wellbeing, Sarah Chapman, the facialist whose client list reads like a who’s who of the beauty world, will bring her treatments to Soneva Secret from 27 October to 5 November, offering guests the kind of skin expertise usually reserved for a waiting list.

The culinary programme features acclaimed chefs including Chantelle Nicholson (22 October to 6 November), known for her ingredient-led cooking and commitment to sustainable gastronomy, and champions of elevated Scandinavian dining, Niclas Jönsson (22 October to 6 November) and Fiskebar’s Jamie Lee (14 to 26 December), who will present special experiences throughout the season.

The Soneva Stars calendar runs even deeper. Astronomers Dr James Gilbert and Dr Lars Lindberg Christensen amplify the resorts’ celestial programme, while glass artists Adam Holtzinger and Susan Špiranović lead a residency at Soneva Fushi’s glass studio. Enhancing the wellbeing offering, guests can work with osteopath Hortensia Corredoira, East Asian healing specialist Alexander Scrimgeour, performance coach JP Liendi, Bodyism’s Nathalie Schyllert and wellbeing expert Richie Norton, alongside football freestyler Marcel Gurk, across residencies running through to the end of the year.

“The most memorable moments unfold through the power of human connection,” said Neil Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of Soneva. “With Soneva Stars, our guests train with Andy Cole, sit with Tim Peake to find out what it’s truly like up there and get a fresh taste of the ocean’s bounty with Jamie Lee. These experiences spark conversations and memories that stay with them long after they leave.”

No two Soneva Stars seasons are ever the same. Each residency is an expression of Just What Matters: meaningful connections, new perspectives and moments of genuine wonder and discovery.

Guests can explore the full Soneva Stars calendar to book remarkable experiences.

News

‘Rise of the Phoenix’ brings week-long Halloween celebration to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Published

30 minutes ago

September 16, 2026

m@ldives

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, invites guests to celebrate Mid-Autumn as it unfolds into Halloween with Rise of the Phoenix, a week-long island celebration from October 26 to November 1, 2026.

Inspired by the mythical Phoenix and its journey of transformation, resilience, and renewal, the resort reimagines Halloween through the colours and natural beauty of the Maldives. Phoenix feathers emerge through tropical greens evolving into warm autumn colours, setting the scene for a programme of family discovery, gastronomy, creativity, wellness, and ocean experiences. Born from fire, the Phoenix becomes the thread connecting the week, as feathers, flames, and nature transform the island into a world of imagination.

Halloween Science and Discovery with TheDadLab

At the heart of the family programme, Sergei Urban, visionary creator of TheDadLab, returns to the resort for an exclusive Halloween residency. Known for turning science into playful, hands-on discovery, Sergei will bring the spirit of the Phoenix to life for young guests through a series of interactive experiments at Ritz Kids.

From October 28 to 31, a different laboratory opens each afternoon, from the Candy Lab, exploring the science behind favourite Halloween sweets, to the Haunted Lab, transforming science into a friendly graveyard of ghosts, wiggly worms, and spooky surprises. Designed for children ages 4 to 12, the experiences invite families to discover Halloween through curiosity, imagination, and learning through play.

Beyond TheDadLab, younger guests follow the Phoenix across the island through a rich calendar of family experiences, from floral pumpkin carving and mystery treats to creative workshops and the long-awaited Phoenix Gala Fashion Show.

Three-Michelin-Starred Excellence Arrives in the Maldives

The island’s culinary scene rises alongside the Phoenix with the arrival of Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet of the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London. For two exclusive evenings, the acclaimed chef brings his contemporary French haute cuisine to the Maldives, defined by distinctive flavours, exceptional ingredients, and unexpected twists.

On October 28, The Art of Savoir-Faire takes over La Locanda for an intimate Michelin Table by Chef Blondet, presenting his signature cuisine through a refined set menu inspired by the culinary philosophy that has earned Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester three Michelin stars. The following evening, A Dialogue of Flavours unfolds at Summer Pavilion, the resort’s four-star Forbes Travel Guide-rated Cantonese restaurant, where Chef Blondet joins Chef David for an exclusive four-hands dinner.

French refinement meets Cantonese artistry through a collaborative menu and interactive culinary moments, creating a dialogue between two distinctive culinary expressions in the lantern-inspired ambiance of the overwater restaurant.

The Rise of the Phoenix

Across the week, guests are invited to join a collection of experiences inspired by movement, nature, creativity and renewal. They can explore the island’s underwater world through coral planting, reef discovery, and snorkelling; reconnect through restorative yoga and spa rituals; or embrace creativity through seasonal workshops. The celebration culminates on October 31, when guests gather at Recreation Beach for the Phoenix Carnival, bringing together festive flavours and live entertainment in a vibrant finale. Against the Maldivian night sky, the Phoenix finally rises, completing its journey from embers to rebirth and marking a new beginning for the season.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.

Cooking

BBM’s Studio of Culinary Excellence to debut Masterclass programme with Chef Romain Dupeyre

Published

12 hours ago

September 15, 2026

m@ldives

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) welcomes Chef Romain Dupeyre, executive chef and founder of Michelin-starred Racines in Hong Kong, to the Maldives.

On 20 September, Chef Dupeyre will lead the inaugural masterclass at the ‘Studio of Culinary Excellence’, a model kitchen donated by BBM to the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) at The Maldives National University (MNU).

The masterclass will feature a live cooking demonstration followed by an interactive food appreciation session. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.

After the masterclass, Chef Dupeyre will head to Atmosphere Sangeli to host a guest culinary event.

A native of Nice on the Mediterranean coast in the South of France, Chef Dupeyre began his career at 15 as an apprentice at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, La Chèvre d’Or. He later worked in Ireland, Paris, Melbourne and Bangkok before moving to Hong Kong in 2019, where he was the chef de cuisine at Petrus in the Island Shangri-La.

In November 2022, he founded Racines, a restaurant inspired by the culinary traditions of southern France. Racines earned its first Michelin star in 2024 and retained the distinction in 2025 and 2026.

The Studio of Culinary Excellence is an initiative by the Chairman and Managing Director of BBM, Mr Ismail Hilmy. The Studio gives culinary students access to world-class facilities and training aligned to international industry standards.

Bringing leading international chefs to the studio is central to this initiative. Chef Dupeyre’s visit marks the first step in that programme.

BBM is a leading importer and distributor serving Maldivian hospitality, food-service, FMCG retail and consumer-durables sectors. The company represents a broad portfolio of international brands and provides products and solutions to businesses throughout the Maldives.

Through its philosophy, “…because tomorrows start today,” BBM supports initiatives that promote long-term industry development, professional growth and opportunities for the people and communities connected to the Maldivian hospitality sector.