This festive season, Siyam World Maldives, part of the Lifestyle Collection at Sun Siyam, is entering The Age of Legends, as ancient kingdoms, dragons, warriors, enchanted forests and Viking seas find their way to the Maldives. Inspired by the worlds of Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, The Witcher andVikings, The Age of Legends creates a story entirely of its own, with experiences unfolding across the island and guests becoming part of the action.

Because at Siyam World, simply watching was never really going to be enough. Beginning December 15^th, the festive programme brings together fantasy-inspired entertainment, family adventures, sport and storytelling, with former Manchester United and Serbia captain Nemanja Vidić, an original production inspired by one of the Maldives’ best-known legends, and a New Year’s Eve celebration where four worlds collide. And there are still a few things Siyam World is not revealing just yet. Consider that your first quest.

Legends on the field

From 18 December, the football pitch gets its own chapter. Former Manchester United and Serbia captain Nemanja Vidić joins the festive line-up with a football camp focused on skill, confidence, discipline and teamwork. For young players, it is a rare opportunity to train with someone who spent years competing at the very highest level of the game.

Every great battle has its decisive moment. From 25–27 December, former AC Milan and Italy striker Alessandro Matri takes to the pitch with young players for three days of skill, confidence and teamwork, bringing a goalscorer’s instinct to the festive realm.

For parents, it is also a remarkably effective way to ensure football dominates the conversation for the rest of the holiday. Possibly the flight home, too.

When a Maldivian legend takes the stage

On 21 December, the story turns closer to home. Dhonhiyala and Alifulhu, one of the Maldives’ best-known legends, will be brought to life through an original musical inspired by its timeless tale of love, courage and destiny.Passed down through generations, the story finds a new stage and a new audience at Siyam World, bringing a distinctly Maldivian legend into a festive season inspired by legendary worlds from near and far. Because long before dragons and Vikings reached these shores, the Maldives had legends of its own.

Christmas Even

On 24 December, word arrives from the North. A certain Legend is making his way across the sea, carrying gifts after what we can only assume has been a very long journey. Exactly when and how he will arrive remains a closely guarded secret. The North has many Legends. This one wears red.

Four worlds. One midnight.

New Year’s Eve brings The Age of Legends to its biggest night. Four fantasy worlds come together as ancient magic, fearless warriors, unexpected alliances and just the right amount of Siyam World chaos take over the island on the final night of 2026. Exactly what happens when those worlds collide is staying firmly under wraps. Mostly because spoilers are punishable by exile from the realm. Let’s just say Siyam World will not be entering 2027 quietly.

Little legends

For younger adventurers, The Dragon Rider Academy transforms Kidz World into a training ground for future dragon riders, with games, challenges and plenty of opportunities to prove themselves worthy of the realm. Judging by previous Siyam World adventures, they are likely to take their training extremely seriously. The dragons, thankfully, remain under control. For now.

One more legend

And there is still one name missing from the story. One final Legend is yet to be revealed to those following @siyamworld, joining an already packed festive line-up when the time is right.

Because some entrances deserve their own moment.

Now it is your turn 

Guests will also have the chance to create a legend of their own through the Share Your Siyam Legend Challenge.Throughout the season, guests can capture their own legendary Siyam World moment and share it as a Reel or carousel, tagging @siyamworld and using #ShareYourSiyamLegend and #AgeOfLegends.

The entry combining the most imagination, genuine engagement and a point of view all its own could win a seven-night stay for two at Siyam World, including WOW! Inclusive, applicable taxes and return shared seaplane transfers.Create the moment. Share the story. Become a Legend. The Age of Legends begins at Siyam World Maldives on 15 December 2026.

The realm is ready. The Legends are coming. Ready to enter The Age of Legends? Discover Siyam World’s latest offers and book your festive escape at sunsiyam.com/siyam-world/offers.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa successfully concluded the second edition of the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026 on Friday September the 18th as part of World Wellness Weekend, bringing together running, wellness and the spectacular natural surroundings of the beautiful all-natural Island of Dhonakulhi.

The event welcomed 68 runners, with esteemed athletes Sunny Schippers leading the 10K race and Clara Abbona leading the 5K race, inspiring participants through three scenic island runs (including a relaxing shake out run) surrounded by the turquoise waters and lush tropical landscape of Hideaway.

Held in line with World Wellness Weekend, the programme extended beyond running to embrace a more holistic approach to wellbeing. Participants enjoyed a series of wellness experiences, including sound healing with Naga Healing, Yoga with in-house instructor Shubham, alongside fitness sessions led by Shaffa – Fitness Expert from TfG, and Ask a PT and Physio sessions with Yoosuf as the Personal Trainer Consultant.

The second edition celebrated movement in all its forms, combining physical activity with recovery, mindfulness, and connection with nature. From the energy of the starting line to restorative wellness experiences, the event brought guests and participants together through a shared appreciation for healthier living.

