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

What happens when one of tennis’s most accomplished doubles players swaps the intensity of the Grand Slam circuit for barefoot island living? This October, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, welcomes British tennis champion Jamie Murray for an exclusive week-long residency, taking place from 23 to 27 October 2026.

A former World No. 1 in doubles, seven-time Grand Slam champion and Davis Cup winner, Murray brings more than two decades at the highest level of professional tennis to the island. Having announced his retirement from professional tennis earlier this year after a career spanning 36 years, his residency at Finolhu marks a new chapter – one where the competitive court gives way to a more relaxed setting for sharing his knowledge, passion and love of the game.

During his time at Finolhu, guests will have the opportunity to step onto the court with one of British tennis’s most successful doubles players, gaining personal insight into the game from someone who has competed, won and travelled at the very highest level.

The residency will bring together exclusive tennis sessions, informal coaching and opportunities for guests to connect with Murray away from the traditional tournament environment, creating an experience that is as much about the stories and spirit of the sport as it is about the game itself.

Murray’s career is marked by an extraordinary collection of achievements. He became the first British player to reach World No. 1 in the ATP doubles rankings in 2016, the same year he won the Australian Open and US Open men’s doubles titles alongside Bruno Soares. His seven Grand Slam victories also include mixed doubles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, while his contribution to Great Britain’s 2015 Davis Cup triumph remains one of the defining moments of his career.

Now, the setting is altogether different.

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and Finolhu’s signature two-kilometre sandbank, guests can combine time on court with the freedom of island life – from barefoot walks along the sand to long lunches, ocean adventures, sunset moments and evenings under the stars.

At Finolhu, tennis becomes another way to embrace the island’s playful spirit: competitive when you want it to be, relaxed when you don’t. With Murray’s residency taking place during the resort’s vibrant October season, guests can expect a week where world-class sporting experience meets the carefree rhythm of Maldivian island life.

The Jamie Murray Tennis Residency takes place at Finolhu from 23 to 27 October 2026.

For more information and reservations, visit finolhu.com.

This Diwali, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort turned its focus to Indian Ocean cuisine, not as a festive accent, but as a catalyst for long-term culinary storytelling. The initiative culminates in a dedicated culinary activation at Cargo, the resort’s new dining concept, designed to strengthen awareness while advancing the narrative of its Indian gastronomy. Rather than marking an opening, the Diwali moment serves as a spotlight on Cargo’s evolving culinary identity presenting Indian flavors through a contemporary, destination-driven lens shaped by spice traditions, refined techniques, and the wider Indian Ocean context.

Chef Surjan Singh, widely known as Chef Jolly, was invited to collaborate on this vision for his deep understanding of regional Indian foodways and his ability to work within a broader Indian culinary context. Rather than centering on signature dishes or personal expression, the collaboration focused on shaping a cuisine-led concept, one that respects classical techniques while adapting them thoughtfully for an international, luxury-seeking audience.

During the Diwali period from October 28 to October 30, 2026, Chef Jolly has worked closely with the resort’s culinary team to design and enhance Cargo’s Indian menu, shaping a modern interpretation of Indian cuisine defined by aromatic spices, refined techniques, and balanced flavor profiles. Drawing on his prior engagements at the resort, the focus has been on creating an Indian dining experience that feels contemporary rather than traditionally bound, establishing a strong culinary foundation that complements the venue’s Indian Ocean setting while allowing the menu to evolve over time.

The outcome is Cargo, a modern regional dining space designed around accessibility, warmth, and precision. Menus balance familiarity and discovery, allowing guests to experience Indian, Maldivian, and Sri Lankan dishes through a refined yet approachable lens. By anchoring the concept in technique, ingredient integrity, and regional storytelling, Cargo establishes Indian Ocean cuisine as a permanent and meaningful presence within the resort’s dining portfolio.

