Two Maldives resorts are giving travellers fresh reasons to book beyond the usual sun-and-sand pitch — one by stuffing its all-inclusive plan with extras, the other by flying in a Milan chef for ten days of pizza and pasta by the Indian Ocean.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has quietly broadened what's already covered in a stay, and the list goes well beyond breakfast buffets. Arrivals now come with Bodu Beru drumming, ceremonial umbrellas and local refreshments, while a weekly Maldivian Roots programme gets guests grinding island spices, picking up basic Dhivehi phrases and trying henna art. Evening turndown service folds in island folklore, handmade keepsakes and local sweets.
The active side is covered too: guided yoga, meditation and beach conditioning sessions are included, along with a guided snorkel at Nemo Park and non-motorised water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Families get possibly the strongest deal — kids under 15 stay and eat free when sharing a villa with two adults, plus tennis, a games lounge and daily ice cream at La Cremeria. Couples, meanwhile, can retreat to adults-only areas, and premium villa guests unlock perks like chef-made apéritifs in sunken lounges or butler service with private floating breakfasts.
The headline addition is a 24-Hour Premium All-Inclusive Dine Around spanning 15 restaurants and bars, with a curated list of 66 wines and champagne included. It also stretches into experiences: a guided trial dive, a spa facial for female guests, a local island excursion and a sunset cruise all come at no extra cost. Milestone stays get bespoke cakes, tropical blooms, honeymoon bath rituals and candlelit beach dinners.
Separately, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is hosting Chef Joshua Acquaviva, head chef of Pellico 3 at Park Hyatt Milan, for a residency at its beachside Italian restaurant Pibati Sul Mare from 25 October to 3 November 2026. The Naples-born chef — who has cooked at Michelin-starred and two-starred kitchens including VistaMare and Kresios — will serve a menu built on pasta and pizza, adapted with herbs and produce grown on the island itself. Guests can also join pizza-making sessions at the counter, capped at eight people each. Reservations are advised, and bookings go through kothaifaru@alilahotels.com.
Why it matters: all-inclusive pricing in the Maldives varies wildly, and comparing what's actually bundled in can make a real difference to the final bill — a resort covering kids' stays, diving tasters and 15 dining venues changes the maths for families and couples alike. The chef residency, meanwhile, is a rare, time-limited draw for food-focused travellers. Both fit best with trips booked well in advance.
