News
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with cultural immersion
This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites guests to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with a deeply immersive two-day program that blends tradition, storytelling, and rare cultural craft. As part of the resort’s signature ‘Discover Local’ initiative, guests will experience some authentic side of the Maldives through culinary rituals, folklore, a Joali and palm leaves weaving sessions.
A Rare Tradition Shared: Joali Weaving
On Saturday, 7 June 2025, guests will take part in a Joali weaving workshop, where they’ll learn to create traditional coconut rope items using age-old island techniques. Joali weaving, typically passed down in island households and rarely demonstrated in hospitality settings, becomes a tactile way for guests to engage with living Maldivian heritage.
“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions,” said Mohamed Irshad, Front Office Manager. “Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life.”
Eid Buffet and the Maali Parade
The celebration begins on Friday, 6 June, with a special Eid buffet inspired by Maldivian culinary heritage. Guests will enjoy refined versions of festive dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, a tribute to the holiday and the island’s vibrant flavors.
The following evening features the Maali Parade, a vivid, resort-led folklore procession inspired by masked figures from traditional Maldivian storytelling.
Maldivian Sandbank Picnic: A Culinary Ritual by the Sea
One of the most visually striking and sensory-rich experiences during Eid but available throughout the year, is the Sandbank Picnic. Set on a secluded sandbank, guests are welcomed with a traditional tray placed on top of tropical leaves, filled with Maldivian short eats, including:
- Gulha – Coconut and tuna fritters
- Kulhi Kaajaa – Spicy tuna bites
- Bajiya – Pastries with sweet-spicy fillings
- Rihaakuru Kaajaa – Deep, rich fish paste fritters
- Dry Fish – Smoked tuna strips
- Bodi – Coconut sweets with toddy syrup
Served with fresh coconut water, this picnic is more than a meal; it’s a cultural tasting ceremony that connects guests to the island’s culinary soul.
Year-Round Discover Local Experiences
Eid is part of a broader commitment to cultural programming at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo.
Through its Discover Local program, the resort offers guests:
- Traditional sunset fishing
- Palm leaf art
- Cultural cocktails with a local twist, crafted using indigenous ingredients and inspired by island flavors
Guests can explore a rotating menu of signature Maldivian-inspired cocktails, including:
- Maldivian Green – Gin, curry leaf-infused syrup, lemon, soda water
- Ocean Breeze – Butterfly pea flower vodka, peach schnapps, pineapple, coconut syrup
- Green Kooddoo – Rum, Malibu, pandan leaf juice, pineapple, coconut syrup
- Mirus Rita – Maldivian chili-infused tequila, lime juice, sugar, tobacco
- Coco Kurumba – Tamarind juice, whisky, coconut milk, passion fruit syrup
These handcrafted beverages add a new dimension to local discovery, allowing guests to taste the islands in an entirely new way.
Whether joining for Eid or visiting any time of year, guests at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo are invited to experience the Maldives not just as a destination, but as a living culture.
Awards
Multiple wins for JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll at World Luxury Travel Awards 2025
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is celebrating its success at the 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards, where it has been honoured with multiple titles, including Luxury Beach Resort and Luxury Villa Resort. These accolades reaffirm its position as one of the world’s distinguished luxury destinations and highlight the resort’s dedication to exceptional service, innovative design and memorable guest experiences in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Nestled in the Emboodhu Finolhu lagoon, just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, the five-star resort received further prestigious recognition across several categories, strengthening its reputation as a premier luxury destination in the region. The resort was named Best Luxury New Resort in the Indian Ocean, Best Luxury Family Beach Resort in the Maldives, and Best Luxury Island Resort as a Global Winner.
Complementing the resort’s success, Spa by JW also achieved international acclaim, receiving three awards that underscore its harmonious blend of tranquillity, contemporary innovation and exceptional design. The spa was recognised for Best Interior Design in the Indian Ocean, Best Luxury Oceanview Spa in the Indian Ocean, and Best Luxury Overwater Spa as a Global Winner.
“These honours reflect our team’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and personalised service to every guest,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. “At our resort, modern luxury is complemented by authentic Maldivian warmth, where every detail — from design to service — is thoughtfully crafted to create memorable moments and meaningful connections.”
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort offers a serene island escape with expansive overwater and beach pool villas, world-class dining and the award-winning Spa by JW, where guests are invited to unwind in complete serenity while enjoying panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Established in 2006, the World Luxury Travel Awards celebrate excellence across all sectors of the luxury travel and tourism industry. The recognition of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort among this year’s global winners further reinforces its status as one of the world’s leaders in luxury hospitality.