This approach reflects a broader shift in luxury hospitality, where cuisine is increasingly used to build identity and narrative rather than seasonal programing. For The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, the launch of Cargo represents a strategic interpretation in a modern Indian menu, one that draws inspiration from the wider Indian Ocean pantry yet is interpreted through contemporary technique rather than strict authenticity.

Developed by Chef Jolly and Chef Christian Pedersen, the resort Executive Chef , the Indian offering at Cargo is designed as a refined, modern expression of flavor, balancing aromatic spices, elegance, and approachability. Set within lush gardens and experienced by lantern light and night breeze, the venue brings together vibrant Indian dishes and a sensorial island setting, reinforcing Cargo’s role as a distinctive dining destination within the resort’s culinary portfolio.

Curated to coincide with Diwali, this exclusive series of dining experiences brings the richness of Indian cuisine to the Maldives through thoughtfully designed menus, intimate events, and interactive moments with the chef. With over 30 years of culinary experience and widespread recognition from MasterChef India, Chef Jolly is known for presenting regional Indian flavours with contemporary finesse, balancing tradition with access and warmth.

With restaurant partnerships across London, Singapore, and Qatar, Chef Jolly brings a globally informed perspective to modern Indian cuisine, shaped by his work with leading hospitality brands in established international markets.

Through this Diwali initiative and the opening of Cargo, the resort demonstrates how thoughtful collaboration, guided by culture rather than personality, can transform a festival moment into a destination dining experience with lasting relevance.

Diwali Culinary Highlights with Chef Jolly

As part of the Diwali activation, Chef Jolly brings a series of curated culinary experiences to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, using Indian cuisine as a connecting narrative across distinct dining settings.

Festival of Lights Set Menu | Cargo

At the heart of the celebration is Cargo’s Indian menu, featuring refined three-course and five-course set menus inspired by Diwali traditions across India. Designed as a modern interpretation rather than a traditional offering, the menus emphasize aromatic spices, balance, and contemporary technique.Available from October 28 to November 8, 2026

Chef Jolly Wine Dinner | Decanter

A one-evening dining experience presenting a six-course Indian menu paired with selected wines, highlighting the depth and versatility of Indian flavors within a refined, intimate setting.

October 29, 2026 | 19:30 – 22:30

Master Cooking Class with Chef Jolly | ALBA

An intimate, hands-on session offering guests insight into key Indian cooking techniques and flavor building, led directly by the chef.

October 30, 2026 | 13:00 – 14:30Complimentary | Limited to 8 guests

Together, these moments form a cohesive Diwali narrative, extending beyond a single venue to elevate Indian cuisine as a cultural, culinary, and experiential focus, while reinforcing Cargo’s position as a destination restaurant within the resort.

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

As summer unfolds across the Indian Ocean, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private  Lagoon Resort, a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, invites travellers to  discover a slower, more relaxed side of the Maldives with its Last-Minute Summer Escape special offer, designed for couples and families seeking meaningful time together in a  naturally beautiful island setting. 

Nestled within one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private  Lagoon Resort offers a distinctive blend of privacy, space, and authentic island  experiences. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and vibrant  marine life, the resort provides an idyllic setting for summer holidays, whether travelling  as a couple, family, or multi-generational group. 

Available for a limited time, the Last-Minute Summer Escape combines exceptional seasonal value with thoughtful inclusions designed to enhance every stay. Guests can  enjoy daily breakfast at Raha Market, dine-around dinners across the resort's restaurants, complimentary stays and dining for children under 12, and villa upgrades subject to availability. 

Beyond its natural beauty, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a diverse range of experiences for all  ages. Guests can explore the resort's Sustainability Lab, take part in coral planting and recycling workshops, enjoy a wide selection of water sports and marine excursions,  discover arts and crafts activities, join wellness experiences, or spend quality time  together through sports and recreational activities across the island. 

With spacious villas, family-friendly facilities, and experiences designed to appeal to every generation, the resort offers an effortless way to create meaningful memories during the  summer season. 

