This festive season, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru unveils The Secret Underwater Garden, a celebration inspired by the extraordinary marine world flourishing beneath its shores. From 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the resort invites travellers to celebrate above and beneath the surface through experiences that honour Maldivian cultural heritage, marine preservation, culinary delight and restorative wellbeing.

Celebrating Maldivian Heritage and Local Traditions

The festivities begin on 22 December with a Christmas tree decoration workshop led by resident artist Abdulla, celebrating local creativity, followed by a beachfront Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Throughout the season, cultural experiences offer a closer connection to traditions that have shaped island life for generations. From traditional sandbank shore fishing and Maldivian cooking classes to the powerful rhythms of Bodu Beru, each experience celebrates the country’s living heritage and the spirit of its people.

On 1 January, a Festive Maldivian Night with Bodu Beru brings together traditional island flavours and cultural performances, welcoming the New Year with the warmth of Maldivian hospitality.

Festive Culinary Celebrations Above the Surface

From the vibrant marine world beneath the surface to elegant celebrations overlooking the Indian Ocean, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru brings the festive spirit to life throughout the island.

Culinary experiences celebrate the art of gathering, from refined Japanese gastronomy at the award-winning Madi Hiyaa and signature Thai flavours at Saffron to Maldivian-inspired dining, interactive cooking classes and festive mixology.

The festivities culminate in an elegant Christmas Eve Dinner and a glamorous New Year Gala Dinner on Naiboli Beach, where exquisite gastronomy, a cosy beachfront ambience and sparkling moments set the stage for a spectacular countdown to 2027 beneath the Maldivian stars.

Giving Back to the Ocean, Inspiring Future Guardians

At the heart of The Secret Underwater Garden is the resort’s longstanding commitment to marine conservation. Home to the Maldives’ first resort-based Marine Lab, established in 2004, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites travellers to engage in meaningful preservation activities alongside its marine biologists.

A signature highlight, Christmas Tree Coral Planting on 25 December, transforms a festive symbol into a contribution towards restoring the island’s house reef. Other experiences include Save The Reef, Citizen Science snorkelling, educational marine talks and coral micro-fragmentation sessions, connecting travellers with the island’s marine ecosystem.

For little explorers, the new Junior Ocean Guardian programme introduces the wonders of marine life through educational workshops led by the Marine Lab team, inspiring curiosity, ocean awareness and a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age.

Ocean Adventures and Island Discoveries Under The Surface

Beyond the reef, the festive programme celebrates the natural beauty of the Maldives through ocean excursions and island adventures.

Festive Dolphin Cruises offer opportunities to see dolphins in their natural habitat, while Kahan’bhu sunset cruises reveal the beauty of the Maldivian horizon. Traditional fishing excursions, private big-game fishing and day cruises invite further exploration of the surrounding waters.

For adventure seekers, Christmas diving, windsurfing, sailing, jet skiing and Ride & Slide experiences bring excitement to the lagoon. An Island-to-Island Swim between Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and its sister resort Dhawa Ihuru celebrates movement and connection with the ocean, while beach volleyball, football and playful island activities create moments of togetherness.

A Season of Wellbeing and Gratitude

Amid the festive celebrations, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers moments to slow down, reconnect and restore inner balance. From sunrise and sunset yoga by the ocean to immersive outdoor wellbeing experiences, self-care massage workshops and personalised wellness rituals, each experience nurtures a deeper connection with oneself and nature.

On 31 December, the Year-End Gratitude Meditation offers a moment of reflection by the ocean, encouraging participants to appreciate the passing year and welcome new beginnings with mindfulness and intention.

The festive season draws to a close on 7 January 2027 with an Orthodox Christmas Party, marking the final chapter of The Secret Underwater Garden – a season of meaningful connections, cultural discovery, ocean preservation and gratitude, capturing the true essence of the Original Maldives.

For reservations and further information, visit the resort’s website or email reservations-vabbinfaru@banyantree.com.

This November, JOALI BEING celebrates its fifth anniversary with The Joy of Becoming: Celebrating Five Years of Transformation, honouring five years of well-living and the journeys shared by guests, hosts and community. Centred around Reflect, Become, Connect, Celebrate and Inspire, the milestone will come to life through a series of culinary, movement and island experiences, celebrating how far JOALI BEING has come while looking ahead to the next chapter of transformation.

