News
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru marks Global Wellness Day with island wellbeing journey
In celebration of Global Wellness Day, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites guests to embrace a month of experiences inspired by the rhythms of island life. Guided by this year’s global theme, JoyMagenta, the programme celebrates joy through movement, creativity, connection and gratitude — from nourishing culinary experiences and mindful rituals to a reflective Full Moon gathering beneath the June Strawberry Moon.
Inspired by Banyan Tree Wellbeing’s eight pillars, the month’s experiences encourage guests to slow down, cultivate awareness, and discover simple practices that support a balanced and joyful way of life amidst the natural beauty of the Maldives, under the guidance of the resort’s resident wellbeing practitioner, Dr Sharma.

Celebrating Global Wellness Day
On 13 June, guests are invited to take part in a thoughtfully curated programme inspired by Banyan Tree’s integrated approach to well-living and this year’s Global Wellness Day theme, JoyMagenta.
The day begins with Sunrise Yoga and a Facelift Home-care Workshop, encouraging movement, mindfulness and self-care through simple practices that can be incorporated into everyday life.

At Sangu Garden, a Wellness Cooking Class celebrates nourishment through fresh, healthy ingredients, while a Wellness Mixology Class at Naiboli Bar explores creativity through wellness-inspired mocktails crafted with local ingredients such as butterfly pea flower, coconut water, turmeric, ginger and tropical fruits.
As the sun begins to soften, a Grounded Beach Walk Meditation by the beach invites guests to slow down, tune into the natural surroundings and embrace the calming pace of island life.
Together, these experiences reflect the spirit of JoyMagenta, celebrating joy through movement, creativity, connection and gratitude while encouraging small, intentional practices that enrich everyday life.

International Yoga Day
Building on the month’s focus on joyful movement and mindful living, the celebration continues on 21 June with International Yoga Day, marked by a special Sunset Yoga session on the beach.
As sunset settles across the lagoon and the sound of the ocean waves fills the air, guests are invited to move with intention, focus on their breath, and embrace the tranquillity of the moment. Guided by the natural rhythm of the island, the session creates space to slow down, cultivate awareness and arrive fully in the present moment.

The Fire Within Full Moon Ritual
The month unfolds on 29 June with The Fire Within, a special Full Moon Ritual taking place beneath the Strawberry Moon.
Known as a moon of warmth, rhythm and renewal, the June full moon arrives as the ocean responds to its gentle pull and moonlight shimmers across the lagoon. Inspired by themes of growth, courage and new possibilities, The Fire Within combines sound healing and reflective practices that encourage guests to pause, reconnect and create space for new intentions. Set beneath the moonlit sky and immersed in the natural beauty of the Maldives, the ritual offers a meaningful opportunity to slow down, listen inward and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.

Discover the Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuary
To complement the Full Moon Ritual, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru will offer a limited-time Full Moon Wellbeing Package from 26 to 30 June 2026. Designed for guests seeking a deeper immersion in the month’s experiences, the package combines a private yoga session, a personalised wellbeing treatment at Banyan Tree Spa, and participation in The Fire Within.

For guests wishing to extend their wellbeing journey, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru also offers its Wellbeing Sanctuary experience — a curated retreat that brings together movement, mindful practices, nourishing cuisine and personalised spa therapies. Inspired by Banyan Tree Wellbeing’s philosophy of connection with self, others and nature, the experience invites guests to immerse themselves in a more intentional rhythm of island life while embracing the restorative qualities of the Maldives.
“Wellbeing often begins by paying attention to the present moment,” said Dr Sharma, Resident Wellbeing Practitioner of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. “Whether through movement, nourishment, time in nature or quiet reflection, these experiences invite guests to reconnect with what supports their wellbeing in ways that feel personal and meaningful.”
News
Ifuru Island Maldives celebrates 3rd anniversary with fashion, dance and music
On 1st December 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives will mark its 3rd anniversary with “Global Harmony,” a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and connection, bringing people together through the universal languages of fashion, dance and music.
Created around the message “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”, Global Harmony celebrates the many cultures, traditions and individual expressions that come together on one island.
The concept recognises that people may come from different countries, speak different languages, follow different traditions and express themselves in different ways, yet when those differences come together, they can create something extraordinary.
For Ifuru Island Maldives, the anniversary is not only an opportunity to celebrate another year. It is a moment to celebrate the people, cultures and shared experiences that continue to shape the spirit of Ifuru.

A Celebration Without Borders
At the heart of Global Harmony will be a creative fusion of fashion, dance and music, with different segments drawing inspiration from cultures, countries and styles from around the world.
Moving beyond the format of a traditional fashion show, the anniversary celebration is envisioned as a continuous performance in which fashion and movement become part of the same story.
Models will take to the stage in looks inspired by different parts of the world, with each fashion sequence transitioning naturally into a dance performance reflecting the culture, energy or character represented.
A traditional inspired look may lead into cultural movement, which can then evolve into a contemporary or fusion performance. As the evening progresses, individual styles and influences will begin to merge, building towards one collective finale.
The result will be a visual representation of the idea behind Global Harmony: different cultures and different styles finding one rhythm together.
Different Cultures. One Rhythm.

