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Eid al-Fitr celebrations return to Centara’s Maldives resorts

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As the Holy Month of Ramadan unfolds across the GCC, Centara Hotels & Resorts is preparing to mark Eid al-Fitr with a collection of unforgettable celebrations in the Maldives. Blending the sun-drenched charm of island living with Centara’s signature Thai-inspired hospitality and the warmth of the season, each property will unveil a thoughtfully curated programme of festive dining and themed experiences.

Guests can embrace refined island elegance at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, create memorable family moments at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, immerse themselves in natural beauty at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, or retreat to an adults-only sanctuary at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives: A Grand Eid Celebration

Nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives honours Eid al-Fitr in an atmosphere of privacy and seclusion, where calm lagoons and open horizons create space for meaningful moments. Ideal for those seeking an escape centred around connection, reflection, and quiet celebration, the resort’s Eid programme takes place from March 20th to 22nd.

Ease your way into the festivities and start your Friday morning on a mindful note with a Sunrise Yoga session that guides you through a sequence of gentle movements and encourages moments of uninterrupted reflection. Throughout the Eid weekend, wellness seekers will have plenty of opportunities to stay active, including an energising Core Power fitness class and Aqua Aerobics at the Main Pool featuring upbeat music to keep you motivated. Alternatively, head to the beach for a volleyball tournament on the sand or dive into a lively water polo challenge for some friendly competition.

To truly make the most of your trip to the Maldives, take the plunge and discover the island’s vibrant marine life by embarking on a guided snorkelling excursion for the adventure of a lifetime. During Eid, guests can also take the opportunity to learn more about Maldivian culture by joining a traditional dance class, attending a Dhivehi masterclass to learn simple phrases, or mastering the art of palm leaf origami. Meanwhile, creatives can unleash their inner artist with an expert-led canvas painting session, and foodies can enjoy a hands-on sushi masterclass.

Younger guests can also look forward to a collection of engaging activities designed for little explorers, such as a thrilling water relay pool challenge, a colourful Kite Fest, and The Nugget Factory cooking class, where children create their own chicken nuggets. Later, rally the whole family and show off your moves with a beach football match for all ages, or enjoy endless laughs with light-hearted beach games and challenges.

Finally, helping guests unlock their inner calm, SPA Cenvaree Retreat will be offering an exclusive Eid ritual throughout the weekend for total relaxation. Priced at USD 700 per couple, the 120-minute treatment begins with a revitalising scrub and a soothing body massage. Afterwards, guests are treated to a rejuvenating facial, designed to leave you looking and feeling your best for the festivities ahead.

When: From March 20th to 22nd  

Offer:

  • Festive experiences for in-house guests, with supplement charges applicable to select workshops and dining experiences
  • Eid Spa Experience at SPA Cenvaree Retreat: 30-minute body scrub, 60-minute body massage, and a 30-minute facial for USD 700 per couple

Price: Villas starting from USD 1,018++ for a couple on Full Board basis

For bookings and more information, please email cglm@chr.co.th. To view the full festive schedule, click here.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives: Family Eid Moments

Spend Eid al-Fitr in an underwater-themed private island setting surrounded by those who matter most at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. Also situated within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the resort is a haven for families to reconnect and create lasting memories. Helping you mark this special occasion in style, the Eid programme runs from March 20th to 22nd and promises endless excitement, laughs, and thrills for all ages.

Start your family-friendly retreat on a high by diving into the crystal-clear Maldivian waters to swim alongside graceful manta rays with an unforgettable snorkelling adventure on Friday. Afterwards, little ones can head to the water park and join Mr. Shark for a hilarious limbo challenge, while older kids splash about and make friends at a teen water polo challenge. In the evening, regroup for a lively beach football match for families as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, before heading to the E-Zone for a lively game night.

On Saturday, guests of all ages can find their rhythm at an authentic Maldivian drumming Boduberu Masterclass, get creative with palm leaf origami, or whip up delicious creations at an interactive crêpe cooking class for kids. In the afternoon, glide along the lazy river with a fun race, serve and score at a beach volleyball showdown, and finish the evening on the right note by singing along to your favourite tunes at the Mirage Karaoke Night.

