Culture
Nika guests travel deeper into Maldives island life with Nostalgia, UNDP
“Nostalgia celebrates the role that locals had for the creation of the fascinating Maldivian cultural heritage. But we asked ourselves: what does a traveller spending a stay in a luxury hotel really know about real life in the Maldives?”
This remark by Edoardo Caccin, the External Director at Nika Island Resort and Spa, to open the latest edition of its Nostalgia series sounded as a provocation. But it was not.
Nika along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) managed to reinvent the concept of island hopping, offering a meaningful experience to all curious guests willing to experience how the local communities live in the islands that make Ari Atoll.
Since the inception of its operations, Nika has been growing with the surrounding local community. A consolidated synergy, a no written agreement of cooperation and the concept of mutual support lay the foundation of island life in one of the most beautiful atolls in the country, the North Ari Atoll.
Nika shed some light on the dynamics that regulate and characterise the daily operations at the resort and in a local Island. The team at Nika avoids the word, “tourists”; instead they prefer to use the term, “travellers”.
“Our guests are looking for an authentic and real experience, with all the comfort of feeling at home,” Edoardo said.
At Nika, it’s still possible to experience the ‘real Maldives’: the entire resort is a monument that celebrates the essence of the Maldivian soul, of “The Maldives that used to be”.
With Nostalgia, a platform that aims to create awareness about the beauty and potential of the heritage of the Maldives, Nika stresses the importance of adding value to the concept of local experience. The privileged community living at Nika can experience the local culture every day; it is carved on the coral-made blocks that have been used to build the walls of all the villas and suites. The legacy of the glorious cultural past is woven in the leaves that make the conic thatched roofs that pop up from the thick vegetation of the island.
Another factor that gives a strong local touch to the resort is the community of Maldivians working at Nika. Edoardo points out that “since the beginning, we have been working with the community coming from Bodufulodhoo and Mathiveri. We made Nika together. Sixty percent of the locals employed by Nika come from these two islands that are few minutes away by Dhoni.“
In order to consolidate the relations with the local community, Nika invited the team at UNDP Maldives for the latest edition of Nostalgia to organise a guided tour to the island of Bodufulodhoo. Nasheeth Thoha and Aishath Rizna from UNDP headed the special mission.
During a crowded aperitif held at Nika, the UNDP team briefed Nika community about the role that UNDP plays at a global scale and its mandate in the Maldives. Thoha commented: “UNDP has been in the country for 40 years. Nostalgia presents a platform to tell the story of the impressive development journey UNDP took with the Maldives.”
On the following day, the UNDP team guided Nika community to Bodufolhoodhoo. During the visit, the team explained the dynamics that define life on a local Maldivian Island: what are the main obstacles that a Maldivian faces in his daily routine? What is the role of women in the Maldivian Society? How are the education and health system managed? What should be done to enhance the way local people collect and manage the waste produced on an island?
“At UNDP, we work on building resilience, helping young people realise their full potential and promote gender equality, so that women and girls can have equal rights and opportunities,” Aishath Rizna said proudly.
With this special edition of Nostalgia, Nika and UNDP managed to successfully shed light on the role that local communities play in the fragile ecosystem of a Maldivian atoll. The event was a great example of a fruitful collaboration between the private sector and a leading international organisation.
Located in North Ari Atoll, Nika is a milestone of the Maldives hospitality industry.
The deserted island of Kudafolhudhu turned into a resort back in 1983. Since its inception, the philosophy and values that shaped this unique boutique resort are the same: privacy, natural sophistication and local heritage.
All of its 43 villas have been built according to the traditional Maldivian architectural style. Being one of the first resorts built in the country, everything on the island has been built using coral blocks, coconut palm trunks and palm leaves. A collection of antiques and unique Maldivian pieces of art decorate the interiors of all the villas.
Nika is a perfect example of a boutique hotel that breaks the dynamics of big international brands that are reshaping the Maldivian hospitality industry. Nika is a heady mix of Italian lifestyle and Maldivian traditions; a unique platform where heritage and natural beauty meet together.
Culture
Elegant island celebration: Eid Al-Fitr at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites guests to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with a thoughtfully curated program of experiences that brings families and loved ones together through culture, creativity, and refined island luxury. Unfolding across the resort’s signature venues, the celebrations feature an elegant calendar of culinary journeys, wellness rituals, immersive cultural moments, and family-friendly activities, all set against the serene natural beauty of the Fari Islands.
