News
SIX & SIX introduces HIRIGAA private island at DHON MAAGA MALDIVES
Some words hold more than meaning. In Dhivehi, Hirigaa is such a word. A porous coral stone, once lifted from reef and shore, was shaped by hand and set with care. With it, Maldivians built faalan, raised Miskiy, and gave homes their foundation. Admired for its beauty, chosen for its strength — the name held within it a sense of permanence, of labour, of memory.
Now the word has returned. Not as artefact, but as a secret place. HIRIGAA is the private island within DHON MAAGA, part of the SIX & SIX portfolio opening in late 2026. It is not a third island, but the soul of the second — a sanctuary folded into DHON MAAGA’s larger story, where privacy is not absence, but stillness.
In Maldivian tradition, the Maavadin were master craftsmen, their knowledge spanning reef stone, wood, and ornament. They understood how to work with stone and wood — shaping each line with instinct, proportion, and purpose. Their role was not only to create, but to ensure that what was made endured: a philosophy of permanence, carried through every line and joint. Step inside the oldest Miskiy in the Maldives and their presence remains. Chisel strokes on stones. Timber beams worked with patience. Carvings filtering light and shadow across walls that still stand. What they built endures because it was shaped not for spectacle, but for continuity.
HIRIGAA carries that essence forward. Its architecture rests rather than rises. Lines are measured, spaces allowed to breathe. Not built to impress on arrival, but to hold, to last, to belong.

At DHON MAAGA, villas rise in two elemental forms — TERRA, drawn from land, and AETHR, suspended above water. Within HIRIGAA, these signatures are echoed in three colossal villas: one oriented toward the sunset on its own private beach; and two elevated above waters at equal height, each with panoramic views that embrace the horizon.
Beyond the villas, the island offers two distinct dining experiences, each reflecting a different expression of island life. The first is an overwater pavilion, where meals unfold above the water, light moving gently across the surface. Complete with a pool and slide, it balances playfulness and refinement. Dining flows seamlessly into leisure — a subtle reflection of shared feasts, where generosity is effortless and warmth lingers softly.
The second is a secluded dining space set within the island, shaded by palms and cooled by ocean breezes. Tables rest beneath the canopy, lanterns casting soft light across sand and timber. This is dining in its most intimate form — a private ritual, where conversation lingers and connection to place is felt in every detail.
A spa offers treatments in harmony with the island’s natural rhythm, complemented by a steam room and sauna. A private gym and a study provide space for retreat, while a large living area amplifies the sense of privacy and scale. Behind these visible spaces lies the unseen rhythm of a self-sufficient island: a full-service kitchen designed for ceremony as much as preparation, where the abundance of dishes reflects a spirit of giving; a dedicated service building with living quarters for four Edhurun; discreetly placed storage and laundry; and a private faalan hidden among the foliage for effortless arrivals. Nothing is excessive. Everything is considered.
Hospitality is lived through the Edhurun — intuitive Maldivian mentors whose presence is enduring yet quiet, guiding through memory and care not by instruction. They do not manage guests. They remember them. A light adjusted before dusk. A dish returned without request, recalled from a celebration long past. The Edhurun are part of the Rayyithun — the People of the Islands — whose philosophy shapes every SIX & SIX property. Presence is not performance. It is translation. It is memory, carried forward.
The Rayyithun continue to shape island life: Masverin bringing in the catch, women preparing over fire, Beruverin keeping rhythm, Raaverin drawing sweetness from the palms, children’s voices carried on the wind at dusk. They are the living soul of the islands.
Each island in the SIX & SIX collection reveals a different expression of this philosophy. RAH GILI MALDIVES, opening in Q1 of 2026, introduces guests to the Rayyithun in their most welcoming form. Here, the way of life is shared. Guests join the rhythm directly — dining at the Maakeyolhu restaurant, where a malaafaiy stretches wide with dishes to share, replenished as naturally as the ocean’s flow. The day’s catch rests alongside recipes passed through generations, each bowl an act of welcome. Drums rise at dusk, rituals unfold at the water’s edge, and the spirit of community is open and inclusive.
At DHON MAAGA, that same philosophy is amplified. Abundance takes monumental form, drawn from the cornucopia — a symbol of continuous giving that informs the island’s spatial rhythm. Line-caught tuna is elevated alongside refined pairings, dishes presented with elemental flair, and architecture itself becomes a vessel of offering. Not opulence for display, but a way of showing that giving has no end.
