Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, in partnership with Music in Paradise, welcomes the return of acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins for an exclusive island concert series from 13–20 June 2026.

Following her sold-out 2025 debut, Missy returns for three intimate sunset performances set against the stunning Maldivian backdrop, along with special meet-and-greet experiences. With 26 ARIA nominations and five Australian No. 1 singles, her 2026 shows are expected to sell out quickly, with attendance limited to just 200 guests to ensure a truly personal experience.

The Gold Experience Package includes seven nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, return speedboat transfers, three exclusive concerts, a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity, plus curated island experiences. Several premium packages have already sold out.

Located in South Malé Atoll, just 40–45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kandooma offers beachfront and overwater villas, family-friendly facilities, diverse dining, and a tranquil spa — the perfect setting for an unforgettable music escape in paradise.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands marks its fifth anniversary in paradise, celebrating its internationally acclaimed service excellence which defines its place  among the world’s most distinguished luxury resorts. This June, a month-long programme will showcase the  property’s signature approach to guest experiences celebrating the pinnacle of transformative travel and the  evolution of this unique resort destination in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives. A series of exclusive events will invite guests to explore progressive mixology, masters in regenerative wellness, and environmental stewardship with inspired ambassadors. 

Since its debut in 2021, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has earned global recognition for its elevated standards, visionary programming, and Indian Ocean firsts. Its culinary program has welcomed  internationally acclaimed chefs representing more than 16 Michelin stars, alongside over 20 leading  mixologists of The World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars distinction. The resort also celebrates the  second year of its Maldives-first concept Fari Islands Festival, in 2026, and a thriving wellness initiative  in its Deep Blue philosophy. Beyond gastronomy, curated partnerships have bridged the worlds of art and  flavour, while impactful environmental initiatives continue to shape its legacy. Notably, the team’s  innovative “Eye in the Sky” drone project has supported the rescue of more than 40 endangered turtles to  date. 

A thoughtfully curated calendar begins on June 1, the resort’s official anniversary, echoing the historic  opening date of the Ritz Paris in 1898, a symbolic connection to The Ritz-Carlton’s heritage of timeless  hospitality. Throughout the month, guests will be invited by the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton  Maldives, Fari Islands, to engage in dynamic moments designed to inspire connection to self, nature, and culture. 

Behind the Bar Highlights 

From June 6 to 8, the resort will host a series of its signature Behind the Bar evenings, featuring three internationally acclaimed venues from Marriott International properties, all ranked among Asia’s 50 Best  Bars 2025.

The St. Regis Bar, The St. Regis Jakarta (#22), Punch Room Tokyo, The Tokyo EDITION Ginza (#36) and  Bar Sathorn, W Bangkok (#48) will take center stage, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience world-class mixology in an island setting. Venues will include the Maldives’ outpost of Singapore’s  Summer Pavilion, the signature Japanese restaurant IWAU – transforming into an intimate speakeasy, and the design masterpiece circular EAU Bar, with serves enjoyed at the breathtaking sunset Defining Moment  ritual to the sounds of bodu beru drummers. A beach party with DJ and collaborative bar takeover brings the celebrations to a crescendo at Beach Shack. 

Wellness & deep blue philosophy 

Rooted in the resort’s signature Deep Blue philosophy and leaning into the healing power of the ocean, June’s wellness programming emphasizes mindfulness, balance, and connection. 

Key highlights will include: 

Global Wellness Day (June 13): A day of immersive wellness activations under the 2026 Joy  Magenta theme, focusing on cultivating joy as a conscious daily practice for mental and physical well being. Live yoga sessions connecting eight Marriott properties across the Maldives will promote joy as a  resilient healing and accessible force, symbolised by the vibrant colour magenta, aiming to reduce stress  and foster connection.  

International Yoga Day (June 21): A full-day showcase led by the resort’s Ladies & Gentlemen, each  presenting unique yoga styles and practices from Vinyasa to Yoga Nidra with cocooning sound baths. 

Masters of Crafts Series (June 20–22): As part of the resort’s established Masters of Crafts and Essence  of Balance program, a three-day yoga retreat will be led by renowned practitioner and ALO Wellness Club  ambassador Anabella Landa, @annie.moves, celebrating the resort’s Deep Blue philosophy through  a Blue thematic journey. 

