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
Michelin-starred French chef Maye Cissoko brings ‘Art of the Chef’ to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, the flagship resort within Sun Siyam’s Luxury Collection portfolio in the Maldives, has announced an exclusive culinary collaboration with acclaimed Michelin Star French Chef Maye Cissoko this July. In celebration of Bastille Day, the resort will host two exceptional dining experiences under the theme “Art of the Chef”, taking place on 22 and 27 July, where refined gastronomy, fine wine, and refined living come together.
Chef Maye is the chef and owner of the historic 105-year-old Maison Burnel in the Vosges region of France, which he beautifully renovated and earn a Michelin star just six months later. The chef, an alumnus of the prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse, brings experience to the island including his time with the renowned Barrière Group. The chef loves seasonality, fresh sourcing, and à la minute cooking. His menus heavily feature territorial, rustic elements from the Vosges like wild mushrooms, and local herbs paired with highly refined execution.
Working in harmony with the resort’s Executive Chef, Putu Wijana, he will present two distinguished evenings of fine wine pairings, featuring one of his favourite ingredients, fresh scallops.
- Art of the Chef, Cellar Dinner | Wednesday, 22 July | Cellar Dining at Flavours: An intimate, refined evening of gastronomy at the resort’s newly renovated French restaurant. The menu features Scallop Carpaccio with leek essence and pike roe, Spider Crab with smoked haddock espuma, local reef fish enhanced with caviar and katsuobushi sauce, and a delicate French strawberry tartlet.
- Art of the Chef, Sublime Festin | Monday, 27 July | Elevated Beachside Dining at Islander’s Grill: A sophisticated beachfront experience showcasing scallops in a green herb and truffle crust, Maldivian sea bass gravlax, local lobster with vegetable ravioli and artichoke purée served with a slow-simmered seafood bisque, and a decadent Guanaja chocolate entremet with mango-lime chutney.
The resident sommelier, Sunil Kumar, will feature exceptional wines from diverse regions of France, thoughtfully selected to pair with each dish.

This prestigious collaboration highlights Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s commitment to elevating the culinary experiences across its 15 restaurants and bars. Chef Maye will work alongside the resort’s Executive Chef, Putu Wijana, who brings 26 years of global luxury brand experience to lead the resort’s continued culinary evolution.
“Partnering with Chef Maye Cissoko allows us to weave the timeless precision of French gastronomy into our kitchens. These exclusive menus have been meticulously curated to reflect our deep commitment to offering a refined guest experience. Following the residency, selected signature dishes will also be integrated into our menus, giving future guests the opportunity to savour these exceptional creations,” highlighted Executive Chef Putu Wijana.
Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli recognised with 10 honours at Life Saving Leadership Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli, part the Privé Collection of House of Sun Siyam, has been recognised with 10 notable awards at the 3rd Life Saving Leadership Awards Ceremony held by the Maldives Swimming and Life Saving Skills Training School on 17 May 2026.
These accolades strengthens the resort’s position as one of the leading benchmarks for water safety and lifeguarding excellence in the Maldives. They are also a reflection of the continued investment in aquatic safety, emergency preparedness, and professionally trained lifeguarding operations and Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s commitment to creating a safe island experience for every guest.
Among the accolades received was the Maldives Water Safety Excellence Award 2025, the highest recognition presented during the ceremony. Additional honours included The Pinnacle Resort Award, Best Lifeguard Service Operation, Sustainability in Lifeguard Operation Award, and Water Safety Education and Advocacy Award. Together, these accolades reflect the resort’s continued efforts to integrate internationally aligned safety practices into the guest experience while maintaining the warm and intuitive spirit of Maldivian hospitality.
Alongside the organisational awards, five team members from Sun Siyam Iru Veli were also individually recognised for their contributions and leadership in the field of water safety and lifesaving training. General Manager Masdhooq Saeed received the General Manager of the Year Award, while Mohamed Athif Ibrahim was honoured for Water Safety & Life Saving Training Leadership. Additional recognitions included the Supervisor Excellence Award presented to Ahmed Shifau, the Trident Excellence Award awarded to Ahmed Jamsheed, and the Rising Star in Lifeguarding Award presented to Hassan Yousuf Adam Abbas.

Since launching its dedicated lifeguarding operation in 2023, Sun Siyam Iru Veli has continued to invest in training, prevention strategies, emergency preparedness, and water safety awareness. The resort’s approach combines proactive guest education and observation with structured emergency response systems, ensuring a safe and seamless experience across the island’s ocean and pool environments.
“Water safety is incredibly important for resorts across the Maldives, where the ocean is such a central part of everyday life and the guest experience,” remarked Mohamed Najah, Resort Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli, during the award ceremony. “As an industry, the way we approach safety and precautions must continue to evolve. Moving beyond simply warning guests to be cautious, it is our responsibility to ensure our teams are properly trained, prepared, and confident in responding when needed. It is an honour to see these efforts recognised, but this is only the beginning. Our focus now is on continuing to strengthen training across our frontline teams and further raising the standard of water safety within our industry.
Drink
Asia’s top mixology talent to lead cocktail takeover at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort invites guests to discover an immersive three-night cocktail journey this June, featuring acclaimed mixologist Navjot Singh. Taking place across the resort’s distinctive venues from June 17 to 19, 2026, the exclusive bar takeover will present a curated series of innovative tropical cocktail experiences inspired by island living, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Led by Navjot Singh, Beverage Program Leader at Lair Bar, the experience brings one of Asia’s most celebrated contemporary cocktail programs to the Maldives. Recognised as No. 8 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, Lair Bar is renowned for its innovative approach to mixology, blending luxury spirits, creativity, and immersive storytelling. Navjot himself was recently crowned World Class India 2025, cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s leading talents.
Joining him is Nakul Dev, Senior Bartender at LAIR BAR, whose creative approach is deeply inspired by the flavours and ingredients of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. With over six years of experience in hospitality and cocktails, Nakul is known for crafting ingredient-driven drinks that reflect the essence of the mountains and local produce from his hometown. His passion for flavour development and exploration of new techniques brings an additional layer of creativity and depth to the collaboration.

Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the takeover will unfold across three distinct venues, each offering its own atmosphere and cocktail narrative. At Nikkei Bar, guests will enjoy an exclusive sunset activation where thoughtfully crafted cocktails elevate golden-hour moments with refined tropical flavours and interactive guest experiences. Wahoo Bar will host an elegant beachfront evening inspired by the serenity of the coast, pairing curated tropical cocktails with breathtaking sunset views and laid-back sophistication. The final experience will take place at JW Garden, where a “Garden to Glass” concept celebrates locally grown ingredients such as basil, lemongrass, and pandan, highlighting sustainability and creating an immersive journey.
“We are thrilled to welcome Navjot Singh to JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort for this exclusive guest bartender series,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager. “His expertise, creativity, and dedication to craft reflect our commitment to offering guests immersive moments that are aligned with our philosophy of contemporary luxury.”
Each cocktail hour has been carefully designed to reflect the spirit of the island through a contemporary lens, blending tropical influences with modern techniques and storytelling. Through this collaboration, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort continues to elevate its culinary and beverage programming, offering guests meaningful and memorable experiences rooted in connection, discovery, and craftsmanship.
Learn more about JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort here.
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