Summer is a wonderful time to experience Sirru Fen Fushi. Families have more time to travel together, children can immerse themselves in nature and discovery, and guests can enjoy the freedom to explore our island at a relaxed pace. The Last-Minute Summer  Escape combines these experiences with added value, making it even easier to create  meaningful memories in the Maldives. 

Think summer in the Maldives is all about sipping cocktails and doing absolutely nothing? Guests certainly can. But at Siyam World Maldives, they can also swim with sharks, race electric go-karts, become certified mermaids, train with football legends and explore one of the Maldives’ newest shipwrecks, all before deciding what is for dinner. Because ordinary island holidays are not really Siyam World’s style. Here are 10 reasons why Siyam World is turning up the fun this summer.

1. Dive into the Maldives’ newest obsession

Some resorts have house reefs. Siyam World has a shipwreck. The newest underwater attraction in Noonu Atoll is a 66-metre former Maldivian tuna freighter that now rests beneath the surface, ready to be explored by divers and marine life alike. Today it is an exciting new wreck dive. Tomorrow it will become a thriving artificial reef. Not bad for a retired fishing boat.

2. Train with football legends

This August, young football fans can swap the local pitch for paradise as former Premier League stars Andrew Johnson and Wayne Routledge arrive at Siyam World for two exclusive football camps. Not every summer holiday comes with professional coaching and ocean views.

10–14 August 2026 – Andrew Johnson
15–19 August 2026 – Wayne Routledge

Available for children aged 5–12 years.

3. Swim with sharks. Brag about it later.

Swimming with sharks sounds terrifying until guests realise these are gentle nurse sharks and curious sea turtles gliding through crystal-clear waters. A three-hour snorkelling trip quickly becomes one of those holiday stories that will be told for years.

4. The floor is lava. The water park is not.

The Maldives’ largest floating water park is essentially an invitation to unleash the inner child. Climb it. Jump off it. Race friends. Repeat.

5. Become a mermaid. Seriously.

Some people return from holiday with a tan. Others leave Siyam World with a mermaid certificate. The Try Mermaid Pool Programme includes a pool session, all necessary equipment and a certificate of completion. One option is clearly more memorable.

6. Golf, but make it shipwrecked.

Guests can take on the Shipwrecked golf challenge, compete with friends and perhaps even win resort credit along the way. Losing gracefully remains optional.

7. Saddle up, Maldives style

Horse riding is probably not the first activity that comes to mind when thinking of the Maldives. That is exactly why Siyam World offers it.

8. Dinner underground, island style

Hidden beneath the island, Barrique is home to exceptional wines, curated menus and one of the most distinctive dining experiences in the Maldives. Guests can choose from multi-course gourmet tasting menus served amongst hundreds of world-renowned vintages, while the resort’s sommelier guides them through an unforgettable wine journey. Because even adventure seekers deserve a sophisticated evening now and then.

9. Swap flip-flops for pole position

Who says paradise cannot come with a little friendly competition? Siyam World’s electric go-karts bring speed, excitement and plenty of laughs to the island, proving once again that this is a destination designed for travellers who enjoy their holidays with a side of adventure.

10. Take on the Delmare Golf Challenge

Guests can add a competitive twist to their stay with Siyam World’s golf challenge at Shipwrecked. Participants have the chance to win resort credit while enjoying a fun and social activity against a stunning ocean backdrop. Fun fact: the golf balls are made from fish food.

To help guests make the most of summer, Siyam World is offering an exclusive limited-time promotion with up to 45% off best available rates. Additional benefits include complimentary shared seaplane transfers on selected stays, USD 150 resort credit per bedroom and a one-time floating breakfast for longer stays. Guests can also enjoy the full Premium 24-hour WOW! all-inclusive experience, with up to two children under 12 staying and dining free.

The offer is available for bookings until 31 August 2026, for stays until 31 October 2027.

Milaidhoo Maldives marks a defining milestone this year as it celebrates 10 years of barefoot informality, heartfelt hospitality and deeply personal island stories in the heart of the Maldives.

