News
Charity experiments health benefits of holidaying in Maldives

Maldives Promotion House – A British holidaymaker has returned to the UK after taking part in a holiday health experiment in Maldives.
The trip was part of a unique trial called The Holiday Health Experiment, which seeks to better understand the health impact of different types of holidays on the body and mind.
Sarah Denning was one of 2,845 people across the UK who entered the competition to win one of three holidays to be taken between April and June 2012. She took her friend Sarah Bastida on the trip with her, she said, to make the experiment a “girls’ holiday”.
The two other winning couples went on very different types of holiday – one to Amazonian Peru the other to cultural Thailand.
The competition was organised by UK healthcare charity Nuffield Health and travel company Kuoni, with participants having to undergo a variety of medical and psychological tests before, during and after their trips.
The two Sarahs enjoyed 12 days of rest and relaxation, away from the stresses of work and everyday life.
Ms Denning, 53, said: “My first impression was ‘oh my god, this is paradise’. Turquoise water blending to deep, deep blue on the horizon, tropical green ringed by white sand. It was perfect.
“Days were spent swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, sleeping, and eating, in no particular order.
“Evenings were spent in the bar, usually making small talk among ourselves, as everyone else seemed to be on planet honeymoon.
“We tried out lots of the activities on offer as well as the obvious draw of the sea, checking out the gym, a first time go at golf and hired a couple of rusty old bicycles. These were in fact massive fun to bomb around the island on.
“The highlight of the trip was a 24-hour cruise on one of the resort boats; we had a three hour sail to Kagi Island, inhabited by just one couple, a fantastic snorkel on the reef and a barbecue on the beach.
“We had a superb time – the most breathtakingly beautiful place I have ever been to, friendly people, lots to do – what more could you ask for?”
The medical data gathered before, during and after their trip in August is now being analysed by Nuffield Health and will be published in the new year.
News
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa celebrates World Wellness Weekend with three-day wellness programme
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa marked the 10th edition of World Wellness Weekend with a three-day programme led by Singapore-based wellness practitioner Dawn Sim. From 18 to 20 September 2026, guests were invited to embrace a more mindful approach to wellbeing through a curated series of experiences centred on movement, relaxation and nutrition.
With more than 25 years of experience in fitness and wellness, Dawn Sim has dedicated her practice to encouraging healthier, more balanced lifestyles. A yoga and Pilates instructor, certified sound bowl therapist and health coach, she brings together movement, breathwork, sound and holistic practices through an approachable philosophy centred on physical and mental wellbeing.

Across the three-day programme, Dawn led sunrise and sunset yoga, Pilates, meditation and sound bath sessions, with private classes also available for guests seeking a more personalised experience. Moving beyond physical practice, she hosted a diet and nutrition conversation focused on mindful eating and practical ways to support everyday wellbeing.
“I am delighted to return to Le Méridien Maldives, this time for World Wellness Weekend. The Maldives offers a beautiful environment to slow down, reconnect and spend time in nature, and I hope guests leave feeling restored and inspired to carry some of these practices into their everyday lives,” said Dawn Sim.

Set on the natural island of Thilamaafushi in Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa brings wellbeing into the island experience through an active lifestyle, restorative treatments, nourishing cuisine and time spent outdoors. At Waves Lifestyle Hub, guests can take part in a daily programme including yoga, Pilates, Zumba, aqua aerobics, workout sessions and more, complemented by a 24-hour fitness centre and personal training. Outdoors, the resort offers a padel court alongside complimentary non-motorised water activities including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling, while the surrounding lagoon and nearby housereef invite guests to explore below the surface.
For moments of relaxation, the overwater Explore Spa features treatment rooms with glass-panel floors offering views of the ocean beneath. Drawing inspiration from Ayurvedic principles, its collection of massages, body treatments and facials is designed to restore balance and enhance overall wellbeing. Expanding its wellness offering, the resort has recently introduced dynamic air-compression boots, designed to support circulation and ease tired legs after workouts, watersports or active days around the island.

Mindful dining forms another part of the resort’s approach to wellbeing. Waves Café presents an all-day menu of fresh, nourishing dishes featuring produce harvested from the resort’s hydroponic Greenhouse, one of the largest in the Maldives.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Dawn back to Le Méridien Maldives and bring World Wellness Weekend to life through a programme that complements the experiences we offer throughout the year,” said Thomas Schult, General Manager of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. “Our approach to wellbeing is about creating opportunities for guests to move, recharge and enjoy the island at their own pace, whether starting the day with sunrise yoga, staying active on the padel court, enjoying nourishing food or simply taking time to unwind. Dawn’s approach was a natural fit for this philosophy.”
Surrounded by a 360-degree lagoon and the Indian Ocean, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa features 134 beach and overwater villas inspired by mid-century modern design and the brand’s European heritage. From private pool villas to spacious two- and three-bedroom options for families and groups of friends, the resort invites guests to savour the good life through an unhurried approach to island living.

From 13 to 23 December 2026, Le Méridien Maldives will welcome former World No. 1 padel player Juani Mieres for a dedicated padel retreat, inviting guests to take their game further through daily clinics led by one of the sport’s most accomplished players.
For more information or to book, please visit lemeridien-maldives.com or contact reservations.maldives@lemeridien.com.
Cooking
International Chefs’ Day: Kabita Singh to cook live at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.
Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.
The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.
As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.
Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.
Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.
Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”
Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.
Awards
Madifushi Private Island wins ‘Sensation of the Year’ at Global Destination Awards
Madifushi Private Island has been named “Sensation of the Year” at the Global Destination Awards 2026, marking a proud milestone for the resort and its team. The award was presented during a gala ceremony held in Moscow, bringing together leading hospitality professionals, international brands, travel experts, celebrities, and media representatives.
Established by World Fashion Channel and Global Destination Group, the awards recognise achievements across the luxury travel and hospitality industry, with a focus on service, innovation, architecture, and distinctive guest experiences. This year’s ceremony honoured winners across 33 categories, spanning Russian and international hotels, resorts, destinations, and tourism businesses.
The evening provided Madifushi Private Island with an opportunity to showcase its identity and guest experiences to an audience of industry leaders and travel and lifestyle media.

“Anyone who has experienced Madifushi Private Island will understand why ‘Sensation of the Year’ feels so fitting,” said Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island. “There is something truly special about the island—the colours of the lagoon, the beauty of its beaches, and the sense of tranquility that invites you to slow down and take it all in. The island leaves an impression that stays with you long after you leave, and we are delighted to see it recognised in this way.”
For Madifushi Private Island, the award is a moment to celebrate the people behind the guest experience, from the teams welcoming visitors to those working behind the scenes. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen connections with travel partners and introduce the resort to travellers seeking their next true Maldivian escape.
Madifushi Private Island extends its appreciation to the award organisers, its guests, travel partners, and colleagues for their continued support. As the resort celebrates this achievement, its focus remains on thoughtful hospitality and creating memorable island experiences for every guest.
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