Drink
Midweek sundowners: Canareef Resort Maldives’ ‘Sunset Cocktails’ light up Wednesday evenings
Every Wednesday evening, Canareef Resort Maldives comes alive with its “Sunset Cocktails” experience – a relaxed blend of refreshment, music and ocean views that invites all guests to savour the island’s golden hour.
Guests are welcomed to an elegant beachfront setting where the sky meets the sea in a vivid display of colour. Complimentary cocktails and snacks are served, thoughtfully prepared to delight the senses and complement the tranquil surroundings. Whether unwinding after a day of activities or simply enjoying the island ambience, the atmosphere is one of easy conversation and shared enjoyment.
Adding to the charm of the evening, the event features the vibrant energy of a live DJ set or live music, providing a soundtrack that moves from mellow tunes to upbeat rhythms as night falls. Open to all in-house guests, “Sunset Cocktails” is designed as a social gathering where guests can meet, connect and create memorable moments together.
As with all tropical occasions, the event is subject to weather conditions, making each edition a unique experience. On clear evenings, “Sunset Cocktails” often becomes a highlight of the week, inviting guests to raise a glass and toast to island life by the sea.
Canareef Resort Maldives invites guests to sip, savour and celebrate the island’s signature sunset – the perfect midweek pause against the backdrop of Addu Atoll’s serene horizon.
Action
Sheraton Maldives partners with tennis pro Jackson Withrow, yoga expert Dawn Sim for guest experiences
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to reconnect with mind, body, and spirit from November 15-19, 2025, through two inspiring collaborations that celebrate sports and wellness in the heart of paradise. The resort will welcome Jackson Withrow, a celebrated American professional tennis player and winner of 10 ATP doubles titles, and Dawn Sim, a renowned Singapore-based yoga instructor and wellness ambassador, for a series of exclusive guest experiences designed to inspire connection, vitality, and inner balance.
Set amidst the shimmering turquoise waters and lush tropical surroundings of the resort, these curated programs offer guests the extraordinary opportunity to engage with world-class professionals through immersive sessions that blend movement, mindfulness, and Maldivian serenity. From the thrill of perfecting a serve alongside an elite athlete to the calm of a sunrise yoga flow by the ocean’s edge, each experience reflects Sheraton Maldives’ dedication to fostering connection and wellbeing in a truly idyllic setting.
From November 15-16, the spotlight turns to the tennis court, where Jackson Withrow, who achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 16 in 2024, will host a two-day Tennis Experience that brings professional sports to paradise. On November 15, guests can join Jackson for an interactive Doubles Clinic, learning advanced techniques, teamwork strategies, and court fundamentals. The session will conclude with a relaxed autograph signing and Q&A, offering a glimpse into life on the ATP Tour.
The excitement continues on November 16, as Jackson returns to the court for a Tennis Engagement Activation, where guests can watch his personal training session before joining him for friendly on-court challenges, including the opportunity to return his serve or rally alongside a world-class athlete.
Following a weekend of exhilarating sports, guests can look forward to a more tranquil rhythm as the resort shifts its focus toward mindfulness and rejuvenation. Beginning November 18, Dawn Sim will guide guests on a journey of serenity and self-awareness. A certified yoga instructor who has led sessions at Glow Fest 2024 and The Singapore Edition, Dawn brings her holistic approach to wellness to the tranquil shores of Sheraton Maldives.
Her wellness activations will take place in two of the resort’s most picturesque settings — Sunrise Yoga at Kakuni Beach on November 18 and Sunset Gentle Stretch at Anchorage Beach on November 19. Each session will offer guests a soothing, restorative experience that harmonises body and mind, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the ocean and the radiant hues of sunrise and sunset.
“At Sheraton Maldives, we take pride in curating experiences that bring people together through shared passions and authentic connections,” said Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. “From world-class tennis sessions with Jackson Withrow to mindful wellness sessions with Dawn Sim, these collaborations embody our island’s spirit of balance.”
Nestled on a private island in North Malé Atoll, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa continues to redefine meaningful travel through experiences that inspire connection, wellness, and discovery. This November’s activations perfectly capture the resort’s commitment to creating memorable moments that unite guests through sports, wellness, and the island lifestyle — celebrating the true essence of “where the world comes together.”
To learn more about Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, visit www.sheratonmaldives.com.
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