News
Conrad Maldives Wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel and Indian Ocean’s Leading Culinary Hotel
 
																								
												
												
											Maldives.net.mv – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island takes home two highly respected awards at this year’s annual World Travel Awards, winning the hot spot in two highly coveted categories: Indian Ocean’s Leading Culinary Hotel and Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel. These distinguished awards are voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide, and both accolades serve to recognise the commitment to excellence which Conrad Maldives has demonstrated over the past twelve months, not just as a hotel leader in the Indian Ocean, but also as the leader in this region from a gourmet and culinary perspective.The awards round off a great season of recognition for Conrad Maldives, as the World Travel Awards closely follow the resort being named to TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame as a recipient of the site’s Certificate of Excellence for the past five consecutive years – the result of positive feedback received from guests on TripAdvisor.
“We are incredibly honoured to have been recognised as the leading hotel in the region for both culinary and overall hotel experiences,” said Lyle Lewis, General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “The recognition is a testament to what we deliver to our guests on a daily basis – the finest food and beverage with the widest variety available in the Maldives; personalised and anticipatory service; and an intimate connection to the lush surroundings of the Maldives and the Indian Ocean. For our world-class chefs and resort staff on the island, the awards from the industry via the World Travel Awards along with the recognition from guests via TripAdvisor lend encouragement to continually deliver the best for our guests each day.”

These awards mark an extremely exciting time for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. The gourmet aficionados ‘go-to’ destination in the Indian Ocean, the resort provides no less than 12 restaurants and bars. Leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of culinary offerings, restaurants range from the applauded Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, to the spa-inspired cuisine at Mandhoo, and the latest addition to the gourmet portfolio, Ufaa by Jereme Leung. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the globally recognised Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (celebrated this past April) – which has played a significant part in the resort’s repute as a dining destination to travel for. Youngest addition to the culinary scene, Ufaa by Jereme Leung, is the Maldives first celebrity chef restaurant heralded by renowned Chinese chef, Jereme Leung. Ufaa is an innovative Chinese concept offering authentic experiences highlighting the iconic flavours of China, and celebrates its first anniversary this September.
Conrad Maldives’ title as Leading Culinary Hotel in the Indian Ocean is underpinned by the worldly variety of cuisines on offer. From Japanese-style live cooking at the open-air Koko Grill, to 101 cheeses imported from the world over in The Cheese and Wine Bar and up to 1,400 different wine labels found in The Wine Cellar, Conrad Maldives understands that a remote location need not act as a barrier to fine dining and world-class wines. The resort’s array of culinary experiences promises to delight the palate of any discerning food lover.
Beyond food and beverage, Conrad Maldives offers exceptional accommodation, service, and environments that help to explain how it claimed the title of Leading Hotel overall in the Indian Ocean. The luxury resort offers three different experiences across two islands: the typical get-away-from-it-all Maldivian hideaway on tiny Rangali Island; the larger and livelier main island (linked to it by a 500m bridge), Rangalifinolhu, featuring water sports and various other facilities; and the over-water destination The Spa Retreat that operates as a resort-within-a-resort set 100m off the tip of the main island. No matter where they stay, guests can enjoy all the resort’s facilities in full, and will also benefit from the world-class anticipatory service of the resort’s exceptional staff – whether via simple bespoke requests or through full wedding and event planning available on the island.
News
Moonlight, mystery, magic: Halloween comes alive at Ayada Maldives
 
														As twilight falls over the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, a mysterious transformation begins at Ayada Maldives. The palms sway a little slower, lanterns flicker with an otherworldly glow, and the island takes on a new rhythm, one woven with laughter, intrigue, and a touch of the supernatural.
This October, Ayada Maldives invites guests to experience the magic of Halloween in paradise, where festive imagination meets island elegance. The island will be beautifully reimagined for the season, blending playful spookiness with the natural beauty of our tropical surroundings. Think pumpkin-lit pathways under palm trees, flickering candles by the sea, and a gentle breeze that carries both the scent of the ocean and a hint of mystery.
Across the island, the festivities will unfold with immersive experiences for guests of all ages. Children can join themed treasure hunts, while adults can indulge in twilight gatherings by the beach, complete with crafted cocktails, gourmet treats, and live entertainment inspired by the spirit of the night.
At the heart of the celebration, our culinary team will present a special Halloween dining experience, where artistry meets imagination. From delicately themed desserts to seasonal creations inspired by local ingredients, every dish will be a playful nod to the evening’s enchantment.
As the stars rise above the lagoon, Ayada’s serene elegance will blend seamlessly with a sense of wonder and fun, highlighting that even in the tranquillity of the Maldives, there is always room for a little mischief.
Soon, the island will awaken to the season’s most spirited celebration.
A night of laughter, mystery, and moonlit magic awaits at Ayada Maldives, where every moment tells a story, and this Halloween, the island becomes the stage.
News
SO/ Maldives rolls out red carpet for spectacular festive season
 
