News
SIX & SIX introduces HIRIGAA private island at DHON MAAGA MALDIVES
Some words hold more than meaning. In Dhivehi, Hirigaa is such a word. A porous coral stone, once lifted from reef and shore, was shaped by hand and set with care. With it, Maldivians built faalan, raised Miskiy, and gave homes their foundation. Admired for its beauty, chosen for its strength — the name held within it a sense of permanence, of labour, of memory.
Now the word has returned. Not as artefact, but as a secret place. HIRIGAA is the private island within DHON MAAGA, part of the SIX & SIX portfolio opening in late 2026. It is not a third island, but the soul of the second — a sanctuary folded into DHON MAAGA’s larger story, where privacy is not absence, but stillness.
In Maldivian tradition, the Maavadin were master craftsmen, their knowledge spanning reef stone, wood, and ornament. They understood how to work with stone and wood — shaping each line with instinct, proportion, and purpose. Their role was not only to create, but to ensure that what was made endured: a philosophy of permanence, carried through every line and joint. Step inside the oldest Miskiy in the Maldives and their presence remains. Chisel strokes on stones. Timber beams worked with patience. Carvings filtering light and shadow across walls that still stand. What they built endures because it was shaped not for spectacle, but for continuity.
HIRIGAA carries that essence forward. Its architecture rests rather than rises. Lines are measured, spaces allowed to breathe. Not built to impress on arrival, but to hold, to last, to belong.
At DHON MAAGA, villas rise in two elemental forms — TERRA, drawn from land, and AETHR, suspended above water. Within HIRIGAA, these signatures are echoed in three colossal villas: one oriented toward the sunset on its own private beach; and two elevated above waters at equal height, each with panoramic views that embrace the horizon.
Beyond the villas, the island offers two distinct dining experiences, each reflecting a different expression of island life. The first is an overwater pavilion, where meals unfold above the water, light moving gently across the surface. Complete with a pool and slide, it balances playfulness and refinement. Dining flows seamlessly into leisure — a subtle reflection of shared feasts, where generosity is effortless and warmth lingers softly.
The second is a secluded dining space set within the island, shaded by palms and cooled by ocean breezes. Tables rest beneath the canopy, lanterns casting soft light across sand and timber. This is dining in its most intimate form — a private ritual, where conversation lingers and connection to place is felt in every detail.
A spa offers treatments in harmony with the island’s natural rhythm, complemented by a steam room and sauna. A private gym and a study provide space for retreat, while a large living area amplifies the sense of privacy and scale. Behind these visible spaces lies the unseen rhythm of a self-sufficient island: a full-service kitchen designed for ceremony as much as preparation, where the abundance of dishes reflects a spirit of giving; a dedicated service building with living quarters for four Edhurun; discreetly placed storage and laundry; and a private faalan hidden among the foliage for effortless arrivals. Nothing is excessive. Everything is considered.
Hospitality is lived through the Edhurun — intuitive Maldivian mentors whose presence is enduring yet quiet, guiding through memory and care not by instruction. They do not manage guests. They remember them. A light adjusted before dusk. A dish returned without request, recalled from a celebration long past. The Edhurun are part of the Rayyithun — the People of the Islands — whose philosophy shapes every SIX & SIX property. Presence is not performance. It is translation. It is memory, carried forward.
The Rayyithun continue to shape island life: Masverin bringing in the catch, women preparing over fire, Beruverin keeping rhythm, Raaverin drawing sweetness from the palms, children’s voices carried on the wind at dusk. They are the living soul of the islands.
Each island in the SIX & SIX collection reveals a different expression of this philosophy. RAH GILI MALDIVES, opening in Q1 of 2026, introduces guests to the Rayyithun in their most welcoming form. Here, the way of life is shared. Guests join the rhythm directly — dining at the Maakeyolhu restaurant, where a malaafaiy stretches wide with dishes to share, replenished as naturally as the ocean’s flow. The day’s catch rests alongside recipes passed through generations, each bowl an act of welcome. Drums rise at dusk, rituals unfold at the water’s edge, and the spirit of community is open and inclusive.
At DHON MAAGA, that same philosophy is amplified. Abundance takes monumental form, drawn from the cornucopia — a symbol of continuous giving that informs the island’s spatial rhythm. Line-caught tuna is elevated alongside refined pairings, dishes presented with elemental flair, and architecture itself becomes a vessel of offering. Not opulence for display, but a way of showing that giving has no end.
Within HIRIGAA, abundance becomes more intimate still. Meals unfold in silence: a table set on the deck at sunset, an overwater pavilion with water moving gently below, a dish remembered and returned without asking. Dining is not performed but anticipated — a ritual of presence shaped by memory. Privacy is freedom, and freedom allows abundance to arrive quietly, in its own rhythm.
Guests of the private island may fully experience the resort, with access to all eight dining venues, immersive wellness rituals, and curated encounters — their stay never limited, only enriched. Or they may choose to remain within their sanctuary, surrounded by complete privacy.