To mark the occasion, the Milaidhoo Family invites guests, friends and loyal patrons to join a week-long anniversary celebration from 23 to 29 November 2026, a carefully curated journey through the experiences, people and traditions that have shaped the island over the past decade.

Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo was conceived as a sanctuary of reinvented luxury, where connection matters more than convention and every experience is shaped by nature, culture and human warmth. Ten years on, it remains a place defined not by grandeur, but by meaning – a home for those who seek the true Maldives.

This anniversary celebration reflects the essence of Milaidhoo: intimate, soulful and guided by the rhythm of island life. Each day has been thoughtfully designed to honour the pillars that define the island – ocean, well-being, gastronomy, culture and community – bringing them together in a week of shared moments and meaningful encounters.

Days begin with champagne sunrise cruises aboard Saima, the traditional dhoni, followed by guided snorkelling across the flourishing house reef and immersive marine conversations that reflect Milaidhoo’s long-standing commitment to ocean stewardship. Coral planting experiences invite guests to make a lasting contribution to the reef that sustains the island.

At Serenity Spa, restorative rituals unfold throughout the week, from breathwork journeys to sound healing, embracing the island’s philosophy of well-being, where stillness and simplicity are considered the greatest luxuries of all.

Culinary experiences take centre stage, celebrating both Maldivian heritage and global artistry. Highlights include a Maldivian night at Azure, a traditional Malaafaiy feast at Ba’theli, and a 10-course Japanese-inspired wine-pairing dinner at Chef’s Table. The celebrations culminate on 29 November 2026 with the “10 Years, 10 Food Stalls” gala dinner, followed by live entertainment and fireworks over the Indian Ocean.

“This milestone is not only a celebration of Milaidhoo but also of every guest, colleague and friend who has become part of its story,” said General Manager Paul van Frank. “Milaidhoo has always been shaped by genuine connection, and this week is a way of honouring the shared memories that have brought this island to life over the past 10 years.”

Exclusive anniversary experiences will also be available throughout 2026, including A Decade of You, a romantic celebration designed for couples marking milestone wedding anniversaries in decades – 10, 20, 30 years and beyond – with meaningful island moments reflecting their journey together; and 10 Years, 10 Nights, 10 Privileges, an immersive Milaidhoo journey featuring a collection of bespoke experiences personally curated by the Milaidhoo Family.

As Milaidhoo enters its next chapter, its essence remains unchanged: a sanctuary of island soul, where guests arrive as visitors and leave as part of something far more enduring.

Milaidhoo invites the world to return home and to celebrate not just 10 years of history, but the beginning of many more stories still to be written.

Explore the full programme of celebrations and experience 10 years of Milaidhoo island soul, beautifully brought to life – Celebrate with us.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes Kevin Armstrong, owner of London’s acclaimed Satan’s Whiskers Cocktail Bar, for an exclusive two-day appearance this December as part of the resort’s celebrated Tastemaker Series.

A globally respected figure in modern cocktail culture, Armstrong brings more than 25 years of beverage, business, and operational expertise to the Maldives, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the philosophy and precision behind one of the world’s most influential cocktail bars.

Events will take place at the resort’s signature Whale Bar, a striking overwater destination inspired by the form of a whale shark and set above the turquoise lagoon with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Known for its refined yet relaxed atmosphere, Whale Bar provides the perfect setting for Armstrong’s meticulous, method driven approach to cocktails.

On 7 December, guests are invited to a Master Gin & Martini Class, a complimentary session exploring the elegance, balance, and technique behind two of cocktail culture’s most enduring styles. Drawing on his deep knowledge of classic preparation and modern execution, Armstrong will guide guests through flavor, structure, and best practice, offering insight into how simplicity, when done well, becomes exceptional.

Across 8 and 9 December, Armstrong will take over the Whale Bar for two evenings, presenting a Satan’s Whiskers Bar Takeover. Guests can enjoy a specially curated menu of cocktails inspired by the bar’s celebrated ethos, focused on quality, consistency, and method, while experiencing the energy and craftsmanship of a true London institution reimagined in a Maldivian setting.

