Featured

Time of togetherness: Embracing Ramadan in Maldives

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2023

As the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar approaches, Muslims worldwide prepare for the sacred period of Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and community connection. In the Maldives, a nation of more than 1,000 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, Ramadan is a unique celebration that brings families and communities together. Amidst a setting of crystal-clear waters and idyllic white-sand beaches, Maldivians honour their faith and embrace the spirit of togetherness during this special time.

The Maldives is a 100% Islamic nation. During Ramadan, Muslims in the Maldives and around the world fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from consuming food and water during daylight hours. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called Iftar, traditionally starting with dates and water, followed by a diverse array of delicious dishes.

Traditionally, Iftar has been a family affair in the Maldives, with households coming together to prepare, cook, and enjoy the meal. It’s a time to reconnect and bond with loved ones, with the focus on sharing, gratitude, and humility. As Maldivians have embraced modernity, this family-oriented Iftar has evolved into a broader social gathering that sees extended families, friends, and neighbours coming together to share in the festive atmosphere.

In the capital city of Malé, you can find a unique blend of tradition and modernity during Ramadan. The bustling streets get even busier, as families gather in homes, communal spaces, or local restaurants. Restaurants and cafes offer special Iftar menus and buffets, catering to families and friends seeking to share their meal. In recent years, the Iftar scene in Malé has become more cosmopolitan, with international and fusion dishes being introduced to the mix.

As you venture beyond the capital, the spirit of togetherness remains strong on the inhabited islands. These communities, with their slower pace of life and deep-rooted traditions, offer an authentic glimpse into the Maldivian way of life. During Ramadan, islanders come together to share Iftar at local mosques, community centres, or simply by hosting friends and neighbours in their homes.

Ramadan in the Maldives is not just limited to the capital and inhabited islands. The nation’s luxury resort islands, renowned for their stunning beauty and world-class hospitality, also embrace the spirit of Ramadan. Though catering primarily to international guests, these resorts offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the local traditions of Ramadan, including Iftar.

Many resorts organise special Iftar events, where guests can break their fast with a variety of Maldivian and international dishes, set amidst a serene and picturesque backdrop. To further enhance the experience, some resorts offer educational sessions on the history and customs of Ramadan, providing guests with a deeper understanding of the holy month and its significance.

One key element of the Maldivian Ramadan experience that should not be missed is the Taraweeh prayer, which takes place after the Isha prayer each night. Both in the capital and on the inhabited islands, mosques fill with worshippers seeking spiritual solace and connection. Visitors to the Maldives are encouraged to witness this beautiful display of devotion and unity, as it serves as a testament to the strong sense of community that defines the Maldivian people.

In the Maldives, the enchanting archipelago renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white-sand beaches, the sacred month of Ramadan takes on a unique and captivating charm. As devout Muslims across the nation partake in a month-long fast, the Maldivian culture comes alive with a deep sense of togetherness and spiritual rejuvenation. During this time, the true essence of Maldivian hospitality and warmth can be experienced in its purest form, as families, friends, and communities come together to break their fast.

The Maldivian Ramadan experience varies across the nation, with bustling Iftar gatherings in the capital city of Malé, to the tranquil and intimate family meals in smaller inhabited islands, and the luxury resorts offering their guests a taste of local traditions. Each corner of this breathtaking island paradise presents an opportunity to embrace the spirit of Ramadan and immerse oneself in the customs that define the Maldivian people. From the mouthwatering array of traditional cuisine to the serene Taraweeh prayers in local mosques, a journey through the Maldives during Ramadan is sure to leave visitors with an indelible memory of the nation’s rich culture and enduring devotion to their faith.

Drink

Oktoberfest comes to shore at SO/ Maldives with bratwurst & beats

Published

3 days ago

September 26, 2025

m@ldives

This October, SO/ Maldives alters the world’s most iconic beer festival into a chic island activation, blending Bavarian tradition with the resort’s signature flair for fashion-led experiences. Guests are invited to trade their lederhosen for linen and toast to Oktoberfest in true Maldivian style with Bratwurst & Beats by the Beach, a one-night-only beachfront celebration at Lazuli Beach Hut on Sunday, 5 October 2025, from 7 PM to 10 PM.

