News

Unforgettable Maldives escapes this Eid at Centara Hotels & Resorts

Published

1 year ago

May 22, 2025

Eid Al Adha is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to take a well-deserved break. Set against a backdrop of turquoise waters and powder-soft beaches, and blending Centara’s signature Thai hospitality with authentic Maldivian charm, these four unique properties, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, promise to take your celebration to new heights. Just a short flight from the UAE, travellers can bask in immersive island experiences, underwater adventures, exquisite dining, rejuvenating wellness experiences, and so much more.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

As the newest addition to Centara’s Maldivian portfolio, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives completes The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a multi-island destination that promises a truly distinctive holiday experience. A short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, this refined beachfront resort offers unparalleled privacy, elegantly appointed villas, world-class dining, and immersive activities set against the natural splendour of the Indian Ocean. Guests can also unwind at SPA Cenvaree Retreat, where locally harvested oils, restorative herbs, and centuries-old Thai and Ayurvedic healing traditions come together in rituals designed to soothe the senses and restore inner balance.

To celebrate Eid Al Adha, 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:

Upgrade to the Half Board Plus meal plan when booking a Room with Breakfast
Club access
Complimentary bubbly at Sunset Social on the first evening of the stay, with 2 glasses per 2 guests
One couple’s spa treatment at Cenvaree Retreat
Choice of a nighttime handline fishing trip or sunset dolphin cruise
Additional 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members

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, this underwater-themed resort is part of Centara’s renowned Mirage brand and offers a vibrant, family-centric escape filled with endless entertainment, diverse dining, a dedicated kids’ club, Games Room, and the acclaimed SPA Cenvaree alongside a colourful Candy Spa for children. At the heart of the resort is a spectacular outdoor water complex featuring a swimming pool, kids’ pool, lazy river, and playful splash zone, making it an unforgettable destination for guests of all ages.

Experience an unforgettable family escape this Eid Al Adha with a limited-time Stay 3, Pay 2 offer at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. Savour every moment with every third night complimentary between now and November as you 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 Candy Spa.

Don’t miss out and make the most of your well-deserved long weekend, Maldivian style, with boundless fun and adventure for guests of all ages at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

Booking dates: From now until June 30^th

Stay dates: From now until November 30^th, 2025

Offer: Every third night is complimentary from now until November! – Stay 3 Pay 2, Stay 6 Pay 4, Stay 9 Pay 6 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. Relish a secluded island escape as you reconnect and rejuvenate in a private beachfront villa, savour a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach, or simply soak up the sun beside the sparkling lagoon. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, or groups of friends, guests can also explore vibrant marine life through snorkelling or enjoy resort-wide activities, beach games, and water sports.

This Eid Al Adha, 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 unforgettable 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 escape 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

Escape to Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, where Thai-inspired hospitality meets the raw beauty of a pristine island surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Choose from 112 beachfront and overwater villas, then dive into unforgettable adventures like snorkelling along the colourful house reef and exploring a nearby shipwreck teeming with nurse sharks, rays, and lemon sharks. The expert dive centre team is on hand to guide couples, families, and adventure seekers alike through these wonders, all while sharing ways to help preserve the reef’s natural ecosystem.

Escape the ordinary with an unforgettable stay at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, with 45% off Flexible Rates for CentaraThe1 members and 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 this Eid Al Adha.

Booking dates: From now until January 14^th, 2026

Stay dates: From now until January 14^th, 2026

Offer:

45% off Flexible Rates on all meal plans for CentaraThe1 Members
30% off on seaplane transfers for all persons with a minimum stay of 2 to 6 nights until January 10^th, 2026 all
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 snorkelling gear, pedalo, and Kayak

For bookings and more information, please click here.

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Drink

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll introduces Omakase cocktail experience

Published

2 days ago

July 16, 2026

m@ldives

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has introduced its all-new Omakase Cocktail Menu at Nikkei Bar, an innovative beverage experience that reimagines the traditional omakase concept through the art of mixology. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of entrusting the experience to the expertise of the creator, the new menu invites guests on a thoughtfully curated journey of unexpected flavors, refined craftsmanship, and contemporary creativity.