Kevin Armstrong is the founder and owner of Satan’s Whiskers, a multi award winning cocktail bar in East London, consistently recognized among the best bars in the world. An entrepreneur, educator and consultant, he is co author of Round Building, a respected guide to practical bartending technique. His career includes senior beverage and operations roles with some of London’s most influential hospitality brands, including Milk & Honey, as well as extensive experience across restaurants, street food markets, festivals, and large scale events.

Armstrong’s work in bar design, consultancy, and bartender education has seen him deliver seminars in over 30 countries and contribute to the opening of more than a dozen venues worldwide. Fiercely passionate about beverage quality and execution, his approach continues to champion clarity of flavor, disciplined technique, and exceptional guest experience.

Set on a private natural island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is renowned for its Iconic design, bespoke St. Regis Butler Service, and exceptional hospitality. The resort offers an all villa experience, with both beach and overwater villas featuring private infinity pools and uninterrupted ocean views. At its pinnacle sits the John Jacob Astor Estate, the Maldives’ largest three bedroom overwater villa.

This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential global talents in mixology, gastronomy, fine wine, wellness and culture to one of the Maldives’ most captivating private island destinations, offering guests rare access to the world’s leading creative voices.

Event Details

Master Gin & Martini Class | Whale Bar 7 December | 15:00 – 16:00

Bar Takeover | Whale Bar 8–9 December | 17:00 – 20:00

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

This festive season, The Standard, Maldives invites guests to escape to a sun-drenched celebration where island spirit meets holiday magic. Set against the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort presents  an effortlessly vibrant lineup of experiences designed for all ages, bringing together joyful moments, lively entertainment, and  exceptional culinary offerings in one unforgettable setting. 

The celebrations begin on 20 December 2026 with a beachfront Tree Lighting Ceremony, where festive tradition meets laid back natural island charm. Set against the glow of the ocean at dusk, the evening is brought to life with sounds from the resident DJ and live performances, adding a contemporary pulse to the occasion. Guests are then invited to continue the night with a Fire & Grill Dinner, a curated dining experience at Kula. Across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the resort embraces a lively blend of activity and indulgence. Days start on a playful note with energizing sessions by the pool and engaging classes,  before easing into relaxed, flavour-forward dining experiences in the afternoon. As daylight fades, the atmosphere shifts, sunset cocktails set the tone, followed by immersive dinners and upbeat celebrations that stretch into the night. 

Families and younger guests can enjoy beloved festive traditions reimagined with a tropical touch, while adults are invited to soak up the island’s vibrant social scene, think beachside gatherings, live acts, and high-energy performances that turn the shoreline into a dynamic backdrop of music, light, and movement. Throughout the festive period, Lil’ Shark Kids Club offers a variety of engaging activities, bringing together the warmth of Christmas with a playful island spirit. 

Adding to the festive spirit, New Year’s Eve promises a dazzling grand finale. The seasonal celebrations culminate in a spectacular New Year’s Eve theme: Reveal Your Glow. The much-anticipated glow-up party will set the tone for the year ahead, headlined by internationally acclaimed DJ Kessaé Kimmi. Known for her magnetic stage presence and electrifying sets, the Thailand-based artist will take over the island with her signature sound, delivering vibrant beats, immersive visuals, and dance-floor euphoria that keeps the energy high until sunrise. Bringing the same high-octane energy that lights up full moon festivals, luxury hotspots, and global stages, she arrives with a suitcase full of irresistible beats, flawless mixes, and pure countdown magic. The night unfolds from an abundant gala dinner into an electrifying beach party, where music, fire performances, and captivating rituals ignite the shoreline. A midnight fireworks display lights up the Maldivian sky, creating  a vibrant and unforgettable welcome to the new year. 

Whether seeking relaxed holiday indulgence or high-energy celebrations, The Standard, Maldives offers the perfect balance of both, where good food, great company, and unforgettable moments come together in true island style.