Environmental programming & naturalist initiatives 

Honouring its commitment to sustainability and conservation, the resort will elevate its Naturalist programme with dedicated experiences aligned with global environmental observances: 

• Reef Awareness Day — June 1 

• World Environment Day — June 5 

• World Oceans Day — June 8 

• World Sea Turtle Day — June 16 

Guests will have the opportunity to participate in educational and hands-on activities guided by the resort’s expert Naturalists. Furthering its work with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), an enhanced partnership will also launch June 1, supporting the protection of vulnerable sea turtles and their habitats though rescue, rehabilitation, education and research. The next phase of this initiative will also enable visitors to sponsor sea turtles under observation.  

As part of the Masters of Crafts and Visiting Hero series, British environmental journalist, author, presenter and wildlife conservation storyteller Sarah Roberts, @sarahsrealjob, will host intimate workshops,  guided dives and snorkeling from June 10-14. Guests will gain exclusive insights into Sarah’s work in the  field, raising awareness of biodiversity loss, marine ecosystems, and human–wildlife conflict through her  immersive storytelling. 

This fifth anniversary marks not only a celebration of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ journey but  also a reaffirmation of its dedication to crafting transformative guest experiences. By blending epicurean innovation, immersive wellness, and environmental stewardship, the resort continues to define modern  luxury in harmony with nature.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives, and for real-time updates, follow the resort on Instagram and Facebook. 

 Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, part of Sun Siyam’s Luxury Collection, introduces a transformative Wellness Reset Programme from June 15–21 in celebration of Global Wellness Week, in partnership with health coach and biohacker Regina Gimranova. Focused on functional longevity and sustainable energy, the programme blends advanced health optimisation with the island's restorative power, offering guests a refined and immersive wellness experience in the Maldives.

From "Exhale to Expansion": A Masterclass in Human Potential

The programme transitions guests from high velocity "city mode" into a state of "Expansion." Guests return home not just rejuvenated but deeply integrated and empowered. The curriculum is fully inclusive, with Regina providing variations tailored to every level of experience. Participation is open to guests aged 18 and above.

The Architecture of the Reset

Each morning features a specific yoga style, from restorative Yin to Power flows, tailored to the day’s biological theme. These sessions are held amidst nature from 08:00 to 09:00. In the late afternoon, between 17:00 and 18:30, science-based workshops at serene beachside locations provide practical tools to regulate the nervous system.

The curriculum progresses from the biology of cortisol and emotional intelligence to advanced sessions on neuroplasticity and the architecture of perception. Participants engage in transformative somatic practices, including lying-down breathwork and the "Ocean of Calm" immersion, all designed to shift the body from chronic stress to lasting stillness.

The programme culminates in an integration session, equipping guests with "carry-on" techniques—such as five-minute morning resets—ensuring the vitality found in the Maldives translates into a sustainable lifestyle back home.

A Holistic Environment

Beyond the exclusive Wellness Reset Programme, the resort itself serves as a sanctuary for renewal. The Spa by Thalgo, its nature-infused spa, is one of the largest in the Maldives. It features 20 specialised treatments rooms and an extensive menu of over 160 treatments, ranging from marine- based therapies, traditional Maldivian rituals to high-tech hydro-massage. Furthermore, guests can access deep-rooted healing through resident experts, including a Doctor of Ayurveda, a Yoga and Meditation Master, and Traditional Chinese Medicine therapists. This holistic wellness ethos extends to the resort’s dining, where 30% of every menu is dedicated to plant-based and vegan cuisine as part of the signature Plant-Based Bliss experience. 

“Guests increasingly seek self-care, personal growth, and a deep connection with nature. As conscious hoteliers, and in line with our promise to Champion Extraordinary Experiences, our mission has evolved to be more constructive and human; we design experiential moments to ensure that no guest leaves the same way they arrived, fostering a lasting positive shift and a renewed sense of purpose,” - highlighted Abdulla Atham, Resort Manager.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé collection within the House of Siyam, is set to host an exclusive Wellness Week from 15th to 22nd June 2026, led by international creative and fitness expert Ilariia Auvitu in honour of Global Wellness Week. 

