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Artistic Christmas creations at Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

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Kirsten Hassenfeld

Maldives.net.mv – Food meets modern art at Huvafen Fushi’s wine cellar, Vinum, this Christmas season. Dine under the surreal beauty of suspended paper chandeliers and floating art, created by renowned New York based installation artist Kirsten Hassenfeld, meeting the unique talent herself. Take your own artwork home with a complimentary family portrait by celebrated, award winning Sydney photographer Pierre Mardaga.

Art Installation & Dinner

Blue Horn by Kirsten Hassenfeld With work funded by the New York Foundation of Arts, acclaimed exhibitions across the USA, Hong Kong and in Italy, and an Individual Artist Grant from The Pollock-Krasner Foundation, Kirsten Hassenfeld will visit Huvafen Fushi between 17 – 22 December 2013. She will arrive in the Maldives fresh from her latest exhibition at Lane Crawford Department Stores in Hong Kong and her customized artworks will be showcased in Vinum from 21 December 2013 until 12 February 2014.

Inspired by the magic of Christmas and Vinum, Kirsten will suspend her aesthetically intricate paper pieces from Vinum’s ceiling for a special dinner on 21st December created by resident Executive Chef Daniel Johnson. Guests will be able to join Kirsten and become part of the art. Those who want to spend more time with Kirsten can meet her for a wine tasting as her artistic installation begins. Interact and watch her ethereal creations transform Vinum over the days to follow.

Pierre Mardaga

Award Winning Portraits

Capturing a perfect moment in time is the creative lens of renowned Australian photographer Pierre Mardaga between 26 December 2013 – 2 January 2014. Christmas is about family and the award-winning artist will present guests with a beautiful family portrait, set against the backdrop of this photogenic island. Compliments of Huvafen Fushi, this is the perfect memento to take home.

With over 20 years’ experience in people photography and capturing the essence of relationships through film, Pierre will shoot the complimentary guest portraits in the morning, with an opportunity for customized sessions in the afternoon, including hair and make-up.

Huvafen Fushi is located in the North Malé Atoll and enjoys a pristine private island setting featuring 44 naturally modern bungalows and pavilions, and is home to the world’s first underwater spa. For more information please visit www.huvafenfushi.com

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RAAYA by Atmosphere wins Best Family Resort in Maldives at Travel Time Awards 2025

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RAAYA by Atmosphere has received its latest recognition at the Travel Time Awards, held in Moscow in August 2026, where the island resort was named “The Best Family Resort in the Maldives 2025”.

The award marks RAAYA’s second consecutive recognition from Travel Time, following its win as “Opening of the Year 2024”.

The recognition reflects the resort’s growing presence in the Russian travel market and its approach to family holidays in the Maldives, with a focus on shared experiences, exploration and activities designed for guests across generations.

Located on a private island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA is centred around the fictional story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist and adventurer whose narrative is incorporated throughout the resort experience. Guests can take part in island exploration, creative activities and ocean-based experiences, alongside family-oriented facilities and a range of dining options under The RAAYA Plan™.

The award was also presented during a visit to the resort by Russian film actress Katerina Shpitsa, known for productions including “Metro”, “The Crew” and “Poddubny”. During her stay, Shpitsa presented the Travel Time Awards 2025 accolade to RAAYA by Atmosphere General Manager Mario Stanic.

“Receiving this recognition for a second consecutive year is a proud moment for everyone at RAAYA,” Stanic said. “Winning the Travel Time Award 2025 for Best Family Resort is a wonderful recognition of what we stand for — bringing families together through shared experiences and lasting memories within a backdrop of a tropical island paradise.

“We are proud to create experiences that resonate with Russian families and families from around the world, offering a place to connect, discover and create memories together. We thank the awards team, our partners and our guests for their continued trust and support.”

The award adds to the international recognition received by RAAYA by Atmosphere since the resort opened in July 2024. The property has positioned its offering around experiential hospitality, design, family-focused programming and its castaway-inspired narrative.

RAAYA features 167 beach and overwater villas, a collection of dining venues and a range of land and ocean activities within its Raa Atoll setting.

With two Travel Time Awards in consecutive years, the resort continues to develop its position within the family travel segment in the Maldives.

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Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to make memories with ‘Island Glow’ festive season

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This festive season, Coco Bodu Hithi, part of Coco Collection, invites guests to embrace Island Glow: Moments Made to Remember, a joyful programme inspired by togetherness, shared experiences and the simple pleasure of spending meaningful time in the Maldives.

From 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the island sets the scene for festive dining, live entertainment, ocean adventures, wellness experiences and time spent together.  The season opens with the Annual Festive Tree Lighting, where twinkling lights, live music and a celebratory toast mark the start of the holidays.

The days that follow bring Maldivian experiences alongside festive traditions, from local handicrafts and underwater coral planting to cocktails, carols and live performances.  On 24 December, guests gather for a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner accompanied by live music.

The following morning begins with a leisurely brunch before Santa makes his much-awaited arrival at the Main Jetty.  By evening, Maldivian flavours, traditional music and island culture add a distinctly local touch to the celebrations.

