Featured
Celebrate holiday season in paradise with Centara’s Maldives resorts

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, invites travellers to savour the holiday spirit in paradise at a choice of two distinct island resort destinations in the Maldives with programmes complete with Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, visits from Santa, wellness activities, and festive feasts.
At Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, guests enjoy a whimsical experience at the adults-only retreat which is celebrating with a “Candy Cane Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses” festive programme.
Perfect for couples and honeymooners on a romantic holiday retreat, the resort is situated in the North Malé Atoll just over 15 minutes away from Velana International Airport by speedboat.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers a relaxing and inspiring holiday experience along with plenty of opportunities to indulge, play and rejuvenate this holiday season.
From 22nd – 31st December 2021, the resort’s festive programme allows guests to reconnect with themselves and each other through indulgent culinary experiences, exciting recreational and rejuvenating wellness activities including:
- Maldivian Seafood BBQ (28th December): Featuring fresh seafood flavours straight from the ocean to the grill and performances by traditional Bodu Beru drummers
- Cuban Trio Beats (throughout the festive programme): Performances by 2 Clave, a talented Cuban-born trio renowned for their captivating vocals
- Arabian Shisha Night (29th December): Revel in exotic flavours and blends
- Tranquility and Meditation (30th December): Learn the art of holistic healing therapy
- SPArkling Love (throughout December): 120-minute spa journey featuring enchanting SPA Cenvaree rituals with body contour wrap or scrub, milk bath enjoyed with sparkling wine, aromatherapy massage, and spa gift set
Elsewhere in the Maldives, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, in the picturesque South Ari Atoll, delivers a fantastic resort experience complemented with a range of exciting activities that appeals to both couples and families, including diving opportunities on an excellent house reef complemented with a sunken shipwreck.
The palm-fringed island resort ushered in the festive season on 16th November 2021 with the annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony.
This holiday, travellers are invited to indulge in a “Believe in the Magic of the Season” festive programme from 22nd December 2021 – 1st January 2022 with highlights including:
- DJ SRV (24th & 25th December): Performances by New Delhi’s foremost electronic dance DJ and producer
- Festive Dining and Wellness (24th – 25th & 31st December): A taste of Christmas with themed feasts and complimentary wellness activities
- Sizzle n’ Drizzle (22nd December): Beach BBQ featuring succulent freshly caught seafood and prime meats on the grill
- Master Chef Class (27th December): Learn the fine art of culinary excellence in the tempting world of Thai gastronomy
- The Epicurean Seafood Feast (28th December): 5-course dinner paired with fine wines selected by a visiting master sommelier
- Children’s Events (21st December – 1st January): Daily calendar of thrilling activities for junior VIPs by the cheerful Elf crew, including origami art, baking cookies for Santa and his reindeers, and handmade greeting cards
- Festive Afternoon Tea
- SPAbulous offers: Rejuvenate and awaken the senses at SPA Cenvaree with special spa packages and signature sets of body scrubs and body lotions to take home
With Centara Complete Care, travellers can rest assured with rigorous new hygiene standards including social distancing measures and increased frequency in sanitisation. Together with global hygiene and verification specialists Ecolab and SGS, Centara has redefined the group’s commitment to health and safety so travellers can stay at Centara with complete confidence.
Travellers save 25% on their stay at Centara Grand Island Resort and Centara Ras Fushi Resort with the Last Minute Maldives Escape, plus an extra 15% on-top discount for CentaraThe1 members.
For more information or for further assistance with booking, contact the Centara Contact Centre at ccc@chr.co.th and +66(0) 2101 1234, or visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.
Featured
Villa Resorts Maldives recognised globally for luxurious halal-friendly experiences

Villa Resorts Maldives has achieved a remarkable 9.1 rating across its properties — Villa Nautica, Villa Park, and Royal Island — reinforcing its position as a premier halal-friendly destination in the Maldives. Recognised with the HalalBooking Guest Review Award, this distinction highlights Villa Resorts’ dedication to delivering exceptional experiences tailored to halal-conscious travellers.
Each property in the Villa Resorts portfolio offers a unique and luxurious experience. Villa Nautica, located in the North Malé Atoll, blends contemporary maritime design with beachfront luxury, providing an ideal setting for guests seeking relaxation and adventure. Villa Park, situated in the peaceful South Ari Atoll, features family-friendly villas with private pools, lush gardens, and direct beach access, making it an ideal destination for halal-conscious retreats. Royal Island, nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, combines traditional Maldivian architecture with modern luxury, offering an authentic escape surrounded by pristine nature.
The HalalBooking Guest Review Award is particularly significant, recognising properties that consistently deliver high-quality guest experiences aligned with halal-specific needs. With over 500,000 properties listed on HalalBooking.com, Villa Resorts’ impressive 9.1 guest review score places it among the top-rated halal-friendly resorts worldwide. This recognition underscores Villa Resorts’ commitment to providing world-class service while respecting cultural values.
Villa Resorts caters to Muslim families with tailored experiences designed to honour cultural practices. The resorts offer halal dining options, private and spacious accommodations, and activities aligned with Muslim traditions. By ensuring privacy and comfort, Villa Resorts creates an ideal environment for families seeking a luxurious and culturally respectful holiday in the Maldives.
As demand for halal-friendly destinations continues to grow, Villa Resorts Maldives remains at the forefront, offering the perfect blend of luxury and cultural respect. Whether visitors choose to unwind in a private beach pool villa, indulge in halal dining, or explore the Maldives’ vibrant marine life, Villa Resorts promises an unforgettable vacation experience.
Featured
Green Globe Recertification underscores Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ environmental vision

