Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru: April 2025 highlights

April at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru, two idyllic resorts tucked away in the Maldives, brings a harmonious blend of seasonal celebration, purposeful initiatives, and important transitions that reflect the essence of eco-luxury hospitality. This month, the resorts celebrate a significant leadership change and usher in thoughtful events designed to connect guests with nature, culture, and local communities. Whether through curated Easter festivities or hands-on conservation efforts, both properties reinforce their commitment to sustainable luxury and wellness.

A Leadership Transition Anchored in Experience

A key milestone this April is the appointment of B.R. Senaratne as Area Director of Finance for Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru, and Angsana Velavaru. With over two decades of experience at Banyan Group, Senaratne brings extensive expertise to his new role, which began in March 2025. He started his journey in 2001 as Chief Accountant at Dhawa Ihuru, and since then, he has held various senior finance positions across the Maldives, most recently serving as Director of Finance at Angsana Velavaru. Known for his steady leadership style and strategic vision, Senaratne’s promotion reflects Banyan Group’s ongoing focus on nurturing long-term talent and empowering leadership from within its ranks.

This leadership change also underscores the group’s commitment to maintaining continuity and strengthening operations across its Maldivian properties. For guests at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru, this appointment signals a brighter future—one driven by experience, consistency, and a vision for long-term success.

A Reimagined Easter Celebration

As April progresses, guests visiting the resorts will experience a fresh take on the traditional Easter holiday. During the weekend of 18–20 April, both properties will offer specially curated events that blend tropical charm with festive tradition, ensuring a celebration that is both unique and relaxing.

At Dhawa Ihuru, the atmosphere fosters laid-back fun, especially for families. Children can enjoy classic activities such as Easter egg hunts on the beach, face painting, and interactive cooking sessions that allow younger guests to get hands-on with island-inspired dishes. This carefree, vibrant setting offers the perfect environment for families to bond and create lasting memories.

In contrast, across the lagoon at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Easter celebrations take on a more refined tone. Guests can indulge in beachside Easter barbecues inspired by Maldivian culinary traditions, complemented by the serene beauty of the resort’s surroundings. Additionally, Madi Hiyaa, the resort’s award-winning overwater restaurant, will feature a limited-edition Sakura Signature Omakase—a unique dining experience that combines the best of island ingredients with Japanese culinary artistry. With its tranquil atmosphere and elegant offerings, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru presents an Easter experience that is both sophisticated and serene.

Purpose-Driven Initiatives:

Fostering Health and Connection

April brings not only Easter celebrations but also purpose-driven initiatives focused on well-being and sustainability. These programs, aligned with the resorts’ eco-conscious luxury philosophy, encourage guests to engage with the environment and local communities.

For instance, on 7 April, the resorts hosted the “Swim for Good” event to mark World Health Day. Guests participated in a 900-meter open-water swim between the two islands, followed by a Nutrition Awareness Talk in partnership with the Society for Health Education. This event highlighted the importance of physical wellness while fostering a sense of connection among participants. Through such events, guests are encouraged to make health a priority while enjoying the beauty of their surroundings.

Environmental Sustainability: Engaging with Nature

In addition to wellness, environmental sustainability remains at the heart of the resorts’ initiatives. From 13 to 14 April, guests participated in the “Full Moon Lights Out” event, where all non-essential lighting was turned off to reduce energy consumption and offer a clear view of the Maldivian night sky. This initiative not only conserves energy but also fosters mindfulness, encouraging guests to appreciate the beauty of nature in its purest form.

Moreover, on 22 April, in celebration of Earth Day, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru will join forces with the community of K. Dhiffushi Island for a coastal clean-up. Guests will take part in this hands-on activity, helping to remove marine debris from the surrounding environment and contributing to the preservation of the region’s delicate ecosystems.

The resort group’s environmental focus continues on 27 April with the “Save the Reef” initiative. This monthly program, led by the resorts’ in-house Marine Lab, allows guests to actively contribute to coral conservation by removing harmful species such as the crown of thorns and pincushion starfish. By engaging directly with conservation efforts, guests gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing local marine life and have the opportunity to make a tangible impact.

A New Definition of Island Luxury

As April unfolds, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru continue to redefine what luxury means in the modern world. While the Maldives has long been a haven for indulgence, these resorts set a new standard by combining relaxation with responsibility. From seasonal celebrations that honor both local culture and global sustainability efforts to immersive experiences that invite guests to actively contribute to conservation, the resorts offer a truly holistic escape.

By seamlessly blending moments of joy and celebration with meaningful contributions to the environment, both resorts provide an experience that goes beyond typical luxury. Instead, guests are invited into a larger narrative—one that encourages them to reconnect not only with the natural beauty of the Maldives but also with the shared responsibility of preserving it for future generations.

Easter in the Maldives takes on a bold new flavor this April, as Oaga Art Resort reimagines the holiday through a lens of art, mystery, and community. From April 15 to 22, 2025, the boutique island resort in North Malé Atoll turns tradition on its head, offering guests an immersive week-long celebration built around creativity, music, and a rather curious island-wide whodunit.

Solve the Mystery of Detective Kuku

At the center of the festivities lies a lighthearted mystery titled “Detective Kuku,” in which guests take on the role of sleuths and unravel the case of the missing Easter eggs. Designed for families and groups alike, the adventure kicks off on April 19 with “The Sundown Brief,” a sunset cocktail gathering where the first clues—and a surprising disappearance—are revealed. From there, the hunt begins in earnest, as guests follow riddles and interact with an eclectic cast of characters, each possibly hiding a piece of the puzzle. The caper concludes in style with “The Debrief,” an Easter pool party where the truth behind the bunny’s vanishing act finally comes to light.

Creative Workshops for All Ages

But there’s far more to this island Easter than playful puzzles. Throughout the week, guests can drop in on daily “Free Flow” sessions at the resort’s Suvasthi Art Studio, where creativity thrives in all its forms. Local artists lead workshops in watercolor painting, while younger guests (and the young at heart) craft bunny ears or design Easter-themed sun-catchers. It’s hands-on, relaxed, and unmistakably Oaga. Moreover, these workshops provide an excellent opportunity for guests to bond and explore their artistic sides.

Dance Your Way Through the Week

For those more inclined to express themselves through movement, the “Roots in Motion – Easter Edition” dance series offers a range of styles—from Tutting and Dancehall to House—tailored to dancers of all levels. Whether you’re just finding your rhythm or already confident on your feet, sessions cater to beginners, intermediates, and advanced participants alike. In addition, the dance sessions provide a fun and energetic way to keep the spirit of the holiday alive.

Evenings Filled with Music and Entertainment

The energy continues into the evening, when the island shifts gears into performance mode. Guests can expect live sets from homegrown acts including Vaguthee Trio, Affan and the King Coconuts, and Sandpaper, alongside solo performers like Naffah and Isse. For example, the “O’Fire Night” and “Breeze & Bass” beach parties promise a lively atmosphere, while the “Starlit Cinema” offers a quieter, more laid-back alternative for those seeking a more relaxed evening. Ultimately, there’s something for everyone when the sun sets.

Families traveling with children find plenty to keep the young ones engaged. The Fiyoh Club rolls out a special Easter-themed program packed with arts and crafts, and kids and teens are welcome to join the 10-day dance program as well, making this a holiday that’s as family-friendly as it is artistically rich. As a result, this event appeals to both young and old, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

A Unique All-Inclusive Experience

All of this unfolds against the backdrop of Oaga Art Resort’s signature “Greatest All-Inclusive” plan, which extends far beyond meals and drinks. Guests enjoy complimentary access to art and music workshops, floating meals, curated excursions, and even motorized watersports. The resort itself, just 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, features 60 intimate villas (beach and overwater), dining experiences that blend creativity with comfort, and a spa deeply rooted in Maldivian healing traditions. In conclusion, Oaga Art Resort offers a fully immersive experience that stretches far beyond the usual resort vacation.

With its combination of interactive storytelling, cultural enrichment, and tropical leisure, Easter Week at Oaga Art Resort isn’t just a holiday—it’s a fully immersive escape. For bookings and more information, visit oagaresorts.com.

April at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru: Easter Celebrations, Leadership Changes, and Sustainable Initiatives