Hospitality

A FESTIVE SEASON WHERE MALDIVIAN MAGIC COMES TO LIFE

Published

2 months ago

December 19, 2025

A professional lifestyle photograph at Nova Maldives during the 'Maldivian Magic' festive season, featuring a unique sustainable Christmas tree handcrafted from tiered cajon wood and driftwood.

This festive season, Nova Maldives invites travellers to embrace the magic of authentic island life with its curated programme, Maldivian Magic – A Festive Fusion. Running from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, the soulful festive celebration draws inspiration from the Maldives’ 2,500-year cultural tapestry, rich with heritage, shaped by seafarers and storytellers, and steeped in rituals of connection and joy.

The year’s programme offers enriching experiences that combine the spirit of the sea with vibrant celebrations. Start your day off with a series of marine adventures, from Ocean Glides with Koamas, a thrilling jet ski ride to spot dolphin pods swimming in their natural habitat, to Whale Shark and Manta Snorkelling sessions, offering the chance to observe these majestic creatures of the sea in their hypnotic swim. Seafarers can also board a Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise, where gentle winds and golden light guide an unhurried sail across turquoise waters, perfect for couples or friends seeking calm connection.

In the evening, join marine lovers on a night snorkelling session to discover squads of nocturnal fishes, baby reef sharks and crustaceans, a sensory tribute to the ocean’s quiet magic.

Nova’s culinary offering for the season, themed around the Taste of the Atolls, introduces gourmands to a trio of intimate, flavour-led experiences. Each afternoon from 1:30pm to 2:00pm at Wink Bar, Elixirs of the Isles offers a playful mixology class featuring cocktails infused with Maldivian fruits and botanicals. As the sun sets, Mizu—Nova’s overwater teppanyaki restaurant—presents a refined, multi-course Ocean Umami dinner, artfully preparing the freshest catch from the sea with Japanese and Maldivian cooking techniques. Evenings at FLAMES are reserved for the indulgent Maldivian Fishermen’s Feast, wherea beachside seafood spread with a curated menu, a splash of bubbles, and live island rhythms.

Bringing a distinct cultural note to the festivities, Malaafaiy Keyn, a seasonal item, offers experimental diners a rare taste of traditional Maldivian cuisine. This special dish is arranged on a handcrafted malaafaiywooden platter, featuring fragrant rice, richly spiced curries, and time-honoured sides, and is served in a customised Mauloodh Haruge dining hall, bridging historical flavours with modern day community dining.

For those seeking a softer rhythm, whether alone, with a partner, or simply in search of quiet time to recharge and be present, a mid-day Private Finolhu Sandbank Escape offers a serene pause from the island’s energy: a white-sand retreat where time slows, waves whisper, and a bottle of chilled Prosecco with curated canapés sets the tone for an unhurried afternoon.

Nearby at EsKape Spa and available exclusively during the season, the Kaashi Naashi Ritual welcomes guests into a tender journey of release and renewal. Starting with the warmth of coconut oil and smooth coconut shells to guide the body into deep relaxation, it concludes with a soothing head massage that quiets the mind and softens the senses. Complementing this, the Soulful Healing through Dhivehi Beys treatment, which involves a deeply restorative oil massage that harnesses the natural power of locally sourced herbs, spices, and virgin coconut oil, draws on ancestral practices and therapeutic touch to bring the body into balance.

The season unfolds with a festive calendar designed to elevate celebrations through to the new year. Beginning with the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting, a joyful gathering that brings the island community together beneath the stars, where carols are sung and traditions are shared in heartfelt company. On Christmas Eve, the shoreline comes alive with the rhythm and energy of a dazzling fire show and party, followed by a Gala Dinner where Maldivian flavours and festive favourites are savoured in celebration. Christmas morning brings its own kind of magic as Santa Claus makes a cheerful arrival at Wink Beach, greeted with handcrafted cocktails, sweet treats, and wide-eyed wonder.

As the year draws to a close, the final night of the year lights up with fireworks,a symbol celebrating fresh starts and new beginnings. The celebration carries into the night with live music, DJ sets, and festive cocktails that fill the air with rhythm and warmth. Welcoming the new year in soft contrast the next morning, the First Brunch of ’26 offers a leisurely gathering of palate-pleasing dishes and live cooking to start the year in a relaxed, sunlit setting.

“At Nova, we believe in celebrating more than just the season. Our festive offerings embrace our island’s deep cultural roots, offering an immersive experience where heritage, joy, and meaningful connections come to life,” says Abdulla Aboobakuru, Nova’s General Manager.

