News
Celebrate UAE National Day at Centara’s collection of Maldives resorts
As one of the most significant dates in the GCC calendar, UAE National Day is the perfect excuse to go all out and book your dream getaway to one of Centara Hotels & Resorts’ Maldivian destinations. Discover your own slice of island paradise with a choice of four distinctive properties, including Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection. Boasting the ultimate balance of elegance, comfort, island activities, and relaxing spa journeys, it’s the ideal way to honour tradition with a tropical twist.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
A short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers an elegant island retreat, perfect for sharing the occasion with loved ones. Featuring an array of elegantly appointed overwater villas and beachfront residences, each complete with a private pool, jacuzzi, or both, this is your chance to truly unwind and switch off from the outside world.
Nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, guests can celebrate with thrilling water sports and excursions or unlock your inner glow with holistic wellness offerings at the tranquil SPA Cenvaree Retreat. As for dining, explore an array of enticing options, such as lavish international breakfasts at The Gallery with tandoor and teppanyaki grills, and modern Mediterranean delights at Bluefin. Additionally, savour light bites at Coco Drift’s swim-up bar and toast to the occasion with refreshing sips at the Sunset Social.
This UAE National Day, take the time to reconnect with yourself or loved ones, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives with an exclusive indulgence offer. Available on bookings made until December 15th for stays between now and December 20th, guests can enjoy a relaxing 4-night stay while only paying for 3, or relish an extended escape with Stay 7, Pay 5. Ensuring your stay is seamless from check-in to check-out, guests can also benefit from complimentary round-trip transfers.
To make your getaway even more special, guests will also be treated to an upgrade to the Half Board Plus meal plan when booking a Room with Breakfast, as well as Club access, and complimentary bubbly at the Sunset Social on the first night of your stay to start the celebration in style.
For added indulgence, your stay includes a rejuvenating couples’ treatment at the serene SPA Cenvaree Retreat, perfect for unwinding after a day of water sports or exploring the island. On top of this, CentaraThe1 members receive an additional 15% discount and triple points on their booking.
Booking dates: From now until December 15th
Stay dates: From now until December 20th
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
- Complimentary round-trip transfer
- Additional 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members
For bookings and more information, please click here.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
Located in the picturesque North Male Atoll, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives presents an enchanting, underwater world-themed paradise, offering families boundless fun, activities, and plenty of opportunities to bond over the holiday. Every day brings a new adventure, with a lazy river, water playground, splash zones, the acclaimed SPA Cenvaree, kids’ Candy Spa, and a lively kids’ club, as well as a choice of oceanfront or overwater villas and dynamic dining options.
Gather the whole family for a sun-soaked getaway to Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, where kids stay, play, and dine for free on all stays before December 15th. Perfect for making the most out of the long UAE National Day weekend, dive into endless fun and island adventure as you make this stunning resort your home away from home with special room rates. As if this escape wasn’t enticing enough, the experience also offers complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers alongside an additional 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members.
Booking dates: From now until December 15th
Stay dates: From now until December 20th
Offer:
- Special room rates
- Up to 2 children aged 11 and under stay, play, and eat for free
- Complimentary round-trip speedboat transfer
- CentaraThe1 members enjoy an additional 15% discount
- Members Earn x3 CentaraThe1 points
For bookings and more information, please click here.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives
Alternatively, couples, wellness seekers, and solo travellers seeking indulgence and connection can spend your UAE National Day getaway at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only paradise. Wake up to stunning sea views from your ocean-front villa or an opulent overwater villa with direct lagoon access. Here, each day unfolds effortlessly with multiple culinary outlets to satisfy every craving, restorative wellness experiences at the award-winning SPA Cenvaree and Yoga Pavilion, water sports like windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkelling.
This UAE National Day, the adults-only island is giving guests the ultimate excuse to book a well-earned getaway with 30% off all villas and 45% off for CentaraThe1 Members, plus 50% off transfers for stays of 2 to 4 nights. Guests booking an Overwater Villa will also be greeted with sparkling grape and fresh fruit on arrival. What’s more, savour world-class dining with 20% off food and drinks, enjoy 10% off water sports and excursions with complimentary snorkelling and kayaking, and indulge in a pampering session at SPA Cenvaree with buy-one-get-one-free treatments.
Booking dates: From now until January 10th, 2026.
Stay dates: From now until January 10th, 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
Finally, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection presents the perfect destination for adventure seekers, surrounded by panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and a UNESCO-protected marine reserve. Home to an award-winning house reef and some of the Maldives’ most iconic dive sites, spend your days exploring vibrant coral reefs and the historic shipwreck. Balancing adventure with relaxation, finish the evening with gourmet dining, unwind with a signature spa treatment, and settle into one of 112 beachfront and overwater villas.
Embrace island bliss at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, with 45% off Flexible Rates for CentaraThe1 Members and 30% off seaplane transfers. Guests will be welcomed with handmade chocolates and tropical fruit in your villa before diving into days filled with snorkelling, kayaking, and spa indulgence, complete with a buy-one-get-one treatment offer. In between exploring the resort, savour 20% off dining across all à la carte venues or toast the occasion with a romantic dinner under the stars. Families can also enjoy complimentary stays and meals for little ones, plus free access to snorkelling gear and pedalos for a truly memorable island escape.
Booking dates: From now until January 10th, 2026
Stay dates: From now until January 10th, 2026
Offer:
- 45% off Flexible Rates on all meal plans for CentaraThe1 Members and 30% off for non-members
- 30% off on seaplane transfers for all persons with a minimum stay of 2 to 6 nights until January 10th, 2026
- 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.
