Featured
Ritz-Carlton artist partner Louis-Nicolas Darbon unveils painting of iconic Kerry Hill Villas at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

From London to Tokyo and now the Maldives, Artist Partner, Louis-Nicolas Darbon unveils a bespoke painting inspired by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ sustainable architecture and design, adding to the resort’s stunning art collection.
Darbon is a London-based French artist thriving off the visual stimulation he attains while exploring new and familiar locales. Painting the resort’s iconic Kerry Hill designed water villas in his signature vibrant and pop art style, Darbon unveiled his painting to guests at the resort’s Defining Moment whilst a breathtaking Maldivian sunset set the scene for an exquisite evening. Inspired by the natural landscape of the turquoise lagoon and the swirling ocean breezes, Darbon’s painting captured the clean sweeping curves and lines of the water villa architecture where the water, landscape and breeze flow around and between the spaces and where each villa looks out to an unending view of the horizon.
Speaking about how the resort’s architecture and sustainable design inspired his painting, Darbon commented, “Architecture has always been a big inspiration for my art and the first time I saw the Kerry Hill designed water villas at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands I knew that this was a place that I just had to visit. It was an honour to have the opportunity to paint my own interpretation of this stunning design and to be able to spend some time immersing myself in the resort and its beautiful surroundings. This is a place where you truly feel at one with nature and it’s impressive to see the steps that have been taken to ensure the resort has a low impact on the environment. From the pioneering pre-fabricated design methods used to reduce impact on the fragile reef ecosystem to the extensive use of solar energy and sophisticated glazing to avoid unnecessary air-conditioning use, The Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to building and running a sustainable island ensures the resort really respects its surroundings.”
Having exhibited his work all over the world where his signature pieces have found residency in luxury homes of private collectors and international galleries, Darbon’s piece for The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will find its forever home at the luxurious oceanfront Ritz-Carlton Estate – a 16, 000sqft villa with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, accommodation for up to six adults, exquisite spa treatment rooms for in-villa treatments, a fully equipped kitchen, a host of state-of-the-art entertainment systems and more.
Throughout the year, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will host an exhilarating line-up of bespoke guest experiences through personalised encounters with masters of crafts and craftsmanship that create deeply meaningful and memorable experiences. Embark on curated culinary journeys with Michelin-starred Chefs and artisanal gastronomic mavens, partake in exhilarating Behind the Bar experiences with award-winning bartenders from around the world, discover the essence of balance at The Ritz-Carlton Spa through wellness retreats and enrich each stay with impactful conservation programmes.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservation enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
Featured
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.
Featured
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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