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. 

This October, guests of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort are invited to immerse themselves in the refined world of Japanese gastronomy as Thomas Ling, Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador and internationally acclaimed sake authority, returns for an exclusive two day sake experience celebrating culture, craftsmanship, and culinary artistry.

Curated on the secluded shores of Vommuli Island, the experience offers discerning traveler intimate access to one of Japan’s most respected voices in the world of Nihonshu, set against a backdrop of pristine natural beauty and serene seclusion.

Conferred by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan as a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, an honor shared among a select circle of global culinary luminaries including Nobu Matsuhisa and Tetsuya Wakuda, Thomas Ling has further received the Ambassador’s Commendation Award from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With more than 24 years of refined expertise, he is celebrated for his dedication to promoting Japan’s “Kokushu,” the national collective heritage beverages of sake, shochu, and awamori, while safeguarding the cultural traditions that define them.

This collaboration forms part of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s Tastemaker Series, which brings together influential global talents to one of the Maldives’ most captivating private island destinations. The program continues to define the resort as a place where creativity, excellence, and cultural expression converge, offering guests rare opportunities to connect with leading voices across culinary arts, fine wine, mixology, wellness, and sport.

A Curated Program of Japanese Artistry

The experience begins on 5 October with an intimate Sake Masterclass hosted at T•Pan, the resort’s refined Japanese dining venue. Designed for a maximum of just 12 guests, the complimentary session offers an in depth exploration of premium sakes, guided by Ling’s expert commentary on brewing techniques, regional expression, and cultural significance.

The program begins on 5 October with an intimate Sake Masterclass at T•Pan, hosted by Thomas Ling. Taking place from 15:00 to 16:00, the complimentary experience is limited to 12 guests, offering a rare opportunity to explore premium sakes through expert insight into craftsmanship, regional expression, and cultural significance.

On 6 October, guests are invited to indulge in a meticulously curated four course Sake Pairing Dinner at Orientale, where contemporary Japanese cuisine is elevated through thoughtful pairings that enhance flavor, texture, and balance. Designed as a one night only experience, the evening celebrates harmony between dish and drink in the spirit of true omotenashi.

The Four Course Sake Pairing Dinner will be served from 19:00 to 22:30, priced at USD 295++ per person.

For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com 

Following an unforgettable season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives is excited to welcome the visionary Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti to its serene shores. This October, the luxurious island sanctuary will host an exclusive series of dining experiences, offering guests a  rare opportunity to savour the elegant artistry of one of Europe's most celebrated culinary  talents. 

A St Moritz native, Executive Chef Zanetti brings a masterful touch to his craft, having led the  kitchens at the prestigious Hotel Suvretta House in St. Moritz for over a decade. Like a fairytale  castle, Grand Hotel Suvretta House in St. Moritz, Switzerland, rises up against the high-alpine  backdrop of the Upper Engadin. The 5-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotel pioneer  Anton Bon, is undoubtedly one of the finest mountain hotels in the world, with a brand-new spa  spanning 4,670 square meters, which opened for the winter season 2025/2026.  

His meteoric rise in the culinary world includes time spent refining his skills at Michelin-starred  establishments such as Baur au Lac in Zurich and the Savoy Grill in London. His dedication to  gastronomy has culminated in an exceptional 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the  esteemed Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. Furthermore, his remarkable ability to blend classic  French cuisine with German and Swiss influences led him to be crowned the Gault-Millau Rising  Star of the Year in 2024. 

This highly anticipated culinary collaboration begins on Wednesday, 14 October, with an à la carte  light lunch service at The Market. Diners can enjoy a curated 3-course meal. An intimate four course dinner will be held on Saturday, 17 October at Olive Restaurant. The evening begins with a  personal meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before guests are seated for an unforgettable culinary  journey.  

On Wednesday, 21 October, a five-course Wine and Dine experience will take place at Olive. Matching the exclusivity of the previous dinner event, this evening also begins with a personal introduction from the chef himself. The intimate setting ensures that each diner can fully immerse  themselves in a presentation of fine wine and exceptional flavours. 

Each evening is reserved for just twenty-two guests, creating an intimate atmosphere at Olive  Restaurant, which offers stirring views over the Indian Ocean. Epicureans and discerning travellers are invited to reserve their place early for this unique fusion of Maldivian paradise and French culinary artistry.

Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has announced the upcoming residency of internationally acclaimed British designer Matthew Williamson. Taking place from 21 to 31 October 2026, the residency will invite guests to immerse themselves in Williamson's vibrant creative universe through exclusive workshops and artistic experiences inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Widely recognised for his kaleidoscopic use of colour, bold patterns and joyful maximalist aesthetic, Williamson first rose to prominence with his acclaimed debut collection at London Fashion Week in 1997. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has become one of Britain's most celebrated creative talents, expanding from fashion into interiors, homeware and design, where his distinctive approach continues to shape inspiring spaces around the world.

Matthew Williamson's residency forms part of Finolhu's ongoing Art & Design programme, an initiative that has welcomed an exceptional roster of internationally acclaimed creatives to the island throughout 2026. Earlier this year, guests had the opportunity to engage with celebrated British artist and designer Sophie Tea, renowned fashion illustrator and creative director Megan Hess, acclaimed interior designer and television personality Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and multidisciplinary artist Natasha Kumar. Through workshops, exhibitions and immersive creative experiences, the programme continues to foster meaningful connections between guests and some of the world's most inspiring artistic talents.

A proud member of Design Hotels™, Finolhu is renowned for its bold design identity and creative approach to luxury hospitality. The resort's Art & Design programme extends this philosophy beyond architecture and interiors, offering guests rare opportunities to engage directly with globally recognised artists, designers and cultural visionaries in an inspiring island setting.

During his residency at Finolhu, Williamson will lead a series of intimate guest workshops focused on one of his favourite motifs – the palm tree. Drawing inspiration from the island's tropical landscape, participants will explore an abstract and contemporary painting style that celebrates colour, nature and personal expression. Designed for both aspiring and experienced creatives, the sessions will offer guests a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the industry's most influential designers while creating their own artwork to take home.

The residency further strengthens Finolhu's position as a leading creative destination in the Maldives, bringing together art, design and meaningful guest engagement in a setting that encourages inspiration, self-expression and cultural exchange.

At the heart of the programme is Finolhu's Art Lab, a striking barnacle-inspired creative sanctuary that serves as a hub for artistic expression and cultural exchange. The space hosts workshops, exhibitions and immersive experiences throughout the year, encouraging guests to explore their creativity while engaging with leading artists and designers from around the world.

Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has established itself as one of the Maldives' most celebrated lifestyle resorts, renowned for its vibrant personality, playful approach to luxury and iconic two-kilometre sandbank, one of the longest in the Maldives. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort offers a collection of stylish beachfront and overwater villas, diverse culinary experiences, holistic wellness offerings and immersive recreational experiences. Known for seamlessly blending barefoot luxury with a dynamic social atmosphere, Finolhu has cultivated a loyal international following and continues to distinguish itself through creative guest experiences, contemporary design and a distinctive sense of island character. Through initiatives such as its Art & Design programme, the resort further reinforces its reputation as a destination where creativity, culture and hospitality converge in inspiring and unexpected ways.

To learn more about Finolhu, a Seaside Collection resort, visit finolhu.com