From 20th to 24th March 2026, guests are invited to experience a curated calendar of festive moments across the resort, celebrating Eid Al-Fitr through elevated dining, wellness rituals, family activities, and immersive cultural experiences.
Anchoring the celebration is Flowers by Harijanto, the multi-award-winning floral designer brings his masterful floristry to the resort between the 21st and 24th March. Blooming into spring in time for National Flower Day, Harijanto presents a series of immersive experiences including hands-on floral workshops, a botanical-inspired afternoon tea, and a culinary spectacle celebrating edible flowers paired with bespoke botanical cocktails.
Designed for guests of all ages, the program includes a dedicated mini-VIP floral workshop for children, while Harijanto’s signature touch extends throughout the resort, with bespoke in-villa Boenga floral arrangements crafted from local blooms and sustainably sourced materials, supporting the destination’s reduced carbon footprint.
Culinary Highlights
Guests can indulge in a refined selection of dining experiences throughout Eid Al-Fitr, including an Ocean Grill Buffet at Beach Shack, a Starlight Concert Dinner at EAU Bar, and a specially curated Arabic set menu at Mystique Garden. Interactive experiences include an Arabic Cooking Class at La Locanda, alongside floral-inspired afternoon teas and cocktail masterclasses.
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Festivities begin with a Resort Cocktail Party at Beach Shack on the 20th of March, setting the tone for elevated island evenings. Select nights feature live entertainment and themed dining experiences, offering an elegant yet celebratory atmosphere beneath the Maldivian sky. Families and couples can also enjoy a variety of daily recreational experiences, from curated watersports and guided diving excursions to private sandbank visits and indulgent floating breakfasts, all set against the backdrop of the turquoise ocean.
Wellness & Spa Experiences
The Ritz-Carlton Spa introduces a series of mindful wellness sessions for Eid Al Fitr, including sunrise and sunset yoga, meditation, and fitness rituals in scenic outdoor settings. Guests may also participate in hands-on spa workshops using Bamford products such as Face Yoga, Gua Sha Glow, and Spa Alchemist experiences, designed to restore balance and wellbeing during the holiday.
Among the highlights is the Bamford Signature Journey, exclusively designed for The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. This immersive 150-minute ritual combines Japanese Shiatsu techniques with flowing Swedish massage movements to release tension and rebalance thebody’s’meridians, followed by wave-inspired strokes that echo the natural rhythm of the ocean.
Family, Teens & Ritz Kids
Families are at the heart of the Eid celebrations, with a full programme for younger guests. Ritz Kids can enjoy festive craft workshops, lantern-making, slime labs, treasure hunts, and Eid-themed creative sessions, while teens are invited to participate in architectural workshops, mosaic art, and interactive game challenges.
Nature & Marine Discovery
Led by the resort’s Naturalist Ladies and Dive Center, guests can connect with the surrounding marine environment through turtle, shark, and coral garden snorkeling, sunset cruises, traditional fishing, reef talks, and coral regeneration activities.
With its seamless blend of togetherness, creativity, and cultural appreciation, Eid Al-Fitr at The Ritz- Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands offers an enriching and elegant island escape, where meaningful moments unfold in a truly exceptional setting.
Guests are invited to discover the Signature Villas and select the perfect island retreat, from Two-Bedroom Beach Villas set along pristine coves to Two-Bedroom Overwater Villas poised above turquoise waters, each featuring private pools, expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, and uninterrupted ocean views, ideal for families or small groups seeking refined seclusion. Those desiring heightened privacy may retreat to the resort’s exclusive estate enclave, a secluded sanctuary offering expansive multi-bedroom villas, infinity pools, outdoor dining pavilions, and personalised service from a dedicated Aris Meeha, your island butler.
The Embrace Island Life offer, valid for stays from now until December 20, 2026, enriches every escape with half-board dining across the resort’s celebrated restaurants, showcasing Maldivian, Japanese, Southern Italian, Cantonese, and Lebanese cuisine, along with return luxury shared speedboat transfers, curated welcome amenities, and 24-hour butler service, ensuring a seamless journey defined by effortless elegance from arrival to departure.
For more information, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.
Culture
Kuda Villingili presents family-focused Eid al-Fitr experience in Maldives
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced a three-day Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH programme, inviting guests to celebrate the occasion from 19 to 21 March 2026 in a tranquil island setting that brings together family, reflection, and shared moments.
Following the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr at the resort is designed as a gentle transition into celebration, offering guests the freedom to mark the festival at their own pace. The programme brings together families, couples, and friends through curated dining experiences, relaxed island gatherings, and moments of quiet connection by the Indian Ocean.
Culinary experiences form the centre of the Eid programme. Celebrations begin with the Kuda Eid Feast Buffet Dinner at The Restaurant, featuring Middle Eastern and Maldivian dishes served under the stars, accompanied by soft island music. Guests can also gather at Spice for the Kuda Eid Lunch Feast, a five-course Middle Eastern fusion menu by the Qureshi brothers, inspired by traditional flavours and designed for sharing in the spirit of Eid. Evenings continue at The Bar with an Arabic Shisha Night, combining live DJ music with a relaxed social atmosphere.
Eid mornings at the resort offer a calmer start to the day, with a Signature Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa pool. Guests can also enjoy Eid Signature Mocktails, created with floral and spice notes that reflect the season’s sense of gratitude and renewal. An interactive Art of Shisha Making experience is also available, encouraging conversation and shared storytelling.
The Eid programme has been curated to include guests of all ages. Younger visitors are welcomed at Kuda Fiyo, where Eid-themed creative workshops, treasure trails, storytelling sessions, games, and movement activities are organised to create memorable experiences while reflecting the cultural significance of the occasion.
For families and adventure-seekers, the resort also offers Eid al-Fitr Ocean Adventures. A personalised Big Game Fishing experience provides an opportunity to spend time together on the open sea, combining quiet reflection with exploration of the surrounding waters.
With its expansive island layout, eight dining destinations, and the Maldives’ largest swimming pool, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives presents an Eid al-Fitr celebration that blends tradition with contemporary island living, offering space, privacy, and a relaxed setting for guests seeking a meaningful Eid experience in the Maldives.
The full Eid al-Fitr 2026 programme can be viewed here. More information about the resort is available from the resort’s website.
Culture
SO/ Maldives illuminates Diwali with culinary delights, festive spirits, chic island vibes
This Diwali, SO/ Maldives is set to dazzle with a bold celebration that blends cultural tradition with the resort’s signature flair. Guests are invited to indulge in a day of flavor, music, and style, wrapped in the spirit of light and festivity.
The day begins at The Citronelle Club, where guests can immerse themselves in India’s sweetest traditions with a complimentary Gulab Jamun cooking class. This hands-on session not only celebrates the art of crafting one of India’s most iconic desserts but also offers guests a memorable experience of cooking and tasting together in true festive spirit.
Following the workshop, the culinary journey continues with an exclusive tasting of SO/ Maldives’ brand-new Indian à la carte menu. Bursting with bold flavors and modern interpretations, this exciting menu brings a fresh twist to traditional favorites, showcasing dishes designed to delight both seasoned gourmands and those discovering Indian cuisine for the first time.
As the afternoon rolls into evening, the celebrations flow seamlessly to Lazuli Beach Club and The Citronelle Club, where guests can savor the moment with 40% off select premium beverage bottles. Whether shared over a meal or enjoyed as a toast to togetherness, these indulgent pours elevate the festive mood with sophistication.
The evening comes alive with a vibrant lineup of cultural and family-friendly activities. Guests can express their creativity at a Family Diya Workshop, lighting up the night with personalized clay lamps that symbolize joy and prosperity. At Lazuli Beach Club, a Henna Workshop invites guests to adorn their hands with intricate patterns, while the beachfront transforms into a canvas for a Rangoli experience, where colorful designs bloom in the sand to celebrate the artistry and spirit of Diwali.

No Diwali celebration is complete without a golden-hour glow. At Lazuli Beach, the festivities shine brighter with 50% off saffron martinis during sunset, accompanied by live DJ beats. As the Maldivian sky turns to hues of orange and gold, guests can sip, sway, and soak in an electric yet elegant atmosphere, perfectly in tune with the spirit of Diwali.
“At SO/ Maldives, we reimagine cultural celebrations with a bold, chic island twist. This Diwali, we’ve curated a day that’s all about indulgence, flavors, music, and unforgettable moments,” said Olivier MOIES-DELVAL, General Manager, SO/ Maldives. “It’s about honoring tradition while celebrating in style, surrounded by the natural beauty and energy of the Maldives.”
SO/ Maldives invites guests to light up their Diwali with this one-of-a-kind experience that blends the richness of Indian traditions with the resort’s signature playful luxury.
Celebrate light, flavor, and island chic this Diwali at SO/ Maldives.
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