Hospitality

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

Published

6 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The festival of Holi is all about colour, music and good vibes, and Rohini at Mövenpick JLT is bringing that energy straight to your glass. From 2 to 8 March, the restaurant is serving Rang, Ras aur Thandai Holi, a limited-time beverage special inspired by the playful spirit of the festival, giving Dubai diners a fun way to celebrate through flavour.

Drawing on nostalgic flavours, the traditional thandai is deconstructed with a fresh, contemporary edge that fits naturally into Dubai’s modern dining scene. The seasonal drinks keep the familiarity guests love while introducing lighter, more current flavour combinations, giving guests the green energy this season calls for

The menu features two flavour profiles. One leans into classic Kesar Pista and Badam notes, while the other takes a more experimental direction with a Matcha Moringa twist for a clean, modern flavour. Served as cocktail and mocktail options, the drinks balance tradition with a playful upgrade, capturing the celebratory mood Holi is known for.

Rohini continues to stand out as a go-to destination for contemporary Indian dining in Dubai, with its Holi special bringing together familiar flavours and a nostalgic festive touch for guests to enjoy throughout the week.

Hospitality

EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT AL HABTOOR GRAND RESORT, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection invites guests to experience the Grand Starlit Iftar at the picturesque Grand Garden Lawn. This refined journey of flavor and reflection offers a beautiful setting to gather with loved ones beneath a starlit sky and twinkling lights.

As the sun sets and the city’s pace slows, guests are invited to escape into a serene, open-air sanctuary. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soft, golden glow of lanterns, the evening begins with the soulful, rhythmic hum of live Oud tunes, setting a peaceful stage for reflection and connection.

The journey starts with the traditional breaking of the fast, featuring refreshing glasses of Jallab, Kamar Al Dein, Tamer Hindi, and Laban. This leads into a lavish Iftar buffet that celebrates both local heritage and global flair. Guests can explore an abundant spread of mezze and salads from creamy Hummus and Tabbouleh to crisp Cheese Sambousek, Meat Kibbeh, and Spinach Fatayer.

The heart of the feast offers a rich tapestry of flavors, featuring aromatic classics like Lamb Kofta, Chicken Shish Taouk, and succulent Ouzi. For those seeking a more international palate, the menu transitions seamlessly into dishes such as Pan Seared Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce and a live pasta station serving fresh Penne Arrabbiata. The air is further filled with the scent of tradition at the live cooking stations, where freshly prepared Saj (Cheese and Zaatar) and expert carvings are made to order.

The experience reaches a sweet crescendo with a decadent dessert selection. Whether it’s the warmth of Cheese Kunafa and Umm Ali, the crunch of Baklawa, or the modern indulgence of Chocolate Fudge and Passion Fruit Delight, there is a flavor for every craving.

As the night matures, the energy shifts into a relaxed Suhoor. In a setting designed for late-night conversations, guests can enjoy a curated à la carte menu of local delights. To round out the evening, a nearby shisha area offers a quiet space to unwind and soak in the calm of the night under the stars.

Event Details

Iftar
Time: Sunset to 9:00 pm

Suhoor
Price: À la carte
Time: 9:00 pm to 1:00 am

Dates: Daily throughout Ramadan
Location: Grand Garden Lawn, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR

Hospitality

RAMADAN AT MARRIOTT AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Flavors of Ramadan: A Sensory Iftar to Remember

Step into the spirit of Ramadan with an unforgettable Iftar experience at Khayal, where tradition, passion, and togetherness come alive. Indulge in a lavish Iftar buffet featuring a carefully curated selection of traditional and international dishes, served in a warm and inviting ambiance inspired by the essence of the holy month.

Iftar Buffet:

Timing: From Sunset until 9:30 PM
Venue: Khayal, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

Early Bird Offer:

40% off for bookings made before 12th February 2026

Special Discounts:

30% off Iftar for in-house hotel guests
30% off for FAZAA cardholders
MoreCravings App: Buy One Get One Free

Serenity at Dawn: Suhoor & Group Ramadan Celebrations
A Peaceful Suhoor Indulgence & Memorable Group Gatherings

Enjoy a calm and comforting Suhoor experience at the Lobby Lounge, designed for those seeking nourishment and tranquility before dawn. Featuring a thoughtfully curated set menu, this Suhoor offering ensures a balanced and fulfilling start to your day.

Suhoor Set Menu:
Timing: 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Venue: Lobby Lounge, Marriott Al Forsan

For larger gatherings, celebrate the holy month together with Group Ramadan Packages, ideal for corporate Iftars and family reunions. Enjoy a delightful culinary journey paired with exceptional service in a festive atmosphere.

Group Ramadan Packages: