News
Centara launches its first loyalty programme with theme ‘Loyalty from the heart’
Maldives Promotion House – Centara Hotels & Resorts has launched a new loyalty programme under the theme, “Loyalty from the Heart”.
Centara – The 1 Card is a newly created recognition and rewards programme for those who love travelling and staying in the best hotels.
By accruing points, members will be able to enjoy a free stay in a Centara hotel or resort, anywhere in Thailand or overseas, with no blackout dates.
“St Valentine’s Day is, we feel, the perfect time for us to launch Centara – The 1 Card,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.
“We feel it will be of great value to our guests and customers, and a very heart-warming and giving way in which we can show how much we value them and how much we appreciate their loyalty.”
There are four tiers to membership, namely Classic, the entry level; Silver; Gold; and Platinum Elite.
Members progress upwards through the tiers simply by earning more points.
At each level the rewards increase, with free room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout, pre-registration, guaranteed room availability, and much more.
Mr Thirayuth said that members of the programme would find it very easy to earn points that go towards a free hotel stay.
“They will earn five points for every 30 baht they spend when staying with Centara Hotels & Resorts, dining in a Centara restaurant, or relaxing in a Centara spa.
“Book direct through the Centara website and they will earn double these points.
“Members will also earn points when dining in a Centara restaurant or enjoying a Centara spa, even if they are not actually staying in a Centara property.
“They will also earn points when they shop at any Central Retail Corporation store.
“As members progress through the membership tiers, their points carry a bonus rating, enabling fast progress upwards to the maximum rewards level.”
Membership of Centara – The 1 Card is free.
Centara – The 1 Card is also fully compatible with The 1 Card, the very successful loyalty programme that is operated by Central Retail Corporation Ltd.
“We at Centara Hotels & Resorts are very much aware that there are many loyalty programmes in the market, but we have created what we feel is a perfect blend of benefits for those who wish to call Centara their second home,” said Mr Thirayuth.
“We also feel that the combined benefits of Central Group add up to Centara – The 1 Card being the only card that anyone will need.”
The Centara – The 1 Card will be promoted under the campaign Life Should Be Rewarding.
Chris Bailey, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Centara Hotels & Resorts, said that the company feels the basic premise of membership will itself be a powerful marketing tool.
“A member will accrue points simply by doing something he or she would normally be doing, by staying in a hotel or resort, dining, using a spa, or shopping, and these points can then be redeemed for a free hotel stay.
“So membership, and use of membership, carries tangible rewards without any great shift in lifestyle patterns.”
Centara – The 1 Card will be promoted in a variety of ways, via advertising campaigns, online and social media marketing, database marketing, and point-of-sale.
“We shall also be marketing through Central Retail’s The 1 Card, and we see that as being an exceptionally strong marketing tool, as there are in excess of 4 million members of The 1 Card in Thailand, and the number is continually growing,” said Mr Bailey.
Members of Central Retail’s The 1 Card will be able to redeem their existing points for free hotel stays by taking membership of Centara – The 1 Card.
Centara – The 1 Card can be used at Centara hotels and outlets throughout the world, and points can be redeemed for free rooms.
“We believe that once members see how quickly they can earn points, and how the value of the points increases as they pass upwards through the membership tiers, that Centara – The 1 Card will become an indispensable part of their lifestyles,” said Mr Bailey.
“Building up points to take yourself, your partner or your family away for a holiday in which your hotel room is free of charge will become an exciting part of your everyday life, and a challenge to see how quickly the necessary points can be achieved.”
Centara Hotels operates Centra Grand Island Resort & Spa and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa in Maldives. Their third resort in Maldives is under construction.
For more information about Centara The 1 Card, please visit website www.centara1card.com
News
COMO Maalifushi introduces new all-inclusive experience, Simply COMO
COMO Maalifushi, the only resort in the unspoiled Thaa Atoll, has announced the launch of a new all-inclusive plan – Simply COMO – available from February 1, 2026. Designed for depth over excess, this elevated experience brings together COMO Hotels and Resorts’ renowned culinary philosophy, transformative wellness, and bespoke ocean adventures into one effortless, thoughtfully curated journey.
Simply COMO reshapes the conventional all-inclusive approach. Dining spans multiple venues — from Mediterranean flavours at Thila to Japanese at Tai and the wellness-driven COMO Shambhala Kitchen — complemented by weekly chef-led themed dinners, beach BBQs and a curated beverage list including more than 50 labels of wines, variety of spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic options, complemented by a daily restocked in-villa private bar. Offering oceanfront dining, barefoot lunches and dinner under the stars, each culinary experience showcases the resort’s dedication to quality, simplicity, and naturally sourced ingredients.
Simply COMO includes an enriching selection of island and marine activities that reveal the beauty and unique surrounding COMO Maalifushi including:
- Dolphin Sunset Cruise – a spectacle of nature creating a moment of wonder for guests they’ll never forget
- Splash Boat Cruise – a must for the family at sunset to hop onto our dhoni’s splash net and experience the thrill of being towed through the ocean
- Guided turtle and reef snorkeling safaris to experience the rich house reef in this remote atoll
- Offshore sunset drop-line fishing, for a moment of calm as the sky turns gold (one per guest)
Wellness forms the heartbeat of Simply COMO, with inclusion of a signature COMO Shambhala massage per guest as well as daily movement classes – ranging from yoga and stretching to meditation and functional strength – all supported and enhanced by COMO Shambhala Kitchen, for those guests looking to enrich their wellness experience.
For families, Play by COMO offers younger guests a world of discovery, with dedicated supervision that gives parents complete peace of mind. Children can dive into purposeful, creative play including treasure hunts, fort building, yoga sessions, and conservation projects, while parents embrace the island’s natural beauty and curated barefoot rituals. Thoughtful touches, from handcrafted afternoon tea to an all-day ice-cream bar, add a gentle sense of indulgence for little ones too.
Designed to meet the needs of every type of traveller, Simply COMO brings people together across generations – appealing to couples seeking privacy and reconnection, families looking for effortless bonding, and wellness seekers drawn to restorative practices – while inviting everyone to explore the Maldives’ extraordinary marine life and unique position of COMO Maalifushi.
“With Simply COMO, we focused on creating an experience that feels effortless yet elevated,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Every element — from cuisine and wellness to our ocean-led adventures — has been crafted to feel distinctly COMO.”
Simply COMO all-inclusive plan is available to book now for stays from February 1, 2026, offered alongside the resort’s existing Half Board meal plan to provide guests with flexible choices tailored to their style of travel.
Cooking
Meera Sodha to host plant-forward dining experience at Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives has announced an exciting culinary collaboration with acclaimed food columnist and cookbook author Meera Sodha. Scheduled from 13 to 15 February 2026, this partnership brings Meera Sodha’s celebrated plant-forward cooking philosophy to the coral shores of Kurumba for a series of curated dining experiences.
This special activation sees Sodha join forces with Kurumba’s own esteemed culinary team. Together, they’ll craft and present a collection of dishes inspired by her acclaimed cookbooks ‘Fresh India’ and ‘Made in India’, which champion bold, vibrant, and accessible vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The collaboration promises to deliver an authentic Gujarati experience that will delight guests, food enthusiasts, and discerning travellers alike.
Throughout her residency, guests at Kurumba Maldives will discover plant-based dishes that reflect Sodha’s signature style. The event showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients, presented through a series of thoughtfully crafted dining experiences including a Sunset Canapé Evening at Athiri Beach Bar on 15 February 2026.
The collaboration represents a significant moment for the Maldivian culinary scene – a rare chance to experience the creations of one of the UK’s most influential food writers in an iconic island setting. Travellers with a passion for creative and flavourful food will discover a fresh and inspiring take on vegetarian and vegan dining.
For more information or to make a booking, visit www.kurumba.com.
Featured
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort sets stage for 2026 with influential Tastemaker residencies
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced the return of its esteemed Tastemaker Series for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to bringing influential global talent to one of the Maldives’ most distinctive private island destinations. The programme continues to define the resort as a place where creativity, excellence and cultural expression converge, offering guests rare opportunities to engage with leading voices in the culinary arts, fine wine, mixology, wellness and sport.
The season opens in January with renowned chef Gianluca Renzi, who will host wine-led dining experiences, an intimate hands-on gnocchi masterclass and a signature dinner overlooking the ocean. His appearance sets the tone for the year ahead, combining classical Italian culinary heritage with contemporary craftsmanship and a spirit of conviviality that reflects the resort’s refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
In February, attention turns to innovation in both mixology and winemaking. Felice Capasso, World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, will bring his expressive approach to The Whale Bar through a bar takeover and an interactive masterclass exploring the narratives behind spirits, flavour and creativity. Shortly after, Romaric Chavy of Domaine Chavy-Chouet will bring Burgundy’s winemaking tradition to the Maldives, leading a wine tasting and a hosted dinner that offer an authentic encounter with one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.

The programme also embraces wellness, with Akiko Igarashi returning as Visiting Practitioner from 9 to 23 February. With extensive experience in Reiki, sound healing and holistic practices, she will guide guests through restorative therapies including Tibetan Singing Bowl healing sessions, Reiki treatments and bespoke couples’ experiences, each designed to promote inner balance, emotional clarity and transformative wellbeing.
In March, the series turns to elite sport as former World No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber joins the lineup. Through private coaching sessions, a dedicated children’s clinic, on-court interactions and an informal meet-and-greet, Kerber will share professional insight while maintaining an approachable presence that resonates with both experienced players and recreational enthusiasts.
The season continues in April with Michelin-starred British chef Glynn Purnell, who will present a showcase dinner, an intimate cooking class and a finale experience at The Whale Bar. Known for his modern British culinary identity, technical precision and engaging personality, Purnell’s residency brings a fitting conclusion to a season shaped by talent, storytelling and meaningful engagement.
In May, the Tastemaker Series will welcome one of tennis’s most respected figures, Feliciano López. Celebrated for his longevity, signature serve-and-volley style and lasting success across more than two decades on the ATP Tour, López is a former World No. 12 and a Grand Slam doubles champion with a prominent role in Spain’s Davis Cup victories. At the resort, he will lead curated sessions on advanced technique, movement, match awareness and the nuances of elite-level tennis, delivered in a relaxed island setting.
Reflecting on the return of the Tastemaker Series, General Manager Vincent Pauchon said: “The Tastemaker Series is more than a programme; it is a celebration of passion, artistry and human connection. Each year, we strive to curate experiences that feel personal and enriching, giving our guests the opportunity to engage not only with exceptional talent, but with new perspectives and inspiration. This year’s lineup captures the essence of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort—elevated, thoughtful and deeply memorable.”
With its 2026 edition, the Tastemaker Series continues to evolve as a defining hallmark of The St. Regis Maldives experience, inviting guests into a world where excellence is shared, discovery is encouraged and every encounter is designed to resonate long after the moment has passed.
-
Action1 week agoNiyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue
-
Action1 week agoReethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season
-
Entertainment1 week agoAvani+ Fares Maldives Resort sets stage for first music festival in May 2026
-
News1 week agoMachchafushi Island Resort integrates marine conservation, sustainable practices across operations
-
News1 week agoBollywood stars Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal celebrate festive season at SO/ Maldives
-
Featured1 week agoReflect, renew, explore: Angsana Velavaru unveils its 2026 offerings
-
Featured1 week agoIntimate island experiences shape Valentine’s Day at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
-
Featured1 week agoMusic and mindful movement anchor new season at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands


