Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of Sun Siyam Resorts’ Privé Collection, has won the coveted Best Global Hotel Design award at the Homes & Gardens Design Awards 2025. The accolade recognises Studio Sixty7, led by founders Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for a transformative redesign that blended artisanal craftsmanship, cultural authenticity, and sustainability to set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka.

The Homes & Gardens Design Awards celebrate the best in design and decorating, spotlighting inspiring projects and innovations shaping the way we live now and into the future. Within the Best Global Hotel Design category, the judges recognised the transformation of Sun Siyam Pasikudah for its blend of refined hospitality, artisanal craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.

The 34-room boutique resort on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast was reimagined as a sanctuary of understated luxury, completed within an ambitious four-month timeline and re-opened in November 2023. To reduce waste, much of the original furniture was refurbished and reupholstered, while all new materials were sourced locally and installed by Sri Lankan craftspeople. The team commissioned handwoven textiles, bespoke lighting, and custom joinery, using natural materials such as bamboo, linen, terracotta, and reclaimed wood to create a tactile, grounded experience.

Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Pasikudah, commented: “We are incredibly proud to see Sun Siyam Pasikudah recognised on the global stage. This award is a tribute not only to the vision of Studio Sixty7 but also to the extraordinary craftsmanship of Sri Lankan artisans who brought the design to life. Our resort now reflects the spirit of the island in a way that is both authentic and forward-thinking, offering our guests a truly unique sense of place.”

Traditional construction techniques were seamlessly blended with contemporary interior methods, producing a holistic environment where architectural integrity meets artisanal detail. The result is a collection of immersive spaces, from a restaurant and spa to a boutique and beach shack, each reflecting a strong sense of place and purpose.

The innovation lay in Studio Sixty7’s ability to redefine luxury with locality. Instead of importing generic finishes, the studio partnered with Sri Lankan artisans to create site-specific elements including handwoven ceilings, linen-draped interiors, ochre-hued plaster finishes, and custom lighting. This approach elevated vernacular design into a contemporary hospitality context, proving that innovation is not always about technology but about intentionality and integrity.

Sustainability was at the heart of the project. The design embraced low-impact principles, reusing original furnishings, sourcing locally made materials, and minimising imports, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of both construction and transport. Natural ventilation, open-plan layouts, and tactile finishes reduced operational energy consumption, demonstrating how luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously.

Crucially, the project also championed social sustainability in a region historically impacted by civil conflict. By engaging local artisans, potters, weavers, and joiners, the redesign became a vehicle for economic revitalisation, offering meaningful employment and celebrating traditional skills. The on-site boutique, The Edit, continues this legacy, providing guests with an opportunity to connect directly with Sri Lanka’s craft heritage and support regional makers.

Studio Sixty7 has built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative design that balances refinement with authenticity. Their ongoing partnership with Sun Siyam Resorts includes projects across the Maldives, further cementing their role as valued creative partners.

This holiday season, GODIVA invites chocolate lovers to uncover “A Holiday Tale of Delights”, a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity and pure indulgence. Inspired by the European Yule log tradition, GODIVA reimagines the iconic Bûche de Noël through five exquisite chocolates that capture the warmth and wonder of the festive season.

From special christmas boxes to the much-awaited advent calendar and café signature selections, each creation brings a touch of joy, elegance and timeless GODIVA artistry to every celebration.

HOLIDAY GIFT BOXES

Unwrap the magic of the season with GODIVA’s beautifully presented holiday collection, designed for gifting, sharing and festive moments. Each piece celebrates the spirit of the European Yule log, reimagined through GODIVA’s signature artistry.

• Holiday Gift Box (8 pcs): Limited-edition Bûche de Noël chocolates in a festive sleeve
• Holiday Gift Box (15 pcs): A generous assortment of seasonal pralines and truffles
• Advent Calendar (24 pcs): Twenty-four days of chocolate discoveries through the festive calendar
• Holiday Ornament (12 pcs): A beautiful Ornament Box filled with mini milk and dark tablets
• Holiday Tin (12 pcs): A Limited edition keepsake with 12 Cube chocolates

When: 1^st November 2025 – 11^th January 2026

Where: GODIVA boutiques across the UAE

HOLIDAY LINE PLAN – CUVÉE SPÉCIALE

Inspired by the Bûche de Noël, GODIVA’s Cuvée Spéciale line reimagines the beloved Yule log in five exquisite chocolates, each a miniature masterpiece blending velvety pralines, creamy ganache and premium chocolate shells.

• Speculoos Twist: Speculoos praliné in milk chocolate topped with biscuit powder
• Almond Embrace: Almond praliné coated in milk chocolate with crisp almond pieces
• Pistachio Wonder: Pistachio filling wrapped in dark chocolate and dusted with pistachio powder
• Velvet Pecan Night: Pecan praliné encased in dark chocolate with milk chocolate lines
• Vanilla Lines: Vanilla ganache in white chocolate with delicate chocolate detailing

When: 1^st November 2025 – 11^th January 2026

Where: GODIVA boutiques across the UAE

HOLIDAY SEASONAL MENU (UAE ONLY)

At the GODIVA Café, the festivities continue with limited-edition desserts inspired by the Bûche de Noël collection. Guests can indulge in elegant creations that combine GODIVA’s signature chocolate craft with the warmth of the season.

• Speculoos Bûche de Noël: A Christmas log made with speculoos praliné and milk chocolate, topped with biscuit powder
• Almond Embrace Bûche de Noël:  A festive log of almond praliné and smooth milk chocolate topped with crunchy almonds
• Holiday Golden Chocolate Balloon: A whimsical, festive take on GODIVA’s iconic Signature Balloon dessert
• Red Velvet Hot Chocolate: A rich blend of GODIVA white and ruby chocolate, topped with delicate dried petals

When: 15^th November 2025 – 11^th January 2026

Where: GODIVA Cafés across Dubai and Abu Dhabi

IN-STORE FESTIVE EXPERIENCE

Adding a sprinkle of joy to the season, GODIVA’s flagship boutiques including The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Yas Mall will feature a Holiday Gift Tree activation. Each ornament hides a surprise, from exclusive vouchers to delicious chocolate gifts, turning every visit into a delightful festive experience.

Guests are invited to celebrate, explore and capture moments of joy as they discover the limited-edition collections in a truly immersive in-store setting.

When: 1^st December 2025 – 11^th January 2026

Where: GODIVA flagship stores (The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall)

Pounders, Dubai’s favorite homegrown comfort-food joint, is turning up the flavor with a brand-new menu packed with bold, indulgent creations that redefine casual dining. Known for its hearty Wagyu burgers and irresistible sides, the new additions promise even more variety, creativity, and punch in every bite.

From fiery flavors to comforting classics, every new dish celebrates Pounders’ signature style with premium ingredients and unapologetically satisfying flavors. Highlights from the new menu include the Jalapeño Burger, loaded with Wagyu beef, cheddar cheese, and fresh jalapeños finished with Pounders’ signature sauce, the Calamari lightly fried with jalapeños and chipotle adobo for a spicy kick, and the rich Crispy Beef with Mashed Potato tossed in oyster and sriracha sauce over creamy mash, each designed to deliver that perfect balance of comfort and creativity Pounders is known for.

The new menu also reflects Pounders’ growing reputation for bringing elevated flavors to a casual, homegrown setting. Guests can expect a mix of familiar favorites and inventive twists, with dishes like the indulgent Creamy Wild Mushroom Burger that transforms the classic Wagyu patty into a gourmet comfort experience. Every plate is thoughtfully crafted to be hearty, satisfying, and unmistakably Pounders.

Pounders stands out in Dubai’s crowded burger scene for its premium ingredients and inventive comfort-food combinations. Whether it’s Wagyu beef layered with bacon jam or a side of truffle-tossed fries, each dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and accessibility. With its homegrown spirit, Pounders has become a go-to for those who crave premium quality without the fine-dining fuss.