The programme brings plenty of ways to spend meaningful time with the people who matter.  Families can discover the house reef or have fun with a playful cook-off, while couples can escape to a Maldivian sandbank or capture a special moment with an underwater photoshoot.  Friends can come together over sushi making, local cooking and cocktail workshops, with sunset cruises and laid-back evenings by the shore adding to the holiday spirit.

Dining brings its own pleasures, from freshly grilled favourites by the beach to intimate Wine & Dine evenings.  For those seeking time to unwind, Coco Spa offers coconut-infused treatments, Ayurvedic therapies and restorative rituals designed for two.

Younger travellers can look forward to plenty of fun and discovery, with nature walks, marine-inspired crafts, colourful keepsakes, movies, karaoke and hands-on activities adding a little extra magic to their stay.

New Year’s Eve begins with a cruise across Maldivian waters to toast the final sunset of 2026, followed by an elegant Gala Dinner.  Live performances, DJ beats and the Festive Raffle Draw build towards the midnight countdown and a sparkling welcome to 2027.

The programme carries on into January with leisurely dining, underwater adventures and evenings by the sea, including the Orthodox Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.  On Orthodox Christmas Day, 7 January, the season draws to a close with a relaxed Breeze Beach BBQ, featuring freshly grilled favourites and live entertainment by the sea.

Framed by turquoise waters, private pool villas and warm Maldivian hospitality, Island Glow welcomes loved ones to reconnect, share meaningful moments and take home lasting memories of their time at Coco Bodu Hithi.  Recognised for two consecutive years at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, Best Service in 2025 and Best Waterside Hotel in 2026, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to create heartfelt stays shaped by thoughtful experiences and the beauty of the Maldives.

To celebrate the season at Coco Bodu Hithi, guests can visit www.cococollection.com or contact reservations@cococollection.com to plan their stay and discover the exclusive Coco Festive Celebration.

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Sun Siyam Iru Fushi builds more into the stay with expanded guest inclusions

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At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, luxury is increasingly defined not by what guests can add to their stay, but by how much is already thoughtfully built into it. From Maldivian cultural experiences and daily wellness to guided ocean adventures, family privileges, and island-wide dining, the resort brings together a comprehensive collection of inclusions designed to make each guest stay feel both richer and more effortless.

Cultural Immersion and Ceremonial Arrivals

Culture sits at the heart of the experience, reflecting Sun Siyam Resorts’ brand tagline, The Home of the Maldivian Spirit. Included activities celebrating local heritage ensure the stay feels naturally immersive. From the moment guests step ashore, the arrival is marked by the subtle beat of Bodu Beru drums, traditional ceremonial umbrellas, and artisanal refreshments before they are guided to their villa. Through the weekly Maldivian Roots programme, guests engage in hands-on cultural moments, from grinding island spices and learning Dhivehi phrasing to receiving traditional henna art. In the evenings, Turndown Journeys goes beyond classic evening service, offering a calm transition into night with island folklore, small handcrafted keepsakes, and local delicacies, allowing the heritage of the Maldives to unfold at its own pace.

Holistic Wellbeing and Destination Discovery

Active living forms an integral part of island life, with an array of integrated wellness and water activities. Guests enjoy access to guided yoga, meditation, functional training, and beach conditioning sessions, seamlessly blending well-being into every moment of exploration. On the lagoon, the experience includes guided snorkelling at Nemo Park alongside non-motorised water sports, such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Generational Freedom and Lifestyle Retreats

True luxury is the freedom to connect without distraction. While dedicated adults-only hideaways offer peaceful moments for couples, families enjoy generous privileges and expansive living spaces. At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, every generation is welcomed with genuine warmth, highlighted by complimentary stays and dining for children under 15 when sharing a villa with 2 adults. Days unfold with included leisure activities, from tennis matches and games lounge access to daily frozen treats at La Cremeria. For those seeking complete seclusion, premium villas include exclusive privileges: Sunset Horizon Water Villas with Pool feature chef-curated apéritifs in private sunken lounges, ideal for a romantic escape, while The Retreats elevate the stay with dedicated butler service, private floating breakfasts, and sommelier-led tastings.

A Generous 24-Hour Premium All-Inclusive Dine Around

Designed for total peace of mind, the newly introduced 24-Hour Premium All-Inclusive Dine Around invites guests to explore the resort’s exquisite culinary landscape across 15 distinct restaurants and bars. A curated collection of 66 world-class wines from renowned winemakers and fine champagne inclusions further elevate the experience. Beyond premium dining, this elevated all-inclusive concept extends to curated experiences: ocean enthusiasts can take their first breath beneath the waves with a guided trial dive, while female guests receive a rejuvenating spa facial. For shared moments, families can immerse themselves in an included local island excursion or set sail on a scenic sunset cruise.

Celebratory Privileges

As A Curated Island Sanctuary, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi turns personal milestones into lasting memories. Every celebratory stay is shaped by thoughtful, discreet gestures. Birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated with bespoke artisanal cakes and fresh tropical blooms, while honeymoon stays feature romantic bath rituals and private candlelit dining under the night sky. Housekeeping takes the time to create personalised turn-down touches and decorations, ensuring each guest feels truly pampered.

Experience or Share the Magic

For those looking to extend extraordinary island moments to loved ones or add magic to friends and family’s stays, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi gift cards offer a flexible way to gift elevated stays, spa therapies, or tailor-made island experiences.

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