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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives welcomes culinary artist Janice Wong

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes guests to embark on a sensorial journey of edible art, with multi award-winning international culinary artist and master of desserts, Chef Janice Wong this October 3rd to 6th. The resort’s culinary stable continues to impress and inspire, as Chef Janice is set to unveil a series of immersive guest experiences throughout the week.

October 3-6, 2022
As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean and guests gather at Eau Bar drawn by the sounds of traditional Maldivian Bodu Beru drumming, Chef Janice will reveal her world-renowned edible art installation inspired by the resort’s ‘Defining Moment’ ritual. Throughout the week, guests are invited to dive in to experience her visionary taste sensations at a Cocoa Pod-To-Bar Masterclass at The Tasting Room, for adults and at Ritz Kids for children, reserve a front row seat in the culinary theatre for a Four-Hands Chocolate-infusion Degustation Dinner with Executive Chef Glen Cooper and embark on a sustainable island trail of Cocoa Tree-Planting with the resort’s Naturalists.

In September, as a sneak preview and in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival marking the end of harvest, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will present guests with Janice Wong’s signature mooncakes with flavours of Double Yolk Lotus Paste and Osmanthus, beautifully packaged in a sustainable and reusable box whilst dining on an exquisite Cantonese menu curated by Chef Pak Fan Yuen at Summer Pavilion. Throughout the year, guests will also receive the most indulgent turndown amenity of artisanal chocolate bon bons handcrafted and hand-painted using natural colours and encased in a bespoke box made exclusively for The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.

Named “Asia’s Best Pastry Chef” two years in a row by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Janice Wong continues to push the boundaries of the dessert concept. The creative mind behind Singapore’s 2am:dessertbar and 2am:lab, Pure Imagination, Soft Haus and Mallow delighted audiences with her special appearances on MasterChef Australia, Top Chef, the documentary feature film Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles and published a series of mouth-watering written works titled Perfection in Imperfection, Dim Sum and verses on Japanese citrus. Chef Janice’ highly sought-after edible art installations have taken her around the world with her creations available in the UK, Japan and her home city, Singapore.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives For real-time updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Coco Bodu Hithi prepares for Christmas and New Year festivities

Coco Bodu Hithi has announced a curated festive programme to take place from 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026, designed to bring together culinary experiences, entertainment, and island-inspired activities. The celebrations are intended to offer memorable moments for guests whether travelling individually, as couples, with families, or in groups.
The season will commence with the annual Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony on 22 December, featuring carols, mulled wine, and sunset views, followed by festive drinks, yoga, and a Coco Cinema night under the stars. Dining plays a central role in the programme, with a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at Air Restaurant offering an international menu accompanied by carols, while guests at the Coco Residences may enjoy a more intimate traditional dinner at Stars Restaurant. Additional events include a Fisherman’s Barbeque, a Maldivian Night with local cuisine and Boduberu, and the return of the Art-of-Fire Culinary Journey with Dutch chef Jord Althuizen from 27 to 29 December.
Entertainment throughout the season will feature live music at Latitude Bar, mixology and wine-tasting sessions, yoga experiences, beach games, sunset fishing, and beach parties with DJs. The New Year’s Eve Tropical Fire & Ice Gala Dinner will mark the highlight of the festivities, combining food, music, and celebration to welcome 2026.
Children will be offered dedicated activities such as workshops and treasure hunts, while families can participate in gingerbread decorating and enjoy a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Day. Couples and solo travellers will also have the opportunity to enjoy private dining, sunset cruises, and intimate experiences.
In line with Coco Collection’s sustainability ethos, the programme will also incorporate marine conservation initiatives, including coral planting, snorkelling excursions, and talks led by the resort’s marine team, encouraging guests to connect with the surrounding environment.
Coco Bodu Hithi, recognised among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 and winner of Best Service at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2025, is part of the Coco Collection portfolio. The resort features 98 villas, each with a private pool, including 24 Coco Residences and one Grand Premier Beach Villa with Pool. With its focus on bespoke experiences, service, and sustainability, the resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate and create lasting memories during the festive season.
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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives named Best Surf Resort for second year running

