Experience a transformative wellness journey with visiting practitioner Nongluck Chuaychuang (Nikki), an accomplished Holistic Wellness Practitioner, Reiki Master, and Sound Healing Facilitator. Guests can enjoy personalized treatments, including holistic massage, Thai fusion therapy, Reiki, chakra balancing, and sound healing sessions designed to relieve tension, restore emotional balance, and promote deep relaxation 

This Mother’s Day, leave the planning behind and give mum the gift she truly deserves—time to relax, reconnect, and create lasting memories with the people she loves. Across the Maldives and Sri Lanka, the Sun Siyam Collection has curated exceptional experiences designed to celebrate mothers in a meaningful way, transforming a simple getaway into an unforgettable occasion.

At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, part of the Luxury Collection, mothers and daughters can enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Newly renovated water villas provide a stylish island retreat, while the renowned Spa by Thalgo offers over 165 treatments, including signature wellness journeys inspired by Polynesian and Far Eastern traditions. Guests can indulge in private hydrotherapy experiences, personalised spa treatments, or even share a memorable first diving experience together through the resort’s female-led diving centre, creating meaningful moments both above and below the water.

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, within the Privé Collection, every detail is designed to encourage complete relaxation. From bespoke wellness experiences and rejuvenating spa treatments to intimate family dinners beneath the stars, the resort offers a seamless blend of comfort and indulgence. Evenings become even more special with the private Cinema by Moonlight, while guided snorkelling excursions and glass-bottom kayaking adventures provide opportunities to explore the surrounding beauty at a leisurely pace.

Also part of the Privé Collection, Sun Siyam Iru Veli offers a setting where extraordinary moments come naturally. Families can treat mum to a private sandbank dining experience surrounded by endless ocean views or unwind with the resort’s signature Haveeru Harmony – The Iru Veli Ritual, inspired by the tranquillity of island sunsets. Whether through private dining, wellness experiences, or uninterrupted quality time together, every experience is thoughtfully designed to feel personal and memorable.

For those seeking a cultural escape, Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka presents a unique way to celebrate. Guests can accompany the resort’s chef on a visit to a local market before preparing and enjoying a personalised Sri Lankan lunch together. Alternatively, a relaxed beachside bonfire dinner offers the perfect setting for families to gather and celebrate by the ocean.

At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection, the focus is on creating joyful experiences that allow mum to fully unwind. Families can arrange thoughtful surprises before enjoying a range of activities, from rejuvenating treatments at the overwater Ocean Spa to creative sessions at the art studio and hands-on Maldivian cooking classes. For those seeking a little excitement, the resort’s popular jet car experience adds a fun and unforgettable twist to the celebration.

Meanwhile, Siyam World brings a playful and distinctive approach to Mother’s Day. One of its most unique experiences is a sunrise or sunset horseback ride along the beach at the Maldives’ only horse ranch, offering a truly memorable way to experience the island’s natural beauty. Guests can also elevate the celebration with an intimate dinner in the resort’s underground wine cellar, where carefully curated dining experiences are paired with rare vintages and expert recommendations from the sommelier.

Across every destination within the Sun Siyam Collection, the message is simple: celebrate mum with meaningful experiences, genuine relaxation, and quality time spent with loved ones.

To make the occasion even more rewarding, Sun Siyam’s summer offers provide exclusive savings and added benefits across the collection. Available for bookings until 31 August 2026 for stays through 31 October 2027, these offers present the perfect opportunity to transform a Mother’s Day celebration into a truly unforgettable escape.

From May to November, the waters of Hanifaru Bay in the heart-shaped Baa Atoll come alive during manta season — a stunning natural event that reaches its peak from June to October.

A rich bloom of nutrient-dense plankton draws in gentle ocean giants, including manta rays spanning 3 to 5 meters and majestic whale sharks reaching up to 12 meters, adorned with their unique, mesmerizing patterns.

This annual phenomenon offers one of the most awe-inspiring marine experiences in the Maldives. For the best chance to witness these graceful creatures in large numbers, plan your snorkeling excursions around the full moon or new moon phases (ideally 4 days before or after).

Don't miss your chance to swim alongside hundreds of manta rays while staying on our islands this season — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.

 Experience one of the world's most prestigious invitation-only surfing events as the 14th Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy returns to the legendary Sultans surf break. The week-long competition brings together internationally renowned surfers to compete across single fin, twin fin, and thruster disciplines, while guests enjoy exclusive surf experiences, coaching sessions, wellness activities, and vibrant island events at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. 

