News
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives welcomes Golden Week with dining, tea and island experiences
This Chinese National Day holiday, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites all guests to embrace the natural rhythm of island life in the serene surroundings of Raa Atoll. From 1 to 7 October 2026, the resort will celebrate the season with a thoughtfully curated programme of dining and cultural experiences, complemented by its Half Board Special and the privacy of its signature Overwater Pool Villas.
Set within a naturally lush island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the resort offers the freedom to experience the holiday entirely at one’s own pace. Days might begin with breakfast overlooking the sea, continue with time in the lagoon or a quiet afternoon beside a private pool, and end over dinner beneath tropical skies.
The setting itself has earned international recognition for its distinctive design and visual appeal. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives was named among Trip.com’s Asia 100 – Instagrammable Hotels in both 2025 and 2026, while Trip.com’s 2026 ranking of Instagrammable Hotels in the Maldives places the resort at No. 3.

Overwater Living, the Alila Way
For travellers dreaming of the quintessential Maldives experience, the resort’s Overwater Pool Villas extend above the lagoon with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
The Lagoon Overwater Pool Villa, Ocean Overwater Pool Villa and Sunset Overwater Pool Villa each offer 125 square metres of contemporary indoor-outdoor living, with a private pool and the water always within sight. Whether waking to the changing colours of the lagoon or watching the sun descend from the privacy of the villa, the experience places the landscape at the centre of the stay.
For larger families and multi-generational groups, the resort also offers spacious multi-bedroom accommodation, including the Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa and Boduge Residence, allowing extended families and friends to stay together while retaining their own sense of space.
“Golden Week is an occasion to come together, and we wanted the celebration on the island to feel both familiar and distinctly Alila. Guests can gather over steamed local reef fish with ginger and scallion, share the warmth of a hot pot evening, learn the art of dumpling making with Chef Amrit, or slow down over tea masterclasses and pairing rituals with Dilmah Tea. These experiences bring the spirit of the celebration into the rhythm of island life, while giving families and friends the freedom to enjoy their time together in their own way,” says Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.

A Celebration Around the Table
Dining takes a central place in the celebrations, with a programme created especially for the week.
The programme begins on 1 October with a Dumpling Making Class with Chef Amrit, followed on 2 October by Flavors of the Golden Week, featuring steamed local reef fish with ginger and scallion. The weekend brings convivial Flavors of the East Hot Pot Nights, while Chinese-Flavored BBQ Skewer Night at Yakitori Bar adds another celebratory evening on 6 October. The programme culminates on 7 October with the Golden Week “Seasalt Night” Buffet Dinner.
Throughout the week, guests can also discover a series of tea experiences presented in collaboration with Dilmah Tea, including Tea Mini-Classes exploring wellness and health tips, Tea Masterclasses and Tastings, and evening Tea-Pairing Rituals — introducing a quieter ritual to the island celebrations.

Half Board, with the Freedom to Explore
Adding ease and flexibility to the stay, the resort’s Half Board Special brings breakfast and dinner into the rhythm of each day while leaving guests free to explore Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ wider culinary landscape.
The plan includes daily breakfast at Seasalt and dinner at Seasalt, Pibati, Yakitori Bar or Umami, served as a three-course à la carte menu, excluding Teppanyaki. Guests wishing to dine at another venue receive a USD 75 food credit, applicable at participating experiences including Teppanyaki, The Shack and Dining Experiences, subject to availability. Premium and signature items may carry an additional charge.
This flexibility means no two evenings need feel the same: dinner might unfold over Japanese flavours at Umami, around the table at Seasalt, or somewhere entirely more secluded at The Shack, the resort’s private sand cay.
The Half Board Special is complemented by a collection of Alila Hospitalities, including welcome amenities, Spa Alila wellness activities, complimentary use of snorkelling equipment, daily poolside refreshments and access to Play Alila, the 24-hour Fitness Centre and Library. In-room reusable water bottles, Alila Living bath amenities, Villa Host service and resort-wide Wi-Fi are also included.

Island Days, Made Personal
Beyond the celebrations, the island invites guests to find their own rhythm. Snorkelling and diving reveal the marine environment of Raa Atoll, while Play Alila, outdoor games and padel tennis offer easy ways for families to spend time together.
For something slower, Spa Alila and island wellness experiences create space to reset, while Alila Moments connect guests more closely with Maldivian culture, nature and local traditions.
The programme has deliberately been designed with room for spontaneity. Complimentary experiences are woven between the culinary events, including dumpling making and scheduled tea activities, allowing guests to participate as much — or as little — as they wish. Selected activities require advance reservations, while dine-around credit is applicable to certain dining experiences.

