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Velassaru Maldives hosts interactive Chef Day at Fiyavathi Orphanage
In celebration of International Chef Day, Velassaru Maldives hosted a special event at Fiyavathi Orphanage in Hulhumalé. This initiative, organised in partnership with Universal Resorts Management, forms part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The event aimed to give back to the local community, focusing on healthy eating, interactive culinary experiences, and fun workshops for the 70 children aged 2 to 16 years residing at the orphanage. Leading the initiative were Velassaru Maldives General Manager Mr. Denys Hordiienko, Executive Chef Vincent, key leaders, the Welfare Committee, and a talented team of chefs.
Following a brief introduction to the day’s activities, professional international chefs from Velassaru Maldives, representing Southeast Asia’s culinary talent, led an interactive cooking session. Through live cooking stations and meal preparation, the chefs demonstrated basic culinary skills and introduced the children to healthy food choices. Additionally, a food hygiene session was conducted for both the children and the orphanage’s canteen associates, emphasising the importance of clean and safe food practices.
A highlight of the day was a buffet-style lunch featuring a variety of international dishes tailored to the children’s tastes and nutritional needs. To celebrate International Chef Day, the children enjoyed a cake-cutting ceremony. After lunch, they participated in creative activities such as fruit carving and plate decoration workshops, learning how to create healthy meals in a fun and visually appealing way.
The activities during the International Chef Day celebration not only provided an enjoyable experience for the children but also fostered a deeper connection between the Velassaru Maldives team and the local community. Through the chefs’ dedication, the children gained insights into the value of healthy eating, hygiene, and teamwork.
In addition to the hands-on activities, Velassaru Maldives donated several items to Fiyavathi Orphanage, including televisions, computer systems, and playground equipment such as futsal balls, goal nets, basketballs, and basketball nets. These contributions reflect Velassaru Maldives’ commitment to supporting local communities by enhancing both educational and recreational opportunities for the children.
This event represents an extension of Velassaru Maldives’ dedication to supporting local communities through meaningful CSR initiatives. As part of Universal Resorts Management, one of the largest employers in the Maldives, Velassaru Maldives continually prioritises projects that uplift communities and create positive, lasting impacts.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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