Developed by the resort’s talented mixology team, the Omakase Cocktail Menu showcases a collection of distinctive creations, each designed to surprise and delight the senses. Every cocktail tells its own story through carefully selected ingredients, bold flavor combinations, and elegant presentation, reflecting Nikkei Bar’s signature blend of Japanese precision and Peruvian influence. Highlights from the collection include Wasabi Was Good, a vibrant interpretation that balances delicate heat with refreshing citrus notes, Kumo, inspired by the lightness and serenity of drifting clouds, and Pink Hanami, a floral creation celebrating the beauty of Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season. Guests can also discover Petals of Kyoto, an elegant expression of delicate botanicals, Shisho Garden, which captures the freshness of aromatic herbs, and Moon Over Tokyo, a sophisticated cocktail inspired by the city’s vibrant evenings.

The journey continues with Shizuku (Droplet), a refreshing composition showcasing purity and balance, Thai Green Curry, an adventurous cocktail that transforms the beloved Southeast Asian dish into an unexpectedly harmonious drinking experience, and Kakuremi (Hidden Taste), a layered creation that reveals new dimensions of flavor with every sip.

“We are delighted to introduce our new Omakase Cocktail Menu at Nikkei Bar,” said Arup Chakraborty, Director of Food and Beverage. “Each cocktail has been thoughtfully crafted to offer guests a memorable sensory journey, combining innovation, storytelling, and exceptional craftsmanship. It reflects our commitment to creating distinctive dining and drinking experiences that celebrate creativity while embracing the spirit of contemporary luxury.”

Available exclusively at Nikkei Bar, the Omakase Cocktail Menu offers an immersive exploration of flavor where every cocktail is carefully curated to surprise, inspire, and elevate the guest experience. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, this latest addition further reinforces JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort’s dedication to delivering exceptional culinary experiences through thoughtful innovation and mindful luxury.

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

Cooking

Just Veg Festival returns to Atmosphere Kanifushi for sixth edition

Published

2 days ago

July 16, 2026

m@ldives

Atmosphere Kanifushi celebrates the return of its signature Just Veg Festival, marking a milestone 6th anniversary edition from 04 to 09 October 2026. This landmark celebration reaffirms the resort’s position as a pioneer in vegetarian fine dining in the Maldives, bringing together global culinary storytelling, immersive island experiences, and conscious gastronomy.

This year’s festival is curated around the theme “Family Style”, led by acclaimed Chef Fabrizio. Rooted in conviviality, simplicity, and exceptional ingredients, the concept transforms dining into a shared-table journey where guests are invited to gather, connect, and indulge in thoughtfully crafted vegetarian dishes designed to be enjoyed together, reflecting the warmth and joy of communal dining.

Chef Fabrizio is known for his refined approach to vegetarian cuisine, combining Mediterranean roots with global influences. His ingredient-led philosophy focuses on simplicity, balance, and flavour, elevating vegetables through techniques such as fire cooking and fermentation.

“Fine dining is changing,” says Chef Fabrizio Marino. “Today’s guests are searching for something more meaningful than complexity. They want authenticity, generosity and experiences that bring people together. Family Style is my interpretation of contemporary luxury—a table where exceptional ingredients are shared with warmth, conversation and genuine hospitality. The Maldives, with its natural bounty and rich cultural influences, provides the perfect setting for that story.”

Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager at Atmosphere Kanifushi, adds, “As we celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Just Veg Festival, we are proud to continue shaping meaningful culinary experiences in the Maldives. This milestone edition not only reinforces our commitment to innovative, ingredient-led dining, but also positions Atmosphere Kanifushi as a destination where gastronomy, sustainability, and immersive guest journeys come together seamlessly.”