Laith Pharaon, Co-Founder and CEO of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, said: “HIRIGAA is more than a name. It is a word that carries the weight of Maldivian heritage — the craft of the Maavadin, the rhythm of community, the quiet strength of memory. In choosing it, we recognise our responsibility to preserve what is foundational while translating it into an experience that speaks to today’s traveller. Every island in our collection must embody not just beauty, but meaning. HIRIGAA reflects that belief — that true luxury endures when it is rooted in culture.”
Marc Gussing, Director of Operations, added: “When we place a name like HIRIGAA within our portfolio, we are not simply naming a destination — we are safeguarding a legacy. Each island must embody a character that is distinctive, respectful, and true to its cultural environment. By giving this name to the private island at DHON MAAGA, we ensure that Maldivian heritage is experienced, not only remembered.”
The Maldives has long been described in metaphor: an island shaped like a turtle, wise and unhurried. Another compared to a pearl, hidden and rare. Others imagined as havens, untouched and still. HIRIGAA does not compete with these. It does not need metaphor. It is foundation itself — a word that predates the industry, safeguarded and returned to living use.
Each island in the SIX & SIX collection stands on its own, yet all are guided by a shared rhythm — where time moves without rush, culture is held with care, and design is intentional.
RAH GILI MALDIVES: community and rhythm.
DHON MAAGA MALDIVES: scale and form.
HIRIGAA at DHON MAAGA: privacy, shaped to endure.
Not one alike, but all aligned — not through uniformity, but through meaning.
HIRIGAA is more than a private island. It is a legacy of the Rayyithun. It remembers the Maavadin who guided others in the shaping of stone and wood, who worked with mastery and care. It honours fishermen who read the current, women who welcomed with fire, children who carried rhythm into tomorrow. It affirms that permanence lies not in wealth or invention, but in the memory of care.
This is not branding. It is remembering.
HIRIGAA is part of DHON MAAGA MALDIVES.
It is privacy with presence. Stillness with scale. Memory with meaning.
Not a third island, but the grounding of the second.
Something older.
And something that will remain.
ROBINSON NOONU has been named Best Fun & Friendly Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026 for the second time. This marks the fourth consecutive TTM award for ROBINSON Clubs in the Maldives.
“Receiving the award for the second time is particularly gratifying. It shows that our concept resonates with both our guests and our industry partners, whilst we continue to follow our own path. ROBINSON NOONU has its very own character,” says General Manager Jan Karliczek.
ROBINSON NOONU is located on Orivaru Island in the Noonu Atoll. Guests stay in beach and water villas, many with direct ocean access or private pools. The club’s house reef invites snorkelling and diving. Sports offerings include fitness classes from yoga to HOT IRON as well as padel. The resort also features special event weeks, diverse entertainment, and programmes for children and teenagers.
With this latest recognition, ROBINSON continues its TTM Awards success in the Maldives: ROBINSON MALDIVES won awards in 2023 and 2025, whilst ROBINSON NOONU impressed in the Best Fun & Friendly Resort category in 2024 and now 2026.
The TTM Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the Maldivian tourism industry and are presented annually at the international TTM Maldives trade fair. Winners are determined through online voting accessible via the TTM website. In 2026, awards were presented across 32 categories.
This festive season, Sirru Fen Fushi –Private Lagoon Resort unveils A Constellation of Moments, a thoughtfully curated programme of immersive celebrations, wellness, gastronomy and unforgettable island experiences from 23 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, where every sunset, gathering and shared experience becomes part of an unforgettable island story.
Inspired by the natural rhythm of the Maldives, the programme celebrates the unique duality of Sirru Fen Fushi – Ocean by Day, Stars by Night. From golden sunsets over one of the Maldives’ largest private lagoons to evenings beneath some of the country’s darkest and most spectacular skies, the festive journey has been designed as a collection of meaningful moments.
Throughout the festive season, guests will gather for immersive sunset experiences accompanied by live music, before the celebrations continue with elegant after-dinner entertainment on the beach. Featuring an international ensemble of musicians, dancers and performers, each evening unfolds with captivating live performances, fire shows and vibrant entertainment, creating unforgettable moments under the Maldivian night sky.
The festive calendar reaches its peak with a series of signature celebrations, beginning with the Opening Night and Tree Lighting Ceremony on 23 December, followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities, a spectacular Pirates of Sirru family celebration, an unforgettable New Year’s Eve gala and Orthodox Christmas celebrations, before concluding with a memorable Closing Night on 7 January.
Music remains at the heart of the programme through a resident ensemble of internationally acclaimed musicians, dancers, acrobats and fire performers, creating a seamless atmosphere across sunset gatherings, dining experiences and evening celebrations. Guests can also engage with the artists through the exclusive Constellation Academy, offering private and small-group masterclasses in music, dance and performance throughout the festive season.
Wellbeing also takes centre stage with the return of internationally renowned holistic wellness practitioner Dr Doshi, whose exclusive residency offers personalised consultations, holistic healing therapies and mindfulness experiences at Arufen Spa. Designed to restore balance during the festive season, the residency provides guests with an opportunity to reconnect with themselves and embrace a more mindful festive escape in one of the Maldives’ most tranquil settings.