Rounding out the weekend, Sunday unfolds with a blend of creativity, culture, and coastal adventure. Begin the morning with a guided Canvas Painting Masterclass at The Sailhouse, then immerse yourself in the rhythm of the island during a Traditional Maldivian Dance Masterclass at the Kids’ Club. Later, explore the vibrant house reef on a snorkelling excursion or gather for spirited Family Beach Games on Sailhouse Beach, before unwinding beneath the stars with an open-air movie screening, bringing a heartwarming close to a joy-filled Eid escape.

In addition to all the exciting festivities, parents can also savour some well-earned ‘me time’ with a signature Maldivian wellness ritual at SPA Cenvaree. Drawing on ancient healing techniques, this deeply restorative 90-minute massage blends rhythmic strokes and gentle stretches to release tension, boost circulation, and unlock inner harmony.

When: From March 20th to 22nd 

Offer:

  • Festive experiences for in-house guests, with supplement charges applicable to select workshops and dining experiences
  • Signature Maldivian Ritual at SPA Cenvaree: 90-minute body massage for USD 170 per person

Price: Leading rooms starting from USD 895++ for a couple on Full Board basis

For bookings and more information, please email cmlm@chr.co.th. To view the full festive schedule, click here.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection: Eid by the Machchafushi Waves

Experience an Eid that flows just as effortlessly as the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean, with daily culinary adventures at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection. Available daily from March 19th to 26th, guests can choose to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with a beautifully curated Arabian and South Asian-inspired sharing-style set menu at The Love Hut. Ideal for a romantic couple’s evening, this elevated dining experience is complemented by flavourful hubbly bubbly and the soothing sounds of nearby waves.

For a truly memorable family feast, the resort will host an Arabic-themed beach BBQ, where a private chef prepares a curated Middle Eastern mixed grill live beside the Indian Ocean. As the sky turns gold, the evening continues with an intimate open-air cinema experience under the stars, offering a relaxed way to close the celebration. Taking place exclusively on March 20th and 23rd, guests can also join a complimentary Mocktail Masterclass at Coral Bar, learning the art of crafting refreshing tropical blends in a breezy oceanfront setting.

When: From March 19th to 26th

Offer: Festive experiences for in-house guests, with supplement charges applicable to select workshops and dining experiences

Price: Villas starting from USD 585++ for a couple on Full Board basis

For bookings and more information, please email cirm@chr.co.th. To view the full festive schedule, click here.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

Soft island breezes, lantern-lit dinners, and uninterrupted ocean views set the tone for an intimate Eid escape at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. Designed exclusively for adults, this North Malé Atoll retreat features an array of elegant private beachfront and overwater villas with Full Board stays starting from USD 535++ per couple. Each day unfolds at your own pace, encouraging guests to savour slow mornings over turquoise waters, relish unhurried moments at SPA Cenvaree, and reconnect with nature through reef dives, dolphin cruises, and sea turtle encounters.

By evening, guests can honour the occasion across a choice of exceptional restaurants, savouring authentic Thai cuisine at Suan Bua, enjoying Italian specialties at La Brezza, or embracing Eid traditions with Arabian-inspired dishes at Al Khaimah.

When: From March 19th to 22nd 

Price: Villas starting from USD 535++ for a couple on Full Board basis

For bookings and more information, please email crf@chr.co.th.

News

GullivAir announces direct Maldives–Bulgaria service for winter 2026/27

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Bulgarian airline GullivAir is set to launch direct scheduled flights between Malé and Sofia from 6 November 2026, establishing a new non-stop air connection between the Maldives and Bulgaria.

The service will operate throughout the 2026/27 winter season until 26 March 2027, using an Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft. The new route will provide Bulgarian travellers with direct access to the Maldives while allowing passengers departing from Malé to reach Bulgaria without an intermediate connection.

Under the announced schedule, flights from Malé to Sofia will operate every Friday, departing Malé at 4.30pm and arriving in the Bulgarian capital at 11.30pm local time. Flights from Sofia to Malé will operate every Saturday, departing at 7.45pm and arriving in the Maldives at 7.15am.

The flights will be operated using GullivAir’s Airbus A330-200, which is deployed on the airline’s long-haul services. Passengers will receive two hot meals and beverages during the flight, while baggage allowances and additional services will vary according to the fare selected at booking.

The launch provides the Maldives with a direct link to the Bulgarian market during the country’s main outbound winter travel period. At the same time, the route creates a new direct European connection for travellers from the Maldives.

Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, serves as a gateway to a range of winter, cultural and wellness destinations. Bulgaria’s established ski areas include Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo, while destinations such as Velingrad, Hisarya and Sandanski are known for mineral-water spas and wellness tourism.

The country also offers cultural and historical attractions including Sofia’s archaeological and religious sites, Plovdiv, Rila Monastery and Veliko Tarnovo. GullivAir said the direct connection would allow travellers from the Maldives to combine city stays, skiing, mountain experiences, spa visits and cultural tourism within one trip.

For the Maldivian tourism sector, the service adds another direct European connection for the 2026/27 winter season and provides easier access for travellers originating in Bulgaria. The route also broadens air connectivity between the Maldives and Southeast Europe at a time when direct services remain an important factor in facilitating leisure travel to the destination.

GullivAir is a Bulgarian airline operating international passenger services from Sofia. The airline said it is developing its scheduled network with a focus on direct connections between Bulgaria and international leisure and business destinations.

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Food

The Standard, Maldives unveils September line-up of Oktoberfest, Negroni Week

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This September, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives invites guests to raise a glass, chase unforgettable moments, and embrace the resort’s signature playful spirit as Oktoberfest and Negroni Week arrive in paradise alongside a lineup of island adventures, social gatherings, and exclusive experiences.

From 19 September to 4 October 2026, Oktoberfest takes centre stage with daily beer-inspired celebrations, bringing together great food, ice-cold pours, and good company against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, cocktail enthusiasts can celebrate Negroni Week from 21 to 27 September 2026, discovering the timeless Italian classic reimagined in true Standard style.

At the heart of the Oktoberfest festivities is Todis Bar, where guests can enjoy a daily Happy Hour featuring refreshing beers and lively island vibes at sunset. Guests can also indulge in specially curated Beer Pairing Lunches at Joos Café, showcasing hearty favourites including gourmet hot dogs, German bratwurst, and shareable plates designed for gathering friends and loved ones around the table.

“At The Standard, Maldives, every celebration is an opportunity to connect, explore, and create memorable moments together,” said Nandakumar Dharuman, the resort’s Director of Culinary. “Whether guests are toasting Oktoberfest, enjoying a perfectly crafted Negroni, or setting off on a marine adventure, this season is all about bringing people together in a fun and unexpected way.”

Beyond the food and beverage experiences, guests can seamlessly combine the festivities with the resort’s signature island adventures. After all, a Maldives holiday is best enjoyed in and around the water. From snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and discovering the region’s marine wonders to unforgettable excursions in Hanifaru Bay, every experience offers a new opportunity to explore paradise. Guests can also join exhilarating manta ray excursions and glide alongside these gentle giants, with experiences available through the resort’s dive centre.

The Sip & Chat Cocktail Party, held every Monday, is another experience not to be missed. This lively social gathering brings together guests and members of the resort’s management team for an evening of cocktails, conversations, surprises, and exciting lucky draws. It is the perfect opportunity to mingle, share stories, and experience the warm, welcoming personality that defines The Standard.

Those seeking a more intimate celebration can elevate their stay with the resort’s Floating Sunset Sparkle experience. Set within the privacy of a villa pool, guests can enjoy house champagne and a selection of curated canapés while soaking in the magic of a Maldivian sunset, creating an unforgettable moment for couples and special occasions.

Whether sipping a Negroni at sunset, sharing a beer over lunch, connecting with fellow travellers, or discovering the natural beauty of the Maldives, guests are invited to celebrate September the Standard way: relaxed, playful, and anything but standard.

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Awards

ROBINSON NOONU wins Best Fun & Friendly Resort title for second time

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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.

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