Within HIRIGAA, abundance becomes more intimate still. Meals unfold in silence: a table set on the deck at sunset, an overwater pavilion with water moving gently below, a dish remembered and returned without asking. Dining is not performed but anticipated — a ritual of presence shaped by memory. Privacy is freedom, and freedom allows abundance to arrive quietly, in its own rhythm.
Guests of the private island may fully experience the resort, with access to all eight dining venues, immersive wellness rituals, and curated encounters — their stay never limited, only enriched. Or they may choose to remain within their sanctuary, surrounded by complete privacy.

Laith Pharaon, Co-Founder and CEO of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, said: “HIRIGAA is more than a name. It is a word that carries the weight of Maldivian heritage — the craft of the Maavadin, the rhythm of community, the quiet strength of memory. In choosing it, we recognise our responsibility to preserve what is foundational while translating it into an experience that speaks to today’s traveller. Every island in our collection must embody not just beauty, but meaning. HIRIGAA reflects that belief — that true luxury endures when it is rooted in culture.”
Marc Gussing, Director of Operations, added: “When we place a name like HIRIGAA within our portfolio, we are not simply naming a destination — we are safeguarding a legacy. Each island must embody a character that is distinctive, respectful, and true to its cultural environment. By giving this name to the private island at DHON MAAGA, we ensure that Maldivian heritage is experienced, not only remembered.”
The Maldives has long been described in metaphor: an island shaped like a turtle, wise and unhurried. Another compared to a pearl, hidden and rare. Others imagined as havens, untouched and still. HIRIGAA does not compete with these. It does not need metaphor. It is foundation itself — a word that predates the industry, safeguarded and returned to living use.
Each island in the SIX & SIX collection stands on its own, yet all are guided by a shared rhythm — where time moves without rush, culture is held with care, and design is intentional.
RAH GILI MALDIVES: community and rhythm.
DHON MAAGA MALDIVES: scale and form.
HIRIGAA at DHON MAAGA: privacy, shaped to endure.
Not one alike, but all aligned — not through uniformity, but through meaning.
HIRIGAA is more than a private island. It is a legacy of the Rayyithun. It remembers the Maavadin who guided others in the shaping of stone and wood, who worked with mastery and care. It honours fishermen who read the current, women who welcomed with fire, children who carried rhythm into tomorrow. It affirms that permanence lies not in wealth or invention, but in the memory of care.
This is not branding. It is remembering.
HIRIGAA is part of DHON MAAGA MALDIVES.
It is privacy with presence. Stillness with scale. Memory with meaning.
Not a third island, but the grounding of the second.
Something older.
And something that will remain.
Family
From egg hunts to island feasts: Easter at Centara Maldives Resorts
As spring prepares to cast its golden glow over the Maldives, Centara Resorts & Hotels is gearing up for another egg-ceptional Easter celebration. With four distinct island escapes to discover, guests can settle into a rhythm that suits them, as vibrant festivities unfold across Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection & Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. Thoughtfully curated for families, couples, and wellness seekers, each resort brings together indulgent feasts, playful Easter traditions, and soothing spa rituals, creating a getaway that feels joyful, immersive, and unmistakably Maldivian.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives: A Grand Easter Celebration
Located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives’ Easter celebration blends elegance with picturesque turquoise lagoons and pristine beaches. Encouraging guests of all ages to embrace the spirit of the holiday, the property presents a full schedule of themed experiences from April 1st to 5th, spanning thoughtfully designed children’s activities, serene wellness moments, and evening entertainment.
Little ones can spring into the festivities with Easter-inspired fun, such as painting colourful eggs, decorating cookies, tackling an Easter Obstacle Course at the kids’ pool, and searching the island for hidden surprises with a classic Easter egg scavenger hunt. Teens are also well catered to with regular team-based challenges, relay races, and karaoke nights, all designed to keep them active and engaged. Guests can also bring the whole family together over cosy movie nights, high-energy beach games, or gather for the Grand Bingo Evening for some friendly competition.
