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Dusit Thani Maldives celebrates grand opening

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Maldives Promotion House – Dusit International has yesterday celebrated the grand opening of its milestone property, the Dusit Thani Maldives in a ceremony that saw President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik and First Lady, Madam Illham Hussain, as guests of honour. Also in attendance was the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor.

VIP guests representing the Dusit group included Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International and Chatri Sophonpanich, Chairman of Dusit Thani Public Company limited and the DMS board of directors.

The now fully operational Dusit Thani Maldives is yet another jewel in the Dusit International crown and while it looks to be hugely successful as a luxurious resort hotel that has already enjoyed an unprecedented reception as an eco conscious travel experience par excellence, it is also recognized by its host country as making a significant contribution to the local economy.

In this regard, the President Dr. Waheed said, “The Republic of the Maldives will not only benefit from economic gains and job creation as a result of Dusit International’s investment, but equally, if not more important, is the legacy afforded by the education opportunities that Dusit International will introduce to this country.”

The President continued, “the group has created a blue print to develop their well established and highly successful hospitality college in the Maldives.”

President Dr. Waheed said that this is a major milestone for the tourism industry and it is imperative in order to continue to maintain high standards and opportunities for all Maldivians. He noted that the tourism today is the single largest contributor to the national economy, representing some 30% of our GDP.  He added that the strengthening of our tourism education infrastructure will allow us to ensure that the Maldives remains the leading global luxury tourism destination.

Furthermore, the President highlighted that the tourism sector has never been more buoyant – and the government is on target to achieve our goal of our One Millionth tourist arrival this year.

Indeed the number of visitors from Southeast Asia alone – particularly Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia – increased by almost 14% in the first half of 2012. We look forward to this trend continuing with the opening of Dusit Thani Maldives, a well-known and respected Asian brand with deep Thai roots,” he said.

Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International said, “It has always been the dream of Dusit International to establish a hotel property on this beautiful island destination. To see the dream transformed into the reality of the Dusit Thani Maldives is a source of tremendous pride and satisfaction for the entire Dusit group.”

The CEO said that Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui opened the Dusit Thani College in 1993 and confirmed that the Dusit Thani College is in the process of being established in the Maldives.

“We have much confidence in the Maldives.  We believe that our investment will be greatly beneficial and look forward to long-term success as full business partners in the tourism industry,” he said.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé and only 10 minutes by speed boat from the new domestic airport opening soon. It is also just a short boat ride away from Hanifaru Huraa, the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

General Manager, Desmond Hatton said, “It is a natural environment that has inspired and motivated the design of Dusit Thani Maldives to ensure that it co-exists in harmony with the magnificent Maldivian biodiversity. We are also doing everything we can here to set standards for sustainability. Our entire operation is geared toward achieving a carbon-neutral programme using pioneering, green energy solutions.”

The fully operational Dusit Thani Maldives comprises a luxurious collection of exclusive guest villas and residences that feature a host of amenities including a complimentary Wi-Fi internet connection, 46” LED IPTV with satellite channels, BOSE surround sound systems, wine chiller and Nespresso coffee. The resort also features three restaurants, two bars and Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa, uniquely elevated above a grove of coconut palm trees.

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Chef Mos to showcase northern Thai cuisine at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu

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This November, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu welcomes a taste of Northern Thailand as Michelin recognized Ginger Farm Kitchen and The House by Ginger arrives in the Maldives for a special culinary collaboration inspired by the traditions, ingredients and home cooking of Chiang Mai.

Born and raised in Chiang Mai, Chef Mos brings with him a strong connection to the food of Northern Thailand and the philosophy behind Ginger Farm Kitchen, a restaurant concept that began on a working farm in Saraphi, just outside the city.

What started as a family space for children and visitors to experience rice planting, harvesting and traditional farm life gradually evolved into the brand’s distinctive Farm to City philosophy.

Today, Ginger Farm Kitchen celebrates authentic Thai home cooking, with an emphasis on Northern Thai flavours, family recipes, local produce and time-honoured cooking techniques.

Chef Mos will bring this spirit to Adaaran Select Meedhupparu through a series of specially curated culinary experiences on 8 and 9 November 2026.

On 8 November, guests can begin with an intimate, hour-long cooking demonstration. The session will showcase three Thai favourites: Tom Kha with chicken, Pad Thai with prawns or chicken, and Thai green curry with chicken, offering an opportunity to discover the ingredients and techniques behind each dish.

That evening, the experience continues at Tawa with an exclusive five-course wine pairing dinner. The menu combines Thai flavours with contemporary presentation, beginning with Ma Hor and prawn spring roll, followed by crab pani puri with coconut citrus sauce, Burmese tea leaf salad with soft-shell crab and Tom Yum lobster bisque.

For the main course, guests can choose between beef Massaman with garlic mashed potatoes, burnt leeks and Thai gremolata, or grilled sea bass with Tom Kha sauce, crab salad and jasmine rice. A lemongrass panna cotta with tropical fruits and mango and passion fruit sauce brings the evening to a close.

On 9 November, the focus shifts to a more relaxed Thai street-food and BBQ dinner on the beach. The buffet will feature favourites including chicken satay, spring rolls, Thai pineapple fried rice, seafood Tom Yum, Massaman curry, pomelo salad and Pad Ka Prao Neur. Live stations will serve freshly prepared Pad Thai with prawns and Khao Soi chicken curry noodles, followed by mango sticky rice for dessert.

The collaboration also brings recognised culinary pedigree. Ginger Farm Kitchen’s original Chiang Mai restaurant at One Nimman received Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition from 2020 to 2023.

