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!
News
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils ‘Chapter X’ for 10th anniversary
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort announces its most anticipated festive season yet, commemorating a decade of unparalleled luxury with distinct celebration themed “Chapter X: Celebrating 10 Years Through the Island’s Story.” From December 20, 2026 through January 7, 2027, the private island resort will celebrate the story of Vommuli Island, Maldivian heritage, and the timeless traditions that define the St. Regis experience.
Over the past decade, The St. Regis Maldives has been consistently recognized among the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury resorts, distinguished by exceptional design, nature, culture, and bespoke service. Marking a significant milestone, this festive season pays tribute not only to the architectural vision and natural beauty of Vommuli Island, but also to the cherished memories created by families, couples, and generations of guests who have made the island part of their own story.

Inspired by the island’s four ecological zones, Lagoon, Beach, Jungle, and Coast, the festive program invites guests of all ages to explore Vommuli through immersive experiences that inspire connection, wonder, and togetherness.
In the Lagoon Zone, where the ocean shapes both landscape and imagination, marine life and iconic overwater architecture. Sunset celebrations and ocean-inspired dining overlooking the turquoise lagoon honor the beauty of the Maldives and the adventures that await beneath its waters.
The Beach Zone reflects the island’s origins and the enduring traditions of Maldivian coastal life. Here, festive gatherings and family experiences celebrate the warmth of the season, drawing inspiration from the fishermen’s huts that once lined these shores and the generations who called the ocean their home.
Within the lush Jungle Zone, Vommuli House becomes a place of shared learning, where young explorers and multi-generational families engage with the island’s biodiversity through nature-inspired activities, storytelling, and educational experiences.

The Coastal Zone pays homage to the Maldives’ seafaring heritage, expressed through architecture modelled after the graceful dhoni. Against panoramic ocean views, families can reconnect through meaningful moments and the joy of time spent together.
Together, these four environments will serve as the backdrop for a festive calendar of gastronomy, restorative experiences, entertainment, culture, and signature St. Regis traditions.
“As we celebrate ten remarkable years at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, this festive season represents not only a milestone for the resort, but also a celebration of the countless memories created by our guests who have become part of our story,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Chapter X invites guests to experience the spirit of Vommuli Island while honouring our legacy and creating new traditions for generations to come.”

A Festive Calendar Designed for Every Generation
From timeless family traditions to exceptional culinary experiences, the festive program has been crafted to delight guests across generations.

The season begins with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by the arrival of Santa, festive treats, island-wide activities, and dedicated children’s programming. Adults can indulge in exceptional dining experiences, wine journeys, restorative rituals, and bespoke island experiences.
Signature occasions include gala dinners, immersive culinary showcases, and wellness experiences inspired by the rhythms of island life. As the year draws to a close, guests will gather for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display illuminating the Indian Ocean sky.

Festive Getaway Package
For families and loved ones seeking to share precious moments over the holiday, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort introduces the Festive Getaway Package to elevate seasonal escapes with exclusive privileges, and the signature St. Regis butler service. Guests can book by November 15, 2026 for stays from December 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027.

Designed to complement the resort’s landmark 10th anniversary, the package provides an invitation to experience Vommuli Island at one of its most anticipated times of year.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit stregismaldives.com.
Awards
Ellaidhoo, Hakuraa Huraa Maldives secure double TTM awards win for Cinnamon
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives celebrated a double win at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026, with Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon recognised among the winners in the Best Dive Resort category and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives among the winners for Best Honeymoon Destination, celebrating two distinctive island experiences within the brand’s Maldives portfolio.
The awards were presented at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards celebrate achievements across the Maldivian tourism and hospitality industry, recognising resorts and experiences that continue to shape the destination’s diverse tourism offering.
For Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the recognition celebrates an island where diving has long been at the heart of the experience. Located in North Ari Atoll, the resort is surrounded by a spectacular house reef, regarded as one of the finest in the Maldives, bringing an extraordinary underwater world within easy reach of the island. A 24 hour diving facility gives guests greater freedom to explore beneath the surface, while more than 50 nearby dive sites reveal an abundance of marine life and some of the atoll’s most rewarding underwater encounters.
“Diving is deeply connected to the identity of the resort and has been part of the island’s story for many years. We are fortunate to have an incredible house reef on our doorstep and access to some remarkable dive sites across North Ari Atoll, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the dedication of the teams who help our guests experience this underwater world every day,” said Hassan Shihab, Resort Manager, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.
From the underwater world of North Ari Atoll to the tranquillity of Meemu Atoll, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a distinctly different expression of the destination. The five star adults only resort stretches across two islands, creating a setting defined by space, privacy and serenity. Overwater and beach accommodation, sweeping lagoon views and memorable sunsets set the scene for couples seeking time away together, complemented by intimate experiences designed around the natural beauty and unhurried rhythm of island life.

“Our resort has always had a natural sense of romance, shaped by the privacy of our two islands, the beauty of the lagoon and the feeling of being away from everything. As we continue our journey as an adults only resort, being recognised among the Best Honeymoon Destinations is particularly meaningful. It reflects what our team strives to create for every couple who stays with us, the space and setting to slow down, reconnect and leave with memories that belong entirely to them,” said Rajeeva Rajapakse, General Manager, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.
Together, the two wins reflect the breadth of experiences found across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon invites travellers to discover the Maldives beneath the surface, while Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives creates an intimate setting for couples seeking privacy, romance and time together.
Action
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa adds six Leopard Sharks to Maldives identification database
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa continues its ongoing marine conservation journey with the identification of Six Individual Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks along the resort’s house reef. The sharks were documented through photographic observation and submitted to the MIYARU, the Maldives’ national non-profit organisation and research network focused on collaborative shark research and conservation.
The six identified sharks namely Atlas (LS081), Aurelian (LS083), Kikongo (LS090), Ambala (LS091), Ingwe (LS096), and Fowler (LS097) – can each be recognized by their distinctive patterns of dots and spots. Similar to a human fingerprint, these natural markings are unique to every shark, enabling marine researchers to identify individuals when they are encountered again.

By documenting these individual sharks, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is contributing to a growing body of knowledge about the species and how it uses local reef habitats. Each sighting adds another piece to the wider picture of leopard shark presence and movements in the Maldives, supporting continued awareness, research and conservation.
For Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, conservation is about creating meaningful connections with the natural world. From a passing encounter with a leopard shark to learning how individual animals can be recognized beneath the surface, every discovery can offer a new perspective on the living reef.

The identification of these six leopard sharks reflects the resort’s continued approach to marine conservation through attentive observation, responsible marine experiences and collaboration with conservation partners.
As monitoring continues, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to discover its house reef not simply as a destination beneath the surface, but as a living environment shared with an extraordinary diversity of marine life.
With every sighting, every photograph and every new record, the resort continues to build a deeper understanding of the waters surrounding Maamutaa – inspiring greater appreciation for the wildlife that calls the Maldives home.

Kayla Shortt is Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s in-house Marine Biologist and PADI IDC Staff Instructor, who coordinated the in-water observations, photographic documentation and identification submissions that resulted in the six individual records.
Originally from South Africa, she has worked across five-star resorts in the Maldives since 2021, bringing together her experience in marine tourism and practical conservation.

Her expertise spans reef-health monitoring, turtle rehabilitation and shark behavior, with a particular focus on creating greater awareness and understanding of the marine environment.
At Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Kayla makes marine science engaging and accessible, connecting guests with the underwater world while supporting the resort’s ongoing conservation efforts. Through her work, she contributes to a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ marine environment and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home.
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