The 3rd anniversary theme reflects the international spirit of island life.
Every day, people from different backgrounds meet at Ifuru Island. Guests, team members, friends and partners each bring their own stories, traditions, personalities and experiences.
Global Harmony turns that diversity into the centrepiece of the anniversary celebration.
Rather than presenting cultures separately, the concept focuses on the beauty that emerges when they interact. Fashion becomes movement, movement follows music, and individual performances gradually become one shared celebration.
The finale will bring the different cultural and creative influences together, symbolising unity without losing individuality.
It is a message that feels particularly meaningful for Ifuru: people do not need to be the same to belong together.

Celebrating the Spirit of One Ifuru
The 3rd anniversary on 1st December will celebrate not only Ifuru Island’s journey, but also the community that has grown alongside it.
From memorable holidays and celebrations to friendships and shared island moments, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences that have become part of Ifuru’s story while looking forward to those still to come.
Through Global Harmony, the island will celebrate not simply another year, but the connections created along the way.
Against the natural backdrop of the Maldives, fashion, dance and music will come together to create an anniversary experience filled with colour, energy, movement and cultural expression.
As each individual performance becomes part of something bigger, the evening will ultimately return to one simple message: “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”

EVENT DETAILS
- Celebration: Ifuru Island Maldives 3rd Anniversary
- Theme: Global Harmony
- Date: 1 December 2026
- Location: Ifuru Island Maldives
- Concept: A fusion of cultural fashion, dance and music
- Tagline: “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”
Further details on the anniversary programme, performances and entertainment will be announced closer to the celebration.

Set amid the natural beauty of the Maldives, Ifuru Island Maldives brings together island living, dining, entertainment and memorable experiences in a destination shaped by freedom, connection and discovery.
With guests and team members from different parts of the world coming together on one island, Ifuru celebrates individuality, shared experiences and the connections that turn an island holiday into something more meaningful.
Cooking
Hideaway Beach Resort announces six-course dining experience with Chef Kanji Kobayashi
This November, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa will welcome acclaimed Japanese Chef Kanji Kobayashi, owner-chef of Villa Aida in Wakayama Prefecture, for two exclusive evenings celebrating the artistry, seasonality and refined traditions of Japanese cuisine.
Taking place on 10 and 14 November 2026, the intimate culinary experience will feature a meticulously crafted six-course fine dining menu, offering guests the opportunity to discover Chef Kanji’s distinctive approach to Japanese gastronomy in the spectacular surroundings of Hideaway.

At the heart of Chef Kanji’s culinary philosophy is a deep respect for nature and the Japanese tradition of appreciating ingredients at their finest moment. Each course will showcase carefully selected seasonal produce through refined techniques and elegant presentation, creating a harmonious journey of flavour, texture and craftsmanship.
From delicately prepared seafood to thoughtfully composed signature creations, the menu will bring together authentic Japanese culinary traditions with Chef Kanji’s contemporary expression. Each dish will reflect a balance between simplicity and sophistication, allowing the character and seasonality of the ingredients to take centre stage.

The exclusive dinners form part of Hideaway’s commitment to creating exceptional gastronomic experiences, bringing distinguished culinary talent to its private island retreat in Haa Alifu Atoll. Against a backdrop of pristine beaches, lush tropical surroundings and the Indian Ocean, the evenings promise an intimate celebration of food and artistry.
With a limited number of seats available on each evening, advance reservations are highly recommended.

For gourmands, admirers of Japanese cuisine and travellers seeking an extraordinary addition to their Maldivian escape, Chef Kanji Kobayashi’s six-course dining experience at Hideaway promises two memorable evenings where seasonality, craftsmanship and Japanese culinary heritage come together in paradise.