Blending Mediterranean sensibilities with vibrant Indian Ocean flavours, the menu showcases seasonal produce through techniques such as fire cooking, smoking, citrus infusions, and herb-forward preparations, with highlights including shared antipasti, fire and smoke creations, regional inspirations, and family-style desserts. As part of the ongoing commitment to enriching guest experiences under the Kanifushi Plan, the Just Veg Festival brings thoughtfully curated culinary moments to all in-house guests.

As a key highlight in the resort’s calendar and a prelude to the festive season, the Just Veg Festival reinforces Atmosphere Kanifushi’s commitment to innovative, sustainable, and immersive gastronomy—celebrating six years of culinary excellence, the 2026 edition promises to be the most immersive yet—bringing people together through the universal language of food, in one of the world’s most breathtaking island settings. Guests can now book their stay to be part of this exceptional island celebration.

Culture

Where Maldivian culture lives on: Inside Athireege at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Published

3 days ago

July 15, 2026

m@ldives

How Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Is Keeping Maldivian Culture Alive: The smell reaches you before anything else: warm coconut oil, faintly sweet, drifting from a low-roofed beach house. Inside, a woman works patiently with her hands, pressing, turning and drawing the oil slowly from the flesh, just as it has been done for generations on these islands. Standing on a tiny coral island in the South Nilandhe Atoll, time seems to lose its importance.

This is Athireege, the cultural heart of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within Sun Siyam. It is not a museum, nor a demonstration staged for the camera. It is a living sanctuary where the crafts, rituals and flavours of traditional Maldivian life are practised by hand, by voice and by fire. Here, an immersive cultural journey invites guests to discover the traditions, flavours and stories that continue to shape island life, offering a deeper connection to the Maldives beyond its postcard-perfect beaches.

Once a week, guests are invited to experience Maldivian Roots Day, a journey that reveals the customs, skills and traditions that have shaped island life for generations. Visitors leave with more than memories of turquoise waters they leave with a deeper understanding of the place they have called home, even if only for a few days.

The experience begins with a hands-on coconut oil making class, uncovering traditional crafting techniques first-hand at Athireege. Authenticity is the soul of this space, where traditional island living is brought to life using real, handcrafted tools. Guests can run their fingers over the very techniques that Maldivians have used to sustain island life for centuries whether witnessing the intricate art of palm weaving known as Fangi Vinun, trying their hand at coir rope making, known in Dhivehi as Roanu Veshun or playing traditional mancala style games like Ohvalhu Gondi Kulhun.

As the afternoon softens into evening, pandan-infused tea is served alongside sweet and savoury local delicacies. As daylight fades, stories take their place. History of Maldives, real experiences with island tales and memories of life before tourism are shared aloud, reviving a tradition that once passed history from one generation to the next.

The centre of this cultural journey is the Malaafaih, a magnificent, traditional Maldivian banquet. Translating roughly to “abundance,” the Malaafaih was historically prepared for grand celebrations, weddings, and community gatherings. This carefully curated feast invites guests to gather, share, and experience authentic local flavours in a deeply communal setting, honouring the true spirit of island hospitality.

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, the Malaafaih is celebrated both at sunrise, as a traditional breakfast, and beneath the stars as an evening feast. The menu changes with the season and the day’s catch, but its spirit remains the same, dishes are shared, conversations unfold naturally, and strangers often leave the table feeling like friends. Whether beginning the day with a traditional breakfast or gathering beneath the stars for an evening feast, guests can completely immerse themselves in this rare culinary ritual, tailored exclusively to their stay.

At a time when travellers increasingly seek meaningful connections with the places they visit, Athireege offers something becoming increasingly rare: traditions that are still lived rather than performed. Long after the final stories have been told and the feast has ended, it is often these moments not simply the beaches or the villas that guests remember most. At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, space has always been made for the culture that made these islands worth travelling to in the first place.

To explore or to book your stay, visit Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. For exclusive offers, join Siyam Rewards and book direct at sunsiyam.com.