From Chiang Mai’s farms to the shores of the Raa Atoll, Ginger Farm Kitchen x Adaaran Select Meedhupparu brings guests closer to the roots of Thai cuisine through shared dining, authentic flavours and chef-led discovery.

For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website.

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Heritance Aarah brings Chiang Mai’s The House by Ginger to Maldives

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This November, the flavours of Chiang Mai arrive in the Maldives as Michelin recognised The House by Ginger and Ginger Farm Kitchen joins Heritance Aarah for a special culinary collaboration celebrating the depth, character and creativity of Thai cuisine.

Taking place from 4-6 November 2026, the collaboration will see Chef Aree bring the culinary identity of The House by Ginger to the shores of the Raa Atoll through a series of curated dining experiences, chef-led demonstrations and vibrant Thai flavours.

Based in Chiang Mai’s Old City, The House by Ginger has been part of the city’s dining scene since 2004. Set within a restored heritage house dating back to 1937, the restaurant brings together Thai culinary traditions, regional ingredients and contemporary interpretation. Its approach is rooted in cooking from scratch and respecting the stories behind familiar Thai dishes, while presenting them with a distinctive modern character.

At Heritance Aarah, guests will have several opportunities to experience this philosophy throughout the week.

On 4 November, Ralu will host a special Thai à la carte experience featuring familiar favourites such as chicken satay with peanut sauce, som tum, green curry, seafood hor mok, stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts, pad Thai and mango sticky rice.

For a more refined expression of the collaboration, wine pairing dinners on 5 November will explore Thai flavours through a contemporary five-course menu. Dishes include crab pani puri with coconut citrus sauce, Burmese tea leaf salad with soft-shell crab, Tom Yum lobster bisque and mains such as beef Massaman with garlic mashed potatoes or grilled sea bass with Tom Kha sauce. The evening concludes with lemongrass panna cotta accompanied by tropical fruit.

Guests can also get closer to the techniques behind the cuisine through cooking demonstrations on 5 November, featuring Thai favourites including Tom Kha, pad Thai and green curry.

The experience becomes more relaxed on 6 November, when Thai street food takes centre stage. Live cooking stations and a generous selection of dishes will bring together everything from chicken satay and spring rolls to Khao Soi, seafood Tom Yum, Massaman curry and mango sticky rice.

The collaboration adds another dimension to Heritance Aarah’s already diverse culinary story, creating an opportunity for guests to discover Thai cuisine through both traditional flavours and contemporary presentation.

For 3 days this November, Chiang Mai meets the Maldives through food, craft and shared culinary discovery at Heritance Aarah.

For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website. 

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Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa and Donna Vekić head to St. Regis Maldives for tennis series

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced a special edition of The Astor Club Soirée in partnership with LUX Tennis, welcoming three of the sport’s most accomplished players, Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa, and Donna Vekić, for a series of tennis residencies from October 26 through November 30, 2026. Taking place at the Maldives’ finest address, the program will feature private coaching sessions, group clinics, junior development activities, and guest appearances, offering participants direct engagement with some of tennis’s most recognized names.

The Astor Club Soirée Tennis Series will commence with Donna Vekić from October 29 to November 1, 2026. One of Croatia’s most accomplished tennis players, Vekić has captured five WTA singles titles throughout her career and achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 17. Her recent achievements include a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a semifinal appearance at Wimbledon, and victory at the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships in 2026. Renowned for her powerful playing style and competitive spirit, Vekić will share her expertise through a series of guest sessions designed for players of all levels.

From November 13 to 14, 2026, the resort will welcome Paula Badosa, one of the most inspiring players on the WTA Tour. After capturing the French Open Girls’ title and turning professional in 2015, Badosa rose steadily through the ranks to reach a career-high World No. 2 ranking in 2022. Following a determined comeback from injury setbacks, she re-established herself among the world’s elite with a title run at the Washington Open, a quarterfinal appearance at the US Open in 2024, and an Australian Open semifinal appearance in 2025. Guests will have the chance to spend time with one of modern tennis’ most resilient and admired competitors through a series of coaching and on-court sessions.

The pinnacle of the series arrives November 26 to 27, 2026 with the highly anticipated residency of Daniil Medvedev, former ATP World No. 1 and one of the defining champions of his generation. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players in contemporary tennis, Medvedev’s distinguished career includes a historic US Open title, multiple ATP Masters 1000 victories, ATP Finals success, and numerous Grand Slam final appearances.

Celebrated for his tactical brilliance, relentless competitiveness, and commanding presence on court, Medvedev has consistently performed at the highest level of the sport while establishing himself as one of tennis’ most influential global stars. As the headline appearance of The Astor Club Soirée Tennis Series, he will lead a schedule of private lessons, clinics, and guest events throughout this stay.

“The Astor Club Soirée was created to bring influential figures in sport and culture to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort through bespoke guest programming,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “We are pleased to welcome Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa, and Donna Vekić, whose achievements have made a lasting impact on professional tennis. Their presence reflects our continued focus on presenting distinctive experiences that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression on our guests.”

Designed for aspiring young athletes, tennis enthusiasts, and seasoned players, each residency offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from some of the sport’s most accomplished professionals.

The Astor Club Soirée forms part of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s signature platform for distinctive guest programming. Inspired by the Astor family’s appreciation for sports, culture, and refined leisure, The Astor Club Soirée unites influential figures from around the world through engaging experiences that inform, inspire, and connect, embodying the quintessential St. Regis tradition of bringing people together through personalized service.

For more information, please visit stregismaldives.com. 

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