An Island Celebration, Shaped Around You
From overwater mornings and private-pool afternoons to dumpling making, tea rituals and dinners overlooking the Indian Ocean, the week celebrates a simple luxury: time together, with the freedom to choose how it is spent.

For more information or to plan a Golden Week escape, visit www.alilakothaifarumaldives.com.
Awards
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives secures nine accolades at World Luxury Awards 2026
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is celebrating nine accolades at the 2026 World Luxury Awards, including two prestigious Global Winner titles, recognising excellence across resort hospitality, leadership, wellness and gastronomy.
The awards reflect the resort’s philosophy of Connected Island Luxury, where personalised hospitality, restorative wellness, exceptional dining and meaningful encounters with nature come together to create memorable island experiences.
Among the highlights, The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives was named Global Winner for Best Luxury Island Resort Spa, while signature fine-dining restaurant FireDOOR received the Global Winner title for Best Sunset Views.
The resort also received recognition as Best Luxury Boutique Resort and Best Luxury Lifestyle Resort in the Indian Ocean, alongside Best General Manager for Raffaele Solferino.

Global Recognition for Wellness and Gastronomy
Perched above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s overwater Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and restoration. In addition to its global title, it received two Indian Ocean awards: Best Luxury Boutique Spa and Best Luxury Oceanview Spa.
Meanwhile, FireDOOR’s global recognition celebrates its spectacular sunset setting overlooking the island’s house reef. Combining intimate fine dining with distinctive glass-floor features and panoramic ocean views, the restaurant also received Indian Ocean titles for Best Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant and Best Luxury Waterside Restaurant.
Together, these achievements highlight the breadth of experiences that define Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, from restorative wellness to memorable moments shared over exceptional cuisine.

Celebrating the People Behind the Experience
For General Manager Raffaele Solferino, who has been part of the resort’s journey since pre-opening, the awards are a testament to the dedication of the island team.
“To receive nine World Luxury Awards, including two Global Winner titles, is an extraordinary honour and a wonderful recognition of our team’s passion and commitment,” said Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives.
“What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that it celebrates the complete guest experience. We believe true luxury goes beyond beautiful surroundings; it is about genuine connections, thoughtful hospitality and creating moments that stay with our guests long after they leave. As we approach our tenth anniversary in 2027, these awards are both a celebration of our journey and an inspiration for the next chapter.”

A Decade of Island Hospitality
Since opening in 2017, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has established a distinctive identity built around contemporary island luxury, personalised service and a deep connection with its natural surroundings.
As the resort prepares to celebrate ten years of welcoming guests in 2027, the nine World Luxury Awards provide a fitting recognition of its achievements and continued commitment to creating extraordinary island experiences.
News
ananea Madivaru Maldives unveils personalised island concierge experience
From 1 November 2026, ananea Madivaru Maldives will introduce its new Island Concierge Programme. A more personal and relaxed approach to island hospitality built around one simple idea: Here, you’re never just a villa number.
Rather than adopting the formality of a traditional butler service, the Island Concierge becomes each guest’s personal connection to the island, someone who knows their journey, remembers their preferences, anticipates their needs and helps them discover the resort naturally.

From the moment guests arrive, their Island Concierge becomes a familiar face throughout their stay. They personally welcome guests on arrival, connect with them over breakfast, assist with plans and experiences throughout the day, and return for a personal farewell at departure.

The concept is intentionally uncomplicated.
Less formality. More connection.

Island Concierges spend their time where guests are rather than behind a desk, around the beaches, pools, restaurants, bars and pathways of the resort. Whenever possible, they may even personally drive guests to dinner, spa appointments or activities, turning a simple buggy journey into another opportunity to connect.
They can assist with everything from restaurant recommendations and spa treatments to watersports, excursions, celebrations and the spontaneous island moments that often become the most memorable parts of a holiday.

The Island Concierge is also there to share the story of the island itself, its people, Maldivian culture, marine life and the fascinating realities of island living, from producing fresh water and electricity to caring for the beaches and surrounding environment.

“We don’t want to create another traditional butler or host concept,” says Pierre Edlund, General Manager of ananea Madivaru Maldives.
“We want something more natural and more human. Your Island Concierge is someone who gets to know you, remembers what you enjoy and helps make things happen without unnecessary formality. But ultimately, every colleague on our islands is part of the experience. The Island Concierge may be your personal connection, but the whole island is looking after you.”

Importantly, the philosophy extends far beyond the Island Concierge team.
At ananea Madivaru Maldives, every guest belongs to everyone. Whether a guest meets a chef, engineer, bartender, housekeeper, watersports colleague or leader, the philosophy remains the same.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
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