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
Maldives-born wellness brand ELE|NA celebrates 11 years of operations
ELE|NA, the spa and wellness brand by Atmosphere Wellness, celebrates its 11th anniversary this November under the theme 11 Years. One Essence. Born in the Maldives, the brand has grown through a philosophy rooted in nature, personalisation and connection, carrying its wellness philosophy to new destinations while staying true to the principles that shaped its beginnings.
Eleven years on, the essence is unchanged. What evolves is how that philosophy is experienced: through new wellness practices, scientific innovation, sustainability initiatives and the people who bring each guest journey to life.
Recognition has followed. ELE|NA was named Leading Wellness Brand of the Year at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, and ELE|NA Essentia was named Emerging Skincare Brand of the Year at the Destination Deluxe Awards 2025.
“For eleven years, ELE|NA has believed that wellness should feel personal and give back to the places that inspire it. That belief has not changed. What has grown is our team, our knowledge and our reach, now across South Asia. This anniversary belongs to the therapists and colleagues who bring that essence to every guest,” said Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President, ELE|NA.

A Maldives-Born Philosophy, Evolving with Time
The Maldives is at the heart of ELE|NA’s story. Across its sanctuaries, the brand explores how wellness can respond to the individual while drawing inspiration from nature and the surrounding environment.
This year, ELE|NA introduced the Pillars of Vitality, a framework that now anchors its therapies and shapes a more considered, holistic approach to wellbeing. Spanning TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight, the pillars give each guest journey a clear structure while leaving room for personal choice.
At selected sanctuaries, QEST4 bio-energetic assessment adds a technology-led dimension to personalised wellness, complementing traditional practices with a deeper understanding of individual needs.
The ELE|NA Wellness Academy, endorsed by CIBTAC, is advancing the brand’s commitment to learning. It has hosted Reiki and sound healing courses that develop practitioners and deepen their understanding of complementary wellness practices.
A Milestone in Sustainable Wellness
Nature has always been central to ELE|NA’s philosophy, extending beyond treatments to the brand’s responsibility towards the environments in which its sanctuaries operate.
That commitment reached an important milestone this year, when all eight ELE|NA sanctuaries in the Maldives were awarded Platinum, the highest tier of the Sustainable Wellness Group’s Sustainable Spa & Wellness Accreditation, following three consecutive years at Gold Standard. The recognition reflects a sustainability journey built year on year, and a focus on embedding responsible practices into everyday spa operations.