														This festive season, SO/ Maldives invites guests to embrace the Season of Spectacle a glamorous celebration of joy, creativity, and connection set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives. From dazzling beach galas to runway-inspired island moments, SO/ Maldives is rolling out the red carpet, encouraging guests to show off their style, walk with confidence, and celebrate in true SO/ flair.
Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, SO/ Maldives offers an expressive private island escape surrounded by a crystal-clear lagoon. The resort features 80 architecturally striking beachfront and overwater villas, each with a private pool, blending bold contemporary design with coastal elegance.
The festive season begins with Twinkle & Toast, a twilight cocktail reception at Lazuli Beach Club where the Christmas tree sparkles in gold and glass as the sea breeze carries the first notes of celebration. Guests can enjoy Taste of the Nations at The Citronelle Club, an international culinary showcase, and Stars, Sand & Holiday Stories, an open-air cinema night by the sea. On Christmas Eve, celebrations continue with a bubbly reception and carol performances at Lazuli Beach Club, followed by The Seaside Sleigh Feast, a lavish beach BBQ at The Citronelle Club. Santa Claus makes his much-anticipated island arrival later in the evening, bringing festive wonder to the tropical paradise.
Christmas Day begins with a joyful breakfast and brunch at The Citronelle Club, followed by a Jet Ski Safari across the lagoon for adventurous spirits. The afternoon comes alive with Foam Fabulous, a playful poolside celebration at Lazuli Beach Club, and concludes with Feastmas Day, a grand buffet dinner that brings the spirit of the season to life under the stars.
As the year draws to a close, The Golden Hour Gala sets the scene for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve with a sunset cocktail reception on The Citronelle Club Beach leading into Lights, Camera, Countdown, a spectacular beach dinner at Lazuli Beach Club featuring live entertainment, fireworks, and a vibrant countdown to 2026. The celebration continues with an after-party and late-night bites, carrying guests into the new year in signature SO/ style.
The festivities extend into January with The First Feast, a long and leisurely New Year’s Day brunch at The Citronelle Club, followed by an elegant evening at Hadaba. The island continues to sparkle for Orthodox Christmas Eve on 6 January with Crushed & Cool, a mojito celebration at Lazuli Beach Club, Chill & Chanter, an evening of hymns and sparkling drinks by the sea, and O Holy Nightfall, a soulful dinner with live music.
Throughout the season, guests can enjoy curated island experiences, from open-air painting and pottery workshops to exhilarating kayak sprints and electric surfboard rides. At the spa, signature treatments such as Wellness Sunset, Gift of Love for couples on Christmas Day, and Pre-Party Melt before New Year’s Eve invite guests to unwind and recharge. For younger guests, The Little Luminaries programme offers daily activities like cookie decorating, card making, Zumba sessions, and the Red Carpet Runway Mini Glam Show, ensuring magical moments for the whole family.
This festive season, SO/ Maldives transforms into a stage of glamour, creativity, and celebration. With sparkling events, fine dining, family experiences, and island artistry, the resort invites guests to step into the spotlight, walk the red carpet, and celebrate the most magical time of the year in unforgettable SO/ Maldives style.
For reservations or more information, please contact email reservations@so-maldives.com.
News
Sun Siyam Iru Veli presents ‘Eden Reimagined’: Festive celebration of renewal, rhythm, connection
 
														This festive season, Sun Siyam Iru Veli extends an exclusive invitation to guests to experience Eden Reimagined, a celebration of rhythm, renewal, and connection taking place from December 22, 2025, to January 7, 2026. The island’s calendar features dazzling entertainment by DJ Nisho, Pakners Duo, Aerialist Amelia Bridgewater, and Chandana Wickramasinghe & The Dancers’ Guild, alongside elevated dining, family adventures, and curated wellness experiences designed for couples, families, and friends alike.
The season begins on December 22nd with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by a lineup of festive favourites. Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Day, making a grand entrance to delight little guests with sweet surprises and holiday cheer. At Turtle Kidz Club, young explorers can discover fun both indoors and outdoors with activities ranging from Christmas card crafting to pool parties and bunny feeding adventures.
For couples, the island prepares leisurely, luxurious moments through inspired culinary journeys and curated experiences. Exclusive Lagoon Wine Tastings, Chef’s Table Dinners, Night Snorkelling, and Ayurveda-focused Wellness Classes offer a wide range of activities. For the creatively inclined, afternoons offer wreath-making sessions or paint-and-sip events, along with social cocktail hours infused with an island atmosphere.
Entertainment takes centre stage throughout the celebrations, capturing the pulse of a reinvented Eden. DJ Nisho, from Sri Lanka, brings upbeat energy with his signature open-format sets shaped by performances across Bahrain and the Maldives, while Pakners Duo from the Phillipines, Aiza and Reden, blend soul, acoustic warmth, and feel-good rhythms spanning jazz, bossa nova, and beloved classics. Aerial artist Amelia Bridgewater from the United Kingdom enchants guests high above, her graceful movements inspired by the beauty of nature, and the acclaimed Chandana Wickramasinghe & The Dancers’ Guild deliver a showcase of thematic performances that blend movement, rhythm, and visual storytelling with the artistry of Sri Lanka’s most renowned performers.
The transition into 2026 unfolds with a cocktail party and a gala dinner on New Year’s Eve, where all performers come together for a spectacular finale. As midnight strikes, the sky ignites with fireworks across the lagoon, and guests raise a glass to new beginnings.
Eden Reimagined introduces a fresh vision of festive celebration, one that blends the playfulness of the season with elements rooted in nature. The island becomes a sanctuary of balance and renewal, where lush surroundings meet refined details and celebration flows seamlessly from day to night. It signifies the island becoming a sanctuary where island roots and modern expression grow together, offering an atmosphere that feels vibrant, immersive, and beautifully reimagined for today.
For more information and to book your festive getaway, please visit Sun Siyam Iru Veli Offers page.
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