As the waves set the rhythm, the evening unfolds with a Bavarian-inspired BBQ featuring bratwurst fresh from the grill, golden pretzels, tangy sauerkraut, and all the authentic fixings paired with unlimited free-flowing beers. Once the sun melts into the horizon, a live DJ takes over, layering energetic beats with the island’s natural soundtrack. More than just a feast, the activation brings together community, culture, and celebration in a way only SO/ Maldives can deliver.

Nestled in the vibrant Emboodhoo Lagoon, SO/ Maldives is a private island playground where avant-garde design meets barefoot luxury. The resort’s 80 beachfront and overwater villas are crafted for open-plan living, each complete with a private pool and sweeping ocean views. Designed across eight categories, including spacious two- and three-bedroom villas, SO/ Maldives offers stylish sanctuaries for couples, families, and groups seeking a fashionable island escape.

The culinary journey at SO/ Maldives is as bold as its design. Guests can explore three distinct dining destinations: The Citronelle Club, an oceanfront venue serving Pan-Asian delights with a European twist; Lazuli Beach Club, a sun-kissed Mediterranean-inspired lounge radiating Côte d’Azur vibes; and Hadaba, the signature Levantine restaurant where smoky delicacies meet endless sea views.

Wellness and play are equally celebrated at the resort. Spa is a sanctuary of rejuvenation featuring Vichy rainforest showers, steam and sauna rooms, and a fitness sphere with panoramic ocean vistas. Families are drawn to The Nest Kids Club and The Zone games lounge, while explorers dive into the watersports hub for island adventures on and beneath the waves.

“Oktoberfest is all about bringing people together, and at SO/ Maldives we love adding our own fashionable twist,” said Olivier MOIES-DELVAL, General Manager of SO/ Maldives. “Imagine celebrating with bratwurst and beer on a white sandy beach, with music, laughter, and the Maldivian sunset it’s an Oktoberfest you’ll never forget.”

Featured

Maldives secures top honour at World Spa Awards 2025

Published

6 days ago

September 23, 2025

m@ldives

The Maldives has once again been recognised as the leading spa destination in the region, having secured the title of Indian Ocean’s Best Spa Destination 2025 at the World Spa Awards.

The award reaffirms the Maldives’ standing as a wellness and spa destination, offering experiences that combine natural surroundings, luxury hospitality and holistic wellbeing. Alongside the national accolade, several Maldivian resorts were also honoured in various categories at this year’s ceremony.

The Maldives has a strong record at the World Spa Awards. In 2016, the country was named World’s Best Spa Destination for the first time, and regained the global title in 2018. In the same year, it was also awarded Indian Ocean’s Best Spa Destination, a title it has retained on multiple occasions, most recently in 2024 at the 10th Annual World Spa Awards. These consistent achievements highlight the Maldives’ role in leading wellness tourism, as it continues to attract visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in a distinctive natural setting.

With wellness and experiential travel among the fastest-growing tourism segments worldwide, the Maldives continues to integrate wellness into its resorts, retreats and cultural experiences, further strengthening its global appeal.

Featured

Barceló Nasandhura highlights holistic living during World Wellness Weekend

Published

6 days ago

September 23, 2025

m@ldives

Barceló Nasandhura marked World Wellness Weekend 2025 with a programme of rejuvenating experiences in collaboration with Wellness by Mandara. The celebration, held on Saturday, welcomed guests and visitors to a day centred on relaxation and self-care.

The schedule included a range of wellness-focused activities, from welcome drinks and skincare consultations to interactive sessions, product demonstrations, and giveaways, creating an engaging and restorative atmosphere for participants.

The event reflected Barceló Nasandhura’s commitment to encouraging a holistic lifestyle, providing both guests and the wider community with opportunities to take part in wellness-oriented experiences.

Wellness by Mandara, located within Barceló Nasandhura, is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The spa offers a wide selection of treatments and therapies designed to relax, rejuvenate, and restore balance, alongside monthly promotions that provide exclusive offers on treatments and wellness experiences throughout the year.