News
Aqua Season celebrated at Six Senses Laamu in Maldives: June – October 2013
Maldives Promotion House – Aqua Season at Six Senses Laamu brings together a raft of water-focused activities which incorporate the surfing season’s International Surfing Day on 20 June, Turtle Nesting and Hatching Season from May through October, Maldivian by the Sea – which showcases local cuisine in July at Longitude restaurant, and Jaafai Dinners hosted at local islands.
To celebrate the season, Six Senses Laamu offers a selection of complimentary benefits and savings. These include No Rush Hours with a resident DJ, savings at the Six Senses Spa, free Cinema on the Beach plus ice-cream is on the house!
International Surfing Day, held annually on or near the date of the summer solstice—usually on 20 June – is an unofficial, environmentally conscious, sports-centered event that celebrates surfing and the surfing lifestyle, and the sustainability of ocean resources.
At Six Senses Laamu and in partnership with Ocean Dimensions arrange a reef and beach cleaning detail, a surf competition with children of Mamendhoo school, followed by the screening of surf documentaries and presentations on surf culture. The day ends with a delicious Lobster Barbecue. The day’s events are complimentary, with the evening barbecue commencing at 7pm. and costing US$150 per person, plus taxes.
Surfing Season is from April through October, and with Six Senses Laamu being the only resort in this southern atoll, surfers have the break to themselves most of the time. The biggest swells are likely to occur in June to September. From the resort, you can see the impressive white spray of the most famous break in the atoll – the Yin Yang- an eight-foot right hander which breaks on the outer reef of the local island, Hithadhoo.
Daily morning and afternoon boat trips are organized to Yin Yang from the resort from April to October, with single surf passes available for US$69 per person, plus taxes.
Turtle Nesting and Hatching Season. From May to October, Olhuveli Island is a nesting ground for both Green and Hawksbill turtles. The female turtles return to the same beach on which they were born to lay their own eggs. These turtles will nest at anytime and Rachel Lambert, our resident Marine Biologist will be responsible for checking the beaches for nest and turtle tracks. Guests who would like to join her are most welcome to watch the hatchlings run to the sea. The whole nesting and hatching procedure is carefully monitored to protect the females and the new youngsters.
For further awareness and education, Rachel will be conducting a series of conversations, presentations and courses during the season. All activities on turtle nesting and hatching are provided on a complimentary basis.
Jaafai Experience: The cooking style of Maldives is highly influenced by both India and Sri Lanka. Gradually, rice and curries became an integral part of Maldivian food. Today, one can virtually find all kinds of food in the country. Maldivian cuisine gives you an opportunity to savour the different mouth-watering dishes with exotic flavours ranging from mild, spicy and hot to sweet.
Originally Jaafai meant feast for the Kings. This summer, from June to October, we invite you to Hithadhoo to join a Maldivian family at their home for a few hours. Discover their lifestyle and cuisine. Listen to local stories about the past as well as learn about ingredients the Maldivians use in their kitchen. During your visit to the local island, you will also be accompanied by the sounds of Boduberu, the local drums and music. The all-inclusive priceis US$220 per person, plus taxes, and departure from the resort is at 7pm.
Maldivian by the Sea: In July, Chef Nicholas Loubser and his brigade bring Maldivian flavours to the menu of Longitude, our overwater restaurant where you can tantalize your palate with the freshest and most delicious dishes. Maldivian by the Sea is yet another way to discover the cuisine of the Maldives, right at Six Senses Laamu. Dinners are limited to six tables so reservations are suggested, and dinner commences at 7pm. The price is US$125 per person, plus taxes.
Other Activities and Benefits: During May to October, many Aqua Season activities are complimentary or have significant savings:
- No Rush Hours are each evening between 6-7pm and 9:30-10:30pm at Chill bar, with resident DJ Garry Tee, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur DJ who has created unique musical experience for events, clubs and restaurant audiences. His unique blend of music elements has lead to exciting collaborations with art, stage and fashion creatives across Asia. His reputation has been built over twenty years as DJ, Producer, Radio Host and Music Curator. Garry has been nominated for Best Music/Sound at ‘A The 6th Boh CameronianAwards’ in 2008 for his collaboration with Lena Ang’s butoh dance performance called PINK. The upcoming performances at Chill are focused on the gentler beats and sound that is complementing the overwhelming presence of beauty in both nature and design. The creative process of Garry Tee’s performances is made of personally selected tunes from the collection that spans almost 30 years.
- Ice Cream: Enjoy delicious homemade ice cream from the Ice and Chocolate Studio, with compliments. Savour more than forty flavours of ice cream and sorbets with a variety of toppings and sauces.
- Six Senses Spa: Creating awareness and enlightening guests, The Six Senses Spa at Laamu introduces additionalwellness activities this summer. Six Senses Spa launches a variety of weekly workshops from Detox to De-Stress, Acupressure to Ashtanga as guest are guided through a variety to techniques and basic principles that they can implement during their stay or once they return home. Book a Six Senses Spa massage within 48-hours after arrival at the resort and enjoy an introductory 50% savings for a second person’s treatment; a perfect treat for your partner.
- Beach Cinema: A dream or reality? Should you like a little action or a classic movie, enjoy an unusual open-air cinema experience that takes place beneath a canopy of stars on the white sandy beach. The cinema bar is open during the film for those wishing to treat themselves with a glass of Champagne!
Awards
The St. Regis Maldives named second best resort in Indian Ocean at Condé Nast Traveler Awards
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been recognised among the Top 20 Resorts in the Indian Ocean, earning the coveted No. 2 ranking in the Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
Widely regarded as one of the travel industry’s most trusted honours, the annual Readers’ Choice Awards celebrates the finest destinations, hotels, resorts, and experiences worldwide, based on authentic guest feedback and voting. The accolade reflects the enduring appeal of The St. Regis Maldives and its continued commitment to delivering exceptional experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
The recognition arrives during a particularly meaningful year for the resort as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of redefining luxury hospitality through bespoke service, distinctive design, world-class dining, and immersive island experiences in one of the Maldives’ most extraordinary destinations.
Nestled on its own private natural island in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has captivated guests since its opening in 2016 with its striking architecture inspired by the surrounding environment, expansive overwater and beach villas, vibrant house reef, signature St. Regis Butler Service, and commitment to sustainability. Over the past decade, the resort has become a destination of choice for discerning travelers, couples, families, and multigenerational guests seeking transformative escapes in an unparalleled setting.
“To be recognised as the No. 2 Resort in the Indian Ocean by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler US is an incredible honor and a testament to the passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our hosts,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, this distinction makes the milestone even more meaningful. For the past decade, we have had the privilege of creating meaningful moments for our guests from around the world, and this recognition reflects the trust they place in us and the extraordinary experiences our team delivers every day. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued support and look forward to welcoming them to discover the timeless luxury, exceptional service, and natural beauty that define The St. Regis Maldives.”
From award-winning dining and wellness experiences to bespoke family adventures and immersive marine encounters, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to elevate the luxury travel experience while remaining deeply connected to the natural beauty of its island surroundings. As the resort enters its next decade, it remains dedicated to setting new benchmarks for exceptional hospitality in the Maldives and beyond.
Discover more about The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort at stregismaldives.com.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes the return of acclaimed German chef, restaurateur, television personality, and bestselling author Alexander Herrmann for an exclusive residency from November 19 to 23, 2026. As the visionary behind the two-Michelin-starred AURA by Alexander Herrmann & Tobias Bätz, Chef Herrmann will present a series of bespoke dining experiences that pay homage to culinary traditions through his innovative interpretation of contemporary gastronomy.
At the heart of the residency are two intimate six-course dinners personally curated by Chef Herrmann. The first will take place on November 19 at Decanter, the resort’s gold-toned underground wine cellar, followed by a second evening at The Whale Bar on November 23, set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. On November 20, guests are invited to join a masterclass at ALBA, where he will share the inspiration, techniques, and craftsmanship behind his acclaimed creations.
Chef Herrmann’s return is the latest chapter in the Tastemaker Series, which brings leading culinary talents to the island for intimate experiences shaped by individual craft, expertise, and passion. This residency takes on added significance as part of the resort’s 10th anniversary program, celebrating a decade of compelling gastronomy, meaningful moments, and personalized St. Regis service in the Maldives.
“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of The St. Regis Maldives, we are delighted to welcome Chef Alexander Herrmann back to our island as part of our Tastemaker Series,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Over the past decade, we have remained dedicated to creating exceptional experiences that connect our guests with inspiring talents from around the world. Chef Herrmann’s return reflects this vision, bringing together extraordinary culinary expertise, the timeless beauty of the Maldives, and the bespoke service that defines the St. Regis experience.”