Nestled within the lush tropical vegetation of Dhonakulhi Island, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an exceptional island escape where luxury, privacy and personalised hospitality come together. With a diverse collection of restaurants and bars offering exquisite international cuisine and intimate private dining experiences, the resort caters to every culinary preference. Beyond gastronomy, guests can enjoy an extensive range of recreational activities, including tennis, padel, pickleball, golf, diving and exhilarating watersports, complemented by rejuvenating treatments at Hideaway Spa. Surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and abundant natural beauty, Hideaway places guest happiness at the heart of every experience, ensuring that each stay is filled with memorable moments, thoughtful service and endless opportunities to explore, unwind and indulge.
For bookings, please click here.
News
Dusit brings ‘Ocean Carnival’ and ‘Reef & Rhythm’ festive celebrations to Maldives
This festive season, Dusit Hotels and Resorts invites travellers to experience two distinctive celebrations in the Maldives, united by a shared source of inspiration: the ocean.
At Dusit Thani Maldives, the festive season comes to life through Ocean Carnival, a joyful celebration inspired by the colour, movement and wonder of the underwater world.
Meanwhile, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives turns up the island energy with Reef & Rhythm, where the ocean meets music, flavour, culture and celebration. Together, the two programmes offer different interpretations of the festive season while sharing the warmth of Dusit’s Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and the natural beauty of the Maldives.
“While Dusit Thani Maldives and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives each have their own distinctive character, both are deeply connected to the ocean and the spirit of the Maldives,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Dusit Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives. “With Ocean Carnival and Reef & Rhythm, we wanted to create two festive experiences that reflect the personality of each resort while sharing the same sense of celebration, connection and discovery. Whether guests are looking for a vibrant island atmosphere or a more tranquil escape surrounded by nature, we look forward to welcoming them to celebrate this special time of year with us.”

Two islands, one ocean-inspired celebration
Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Dusit Thani Maldives sets the scene for a festive escape surrounded by a vibrant house reef and the tranquillity of its natural island setting. Its Ocean Carnival programme brings together festive dining, family activities, wellness experiences and live entertainment, culminating in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach.
Just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers a different rhythm. The lifestyle-focused, Premium All-Inclusive resort embraces its playful character with Reef & Rhythm, bringing together pool parties, beachfront dining, live bands, DJs, cultural experiences, family adventures and celebrations beneath the stars.

Ocean Carnival at Dusit Thani Maldives
The celebrations at Dusit Thani Maldives begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Sand Bar on 21 December, setting the stage for a programme of memorable island experiences.Festive highlights include a beachfront Lobster BBQ, a lively Bartender Flairing Show, Santa’s arrival on Christmas morning, and an elegant Christmas Family Set Dinner at Sea Grill.
The programme continues between Christmas and New Year with a pool party and the resort’s Jungle Night, transforming Coconut Grove into an immersive tropical setting with a playful Jurassic twist, BBQ dining, entertainment and the unmistakable rhythm of Maldivian Boduberu.
The season reaches its crescendo on 31 December. Guests will begin the evening with a New Year’s Eve cocktail reception before Market Beach transforms for the Ocean Carnival New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Party. A lavish gala buffet will be accompanied by live music, DJs and entertainment inspired by the movement and magic of the ocean, before a midnight fireworks display welcomes 2027 beneath the Maldivian sky.
Celebrations continue into the New Year, including an authentic Thai Street Food Market at Benjarong on 3 January, accompanied by a traditional Thai dance performance.

Feel the Reef & Rhythm at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives
At dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, Reef & Rhythm follows the pulse of island life, with music and entertainment woven throughout the festive programme.
The season officially begins on 10 December with a sunset Christmas Cocktail Soirée and Tree Lighting Ceremony at SOI Beach. Christmas Eve brings a beachfront festive feast at Baraveli followed by live performances, Christmas celebrations and an LED party, while Christmas Day begins with Santa’s arrival before moving into a day of poolside music, beach games and tropical festivities.
Food takes centre stage throughout the season with experiences ranging from Streets of Thailand to Seafood, Sax & Champagne, an evening of fresh seafood, sparkling champagne and live saxophone melodies by the beach.
Maldivian culture also plays an important role in Reef & Rhythm. The resort’s Discover the 26 Atolls of the Maldives experience brings local traditions to life through arts and crafts, cultural performances and the rhythms of the islands.
Families can slow the pace with Cinema Under the Stars, while evenings across the resort feature an ever- changing soundtrack of live bands, DJs, solo singers, saxophone performances and visual shows.
On 31 December, SOI Beach becomes the heart of the celebration for the Reef & Rhythm New Year’s Eve Gala. Beginning with a sunset saxophone performance, the evening progresses through an international gala, live music and stage entertainment before the countdown to 2027. A DJ-led after-party then carries the celebration into the early hours of the New Year.

Celebrate the Maldives, your way
While each resort brings its own character to the festive season, both celebrations share a common spirit: bringing people together through memorable dining, music, culture and experiences shaped by their island surroundings.
For travellers seeking a vibrant, social and contemporary celebration close to Malé, Reef & Rhythm at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives delivers a festive season filled with energy from morning until late into the night.
For those drawn to the natural beauty and laid-back luxury of Baa Atoll, Ocean Carnival at Dusit Thani Maldives offers an immersive festive escape where celebration, discovery and connection unfold against one of the Maldives’ most remarkable ocean settings.
From reef to rhythm, and from carnival colour to celebrations beneath the stars, Dusit invites guests to end 2026 and begin the New Year surrounded by the ocean.
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