Extending the experience beyond the shores, the Family Coral Adventure allows guests of all ages to help restore the reef and learn more about marine life, while parasailing, semi-submarine discovery, and guided snorkelling offer unforgettable ways to explore the island’s vibrant waters from every perspective. Those looking to try something new can also get moving with a lively Aqua Zumba class, ease into the morning with a sunset yoga session, or attend a hands-on sushi masterclass. Rounding out this action-packed escape, guests can hop over to The Gallery for a lavish Easter Sunday feast featuring international flavours and plenty of live music.
Giving families space to relax and recharge in between the festivities, the tranquil SPA Cenvaree retreat presents an exclusive Easter experience. Unwind together with a tranquil ritual crafted to restore and reconnect, where one adult enjoys a 60-minute treatment while a little one is treated to a soothing 30-minute session of their own.
When: From April 1st to 5th
Price: Villas starting from USD 800++ for a couple on Full Board basis
For bookings and more information, please email cglm@chr.co.th. To view the full festive schedule, click here.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives: Easter Magic with Uncle Octopus & Island Friends
Also situated within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is an enchanting, underwater-themed paradise, where guests can celebrate Easter alongside the Easter Bunny, Uncle Octopus, Madame Stingray, and all your favourite island friends. Framed by golden sands and sparkling lagoons, the resort’s festive programme is bursting with creative workshops, ocean adventures, creative challenges, and festive family moments, each matching the magic of the occasion.
Starting on April 1st, younger guests can dive into the festivities with Bunny Splash Pool Games at Octo Splash or enjoy some competitive fun with family-friendly games at the beach. Older kids can also join a thrilling guided snorkelling excursion and get creative with canvas painting at The Sailhouse, before settling down for a laid-back outdoor movie night. The next morning, spring straight into action with island-inspired ornament making, roll up your sleeves for a spring roll masterclass bursting with fresh flavours, and wind down at sunset with a serene yoga session.
Once the weekend arrives, seize the opportunity to explore the deep blue and support marine life with a family-friendly reef restoration adventure or soar above the lagoon with an adrenaline-fuelled parasailing adventure. On land, little ones can drift through an Uncle Octopus–led lazy river race or set off with the Easter Bunny on a playful island scavenger hunt, while families join a beachside football match and teens close the evening with a lively bingo night. Saturday, April 4th, continues the celebrations with Acqua Zumba, intricate henna designs inspired by island motifs, a crêpe-making masterclass, and a traditional Maldivian sunset fishing experience out on the open water.
Finally, on Easter Sunday, The Sailhouse plays host to a delightful buffet filled with international flavours that promises to please even the fussiest eaters. Afterwards, unwind with a tote bag painting session or continue the festive fun with a lively Easter pool party for the whole family.
In addition to exciting island adventures, the resort also encourages moments of shared relaxation through a special Easter Family Bliss experience. Taking place at the tranquil SPA Cenvaree and the playful Candy Spa, parents enjoy a soothing 60-minute body massage while little island explorers are treated to a fun chocolate body wrap and a mini 30-minute massage.
When: From April 1st to 5th
Price: Leading room starting from USD 546++ for a couple on Full Board basis
For bookings and more information, please email cmlm@chr.co.th. To view the full festive schedule, click here.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection: A Machchafushi Easter
This Easter, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, presents an egg-citing Easter and Orthodox Easter programme centred around connection and celebration. Kicking off on April 4th, each day brings something new for young guests to enjoy, with a junior mocktail class, Easter-themed crafts, scavenger hunts, and colourful face painting. Alternatively, embrace the spirit of adventure as a family by getting involved in Easter egg painting, Easter basket making, a beach volleyball match, or enjoying beach games such as sack races, egg spoon races, and balloon fights that promise endless laughs.
As for entertainment, the resort will be alive with festive energy throughout the holiday, beginning with a spectacular Machchafushi Easter Parade on Easter Sunday featuring the Easter Bunny and traditional Boduberu performers. Another highlight takes place on April 12th, with an unforgettable DJ performance under the stars at Coral Bar. For a more relaxed evening, the resort will also host an Easter-themed movie night by the beach on April 4th.
Ensuring no two days of your Easter escape taste the same, guests can also look forward to a variety of unique dining experiences, beginning with ‘A Sweet Prelude to Easter’, serving a selection of fine teas and delicate pastries. Later, on Easter Sunday, ease into the festivities with a generous breakfast spread at The Reef, before toasting to the occasion with an indulgent brunch brimming with seasonal favourites. As Orthodox Easter unfolds, evenings are best spent sipping sundowners or settling into a vibrant beachside BBQ filled with smoky flavours, lively entertainment, and the warm rhythm of the island after dark.