As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members have the opportunity to bid on An Exquisite Culinary Escape with Chef Alexander Herrmann through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. The package includes a four-night stay for two guests in an Overwater Villa with Pool from November 19 to 23, 2026 with daily breakfast at ALBA, a private six-course wine-paired dinner hosted by Chef Alexander, a signature massage and the Blue Hole Hydrotherapy Pool experience at Iridium Spa. Round-trip seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport are also included, creating a seamless luxury journey from arrival to departure.
Set on its own private island in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a sanctuary defined by visionary design, timeless luxury, and the natural beauty of the Maldives. Its distinctive architecture that blends tropical modernism with inspirations drawn from the surrounding environment, while 77 elegantly appointed villas offer ocean vistas or serene tropical landscapes. Each stay is complimented by the signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing discreet and personalized attention to every detail.
Members can now bid on An Exquisite Culinary Escape with Chef Alexander Herrmann through October 22, 2026. For more information on Chef Alexander Herrmann’s Tastemaker Series residency and upcoming events, visit stregismaldives.com.
This Diwali, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort invites guests to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey led by acclaimed Indian chef Surjan Singh, affectionately known as Chef Jolly. Returning to the resort from October 28 to 30, 2026, Chef Jolly will host a series of immersive dining experiences while collaborating with the resort’s culinary team to further elevate the guest experience at Cargo, the resort’s jungle-inspired dining venue celebrating the diverse flavors, cultures, and culinary traditions of the Indian Ocean.
Set amidst lush tropical gardens and illuminated by lantern light, Cargo draws inspiration from the historic spice routes and rich gastronomic heritage that connect the shores of India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Through contemporary techniques, refined presentation, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, the venue offers a modern interpretation of Indian Ocean cuisine, transforming each dining experience into a journey of discovery.
Working alongside Christian Pedersen, Executive Assistant Manager of Culinary and Food & Beverage, Chef Jolly has curated a menu that honours regional traditions while embracing a contemporary perspective. Together, they have crafted distinctive dishes that showcase the depth, vibrancy, and complexity of Indian flavours, inviting guests to rediscover familiar tastes through a sophisticated and modern lens.
“Diwali is a celebration of light, togetherness, and the joy of sharing a meal,” says Chef Jolly. “Through this collaboration, we wanted to create experiences that honour the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine while embracing the unique spirit and natural beauty of the Maldives.”
Recognised for his appearances on MasterChef India and a culinary career spanning more than three decades, Chef Jolly is celebrated for bringing regional Indian cuisine to life with warmth, creativity, and contemporary flair. His international experience across leading hospitality and restaurant concepts has established him as one of India’s most respected culinary ambassadors.
Curated to coincide with the Festival of Lights, this exclusive program of events invites guests to experience Chef Jolly’s culinary philosophy through a collection of intimate dining experiences, interactive masterclasses, and bespoke menus that celebrate the enduring richness of Indian cuisine in the unparalleled setting of the Maldives.
Diwali Culinary Highlights with Chef Jolly
As part of the Diwali activation, Chef Jolly brings a series of curated culinary experiences to The St. Regis Maldives, using Indian cuisine as a connecting narrative across distinct dining settings.
Festival of Lights Set Menu | Cargo
At the heart of the celebration is Cargo’s Indian menu, featuring refined three course and five course set menus inspired by Diwali traditions across India. Designed as a modern interpretation rather than a traditional offering, the menus emphasize aromatic spices, balance, and contemporary technique.
Available from October 30 to November 8, 2026
Chef Jolly Wine Dinner | Decanter
A one evening dining experience presenting a six course Indian menu paired with exceptional wines, highlighting the depth and versatility of Indian flavors in a refined, intimate setting.
October 29, 2026 | 19:30 – 22:30
Master Cooking Class with Chef Jolly | ALBA
A hands-on culinary masterclass where guests will discover the art of Indian cooking, from spice blending to flavor development, guided by Chef Jolly himself.
October 30, 2026 | 13:00 – 14:30
Complimentary | Limited to 8 guests
Together, these experiences celebrate the spirit of Diwali through exceptional cuisine, meaningful connections, and memorable moments, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to culinary excellence while establishing Cargo as a destination for modern Indian Ocean gastronomy.
For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.
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