News
Kandooma Maldives focuses on Asian travellers for Eid period
As the Eid-al-Fitr holiday period approaches, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is turning its focus towards Asian markets, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Indian subcontinent, where the festive holiday period often creates opportunities for short-haul leisure travel.
With several days of public holidays across many Asian countries during Eid, the Maldives presents an attractive option for families and expatriate communities seeking a tropical island escape within convenient flying distance.
“Asian markets continue to present strong potential for short-haul leisure travel to the Maldives, particularly during holiday periods such as Eid,” said Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “For many families, it’s an opportunity to combine the celebrations of Eid with a relaxing island holiday in a safe, welcoming environment surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives.”
Located in the South Malé Atoll, the resort is just 45 minutes by speedboat from the new Velana International Airport terminal in Male, making it one of the more accessible private island resorts for regional travellers arriving via key Asian aviation hubs such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Mumbai and Colombo.
To mark the Eid holiday period, the resort will host a special celebratory dinner and a programme of family-friendly activities, designed to bring guests together in the spirit of Eid. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of island experiences, including snorkelling and scuba diving, as well as wellness treatments at Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala.
Families travelling with children are well catered for through the resort’s Kandoo Kids’ Club, alongside the popular IHG Kids Stay & Eat Free programme, which allows children under 13 to stay and dine free when sharing a room with their parents and dining from the kids’ menu when accompanied by adults in the resort’s restaurants.
Accommodation options range from garden and beach villas to spacious two-storey beach houses and overwater villas, appealing to couples and families alike. Two- and three-bedroom accommodation options are ideal for multi-generational families and small groups travelling together during the Eid holiday period.
As the Maldives tourism industry continues to diversify its source markets, regional Asian travellers remain an important segment, particularly during key holiday periods such as Eid.
More information about Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives can be found from the resort’s website.
Lifestyle
Niva Kuramathi Maldives welcomes artist Sarah Smart for island residency
Renowned British illustrator Sarah Smart will be at Niva Kuramathi Maldives from 22 – 24 May 2026, offering live portrait sessions. Internationally recognised for her expertise in live painting, product illustration, packaging and luxury brand art projects, Sarah is set to deliver a truly unique experience for art lovers.
During her tranquil island residency, Sarah will conduct two exclusive live portrait sessions per day over three days. Guests will have the unique opportunity to have their portraits captured in her signature style, observe her illustrative techniques up close, and receive a postcard or A5- sized original artwork to cherish as a memento of their experience.
Young artists are invited to join Sarah for an enchanting interactive workshop at the Bageecha Kids Club. This special session is designed to spark creativity and ignite young imaginations, guiding children on a journey of artistic discovery. It’s a wonderful opportunity for budding painters to express themselves through art, creating magical memories of their time on the island.
Sarah’s diverse portfolio spans painting live illustrations for international brands, such as a private gathering at the Oliver Peoples Boutique store in Madrid where guests received personalised tote bags capturing themselves in the new collection. She also creates live fashion illustrations of guests at elegant private parties, like a James Bond-themed soirée at The Arts Club in Mayfair. Her brand collaborations include crafting personalised tote bags for Sunglass Hut in Dublin and Copenhagen and designing illustrations for an Advent Calendar for Hill St., an artisan bean-to-bar UK chocolate brand. Her wider client list includes Tory Burch, Chanel, Gucci and Miu Miu. Additionally, Sarah has designed stationery for Jumeirah Carlton Tower’s Chelsea Dog Day and new menu design for The Doyle Collection.
News
Meyyafushi Maldives opens with focus on premium all-inclusive travel
Meyyafushi Maldives by BeKind Hospitality Group is now officially open, welcoming guests to a new island escape designed around premium all-inclusive comfort, personalised service, and unrivalled facility offerings.
Designed as a sanctuary to connect within and beyond, Meyyafushi Maldives brings together contemporary design, curated experiences, and exceptional culinary journeys across a naturally breathtaking island setting. With all dining concepts, facilities and signature experiences now fully realised, the resort invites guests to discover a seamless blend of indulgence, adventure, and tranquillity.

At the heart of the experience is a collection of 94 elegantly appointed villas and suites, each with a private pool, offering both beachfront serenity and overwater escapism. Elevated design meets effortless comfort, creating spaces that are both refined and deeply connected to the surrounding nature.
Meyyafushi’s culinary landscape is a defining highlight, featuring a diverse portfolio of dining venues led by an expert culinary team. From authentic Asian flavours and refined Chinese cuisine to international favourites, each concept is thoughtfully curated to deliver a dynamic and elevated dining journey. The recent opening of Raa, the resort’s dedicated overwater wine cellar, introduces a sophisticated space for curated tastings and premium pairings, further enhancing the gastronomic offering.

Signature experiences set Meyyafushi apart on the global stage. Guests can dine beneath the ocean at the striking Bubble Underwater Restaurant, play on the world’s first fixed overwater padel tennis court, or unwind at the adults-only Sky Bar and Sunken Lounge, complete with a glass-bottom infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Each experience has been designed to be both distinctive and unforgettable, offering moments that linger long after departure.

Beyond its standout features, Meyyafushi delivers a truly seamless island experience. From natural beach landscapes to fully curated excursions and activity programmes, every element has been carefully refined to ensure a fruitful and intuitive guest journey.
Underpinning the experience is a strong commitment to service excellence, delivered by a diverse and highly trained international team. With multilingual expertise and a focus on intuitive, personalised service, Meyyafushi ensures that every guest feels both understood and effortlessly cared for throughout their stay.

“We are proud to present the fully realised vision of Meyyafushi Maldives,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager. “Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to offer a refined island experience, where guests can truly disconnect from the world and reconnect with what matters most.”
Just a 35-minute scenic seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, Meyyafushi Maldives offers a new perspective on premium all-inclusive travel — where bold experiences, elevated design, and genuine Maldivian hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
Featured
Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa presents May–July guest experience calendar
Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa has introduced a series of guest experiences scheduled from May to July 2026, combining wellness, cultural activities, dining and entertainment across the island.
The programme is structured to offer a mix of daytime and evening activities, with each month featuring a different focus aligned with seasonal events and international observances.
In May, the programme begins with Full Moon Celebrations on 1 May 2026, including beachside dining alongside yoga and sound healing sessions. This is followed by Mother’s Day on 10 May 2026, with activities such as a Mother and Daughter Retreat and spa experiences designed for shared participation.
Later in the month, World Whisky Day on 16 May 2026 will be marked with a single malt tasting session. Activities for younger guests will include a Kids Fashion and Talent Show, providing a platform for participation and entertainment.
In June, the focus shifts towards wellness and cultural engagement. Global Wellness Day on 13 June 2026 will include guided sessions and ocean-based activities. The Dragon Boat Festival on 21 June 2026 will be marked with a themed dining experience.
The resort will also host World Cup live screenings throughout June and July, creating a social viewing environment for guests. International Yoga Day on 21 June 2026 will be observed with a sunrise beach session.
In July, World Chocolate Day on 7 July 2026 will be marked with themed culinary experiences. Maldives Independence Day on 26 July 2026 will be observed through a Maldivian night buffet and Boduberu performances.
Full Moon Night will return on 29 July 2026 with beach dining and wellness sessions, while the Sun and Splash Pool Party on 22 July 2026 will bring together music, dining and poolside activities.
Through this three-month programme, Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa is offering a mix of wellness, cultural and social experiences designed to provide guests with a range of activities during their stay.
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