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been recognised as the Best Surf Resort in the Maldives at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2025, achieving the accolade for the second consecutive year. The award underscores the resort’s reputation as a leading destination for surf enthusiasts in search of world-class waves and welcoming hospitality.
Located just 40 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort offers direct access to Kandooma Right, a renowned right-hand reef break celebrated for its long rides and playful barrels. Surf operations are exclusively managed by Perfect Wave Travel, ensuring uncrowded line-ups and an emphasis on sustainable surf tourism. The island has cultivated a dedicated surf community, with many guests returning annually, and some multiple times a year, drawn by the consistency of the waves, the warmth of the resort’s service, and expert surf guidance.
Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, commented on the achievement: “Our continued partnership with Perfect Wave and the team’s dedication to creating memorable surf experiences is what makes Kandooma stand out. We welcome surfers of all levels, and our aim is to ensure that every ride is unforgettable. The sense of belonging to the surf community here is what makes the island truly unique.”
In addition to Kandooma Right, surfers have access to nearby breaks such as Tucky Joe’s, Riptides, and Quarters, catering to intermediate surfers, progressive shortboarders, and longboarders alike.
Away from the surf, the resort offers a wide range of leisure experiences including the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, snorkelling and diving excursions showcasing the Maldives’ rich marine life, and diverse dining options serving global cuisine. The combination of surf culture, tropical adventure, and authentic hospitality contributes to a distinct island lifestyle.
This back-to-back success at the TTM Awards follows the resort’s 2023 title as Best Dive Resort, further reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ leading destinations for marine-based experiences.
Featured
Jumeirah Olhahali Island marks Chinese Golden Week with ‘A Golden Journey Together’

Jumeirah Olhahali Island will celebrate Chinese Golden Week this October with a curated programme titled ‘A Golden Journey Together’. From 1 to 8 October 2025, the island will host experiences designed to bring families and friends closer, combining creativity, wellbeing and discovery with the natural rhythm of Maldivian island life.
Dining will be central to the celebrations, blending Asian traditions with the tropical setting of the island. Guests will be able to enjoy an Asian-Inspired Gala Dinner at Glow, Ocean’s Embrace Hot Pot, and Flavours of Asia at Shimmers, accompanied by live music and culinary offerings from across the continent. Other highlights will include an Asian-Inspired Floating Breakfast, an Afternoon of Bliss tea ritual, and a Maldivian Sharing Beach Dinner under the stars with the rhythmic beat of Boduberu.
Cultural encounters will add depth to the week’s programme. At the MURACA Art Studio, guests will be invited to shape and paint bespoke tea cups, create auspicious pottery designs, or hand-decorate a Tuanshan fan with traditional motifs. Shared culinary experiences will include Kayto’s Family Dim Sum Masterclass, offering parents and children the chance to fold and enjoy dim sum together. Evenings will feature celebrations such as the Lantern Ceremony at Shimmers Beach, a radiant tribute to hope and renewal.
The week will also bring opportunities for renewal and recreation. Gentle face yoga, Pilates by the sea and natural self-care workshops will provide calm, while social and competitive spirit will be encouraged through sunset tennis gatherings and a holiday tournament. Guests seeking adventure at sea will have options ranging from semi-submarine excursions and snorkelling to dolphin quests, parasailing and traditional sunset fishing.
On 6 October, the island will mark the Mid-Autumn Festival with a Sunset Soirée Gathering of canapés and cocktails, a Lunar Wellness Ritual by moonlight, and the International Market Night at Glow, which will take guests on a culinary journey across continents.
Accommodation will be in the resort’s collection of 67 all-villa retreats, each offering sweeping ocean views. One-bedroom villas, with private infinity pools, rooftop terraces and light-filled interiors, will be ideal for families of four, while larger two- and three-bedroom residences will provide ample space for extended families or groups of friends to create shared memories.
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