Jumeirah Vittaveli has announced its festive programme, inviting guests to live entertainment, lavish gala dinners and exhilarating activities inspired by events around the world, including the grand Venetian and Rio de Janeiro carnivals.

The fun starts in December and runs until the first week of January, when a glittering Russian Christmas event closes the festivities. The carnival theme will be embraced by the Kuda Koli Kids Club, the Talise spa, the Dive Center, and the restaurants and bars, so guests can enjoy the festive spirit across the island.

Families and couples can admire performances by the Favera dance troupe, watch in awe as the resort’s fire dancers showcase the Art of Poi, party on the beach to the resident DJ, or enjoy a live concert by Simon and Eva.

“Over at our French fine dining restaurant Fenesse, we are introducing three new venues, the Cyan over-water lounge, Cuvée, the wine library, and Fumée, a cigar, shisha and vaping lounge. Our main bar has been remodelled and offers an extended entertainment and lounge area. The festive spirit has always been strong at Jumeirah Vittaveli and our team takes pleasure in surprising guests with special décor in their villa,” General Manager Amit Majumder was quoted in an announcement, as saying.

The traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony will unveil the resort’s floating Christmas tree. Last year’s glowing-from-within tree was wrapped in foil (collected from the kitchens throughout the year) which was then recycled after the festive season.

The Kuda Koli Kids Club will amaze little ones with stained glass painting, gingerbread house making, snowman building and Christmas tree decorating. Santa will make a show-stopping entrance on 25 December, deliver goodies and meet and greet the children and the young at heart.

Samsara Beach will offer festive gala dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Executive Chef Francis Cornelious will serve delicacies, including Vindaloo (made with his mother’s secret recipe), roasted butterball turkey, Christmas stolen and a special Christmas cake, made from the fruit, nuts, and spirits mix that was prepared in a fun ceremony with guests in October this year.

At the overwater venue Fenesse, guests can indulge in gourmet set menus including the  world’s best black caviars – Beluga, Ossetra, and Sevruga – and selection of fine oysters including the Belon Oyster from France, the Gallway Oyster from Ireland and the Tsarskaya Oyster from Cancale in Northern France. Fresh White Alba Truffle will be shaved onto gourmand’s plates at Fenesse. MU Beach Bar and Grill will offer a stone grill with Wagyu grade 9++ Marble beef, cape grim beef and Churrascaria.

At the signature Indian restaurant Swarna, guests can try out the famous Gold menu, which offers edible gold.

On New Year’s Eve, a carnival party at Samsara Beach will offer a gala menu, live music acts, a stunning fireworks display over the lagoon and a Glow-in-the-Dark DJ beach party.

For the resort’s Orthodox guests, a lively celebration will take place on 6 January. A saxophone performance will enchant guests, followed by LED, fire dance shows and DJ Eva will play into the night. Ded Moroz, the Russian Father Christmas, and his assistant Snegurochka will also visit on December 31.

Located a short 20-minute ride on board a luxurious motorised catamaran from capital, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or an exotic destination for your family.

In addition to the brand new Royal Residence, which was recently recognised as Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa at the World Travel Awards, Jumeirah Vittaveli comprises 89 villas and suites each with their own swimming pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The private and spacious villas are available with one or two bedrooms making them the ideal accommodation for both families and couples. Highlights are the free-standing Ocean Suites, located only a heartbeat away from the main island and accessible by complimentary boat service.

For the evenings, guests have the choice of a culinary journey through India in the resort’s signature restaurant Swarna, or an overwater fine dining experience featuring French cuisine at Fenesse.

The Talise spa at Jumeirah Vittaveli has been named Best Luxury Wellness Spa in Maldives by the World Travel Awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Treatments at the spa are inspired by concepts of light and space connecting with the purity and vibration of ingredients. The team produces their own island made 100 percent pure coconut oil, which is used in treatments and available as a take-home souvenir. The garden and overwater treatment rooms provide romantic spaces for couples who wish to enjoy blissful relaxation, while the spa menu also includes dedicated Mother-Daughter and Father-Son pampering sessions.

For those seeking adventure, the island’s water sports centre offers flyboarding. For those looking to experience the wonder of the underwater world of the Maldives, there are diving and snorkelling excursions to see turtles and magnificent shipwrecks.