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has once again achieved Green Globe Certification, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability as an integral part of its operations. Rather than serving as a mere statement, sustainability at the resort is woven into every aspect of the guest experience, internal decision-making, and long-term strategy. The certification follows a comprehensive, independent audit evaluating the resort’s performance against more than 380 stringent compliance indicators — a demanding benchmark that the resort successfully met.
Significant strides have been made in reducing the property’s carbon footprint without compromising comfort or quality. Energy consumption is managed through the implementation of smart room controls and occupancy sensors, while 99 percent of lighting throughout the property utilizes high-efficiency LED technology. Hot water is supplied by a generator-powered heat exchanger system, complemented by steam-powered laundry machines and energy-efficient appliances in kitchens, guest rooms, and staff facilities. Digital systems have replaced paper-intensive processes, and a Green IT policy ensures all computers are powered down when not in use — reflecting the brand’s dedication to mindful, sustainable operations.
Water conservation remains a central focus of the resort’s environmental efforts. Operating independently from public water systems, the resort employs a sophisticated treatment plant that purifies seawater for use throughout the property. Efficiency is further enhanced by dual-flush toilets, low-flow fixtures, greywater recycling systems, and real-time monitoring technology. Preventative maintenance and regular checks help minimise waste before it occurs.
Situated in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, the resort embraces proactive environmental action as essential. Electric buggies reduce carbon emissions on the island, while local sourcing practices lower transportation-related impacts and support nearby communities. A green procurement policy and ongoing staff training ensure that all departments align with the resort’s long-term sustainability objectives.
Marine conservation plays a prominent role at the resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, where initiatives such as coral propagation, guided snorkelling tours, and educational reef programs encourage guest participation in ocean protection efforts. A collaboration with Parley for the Oceans ensures that plastic waste is recycled and that marine ecosystems remain safeguarded for future generations.
Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. From the visible to the behind-the-scenes, it shapes every detail of a stay. The Maldives Discovery Centre offers visitors insights into local culture through exhibits, artisan displays, and live performances that celebrate Maldivian heritage. Interactive workshops with local craftspeople and educational exhibitions on maritime trade routes provide guests with a rich, immersive understanding of the destination—highlighting the connection between community, culture, and conservation.
This Green Globe recertification is not viewed as a conclusion but as part of a continuous journey. It reflects an enduring commitment to protecting the environment while delivering the unique rhythm, flavour, and hospitality that define the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives experience. Here, sustainability takes center stage as part of the headline act.
Celebration
Island rhythms and Eid traditions at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

This Eid al-Adha, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites discerning travellers to experience an enchanting celebration set against the spellbinding beauty of the Maldives—a private island paradise where refined luxury harmonises with vibrant tradition.
On Sunday, 8 June, the resort will host a thoughtfully curated programme of festivities that honour the spirit of Eid. Guests will be taken on an immersive cultural journey featuring the rhythmic beats of live Boduberu drumming and a captivating Badhiya dance performance, offering a celebration of Maldivian heritage and spirit. Younger visitors can look forward to a lively schedule of children’s activities designed to spark joy and creativity in an inspiring island setting.
As the sun sets, the celebration continues with a cocktail party on the beach, where the golden hues of dusk are paired with live local music and specially crafted cocktails. This relaxed gathering invites guests to savour the island’s warm ambiance as day gives way to night.
Later in the evening, the resort’s signature Seasalt restaurant will present an indulgent Eid Special Buffet. Curated by the resort’s expert culinary team, the buffet showcases a fusion of Maldivian and Arabic gastronomy, featuring aromatic Arabic grills, traditional mezze, and beloved Maldivian classics—all prepared with fresh local ingredients and a contemporary twist.
In celebration of the occasion, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is offering exclusive holiday savings through its Summer Getaway offer. This includes daily breakfast and dinner, 20% off spa treatments and dining experiences, as well as roundtrip seaplane transfers. Guests will also have access to a curated selection of complimentary scheduled weekly activities, providing a deeper connection to the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Maldives.
Whether in search of peaceful relaxation, quality family time, or meaningful cultural discovery, Eid at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives promises an unforgettable celebration in every sense.
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