Beyond the celebrations, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty through a curated collection of experiences. Marine adventures include Turtle Research excursions, guided Coralarium discovery experiences, sunset dolphin cruises, handline fishing and snorkelling across the resort’s spectacular 9-kilometre house reef, while creative workshops, sustainability initiatives and family-friendly activities provide meaningful experiences for guests of all ages.
For those seeking the ultimate festive escape, the resort’s private Azimut Yacht offers a collection of bespoke experiences, from romantic champagne sunset cruises and half- day lagoon adventures to full-day voyages exploring pristine sandbanks and vibrant coral reefs, each thoughtfully tailored to showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean while creating unforgettable moments at sea.
Exceptional gastronomy forms an integral part of the festive journey. Throughout the season, Raha Market hosts lavish festive buffets and gala dinners, Kata offers refined Japanese dining accompanied by live acoustic performances, while Azure presents Mediterranean-inspired seafood in a spectacular overwater setting. Elevating the culinary programme further, Michelin-starred Chef Tristan Brandt returns to Sirru Fen Fushi to host two exclusive dinners, showcasing his signature contemporary cuisine through thoughtfully curated menus celebrating exceptional ingredients, creativity and refined craftsmanship.
“At Sirru Fen Fushi, we believe the most memorable holidays are shaped by the moments we share,” said Rudrojit Deb, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi. “This festive season, we have created a journey that celebrates connection – to loved ones, to nature and to oneself. Whether watching the sun set over our lagoon, enjoying music beneath the stars, discovering the underwater world or embracing a moment of wellbeing, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to become part of our guests’ own constellation of memories.”
Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ largest private lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi offers 120 spacious beach, jungle and overwater villas, exceptional dining experiences, the iconic Coralarium – the Maldives’ first underwater art installation and coral regeneration project – and a wealth of experiences that celebrate the island’s extraordinary natural beauty. This festive season, guests are invited to celebrate in a destination where every moment shines a little brighter.
To discover more or to reserve your festive escape, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
Awards
Centara Grand Lagoon named Best Emerging Resort, Mirage Lagoon Best Family Resort at TTM Awards
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives has announced the recognition of two of its newest resorts at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, the highlight of the 10th edition of Travel Trade Maldives. Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives was named Best Emerging Resort, while Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives received the award for Best Family Resort, highlighting the distinct positioning and experiences offered across the two properties.
Located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts in the North Malé Atoll, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives opened its doors in April 2025, offering an elegant expression of contemporary Maldivian island living defined by privacy, seclusion and refined comfort. The resort reimagines overwater and beachfront living through an exclusive collection of villas and spacious two- and three-bedroom residences, offering a heightened sense of space and privacy for discerning travellers. Its culinary venues take guests on a journey across the globe, with a diverse collection of dining experiences thoughtfully curated to complement the island setting. At the heart of the wellness offering, Spa Cenvaree Retreat provides a holistic approach to wellbeing, bringing together restorative treatments and experiences within a serene island environment. The experience extends beyond the shore, with opportunities for marine exploration, snorkelling, watersports and curated excursions offering a deeper connection with the surrounding environment. Together, its expansive residences, distinctive culinary journey, holistic wellness and marine experiences establish a refined island proposition centred on privacy, space and discovery.
Set within the same island setting, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives opened its doors in November 2024, introducing a distinctive family-focused resort concept shaped around discovery, connection and shared experiences. The underwater-themed resort has redefined the family holiday experience in the Maldives through an extensive collection of thoughtfully designed facilities, accommodation and experiences created with families at the heart of the offering. Family-focused accommodation includes spacious options featuring bunk beds, while the resort is home to a dedicated waterpark and the Maldives’ first resort lazy river, providing engaging experiences for younger guests and families alike. Wellness is designed for every generation, with Spa Cenvaree offering considered treatments and experiences for adults, complemented by the dedicated Candy Spa for children. Its family-focused culinary outlets further strengthen the proposition, with dining concepts designed to appeal to guests of all ages. Beyond the resort, families can discover the surrounding marine environment through snorkelling, watersports and excursions, adding exploration and adventure to an experience centred on togetherness.
Sharing his views on the recognitions, Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, said: “We are delighted to see Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives recognised at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026. In a relatively short period since opening, both resorts have established clear and differentiated propositions that are contributing to a new dimension of the Maldives travel experience. Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is redefining the family holiday through its underwater-themed setting and extensive family-focused offering, while Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is introducing a more refined approach to island living through its spacious residences, culinary experiences, wellness and focus on privacy and seclusion. The recognition both resorts have received in such a short period, with award after award across different areas of the guest experience, is a strong indication of the relevance of these propositions and the strength of our teams in delivering them. We remain focused on building on this momentum and further strengthening Centara’s presence in the Maldives.”
The recognition comes at an important stage in the development of both resorts, following their respective openings within a short period of one another. Their continued success across industry awards reflects the strength of their differentiated positioning and the relevance of their offerings to evolving traveller expectations. Together, the two resorts demonstrate Centara’s growing presence in the Maldives and its commitment to developing distinctive resort concepts that bring new perspectives to the destination.
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