Forget the traditional festive getaway. This December, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection by Sun Siyam, is turning three interconnected islands into one vibrant celebration as Carnival of the Isles returns from 21 December 2026 to 8 January 2027. Bringing together world-class entertainment, island culture and unforgettable experiences, this year’s line-up is headlined by BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra’s Jeremiah Asiamah, alongside returning British Rapper & DJ Ironik, Canadian Belly Dancer Nourah, and LA-Based Performance Company Wildfire Arts.

Created exclusively for Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Carnival of the Isles reimagines the festive season through the vibrant lens of island life. More than a holiday programme, it transforms the resort into one continuous celebration where music, culture, food and adventure unfold across three unique islands, each with its own atmosphere yet connected through one unforgettable experience. From sunrise wellness sessions and family adventures to waterfront celebrations, beach clubs and after-dark entertainment, guests are invited to discover a festive escape that feels spontaneous, social and unmistakably Maldivian.

Leading this year’s entertainment programme is Jeremiah Asiamah, one of the UK’s most exciting DJs and broadcasters. Best known for his influential shows on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra, Jeremiah has become a defining voice in Afro House, Amapiano and global electronic music. From Glastonbury, Wireless Festival, Notting Hill Carnival and Ushuaïa Ibiza to collaborations with Prada Beauty, London Fashion Week and Arsenal F.C., his unique blend of music, fashion and culture has made him one of the UK’s most exciting creative talents. This festive season, he brings his signature festival energy to the shores of the Maldives with an exclusive series of performances for Carnival of the Isles.

Returning by popular demand is DJ Ironik, the British rapper, DJ and producer behind the Platinum-selling hit Tiny Dancer (Hold Me Closer) featuring Chipmunk and Elton John. Renowned for his crowd-pleasing sets that effortlessly blend chart favourites with club classics, Ironik returns to headline the resort’s biggest beach parties and New Year’s celebrations, keeping the energy high long after sunset.

Adding an entirely different dimension to this year’s programme is Nourah, the internationally acclaimed Canadian belly dancer whose performances combine the elegance of traditional Middle Eastern dance with contemporary artistry. Having captivated audiences at luxury resorts, international festivals and prestigious events around the world, her graceful performances bring a sense of theatre and cultural richness to the island’s festive evenings.

Completing the line-up is the return of Wildfire Arts, the Los Angeles-based performance company celebrated for transforming outdoor spaces into immersive theatrical experiences. Combining breathtaking aerial performances, fire artistry, LED productions and acrobatics, the internationally acclaimed troupe has appeared everywhere from global festivals to productions for organisations including SpaceX. At Carnival of the Isles, they will once again transform the beachfront into an unforgettable open-air stage.

At the heart of the celebrations is The Grand Carnival of the Isles, a spectacular weekly event that transforms the beachfront of the Beach Pavilions into one of the Maldives’ most exciting open-air entertainment experiences. Inspired by the colour, rhythm and energy of the world’s great island carnivals, guests can wander through lively street-style markets, discover roaming performers and live music, experience breathtaking circus acts, enjoy interactive games and family entertainment, or embrace the excitement of water sports before the celebration continues with sunset DJ sessions and unforgettable evenings beneath the stars.

The festive calendar extends far beyond the carnival itself, with signature experiences unfolding throughout the season. Guests can gather for the magical Christmas Tree Light-Up Ceremony, welcome Santa Claus as he makes his tropical arrival by the beach, raise a glass at the Christmas Gala Cocktail and celebrate together during the elegant New Year’s Eve Gala and spectacular countdown to 2027. Along the way, colourful moments such as the annual Olhuveli Colour Run, Kids Futsal League, international Street Market, beach parties, themed dining experiences, sunset cruises, wellness sessions, sports tournaments and family activities ensure there is always something new to discover from sunrise to starlight.

More than a festive escape, Carnival of the Isles is where music, culture and island life come together across three unforgettable weeks in the Maldives. Join the celebration at Sun Siyam Olhuveli and discover this year’s festive programme and special offers.

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort has announced the return of former England striker and Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen for a third Kids’ Football Camp, scheduled from 14 to 17 October 2026.

The four-day programme will be open to children aged five to 13 of all skill levels, with sessions combining football coaching, skills drills and games alongside beach activities and island experiences. The camp will conclude with a Grand Finale on 17 October, when participating children will receive medals and certificates.

Participation in the camp will be complimentary for guests staying at Avani+ Fares Maldives during the event period.

The October programme will mark Owen’s third football camp at the Baa Atoll resort and his second visit to the property this year, following an Easter edition held in late March and early April. The resort first introduced the programme in October 2025.

The inaugural camp ran from 20 to 23 October 2025, followed by a Grand Finale on 24 October. Owen led coaching sessions on the resort’s football pitch, with the programme designed to give young guests opportunities to learn from the former England international while focusing on football skills, teamwork and participation. The first edition was complimentary for eligible children staying at the resort.

Following the response to the first camp, Avani+ Fares brought Owen back for its Easter programme in 2026. More than 30 children and teenagers participated in the second edition, taking part in daily sessions led by Owen and assistant coaches. Training covered areas including dribbling, passing, positioning and teamwork, with sessions adapted for different ages and ability levels.

The second camp also formed part of a wider programme for families, incorporating activities for children and teenagers beyond the football pitch. Participants concluded the programme with certificates and medals, while opportunities were also provided for meet-and-greet sessions, autograph signings and photographs with Owen.

Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 and represented England during an international career that included appearances at three FIFA World Cups. At club level, he played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City. His involvement in the Avani+ Fares programme has been centred on introducing younger players to football through training and activities within a resort holiday setting.

The third edition will retain the programme’s focus on children aged five to 13, combining coaching with recreational activities during the October school holiday period. According to the resort’s announcement, the camp will include expert coaching, drills for different skill levels, beach games and island adventures before the final session and awards ceremony on 17 October.

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is located on Fares Island in Baa Atoll, within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and close to Hanifaru Bay. The property offers 176 rooms, pavilions, beach and overwater villas and residences, together with seven dining and bar venues. Its family facilities include AvaniKids, a Teens Club and Petit Bistro, a restaurant dedicated to younger guests.

The resort also provides access to snorkelling and diving on its house reef, alongside water sports, tennis, fitness and spa facilities. Avani+ Fares was named Best Beach Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2025, following its Best Dive Resort recognition in 2024.

The return of Owen for a third camp continues Avani+ Fares Maldives’ use of sports-led programmes as part of its family offering, bringing the former England striker back to Fares Island less than seven months after his previous camp.

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives is celebrating three nominations in the 2026 World Luxury Awards, with recognition spanning the resort, its overwater spa and signature restaurant FireDoor.

The nominations see Grand Park Kodhipparu highlighted across three complementary boutique luxury categories:

• Luxury Boutique Resort–Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives
• Luxury Boutique Spa–The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives
• Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant–FireDoor

Together, the three nominations recognise the breadth of the Grand Park Kodhipparu experience at a time when the resort continues to strengthen its position within the highly competitive Maldives luxury landscape.

Just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu has evolved its approach to luxury around the idea that a memorable island stay is defined not simply by the villa or physical product, but by the connections guests make with themselves, each other, nature and the destination.

This philosophy is expressed through the resort’s Connected Island Luxury positioning: a contemporary interpretation of boutique luxury centred on personalised hospitality, wellbeing, nature, dining and meaningful experiences.

A Boutique Approach to Maldivian Luxury

With 120 villas on an intimate private island in North Malé Atoll, Grand Park Kodhipparu combines accessibility with a strong sense of escape. Its large collection of overwater villas is complemented by an exceptional house reef accessible close to shore, an overwater spa, three distinctive dining venues and a range of ocean, wellness and lifestyle experiences.

Rather than competing through scale or formality, the resort has increasingly focused on what boutique luxury can offer today’s traveller: individuality, personalisation, a distinctive sense of place and experiences that feel connected rather than prescribed.

The three World Luxury Awards nominations reflect that approach across three important dimensions of the guest journey.

Luxury Boutique Resort: Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives

The nomination for Luxury Boutique Resort recognises the overall Grand Park Kodhipparu experience. From sunrise-facing water villas and the surrounding lagoon to personalised service and easy access to the house reef, the island offers guests the freedom to shape their stay around their own pace and priorities.

The resort’s evolving experience-led philosophy brings together wellbeing, dining, ocean experiences and social moments rather than treating them as separate elements of a holiday–creating a more personal expression of Maldivian luxury.

Luxury Boutique Spa: The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu

Suspended above the Indian Ocean, The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has established itself as an important part of the island’s wellness identity.

Its treatment offering spans signature therapies, body and facial skincare, traditional and Balinese treatments and wellness experiences, supported by internationally recognised skincare brands and the natural restorative qualities of its overwater setting.

Increasingly, the resort is moving beyond the traditional concept of a spa treatment towards purpose-led wellbeing–connecting spa experiences with yoga, sleep, renewal, nature and the wider rhythm of an island stay.

Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant: FireDoor

The resort’s signature overwater restaurant FireDoor has been nominated for Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant, recognising a dining experience designed to be as memorable as its setting.

Positioned above the lagoon, FireDoor combines an open show kitchen, Josper charcoal grill, extensive wine and beverage offering and dramatic sunset setting. Its distinctive glass-floor feature further connects the restaurant with the ocean environment beneath it.

The restaurant is increasingly positioned not simply as a fine-dining outlet, but as one of the island’s signature experiences–bringing together culinary craftsmanship, atmosphere, provenance and a sense of occasion.

Three Nominations, One Island Experience

The simultaneous recognition of the resort, Spa and FireDoor is particularly significant for Grand Park Kodhipparu because it reflects the interconnected nature of the guest experience the resort has been developing.

Rather than viewing accommodation, wellness and dining as individual products, Grand Park Kodhipparu brings them together as different expressions of the same boutique luxury philosophy.

Liz Smailes, Director of Marketing at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, said: “Luxury in the Maldives is an extraordinarily competitive space, so to be recognised across the resort, Spa and FireDoor at the same time is particularly meaningful for us. This evolution as a boutique luxury resort has been about looking beyond traditional ideas of luxury and focusing instead on what makes Kodhipparu distinctive–our intimate island environment, the incredible natural world around us, meaningful experiences and the personal connections our team creates with our guests.

“These three nominations tell that story beautifully. They recognise three very different parts of the resort, but ultimately they are all part of one connected island experience.”

Voting is now open across all three World Luxury Awards categories from the below links: 

• Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives–Luxury Boutique Resort
• The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives–Luxury Boutique Spa
• FireDoor–Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant