News
Spreading the festive fever
Maldives.net.mv – Whoever said the Christmas spirit doesn’t visit the Maldives is surely mistaken. This coming December, Kuramathi prepares itself for a fun filled 8 day marathon to bring the season of joy and giving to our guests. Beginning on Christmas Eve, an abundance of events make their way into our calendar from special cocktails at the sandbank, sunset cruises with local drummers, and those ready for a traditional Christmas feast, will definitely enjoy the grand Gala dinners! The children too have lots to celebrate at Bageecha Kids Club, where for instance, they are required to create a ‘sandman’, the variant of a snowman in the Maldives or make nifty handicrafts out of palm leaves. These are just some of the fun in store for the little ones.
Putting aside the events you can still enjoy a laidback holiday; guests can engage in trials to test their strength and endurance. A much anticipated football match is organised, where two teams compete, our beloved guests against the Kuramathi team members, and the guest participants are gifted an exciting prize after the game. If footie isn’t your thing, try a game of volleyball with our team members and enjoy sparkling wine to toast your celebrations with. If this doesn’t appeal to you we present to you Beach Olympics, a must for the adrenaline junkies wishing to prove their worth.
Learn new recipes at our Maldivian and Thai cooking demonstration. Open for neophytes or seasoned foodies, you’re bound to grab a traditional dish you could add into your epicurean repertoire. Opt for a snack of mouth-watering canapés with a special High Tea infused with a touch of the Festive Season. Summon the sommelier inside you, as you engage in a wine tasting session at the Havana Club with the flow of elegant wines. Be sure to bid goodbye to the last sunset of 2013, as you join the sunset cocktail at the sandbank to reminisce the year before drinking to the honour of a good year. On the last day of 2013, join us at the Fung Bar for the final countdown into 2014! The resident band and resident DJ will keep the scene lively with colourful music to mark the first few moments of the New Year.
The Festive Season this year is deemed to be a one to remember for days to come so don’t miss out this incredible experience!
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.
The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.
Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:
- Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
- Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
- Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot
The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.
RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”
Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.
The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
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