One of Australia’s most iconic rock bands, ICEHOUSE, will perform two unforgettable sunset beach concerts on Kandooma’s private island, with attendance limited to just 250 guests. Fronted by creative visionary Iva Davies, ICEHOUSE has been a defining force in Australian music since the late 1970s, blending rock, new wave and electronic influences into a string of timeless hits over more than four decades. 

The concerts form part of a week‑long tropical celebration from 5–12 September 2026, offering music lovers a rare chance to experience the band’s enduring catalogue — including classics like Great Southern Land, We Can Get Together, Can’t Help Myself and Hey Little Girl — in a stunning island setting. 

In addition, frontman Iva Davies will host a special fan Q&A session, giving attendees an intimate opportunity to connect with a true music legend and hear stories behind the band’s creative journey. This exclusive event has now completely sold out, marking a landmark moment for live music in the Maldives. 

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has officially launched the second annual Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, with the main race set to take place on 18 September 2026 as part of a wider World Wellness Weekend programme from 17 to 20 September 2026 on the natural island of Dhonakulhi in Haa Alifu Atoll. The event brings together destination running, wellness, fitness, and island-inspired lifestyle experiences in one of the Maldives’ most scenic luxury resort settings.

The official partnership signing and launch ceremony, held at Muraka Maalam, Maagiri Hotel in Malé, brought together key event partners to formalise their commitment to the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026. The event featured the official unveiling of the branding theme, event logo, launch video, and running jersey, all inspired by Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s lush tropical vegetation, natural island landscape, and Flora & Fauna. Guests were also introduced to the scenic race routes, designed to highlight the resort’s pristine beaches, island pathways, and tranquil surroundings. The race route spans three distinct terrains: North Point Beach, island trails, and the Deluxe Water Villa jetty.

The initiative is endorsed by Visit Maldives and delivered in partnership with TFG as race partner, with race consultation, registration, timing, and bib services powered by TFG Races. Maldivian joins as transport partner, Coral Glass as content partner, and Sporting Vacanze as agent partner. This partnership reflects continued collaboration between tourism, aviation, media, sports, and lifestyle stakeholders in supporting wellness tourism in the Maldives.

The Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026 will feature a 10K Challenge and a 5K Fun Run, welcoming both experienced runners and recreational participants. The 5K route will cover one lap of the resort’s scenic course, while the 10K will complete two laps. Participants will receive a race timing bib powered by TFG Races, a partner goodie bag, and the official Flora & Fauna Greenery Run T-shirt. Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K categories.

Beyond the race itself, the World Wellness Weekend programme will offer a curated series of activities including shakeout runs, stretching sessions, fitness clinics, group workouts, sunrise and sunset yoga, aqua yoga, sound bath experiences by Naga Healing, wellness experiences, and evening entertainment. The programme has been designed to balance movement, recovery, connection, and celebration throughout the event period.

“Following the success of the historic inaugural edition in 2025, we are delighted to launch the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run in 2026,” said Mohamed Muzaffar Ahmed, Business Development Manager of Lily Hotels. “With the continued endorsement of Visit Maldives Corporation and the support of our partners, this event reflects the growing opportunity to position the Maldives as a destination for luxury wellness, sports, and active travel. Our ambition is to develop the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run into one of the country’s leading luxury destination running events, offering participants an experience that is truly unique to the Maldives.”

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Managing Director and CEO of Visit Maldives Corporation, Ibrahim Shiuree, highlighted the significance of events such as the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run in inspiring greater participation in sports tourism and diversifying demand for visiting the Maldives. He emphasised that initiatives of this nature play an important role in positioning the Maldives not only as one of the world’s leading luxury holiday destinations, but also as an emerging destination for sports, wellness, and active travel. He commended the work behind the event and highlighted the value of continuing such experiences to strengthen the Maldives’ competitiveness in the global travel market.

The event is open to international guests and Maldivian residents, with dedicated participation packages available for participants booking directly with the resort. Packages include a stay at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, meal plan benefits, transfer arrangements, and access to selected resort experiences during the event period.