Following another successful edition, the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run continues to build its identity as a unique resort island running and wellness experience, bringing together sport, community and the beauty of the Maldives at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.

The initiative is endorsed by Visit Maldives and delivered in partnership with TFG as race partner, with race consultation, registration, timing, and bib services powered by TFG Races. Maldivian joins as transport partner, Coral Glass as content partner, and Sporting Vacanze as agent partner. This partnership reflects continued collaboration between tourism, aviation, media, sports, and lifestyle stakeholders in supporting wellness tourism in the Maldives.

Participants received a race timing bib powered by TfG Races, a partner goodie bag compiled of little treats by the partners, and the official Flora & Fauna Greenery Run T-shirt. Trophies were awarded to the top three male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K categories. And the esteemed 1st place winners all received a scaled Maldivian Flight model kit by Maldivian Airways.

“Following the success of the historic inaugural edition in 2025, we are delighted to run the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run in 2026,” said Mohamed Muzaffar Ahmed, Business Development Manager of Lily Hotels. “With the continued endorsement of Visit Maldives and the support of our partners, this event reflects the growing opportunity to position the Maldives as a destination for luxury wellness, sports, and active travel. Our ambition is to develop the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run into one of the country’s and inevitably the world’s leading luxury destination running events, offering participants an experience that is truly unique to the Maldives. I am proud of the fact that we are the first luxury running event focused on the sporting tourism niche which has trophies, timing, and medals making Lily Hotels yet another pioneer in experiences in the tourism sector.”

Maldives Hideaway Resort Run – The 2nd Edition might be over, but its revelry carries on with celebrating the runners on social media. In addition to that the resort is looking to clear the remaining stock of the runner’s kit which consists of a goodie bag, t-shirt, and medal via any resort guest running at least a 5k in the official mhrr2026 route at the resort during this year. More details will be available on their social media.

As an intended annual event after celebrating sunrise in the original run in 2025 and flora and fauna in this year, the resort aims to launch its theme for Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2027 – Visit Maldives Year Edition in February next year so stay tuned for any teasers about what they have got in store for the next edition of this spectacular destination running event with amazing views to be experienced by being there and experiencing running in a destination like no other.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has marked a new chapter in its marine conservation journey with the successful completion of Coral RISE (Coral Restoration Initiatives for Sustainable Ecosystems), an initiative created in collaboration with MARS Sustainable Solutions. From September 18 to 20, 2026, the resort installed 100 Reef Stars and 1,500 coral fragments in its house reef.

Reef Stars are sand-coated, hexagonal steel structures that provide a stable foundation for coral fragments in damaged or degraded reef areas. Installed underwater and connected to form a supportive reef framework, they help coral fragments establish and grow while creating habitat for fish and other marine life.

The restoration work follows MARS Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS), a science-based method developed by MARS Sustainable Solutions. The approach combines trained restoration teams, locally sourced coral fragments, Reef Stars, and ongoing maintenance and monitoring. Over time, the structures are designed to integrate into the reef environment and support the recovery of a more diverse marine habitat.

“Coral RISE demonstrates how a focused first step can develop into a lasting commitment to reef restoration,” said Kate Janetski, Marine Program Lead for Maldives & Caribbean and Global Training Manager at MARS Sustainable Solutions. “The 100 Reef Stars installed at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort provide a practical foundation for coral growth, while continued monitoring and care will be essential to the project’s long-term progress. We are pleased to support the resort in bringing science-based restoration closer to its guests and associates.”

“Completing the first phase of Coral RISE is an important milestone for The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort,” said Harish Gopalakrishnan, General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. “The ocean surrounding our island is central to the Maldivian experience, and protecting it is a responsibility we take seriously. By making the restoration area accessible to guests for snorkelling, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the reef and inspire more people to care for the natural environment.”

The initiative was introduced during World Wellness Weekend, reflecting Westin’s belief that well-being extends beyond the individual. As part of the weekend’s activities, guests joined the resort team and MARS Sustainable Solutions in building and preparing the Reef Stars before they were installed in the reef.

Located within an area accessible for snorkelling, the restoration site will allow guests to observe the Reef Stars and monitor coral development over time. Ongoing marine education will also help raise awareness of coral ecosystems and the importance of reef conservation in the Maldives.

Coral RISE also complements the resort’s broader sustainability journey, including its Green Globe certification and continued efforts to embed responsible practices into its operations and guest experience. Situated in Baa Atoll, a region known for its rich marine biodiversity, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort’s coral restoration initiative creates a visible local contribution to the health of the atoll’s reef ecosystem. The certification provides a framework for the resort’s sustainability work, while Coral RISE brings that commitment to life through direct action to support the marine environment.

For more information, visit westin-maldives.com.