Ilariia offers a sophisticated perspective on modern well-being, shaped by her life across seven countries and four languages. As an actor, model, and mother, her “high-performance lifestyle" provides a unique intersection of professional discipline and authenticity.

A central pillar of the week is the Tech-Free Sunrise Yoga and Breathwork Ritual. In an era of digital saturation, this hour of stillness is designed to help guests regulate the nervous system and improve mental health. The curated schedule includes Morning Yoga with Flow, specifically designed to cultivate sustainable energy flow for the day ahead. For those seeking more dynamic activity, Pool Fitness offers engaging water aerobics sessions held at the Pool Bar for a refreshing take on physical movement. Selected days will be concluded with Sunset Pilates and Stretching, featuring low-impact strength and toning exercises finished with a 15-minute quality stretch to release the muscles and embrace the evening’s iridescent glow. 

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef offers guests the opportunity to rediscover a sense of harmony on the occasion of Global Wellness Week, guided by the island's natural pace on a transformative journey of rejuvenation and balance.

Diving enthusiasts staying at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives can experience some of the Maldives’ most respected dive  sites with added value, thanks to the resort’s Dive Free programme. 

Named Maldives’ Leading Dive Resort last year by World Travel Awards, Kandooma is located in the South Malé Atoll and is just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. The resort offers direct access to a diverse collection of dive sites known for strong currents, healthy reef systems and consistent marine life encounters. Many of the area’s most sought-after sites are located just 10 to 30 minutes from Kandooma by boat, allowing guests to maximise time in the water and  multiple dives each day.

From coral-rich pinnacles to channel dives that attract larger pelagic species, the surrounding waters deliver a varied experience suited to both progressing and experienced divers.“What makes diving here so rewarding is the combination of proximity and variety,” said Ibrahim Shaan, Dive Centre Manager. “We can reach sites like  Kandooma Thila in just minutes, and within half an hour, guests have access to everything from relaxed reef dives to more advanced channel dives with sharks  and rays. It allows divers to spend more time underwater and really experience  the diversity of the atoll.” 

Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability added,“Kandooma has always been known for its accessibility, and the Dive Free  programme builds on that by making world-class diving part of the stay. It  removes both the time and cost barriers, giving guests a straightforward way to  experience the Maldives through diving, whether they are returning divers or  newly certified.” With warm waters year-round and visibility often exceeding 20 metres, the area  offers consistent conditions for diving across the seasons. Among the standout sites: 

Kandooma Thila 

Widely regarded as one of the top dives in the atoll, Kandooma Thila is a coral covered pinnacle where currents attract grey reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks and  eagle rays. 

Guraidhoo Corner 

A classic channel drift dive, Guraidhoo Corner is known for nutrient-rich currents that  draw in schools of fish, reef sharks and passing pelagic species. 

Cocoa Corner 

Combining reef and open-water diving, Cocoa Corner offers steep walls and drop offs where divers may encounter sharks, tuna and rays, depending on conditions. 

Kuda Giri Wreck 

A more relaxed dive site with generally mild current, Kuda Giri features a small wreck  and adjacent reef that support a thriving mix of reef fish and macro life. 

Kandooma Caves 

Characterised by large overhangs and caverns, this visually striking site is home to  sponges, soft corals and reef species, with occasional sightings of larger marine life  along the reef edge. 

Additional sites within easy reach of Kandooma include Manta Point, Lhosfushi,  Medhu Faru, and Waggiri, offering a mix of reef, channel and seasonal manta encounters.

With a PADI 5-star Dive Centre, experienced guides and a broad range of dive sites  accessible by boat, Kandooma is well placed for travellers planning a dedicated  Maldives diving holiday. 

The Dive Free programme offers guests staying three nights or more up to two complimentary scuba dives per day for up to two certified divers per villa, providing a straightforward way to experience diving in the Maldives. 

For divers looking to maximise time in the water without the need for domestic transfers, Kandooma offers a practical and rewarding island base close to the action. 

For more information, visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com

Diving brochure:https://holidayinn.aflip.in/HIRKM_DiveBrochure.html#page/1 

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, renowned for its progressive approach to dining that seamlessly weaves together art, culture, and gastronomy, announces the opening of KANDU at Patina Maldives in June 2026, an experiential dining destination dedicated to a modern expression of Maldivian cuisine. 

Named after the Dhivehi word for the ocean channels that connect the Maldives’ atolls, KANDU is conceived as a fluid passage between sea and table, where natural currents, cultural memory,  and culinary craft converge. Rooted in the elemental relationship between land and water, the  concept reflects a dynamic and evolving interpretation of the Maldives’ rich gastronomic heritage. 

As the only venue within the Fari Islands devoted entirely to contemporary Maldivian cuisine,  KANDU introduces a “Dhivehi Modern Ocean-to-Table” philosophy, bridging island traditions with refined, modern techniques. Drawing from generations of island cooking, from the quiet wisdom of grandmother recipes to the distinct flavors of each atoll, the experience unfolds as a culinary journey across the archipelago. 

KANDU offers a multicourse tasting menu designed as a narrative map of the Maldives, with each  course reflecting the character and ingredients of a specific atoll. Traditional staples such as  coconut, tuna, breadfruit, and native herbs are reimagined with precision and creativity, offering  a refined expression of Maldivian flavour shaped by regional memory and contemporary  technique. 

Guided by the Indian Ocean as a living larder, KANDU emphasizes a deep connection to place  through ethical sourcing and sustainability. The restaurant partners directly with local fishermen  for daily catches, supporting local communities while minimizing environmental impact. 

The beverage program highlights fresh, tropical, and largely non-alcoholic creations, presenting  modern interpretations of traditional drinks such as Raa, Sai, and Kashikeyo-inspired cocktails,  alongside inventive serves like a Bilimagu Whisky Sour. A curated selection of wines further enhances the dining experience.

Designed to reflect the natural textures and tones of the Maldives, KANDU features warm, earthy materials, open-air seating, and artwork spotlighting collaborations with local artists. The  ambiance is complemented by a relaxed yet cosmopolitan soundtrack of downtempo and ambient  music infused with subtle Maldivian influences. 

“Maldivian cuisine has always been deeply personal to me. With KANDU, we wanted to honour  the flavours many of us grew up with and reframe them through a more contemporary lens. This  is a menu shaped by memory, by the ocean, and by the incredible produce of our islands. It is a  celebration of where we come from, and where Maldivian cuisine can go next,” says Abdulla  Rifzan, Chef de Cuisine at KANDU, known to many as “Rippe” 

Bold yet thoughtful, KANDU offers a new perspective on destination dining, honoring the past while sharing the evolving story of Maldivian cuisine with the world.

 As part of its evolving lifestyle collection under the House of Siyam, Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils a captivating new way to experience the Maldives after sunset with the launch of Night Snorkelling with Mantas, an immersive encounter that brings guests face to face with one of the ocean’s most graceful wonders in their natural rhythm.

Set against the stillness of the island’s house reef, this guided experience reveals the quiet drama of the underwater world at night. As darkness falls, powerful underwater lights draw in phytoplankton, creating a glowing stage that attracts manta rays as they arrive to feed. Guests float comfortably at the surface, watching as these gentle giants glide, loop, and turn beneath them in an effortless underwater ballet.

Led by the professional team at Sun Diving Dive Center, this experience is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and confidence in the water. Guests are guided through each step, and snorkelling vests provide ease and stability, allowing even first-time night snorkelers to relax. The result is a serene yet exhilarating encounter where time seems to slow and nature takes center stage. 

“Night snorkelling with mantas is one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after you leave the water,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “There is a quiet magic in seeing these incredible creatures up close, moving so effortlessly through the light. Our team is there every step of the way to make guests feel safe, relaxed, and fully present for what is truly a remarkable encounter.”

What makes this experience particularly remarkable is the proximity and clarity it offers. As manta rays perform their signature feeding loops, often turning belly-up just below the surface, guests are given a rare and unobstructed view of their unique spot patterns, markings so distinct they are used by researchers to identify individual mantas. It is both a visual spectacle and a quiet lesson in marine life.

Understanding Manta Ray Behaviour and Anatomy

Manta rays are among the ocean’s most intelligent and graceful creatures, known for their wide wingspan and gentle nature. Unlike many marine species, they feed on microscopic plankton, using coordinated movements to funnel food into their mouths. Their looping and barrel-rolling behavior during feeding is both efficient and mesmerizing to witness. Each manta carries a unique pattern on its underside, much like a fingerprint, offering insight into ongoing conservation and research efforts across the Maldives.

Experience Highlights:

• Night snorkelling with manta rays in one of the most consistent viewing locations within the house reef
• Guidance and support from professional instructors at Sun Diving Dive Center
• Snorkelling Vest provided for ease and comfort in the water
• Full snorkel gear included, with prescription masks available for guests requiring vision support

Taking place between 19:00 and 20:00, this one-hour guest activity invites a discovery of a different side of island life, one that feels quieter, deeper, and profoundly moving. This new guest activity is available for experience at a special rate. Bookings can be made at the Dive Centre or through each guest’s Island Host.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to craft meaningful, story-rich experiences, such as Night Snorkelling with Mantas, connecting guests to the natural beauty of the Maldives in unexpected and unforgettable ways. The resort remains dedicated to curating immersive island moments that feel both effortless and extraordinary. To explore the various programmes offered by Sun Diving at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, visit their website at https://sundiving.com/sun-siyam-olhuveli/

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has debuted ‘Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks,’ a new, thoughtfully designed package that pairs adventure with holistic wellness and marine education in the pristine quietude of the Raa Atoll. As experiential travel continues to evolve, today’s luxury traveler is seeking more than just beautiful surroundings - they are drawn to meaningful, educational, and deeply personal opportunities to connect with the natural world in ways that are both responsible and transformative. Boasting one of the most accessible nurse shark snorkeling spots in the Maldives, just a ten-minute boat ride from the resort, InterContinental Maldives is ideal place to observe these docile creatures in their natural habitat. 

At the heart of the experience is a guided swim with nurse sharks, offering guests a rare opportunity to  observe these fascinating creatures, renowned for their calm, docile nature, up close in their natural  habitat. Designed to foster both confidence and curiosity, the experience is preceded by a complimentary presentation led by one of the resort’s resident marine biologists. Hosted two days prior to the excursion, the session aims to debunk common misconceptions surrounding sharks while providing meaningful insight into their behavior and ecological importance. Complete with light refreshments and an interactive Q&A, the presentation serves as both an educational touchpoint and a gentle introduction to the experience ahead. 

Reflecting InterContinental Maldives’ commitment to wellness-led travel, the Calm Waters experience extends beyond the ocean, incorporating a series of thoughtfully curated spa rituals designed to prepare and uniquely restore both body and mind. On the morning of the swim, guests are invited to take part in a pre-swim ritual, with a 60-minute Morning Meditation & Slow Stretch session held in the resort’s waterfront Yoga Pavilion. Guided breathwork and mindful movement gently awaken the senses, helping guests feel grounded, centered, and present before entering the water, a  specially designed amenity to ensure guests feel comfortable and fully engaged. USD $35++ per person (group session).  

When it’s time to enter the water, the resort’s marine team carefully assesses shark activity and visibility in Maamunagau Lagoon, ensuring conditions that feel calm and unhurried. There is no chasing or feeding, just the quiet experience of floating alongside nurse sharks as they rest on sandy seabeds or glide gently along the reef. Guests are invited to observe from a respectful distance,  facilitating an encounter that is defined less by adrenaline and more by a sense of peaceful  coexistence with these docile creatures. Gentle and accessible, the experience is well-suited to  families, providing guests of all ages with a memorable introduction to ocean ecosystems and  conservation (USD $120+). 

Following the swim, a selection of optional restorative rituals at the award-winning AVI Spa allow guests to unwind and reflect on their encounter. The Floating Sound Healing offers a deeply immersive moment of relaxation, as guests are cradled in water while therapeutic sound vibrations  restore balance and promote a profound sense of inner calm (USD $150+). For those seeking a more comprehensive treatment, the Maldivian Essence ritual draws on local healing traditions throughout the 120-minute full-body experience that is purposefully designed to soothe muscles, nourish the skin,  and rebalance the senses (USD $280+). 

By seamlessly integrating guest education, responsible marine practices, and restorative wellness, the  ‘Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks’ package redefines the concept of ocean exploration - transforming it into a mindful, multi-sensorial journey. Whether floating through crystal-clear waters alongside these gentle creatures or surrendering to moments of stillness in the spa, guests are invited to deepen their connection to nature in a way that is both exhilarating and profoundly grounding.