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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Michelin-starred Chef Rico Birndt to lead culinary residency at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Published

12 hours ago

July 19, 2026

m@ldives

The essence of the Bavarian Alps meets the pristine shores of the Shaviyani Atoll as JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa partners with Michelin-starred and Green Michelin-starred Chef Rico Birndt for a spectacular culinary residency. On October 24,2026, guests are invited to “Savour the Moment” through an intimate dining experience that bring his acclaimed, eco-conscious artistry to the Maldives for the very first time.

Chef Birndt, the visionary behind Lake Chiemsee’s acclaimed Restaurant June, is renowned for creating contemporary, regionally rooted cuisine shaped by the natural rhythms of nature. As a recipient of both a Michelin Star for culinary excellence and a prestigious Green Michelin Star for his outstanding commitment to sustainability, his philosophy is anchored in a deep respect for seasonal cycles and zero-waste gastronomy. His kitchen relies on patience, fermentation, and meticulous craftsmanship. Herbs and vegetables grow directly on his restaurant’s terrace, developing depth and complexity through house-made miso, shoyu, and aging techniques. At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, this mindset perfectly matches the resort’s own JW Garden, a signature brand sanctuary where fresh produce, edible flowers, and tropical herbs are harvested steps from the kitchen. Together, the two entities celebrate a shared dedication to conscious luxury, bridging alpine clarity with island purity.

Guests are invited to experience an exclusive, one-night-only dining event at Kaashi Restaurant on October 24, 2026. Set high above the island canopy, this breathtaking treetop venue will play host to a special six-course set menu. Chef Rico will personally orchestrate a symphony of flavours, beautifully marrying the vibrant bounty of the Indian Ocean with his precise, ingredient-led alpine cuisine. Throughout the evening, Chef Rico will engage in live culinary storytelling, personally guiding the guests through the inspiration behind each creation while highlighting his eco-conscious sustainability practices and the mindful sourcing of every ingredient.

As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members will also have the chance to bid for an exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments: a Two-Night Culinary Experience with Chef Rico Birndt and a Four-Night Stay at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa from October 21 to 26, 2026, for the bid winner and their guest. The immersive journey begins with an interactive Garden to Table cooking class utilizing fresh, estate-grown ingredients, followed by an intimate lunch where Chef Rico will share the unique stories, inspirations, and philosophy behind his signature dishes. The highlight of the experience is an exclusive 10-course wine-pairing dinner on October 23, personally presented by Chef Rico at RIHA. RIHA—meaning “curry” in Dhivehi, is the resort’s intimate, open-air destination dining concept, blending heritage flavors with modern culinary artistry in a secluded beachfront setting.

This ultimate Maldivian getaway also includes two nights in a luxurious Overwater Pool Villa and two nights in a Beach Pool Villa, daily breakfast at Aailaa, a rejuvenating 50-minute Aromatherapy Ritual at the Spa by JW, and shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport—masterfully combining culinary discovery with indulgent relaxation.

“I am incredibly excited to bring the culinary philosophy of Restaurant June to the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa,” says Chef Rico Birndt. “Modern luxury lies in authenticity and a true connection to the land. Bringing our approach to fermentation and garden sourcing to an environment as beautiful as the island allows us to create imaginative creations infused with local ingredients, crafted to surprise and delight our guests.”

“This collaboration with Chef Rico Birndt reflects our deep commitment to mindful luxury, holistic well-being, and culinary excellence,” says Mohit Dembla, General Manager. “We are thrilled to invite our guests to be wholly present for this journey, to connect with the story behind each ingredient, and to experience the thoughtful, sustainable hospitality that defines the JW Marriott brand.”

Tucked away in the tranquil Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a multigenerational sanctuary where comfort, creativity, and exceptional service come together seamlessly. From curated experiences to thoughtful touches throughout, every stay is designed to inspire connection and lasting memories.

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

Family

Outdoor adventures, football sessions planned for Velaa Kids Week

Published

13 hours ago

July 19, 2026

m@ldives

Velaa Private Island will host Velaa Kids Week from 3 to 9 August 2026, bringing together outdoor activities, team challenges and sports sessions for young guests.

The programme will be delivered in partnership with Sharky & George, which specialises in activities and experiences for children. It has been designed to encourage creativity, curiosity and confidence through games and island-based exploration.

Activities will include outdoor adventures, interactive games, team challenges and opportunities to discover the resort’s natural surroundings. The programme will also provide children with opportunities to form friendships and develop teamwork skills during their stay.

World champion freestyle footballer Tobias Becs will join this year’s event, adding a sporting component to the programme. Becs will conduct sessions and demonstrations in which children can learn freestyle football skills, take part in physical activities and try new techniques.

His involvement is intended to introduce young guests to freestyle football in an accessible format, with sessions combining demonstrations, participation and play.

Velaa Kids Week forms part of the resort’s family programming and will offer a scheduled series of activities throughout the seven-day event.

Cooking

Japanese techniques meet Peruvian flavours in Tavaru’s new concept

Published

13 hours ago

July 19, 2026

m@ldives

Velaa Private Island has introduced a new dining concept at Tavaru, combining Nikkei cuisine with the restaurant’s teppanyaki experience.

The revised concept brings together Japanese cooking techniques and Peruvian flavours, with dishes prepared and presented in front of guests. Seasonal ingredients will form the basis of the menu, with an emphasis on freshness and live preparation.

Under the new format, guests will be able to curate their own menu according to their tastes and preferences. The resort said the approach is intended to provide a more personalised dining experience while retaining teppanyaki as the central element of the meal.

The concept reflects the foundations of Nikkei cuisine, which developed through the interaction of Japanese culinary traditions and Peruvian ingredients. At Tavaru, these influences will be incorporated into dishes prepared at the teppanyaki counter.

Tavaru is also one of Velaa Private Island’s landmarks. The structure rises 22 metres above the island, with 110 steps leading to its dining space. Guests may also reach the restaurant by glass lift.

A wine cellar located beneath Tavaru houses more than 1,000 labels, including vintages and bottles sourced from several wine-producing regions. The resort describes it as one of the largest collections of its kind in South Asia.