This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites travelers to experience Eid Al-Adha in a way that goes beyond the usual holiday. The adult-only resort has created a special two-day celebration that offers a hands-on look at Maldivian culture through storytelling, traditional crafts, and local flavors. It forms part of their ongoing ‘Discover Local’ program, designed to help guests truly connect with island life.
Learning the Ancient Art of Joali Weaving
One of the standout moments takes place on Saturday, June 7, when guests join a Joali weaving workshop. This craft involves weaving coconut rope into practical items and has been quietly passed down through island families for generations. Since resorts rarely showcase this tradition, this becomes a rare chance for guests to experience a living cultural art.
Mohamed Irshad, the Front Office Manager of Mercue Maldives Kooddoo, shares why it matters:
“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions. Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life”
Eid Buffet and the Colorful Maali Parade
The celebration starts on the evening of June 6 with an Eid buffet featuring refined takes on local festive dishes. Here, the resort prepares everything using fresh ingredients sourced nearby, celebrating the Maldives’ rich culinary heritage.
Then, the following night, the resort comes alive with the Maali Parade, a lively procession inspired by traditional Maldivian folklore. Masked performers bring ancient stories to life right on the island.
Dining Under the Sun: The Sandbank Picnic Experience
No trip to the Maldives feels complete without a sandbank picnic, and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers a particularly memorable version. Set on a tiny, untouched island surrounded by crystal-clear water, guests enjoy an authentic meal served on tropical leaves. This picnic offers a tasting journey into Maldivian flavors, featuring local specialties like:
- Gulha: Coconut and tuna fritters
- Kulhi Kaajaa: Spicy tuna bites
- Bajiya: Pastries filled with sweet and spicy mixes
- Rihaakuru Kaajaa: Fritters made from rich fish paste
- Dry Fish: Smoked tuna strips
- Bodi: Sweet coconut treats with toddy syrup
Along with fresh coconut water, the food makes the meal both refreshing and deeply connected to the island’s culinary traditions.
Year-Round Cultural Experiences with ‘Discover Local’
Although Eid brings special energy to the resort, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s cultural offerings continue throughout the year. For instance, the ‘Discover Local’ program invites guests to try their hand at traditional sunset fishing, palm leaf art, and sampling cultural cocktails inspired by island ingredients.
The cocktail menu features creations such as:
- Maldivian Green: A blend of gin, curry leaf syrup, lemon, and soda water
- Ocean Breeze: Vodka infused with butterfly pea flower, peach schnapps, pineapple, and coconut syrup
- Green Kooddoo: Rum mixed with Malibu, pandan leaf juice, pineapple, and coconut syrup
- Mirus Rita: A spicy twist on the classic margarita using chili-infused Maldivian tequila
- Coco Kurumba: Whisky combined with tamarind juice, coconut milk, and passion fruit syrup
These drinks add an extra layer to the island experience and let guests taste Maldivian flavors in a completely new way.
More Than a Vacation: A Cultural Journey
If you visit for Eid or explore Maldivian culture at any time, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers more than a stay. In fact, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives as a vibrant, living culture, full of stories, flavors, and traditions that stay with you long after the trip ends.