Registration is free. Participants can register online at http://races.3000tfg.com/. For accommodation packages, event details, and more information, visit http://hideawaybeachmaldives.com/.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives has announced the launch of Plant to Plate: Vegan Recipes from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the debut cookbook from  Executive Chef Harinath Govindaraj. Published by St James's House and launching in  October 2026, the beautifully curated coffee-table book marks Chef Hari's 20th year  at the award-winning resort and celebrates his vibrant approach to plant-based  cuisine. 

Available to purchase via the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives website and on the island,  with pre-orders opening soon, Plant to Plate allows guests and food lovers alike to  recreate a taste of Gili at home. More than a cookbook, it is a reflection of Chef Hari's  philosophy of simple, mindful cooking, encouraging readers to embrace seasonal  ingredients, fresh herbs and the joy of creating nourishing meals from nature's  bounty. 

Featuring more than 60 recipes spanning breakfasts, starters, soups, salads, mains,  desserts and signature drinks, the collection showcases Chef Hari's wellness-led approach to food. Highlights include Rainbow Root Ceviche, Gili Garden Green  Gazpacho, Teriyaki Tofu Steak with Coriander Sticky Rice, Pan-Seared Radish  Scallops, Roasted Green Cauliflower with Zesty Couscous and Caramel Pistachio Silk  Cheesecake, alongside treasured family recipes inspired by his South Indian heritage. 

"Plant to Plate is about making beautiful, wholesome food accessible to everyone," says Chef Hari Govindaraj. "The recipes are designed to be practical, flexible and  easy to recreate at home using fresh, seasonal ingredients. I want readers to feel  confident in the kitchen and to understand that some of the most memorable dishes  come from the simplest ingredients." 

A much-loved figure at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, Chef Hari has spent the past two  decades helping shape the resort's culinary identity. Born in southern India, his  passion for cooking began at an early age and has evolved into a distinctive style  centred around sustainability, wellness and plant-based dining. Today, he oversees  the island's flourishing organic garden, growing herbs, fruits and vegetables used  throughout the resort's restaurants and menus. 

Throughout the book, Chef Hari challenges traditional perceptions of vegan cuisine,  transforming radishes into scallops, tofu into flavour-packed steaks and root  vegetables into vibrant ceviches. His inventive recipes demonstrate how plant-based  cooking can be every bit as satisfying, creative and indulgent as more conventional  dishes. 

Rodrigo Buanafina, General Manager of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, comments "Chef  Hari has shaped the culinary identity of Gili Lankanfushi for two decades, inspiring  guests through his creativity, passion for sustainability and extraordinary ability to transform simple ingredients into unforgettable dining experiences. The new Plant to  Plate cookbook is a fitting celebration of his remarkable journey with the island and a  wonderful way for guests to take a taste of the Gili experience home with them.” 

Katie Nicholl, international broadcaster and author of the cookbook, comments  “When I first visited Gili Lankanfushi, I was captivated not only by the beauty of the  island but by Chef Hari’s extraordinary food. As a family of meat eaters, we were  amazed by the creativity, flavour and colour of his vegan cuisine. Plant to Plate is not just a book for vegans; it is for anyone who loves good food, enjoys healthy eating  and is curious about discovering exciting new flavours. Hari has an incredible gift for  transforming humble ingredients into something truly special, and his recipes prove  that plant-based cooking can be creative, accessible and, above all, delicious.” 

Mel Yates, Plant to  Plate combines evocative imagery of island life with easy-to-follow recipes designed  for delicious and healthy everyday living. The result is a visually striking keepsake that  transports readers to the shores of Gili Lankanfushi with every turn of the page. Sample recipes are available on request.  

Plant to Plate Vegan Recipes from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives will be available for  $100 USD with 25% of the profits going towards Cancer Society of Maldives (CSM)  

Plant to Plate: Vegan Recipes from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives will be available from October 2026 via the resort's website and on the island. Nightly rates at Gili  Lankanfushi start from £1,129 ($1,440) based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite with  breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili lankanfushi.com 

 Renowned for her soaring vocals and captivating stage presence, Kate Miller- Heidke brings her extraordinary talent to Kandooma for an exclusive island residency. A classically trained vocalist and one of Australia’s most distinctive performers, Kate moves seamlessly between pop, folk and opera. From composing Muriel’s Wedding The Musical and the award-winning opera The Rabbits, to representing Australia at Eurovision and coaching on The Voice Australia, her performances promise emotional depth and musical brilliance in an unforgettable setting.