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Shangri-La Introduces New Festive Season Offers

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Maldives Promotion House – Set amidst the breathtakingly sensational sandy beaches and lush tropical foliage, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa has introduced a ‘Festive Season Offer’. The luxurious accommodation options include private ocean retreats and tropical tree house villas making it a premiere Maldives luxury resort.

Their ‘Marry Me’ vow renewal experience is among the new experiences. Imagine you are walking down an aisle of woven palm leaves on the beach to reach a flower-filled wedding gazebo at sunset. Whether you are on your honeymoon and want to prolong the festivities with a romantic blessing in a tropical setting or you wish to surprise your loved one on your anniversary, let our wedding planner organise your dream ceremony.

Choose among five hidden locations and six cultural themes to say ‘I do’ to your loved one. If you are looking for something unique, put on your scuba diving gear and exchange your vows on waterproof boards while curious reef fish witness your engagement. For the utmost romantic experience, venture out to sea aboard a luxury sailing yacht and let the ocean breeze carry your promise away.

You can also choose to celebrate with a century-old banyan tree as a backdrop, under a pavilion facing the ocean or barefoot on the beach. For an additional personal touch, pick a cultural theme – Chinese, Indian, Maldivian, Arabic, Japanese or Western, the choice is yours.

The full-day experience includes a ceremony master, a wedding planner, a candlelit dinner a couple’s spa treatment, flower arrangements, a professional photo session and other services for an unforgettable day. To experience this glamorous experience you can contact their events co-ordinator julia.jagiello@shangri-la.com.

Fashala lounge will also take a new turn during this festive season. Previously offering seafood evenings amid a casual atmosphere, the restaurant is now a fine dining venue featuring the best of local produce. White tablecloths, soft candle light and the soothing sound of the lapping waves offer a perfect setting for a romantic gourmet evening.

On the menu, you will find an explosion of tropical flavours, a crab timbale with diced papaya, a lobster salad dressed with a mango basil coulis, the catch of the day seared on the grill and served with hand-picked eggplants, just to name a few. For dessert, surrender to the sweet temptation of a lemon grass cloud served with Maldivian bananas and a coconut salad, or try an exotic passion fruit creme brulee topped with home-made mango sorbet.

Chef Alvrie and his team work hand in hand with the local farmers of Medhoo, a nearby island of Villingili, and local anglers to select the very best of local ingredients for your dining experience. But this partnership goes beyond the freshest produce; it also supports the livelihood of the local community since the beginning of the co-operation. Some 50 farmers have joined the co-operative and over 20 fishermen earn their living from the resort’s purchases.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa has also decided to let you experience the ‘New Year Under The Sun’ as part of the Festive Season Offer. Light a Christmas tree under the tropics, sing Christmas carols to the beat of Maldivian drumming and welcome 2012 with a beach party under a canopy of stars.

The time limited offer includes heaps of benefits. Book before 31st October 2011 for a stay between 24th December 2011 and 14th January 2012 and enjoy one bonus free night when paying for six nights. You can also enjoy free New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and return domestic flights for two. Families can also enjoy up to two complimentary extra beds for children under 12 years old.

Throughout the festive season, the resort will surprise you with themed evenings, cocktail parties, live entertainment, family activities and more. If you are travelling with your loved one, you will enjoy relaxing in the sweet aromas of brown sugar and cloves with a festive body scrub at CHI, The Spa or venturing out to sea on a romantic sunset cruise.

Children will make their parents proud with a Christmas themed musical play, and enjoy gathering around a bonfire on the beach to toast yummy marshmallows. On New Year’s Eve, the team will dress the beachfront with colourful masks, Venetian backdrops and costumes to transport you back to the time of the Renaissance. Pick your favourite from among over 50 festive mouth-watering specialities such as Alaskan crab, fresh oysters, wild smoked salmon, and Wagyu beef.

In addition to that you can also participate in the ‘Coral Planting Activity’. Corals may look like colourful rocks at first sight, but they are fragile living organisms. If you would like to know more about them and contribute to their development, why don’t you join Peter, their marine biologist, on his weekly coral planting?

You will first meet at the Eco Centre for an introduction about the resort’s coral enhancement programme, during which you will learn about the different species of corals, how they propagate, and what threats they face. You will then head to the coral nursery established in Serenity Bay. On the shore, help Peter to attach coral fragments he rescued from the reef beforehand or if you are an expert snorkeler ask Peter to join him on one of his coral-fragment snorkelling hunts.

Once you have fixed the fragment on to the cement conic base with the help of a glue and epoxy mix, swim back with Peter to the nursery to choose a spot for your rescued coral, this is the beginning of a new colony formation and you can be part of it.

The resort carries out other environmental initiatives. For example, the investment of a bottling plant with reusable glass bottles allows the resort to cut the consumption of 240,000 plastic bottles a year, while solar energy provides hot water in all guests’ villas. At the Eco Centre, the focus is on marine protection, with turtle and manta ray conservation programmes.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa is some 70-minutes away from Malé International Airport, which has round-the-clock flights from the domestic airport, plus an eight-minute boat ride from Gan International Airport on Addu Atoll.

The resort has also partnered with Al Jaber Aviation (AJA), the new pinnacle of VIP aviation based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, extending its services in a seamless approach to VIPs from all over the world, to fly directly to Gan International Airport, which is just an eight-minute boat ride to the resort.  AJA is also offering a special 10 percent discount to all of the resort’s guests interested in this private jet service.

So there is no reason to wait. Book now and enjoy the festivities at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort.

Culture

Visit Maldives brings spirit of island Eid to worldwide audiences

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The spirit, colour, and traditions of a Maldivian island Eid will take centre stage this festive season as Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) prepares to deliver immersive daily coverage of the Eid celebrations from Raa Atoll Meedhoo, bringing one of the country’s most vibrant cultural festivities to audiences around the world.

Beginning on 26 May, Visit Maldives will provide daily coverage from the island across its social media platforms and digital channels, continuing through 30 May. The initiative will showcase the atmosphere, traditions, and community celebrations that define Eid in the Maldives, offering audiences a deeper connection to the cultural identity of the islands beyond their well-known luxury experiences.

Throughout the five-day coverage, Visit Maldives teams will provide daily updates, feature segments, and behind-the-scenes storytelling from the island, capturing traditions that continue to shape community life across the Maldives. The campaign aims to position Maldivian culture and heritage as a central part of the destination experience while highlighting the unique character of local island communities.

Among the key traditions featured is Vedhuma Dhiyun, a longstanding custom where groups of islanders formally seek permission from community elders and leaders to begin Eid festivities. The practice reflects the strong communal values and cultural continuity preserved within island life.

The celebrations will also spotlight Bodu Mas, one of the most recognised Eid traditions in the Maldives. Meaning “big fish” in Dhivehi, the celebration centres around a giant fish structure crafted from woven coconut palm leaves and ceremonially carried through the island in a lively communal gathering rooted in the Maldives’ seafaring heritage.

Another major highlight is Maali Neshun, a traditional performance where participants dress as mythical figures and spirits using handcrafted costumes made from coconut leaves and local materials. Accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of boduberu drums, the performances transform the island into a visually striking cultural celebration.

The campaign will additionally feature Koadi Kendun, a traditional community event centred around a decorated wooden structure crafted from coconut palm materials. The celebration combines performance, competition, and artistic expression, reflecting both longstanding traditions and evolving forms of island creativity.

Speaking about the initiative, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, noted that showcasing living traditions and community celebrations remains an important part of strengthening destination storytelling.

“The Maldives is shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by the traditions, people, and communities that continue to preserve our cultural identity. Through this campaign, we want global audiences to experience the warmth, creativity, and spirit of a Maldivian island Eid in an authentic and meaningful way,” he said.

He also acknowledged the support and collaboration of the people of Raa Meedhoo, particularly the communities of Hulhangu Avah and Irumathi Avah, along with the Raa Meedhoo Island Council, for their role in supporting and facilitating the initiative and helping bring the island’s Eid celebrations to wider international audiences.

Following the daily coverage period, Visit Maldives will continue the initiative through long-form storytelling content scheduled for release from next month onwards on its YouTube platform, offering in-depth features, interviews, and cultural narratives from Raa Meedhoo and its celebrations.

Through this campaign, Visit Maldives continues to expand destination storytelling by highlighting the Maldives as a place shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by its living traditions, island communities, and cultural heritage.

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Island Goers

Island life at your own pace at Cocomo Maldives

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Set on the serene island of K. Himmafushi, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Cocomo Maldives is a tropical retreat where the rhythm of the waves guides your days. Whether you’re sharing sunsets as a couple, creating memories with family, or simply unwinding on your own, this laid-back beachfront haven invites you to relax, recharge, and embrace island life at your own pace.

Your Island Hideaway Awaits

At Cocomo Maldives, comfort meets simplicity across 27 thoughtfully designed rooms, each offering a calming blend of modern touches and tropical charm. Surrounded by palm-lined paths and just steps from the beach, every room features air conditioning, a private balcony or terrace, and all the essentials you need to unwind.

