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Velassaru Maldives Shines at Small Luxury Hotels of the World Awards 2020

Aerial view of Velassaru Maldives
Velassaru Maldives has been highly commended in the ‘INVITED Hotel of the Year’ award category of the SLH Awards 2020.

Velassaru Maldives has won the ‘INVITED Hotel of the Year’ award category of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Awards 2020. Velassaru Maldives is nestled within the South Male’ Atoll, accessible via a short speedboat ride from main Velana International Airport.

INVITED is a member loyalty program at SLH. Making each SLH member experience better, INVITED rewards guests each time they make a booking on SLH.com or through the SLH Voice Channel. Over the years, Velassaru has also received multiple accolades from around the globe. Furthermore, the resort has garnered praise from global travelers and industry bodies alike. In addition to that, Velassaru featured in countless magazines, earns awards from TripAdvisor year after year for its world-class service.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World is the proud champion of the most incredible community of independently minded hotels in the world, and it’s a great achievement to have stood out amongst them all. We are happy to share our celebration to all of our amazing guests & team member specially in these challenging times.

A statement by Velassaru Maldives read.

About Velassaru Maldives

Velassaru Maldives offers luxurious beachfront and overwater accommodation with uninterrupted ocean views. Moreover, the resort features a wide range of water and adventure sports, as well as sunset cruises and yoga classes as well. Likewise, guests can enjoy relaxing spa treatments at Velassaru, in overwater pavilions. Or they can hop on a Maldivian boat and watch the crew demonstrate traditional fishing methods.

A myriad of international specialties prepared at the resort’s dining venues awaits holidaymakers. including; fresh contemporary seafood, Japanese, international, and grill pan Indian options. Meanwhile, for fitness lovers, the resort offers a fitness centre, tennis court, and an infinity pool with a view of the beach. For further information and bookings at the resort go to www.velassaru.com.

Feature image by Velassaru Maldives
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Celebrate Eid Al-Adha with Authentic Maldivian Traditions at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Hosts Fun Cultural Eid Festivities

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.

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