Cooking
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives hosts Campania Wine Dinner with Mastroberardino
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is hosting an exclusive Mastroberardino Wine Dinner on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, inviting wine enthusiasts and culinary travellers to an evening of fine wine and gastronomy at The Shack, the resort’s secluded sandbank venue.
Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the intimate dinner celebrates Mastroberardino, one of Italy’s longest-established winemaking families, known for championing Campania’s native grape varieties since the mid-18th century. Led by Piero Mastroberardino, a tenth-generation winemaker and an internationally recognised figure in Italian viticulture, the estate is widely regarded for preserving and promoting historic varietals such as Greco, Fiano and Aglianico, including the Taurasi DOCG.
Guests will take part in a curated dining experience featuring a bespoke multi-course menu created by Executive Chef Frank and paired with a selection of Mastroberardino wines. The menu begins with Greco di Tufo DOCG and Fiano di Avellino DOCG, continues with Lacrimarosa Rosato, and concludes with Radici Taurasi DOCG, followed by a dessert course paired with Melizie Fiano Passito.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, said the resort aims to create dining experiences that go beyond conventional formats, where heritage, storytelling and setting come together in a meaningful way. He noted that hosting the Mastroberardino Wine Dinner on a private sandbank provides an opportunity to present one of Italy’s historic winemaking traditions while offering guests an intimate evening within the natural setting of the Maldives.
In addition to its heritage, Mastroberardino is recognised for its sustainability practices, including responsible vineyard management, biodiversity conservation and energy efficiency. These values align closely with Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ own approach to mindful luxury and environmental stewardship.
Awards
Grand Park Kodhipparu wins Resort of the Year 2025 honour in China market
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has been named Resort of the Year 2025 by Target Taste China, one of China’s most influential platforms recognising excellence in hospitality, dining and experiential luxury.
The award places Grand Park Kodhipparu among a select group of internationally respected luxury resorts, acknowledged for their commitment to taste, craftsmanship and holistic guest experience. Winners were chosen by Target Taste’s editorial and expert panel, which is known for its rigorous evaluation process and strong influence among China’s high-end travel and lifestyle audiences.
Commenting on the recognition, Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, said the award was a meaningful endorsement of the resort’s team and its long-term vision. He noted that as the resort marks its ninth year of operations, being named Resort of the Year reflects the passion, creativity and dedication of its staff, as well as its continued commitment to delivering experiences that resonate with discerning travellers.
Located on a private island accessible by speedboat from Malé International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu has gained recognition for its contemporary interpretation of Maldivian luxury, combining modern design, attentive service and a strong culinary identity. A central feature of the guest experience is the resort’s destination dining portfolio, which has become one of its defining attributes.
Target Taste China is widely regarded as an authority on luxury taste and lifestyle, with a strong following among affluent Chinese travellers and industry professionals. Its annual awards recognise excellence across hotels, resorts, dining concepts and destinations worldwide.
Resort Executive Chef Raymond Tan said dining at the resort is intended to be immersive and sensory. He explained that the Firedoor signature dining experience is built around open-flame cooking, elemental techniques and the integrity of premium ingredients, allowing natural flavours to take prominence. He added that this is complemented by the Maldives’ only glass-floor overwater dining venue, where guests are connected to the ocean beneath them as much as to the cuisine itself.
The accolade further strengthens Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives’ position as a leading luxury resort in the Indian Ocean and reinforces its appeal within the Chinese market and internationally.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives curates Peruvian culinary journey with Claudia Canessa
Kandolhu Maldives has announced its next culinary collaboration with Lima-born chef Claudia Canessa, with a special residency scheduled from 30 April to 4 May 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to experience the flavours of Peru through a series of dining events curated by one of the country’s most recognised contemporary culinary figures.
Chef Canessa brings extensive experience and a distinctive culinary perspective to Kandolhu Island. She is best known for her work at Amaru in St. Moritz, a bespoke restaurant created specifically for her and designed by Luke Edward Hall, where she presents Peruvian cuisine shaped by Swiss restraint. Her cooking style is rooted in the traditions of Peru while incorporating refined techniques, earning international recognition for the balance and precision of her ceviche dishes.
Her cuisine reflects influences from South America, Japan and Mexico. Having lived in Switzerland for many years, Chef Canessa credits her adopted country with shaping her approach to harmony in cooking. She describes the evolution of her style as a journey towards symmetry, with Swiss culinary discipline refining her palate, particularly in the use of spices, allowing her to present bold flavours that remain measured and controlled.
Chef Canessa’s signature style is defined by layered aromatic flavours and careful use of spice. Her residency at Kandolhu will feature a selection of her most noted dishes, including Tuna Chicano with lemon zest and a salmon tiradito served with yuzu ponzu.
The collaboration is designed to offer guests a focused gastronomic experience, combining Chef Canessa’s culinary approach with the setting of Kandolhu Island.
The programme for the residency includes:
- Special Peruvian Lunch: Served daily at Ato Roa from Thursday, 30 April to Sunday, 3 May. Two seatings will be offered each day, with a maximum of seven guests per seating.
- Surprise Dinner Menu: The residency will conclude on Monday, 4 May, with a four-course surprise dinner menu at Olive Restaurant, limited to 14 guests.
The partnership is expected to enhance Kandolhu’s culinary offering, support its reputation for curated dining experiences, and introduce new creative influences to the resort’s culinary team.
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