Choose the space that suits your journey:

  • Deluxe Double Room – Compact and cozy, perfect for couples
  • Superior Deluxe Room – A little more room for small families or close friends
  • Premium Family Suite – Spacious and refined, ideal for those who want extra comfort

All rooms come with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, and a sleek ensuite bathroom.

And there’s more to look forward to – Cocomo will be expanding its accommodation inventory in the coming months, adding new rooms to welcome even more guests to this island.

World on a Plate

Rukuraa invites you on a flavourful journey with its carefully curated menu inspired by Pan-Asian and international cuisines. Dine indoors in a relaxed setting, or take your seat by the shore, where the breeze is soft, the waves provide the soundtrack, and every meal feels like a moment to savour.

Adventures at Cocomo

Adventure is always within reach at Cocomo. With its ideal spot on Himmafushi, the island offers direct access to some of the Maldives’ best marine experiences – from colourful coral reefs to the world-class Jailbreaks surf break just offshore. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or chasing your next thrill, our team is ready to help you plan every splash, paddle, and wave.

Conveniences That Make a Difference

Offering a range of thoughtful amenities to make your stay as comfortable and carefree as possible, including:

  • Direct beach access with sun loungers
  • A refreshing outdoor swimming pool
  • 24/7 front desk and concierge support
  • High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
  • Reliable airport transfers and daily housekeeping

Everything is designed to ensure a relaxed, hassle-free island experience from arrival to departure.

Exciting Additions Just Around the Corner

Cocomo Maldives is gearing up to introduce a vibrant new chapter in the Himmafushi experience, with expanded facilities set to open in the coming months. Guests can look forward to the island’s very first full-scale recreation hub, featuring:

  • A tranquil spa offering relaxing massages and rejuvenating treatments
  • A fun and inviting karaoke lounge
  • A cozy shisha bar perfect for winding down
  • A dynamic games arcade with billiards and classic favorites
  • And the highlight – Cocomo Beach Club, a lively beachfront spot for music, cocktails, and golden hour vibes

These exciting additions are designed to make Cocomo more than just a stay – it’s a place to connect, celebrate, and create memories that last long after your footprints fade from the sand.

Whether you’re chasing serene escapes, weekend getaways, or fun-filled family adventures, Cocomo Maldives is your lively playground in paradise. Dive into crystal-clear waters, take a refreshing swim in the pool, ride the breathtaking surf, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the genuine warmth of island hospitality – your island home, Cocomo Maldives.

Discover more and plan your stay!

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Featured

Medhufushi Island Resort marks National Day with Maldivian heritage showcase

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Medhufushi Island Resort recently marked Maldives National Day with an immersive celebration of Maldivian heritage, transforming the resort grounds into a living museum that reflected the country’s cultural roots. The event recreated the atmosphere of a traditional island village and offered guests the chance to experience authentic island life through interactive activities, performances, and storytelling.

The resort team constructed a replica village featuring ancestral-style houses and traditional architecture that demonstrated the resourcefulness of early island communities. Guests explored the structures and learned how Maldivians adapted to their environment over generations. The experience was enhanced by a variety of activities, including food stalls that served traditional dishes, demonstrations of local craftsmanship, and opportunities to take part in games once enjoyed by island families. Musical traditions were brought to life with the sounds of Bodu Beru drums, where visitors not only observed but also participated alongside local performers.

Cultural performances formed the highlight of the evening, with local women presenting traditional dances that narrated stories of island life and men delivering energetic Bodu Beru drum sessions. Guest participation was strong, with many joining in the dances and trying their hand at drumming. One visitor remarked that it felt like stepping into another time and described learning Bodu Beru from locals as an unforgettable experience.

Resort Manager Iyaz explained that the event is organised annually to preserve and share Maldivian heritage with visitors, noting his pride in the team for creating such an engaging showcase and expressing gratitude to the guests for their enthusiasm.

The celebration reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural preservation through tourism, ensuring that traditional practices remain visible and valued. By offering authentic experiences, Medhufushi Island Resort connects guests with the history and identity of the Maldives while supporting sustainable tourism.

This annual showcase serves not only as entertainment but also as a bridge between past and present, reinforcing the importance of cultural continuity. Through initiatives such as these, the resort demonstrates how tourism can help protect traditions and foster community pride, enabling visitors to leave with more than memories of beaches and scenery, but with a deeper understanding of the people and heritage of the Maldives.

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