When: From April 4th to 12th
Price: Villas staring from USD 545++ for couple on Full Board basis
For bookings and more information, please email cirm@chr.co.th. To view the full festive schedule, click here.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives: An Easter Curated for You and Yours
As Centara Resorts & Hotels Maldives’ adults-only paradise, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives sets the tone for an Easter escape shaped by tranquillity, privacy, and uninterrupted ocean horizons. Taking place on April 5th and 12th, the programme pairs relaxed, creative traditions such as beachside egg painting with elevated culinary experiences designed for couples and friends seeking an elevated celebration. Easter Sunday is marked with a refined BBQ served steps from the water, where flame-grilled specialities and live music create an intimate yet lively atmosphere, while Orthodox Easter brings a thoughtfully crafted multi-course dinner by the shore.
When: April 5th & 12th
Price: Villas staring from USD 465++ for couple on Full Board basis
For bookings and more information, please email crf@chr.co.th. To view the full festive schedule, click here.
News
InterContinental Maldives introduces sleep well experiences for World Sleep Day
In celebration of World Sleep Day on 13 March 2026, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort introduces an enhanced series of sleep-focused wellness experiences, reinforcing the growing global shift toward restorative travel and mindful living.
Building on its established Sleep Well offering, the resort unveils a new Sleep Well Turndown Programme, a thoughtfully curated evening ritual designed around the five senses to guide guests into deeper, more restorative rest. From the gentle dimming of lights and naturally breathable linens to calming aromatherapy, tranquil soundscapes and indulgent dark chocolate, each element is carefully designed to prepare the body and mind for quality sleep in the serenity of the island setting.
Guests may further enhance their rest through the resort’s Sleep Enhancement Kit, featuring soothing oils, pillow mist, aromatherapy balms and calming candles crafted to create a peaceful bedtime ritual that continues beyond the stay.
Marking the occasion, AVI Spa also presents a dedicated Sleep Week Programme from 13–19 March 2026, inviting guests to rediscover the art of rest through structured wellness experiences designed to restore natural sleep rhythms.
Highlights include:
- The Sleep Guru Programme: A multi-day guided wellness journey combining therapeutic treatments, relaxation techniques and personalised sleep-support rituals to improve deep recovery and emotional balance.
- Nightly Sleep Ritual with Visiting Practitioner Brad Reed: Acalming evening session featuring gentle bodywork, guided breathwork and a soothing sound bath to help the nervous system settle into deep rest.
- Sleep Enhancement Kit: A curated in-villa collection designed to quiet the mind and create the perfect pre-sleep environment.
Set against the tranquil backdrop of Raa Atoll, where natural stillness meets intuitive hospitality, these experiences reflect a modern understanding of luxury, where true indulgence lies in the ability to rest deeply and wake restored.
For full programme details, please view the Sleep Well brochure here.
Family
Ayada Maldives presents Easter week of family and wellness activities
Ayada Maldives has announced a series of experiences to mark the Easter season, inviting guests to celebrate the occasion through a week of activities centred on family time, relaxation and shared island moments.
As the season approaches, the resort will host a programme designed to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Families are encouraged to spend time together in the island’s natural surroundings, while children take part in a variety of activities and explore the island environment.
Throughout the week, Easter-themed experiences will be integrated into daily island life. At the Zuzuu Kids Club, younger guests will have access to a range of creative and interactive activities designed to encourage imagination and discovery. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of wellness experiences including sunrise yoga sessions, spa treatments at AySpa, and quiet moments by private pools or along the beach.
Evenings will feature a range of social and culinary experiences, including beachside gatherings, live music and dining events set against the island’s coastal setting. These activities are intended to create a relaxed yet festive environment for guests to come together and enjoy the Easter holiday.
According to the resort, the Easter programme focuses on creating opportunities for guests to reconnect with family and friends while enjoying the island’s surroundings. The celebrations are designed to highlight shared experiences rather than a single event, allowing guests to enjoy the season at their own pace.
Through the programme, Ayada Maldives aims to offer visitors an opportunity to celebrate Easter in a setting defined by natural beauty, hospitality and time spent together.
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