Iftar celebrations at Hulhule Island Hotel this Ramadan 2025

Hulhule’ Island Hotel (HIH) is preparing to deliver a Ramadan dining experience like no other, offering guests a variety of exceptional Iftar and Tharavees celebrations. This year, guests can enjoy a rich fusion of flavors at both Uduvilaa and the newly reopened Faru Coffee House, featuring Arabic, international, Maldivian, Indian, and Sri Lankan cuisines. Moreover, HIH makes it easy for guests to access these extraordinary dining experiences with direct ferry transfers from Malé to the hotel.

A Trio of Culinary Masters

HIH’s Iftar celebrations this year feature a distinguished trio of chefs, each bringing unique expertise to the table. Together, they will craft an extraordinary dining experience that blends tradition with innovation. Let’s meet these talented chefs who will elevate the Iftar celebrations at Hulhule Island Hotel:

Chef Waled Mohamed Salem Abd El Gawad

Chef Waled Mohamed Salem Abd El Gawad, a celebrated Arabic chef with over 23 years of experience, leads the culinary charge this Ramadan. Known for blending authenticity with innovation, Chef Waled has played a key role in HIH’s Ramadan celebrations in the past. In fact, he worked at HIH from 2016 to 2019, gaining recognition for his Arabic cuisine during Ramadan. Chef Waled fosters a culture of excellence in his kitchen, inspiring his team to consistently deliver remarkable results.

This year, he returns exclusively for the season to ensure the authenticity and richness of HIH’s Arabic culinary offerings. Thanks to his vast experience and dedication, Chef Waled will guarantee an unforgettable Iftar experience, with every dish crafted to leave a lasting impression.

Chef Ibrahim Naeem

Executive Chef Ibrahim Naeem rejoined HIH in December 2024, adding his leadership and expertise to this year’s Iftar celebrations. Given Ibrahim’s strong connection with HIH, which spans several years, he previously served as Sous Chef and Kitchen Executive from 2016 to 2019. His deep understanding of the hotel’s dining standards ensures that guests will enjoy the same exceptional Iftar experience they have come to expect.

Chef Ibrahim has also held prominent roles such as Director of Operations at KHG Hotels and Country President of the World Association of Master Chefs. Additionally, he is a certified judge with the World Chef Organization. Ibrahim’s leadership, vast knowledge, and dedication to quality make him a key player in the success of HIH’s Iftar offerings, as he leads his team to provide extraordinary culinary experiences.

Chef Ismail Naseer

Executive Sous Chef Ismail Naseer, with over 15 years of experience, brings both creativity and passion to HIH’s kitchen. Having honed his skills at HIH, Chef Ismail has greatly contributed to the hotel’s reputation for culinary excellence. His achievements, including winning 1st place in the Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives Festive Meal Category in 2016 and in the Hotel Asia Maldives Hot Appetizer Category in 2013, showcase his talent and dedication.

Chef Ismail is known for pushing culinary boundaries while staying true to traditional dishes. Because of his innovative approach and attention to detail, guests will enjoy a memorable Iftar experience at HIH. As part of this elite team, Chef Ismail collaborates closely with his colleagues to create a dining experience that blends classic flavors with exciting new twists.

An Unforgettable Ramadan Experience

With these three exceptional chefs leading the way, HIH’s Iftar celebrations promise a culinary journey that merges tradition with innovation. Guests can indulge in a curated menu made with the finest ingredients and served in an unforgettable setting. Whether they savor authentic Arabic dishes crafted by Chef Waled, enjoy Chef Ibrahim’s leadership and expertise, or delight in Chef Ismail’s creative offerings, each chef brings something unique to the table. Ultimately, they will ensure that the Iftar experience at Hulhule’ Island Hotel will be truly unforgettable.

This summer, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with yourself. In celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21st, the resort hosts an immersive five-day yoga retreat from June 20th to 24th, guided by the highly experienced and respected yoga instructor Emilia Métaireau. With its serene surroundings, the retreat provides a peaceful sanctuary for wellness seekers to refresh their mind, body, and spirit while embracing the transformative power of yoga, meditation, and mindful movement.

A Mid-Summer Reset in Paradise

Held at an ideal time for a mid-summer reset, this retreat invites participants to rediscover their inner balance in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Surrounded by the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and unspoiled beauty, guests step away from their routines and focus on restoring their energy and clarity. Moreover, Emilia, whose teachings span over a decade and more than 2,500 hours of global experience, brings a grounded and expansive presence to the experience. She blends breathwork, ancient wisdom, and conscious movement, guiding each guest toward a deeper connection with themselves.

A Thoughtful and Immersive Daily Practice

The retreat begins each day with rejuvenating sunrise yoga, allowing guests to wake up and center themselves before embracing the day ahead. In the evenings, the focus shifts to calming rituals designed to soothe the body and still the mind. To enhance this immersive experience further, guided meditations and energy healing practices integrate seamlessly into the program, creating a journey of self-discovery and spiritual connection. Each session is thoughtfully crafted to help participants not only practice yoga but also experience the deeper emotional and mental benefits that come with it.

Exploring the Five Koshas: A Journey Inward

A key focus of the retreat is the ancient yogic philosophy of the five koshas—five interconnected layers of being that shape our experiences of life, health, and spirituality. These layers include the physical body (Annamaya Kosha), the energy body (Pranamaya Kosha), the mental body (Manomaya Kosha), the intellectual body (Vijnanamaya Kosha), and the bliss body (Anandamaya Kosha). Throughout the retreat, guests explore these layers through mindful movement, meditation, and yoga, with each practice designed to bring them closer to a state of peace, clarity, and self-awareness.

Luxurious Spa Treatments to Complement Your Journey

Adding to the holistic experience, guests indulge in treatments at the resort’s luxurious AVI Spa, a sanctuary perched over the water and designed to promote deep relaxation and wellness. Named after the local word for “sunshine,” AVI Spa offers a variety of signature treatments and therapies that nurture the body and soul, perfectly complementing the retreat’s focus on mindfulness and rejuvenation.

An Idyllic Setting for Renewal and Rejuvenation

Furthermore, the stunning location of the resort enhances the retreat experience. Situated at the southern tip of Raa Atoll, bordering a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a juvenile manta ray aggregation site, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort offers a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for reflection and rejuvenation. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, it provides exclusive benefits to guests, including indulgent amenities and luxurious accommodations. The resort features overwater villas, an adults-only area, an exquisite spa, and a variety of dining options, ensuring that each guest enjoys a complete experience of luxury and wellness.

Hulhule’ Island Hotel Presents an Extraordinary Iftar Experience with Renowned Chefs

Chef Waled Mohamed Salem Abd El Gawad

Chef Ibrahim Naeem

Chef Ismail Naseer

Latest

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort Hosts Transformative Yoga Retreat

The Nautilus Maldives Partners With ecoBirdy to Redefine Sustainable Luxury

World’s Tallest Bridge: China’s Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge Set to Open in 2025

Angsana Velavaru Launches Personalized Proposal Packages for Couples