Celebrating the People Behind Eleven Years
Across ELE|NA’s Maldives sanctuaries, the anniversary is being celebrated through experiences that bring guests and teams together. Sunrise yoga, meditation and sound healing sit alongside tree planting, botanical workshops, sustainable craft activities and anniversary gatherings.
At the heart of the day is The 11:11 Moment. At 11:11 AM on 1 November, every sanctuary pauses together, as guests and teams stop to breathe, make a wish and share it, marking eleven years with one shared intention.
Each property brings its own character to the celebrations, with activities and shared rituals that reflect local surroundings and resort communities. Team performances and appreciation initiatives also recognise the therapists and colleagues whose care and expertise shape the guest experience every day.
While each sanctuary celebrates in its own way, the intention is shared: to honour the connections between wellness, nature and community.
From the Maldives to New Horizons
ELE|NA’s next chapter carries its wellness philosophy further into India. Building on its presence at Sadar Manzil Heritage by Atmosphere in Bhopal, the brand opens ELE|NA Ayur at Ananta Spa & Resort, Ajabgarh, on 1 November, with OZEN Villas Jaipur and Arunya in Coorg to follow. Each destination offers an opportunity to interpret the brand’s approach through its own landscape and setting.
The brand is also introducing ELE|NA Essentia, its own skincare line, to India. Made in India and inspired by Indian botanicals, Essentia extends ELE|NA’s nature-led philosophy beyond the spa and into everyday skincare rituals.
Beyond India, ELE|NA’s pipeline extends to Sri Lanka and Nepal, where new destinations will bring the brand’s nature-led approach to fresh landscapes and cultures.
Eleven years on, the destinations have grown and the practices have evolved. The essence remains one.
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CROSSROADS Maldives welcomes international padel stars for historic women’s tournament
The Maldives is set for an electrifying sporting spectacle as CROSSROADS Maldives welcomes the country’s first FIP Silver Women’s Padel tournament, taking place from 5–8 November 2026 at SAii Lagoon Maldives. Organised in collaboration Asia Padel Events, the event brings international sporting excellence to paradise, with professional competition, exclusive masterclasses, and exciting opportunities for the public to experience the game firsthand.
The tournament will feature 26 international professional players, including eight athletes ranked among the world’s Top 100. Headlining the competition are Spanish padel stars Nuria Rodriguez (World No. 24) and Marta Talavan (World No. 36), alongside an impressive line-up featuring Finland’s No. 1 player Martina Minetti, UK’s No. 3 Rosie Pooley, an Italian national champion, European champions, Malaysia’s No. 1 player, and national team representatives from multiple countries.
Beyond the championship, CROSSROADS Maldives is opening the courts to everyone. From 5–8 November, padel enthusiasts can train alongside Nuria Rodriguez and Marta Talavan through exclusive masterclasses, available at USD 450 per day or USD 1,200 for the four-day experience. The programme includes:
- Four hours of intensive training and matches daily, divided into two sessions.
- An exclusive dinner with the professionals on 5 November.
- Access to watch all FIP Silver Women’s Padel tournament matches.
For those seeking a personalised experience, exclusive training sessions with Finland’s No. 1 Martina Minetti and UK’s No. 3 Rosie Pooley will also be available from 2–4 November, offering one-on-one private coaching at USD 200 per hour, or an exciting one-hour matchplay session with two professionals at USD 400.
The tournament is open for everyone to watch, welcoming resort guests, Maldivian residents, expatriates, and visitors to witness world-class padel against the spectacular backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Masterclasses and private coaching sessions are likewise open to the public, with limited slots available.
As a multi-island lifestyle destination, CROSSROADS Maldives, home to SO/ Maldives, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and The Marina at CROSSROADS, continues to elevate the island experience through international sporting events, entertainment, and lifestyle programming that connect travellers with the local community.
This November, the CROSSROADS Maldives isn’t just one destination. It’s centre court.
Event Details
2–4 November | Private Training & Matchplay:
- One-on-one training with international professionals: USD 200 per hour
- One-hour matchplay with two professionals: USD 400
5–8 November | Padel Masterclasses:
- Daily Pass: USD 450 per person
- Four-Day Pass: USD 1,200 per person
- Includes four hours of daily training and matches across two sessions, dinner with the professionals on 5 November, and access to watch tournament matches.
5–8 November | FIP Silver Women’s Padel Tournament (Open to spectators):
- 5 November: Round of 16
- 6 November: Quarterfinals
- 7 November: Semifinals
- 8 November: Championship Final
Venue: SAii Lagoon Maldives, CROSSROADS Maldives
Bookings & Enquiries: KoimalaandMaalimi@crossroadsmaldives.com
Masterclass packages exclude food and beverages beyond the stated dinner inclusion, accommodation, and transfers. Public access and participation are subject to event arrangements and availability.
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W Maldives welcomes Olympic badminton champion Wang Chi-Lin for exclusive coaching experience
This December, W Maldives is set to elevate the island getaway experience as two-time Olympic badminton gold medalist Wang Chi-Lin takes up residence at the luxury private island resort from December 1 to 3, 2026. During his stay, the badminton icon will host a complimentary one-hour badminton coaching session for resort guests, adding an exciting sporting dimension to a tropical escape in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for families, groups of friends, and solo travellers.
A Taiwanese badminton player specialising in men’s and mixed doubles, Wang Chi-Lin is widely regarded as one of the sport’s biggest stars. He has earned global recognition through a remarkable career winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals in men’s doubles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the Paris 2024 Olympics. Known for his dynamic playing style and relentless determination, Wang continues to inspire a new generation of athletes and badminton enthusiasts around the world.

Located in the heart of North Ari Atoll and reached via a scenic 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé, W Maldives is a private island playground where luxury, adventure, and vibrant island living come naturally. Guests can discover the resort’s award-winning house reef teeming with marine life, savour bold dining concepts, and recharge with wellness experiences designed to inspire every sense. Every stay embodies W Maldives’ signature spirit of energy, freedom, and unexpected discovery.
From snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and encountering nurse sharks to sunset cruises and relaxing by the water, guests can experience the many sides of island living at W Maldives. For those seeking even greater seclusion, Gaathafushi, the resort’s private castaway island, provides the perfect setting for bespoke experiences and private dining amid untouched natural beauty.
As part of this collaboration, W Maldives is also unveiling a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, where members can bid on an Exclusive Badminton Coaching Experience with Olympic Champion Wang Chi-Lin paired with a four-night stay in a Premier Overwater One-Bedroom Villa from December 2 to 6, 2026.
“We are always looking for unexpected ways to bring together passion, play, and meaningful experiences for our guests,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “Welcoming Wang Chi-Lin to W Maldives adds an exciting new dimension to the guest experience. Whether you’re passionate about badminton or simply looking for something unexpected during your island escape, this is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime moment that perfectly captures the energy, adventure, and sense of discovery we love creating at W Maldives.”

Package for the bid winner and one guest includes:
- Four-night stay in a Premier Overwater One-Bedroom Villa
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner with non-alcoholic beverages at select dining venues
- A private one-hour badminton coaching session with Olympic Champion Wang Chi-Lin on the paddle court
- An intimate sunset experience with drinks and canapés on Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ private castaway island
- One 60-minute signature treatment per person at AWAY® Spa
- Guided snorkelling at the resort’s award-winning house reef
- Shared roundtrip seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport
Members can now bid on this once-in-a-lifetime experience from now through November 14, 2026 through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. For more information, visit www.wmaldives.com or contact reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.
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