The journey towards the milestone begins with two special residencies, bringing together culinary artistry and world-class sport.

From 20th to 23rd October, acclaimed Emirati Chef Sahar Al Awadhi joins JOALI BEING for A Taste of Becoming, an exclusive culinary residency celebrating the evolution of tradition. Chef and Owner of Dubai’s Abra Restaurant and named MENA’s Best Pastry Chef 2022 by MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, Sahar is recognised for championing New Emirati Cuisine, bringing the flavours, traditions and stories of her heritage into a contemporary culinary language – an approach that naturally connects with JOALI BEING’s philosophy of growth and transformation.

Through an intimate pastry masterclass and Signature Afternoon Tea and Dessert Pairing, guests can experience Sahar’s distinctive approach to heritage, flavour and contemporary pastry. During the residency, she will also create an exclusive signature dessert for JOALI BEING’s fifth anniversary, inspired by the natural flavours of the Maldives and her Emirati perspective, to be unveiled during the anniversary celebration on 15th November.

From 11th to 18th November, ATP Tour professional Roman Safiullin brings another expression of movement and transformation to the island. With a career-high singles ranking of World No. 36 and a Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance in 2023, Roman’s residency invites guests to experience the joy of world- class tennis through play and connection. A dedicated Kids and Teens Tennis Workshop on 13th November will give younger players the opportunity to learn directly from Roman, before he joins the island’s main anniversary celebration.

Five Years, One Island, One Journey

On 15th November, The Joy of Becoming comes to life through a day of experiences celebrating the island’s five-year journey. The day begins with MOVE – Anniversary Island Run, followed by GROW – Anniversary Coral Planting, where guests and hosts create a living legacy on dedicated coral frames. The afternoon brings JOY – Zumba Together, before PLAY – Tennis with Roman Safiullin and Sunset Gathering brings world-class tennis, connection and an anniversary toast to the court. The celebrations conclude at MOJO Beach with a relaxed Beachside Grill, bringing together fire, flavour and laughter by the ocean, followed by Chef Sahar’s signature anniversary dessert.

As JOALI BEING enters its next chapter, The Joy of Becoming celebrates a journey that continues to unfold – inspiring new pathways to well-living, transformation and joyful living for the years ahead.

A stay at JOALI BEING is a transformative journey where guests return home feeling lighter, happier and more energised.

Villas start from USD 2,442 per night for two guests sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a B&B basis. For further information and to discover offers, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations.being@joali.com.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives has been recognised as Best Luxury Resort at the Asia Hotel Awards 2026, marking a significant accolade for the resort and recognising its distinctive interpretation of contemporary Maldivian luxury, where an exceptional lagoon setting, considered design and highly curated experiences come together to shape a refined island experience.

Set within The Atollia by Centara Hotels and Resorts in North Malé Atoll, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives brings together an expansive lagoon setting, refined architecture and a collection of beachfront and overwater residences designed to offer a more contemporary interpretation of island living. Since opening in April 2025, the resort has established a distinct position within the Maldives luxury landscape, with its design, culinary experiences, wellness offering and carefully curated island experiences forming an integrated guest journey.

With 142 villas and residences, including spacious two- and three-bedroom residences with private pools and Jacuzzis, the resort offers a choice of sophisticated beachfront and overwater living. Across the island, guests can discover a world class gastronomic journey spanning diverse flavours and culinary expressions, complemented by dedicated holistic wellness experiences and a considered collection of activities shaped by the natural character of the destination.

“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the philosophy behind Centara Grand Lagoon from the very beginning. We did not set out to create luxury through scale alone, but through a sense of place, thoughtful design and the quality of every experience. The lagoon is at the heart of the resort, shaping how guests arrive, stay, dine and experience the destination. From the architecture and residences to our culinary and wellness offerings, every element has been considered to create a contemporary expression of Maldivian luxury. We are honoured that the Asia Hotel Awards has recognised this approach, and grateful to our team and partners whose commitment brings the vision to life every day,” stated Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

The 15th Asia Hotel Awards 2026 recognition adds to a growing portfolio of accolades for Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, reflecting its emerging position as one of the Maldives’ distinctive contemporary luxury resorts.