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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!
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is celebrating nine accolades at the 2026 World Luxury Awards, including two prestigious Global Winner titles, recognising excellence across resort hospitality, leadership, wellness and gastronomy.
The awards reflect the resort’s philosophy of Connected Island Luxury, where personalised hospitality, restorative wellness, exceptional dining and meaningful encounters with nature come together to create memorable island experiences.
Among the highlights, The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives was named Global Winner for Best Luxury Island Resort Spa, while signature fine-dining restaurant FireDOOR received the Global Winner title for Best Sunset Views.
The resort also received recognition as Best Luxury Boutique Resort and Best Luxury Lifestyle Resort in the Indian Ocean, alongside Best General Manager for Raffaele Solferino.
Global Recognition for Wellness and Gastronomy
Perched above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s overwater Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and restoration. In addition to its global title, it received two Indian Ocean awards: Best Luxury Boutique Spa and Best Luxury Oceanview Spa.
Meanwhile, FireDOOR’s global recognition celebrates its spectacular sunset setting overlooking the island’s house reef. Combining intimate fine dining with distinctive glass-floor features and panoramic ocean views, the restaurant also received Indian Ocean titles for Best Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant and Best Luxury Waterside Restaurant.
Together, these achievements highlight the breadth of experiences that define Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, from restorative wellness to memorable moments shared over exceptional cuisine.
Celebrating the People Behind the Experience
For General Manager Raffaele Solferino, who has been part of the resort’s journey since pre-opening, the awards are a testament to the dedication of the island team.
“To receive nine World Luxury Awards, including two Global Winner titles, is an extraordinary honour and a wonderful recognition of our team’s passion and commitment,” said Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives.
“What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that it celebrates the complete guest experience. We believe true luxury goes beyond beautiful surroundings; it is about genuine connections, thoughtful hospitality and creating moments that stay with our guests long after they leave. As we approach our tenth anniversary in 2027, these awards are both a celebration of our journey and an inspiration for the next chapter.”
A Decade of Island Hospitality
Since opening in 2017, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has established a distinctive identity built around contemporary island luxury, personalised service and a deep connection with its natural surroundings.
As the resort prepares to celebrate ten years of welcoming guests in 2027, the nine World Luxury Awards provide a fitting recognition of its achievements and continued commitment to creating extraordinary island experiences.
From 1 November 2026, ananea Madivaru Maldives will introduce its new Island Concierge Programme. A more personal and relaxed approach to island hospitality built around one simple idea: Here, you’re never just a villa number.
Rather than adopting the formality of a traditional butler service, the Island Concierge becomes each guest’s personal connection to the island, someone who knows their journey, remembers their preferences, anticipates their needs and helps them discover the resort naturally.
From the moment guests arrive, their Island Concierge becomes a familiar face throughout their stay. They personally welcome guests on arrival, connect with them over breakfast, assist with plans and experiences throughout the day, and return for a personal farewell at departure.
The concept is intentionally uncomplicated.
Less formality. More connection.
Island Concierges spend their time where guests are rather than behind a desk, around the beaches, pools, restaurants, bars and pathways of the resort. Whenever possible, they may even personally drive guests to dinner, spa appointments or activities, turning a simple buggy journey into another opportunity to connect.
They can assist with everything from restaurant recommendations and spa treatments to watersports, excursions, celebrations and the spontaneous island moments that often become the most memorable parts of a holiday.
The Island Concierge is also there to share the story of the island itself, its people, Maldivian culture, marine life and the fascinating realities of island living, from producing fresh water and electricity to caring for the beaches and surrounding environment.
“We don’t want to create another traditional butler or host concept,” says Pierre Edlund, General Manager of ananea Madivaru Maldives.
“We want something more natural and more human. Your Island Concierge is someone who gets to know you, remembers what you enjoy and helps make things happen without unnecessary formality. But ultimately, every colleague on our islands is part of the experience. The Island Concierge may be your personal connection, but the whole island is looking after you.”
Importantly, the philosophy extends far beyond the Island Concierge team.
At ananea Madivaru Maldives, every guest belongs to everyone. Whether a guest meets a chef, engineer, bartender, housekeeper, watersports colleague or leader, the philosophy remains the same.
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
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